January 27, 2016
By Alan Fram
Washington – In a testy election year (click here) likely to see scant collaboration between Republicans and Democrats, there’s a glint of hope in Congress for a bipartisan bill aimed at fighting heroin and opioid addiction – a deadly, growing problem that afflicts states both red and blue.
By Alan Fram
Washington – In a testy election year (click here) likely to see scant collaboration between Republicans and Democrats, there’s a glint of hope in Congress for a bipartisan bill aimed at fighting heroin and opioid addiction – a deadly, growing problem that afflicts states both red and blue.
Senate and House bills establishing grants to combat abuse, improve treatment and bolster some law enforcement programs are winning support from members of both parties. President Barack Obama used this month’s State of Union address to call such legislation one area where lawmakers “might surprise the cynics” and get something done this year....
Last week while attending a Senate oversight committee hearing Senator Ayotte brought a question in regard to trafficking of drugs as well as other dangers to the American people.
Senator Ayotte stated the USA military is aware of the trafficking routes of drug cartels. These routes are also used to traffic other dangerous materials. Senator Ayotte wants funding for the US Military, primarily the US Coast Guard, to end the trafficking routes. She called it 'interdiction.' Her focus is to move beyond the recording of these routes, but, to end the danger to Americans.
Her vision would change the US Coast Guard and put them in harms way. If this is to go forward, which it should, the US Coast Guard is going to need better equipment including body armor. The US Military will have to rethink the strategies for the US Coast Guard and the best methods to carry out interdiction. The country also has not heard any debate on the US Senate floor about this change in status of the US Coast Guard.
I thought Senator Ayotte was correct. It would move the USA from passive ocean observation, to interdiction to end the dangers. It is an attempt to end addiction before it even begins. It has merit and needs to be tried. There is no doubt it would be a war.
General Dunford stated it would be the US Coast Guard to take on this challenge. General Dunford would have to redirect training including what is involved in a seaman/woman falling into the ocean wearing body armor. I think that issue will result in technology that will change the weight of such equipment with new materials.
Last week while attending a Senate oversight committee hearing Senator Ayotte brought a question in regard to trafficking of drugs as well as other dangers to the American people.
Senator Ayotte stated the USA military is aware of the trafficking routes of drug cartels. These routes are also used to traffic other dangerous materials. Senator Ayotte wants funding for the US Military, primarily the US Coast Guard, to end the trafficking routes. She called it 'interdiction.' Her focus is to move beyond the recording of these routes, but, to end the danger to Americans.
Her vision would change the US Coast Guard and put them in harms way. If this is to go forward, which it should, the US Coast Guard is going to need better equipment including body armor. The US Military will have to rethink the strategies for the US Coast Guard and the best methods to carry out interdiction. The country also has not heard any debate on the US Senate floor about this change in status of the US Coast Guard.
I thought Senator Ayotte was correct. It would move the USA from passive ocean observation, to interdiction to end the dangers. It is an attempt to end addiction before it even begins. It has merit and needs to be tried. There is no doubt it would be a war.
General Dunford stated it would be the US Coast Guard to take on this challenge. General Dunford would have to redirect training including what is involved in a seaman/woman falling into the ocean wearing body armor. I think that issue will result in technology that will change the weight of such equipment with new materials.
