Como. Ted Neale, Jr. DC-A ----- Vol 97. APRIL, 1997 No. 3b ----- Otis W. Littleton, BC-ANN

CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS CONFIRMED

The 105th Congress has convened marking the first time since 1931 that the Republicans have run the Congress for more than two successive years. While the Republicans have control, that control is very narrow.

This narrow control in the House combined with a broad perception the public desires moderation and a less contentious Congress than existed in the 104th Congress, makes Congressional outcomes uncertain.

While serious policy differences continue to separate the two political parties, a broad general consensus exists to balance the budget. While differences remain as to how to achieve that objective, it can be assured that Congress will continue to aggressively scrutinize all discretionary spending programs. This includes the Coast Guard.

It is essential that all Coast Guard Activities, including those of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, continue to educate the Citizens and Community Leaders and their elected Representatives in Congress about the outstanding work TEAM COAST GUARD performs in their states and districts everyday.

Committee reorganization of the last session created a subcommiftee on the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

That Committee will continue to be the principal legislative subcommittee of jurisdiction in the House of Representatives. It must be noted, however, that because of changes in House membership, the membership of that subcommittee has also changed.

The following is a listing of key Coast Guard Committees and subcommittees and the Chairman and ranking members thereof:

HOUSE:

SENATE:

It is still inappropriate for members of the Auxiliary to lobby for or against legislative initiatives as members of and representing the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. Members are still free to communicate their personal view points on pending legislative initiatives provided they do not represent them as that of the Auxiliary.

Members should know who their own members of the House and Senate are, take steps to be come known to them and keep them informed of coast Guard Auxiliary Activities within their area of responsibility.

One effective wat to keep elected officials informed of activties is to make certain they are on your mailing lists to receive, Flotilla, Division, District and National Auxiliary Publications

Another effective means is to invite these elected public officials to regular unit meetings so they can see first hand what you are all about.

A third effective means is to invite (with the permission of the DIRAUX) selected elected officials to be a guest at certain specific activities such as a Safety or regatta patrol.

Also, send their offices copies of all outgoing news releases to your local media. The fact that you send it to the local media is no assurance that your elected official is informed about your activities.

All of the above are just good old fashioned public affairs activities that are intended to help build up good will with the public and our elected officials.

This is not intended as an exhaustive illustration of Public Affairs activities, but rather as a reminder of some of the aspects that public affairs activities will encounter. In a real world, we must recognize the role of elected and appointed officials. It is certainly appropriate that we use the skills we have developed in communicating, to also communicate with those elected and appointed officials.

KNOW YOUR CONGRESSMAN

At least four members of the 105th Congress are Congress are Coast Guard Alumni. According to The Guard Reservist, the monthly publication of the The Director of Reserve and Training, USCG., this was down by two members from the 104th Congress in which six members boasted of Coast Guard Service.

The member with the greatest seniority is Senator Frank Murkowski, Republican, Alaska. Mr. Murkowski served on active duty in the Coast Guard from 1955 to 1957 and was stationed in Sitka and Ketchikan, Alaska . He served on the CGC Sorrel and the CGC Thistle, attaining the rate of SK3. Senator Murkowski told the Reservist,

"Serving in the Coast Guard was a special time in my life, a true privilege, it taught me more about life and myself than I can ever recount."

Three members of the House served with the Auxiliary. Listed in order of seniority, they are:

Congressman Howard Coble, served on active duty in the Coast Guard from 1952 to 1956 and in the Coast Guard Reserve from 1960 to 1982, retiring at the rank of Captain. Congressman Coble is an important member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee which has jurisdiction of the Coast Guard in the House. Representing the Sixth Congressional District The Congressman told the RESERVIST,

"I'm proud to have been a Coast Guardsman. The Coast Guard is so unique and versatile yet it's such a small family-like Service. I think that's why I have such vivid memories."

Congressman Gene Taylor, the youngest Congressional Coast Guardsman, age 43 represents the Fifth Congressional District of Mississippi. Congressman Taylor served in the Coast Guard Reserve from 1971 to 1984. He earned two Commandant's Lefter of Commendation Awards, one for fire fighting, the other for saving the life of a crewmember. Mr. Taylor said of his experience with the Coast Guard,
"I enlisted in the Coast Guard at the age of 17. 1 proudly wore the uniform for 13 years and served as a SAR boat captain for 10 of those great years. My experience in the Coast Guard left me with an incredible respect for the men and women who sacrifice every day to keep our country strong and free."

Congressman William D. Delahunt, Democrat, Massachusefts, represents the 10th congressional district in the state. The Congressman joined the Coast Guard Reserve in 1963 and served until 1971. Mr. Delahunt said,

"I enjoyed the camaraderie and my years of service in the Coast Guard were a learning experience. I obviously am benefiting from my experience in the Reserve when it comes to issues relevant to the 10th congressional district, since so much of this district is bordered by coastline. I look forward to working with the Coast Guard as an essential agency in this nation, not simply because of its mission, but because of the fact that it's critical to public safety and the enforcement of our environmental laws."

We are pleased to know that this congress boasts of four serving legislators amongst its ranks.