Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Commandant speaks out to Congress
Posted by Peter A. Stinson

I guess the authorization bill working its way through Congress doesn't do what Admiral Allen believes it ought to do.

A statement posted today:

I am deeply concerned about a number of provisions contained in H.R. 2830 (Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2008) that I believe would have a detrimental effect on the Coast Guard's ability to carry out our many vital maritime safety, security and environmental protection missions. As the commandant, I have an obligation to the public and our Coast Guard men and women to ensure the Coast Guard retains the necessary discretion and flexibility to meet our mission demands in an often-changing, dangerous operating environment. This bill, in its current form, does not do that. I am also disappointed that proposals to protect seafarers who participate in the investigation and adjudication of environmental crimes and enhance our ability to prosecute alien migrant smugglers at sea were not included in the bill. While the bill contains several provisions that would improve Coast Guard operations and mission support, I strongly oppose other provisions as written in the bill that would limit the commandant's authority to direct Coast Guard operations and assign senior personnel to specific duties. I look forward to continuing to work with the Congress to address each of the provisions outlined in the Statement of Administration Policy.

The Statement of Administration Policy is issued by the OMB (the Office of Management and Budget which is within the Executive Office of the President).

Got to love the system of checks, balances, and compromises built into the American political process, eh?

Posted on Wednesday, April 23, 2008
   

Labels: by Peter Stinson

5 comments:

At Wednesday, April 23, 2008 7:00:00 PM EDT Thomas Jackson said...

I guess the Commandant still doesn't get it ... the Congress has to have trust in you, to trust of you.

 

At Wednesday, April 23, 2008 7:31:00 PM EDT Anonymous said...

From DefenseNews

"Other provisions opposed by the Coast Guard and the administration include congressional proposals to lay out contracting and acquisition practices for the Deepwater program; determine how leadership positions in the service will be managed; and require how vessels would handle the discharge of ballast water - a key environmental issue."

Is this how the CG keeps the lead integrators and ignores the changes congress demanded? Is this Commandant Allen thumbing his nose at congress? I have to say that congress' drive to the 90 yard line was impressive - but then they punted. They let the CG off the hook and NOTHING was done to hold anyone accountable or fix that program. The NSC TEMPEST problems (a repeat from the 123s)demonstrate that.

 

At Wednesday, April 23, 2008 8:51:00 PM EDT Not Thad's Sock Puppet said...

Thad,

Take a cue, and leave the stage while you still can. At least you can leave with some dignity, and with your chin up.

Congress does not trust you, you wasted the public money, and you have betrayed their misplaced trust.

You and your staff have repeatedly demonstrated of late that the words that come out of your mouth are not to be trusted, and the things you put down on paper are fantasy.

In Feb. 2008 when you spoke publically about how you were going to take delivery and accept the NSC, you ended up looking like a fool when on the day of "acceptance" there were issues and you started popping flares to provide you with political air cover.

You have lied to us, you have misled us, your staff has lied and misled us, and we are not amused, and the longer you stay in a CG uniform the more you disgrace it.

It is time for you to leave, you have been invited to find the door, please exit gracefully, your time here is finished.

 

At Thursday, April 24, 2008 5:07:00 AM EDT Thomas Jackson said...

Thad had picked a bone with Congress. This is one of many exit strategies if needed. He can now say that his comments have distracted from the mission and will retire early.

 

At Thursday, April 24, 2008 2:49:00 PM EDT Anonymous said...

No matter, the National Security Cutter has been determined to be safe from penguins infestations.

 

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