WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02) issued the following statement after the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee passed H.R. 2518, the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2017: “I’m proud to support this bipartisan bill that will help the Coast Guard, one of our five armed services, accomplish their mission of saving lives and protecting our borders. The Coast Guard plays an invaluable role in stopping drug trafficking, protecting our ports and maritime transit, and of course saving lives. H.R. 2518 will bring in much-needed performance-based requirements and will encourage advances in technology specifically for distress signals. I’ll keep working with Chairman Hunter to support our excellent Coast Guard in Congress.” Background (courtesy of the Coast Guard Subcommittee): The Coast Guard Authorization Act authorizes funding for the Coast Guard for Fiscal Years 2018 and 2019. The bill includes some reforms to the authority of the Coast Guard and the rules for certain maritime industries. Port safety authorities are updated and permissions are given for an unmanned aircraft (drone) system to support the Coast Guard. The Commandant is authorized to use a variety of contracting authorities for acquisitions, which will help give value for the taxpayer.