▶ 0:29:56I'll call the committee on transportation infrastructure to order pursuant Committee rule 6F and House rule 11 clause 2 HF. The chairman may postpone further proceedings today on any question of approving any measure or matter adopting an amendment on which a recorded vote the A's and NAS are ordered. I'd ask unanimous consent that the chairman be authorized to declare recess at any time during today's meeting. Without objection, that is so ordered. All bill and amendment texts have been distributed electronically and paper copies are also available here in the hearing room.
▶ 0:30:24As a reminder, the committee may use an electronic system for any requested recorded votes. Today, the committee has considered an amendment in the nature of a substitute to HR4275, the Coastg Guard Authorization Act of 2025 and General Services Administration Capital Investment Leasing Program Resolutions. Finally, I'd ask unanimous consent for the committee to use an amendments roster for any items under consideration by the committee. Without objection, that is so ordered. item.
▶ 0:30:53First item for consideration is HR4275, the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025. I'd ask unanimous consent to discharge a subcommittee on Coastg Guard Maritime Transportation from further consideration of HR4275. And without objection, that is so ordered. I now call up the bill for consideration. Without objection, the first reading of the bill is dispensed with. So the bill is now considered as read and open for amendment at any point. And I now recognize myself to offer an amendment in the nature of a substitute.
▶ 0:31:24Please
▶ 0:31:25an amendment in the nature of a substitute to HR4275 offered by Chairman Graves.
▶ 0:31:30Without objection, the amendment in the nature of a substitute shall be considered as read and shall be considered as base text for the purposes of further amendment. Now recognize myself for a statement. So, the bill before us provides the men and women of the Coast Guard with the authorities and resources that they need to carry out their missions, which are critical to ensuring maritime safety, enforcing United States laws at sea, and protecting our nation's borders.
▶ 0:31:55The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 authorizes the Coast Guard funding for fiscal years 2025 through 2029. The bill will support Coast Guard operations and enable the service to continue its efforts to recapitalize its cutter fleet and shoreline facilities and IT capabilities.
▶ 0:32:15The legislation builds upon the reconciliation act that was signed into law by President Trump two weeks ago, which provided historic investments for new air and sea assets and upgrade the seashore or shore side infrastructure. The legislation establishes a Coast Guard service secretary, providing the Coast Guard parody with other military services and ensuring that the service has a voice to advocate for its needs.
▶ 0:32:41The bill also advocates uh the administration's vision to strengthen our domestic maritime sector by facilitating an increase in the pool of qualified United States merchant mariners. Furthermore, the legislation holds holds the Coast Guard accountable for its past failures to protect the members of the service from sexual assault and sexual harassment by promoting greater transparency and strengthening the protections for service members.
▶ 0:33:06As we all know, the men and women of the Coast Guard often go above and beyond the call of duty, including when responding to emergencies and disasters. This fact was clearly demonstrated during the response to the tragic flooding in Texas over the Fourth of July holiday weekend. Petty Officer Scott Ruskin and the rescue uh 6553 air crew were first on the scene at Camp Mystic, a girls camp that was caught in the catastrophic flooding and they helped save over 165 lives.
▶ 0:33:34These men and all Coast Guard rescue swimmers are heroes and it is this committee's responsibility to make sure that they and other heroic men and women who serve in the Coast Guard have the resources that they need to carry out their mission. And I appreciate uh ranking member Larson, subcommittee chair Isel, and subcommittee ranking member Carbajal for working to reach a bipartisan agreement on the bill.
▶ 0:33:59And I would urge their support for this legislation, all of my colleagues to support this legislation. With that, I yield back and recognize Rick for a statement.
▶ 0:34:10Thank you, chair. I'm pleased to speak in support of HR uh 4275, the ANS for uh HR 4275, the Coastg Guard Authorization Act of 2025. It is bipartisan legislation to reauthorize funding for the Coast Guard fiscal years 25 through 29 and to update update programs to help address the persistent issue of sexual assault and sexual harassment in the Coast Guard. The bill under consideration today is a result of productive bipartisan negotiations with Chair Graves, Cherry Zel, just a moment here, and ranking member Carvajal.
▶ 0:34:41Each of their thoughtful contributions have improved the bill. I appreciate the bipartisan collaboration. This bill also incorporates priorities from Democratic and Republican members both on the committee and off the committee. That is how successful legislation is written, and this bill is better for everyone's contributions. As we all know, the Coast Guard continues to suffer from the fallout of Operation Fouled Anchor. A successful Coast Guard is one that is free from sexual assault and harassment and one that welcomes people from everywhere.
▶ 0:35:09The Coast Guard under the leadership of former Covenant Admiral Fagan started the service down a transformational path through the accountability and transparency review and its 33 directed actions. This bill provides oversight to ensure that those actions are implemented and more importantly, the Coast Guard continues to seek meaningful culture change.
▶ 0:35:29HR 4275 goes further to help coasts by addressing long-standing issues of quality of life like family leave policies, the career flexibility program, maternity uniform allowances, housing, and behavioral health services. The Coast Guard relies on its service members. Service members should be the Coast Guard's top priority. This bill makes protecting the environment a priority by strengthening response capacity in the event of vessel casualty or oil spill.
▶ 0:35:55In the pugan sound where I live, crossber collaboration is integral because oil spills know no borders. That's why this bill ensures robust marine firefighting and salvage capacity and directs the coast guard to strengthen their emergency response plans with their Canadian counterparts. This bill establishes for the first time a service secretary in the Coast Guard. For too long, the Coast Guard's been neglected in the federal budgeting process. And two years ago, former comedant Admiral Fagan boldly came to Congress and advocated for a $20 billion a year budget.
▶ 0:36:26My hope is that service secretary will freely advocate for a robust well-unded Coast Guard that prever uh preserves and strengthens all 11 statutory missions and ensures a robust standard of life for coast. Finally, the bill includes vital provisions to begin to address the merchant mariner shortage. Current mariner credentiing program, which the Coast Guard oversees, is an outdated system that still depends on paper applications.
▶ 0:36:54Processes and delays impact both existing and new mariners looking to enter the industry. And I appreciate Chair Graves working with me to update the system and modernize the testing and licensing process. These coupled with other provisions will begin to address the shortage and bolster national security. In closing, again, I want to thank Chair Graves, Coastg Guard subcommittee, Cherry Zel, and Ranking Member Carbajal uh for the cooperation in drafting this legislation. I look forward to continued collaboration as well as this legislation moves forward.
▶ 0:37:23And with that, I yield back.
▶ 0:37:27Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I'm proud to support the amendment in the nature of a substitute ANS to HR4275 and the underlying bill which you introduced along with myself and ranking members Larson and Carbajal. The bill supports the efforts of the Coast Guard to protect United States water, interdict drugs, stop human trafficking, and promote maritime safety.
▶ 0:37:50The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 authorizes funding for the Coast Guard through fiscal year 2029 and makes critical investments enabling the service to meet its growing mission As the Coast Guard works to procure new vessels, aircraft, and shore side shore side infrastructure with historic investments made in the one big beautiful bill act.
▶ 0:38:14This legislation includes accountability for those investments and modernizes the contracting process within the service. As the Coast Guard looks to grow its forces, this legislation will support the Coast Guard's efforts to boost recruiting and retention while supporting President Trump's vision to strengthen the domestic maritime base and boost the pool of qualified United States merchant mariners that can mobilize during crisis to operate seal assets.
▶ 0:38:43The legislation also gives the service an important voice establishing a Coast Guard service secretary as envisioned by my legislation HR2546 Secretary of the Coast Guard Act of This measure also makes important reforms following the revelations of Operation File Anchor, a report detailing improper handling of sexual assaults within the service. As a sheriff, I saw firsthand the harm that these cases impose on victims.
▶ 0:39:14I'm pleased that the bill before us strengthens protections from members of the Coast Guard from potentual assault, provides support to victims, and increases transparency within the service and the manner in which such cases are handled. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate your work on this legislation along with ranking member Larson and subcommittee ranking member Carbajal. I urge my colleagues to support this bill and I yield back my time.
▶ 0:39:39Salute. You're recognized.
▶ 0:39:41Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I too would like to express my support for HR 4275, the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025, and make special note of the inclusive and bipartisan process we went through to get here.
▶ 0:39:57Thanks to this committee's leadership under Chairman Graves, ranking member Larson, and Chairman Eel, this bill was will reauthorize, enhance, and support the critical missions of the US Coast Guard to save lives, protect our marine environment, and prioritize our coast The increased authorizations in today's bill signal our confidence in the capability of the Coast Guard to conduct each of its diverse missions.
▶ 0:40:25I am proud to speak in support of this bill as it makes significant improvements to the lives of our service members. The bill addresses many issues that I have often spoken about such as addressing the need for more affordable housing, affordable and better housing. This bill also provides enhancements for our coast quality of life such as family leave policies, career flexibility, tuition assistance incentives, and behavioral health care.
▶ 0:40:53Equally important, this bill capitalizes on the extensive work that former Comedant Admiral Fagan did to make institutional changes with the accountability and transparency review in response to Operation Fall Anchor. Our coast deserve a work environment free of sexual assault and sexual harassment. And this legislation provides oversight and the tools needed for the Coast Guard to prevent these crimes, protect victims, and hold perpetrators accountable.
▶ 0:41:22Moreover, I am proud that this bill includes several provisions I sponsored regarding US merchant mariners. The bill tackles long outdated methods for processing mariner credentials by investing in the revamping and revamping the Coast Guard's process. This bill will also improve the merchant mariners credentiing test for ensuring the most relevant and technologically critical elements are included.
▶ 0:41:48Removing outdated barriers for mariners to enter the industry will help ensure steady long-term employment opportunities. This is critical for our national security and overall economic success. Finally, this bill addresses the Coast Guard's ability to respond to various threats to the marine transportation system as we continue to see changes in vessel traffic patterns and new shipping lanes emerge such as the Arctic and the Coast Guard must be prepared to respond quickly.
▶ 0:42:18The bill highlights the importance of inter agency and international cooperation to protect our oceans. Again, I want to thank Chairman Graves, Ranking Member Larson, and Chairman Isel for the bipartisan work that we have been able to accomplish on HR 4275. I am proud to support this legislation, and I look forward to working to ensure it becomes law. Mr. Chair, I yield back.
▶ 0:42:42Does anyone else wish to be heard?
▶ 0:42:48Miss K. Mr. Start.
▶ 0:43:03Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and and thank you to my colleagues for their hard work on this bill. The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 will provide critical support to the missions of the United States Coast Guard. It will enhance search and rescue operations, reduce drug and human trafficking on our waterways, and safeguard the maritime industry and our supply chains.
▶ 0:43:25Importantly, this legislation requires the Coast Guard to produce a strategy detailing how it will complete the design and construction of a Great Lakes icebreaker, at least as capable as the Meno cutter. It also requires a Great Lakes pilot program to better meet icebreaking standards. Our national security is closely tied to our ability to produce steel, which relies on iron ore from the mines in my district.
▶ 0:43:53The critical maritime supply chain, which transports raw materials from northern Minnesota to steel factories on the southern Great Lakes, necessitates the Coast Guard having adequate icebreaking capabilities. We must do everything possible to prioritize a Great Lakes icebreaker and I appreciate my colleagues and this committee taking prompt steps to address this matter. It is my hope that we can complement these efforts with adequate funding during the appropriations process. Mr. Chair, I yield back.
▶ 0:44:23Mr. Webster.
▶ 0:44:25Thank you, Chairman. Appreciate the this bill. I am very pleased to support HR 4275 which is introduced along with you you and uh subcommittee uh chair Eel, ranking member Larson, subcommittee ranking member Carvajal. It's timely we're taking up this uh right after the one big beautiful bill became law.
▶ 0:44:52While the bill which provide much needed uh historic down payment of 28 billion dollars on the needs of the Coast Guard uh or operations systems and other things remains uh uh still some other things that need to be done. Coast Guard has the authorities and resources. So they have the authorities and resources to meet their vital operations. This bill is a result of bipartisan effort.
▶ 0:45:20both sides of the aisle came together to craft legislation that recognizes the importance work of coast guard does to protect waters interdict drugs stop human trafficking and promote maritime safety. It also establishes a secretary of the coast guard to fight for its service interest when it comes to within the homeland security and uh other parts of the administration.
▶ 0:45:48The other armed services have such a secretary and uh do much better records in keeping assets necessary to carry out their missions. Establishing a secretary of the Coast Guard is another important step in the right direction to ensure the Coast Guard men and women remain a priority for many in the administration and many years to come.
▶ 0:46:10I am thrilled that the focus of President Trump and Secretary Gnome have on the Coast Guard and I'm hopeful that this year will be a year where the Senate also moves important legislation becomes law. I urge my colleagues to support this bill and yield back.
▶ 0:46:35Uh, thank you, Chairman Graves, Ranking Member Larson, chairman of the subcommittee, and members of this committee. Thank everybody's work um for the Coastg Guard Reauthorization Act, which includes and I thank the committee for including my amendment, which directs a feasible a feasibility study on additional Coastg Guard port visits and deployments in support of Operation Blue Pacific, including the potential homeporting of fast response cutters in the Northern Marana Islands. This is not just a matter of policy.
▶ 0:47:04It is a matter of presence, preparedness, and protection in one of the most strategically significant regions of the world. The northern Marianas are the westernmost US territory, sitting on the front line of American interests in the Indo-acific. We are closer to Beijing than to Washington DC, and our location makes us a vital forward point for regional stability, maritime security, and humanitarian assistance across the Pacific.
▶ 0:47:29The people of the Marianas have long served this country with pride in the military, in federal service, and in our partnerships with the Coast Guard. Yet, we remain underserved when it comes to permanent federal assets and infrastructure. A feasibility study on homeporting fast cutter fast response cutters in the Maranas is not only overdue, it is essential. It would improve response times, increase operational reach, and show our allies and adversaries alike that the United States is committed to a sustained and capable presence in the Pacific.
▶ 0:47:59I urge my colleagues to support this bill, not only for what it means to the Coast Guard for, but for what it means to the future of America's role in the Indoacific. Thank you, and I yield back.
▶ 0:48:08Mr. Garendi,
▶ 0:48:14thank you, Mr. chairman and uh thank you for your previous years of help on the uh crewing of offshore activities both oil and gas as well as wind and uh Mr. Larson the same. However, I woke up this morning to find out that our provision in the bill which Mr.
▶ 0:48:34Graves, former, not the current chair, but the uh representative from Louisiana, and I and Senator Cassidy have been working on to require that the manning of offshore wind and petroleum industry vessels be America. It's kind of like, you know, America made, America first, you know, that kind of stuff we hear from the White House.
▶ 0:49:02So, I woke up this morning to find that our provision that we've been working with and had broad support in this committee suddenly Um, and so here we are with a bill that uh is going the opposite direction of what this committee has been traveling that is to provide American jobs and American vessels for the offshore wind and the petroleum So, it's a big step backwards.
▶ 0:49:30Um, it's a bit of a disappointment to hear to find out that that provision has been stripped out of the bill. Uh, I would have liked to have been involved in the negotiations. Uh, that didn't happen. Uh, the negotiations apparently were with the oil industry and didn't involve any other organizations. It's the America Offshore Workers Fairness Act.
▶ 0:49:53uh Garrett Graves, Cassidy, myself and others have been and the committee has longly as for years supported the notion that America first, but it's a new day and apparently that provision has been stripped out. Um I know that if I were to put together an amendment to put it back in, it would fail and consume the uh time of the committee. And I suppose that would be Oh, maybe I should do that anyway.
▶ 0:50:25I know this committee cares a great deal American workers and the American maritime industry and uh taking every opportunity to enhance and to provide the jobs for American mariners uh and construction workers. I know this committee cares a great deal about building ships in America and uh including uh the vessels that provide the heavy lift and other support for these two industries.
▶ 0:50:56Uh that has been documented. Uh I'll have a conversation with Mr. Perry who I understand is uh the advocate for anything but America first. Well, where do we go from here? Well, you never I never give up and I'm never going to give up for the American maritime industry building it in America or for American workers uh and mariners on those vessels.
▶ 0:51:27So, it's a bit of a disappointment to find out where we are this morning. I have a wonderful uh positive statement that turned out to be useless given what actually happened sometime in the dark of the night. I would ask Mr. Chairman and Mr.
▶ 0:51:44Ranking member that you not forget your previous positions and that you work with me and others in this uh industry to u provide every opportunity for American vessels support vessels uh in these two offshore industries to be made in America and to be acred by Americans. I know that's where your heart is. I know that's where your policy is.
▶ 0:52:12But I also know that u compromise is the name of a game even though sometimes you're on the short end of the compromise. So I would ask the members of the committee to be aware of a significant step backward in the America first agenda. Now, if you want to support um vessels made in China, then don't work with me and others to reinstate the uh the language that was stripped out.
▶ 0:52:43If you uh care about American jobs in the construction of vessels, I would solicit your support as we attempt to replace the language that was stripped out in the dark of the night. Mr. Chairman, I know where your heart is. Mr. Ranking member, I know where yours is and would like to work with you to reinstate this. I yield back.
▶ 0:53:14Does anyone else wish to be heard? Seeing no one, we are now considering the bill for amendments and I have a manager's amendment at the desk. Please
▶ 0:53:25Manager's amendment to the amendment in the nature of a substitute to HR4275 offered by Chairman Graves.
▶ 0:53:31Without objection, the amendment will be considered as read. I recognize myself to speak on the amendment. So, the manager's amendment contains some technical edits uh as well as several amendments from our colleagues. For example, the amendment includes reports on Coast Guard assets in the Pacific and hazards to navigation in the East Rockaway Inlet. It requires briefings on heavy weather vessels. Further, it includes additional improvements to the acquisition, procurement, construction reforms by allowing for construction managers.
▶ 0:54:01Finally, the amendment allows for greater expertise on the National Advisory Committee on Autonomous Maritime Systems. I would urge my urge all members to support the manager's amendment. With that, yield back.
▶ 0:54:14Mr. Larson.
▶ 0:54:15Uh, thank you, chair, for uh offering this uh manager's amendment to the Coastg Guard Authorization Act of 2025. I'm pleased to support it. The amendment includes several bipartisan requests and technical fixes that have been agreed to by the chair of the full committee and subcommittee as well as ranking member Carvajal, myself. Included are provisions that support and strengthen the Coast Guard.
▶ 0:54:35Uh various reporting requirements that would provide helpful data to Congress are included such as Representative Gillan's report on navigational concerns uh in her district and Representative Hoy's amendment providing a much needed update on heavy weather vessel procurement. The maritime administration's procurement of the national security multi-m missission vessel for the state maritimemies was one of the most successful vessel procurements in recent history due to their use of a vessel construction manager.
▶ 0:55:02As a result, the manager's amendment includes the authorization for the coast guard to use a vessel construction manager in future procurements. In closing, again, Mr. Chair, I want to thank you thank and ranking member for their work to include member priorities and reiterate my support for the manager's amendment. With that, I yield back. Do any of the members wish to be recognized on the
▶ 0:55:26Thank you, Chairman Graves and Ranking Member Larson, as well as subcommittee chair Eel and ranking member Carvajal. This bill authorizes crucial investments in shoreside infrastructure, support for service members and their families, and security protections for ports and waterways that put the service on a strong path for growth as polar, Indo-acific, and other mission demands escalate.
▶ 0:55:50I'm speaking in support of the manager's amendment which includes a crucial provision to ensure that longshore workers have a voice in our national conversation about the use and regulation of autonomous maritime systems. In short, we want to make sure they have a seat on the national advisory committee on autonomous maritime systems. Representing the Puget Sound, where maritime industry is a key economic driver and integral to our regional identity.
▶ 0:56:14This is crucially important as automation and new technologies emerge and reshape how our ports operate. We have a responsibility to ensure that all impacted stakeholder groups, especially workers, are included in discussions that will define the future of the maritime industry. I want to thank the committee for making sure that longshore workers unions in addition to merchant mariners unions are part of the new national advisory committee on autonomous maritime systems that this bill creates.
▶ 0:56:43Including the long shoreman's perspective will give us a more complete understanding of how automation is affecting and can affect ports and port operations as new technologies come online. We must account for how automation impacts not only the maritime industry itself but also the workers represented and employed in the industry. I want to thank the committee for including this provision and I yield back the balance of my time.
▶ 0:57:06Thank you, Mr. Strickland. Does anyone else wish to salute?
▶ 0:57:10Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I'm pleased to support this non-controversial manager amendment to the bill that continues to demonstrate the good work of the committee. This bipartisan amendment has been worked out in a consultation with Chairman Graves, Ranking Member Larson, and Chairman Ael, and I urge all members to support it.
▶ 0:57:29In addition to technical fixes to the original bill text, this amendment includes provisions offered by members of this committee to strengthen the Coast Guard by reporting on waterway updating heavy weather boat procurement, making improvements to acquisition programs, and raises the minor construction limit to allow the Coast Guard to move more quickly on certain projects.
▶ 0:57:55I thank the members of both sides of for their proposals and for their inclusion in a manager's amendment. In all, it is an amendment that improves the bill. I once again want to thank Chairman Graves on his leadership and cooperation in crafting this amendment. I urge all members to support this amendment and support the underlying bill. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I yield back.
▶ 0:58:19Mr. Gillan.
▶ 0:58:22Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I'm proud to support the manager's amendment which includes my amendment to require the common dant of the coast guard to report to Congress on improving navigation in the East Rockaway Inlet off the southshore of Long Island. Mr. Chairman, East Rockaway Inlet is a critical federal navigation channel which Long Islanders rely on both for commercial and recreational boating and fishing.
▶ 0:58:47While the US Army Corps of Engineer is responsible for m maintaining dredging of the inlet, the Coast Guard maintains markers and buoys to aid in navigation and keep our boers safe. Unfortunately, I've heard from constituents that due to sholing, the water is too shallow in many parts of the inlet and buoys there are missing or misplaced, making it very difficult for Boers and fishermen to safely navigate the channel.
▶ 0:59:12Incorrectly placed buoys and markers could cause boats to run ground on the sand, threaten commercial towing through the channel and undermine safe navigation for all. That is why I offered this amendment to require the common of the coast guard to examine the issue and report back to Congress with concrete recommendations to address the hazards in the East Rockaway inlet and present a plan to update the aids to navigation there to keep our voters safe.
▶ 0:59:38I'm grateful to Chairman Graves and Ranking Member Larson for including my amendment in the bipartisan managers amendment and I look forward to working with the Coast Guard and this committee on this important issue. I'd also like to take this opportunity to express my support for the underlying Coast Guard authorization bill the committee the committee is advancing today which will help strengthen our national security and support the men and women of the US Coast Guard including those uh that I met at Coast Guard Station Jones Beach. these folks right here.
▶ 1:00:08I'm also grateful that this legislation includes a common sense bipartisan bill I co-sponsored with my colleague, Representative Addison McDow to help the Coast Guard respond to opioid overdoses. Our brave coast guardsmen and women are the first line of defense against illegal drug trafficking on our waters and this legislation will ensure that they have the tools that they need to combat o opioid overdoses and close loopholes that drug traffickers seek to exploit. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
▶ 1:00:38In closing, I encourage all of my colleagues to join me today in supporting this amendment and the underlying legislation. And I yield
▶ 1:00:46Miss Hy. Thank you, Chairman Graves and Rank Member Larson. In a storm, every second matters, and off Oregon's coast, these seconds can mean the difference between life and death. For 60 years, that meant relying on specialurpose craft, heavy weather vessels. Stationed in Yakina Bay, Kuz Bay, and other sites across the Pacific Northwest, these buil boats were built to go out in the worst conditions and bring people home safely.
▶ 1:01:14But they were built in the 1950s when the co and when the Coast Guard decommissioned them, they were not replaced. Since then, the Coast Guard has used 47 foot motor lifeboats which cannot operate as reliably in the hazardous conditions that we see in Oregon and across the Pacific Northwest every year. That's why the second generation specialurpose craft heavy weather fleet is so important.
▶ 1:01:37These new 64- foot vessels will be stationed at the same Pacific Northwest ports as their predecessors and will support deep water research, search and rescue, towing large boats in distress, and environmental and law enforcement response. We need to get these boats in the water now, but we still don't have a clear deploy deployment timeline, and lives are at stake.
▶ 1:01:59My amendment ensures the Coast Guard updates the Aina Bay and Kuzbay um Coast Guard about when we can expect these new vessels and better understand any challenges in getting them deployed so we can move those move those aside and get these boats built. Thank I'd like to thank Chairman Graves, Ranking Member Larson for recognizing the importance of the issue and for including my amendment in the manager's amendment. And I yield back. Do any members wish to be recognized?
▶ 1:02:32Seeing no one, are there any further amendments to the amendment or any more amendments to the amendment? Seeing none, the question is on the amendment. All those in favor signify by saying I.
▶ 1:02:44All oppose signify by saying nay. The eyes have it. The amendment is agreed to. For what purposes what what purposes seek recognition?
▶ 1:03:15I have an amendment at the desk. Sir,
▶ 1:03:17please designate.
▶ 1:03:18Uh 34.
▶ 1:03:20An amendment to the amendment in the nature of a substitute to HR4275 offered by Miss Sculton of Michigan number 034.
▶ 1:03:27Without objection, the amendment would be considered as read. Hillary, you're
▶ 1:03:31Thank you so much, Mr. Chair. Uh, Mr. Ranking member, I am grateful to the committee and the subcommittee for their leadership and hard work on this incredible bill, which is going to bolster support for our United States Coast Guard, invest in shoreside infrastructure, root out and end instances of sexual assault and harassment, and improve acquisitions, including a new strategy to design and construct another Great Lakes icebreaker.
▶ 1:03:57This bill does so much for our coasties, but it doesn't do enough, On July 4, 2025, as waters rose to deadly levels on the Guadalupe River in Texas Hill Country, Coast Guard Petty Officer Scott Ruskin rushed to danger, saving 165 people, mostly children, during the Independence Day flood. He's an American hero.
▶ 1:04:20Coasties like Officer Ruskin should not have to worry when they are putting themselves in harm's way whether or not they will get paid for doing the job that they signed up to if Congress can't do its job and fund our government.
▶ 1:04:38So to further support our Coast Guard, I am proud to introduce my bipartisan bill, the Pay Our Coast Guard Parody Act as an amendment to this This amendment is simple, but it is absolutely critical. We have to pay our Coasties on time for their service during federal shutdowns. In 2019, Coasties went 35 days without a paycheck, without child care support, without survivor benefits.
▶ 1:05:05We cannot make our heroes wait and wonder when or even if they'll get paid because we as members of Congress can't do our jobs. I wish that we lived in a world where we could guarantee no lapses in appropriations. But sadly, it's not only the case, but it is becoming more common on both sides of the aisle.
▶ 1:05:27As we face another potential lapse in federal dollars this September, our committee cannot forget we cannot forget our Coast Guards. During the president's previous term, we saw the longest shutdown in US history. When coasties have to go without pay, they get distracted, worried about their families. We need them focused on their jobs. We get paid during a shutdown, and coasties certainly deserve the same.
▶ 1:05:55Not paying them is morally wrong, and it's catastrophic for retention and recruitment. Sir, I know that you are supportive of paying our service members uh across the board. And regardless of the branch that they serve in, I do too. But this committee, this committee has a unique responsibility for oversight and protection of our coasties in particular. Therefore, it's up to us to pass this bill.
▶ 1:06:20Now, we know that this was not included originally because of the cost that CBO put on this, but I would like to take this opportunity to emphasize that this bill would effectively cost zero. We are not asking for new money or more money for the Coast Guard. We are simply asking to pay our service members what they have earned and on time.
▶ 1:06:45Out of respect to to you, sir, and our ranking member in the four corners of this agreement, I'm going to be withdrawing this amendment, Mr. Chair. But I I would like to take this opportunity to ask for your support and the full committee's support to make sure that we can get this done for our Coast Guard men and women. I urge my colleagues to support this bill to ensure that Coast Guard families are not left behind. I will continue to work with you and the ranking member to get across the finish line.
▶ 1:07:15With that, I will withdraw my amendment and I yield
▶ 1:07:20Thank you. And and uh yeah, Hillary, I will continue to work with you on this to make sure members are taken care Coast Guard members are taken care of. Mr. Mr. Begage.
▶ 1:07:36Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk. Please designate
▶ 1:07:40amendment to the amendment in the nature of a substitute to HR4275 offered by Mr. Begage of Alaska number
▶ 1:07:48The amendment will be considered as read without objection. And with that, Mr. Begage, you're recognized. Today I offer but respectfully intend to withdraw an amendment that would expand the vessels of opportunity or VO exemption in section 406 of the underlying bill to cover all waters in and around Alaska, not just western Alaska and Prince William Sound. Let me be clear about what this amendment does.
▶ 1:08:14It recognizes and preserves a decades old proven strategy in oil spill response, one that has been especially effective in Alaska. It would ensure that the same pragmatic tools available in the western and central parts of the state are also available in the southeast, where geography and community structure make spill response uniquely challenging.
▶ 1:08:33As many of you know, Alaska's 6,640 miles of coastline, more than the rest of the United States combined, are home to isolated communities, many of which can only be reached by boat or plane. This is not just a western Alaska issue. Southeast Alaska stretching from Dixon entrance to Yakat faces the same risks.
▶ 1:08:53Oil tankers, cruise ships, and commercial vessels regularly traverse these waters, passing by communities that rely on small uninspected fishing vessels, many of which could provide vital emergency response capabilities during a spill event. Yet, under section 406, as currently written, those vessels would be excluded from the exemption that allows their use in oil spill response operations without having to meet the stringent subchapter M towing vessel inspection requirements.
▶ 1:09:20That emission appears to be somewhat arbitrary and certainly risky. These fishing boats, tenders, and tugs are not built for oil response, but they are located locally operated, quickly deployable, and indispensable in an emergency. The Southeast Alaska Petroleum Response Organization or CPRO, the region's primary oil spill response organization, depends on these vessels.
▶ 1:09:43Without this exemption, many of those vessels may be forced out of response planning altogether, jeopardizing Alaska's ability to respond swiftly and effectively to a spill in the region. This amendment doesn't ask for anything new or untested. It would simply ensure consistency across all of Alaska waters and preserve access to a tool that has saved lives, livelihoods, and ecosystems since Exxon Valdis. Mr. Chairman, I understand there are broader concerns at play.
▶ 1:10:10I offer this amendment today to begin an important dialogue, and I respectfully request the opportunity to work with you and ranking member Larsson to resolve any concerns and perfect amendment language prior to the bill going to the House floor. I appreciate every opportunity to make sure we get this right. Not just for western Alaska, not just for Prince William Sound, but for all of Alaska and the communities that rely on our waters, our fisheries, and a resilient oil spill response system. I respectfully withdraw my amendment.
▶ 1:10:41Thank you, and I look forward to working with your teams on perfecting these provisions. And I yield back.
▶ 1:10:46I appreciate uh the intent behind uh your amendment, and I do look forward to uh to working with you on this. Thank This McDonald Rivet,
▶ 1:11:03I have an amendment at the desk.
▶ 1:11:06an amendment to the amendment in the nature of a substitute to HR4275 offered by Miss McDonald Rivet of Michigan number 021.
▶ 1:11:14Without objection, the amendment would be considered as read. Uh Mr. McDonald Rivet, you're recognized.
▶ 1:11:20Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I want to start by saying thank you to the men and women in the Coast Guard who every day get up with no recognition, no glory, uh, and do their job and keep us safe and also say that I am the proud aunt to two coasties. Um, so we are a coasty family.
▶ 1:11:38Uh but I also represent a district on the Sageno Bay and the Coast Guard aggressively reorganized its staffing at facilities across the country and in doing so has created blind spots in our response to water emergencies. I want to start by saying thank you to the chair and ranking member for working with me to address this really important issue by requiring the Coast Guard to evaluate how those changes have affected rescue operations.
▶ 1:12:06I'm offering this amendment to build on that effort, requiring the Coast Guard to take the findings of that important report and use them to restore 247 coverage at facilities that were hit hardest by these cuts, including the Sagena River Station in my district. Every year, there are hundreds of drownings and boating incidents throughout the Great Lakes, requiring dedicated and rapid search and rescue operations.
▶ 1:12:31And the Coast Guard has always always played a critical role in these life-saving missions. However, last year the US Coard Coast Guard cut 247 and rescue operations at a number of facilities, including the Sagenar River Coast Guard station, leaving critical gaps.
▶ 1:12:49I've personally spoken with law enforcement organizations in our district, that have been left to pick up the slack, and their operations were already stretched Two weekends ago, we saw a six-year-old girl who disappeared on the water. Uh, and we saw an hour and a half response time before we got Coast Guard support for that. She luckily was found safe. Um, but we don't want to have a tragedy here.
▶ 1:13:16The patchwork solution is dangerous and it's unsustainable, unnecessarily putting lives at risk. My amendment is simple. The Coast Guard needs to reinstate 247 search and rescue rescue coverage at a facility if the reorganization plan hindered search and rescue operations. This isn't politics. It's public safety. Search and rescue incidents aren't limited to business hours. So, our rescue operations cannot only be on call from 9:00 to 5:00.
▶ 1:13:44I understand we have to allow the Coast Guard to first complete the underlying search in rescue operation report before we get into implementing the report's findings. It is with the full expectation that the Coast Guard will prioritize restoring search and rescue operations based on those findings that I now withdraw that amendment and look forward to working uh on a long-term solution. Thank you and I yield back.
▶ 1:14:07Absolutely. Kristen will uh we'll be working with you.
▶ 1:14:13Moving on, Mr. Webster, what reason do you seek recognition?
▶ 1:14:19Uh Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk. Please designate
▶ 1:14:23an amendment to the amendment in the nature of a substitute to HR4275 offered by Mr. Webster of Florida number
▶ 1:14:31Without objection, the amendment would be considered as read. Mr. Webster, you're recognized.
▶ 1:14:35Thank you, Chairman Grace. My amendment would make permanent current Coast Guard authority to enforce safety zones in the exclusive economic zone EEZ for space 2020, two NASA astronauts returned in spacecraft from their successful mission.
▶ 1:14:57And um while the Coast Guard issued a notice to protect the landing area approximately 40 mi offshore, members of the boating public were still far too close uh to the returning capsules. As a result, Congress established a pilot program for this authority and the 2021 NDAA, which was very uh successful in keeping those returning astronauts crews safe.
▶ 1:15:23The pilot program provides the Coast Guard with the authority to establish these safety zones in the EEZ at their discretion, but does not require them to do so. I greatly appreciate the work of the chairman and ranking member to include an extension of the current pilot program through 2029 in the ANS before today. My amen u before us today.
▶ 1:15:48My amendment would make this authority permanent consistent with what this committee offered in fiscal year 2027 Coast Guard reauthorization. Uh I was all amendment but I look forward to working with the chairman and ranking member as this bill moves forward to the floor to support Coast Guard and their space program in this effort. You'll back.
▶ 1:16:12Absolutely. Uh Mr. Webster, I understand the intent and look forward to working with you on this moving forward.
▶ 1:16:41Is Mr. Okay, then we're on to Mr. Begage.
▶ 1:16:48Mr. Begage.
▶ 1:16:54Mr. Chair, Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.
▶ 1:16:57Please designate
▶ 1:16:58an amendment to the amendment in the nature of a substitute to HR4275 offered by Mr. Beggage of Alaska number 040.
▶ 1:17:05Without objection, the amendment will be considered as read. Mr. Begage, you're recognized. Today I offer but respectfully intend to withdraw an amendment that would authorize the use of interest from the oil spill liability trust fund up to $50 million per year to support federally recognized tribes located in coastal shoreline communities. This amendment fulfills a long-standing obligation.
▶ 1:17:29Congress authorized the Coast Guard back in 2010 to enter into cooperative agreements with tribal governments for oil spill prevention and response. Yet for 15 years, no dedicated funding has ever followed. Alaska has over 6,600 miles of coastline. Every year, hundreds of fuel laden vessels, cruise ships, tankers, cargo ships traverse the Gulf of Alaska and the Bearing Sea. These waters are remote. Tribal communities are often the first to witness and the last to receive help when a spill occurs.
▶ 1:17:59The Pacific Northwest see similar risks. Tribes along Washington's coast are left exposed without infrastructure, without resources, and often without a seat at the response table. This amendment doesn't ask for anything new. It doesn't create a new program or require an appropriation. It simply clarifies that a modest portion of the OSLTF's interest generated in part from oil movements through these very regions can be directed to support the communities most at risk. Mr. Chairman, I understand there are broader concerns at play.
▶ 1:18:28I offer this amendment today to begin a conversation and I look forward to working with you and ranking member Larson on refining this language before the bill goes to the floor. Together, I believe we can ensure that our oil spill response system is strong and truly national, one that protects all of our coasts and honors our commitments to tribal communities in Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, and beyond. I respectfully withdraw my amendment and I yield back.
▶ 1:18:57Thank you, Mr. Mr. Begage,
▶ 1:19:00Mr. Ryan.
▶ 1:19:02Uh, thank you, Mr. Chair. I have an amendment at the desk. Please designate
▶ 1:19:07an amendment to the amendment in the nature of a substitute to HR4275 offered by Mr. Ryan of New York number 058.
▶ 1:19:16Without objection, the amendment will be considered as read. Mr. Ryan, you're
▶ 1:19:20Uh, thank you, Mr. Chair. My amendment is straightforward and builds on work that we've done in a bipartisan manner through this committee uh with your and the ranking member support over the last uh going back to the last Congress. It would insert the text of my bipartisan legislation co-sponsored by my colleague Congressman Mike Lawler from the Hudson Valley called the Hudson River Protection Act into this year's Coast Guard Authorization Act. with your leadership and support and the ranking member.
▶ 1:19:46We did that in the last uh the last iteration of the Coast Guard Rio uh and would my amendment would do the same in this version. Uh the Hudson River runs right through the middle of my district in New York and barges often carrying crude oil, asphalt and other toxic substances anchor on the banks of the river in what are currently established anchorages which gets the right balance between ensuring there's smooth and effective commerce as well as protecting safety of uh the
▶ 1:20:16river. Unfortunately, in the last uh few years, the Coast Guard has uh frankly ignored the sense of the Congress and tried to push through regulations that would allow anchorages anywhere on the Hudson River, essentially creating a situation where you have a parking lot with no designated parking spots. You have chaos and confusion, dramatically upping risk.
▶ 1:20:37And in particular, there are seven towns and cities in my district along the Hudson River called the Hudson 7 communities which literally get their drinking water from the Hudson River. That also happens to be the spot where many of these barges uh would choose to anchor, putting them at the most dangerous point, uh putting at risk the drinking water of over 200,000 uh of my constituents. So, what this legislation does, again, uh Mr. chair in a bipartisan manner.
▶ 1:21:03The Hudson River Protection Act uh with my colleague Congressman Lawler just clarifies uh the law that has already been put in place making sure that only preapproved anchorages anchorage sites on the river are allowed for anchoring. Uh getting that balance right between commerce and safety of the public.
▶ 1:21:22Uh and to to be very clear as this issue has played out in my district and the region, we have literally had at the local, state, and federal level tens of thousands of comments, public comments from members across the board of every geographic and generational and everything in between divide. This is an issue that the people of the Hudson Valley are united on, that our river should not turn into a parking lot and that there should be an orderly, safe flow to protect the river and to protect our drinking water.
▶ 1:21:51Uh so again, my legislation was included last year and uh um again when the House passed that bill in May of 2024. So I ask your support um uh and and thank the M Mr. Chairman. I know um working with you and your staff um we we might not be able to get it in uh this year. Um, but with your support, I'd like to work with you and ask unanimous consent to withdraw this amendment in hopes that we can continue to move this forward in a bipartisan manner.
▶ 1:22:21Absolutely. Absolutely.
▶ 1:22:22And with that, I yield yield back, Mr. Chair. Thank you,
▶ 1:22:27Mr. Burles.
▶ 1:22:32Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Um, I have an amendment at the desk. designate
▶ 1:22:37an amendment to the amendment in the nature of a substitute to HR4275 offered by Mr. Berlesen of Missouri number 049.
▶ 1:22:44Without objection, the amendment will be considered as read. Mr. Burlson, you're
▶ 1:22:49Thank you, Mr. Chairman. My amendment strikes the divisive DEI reporting requirements from the bill. For too long, the left has used diversity, equity, and inclusion initiative to slow division to sew division, pitting Americans against one another based on race, gender, and identity, all under the pretense of equality. The truth is, it was never about equality, but control. Picking winners and losers based on one's identity and not their ability.
▶ 1:23:19The American people said enough is enough. And on November 5th, they delivered the House, the Senate, and the White House a mandate to restore a society where hard work and skill triumph over identity politics. Since President Trump's first day in office, he has made it clear that the United States will return to a merit-based society. Unfortunately, this legislation falls short of that mandate by clinging to outdated DEI requirements.
▶ 1:23:46Just last week during the catastrophic floods in Texas, the US Coast Guard third class petty officer Scott Ruskin, a rescue swimmer, saved hundreds of lives, primarily children, from the chaos that unfolded along the Guadalupe River. Did his race play any role in his courage? Absolutely not. Did the terrified children cling to life care about the gender of their rescuer? Of course not.
▶ 1:24:12Does heroism require a specific racial identity or is it defined by the courage to act in the face of danger? The answer is obvious. And when asked how he accomplished his extraordinary task, Petty Officer Ruskin pointed to one thing, and I quote, "I really just relied on the training that we get.
▶ 1:24:33Not his identity, not a DEI checklist, but the training and discipline of the US Coast Guard." I can't speak for everyone, but I personally want to want to thank people like Petty Officer Ruskin for being a part of the United States Coast Guard. Individuals who are qualified, competent, and ready to answer the call at a moment's notice is what we need.
▶ 1:24:55My amendment ensures this bill is aligned to President Trump's agenda and the American people mandate for restoring Um, and I, Mr. Chairman, out of respect for you and and and seeing the writing on the wall, this may this probably won't be able to make it into the bill at this time, I I will withdraw this and humbly request that you work with me to to address our my concerns.
▶ 1:25:22with that, I withdraw my amendment.
▶ 1:25:25Thank you. Mr. Molton.
▶ 1:25:32Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have an amendment at the desk. Please designate
▶ 1:25:35an amendment to the amendment in the nature of a substitute to HR4275 offered by Mr. Molton of Massachusetts number Without objection, the amendment would be considered as read. This amendment would have been put in the manager's amendment, but it came in uh late so we u uh we're going to deal with it here. So, Mr. Molton, you're recognized.
▶ 1:25:57Well, I apologize and appreciate your admonition. Uh Mr. chairman. Uh in April, the Coast Guard issued a proposal to remove 350 buoys in the Northeast, thousands across the country. The plan was touted as a modernization tactic, but behind the scenes, harbor masters are hearing that this is purely a doge motivated cost cutting measure that will put Boers at risk. I support modernizing our maritime infrastructure and embracing innovative navigation technologies.
▶ 1:26:25But innovation should complement, not replace, safety infrastructure. Modernizing our navigation system is the right goal as long as we do it responsibly and without compromising safety. So let's be clear, as technology has evolved, so has navigation. But not for everyone. There are thousands of vessels out there without GPS and buoys are often the first and last line of defense for safety.
▶ 1:26:52Buoys also stand as the last line of safety when GPS fails or digital screens become too difficult to read during adverse conditions on the water. Even if you have some of the most advanced technology, modernizing our navigation system is the right goal. I hasten to emphasize as long as we do it responsibly and without compromising safety. Unfortunately, this current proposal, which will remove 24 buoys in my district alone, needs further review. Here's one example.
▶ 1:27:21The Coast Guard has proposed removing navigational buoys at the mouth of the Marramac River and around Plum Island in Newport. This area has seen its share of boating accidents as the coastline is rocky and conditions can change quickly. Currents are swift and until staffing issues forced its reclassification, Coast Guard station was designated a surf station. It had been one of four on the entire East Coast because of the challenges to navigating these very waters.
▶ 1:27:50Before we start removing aids to navigation, we need a comprehensive data-driven study to determine where they are still essential, especially for mariners who don't rely on GPS or advanced electronics. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. and I yield back.
▶ 1:28:10Does anyone else wish to be heard on the
▶ 1:28:14Mr. Chairman,
▶ 1:28:16the Coast Guard contracting process is broken. That's why I worked hard to include numerous reforms in the underlying bill. Specifically, the legislation includes a provision that will ensure that the service does not award contracts only. Yes.
▶ 1:28:31I think you're on the wrong amendment.
▶ 1:28:35I yield back.
▶ 1:28:37You're still welcome to support it if you'd like, sir.
▶ 1:28:40Does anyone else wish to be heard on the Um, I do support the amendment. Are there any amendments to the amendment? Seeing none, the question is on the amendment. All those in favor signify by saying I.
▶ 1:28:56I. All oppose signify by saying nay. The eyes have it. The amendment is agreed
▶ 1:29:09The question is now on the amendment in the nature of the substitute to HR 4275 as amended. All those in favor signify by saying I.
▶ 1:29:18All oppose signify by saying nay. The eyes appear to have it. The amendment in the nature of a substitute as amended is agreed to. So now the question is on the adoption of and favorably reporting of HR 4275 as amended to the House of Representatives. All those in favor signify by saying I.
▶ 1:29:38All oppose signify by saying nay. The eyes appear to have it. A recorded vote has been requested and we will postpone uh pursuant to the committee Moving on. As noted there, as noted, there are votes requested.
▶ 1:30:06So again, pursuant to committee rule 6F, further proceedings on the measure are postponed. And we'll now move on to the next item for Our next item is seven or are seven resolutions for projects in the General Services Administration's capital investment and leasing program. and I'd ask unanimous consent to call up the resolutions in block. They are now considered as read and open for amendment at any point. Without objection, that is so ordered. I now recognize myself.
▶ 1:30:34So, the seven GSA resolutions we're considering today include three Federal Bureau of Investigation field office leases, um, alteration projects, and three federal buildings to address some critical fire alarm and life safety issues, and GSA's optimization program for projects to facilitate reductions in space, helping rightsize uh, helping to rightsize the federal uh, real estate portfolio.
▶ 1:31:02All these prospectuses are funded but require the committee's authorization and I want to thank subcommittee uh chairman Perry for partnering with us to ensure that these projects make the s or make sense for the taxpayers and with that I'd urge my colleagues to support these resolutions. Now recognize Mr. Larson state.
▶ 1:31:20Thank you Mr. Chair. I support the seven GSA resolutions before us today. Three of these uh authorize GSA to lease space to continue housing FBI field offices in Cleveland, Charlotte, and Indianapolises. Indianapolis. These authorizations pending since FY22, 23, and 24 reflect the work the FBI has undertaken to improve the utilization of its real estate portfolio. Three other resolutions authorize the GSA to upgrade fire alarm and life safety systems at the Carl B.
▶ 1:31:48Stokes US courthouse in Cleveland, the Jacob Javitz Federal Building Complex in New York, and the Ronald Reagan Building Complex in Washington DC. and one resolution authorizes $150 million for GSA's optimization program. These funds will enable GSA to repair the core assets it needs to keep its portfolio, help agencies relocate from space they no longer need or want, and reconfigure core assets to facilitate the sharing of space and resources across GSA tenant agencies.
▶ 1:32:15The optimization fund will give GSA the flexibility it needs to maximize its real estate portfolio. But I want to remind GSA that these funds must be used to reduce agency footprints and expenditures. It is not a slush fund. This resolution requires submission of a spend plan to this committee which I look forward to reviewing. Each of these committees have been thoroughly vetted uh activities sorry each of these activities have been vetted thoroughly by GSA OM and the agencies themselves and passed Senate Committee on Environment Public Works as well.
▶ 1:32:43I support these resolutions and urge my colleagues to do the same. I yield back. Does anyone else wish to be heard on the resolutions end block? Hearing none, the question is now on the adoption of the GSA resolutions end block. All those in favor signify by saying I. I.
▶ 1:33:01All oppose signify by saying nay. In the opinion of the chair, the eyes have it. The eyes do have it. The GSA resolutions in block are agreed to and approved. All right. We're briefly going to recess to allow members to return uh for the recorded vote that we have. So the LA's get uh get your member here uh as quickly as possible.
▶ 1:33:23Committee stands in Heat.
▶ 1:35:05Heat.
▶ 1:35:43There we go.
▶ 1:44:31The committee will come back to order as previously postponed uh proceedings on HR 4275. The question is now on the adoption of and favorably reported of as amended to the House of Representatives. I'm going to start the vote, open the board, and I'll just leave it open so everybody can get back to you can get back to whatever it was you were doing so you don't have to just stick around here um waiting on us. Um so is a recorded vote still requested?
▶ 1:45:01A recorded vote is still requested.
▶ 1:45:04So members will record their votes using the electronic voting system. Again, we're going to keep the board open for a while. The chairman intends to vote I.
▶ 1:45:11Ranking vote I
▶ 1:45:13open to board. Thanks everyone for coming.
▶ 1:48:20like honoring the army. Have all members been recorded who wish to be recorded?
▶ 1:48:34Do any members wish to be or wish to change their vote?
▶ 1:48:48Collins was here.
▶ 1:48:50He's still here. Right. Hearing no one.
▶ 1:49:07Clerk, please please close the vote.
▶ 1:49:14Mr. Chairman, on that vote, there are 60 yays and zero nazs. My vote is 60 yays and zero nazs. The bill as amended is agreed to and order favorably reported to the house. Without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. Thanks everyone again for participating in today's market up. I ask unanimous consent that each measure ordered reported today be reported as a single amendment in the nature of a substitute incorporating any amendments adopted. Without objection, that is so ordered.
▶ 1:49:43I ask unanimous consent that the staff be authorized to make all necessary technical clarifying and conforming changes to each of the measures ordered reported today to reflect the actions of the committee. Without objection, that is so ordered. Pursuant to House Rule 22, clause one. I'd ask unanimous consent the chairman or his designate be authorized to offer such motions as may be necessary in the House to go to conference with the Senate on the legislation adopted today in any similar measure. Without objection, that is so ordered.
▶ 1:50:09I'd ask unanimous consent that the chairman after consultation with the ranking member have authority to strike or revise any provision of the measures ordered reported today that would cause a sequential referral to another committee or would cause the bill to be subject to a budget act or rule 21 cut go point of order and without objection that is so ordered.
▶ 1:50:27Pursuant to House Rule 11, clause 2L, I'd ask unanimous consent that all members of the committee have at least two calendar days, wish to file any supplemental, minority, additional, or descending views on the legislation adopted today. And without objection, that is so ordered. Pursuant to rule 6F of the rules of the committee on transportation infrastructure, I note the presence of a quorum for actions taken on all committee business today. And with that, the committee on transportation infrastructure has completed its business and the committee is adjourned.