WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today voted for S. 140, the “Frank Lobiondo Coast Guard Reauthorization Act.” The legislation authorizes the Coast Guard for two years and increases funding for the acquisition of National Security Cutters and other needed vessels and equipment. The legislation also includes key provisions of Wicker’s “Commercial Vessel Incidental Discharge Act,” which would establish a national standard for ballast water discharge and other vessel discharges. 

“We have the world’s best Coast Guard, and this bill will ensure our Coast Guard members have the resources and support to carry out their missions for the American people,” said Wicker. “Expanding and improving the Coast Guard fleet will support our national security, help fight international drug trafficking, and save lives. I am also pleased this bill includes a national standard for ballast water discharge – as called for by legislation I authored – to protect our environment and encourage economic growth.”

 Wicker spoke in support of this legislation on the Senate floor earlier today.