This week, the Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, ADM Thad Allen, testified before the House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation on the FY2011 budget.  ADM Allen told the subcommittee that the budget invests in “what works, cutting down on redundancy, eliminating spending on ineffective programs, and making improvements across the board.”  He stated that the Coast Guard’s highest priority was to continue the acquisition of new ships, aircraft, and infrastructure.  He argued that recapitalization of the Coast Guard’s surface, air, and shore assets was a strategic imperative to the Coast Guard and homeland security.  ADM Allen noted that the budget will continue to maintain and enhance acquisition, financial management, and marine safety workforces.  He underscored the Coast Guard’s commitment to meeting search and rescue standards and pointed to the response in Haiti as a prime example of the Coast Guard’s ability to meet emerging threats and hazards.  You can view a video of the hearing on the subcommittee website.