JOC Staff | Dec 13, 2012 2:09PM EST
The U.S. Senate today approved H.R. 2838, the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2012, clearing the House-passed bill for the president’s signature.
“This bill provides the Coast Guard with the resources to continue to improve the ships, aircraft and communications systems they need to do their jobs,” said House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman John L. Mica, R-Fla., in a written statement.
The bill also reduces regulatory burdens on fishermen, small businesses and port workers, Mica added.
The bill specifically authorizes $8.6 billion in fiscal year 2013 and $8.7 billion in fiscal year 2014 to enable these changes.