Rep. Sanchez-sponsored provisions regarding sexual assault, TWIC program included in final bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (CA-47) today applauded House passage of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010, which would authorize $10 billion in funding to help the Coast Guard carry out its homeland and maritime security missions.  The bill includes key provisions to boost the overall number of Coast Guard members, and gives law enforcement stronger tools to combat alien smuggling and potential terrorist acts.

The bill also included two Rep. Sanchez-sponsored provisions that will address the issue of sexual assault in the Coast Guard and make much-needed changes to the Transportation Worker Identification Credentialing (TWIC) program.  In a floor speech given prior to House passage of the Coast Guard Authorization Act, Rep. Sanchez outlined her support for these provisions, and the bill more generally:

"As the Homeland Security Subcommittee Chairwoman with jurisdiction over maritime issues, I come to the floor in support of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010.

"Specifically I am pleased that two provisions I championed were included in the base bill and the manager's amendment.

"First, the legislation and manager's amendment will ensure that the Coast Guard adheres to sexual assault reporting standards, policies, and procedures that are consistent with the other services.  I am pleased that these reports will be made available to all committees of jurisdiction. 

"Sexual assault among our nation's service members is an extremely troubling problem, and I believe that accurate reporting of these assaults and comprehensive policies and procedures for responding to these crimes are a critical part of addressing this problem.

"The second provision I referred to will amend the port security title of the bill to make much needed changes to the Transportation Worker Identification Credentialing program.  I submitted an amendment to the Rules Committee on this topic, and I'd like to thank the Chairman for including it in his Manager's Amendment.

"My provision does several things:

• 1) It directs the Secretary to develop procedures with port owners and operators that allow individuals who are in the process of getting a TWIC card - or waiting for a reissuance of an existing card - to access secure and restricted areas, as long as they are escorted.
• o This will assist the many workers at our ports who are unable to work because they applied for, but have not yet received their TWIC card.
• 2) The provision sets a 30 day time limit for processing TWIC card applications. It also directs the Secretary to allow individuals to receive their TWIC cards at their place of residence, so workers do not have to make a second and sometimes lengthy trip back to the enrollment center.
• 3) Finally this provision gives individuals greater access to TWIC enrollment by allowing them to submit their fingerprints at any DHS agency or location, rather than forcing workers to go to the enrollment centers.

"This provision will help many individuals get back to work, while protecting the security of our nation's ports.

"I thank the Chairman for the time and I ask my colleagues to support this important legislation and the manager's amendment, and I yield back."

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