Bush Signs

President Bush signs DHS Appropriations Act

President Bush signed into law the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2006 (H.R. 2360). The legislation is summarized in the Fact Sheet issued by the White House. Among other things, the measure provides $4.8 billion for CBP operations; $5.5 billion for USCG operations; $933 million for the USCG Integrated Deepwater Systems program; and $175 million for port security grants. HK Law

National Defense Authorization Act Signed into Law

The White House said that President Bush signed into law the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 (H.R. 4986). This is a modified version of the measure that the President refused to sign at the end of 2007. The offending provision, which dealt with lawsuits for Iraqi war crimes, was materially changed. Other provisions, including those relating to operations of the Maritime Administration (MarAd) and various changes to the recent codification of Title 46

USA PATRIOT Act Extension Signed

The White House issued a News Release stating that President Bush signed into law the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005 (H.R. 3199). Among other things, this legislation has an entire title devoted to reducing crime and terrorism at America’s seaports. Source: HK Law

President Signs SAFE Port Act

President Bush signed into law the Security and Accountability for Every Port (SAFE Port) Act of 2006 (H.R. 4954). Among other things, this bill, also known as the Port Security Improvement Act of 2006, modifies the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program by requiring the prompt issuance of TWIC cards to maritime employees and the initiation of a pilot program for installation and use of card readers

Deepwater Funding at $724m in FY05 Budget

“Amid extraordinary challenges, our determination, our courage, and our common purpose remain steadfast.” The new appropriations bill provides $6.3 billion for the Coast Guard for FY 2005, an 8.6 percent ($500 million) increase over 2004, and a 66 percent ($2.5 billion) increase over 2001 levels. As part of funding for Coast Guard programs, the appropriations bill includes $724 million for the Deepwater multi year acquisition to modernize and recapitalize the Coast Guard’s inventory of

Oriskany to be Largest Ship Reefed

The decommissioned aircraft carrier ex-Oriskany (CV/CVA 34) will become the largest ship intentionally sunk as an artificial reef in mid-May. The 888-foot ship will be reefed in the Gulf of Mexico approximately 24 miles off the coast of Pensacola, Fla., and will benefit marine life, sport fishing and recreational diving in the area. In November 2004, President George Bush signed the 2004 National Defense Authorization Act, allowing the Navy to transfer inactive vessels to states, U

Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2004 Official Text Available

The official text of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2004 (H.R. 2443) as passed by both the House and the Senate has been posted on the Internet. The measure has not yet been signed by President Bush, but there has been no indication that it will not be signed in due course. Source: HK Law

This Day in Naval History--September 2

September 2 1918 - Navy ships and crews assist earthquake victims of Yokohama and Tokyo, Japan 1940 - Destroyer-for-Bases agreement between U.S. and United Kingdom 1944 - USS Finback (SS-230) rescues Lieutenant (jg) George Bush, USNR (VT-51), shot down while attacking Chichi Jima 1945 - Japan signs surrender documents on board USS Missouri (BB-63) at anchor in Tokyo Bay. FADM Chester W. Nimitz, USN, signs for the In different ceremonies, Japanese forces on , Truk

This Day in Naval History – September 2

1918 - Navy ships and crews assist earthquake victims of Yokohama and Tokyo, Japan 1940 - Destroyer-for-Bases agreement between U.S. and United Kingdom 1944 - USS Finback (SS-230) rescues Lieutenant (jg) George Bush, USNR (VT-51), shot down while attacking Chichi Jima 1945 - Japan signs surrender documents on board USS Missouri (BB-63) at anchor in Tokyo Bay. FADM Chester W. Nimitz, USN, signs for the U.S. In different ceremonies, Japanese forces on Palau Islands, Truk

USS George H.W. Bush Acceptance Sea Trials

USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) successfully completed acceptance sea trials April 7-9 off the Virginia Capes and is in final preparation for delivery. Acceptance sea trials are the final test of the ship's readiness to begin fleet service. Navy representatives from the U.S. Navy Board of Inspection and Survey tested and evaluated the ship's systems and performance. Acceptance trials will formally conclude April 10.