The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved Coast Guard legislation that revives bipartisan language opposed by offshore energy boosters.
During a markup Wednesday, lawmakers sparred about a manning and crewing provision in the latest “Coast Guard Authorization Act.” The same dispute surfaced during previous authorization debates.
The bill aims to close what critics call a loophole regarding foreign crews and companies. Rep. John Garamendi (D-Calif.) said offshore energy vessels can employ foreign workers who are not required to get the same certification levels as American workers.
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“It is a loophole that is dangerous,” Garamendi said. “It is a situation that creates a national security risk.”
