Kucinich Declares Victory for Protecting the Great Lakes-U.S. Coast Guard Ceases Live Fire Weapons [View All]

[Kolesar]

Kucinich Declares Victory for Protecting the Great Lakes; U.S. Coast Guard Ceases Live Fire Weapons Training Program

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 18) - Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich (D-OH) issued the following statement today in response to the U.S. Coast Guard's decision to terminate its live fire weapons program on the Great Lakes:

"The U.S. Coast Guard heeded the calls of the American people. Today the Great Lakes were protected by those who rely on its integrity."

Kucinich fought to halt the live fire weapons training program on the Great Lakes. He was the only Member of Congress who spoke out at a U.S. Coast Guard public meeting in October, urging the agency to reconsider. He also worked in collaboration with various local environmental, recreational, peace and labor groups who oppose the live fire arms training program. He held an environmental summit in his Lakewood office where he heard the concerns of different agencies. He then took these concerns and voiced them in the public meeting.

"The Coast Guard's decision to cancel live fire exercises on the Great Lakes was democracy in action. Nearly 1,000 public comments testify to the people's strong objection to militarizing our peaceful border with Canada. Today, the Coast Guard listened to the people."

Kucinich vowed to closely monitor any future proposals and to work closely with the U.S. Coast Guard to safeguard the Great Lakes, the world's largest supply of fresh water.

"Lake Erie and the other Great Lakes are a vital resource for commerce, recreation, transportation, species diversity and international cooperation.

"I commend the Coast Guard for recognizing the importance the Great Lakes play in millions of Americans' everyday lives. The Coast Guard listened and the people prevailed."