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US Congress · H.R. 4275 · Passed the House

Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025

Introduced
Moved
Reached a final decision
Introduced 2025-07-02
Derived from the official record below.

Officially: “Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 Read the full text

Transportation and Public Works

What it does

The bill authorizes Coast Guard funding through 2029, raises staffing limits up to 60,000 people, and creates a new Senate-confirmed civilian Secretary of the Coast Guard along with an inspector general and chief prosecutor. It updates rules for merchant mariner credentialing, vessel safety, and offshore wind and cable-laying crews. It also creates new reporting and victim-protection procedures for sexual assault and harassment cases, and requires several studies on Coast Guard operations and infrastructure.
Written by AI from the complete official bill text and independently fact-checked against it. Not legal advice.

Read it in plain language

AI plain language154 sections
Written by AI from the complete official bill text and independently fact-checked against it. Not legal advice.
Sec. 1Short title; table of contents

This section would give the Act the short title "Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025" and would set out the table of contents for the entire Act.

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1. Short title; table of contents (a) Short title This Act may be cited as the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 . (b) Table of contents The table of contents for this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Sec. 2. Commandant defined. Title I—Coast Guard Subtitle A—Authorization of Appropriations Sec. 101. Authorization of appropriations. Sec. 102. Authorized levels of military strength and training. Subtitle B—Accountability Sec. 111. Annual report on progress of certain homeporting projects. Sec. 112. Major acquisitions. Sec. 113. Quarterly acquisition brief requirements. Sec. 114. Overdue reports. Sec. 115. Requirement for Coast Guard to provide analysis of alternatives for aircraft. Sec. 116. Oversight of funds provided pursuant to fiscal year 2025 budget reconciliation legislation. Sec. 117. Regular polar security cutter updates. Title II—Organization, Authorities, Acquisition, and Personnel of the Coast Guard Subtitle A—Organization Sec. 201. Secretary of the Coast Guard. Sec. 202. Reappointment of Commandant. Sec. 203. Special Advisor to Commandant for Tribal and Native Hawaiian Affairs. Sec. 204. Reinstatement of training course on workings of Congress. Sec. 205. Services and use of funds for, and leasing of, the National Coast Guard Museum. Subtitle B—Authorities Sec. 211. Enhanced use property pilot program. Sec. 212. Public availability of information. Sec. 213. Timely reimbursement of damage claims for Coast Guard property. Sec. 214. Uniform funding and management system for morale, well-being, and recreation programs and Coast Guard Exchange. Sec. 215. Coast Guard property. Sec. 216. Cyber coordination and support in foreign territories. Sec. 217. Modification of treatment of minor construction and improvement project management. Sec. 218. Modification of authority for special purpose facilities. Sec. 219. Preparedness plans for Coast Guard properties located in tsunami inundation zones. Sec. 220. Additional Pribilof Island transition completion actions. Sec. 221. Scientific mission for USCGC Storis. Sec. 222. Coast Guard access to Department of the Treasury fund. Subtitle C—Acquisition Sec. 231. Modification of prohibition on use of lead systems integrators. Sec. 232. Acquisition improvements. Sec. 233. Restriction on acquisition, procurement, or construction of vessels in foreign shipyards. Sec. 234. Floating drydock for United States Coast Guard Yard. Sec. 235. Great Lakes icebreaking. Subtitle D—Personnel Sec. 241. Family leave policies for Coast Guard. Sec. 242. Modifications to career flexibility program. Sec. 243. Direct hire authority for certain personnel. Sec. 244. Command sponsorship for dependents of members of Coast Guard assigned to Unalaska, Alaska. Sec. 245. Authorization for maternity uniform allowance for officers. Sec. 246. Consolidation of authorities for college student precommissioning initiative. Sec. 247. Additional available guidance and considerations for reserve selection boards. Sec. 248. Housing. Sec. 249. Behavioral health. Sec. 250. Travel allowance for members of Coast Guard assigned to Alaska. Sec. 251. Tuition Assistance and Advanced Education Assistance Pilot Program. Sec. 252. Recruitment, relocation, and retention incentive program for civilian firefighters employed by Coast Guard in remote locations. Sec. 253. Notification. Subtitle E—Coast Guard Academy Sec. 261. Modification of Board of Visitors. Sec. 262. Study on Coast Guard Academy oversight. Sec. 263. Electronic locking mechanisms to ensure Coast Guard Academy cadet room security. Sec. 264. Report on existing behavioral health and wellness support services facilities at Coast Guard Academy. Sec. 265. Required posting of information. Sec. 266. Installation of multipurpose medical privacy rooms. Sec. 267. Coast Guard Academy room reassignment. Sec. 268. Authorization for use of Coast Guard Academy facilities and equipment by covered foundations. Sec. 269. Concurrent jurisdiction at Coast Guard Academy. Subtitle F—Reports and Policies Sec. 271. Policy and briefing on availability of naloxone to treat opioid, including fentanyl, overdoses. Sec. 272. Policy on methods to reduce incentives for illicit maritime drug trafficking. Sec. 273. Report on condition of aids to navigation. Sec. 274. Feasibility study on supporting additional port visits and deployments in support of Operation Blue Pacific. Sec. 275. Study and gap analysis with respect to Coast Guard Air Station Corpus Christi aviation hangar. Sec. 276. Report on impacts of joint travel regulations on members of Coast Guard who rely on ferry systems. Sec. 277. Report on Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program. Sec. 278. Report and briefings on implementing section 564 of title 14. Sec. 279. Report on role of Coast Guard. Sec. 280. Report on Coast Guard personnel skills. Sec. 281. Report on Coast Guard search and rescue operations. Title III—Shipping and Navigation Subtitle A—Merchant Mariner Credentials Sec. 301. Merchant mariner credentialing. Sec. 302. Nonoperating individual. Subtitle B—Vessel Safety Sec. 311. Grossly negligent operations of a vessel. Sec. 312. Performance driven examination schedule. Sec. 313. Fishing vessel and fisherman training safety. Sec. 314. Designating pilotage waters for the Straits of Mackinac. Sec. 315. Receipts; international agreements for ice patrol services. Sec. 316. Study of amphibious vessels. Sec. 317. St. Lucie River railroad bridge. Subtitle C—Ports Sec. 321. Ports and waterways safety. Sec. 322. Study on Bering Strait vessel traffic projections and emergency response posture at ports of the United States. Sec. 323. Improving Vessel Traffic Service monitoring. Sec. 324. Controlled substance onboard vessels. Sec. 325. Cyber-incident training. Sec. 326. Navigational protocols. Subtitle D—Matters Involving Autonomous Systems Sec. 331. Establishment of National Advisory Committee on Autonomous Maritime Systems. Sec. 332. Pilot program for governance and oversight of small uncrewed maritime systems. Sec. 333. Coast Guard training course. Sec. 334. NOAA membership on Autonomous Vessel Policy Council. Sec. 335. Technology pilot program. Sec. 336. Uncrewed systems capabilities report. Sec. 337. Medium unmanned aircraft systems capabilities study. Sec. 338. Comptroller General report on Coast Guard acquisition and deployment of unmanned systems. Sec. 339. National Academies of Sciences report on unmanned systems and use of data. Sec. 340. Unmanned aircraft systems. Subtitle E—Other Matters Sec. 341. Information on type approval certificates. Sec. 342. Clarification of authorities. Sec. 343. Amendments to passenger vessel security and safety requirements. Sec. 344. Extension of pilot program to establish a cetacean desk for Puget Sound region. Sec. 345. Suspension of enforcement of use of devices broadcasting on AIS for purposes of marking fishing gear. Sec. 346. Classification societies. Sec. 347. Abandoned and derelict vessel removals. Sec. 348. Report on certain Coast Guard requirements. Sec. 349. Offshore operations. Sec. 350. Administrative costs. Subtitle F—American Offshore Workers Fairness Sec. 361. Manning and crewing requirements for certain outer continental shelf vessels, vehicles, and structures. Sec. 362. Outer Continental Shelf. Sec. 363. Foreign vessel notifications. Sec. 364. Effective date. Sec. 365. Anchor handling activities. Sec. 366. Near shore cable laying barges. Title IV—Oil Pollution Response Sec. 401. Vessel response plans. Sec. 402. Use of marine casualty investigations. Sec. 403. Timing of review. Sec. 404. Online incident reporting system. Sec. 405. Investment of Exxon Valdez oil spill court recovery in high yield investments and marine research. Sec. 406. Additional response assets. Sec. 407. International maritime oil spill response. Title V—Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Response Sec. 501. Independent review of Coast Guard reforms. Sec. 502.  Comprehensive policy and procedures on retention and access to evidence and records relating to sexual misconduct and other misconduct. Sec. 503. Consideration of request for transfer of a cadet at the Coast Guard Academy who is the victim of a sexual assault or related offense. Sec. 504. Designation of officers with particular expertise in military justice or healthcare. Sec. 505. Safe-to-Report policy for Coast Guard. Sec. 506. Modification of reporting requirements on covered misconduct in Coast Guard. Sec. 507. Modifications to the officer involuntary separation process. Sec. 508. Review of discharge characterization. Sec. 509. Convicted sex offender as grounds for denial. Sec. 510. Definition of covered misconduct. Sec. 511. Notification of changes to Uniform Code of Military Justice or Manual for Courts Martial relating to covered misconduct. Sec. 512. Complaints of retaliation by victims of sexual assault or sexual harassment and related persons. Sec. 513. Development of policies on military protective orders. Sec. 514. Coast Guard implementation of independent review commission recommendations on addressing sexual assault and sexual harassment in the military. Sec. 515. Policy relating to care and support of victims of covered misconduct. Sec. 516. Establishment of special victim capabilities to respond to allegations of certain special victim offenses. Sec. 517. Members asserting post-traumatic stress disorder, sexual assault, or traumatic brain injury. Sec. 518. Participation in CATCH a Serial Offender program. Sec. 519. Accountability and transparency relating to allegations of misconduct against senior leaders. Sec. 520. Confidential reporting of sexual harassment. Sec. 521. Report on policy on whistleblower protections. Sec. 522. Review and modification of Coast Guard Academy policy on sexual harassment and sexual violence. Sec. 523. Coast Guard and Coast Guard Academy access to defense sexual assault incident database. Sec. 524. Director of Coast Guard Investigative Service. Sec. 525. Modifications and revisions relating to reopening retired grade determinations. Sec. 526. Inclusion and command review of information on covered misconduct in personnel service records. Sec. 527. Flag officer review of, and concurrence in, separation of members who have reported sexual misconduct. Sec. 528. Expedited transfer in cases of sexual misconduct or domestic violence. Sec. 529. Access to temporary separation program for victims of alleged sex-related offenses. Sec. 530. Policy and program to expand prevention of sexual misconduct. Sec. 531. Continuous vetting of security clearances. Sec. 532. Training and education programs for covered misconduct prevention and response. Title VI—Comptroller General Reports Sec. 601. Comptroller General report on Coast Guard research, development, and innovation program. Sec. 602. Comptroller General review of quality and availability of Coast Guard behavioral health care and resources for personnel wellness. Sec. 603. Comptroller General study on Coast Guard efforts to reduce prevalence of missing or incomplete medical records and sharing of medical data with Department of Veterans Affairs and other entities. Sec. 604. Comptroller General study on Coast Guard training facility infrastructure. Sec. 605. Comptroller General study on Coast Guard basic allowance for housing. Sec. 606. Comptroller General report on safety and security infrastructure at Coast Guard Academy. Sec. 607. Comptroller General study and report on permanent change of station process. Title VII—Amendments Sec. 701. Amendments.

Sec. 2Commandant defined

This section would define the term "Commandant," as used throughout the Act, to mean the Commandant of the Coast Guard.

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2. Commandant defined In this Act, the term Commandant means the commandant of the Coast Guard. I Coast Guard A Authorization of Appropriations

Sec. 101Authorization of appropriations

This section would amend section 4902 of title 14 to replace the Coast Guard's appropriations authorizations for fiscal years 2022 and 2023 with new dollar authorizations for fiscal years 2025 through 2029. Under paragraph (1)(A), the authorized amounts would be $11,287,500,000 for fiscal year 2025, $11,851,875,000 for fiscal year 2026, $12,500,000,000 for fiscal year 2027, $13,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2028, and $13,500,000,000 for fiscal year 2029. Paragraph (1)(B)'s dollar figure would rise from $23,456,000 to $25,570,000, and paragraph (1)(C)'s figure (previously tied only to paragraph (1)(A)(ii)) would become $26,848,500 and would be tied to clauses (ii) through (v) of paragraph (1)(A). Under paragraph (2)(A), the authorized amounts would be $3,627,600,000 for fiscal year 2025, $3,651,480,000 for fiscal year 2026, $3,700,000,000 for fiscal year 2027, $3,750,000,000 for fiscal year 2028, and $3,800,000,000 for fiscal year 2029. Under paragraph (3), the authorized amounts would be $15,415,000 for fiscal year 2025, $16,185,750 for fiscal year 2026, $16,500,000 for fiscal year 2027, $17,000,000 for fiscal year 2028, and $17,500,000 for fiscal year 2029. Paragraph (4) would be replaced to authorize, for fiscal years 2025 through 2029, the amounts the Coast Guard determines necessary for retired pay, including obligations otherwise chargeable to lapsed appropriations for retired pay, payments under the Retired Serviceman's Family Protection Plan and the Survivor Benefit Plan, career status bonuses, continuation pay under section 356 of title 37, concurrent receipts, combat-related special compensation, and medical care of retired personnel and their dependents under chapter 55 of title 10.

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101. Authorization of appropriations Section 4902 of title 14, United States Code, is amended— (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking fiscal years 2022 and 2023 and inserting fiscal years 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, and 2029 ; (2) in paragraph (1)— (A) in subparagraph (A) by striking clauses (i) and (ii) and inserting the following: (i) $11,287,500,000 for fiscal year 2025; (ii) $11,851,875,000 for fiscal year 2026; (iii) $12,500,000,000 for fiscal year 2027; (iv) $13,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2028; and (v) $13,500,000,000 for fiscal year 2029. ; (B) in subparagraph (B) by striking $23,456,000 and inserting $25,570,000 ; and (C) in subparagraph (C) by striking subparagraph (A)(ii), $24,353,000 and inserting clauses (ii), (iii), (iv), and (v) of subparagraph (A), respectively, $26,848,500 ; (3) in paragraph (2)(A) by striking clauses (i) and (ii) and inserting the following: (i) $3,627,600,000 for fiscal year 2025; (ii) $3,651,480,000 for fiscal year 2026; (iii) $3,700,000,000 for fiscal year 2027; (iv) $3,750,000,000 for fiscal year 2028; and (v) $3,800,000,000 for fiscal year 2029. ; (4) in paragraph (3) by striking subparagraphs (A) and (B) and inserting the following: (A) $15,415,000 for fiscal year 2025; (B) $16,185,750 for fiscal year 2026; (C) $16,500,000 for fiscal year 2027; (D) $17,000,000 for fiscal year 2028; and (E) $17,500,000 for fiscal year 2029. ; and (5) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following: (4) Amounts determined to be necessary by the Coast Guard for retired pay, including the payment of obligations otherwise chargeable to lapsed appropriations for purposes of retired pay, payments under the Retired Serviceman’s Family Protection Plan and the Survivor Benefit Plan, payment for career status bonuses, payment of continuation pay under section 356 of title 37, concurrent receipts, combat-related special compensation, and payments for medical care of retired personnel and their dependents under chapter 55 of title 10, for fiscal year 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, and 2029. .

Sec. 102Authorized levels of military strength and training

This section would amend section 4904 of title 14. Subsection (a) would replace the authorized Coast Guard military end strength of 44,500 for fiscal years 2022 and 2023 with 50,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 and 2026, 55,000 for fiscal year 2027, and 60,000 for each of fiscal years 2028 and 2029. Subsection (b) would raise the authorized student-year levels for fiscal years 2025 through 2029: from 2,500 to 4,000 student years under paragraph (1), from 165 to 250 under paragraph (2), from 385 to 700 under paragraph (3), and from 1,200 to 1,600 under paragraph (4). The section would also add a reporting requirement: in any fiscal year in which the President's budget submission under section 1105 of title 31 does not include a proportional increase in Operations and Support funding under section 4902(1)(A) of title 14 to support the higher end strengths, the end strength could not exceed the fiscal year 2022 and 2023 levels, and the Commandant would have to report to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a plan to reach 60,000 personnel, including proposed missions and purposes for the growth, additional estimated salary and benefits costs for fiscal years 2027 through 2032, estimated recruiting resources and costs for those years, and estimated resources and costs to build sufficient training capacity for the growth. Finally, the section would provide that section 517(a) of title 10 would not apply to the Coast Guard until October 1, 2027.

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102. Authorized levels of military strength and training (a) In general Section 4904 of title 14, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (a) by striking 44,500 for each of fiscal years 2022 and 2023 and inserting 50,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 and 2026, 55,000 for fiscal year 2027, and 60,000 for each of fiscal years 2028 and 2029 ; and (2) in subsection (b)— (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking for each of fiscal years 2022 and 2023 ; (B) in paragraph (1) by striking 2,500 student years and inserting 4,000 student years for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2029 ; (C) in paragraph (2) by striking 165 student years and inserting 250 student years for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2029 ; (D) in paragraph (3) by striking 385 student years and inserting 700 student years for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2029 ; and (E) in paragraph (4) by striking 1,200 student years and inserting 1,600 student years for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2029 . (b) Reporting requirement In any fiscal year in which the submission required under section 1105 of title 31, United States Code, does not include a proportional increase in the Operations and Support funding under section 4902(1)(A) of title 14, United States Code, to support the end strengths authorized under the amendments made by subsection (a)— (1) the end strengths shall not exceed the levels authorized in fiscal year 2022 and fiscal year 2023; and (2) the Commandant shall provide to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the plan of the Coast Guard to achieve growth in the Coast Guard’s military strength to 60,000, which shall include— (A) proposed missions and purposes for the growth of the Coast Guard in miliary strength; (B) the additional estimated cost of salaries and benefits for each fiscal year from 2027 through 2032; (C) estimated recruiting resources and costs for each fiscal year from 2027 through 2032; and (D) estimated resources and costs required to achieve sufficient training capacity for growth in enlisted and officer corps for each fiscal year from 2027 through 2032. (c) Rule of applicability Section 517(a) of title 10, United States Code, shall not apply with respect to the Coast Guard until October 1, 2027. B Accountability

Sec. 111Annual report on progress of certain homeporting projects

This section would amend section 5102 of title 14 to add a new subsection requiring that, if the Commandant fails to submit the homeporting report already required by that section, the Commandant must brief the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate in person, without delegation, on the steps being taken to produce the report, at least once every 30 days until the report is produced. Separately, the section would require the Commandant, not later than 180 days after enactment, to submit to the same two committees a report on the status of shore infrastructure needed to homeport or station all surface and aviation assets from Level 1 or Level 2 acquisitions that have entered the obtain phase under section 1132(b) of title 14, covering current homeports and stations, which cutters and aircraft can be located there, the current planned number of aircraft and cutters, which assets are scheduled for decommissioning or special commission status, and where newly acquired cutters and aircraft will be assigned, including an assessment of shoreside infrastructure needs and whether existing facilities are adequate along with associated costs. The section would also require the Commandant, not later than 90 days after enactment, to issue a report on the progress of all approved cutter homeporting projects within Coast Guard District 17 for Fast Response Cutters, Offshore Patrol Cutters, and the USCGC STORIS (procured under section 11223 of the Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022), including the status of appropriated funds, activities completed and planned for the next year, and an updated milestone timeline for each project. Not later than July 1 of the first calendar year after that initial report is submitted, and each July 1 thereafter until July 2, 2031 or completion of all such projects, the Commandant would have to issue an updated report on each homeporting project described in subsection (b)(1) of the amended section (including projects approved after enactment), containing the same elements as subsection (b)(2). The Commandant would also have to complete, not later than 90 days after enactment, a report on the cost and timeframe for expanding the industrial capacity of Coast Guard Base Ketchikan to perform out-of-water repairs on Fast Response Cutters, and submit that report to the same two committees not later than 120 days after enactment. Each report issued under the section would have to be published on a publicly accessible Coast Guard website, and the section would define "homeporting project" to mean facility infrastructure modifications, new construction, and real property or land acquisition (including shoreside and waterfront facilities, cutter maintenance facilities, housing, and child development facilities) associated with homeporting new or modified cutters.

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111. Annual report on progress of certain homeporting projects (a) In general Section 5102 of title 14, United States Code, is amended— (1) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); and (2) by inserting after subsection (b) the following: (c) Briefing (1) In general If the Commandant fails to submit the report required under this section, the Commandant shall brief the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate on the steps being taken to produce the report not less than once every 30 days until the required report is produced. (2) Requirements The briefing under paragraph (1) shall be made in person and may not be delegated by the Commandant. . (b) Report (1) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the status of shore infrastructure required to homeport or station all surface and aviation assets to be delivered as part of Level 1 or Level 2 acquisitions that have entered the obtain phase as authorized under section 1132(b) of title 14, United States Code. (2) Elements The report required under paragraph (1) shall include— (A) a description of the current homeports and stations to which of Coast Guard cutters and aircraft are assigned; (B) a description of cutters or aircrafts that are able to be located by the homeport or station to which they are assigned; (C) the current number of aircraft and cutters planned for the program of record of the Coast Guard; (D) a description of cutter and aircraft which are scheduled to be decommissioned or put in special commission status; and (E) a description of where new cutters and aircraft being acquired as part of the program of record of the Coast Guard will be assigned, including— (i) an assessment of the shoreside and infrastructure needs for such cutters and aircrafts; and (ii) an assessment of whether existing facilities are adequate to support such cutter and aircraft, and the costs of planning, engineering, design construction, land acquisition, and environmental remediation. (c) Initial report (1) In general Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall issue a report detailing the progress of all approved Coast Guard cutter homeporting projects within Coast Guard District 17 with respect to each of the following: (A) Fast Response Cutters. (B) Offshore Patrol Cutters. (C) The USCGC STORIS procured pursuant to section 11223 of the Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022 ( 14 U.S.C. 561 note). (2) Elements The report required under paragraph (1) shall include, with respect to each homeporting project described in such paragraph, the following: (A) A description of— (i) the status of funds appropriated for the project; (ii) activities carried out toward completion of the project; and (iii) activities anticipated to be carried out during the subsequent 1-year period to advance completion of the project. (B) An updated timeline, including key milestones, for the project. (d) Subsequent reports Not later than July 1 of the first calendar year after the year in which the report required under subsection (c)(1) is submitted, and each July 1 thereafter until July 2, 2031 or the date on which all projects described in subsection (c)(1) are completed, the Commandant shall issue an updated report, with respect to each Coast Guard cutter homeporting project described in subsection (b)(1) (including any such project approved on a date after the date of enactment of this Act and before the submission of the applicable report), containing each element described in subsection (b)(2). (c) Report on capacity of coast guard base ketchikan (1) In general Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall complete a report detailing the cost of and time frame for expanding the industrial capacity of Coast Guard Base Ketchikan to do out of water repairs on Fast Response Cutters. (2) Report Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate the report required under paragraph (1). (d) Public availability The Commandant shall publish each report issued under this section on a publicly accessible website of the Coast Guard. (e) Homeporting project defined In this section, the term homeporting project — (1) means the facility infrastructure modifications, upgrades, new construction, and real property and land acquisition associated with homeporting new or modified cutters; and (2) includes shoreside and waterfront facilities, cutter maintenance facilities, housing, child development facilities, and any other associated infrastructure directly required as a result of homeporting new or modified cutters.

Sec. 112Major acquisitions

This section would amend section 5103 of title 14 to replace the term "major acquisition programs" (and its singular form) with "Level 1 acquisitions or Level 2 acquisitions" in subsections (a) and (b), and would rewrite subsection (f) so that "Level 1 acquisition" and "Level 2 acquisition" take their meaning from section 1171 of title 14 rather than from definitions previously located in section 5103 itself. It would also update section 5107 of title 14 to cross-reference section 1171 for these definitions instead of section 5103(f).

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112. Major acquisitions (a) In general Section 5103 of title 14, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (a) by striking major acquisition programs and inserting Level 1 acquisitions or Level 2 acquisitions ; (2) in subsection (b) by striking major acquisition program and inserting Level 1 acquisition or Level 2 acquisition ; and (3) by amending subsection (f) to read as follows: (f) Definitions In this section: (1) Level 1 acquisition The term Level 1 acquisition has the meaning given such term in section 1171. (2) Level 2 acquisition The term Level 2 acquisition has the meaning given such term in section 1171. . (b) Major acquisition program risk assessment Section 5107 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking section 5103(f) and inserting section 1171 .

Sec. 113Quarterly acquisition brief requirements

This section would rewrite section 5107 of title 14 in full, retitling it "Quarterly acquisition reports and major acquisition program risk assessment." Not later than 45 days after the end of each fiscal quarter, the Commandant would have to brief the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate on all Level 1 and Level 2 acquisition programs (as defined in section 1171), and would have to brief the same committees again not later than 1 week before taking any procurement action significantly affecting the cost or timeline of such a program. Each briefing would have to cover, for every program: its purpose and capabilities; the total units to be acquired annually until procurement is complete; Acquisition Review Board status, including the current acquisition phase, the date of the most recent review, and whether the program is paused or in breach; a comparison of the current cost, schedule, and performance baseline to the originally approved baseline; a lifecycle cost estimate with confidence level, covered fiscal years, a breakout by year and by appropriation account, and an explanation of any changes from the previous baseline; a summary of independent verification and validation findings or an explanation why none was performed; a table of fund obligations by year, including planned carryover; a list of prime contractors and major subcontractors; and narrative risk descriptions covering current risks, any failure to demonstrate a key performance parameter during the prior fiscal year's testing, any decision to order full-rate production before all key performance parameters were met, and any cost or schedule breach (as defined in the Coast Guard's Major Systems Acquisition Manual) during the fiscal year. Not later than 5 business days after the Secretary approves an Acquisition Decision Memorandum for a covered program, the Commandant would have to submit that memorandum to the same two committees.

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113. Quarterly acquisition brief requirements (a) In general Section 5107 of title 14, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: 5107. Quarterly acquisition reports and major acquisition program risk assessment (a) In general Not later than 45 days after the end of each fiscal quarter, the Commandant shall provide to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a briefing on all Level 1 and Level 2 acquisition programs, as such terms are defined in section 1171. (b) Additional briefing Not later than 1 week before taking procurement actions that will significantly impact the costs or timelines of a Level 1 or Level 2 acquisition program, the Commandant shall brief the committees described in subsection (a). (c) Elements Each briefing required under subsection (a) or (b) shall include, for each program— (1) a description of the purpose of the program, including the capabilities being acquired; (2) the total number of units, as appropriate, to be acquired annually until procurement is complete under the current acquisition program baseline; (3) the Acquisition Review Board status, including— (A) the current acquisition phase by increment, as applicable; (B) the date of the most recent review; and (C) whether the program has been paused or is in breach status; (4) a comparison between the initial Department-approved acquisition program baseline cost, schedule, and performance thresholds and objectives and the current such thresholds and objectives of the program, if applicable; (5) the lifecycle cost estimate, adjusted for comparison to the Future Coast Guard Program, including— (A) the confidence level for the estimate; (B) the fiscal years included in the estimate; (C) a breakout of the estimate for the prior five years, the current year, and the budget year; (D) a breakout of the estimate by appropriation account or other funding source; and (E) a description of and rationale for any changes to the estimate as compared to the previously approved baseline, as applicable, and during the prior fiscal year; (6) a summary of the findings of any independent verification and validation of the items to be acquired or an explanation for why no such verification and validation has been performed; (7) a table displaying the obligation of all program funds by prior fiscal year, the estimated obligation of funds for the current fiscal year, and an estimate for the planned carryover of funds into the subsequent fiscal year; (8) a listing of prime contractors and major subcontractors; and (9) narrative descriptions of risks to cost, schedule, or performance that could result in a program breach if not successfully mitigated, including— (A) the current risks to such program; (B) any failure of such program to demonstrate a key performance parameter or threshold during operational test and evaluation conducted during the previous fiscal year; (C) whether there has been any decision in such fiscal year to order full-rate production before all key performance parameters or thresholds are met; (D) whether there has been any breach of major acquisition program cost (as such term is defined in the manual of the Coast Guard titled Major Systems Acquisition Manual (COMDTINST M5000.10C)) in such fiscal year; and (E) whether there has been any breach of major acquisition program schedule (as such term is defined in the manual of the Coast Guard titled Major Systems Acquisition Manual (COMDTINST M5000.10C)) during such fiscal year. (d) Memorandum deadline Not later than 5 business days after the date on which the Secretary approves an Acquisition Decision Memorandum for programs described in this section, the Commandant shall submit such memorandum to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 51 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 5107 and inserting the following: 5107. Quarterly acquisition reports and major acquisition program risk assessment. .

Sec. 114Overdue reports

This section would add a new section 5116 to chapter 51 of title 14, "Status of overdue reports." Not later than 60 days after enactment of the new section, and not later than March 1 of each year afterward, the Commandant would have to submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the status of any report or briefing required under chapter 51 that has not been delivered to Congress, including the due date and how many days overdue it is, a plan and timeline to complete each outstanding item, and the name of the flag officer responsible for completing it. If the Commandant fails to submit this status report, the Commandant would have to brief the same two committees in person, without delegation, on the steps being taken to produce it, at least once every 30 days until it is produced.

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114. Overdue reports (a) In general Chapter 51 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 5116. Status of overdue reports (a) In general Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this section, and not later than March 1 of each year thereafter, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the status of reports or briefings required under this chapter that have not been delivered to Congress. (b) Contents The report required under section (a) shall contain the following: (1) The status of each required report or briefing that has not been delivered to Congress, including the date the report or briefing is due, and if applicable, the number of days the Coast Guard has exceeded the required completion date. (2) A plan and timeline for the next steps to be taken to complete such outstanding reports or briefings. (3) The name of the flag officer responsible for the completion of each report or briefing. (c) Briefing (1) In general If the Commandant fails to submit the report required under this section, the Commandant shall brief the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate on the steps being taken to produce the report not less than once every 30 days until the required report is produced. (2) Requirements The briefing under paragraph (1) shall be made in person and may not be delegated by the Commandant. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 51 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 5116. Status of overdue reports. .

Sec. 115Requirement for Coast Guard to provide analysis of alternatives for aircraft

This section would require the Commandant, not later than 6 months after enactment, to submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the status of implementing the recommendations in the GAO report "Aircraft Fleet and Aviation Workforce Assessments Needed" (GAO-24-106374, issued April 9, 2024), covering an assessment of what type of helicopters the Coast Guard needs, an analysis of alternatives comparing operational effectiveness, cost, and risk, and a fleet mix analysis of the number of helicopters needed across all districts. Until the Commandant submits that report, no funds authorized under section 4902(2)(A) of title 14 could be obligated or spent in fiscal years 2027 through 2029 to procure or modernize helicopters. Until the report is submitted, the Commandant would also have to maintain an operational, geographically dispersed rotary wing fleet of at least 140 aircraft, and would have to notify the same two committees not later than 5 business days after the fleet falls below that number.

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115. Requirement for Coast Guard to provide analysis of alternatives for aircraft (a) In general Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the status of the implementation of the recommendations contained in the report of the Government Accountability Office titled Aircraft Fleet and Aviation Workforce Assessments Needed, and issued April 9, 2024 (GAO–24–106374). (b) Contents The report required under section (a) shall contain the following: (1) An assessment of the type of helicopters the Coast Guard requires to meet the mission demands of the Coast Guard. (2) An analysis of alternatives including an analytical study comparing the operational effectiveness, costs, and risks to determine the best suited aircraft to meet mission needs. (3) A fleet mix analysis to identify the necessary number of helicopters to meet the mission needs of the Coast Guard across all districts. (c) Limitation of aircraft expenses No funds authorized to be appropriated under section 4902(2)(A) of title 14, United States Code, (as added by section 101(3)(A)) may be obligated or expended in fiscal years 2027 through 2029 for the procurement or modernization of helicopters until the Commandant submits the report required under this section. (d) Minimum rotary wing fleet (1) In general The Commandant shall maintain an operational, geographically dispersed rotary wing fleet of not less than 140 aircraft for the purpose of meeting minimum operational capabilities until the Commandant submits the report required under this section. (2) Report In the event the operational rotary wing fleet of the Coast Guard falls below the requirements of this subsection, the Commandant shall provide to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a notification not later than 5 business days after the inability of the Commandant to meet the requirement.

Sec. 116Oversight of funds provided pursuant to fiscal year 2025 budget reconciliation legislation

This section would bar the Commandant from expending or obligating funds appropriated under the fiscal year 2025 budget reconciliation Act during any fiscal year in which the Commandant is not in compliance with sections 5102 and 5103 of title 14 (excluding 5103(e)), and would bar spending of those funds until the Commandant provides the report required under section 11217 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate. Not less than 1 week before any procurement action that would affect the cost or timeline of an acquisition funded by that reconciliation Act, the Commandant would have to notify the same two committees, and not later than 90 days after the reconciliation Act's enactment, the Commandant would have to submit a detailed expenditure plan to them, including project timelines and a list of funded project locations. If the President authorizes an exception under section 1151(b) of title 14 for a vessel (or its hull or superstructure) funded by the reconciliation Act, no funds could be obligated until the President submits to the same two committees a written explanation of the national-security circumstances requiring the exception, including confirmation that there are insufficient qualified United States shipyards without it and a description of actions taken to enable qualified shipyards to meet the requirement before the exception is issued. Notwithstanding the reconciliation Act, the Commandant would have to ensure that any cutters procured with its appropriations meet the requirements of section 1133(c) of title 14.

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116. Oversight of funds provided pursuant to fiscal year 2025 budget reconciliation legislation (a) In general The Commandant may not expend or obligate funds— (1) appropriated pursuant to the budget reconciliation Act for fiscal year 2025 during any fiscal year in which the Commandant is not compliant with sections 5102 and 5103 (excluding 5103(e)) of title 14, United States Code; and (2) that are provided in the budget reconciliation Act for fiscal year 2025 until the Commandant provides the report required under section 11217 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 ( Public Law 117–263 ) to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate. (b) Notification requirement Not less than 1 week before taking any procurement action impacting estimated costs or timelines for acquisitions or procurements appropriated pursuant to the budget reconciliation Act for fiscal year 2025, the Commandant shall notify the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate of such action. (c) Expenditure plan Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of the budget reconciliation Act for fiscal year 2025, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a detailed expenditure plan, including projected project time lines for each acquisition and procurement appropriated under such Act and a list of project locations to be funded under such Act. (d) Exception If the President authorizes an exception under section 1151(b) of title 14, United States Code, for any Coast Guard vessel, or the hull or superstructure of such vessel for which funds are appropriated under the budget reconciliation Act for fiscal year 2025, no such funds shall be obligated until the President submits to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a written explanation of the circumstances requiring such an exception in the national security interest, including— (1) a confirmation that there are insufficient qualified United States shipyards to meet the national security interest without such exception; and (2) actions taken by the President to enable qualified United States shipyards to meet national security requirements prior to the issuance of such an exception. (e) Cutter classification Notwithstanding the budget reconciliation Act for fiscal year 2025, the Commandant shall ensure any cutters procured with appropriations made available by such Act meet the requirements of section 1133(c) of title 14, United States Code.

Sec. 117Regular polar security cutter updates

This section would require the Commandant and the Chief of Naval Operations, not later than 120 days after enactment, to submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, and the Committees on Armed Services of the House and Senate a report on the status of Polar Security Cutter acquisition, including a detailed timeline with milestones and a projected commissioning date for the first three cutters, an accounting of funds spent and projections for cost and future funding needs, risks that could delay or imperil completion, and a review of the acquisition to date including causes of cost overruns and delivery delays. Not later than 90 days after that report, and at least every 90 days afterward until Polar Security Cutter 2 achieves full operational capability, the Commandant and the Chief of Naval Operations would have to brief the same four committees on acquisition status, including a summary of progress, an updated timeline and budget estimate, and an explanation of any delays or added costs; briefings would have to occur after each key milestone but no less often than every 90 days. In addition, the Commandant and the Chief of Naval Operations would have to notify the same four committees within 3 business days of any significant change to the scope or funding level of the acquisition strategy.

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117. Regular polar security cutter updates (a) Report (1) Report to Congress Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant and the Chief of Naval Operations shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, and the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the status of acquisition of Polar Security Cutters. (2) Elements The report under paragraph (1) shall include— (A) a detailed timeline for the acquisition process of Polar Security Cutters, including expected milestones and a projected commissioning date for the first 3 Polar Security Cutters; (B) an accounting of the previously appropriated funds spent to date on the Polar Security Cutter Program, updated cost projections for Polar Security Cutters, and projections for when additional funds will be required; (C) potential factors and risks that could further delay or imperil the completion of Polar Security Cutters; and (D) a review of the acquisition of Polar Security Cutters to date, including factors that led to substantial cost overruns and delivery delays. (b) Briefings (1) Provision to Congress Not later than 90 days after the submission of the report under subsection (a), and not less frequently than every 90 days thereafter, the Commandant and the Chief of Naval Operations shall provide to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, and the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a briefing on the status of the Polar Security Cutter acquisition process until Polar Security Cutter 2 achieves full operational capability. (2) Timeline The briefings under paragraph (1) shall occur after any key milestone in the Polar Security Cutter acquisition process, but not less frequently than every 90 days. (3) Elements Each briefing under paragraph (1) shall include— (A) a summary of acquisition progress since the most recent previous briefing conducted pursuant to paragraph (1); (B) an updated timeline and budget estimate for acquisition and building of pending Polar Security Cutters; and (C) an explanation of any delays or additional costs incurred in the acquisition progress. (c) Notifications In addition to the briefings required under subsection (b), the Commandant and the Chief of Naval Operations shall notify the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, and the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives within 3 business days of any significant change to the scope or funding level of the Polar Security Cutter acquisition strategy of such change. II Organization, Authorities, Acquisition, and Personnel of the Coast Guard A Organization

Sec. 201Secretary of the Coast Guard

This section would repeal section 102 of title 14 and would transfer section 888(a) of Public Law 107-296 to appear after section 101 of title 14 as a new, redesignated section 102, rewriting it to set out the Coast Guard's primary duties. Those duties, carried out with due regard to national defense requirements, would include non-homeland-security missions (marine safety and rescue-facility operation; search and rescue; aids to navigation; safeguarding fish and wildlife, including threatened and endangered species, as fisheries law enforcement; marine environmental protection; and ice operations) and homeland-security missions (ports, waterways, and coastal security including maritime recovery after incidents of national significance; drug interdiction; migrant interdiction, including enforcement of immigration laws; defense readiness, including when functioning as a specialized service in the Navy under section 103; and other federal law enforcement). A rule of construction would state that nothing in the new section limits powers under chapter 5 of title 14. The section would also amend subsection (d) of section 888 of Public Law 107-296 to bar the Secretary from reducing "primary duties described in section 102" whether requested or tasked by the Department on behalf of another agency or by another agency itself, and would rewrite subsection (e)(1) as a prohibition: except as specified in later Acts, the Secretary may not substantially or significantly reduce the Coast Guard's primary duties or its capability to perform them, and must ensure their preservation and execution. Technical amendments would tie section 2516 of title 14 (members asserting PTSD or traumatic brain injury) to "Coast Guard operations described in section 102" and would strike its subsection (d), and would update a cross-reference in section 221 of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2016 from the old Homeland Security Act citation to new section 102 of title 14. Before the President appoints a Secretary of the Coast Guard under the new position, the Commandant, coordinating with the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard operates, would have to develop and submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a plan covering an organizational chart for the new Office of the Secretary of the Coast Guard, descriptions of new positions and the offices and policies they would oversee, which powers remain reserved to the Commandant, a transition plan for mission continuity, and recommendations for further statutory changes. The Commandant would have to give that plan to the Comptroller General, who, not later than 6 months after receiving it, would have to review it and report recommendations to the Commandant covering how responsibilities are or should be divided among the Commandant, the Secretary of the department, and the new Secretary of the Coast Guard, the feasibility of the reorganization while preserving the military chain of command, and a comparison to other service secretaries such as the Secretary of the Navy; the Comptroller General would submit that report to the same two committees, and the Commandant would respond describing which recommendations the Coast Guard intends to implement, justifying any it does not, and providing an implementation timeline. The section would establish the Secretary of the Coast Guard position itself in a new chapter 2 of title 14 (redesignating existing section 106 as 107 and adding a new section 106 defining the term): the Secretary of the Coast Guard would be appointed from civilian life by the President with Senate confirmation, would report directly to the Secretary without going through any other departmental official when the Coast Guard is not operating as a service in the Navy, would be chosen with regard to management and leadership qualifications to the greatest extent practicable, and could not be appointed within 7 years of relief from active duty as a commissioned officer. Subject to the Secretary's authority, the Secretary of the Coast Guard would exercise the Secretary's powers under title 14 except as reserved to the Commandant under sections 504 and 505, would hold exclusive authority over certain functions under section 701(a) of Public Law 107-296, and would be responsible for the Coast Guard's functioning and efficiency, policy formulation consistent with national security objectives, implementation of policy and budget decisions, meeting combatant command requirements, cooperation with other military departments on defense readiness, presenting the Coast Guard's positions on plans and policies, and supervising Coast Guard intelligence activities; after informing the Secretary, the Secretary of the Coast Guard could make recommendations to appropriate congressional committees. The Secretary of the Coast Guard could delegate functions to an Under Secretary of the Coast Guard and up to 4 Assistant Secretaries (also Senate-confirmed presidential appointees), and could assign duties to Coast Guard personnel, change titles of officers or activities not fixed by law, and prescribe regulations, but could not eliminate, materially alter, or privatize any primary duty described in section 102, and would have to certify compliance with that limit in an annual report to the same two committees. No officer serving in certain other Public Law 107-296 appointments could perform the Secretary of the Coast Guard's duties, and the Commandant would report directly to the Secretary of the Coast Guard rather than to any other departmental position. Conforming changes would update section 505 of title 14 to say "Secretary of the Coast Guard" instead of "Secretary," would rewrite section 103(c) and section 888 of Public Law 107-296 to reflect the new position (including a rule that the Under Secretary of Management serves as Secretary of the Coast Guard if that office transfers to the Department of the Navy), and would redesignate subsections of section 888. Finally, the section would add two new officer positions to chapter 3 of title 14: a Chief Prosecutor of the Coast Guard, a judge advocate of at least the O-7 grade selected by the Commandant under Secretary-established policies, who would have exclusive authority under the Uniform Code of Military Justice to determine whether a reported offense is a "covered offense," to withdraw or dismiss charges, refer charges to court-martial (a determination binding on the convening authority), enter plea agreements, and determine whether a rehearing is impracticable, with authority reverting to the normal commander or convening authority (except for referring a covered offense to trial) if the Chief Prosecutor declines to act; and an Inspector General of the Coast Guard, detailed by the Secretary from active-duty line officers above the rank of captain for no more than 4 years (extendable only on a special finding of necessity), who would inquire into matters affecting discipline, efficiency, or economy as directed, propose inspection programs, and cooperate with the Department of Homeland Security's Inspector General.

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201. Secretary of the Coast Guard (a) In general Section 102 of title 14, United States Code, is repealed. (b) Transfer Section 888(a) of Public Law 107–296 is transferred to appear after section 101 of title 14, United States Code, redesignated as section 102, and amended to read as follows: 102. Primary duties (a) In general The Coast Guard shall administer laws, promulgate and enforce regulations, and engage in operations and activities, with due regard to the requirements of national defense, in support of the following: (1) Non-Homeland Security Missions (A) Marine safety Engage in oceanographic research, ensure the safe operation of and facilitate the economical movement of goods through the Marine Transportation System, and develop, establish, maintain, and operate rescue facilities for the promotion of safety on, under, and over the high seas and waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States and protect the lives and safety of those on the sea. (B) Search and rescue Respond to maritime disasters, natural or man-made, and render aid to people in distress to protect the lives and promote the safety of life and property on, under, and over the high seas and waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, covering all matters not specifically delegated by law to some other executive department. (C) Aids to navigation Develop, establish, maintain and operate aids to maritime navigation to promote the safe operation of the Marine Transportation System, pursuant to subchapter III of chapter 5, on, under, and over the high seas and waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. (D) Living marine resources (fisheries law enforcement) Safeguard fish and wildlife, including threatened and endangered species, from unlawful acts and environmental degradation under, and over the high seas and waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. (E) Marine environmental protection Safeguard United States marine resources and the ocean from unlawful acts and environmental degradation on, under, and over the high seas and waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. (F) Ice operations Develop, establish, maintain, and operate icebreaking facilities on, under, and over waters other than the high seas and waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. (2) Homeland security missions (A) Ports, waterways and coastal security Conduct maritime recovery operations in the aftermath of incidents of national significance to ensure the continuity of commerce and critical port and waterway functions, protect the United States maritime domain and the Marine Transportation System, and deny the use and exploitation of the maritime domain as a means for attacks on United States territory, population, vessels, and critical infrastructure. (B) Drug interdiction Engage in maritime air surveillance or maritime interdiction to enforce or assist in the enforcement of laws of the United States regarding controlled substances on, under, and over the high seas and waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. (C) Migrant interdiction Engage in maritime air surveillance or maritime interdiction of the maritime border and approaches to enforce or assist in the enforcement of laws of the United States, including the immigration laws of the United States on, under, and over the high seas and waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. (D) Defense readiness Defend United States national interests in the maritime domain against hostile acts through military action, and maintain a state of readiness to assist in the defense of the United States, including when functioning as a specialized service in the Navy pursuant to section 103. (E) Other law enforcement Enforce or assist in the enforcement of all applicable Federal laws on, under, and over the high seas and waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. (b) Rule of construction Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the powers authorized in chapter 5 of title 14, United States Code. . (c) Section 888 Section 888 of Public Law 107–296 is amended— (1) in subsection (d)— (A) by striking No mission and inserting No primary duty described in section 102 of title 14, United States Code, ; (B) by inserting , whether requested or tasked by the Department on behalf of another agency or requested by another agency, after Department ; and (C) by striking missions. and inserting such duties. ; and (2) in subsection (e) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following: (1) Prohibition Except as specified in subsequent Acts, the Secretary— (A) may not substantially or significantly reduce— (i) the primary duties of the Coast Guard described in section 102 of title 14, United States Code; or (ii) the capability of the Coast Guard to perform such duties; and (B) shall ensure the preservation and execution of such duties. . (d) Technical amendments (1) Members asserting post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury Section 2516 of title 14, United States Code, is amended— (A) in subsection (a) by inserting described in section 102 after Coast Guard operations ; and (B) by striking subsection (d). (2) Clarification of eligibility of members of Coast Guard for combat-related special compensation Section 221 of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2016 ( 10 U.S.C. 1413a note) is amended by striking section 888(a) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 ( 6 U.S.C. 468(a) ) and inserting section 102 of title 14, United States Code . (e) Plan (1) In general Prior to the President implementing section 201 of title 14, United States Code, as amended by this Act, and appointing a Secretary of the Coast Guard, the Commandant, in coordination with the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating, shall— (A) develop a plan on the structure, feasibility of the Secretary of the Coast Guard position and the reorganization and restructuring of the Coast Guard needed to incorporate the new position; and (B) submit such plan to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee of Commerce, Science and Transportation of the Senate. (2) Contents The plan required under paragraph (1) shall include— (A) a complete organizational chart, to include the creation of the Office of the Secretary of the Coast Guard and the directorates that report to the Commandant of the Coast Guard; (B) a description of each new position created within the Office of the Secretary; (C) a description of the offices and policies which each new position would be responsible for and how those offices would interact with the offices of the Commandant; (D) a delineation of powers reserved for the Commandant, outside of current statutory authorizations, not previously reserved or delegated; (E) a transition plan to ensure the continuity of the execution of all Coast Guard missions; and (F) recommendations for statutory and legislative changes. (f) Review of plan (1) In general The Commandant shall provide the plan developed in subsection (e) to the Comptroller General of the United States. (2) Report (A) In general Not later than 6 months after the transmission of the plan prepared under paragraph (1), the Comptroller General shall review such plan and provide recommendations to the Commandant in a report. (B) Contents The report shall include— (i) a compilation of the responsibilities and duties assigned to the Commandant of the Coast Guard and the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating, and potential responsibilities and duties that can be moved to the Secretary of the Coast Guard; (ii) a detailed list of all responsibilities and duties assigned to the Commandant and the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating, and how those duties overlap or remain distinct; (iii) a detailed analysis of the responsibilities in clause (i) that should be reassigned or delegated to the Secretary of the Coast Guard and the Commandant of the Coast Guard; (iv) a detailed analysis of the proper separation and oversight of duties in the chain of command between the Secretary, the Secretary of the Coast Guard, and the Commandant of the Coast Guard; (v) an analysis of the feasibility of the reorganization of the service in order to preserve the integrity of the military chain of command; (vi) a comparison to the structure and authorities of other service Secretaries, including but not limited to the Secretary of the Navy, and whether the proposed application to the Coast Guard is appropriate; and (vii) other matters deemed relevant by the Comptroller General. (3) Submission The Comptroller General shall provide to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate the report developed pursuant to paragraph (2). (4) Responses In addition to the plan and report, the Commandant shall provide responses to the recommendations in the report under paragraph (2) to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate to include— (A) a description of the recommendations that the service intends to implement; (B) a justification for each recommendation that the service does not intend to implement; and (C) an implementation strategy and timeline. (g) Secretary of the Coast Guard Subtitle I of title 14, United States Code, is amended— (1) by redesignating section 106 as section 107; (2) by inserting after section 105 the following: 106. Secretary of the Coast Guard defined In this title, the term Secretary of the Coast Guard means the Secretary of the Coast Guard established in section 201. ; and (3) by inserting after section 107, as so redesignated, the following: 2 Secretary of the Coast Guard 201. Secretary of the Coast Guard. 201. Secretary of the Coast Guard (a) Secretary of the Coast Guard (1) In general There is a Secretary of the Coast Guard, appointed from civilian life by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. (2) Not operating as a service in the Navy Subject to section 103(c) of Public Law 107–296 and when the Coast Guard is not operating as a service in the Navy, the Secretary of the Coast Guard shall report directly to the Secretary without being required to report through any other official of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating. The Secretary of the Coast Guard shall not be required to report to any other position in the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, military or civilian, including any other under secretaries, or assistant secretaries. (3) Qualification The Secretary of the Coast Guard shall, to the greatest extent practicable, be appointed from among persons most highly qualified for the position by reason of background and experience, including persons with appropriate management or leadership experience. (4) Disqualification A person may not be appointed as Secretary of the Coast Guard within 7 years after relief from active duty as a commissioned officer of a regular component of an armed force. (b) Powers (1) In general Subject to the authority, direction, and control of the Secretary, the Secretary of the Coast Guard shall exercise the powers of the Secretary in this title, except as may be reserved by the Secretary and reserved for the Commandant pursuant to sections 504 and 505. (2) Authority (A) In general The Secretary of the Coast Guard is responsible for and has the authority necessary to conduct all affairs of the Coast Guard. (B) Authorities and functions Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the authorities and functions prescribed in paragraphs (2) through (5) of section 701(a) of Public Law 107–296 as such authorities and functions pertain to the Coast Guard shall be reserved for the Secretary of the Coast Guard. (3) Responsibilities Subject to the authority, direction, and control of the Secretary, the Secretary of the Coast Guard is also responsible to the Secretary for— (A) the functioning and efficiency of the Coast Guard; (B) the formulation of policies and programs by the Coast Guard that are fully consistent with national security objectives and policies established by the President or the Secretary; (C) the effective and timely implementation of policy, program, and budget decisions and instructions of the President or the Secretary relating to the functions of the Coast Guard; (D) carrying out the functions of the Coast Guard so as to fulfill the current and future operational requirements of the unified and specified combatant commands; (E) effective cooperation and coordination between the Coast Guard and the other military departments and agencies of the Department of Defense with regards to defense readiness missions to provide for more effective, efficient, and economical administration and to eliminate duplication; (F) the presentation and justification of the positions of the Coast Guard on the plans, programs, and policies of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating; (G) the effective supervision and control of the intelligence activities of the Coast Guard; and (H) such other activities and duties as may be prescribed by law or by the President or Secretary, in directing the Coast Guard. (4) Recommendations After first informing the Secretary, the Secretary of the Coast Guard may make such recommendations to appropriate congressional committees, as defined in section 1171, as the Secretary of the Coast Guard considers appropriate. (5) Assignment of functions, powers, and duties (A) Delegation (i) In general The Secretary of the Coast Guard may assign such of the functions, powers, and duties as the Secretary of the Coast Guard considers appropriate, to the Under Secretary of the Coast Guard, and to not more than 4 Assistant Secretaries of the Coast Guard. (ii) Appointment The Under Secretary and the Assistant Secretaries shall be appointed from civilian life by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. (B) Secretary of the Coast Guard’s staff The Secretary of the Coast Guard’s staff shall be limited in the roles and responsibilities of such staff to the execution of the powers vested in the Secretary of the Coast Guard. The size of the Secretary of the Coast Guard’s staff may not exceed the size necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the office of the Secretary of the Coast Guard. (C) Reporting to Secretary of the Coast Guard Officers of the Coast Guard shall, as directed by the Secretary, report on any matter to the Secretary of the Coast Guard, the Under Secretary, or any Assistant Secretary. (6) Additional powers The Secretary of the Coast Guard may— (A) assign, detail, and prescribe the duties of members of the Coast Guard and civilian personnel of the Coast Guard; (B) change the title of any officer or activity of the Coast Guard not prescribed by law; and (C) prescribe regulations to carry out the functions, powers, and duties of the Secretary of the Coast Guard under this title. (7) Prohibitions (A) In general The Secretary of the Coast Guard may not eliminate, materially alter the scope of, or privatize any of the primary duties described in section 102. (B) Report The Secretary of the Coast Guard shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate an annual report demonstrating compliance with subparagraph (A). (c) Limitations No officer serving in an appointment described in subsections (a) through (e) of section 103 of Public Law 107–296 may perform the duties of the Secretary of the Coast Guard. (d) Commandant reporting The Commandant shall report directly to the Secretary of the Coast Guard. The Commandant shall not be required to report to any other position in the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, military or civilian, including under secretaries, or assistant secretaries. . (h) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 1 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 106 and inserting the following: 106. Secretary of the Coast Guard defined. 107. Commandant defined. . (i) Clarifying amendment Section 505 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking Secretary and inserting Secretary of the Coast Guard . (j) Public Law 107–296 Public Law 107–296 is amended— (1) in section 103— (A) by amending subsection (c) to read as follows: (c) Secretary of the Coast Guard When the Coast Guard is operating as a service within the Department of Homeland Security, to assist the Secretary in the performance of the Secretary's functions, there is a Secretary of the Coast Guard who shall be appointed as provided in section 201 of title 14, United States Code, and who shall report directly to the Secretary. ; and (B) in subsection (g)(1)— (i) by striking Notwithstanding and inserting the following: (A) In general Notwithstanding ; (ii) by striking the Under Secretary for Management and inserting the Secretary of the Coast Guard ; and (iii) by adding at the end the following: (B) Under Secretary of Management The Under Secretary of Management shall serve in this capacity in the event that the Secretary of the Coast Guard has transferred to the Department of the Navy. ; and (2) in section 888— (A) by redesignating subsections (b) through (g) as subsections (a) through (f), respectively; and (B) in subsection (e), as so redesignated, by striking Commandant and inserting the Secretary of the Coast Guard . (k) Chief prosecutor of the Coast Guard; Inspector General of the Coast Guard (1) In general Chapter 3 of title 14, United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the following: 324. Chief Prosecutor of the Coast Guard (a) In general There shall be in the Coast Guard a Chief Prosecutor of the Coast Guard selected by the Commandant under policies established by the Secretary and who meets the qualifications set forth in subsection (b). (b) Qualifications The Chief Prosecutor of the Coast Guard shall be a commissioned officer of the Coast Guard who— (1) is a member in good standing of the bar of a Federal court or the highest court of a State; (2) is a judge advocate in the grade not lower than O–7; and (3) is certified to be qualified, by reason of education, training, experience, and temperament, for duty as Chief Prosecutor of the Coast Guard by the Judge Advocate General of the Coast Guard. (c) Duties and authorities (1) In general The Chief Prosecutor of the Coast Guard shall carry out the duties under chapter 47 of title 10 (the Uniform Code of Military Justice) and shall perform the duties assigned as determined by the Secretary and consistent with the policy, regulations, or other guidance promulgated under section 824a of title 10 (article 24a of the Uniform Code of Military Justice). (2) Determination of covered offense; related charges (A) Authority The Chief Prosecutor of the Coast Guard shall have exclusive authority to determine whether a reported offense is a covered offense and shall exercise authority over any such offense in accordance with chapter 47 of title 10 (the Uniform Code of Military Justice). Any determination to prefer or refer charges shall not act to disqualify the Chief Prosecutor of the Coast Guard as an accuser. (B) Known and related offenses If the Chief Prosecutor of the Coast Guard determines that a reported offense is a covered offense, the Chief Prosecutor of the Coast Guard may also exercise authority over any offense that the special trial counsel determines to be related to the covered offense and any other offense alleged to have been committed by a person alleged to have committed the covered offense. (3) Dismissal; referral; plea bargains Subject to paragraph (5), with respect to charges and specifications alleging any offense over which the Chief Prosecutor of the Coast Guard exercises authority, the Chief Prosecutor of the Coast Guard shall have exclusive authority to, in accordance with this chapter and with chapter 47 of title 10 (the Uniform Code of Military Justice)— (A) on behalf of the Government, withdraw or dismiss the charges and specifications or make a motion to withdraw or dismiss the charges and specifications; (B) refer the charges and specifications for trial by a special or general court-martial; (C) enter into a plea agreement; and (D) determine if an authorized rehearing is impracticable. (4) Binding determination The determination of the Chief Prosecutor of the Coast Guard to refer charges and specifications to a court-martial for trial shall be binding on any applicable convening authority for the referral of such charges and specifications. (5) Deferral to Commander or convening authority If the Chief Prosecutor of the Coast Guard exercises authority over an offense and elects not to prefer charges and specifications for such offense or, with respect to charges and specifications for such offense preferred by a person other than the Chief Prosecutor of the Coast Guard, elects not to refer such charges and specifications, a commander or convening authority may exercise any of the authorities of such commander or convening authority under chapter 47 of title 10 (the Uniform Code of Military Justice), with respect to such offense, except that such commander or convening authority may not refer charges and specifications for a covered offense for trial by special or general court-martial. (d) Covered offense defined In this section, the term covered offense has the meaning given such term in section 801 of title 10. 325. Office of the Inspector General of the Coast Guard (a) In general There is in the Office of the Secretary of the Coast Guard an Inspector General of the Coast Guard, who shall be detailed to such position by the Secretary. The Inspector General of the Coast Guard shall be detailed from officers on the active-duty list in the line of the Coast Guard serving in grades above captain. An officer may not be detailed to such position for a tour of duty of more than 4 years, except that the Secretary of the Coast Guard may extend such a tour of duty if the Secretary of the Coast Guard makes a special finding that the extension is necessary and in the public interest. (b) Duties When directed by the Secretary of the Coast Guard or the Commandant, the Inspector General shall inquire into and report upon any matter that affects the discipline, military efficiency, or economy of the Coast Guard. (c) Recommendations The Inspector General shall periodically propose programs of inspections to the Secretary of the Coast Guard and shall recommend additional inspections and investigations as may appear appropriate. (d) Cooperation The Inspector General shall cooperate fully with the Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security in connection with the performance of any duty or function by the Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security under section 103 of Public Law 107–296 regarding the Coast Guard. (e) Duties In addition to the responsibilities described in paragraph (2), the Inspector General shall periodically propose programs of inspections to the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, the Secretary of the Coast Guard, and the appropriate committees of Congress and shall recommend additional inspections and investigations as may appear appropriate. . (2) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 3 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 324. Chief Prosecutor of the Coast Guard. 325. Office of the Inspector General of the Coast Guard. .

Sec. 202Reappointment of Commandant

This section would amend section 302 of title 14 to replace the Commandant's eligibility for "further periods of four years" of reappointment with eligibility for only "one further period of four years," limiting the Commandant to a single four-year reappointment beyond the initial term.

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202. Reappointment of Commandant Section 302 of title 14, United States Code, is amended in the first sentence by striking further periods of four years and inserting one further period of four years .

Sec. 203Special Advisor to Commandant for Tribal and Native Hawaiian Affairs

This section would renumber sections 312 through 324 of chapter 3 of title 14 as sections 313 through 325, and would insert a new section 312 establishing a Special Advisor to the Commandant for Tribal and Native Hawaiian Affairs. The Special Advisor would be selected by the Secretary and the Commandant through a competitive search, would need expertise in federal Indian law and government-to-government consultation and, to the extent practicable, in legal and policy issues affecting Native Hawaiians, and would need a record of distinguished work with Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations; the position would be a career-reserved position at the GS-15 level or above. The Special Advisor's duties would include ensuring the federal government meets its trust responsibility and conducts meaningful, timely consultation with Indian Tribes and engagement with Native Hawaiian and Tribal organizations, advising the Commandant on Coast Guard policies with Tribal implications, working through district liaisons and the Director of Coast Guard Governmental and Public Affairs to implement consultation policy, and supporting Indian Tribes, Native Hawaiian organizations, and Tribal organizations in matters under Coast Guard jurisdiction; no Coast Guard or Department of Homeland Security officer or employee could interfere with the Special Advisor's ability to advise the Secretary and Commandant directly and independently. Not later than 120 days after enactment, the Commandant would have to brief the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives on how the position will be incorporated into Coast Guard governance within 1 year, with annual follow-up briefings on the Special Advisor's activities for 2 years after the position is established, and a briefing within 1 year of enactment on potential collaboration with Tribes on indigenous place-based research relevant to Coast Guard missions. A rule of construction would state that nothing in the section affects any Indian Tribe's rights or any government-to-government consultation. The section would also make conforming cross-reference updates in the Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022, the Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024, and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to reflect the renumbered sections.

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203. Special Advisor to Commandant for Tribal and Native Hawaiian Affairs (a) Reorganization Chapter 3 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by redesignating sections 312 through 324 as sections 313 through 325, respectively. (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 3 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by redesignating the items relating to sections 312 through 324 as relating to sections 313 through 325, respectively. (c) Special Advisor to Commandant for Tribal and Native Hawaiian Affairs Chapter 3 of title 14, United States Code, is further amended by inserting after section 311 the following: 312. Special Advisor to Commandant for Tribal and Native Hawaiian Affairs (a) In general In accordance with Federal trust responsibilities and treaty obligations, laws, and policies relevant to Indian Tribes and in support of the principles of self-determination, self-governance, and co-management with respect to Indian Tribes, and to support engagement with Native Hawaiians, there shall be in the Coast Guard a Special Advisor to the Commandant for Tribal and Native Hawaiian Affairs (in this section referred to as the ‘Special Advisor’), who shall— (1) be selected by the Secretary and the Commandant through a competitive search process; (2) have expertise in Federal Indian law and policy, including government-to-government consultation; (3) to the maximum extent practicable, have expertise in legal and policy issues affecting Native Hawaiians; and (4) have an established record of distinguished service and achievement working with Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations. (b) Career reserved position The position of Special Advisor shall be a career reserved position at the GS–15 level or greater. (c) Duties The Special Advisor shall— (1) ensure the Federal government upholds the Federal trust responsibility and conducts consistent, meaningful, and timely government-to-government consultation and engagement with Indian Tribes, which shall meet or exceed the standards of the Federal Government and the Coast Guard; (2) ensure meaningful and timely engagement with— (A) Native Hawaiian organizations; and (B) Tribal organizations; (3) advise the Commandant on all policies of the Coast Guard that have Tribal implications in accordance with applicable law and policy, including Executive Orders; (4) work to ensure that the policies of the Federal Government regarding consultation and engagement with Indian Tribes and engagement with Native Hawaiian organizations and Tribal organizations are implemented in a meaningful manner, working through Coast Guard leadership and across the Coast Guard, together with— (A) liaisons located within Coast Guard districts; (B) the Director of Coast Guard Governmental and Public Affairs; and (C) other Coast Guard leadership and programs and other Federal partners; and (5) support Indian Tribes, Native Hawaiian organizations, and Tribal organizations in all matters under the jurisdiction of the Coast Guard. (d) Direct access to Secretary and Commandant No officer or employee of the Coast Guard or the Department of Homeland Security may interfere with the ability of the Special Advisor to give direct and independent advice to the Secretary and the Commandant on matters related to this section. (e) Definitions In this section: (1) Indian tribe The term Indian Tribe has the meaning given such term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 5304 ). (2) Native hawaiian organization The term Native Hawaiian organization has the meaning given such term in section 6207 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 7517 ) except the term includes the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. (3) Tribal organization The term Tribal organization has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 5304 ). . (d) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 3 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 311 the following: 312. Special Advisor to Commandant for Tribal and Native Hawaiian Affairs. . (e) Briefings (1) Initial briefing Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall brief the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives on the manner in which the Special Advisor for Tribal and Native Hawaiian Affairs will be incorporated into the governance structure of the Coast Guard, including a timeline for the incorporation that is completed not later than 1 year after date of enactment of this Act. (2) Annual briefings on Special Advisor to the Commandant to Tribal and Native Hawaiian Affairs Not later than 1 year after the date of the establishment of the position of the Special Advisor to the Commandant for Tribal and Native Hawaiian Affairs under section 313 of title 14, United States Code, and annually thereafter for 2 years, the Commandant shall provide the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Technology and the Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives with a briefing on the duties, responsibilities, and actions of the Special Advisor to the Commandant for Tribal and Native Hawaiian Affairs, including management of best practices. (3) Briefing on collaboration with Tribes on research consistent with Coast Guard mission requirements (A) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall provide the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Technology and the Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives with a briefing on potential collaborations on and research and use of indigenous place-based knowledge and research. (B) Element In providing the briefing under subparagraph (A), the Commandant shall identify current and potential future opportunities to improve coordination with Indian Tribes, Native Hawaiian organizations, and Tribal organizations to support— (i) Coast Guard mission needs, such as the potential for research or knowledge to enhance maritime domain awareness, including opportunities through the ADAC–ARCTIC Center of Excellence of the Department of Homeland Security; and (ii) Coast Guard efforts to protect indigenous place-based knowledge and research. (4) Definitions In this subsection: (A) Indian tribe The term Indian Tribe has the meaning given such term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 5304 ). (B) Native hawaiian organization The term Native Hawaiian organization has the meaning given such term in section 6207 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 7517 ) except the term includes the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. (C) Tribal organization The term Tribal organization has the meaning given the such in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 5304 ). (f) Rule of construction Nothing in this section, or an amendment made by this section, shall be construed to impact— (1) the right of any Indian Tribe (as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 5304 ); or (2) any government-to-government consultation. (g) Conforming amendments (1) Section 11237 of the Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022 ( Public Law 117–263 ) is amended— (A) in subsection (a), by striking section 312 of title 14 and inserting section 313 of title 14 ; and (B) in subsection (b)(2)(A), by striking section 312 of title 14 and inserting section 313 of title 14 . (2) Section 807(a) of the Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018 ( Public Law 115–282 ) is amended by striking section 313 of title 14 and inserting section 314 of title 14 . (3) Section 3533(a) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 ( Public Law 118–31 ) is amended by striking section 315 of title 14 and inserting section 316 of title 14 . (4) Section 311(j)(9)(D) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1321(j)(9)(D) ) is amended by striking section 323 of title 14 each place it appears and inserting section 324 of title 14 each such place.

Sec. 204Reinstatement of training course on workings of Congress

This section would rewrite section 316 of title 14 (as redesignated) to require the Commandant to develop and offer, at least once a year, a training course on the workings of Congress covering its history and committee structure, the documents Congress produces, House and Senate legislative processes including the budget, authorization, and appropriations processes and the Senate's advice-and-consent role for nominees and treaties, the roles of Members and staff, and the purposes of congressional oversight; at least 60 percent of the course's lecturers and panelists would have to be outside experts not employed by the executive branch, and the Commandant could accept their services on a pro bono basis. This training would replace the substantially similar training required before enactment, and flag officers or Senior Executive Service employees who completed that prior training within the last 3 years would not have to repeat it. The section would also require a separate, in-person training course on the workings of Congress for Coast Guard members selected as fellows, liaisons, counsel, or administrative staff for the Office of Congressional and Governmental Affairs or as district or area governmental affairs officers, covering similar subject matter plus the roles of Coast Guard congressional-affairs personnel; at the written request of a receiving congressional office, this course would have to include a multi-day (not necessarily consecutive) detail within the Coast Guard Office of Budget and Programs, and a member selected for such a position would have to complete the training before reporting for duty.

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204. Reinstatement of training course on workings of Congress (a) In general Section 316 of title 14, United States Code, as so redesignated, is amended to read as follows: 316. Training courses on workings of Congress (a) In general (1) Training course The Commandant, and such other individuals and organizations as the Commandant considers appropriate, shall develop a training course on the workings of Congress and offer such training course at least once each year. (2) Course subject matter The training course required by this section shall provide an overview and introduction to Congress and the Federal legislative process, including— (A) the history and structure of Congress and the committee systems of the House of Representatives and the Senate, including the functions and responsibilities of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate; (B) the documents produced by Congress, including bills, resolutions, committee reports, and conference reports, and the purposes and functions of such documents; (C) the legislative processes and rules of the House of Representatives and the Senate, including similarities and differences between the 2 processes and 2 sets of rules, including— (i) the congressional budget process; (ii) the congressional authorization and appropriation processes; (iii) the Senate advice and consent process for Presidential nominees; and (iv) the Senate advice and consent process for treaty ratification; (D) the roles of Members of Congress and congressional staff in the legislative process; and (E) the concept and underlying purposes of congressional oversight within the governance framework of separation of powers. (3) Lecturers and panelists (A) Outside experts The Commandant shall ensure that not less than 60 percent of the lecturers, panelists, and other individuals providing education and instruction as part of the training course required under this section are experts on Congress and the Federal legislative process who are not employed by the executive branch of the Federal Government. (B) Authority to accept pro bono services In satisfying the requirement under paragraph (1), the Commandant shall seek, and may accept, educational and instructional services of lecturers, panelists, and other individuals and organizations provided to the Coast Guard on a pro bono basis. (4) Effect of law (A) In general The training required by this section shall replace the substantially similar training that was required by the Commandant on the day before the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 . (B) Previous training recipients A Coast Guard flag officer or a Coast Guard Senior Executive Service employee who, not more than 3 years before the date of the enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 , completed the training that was required by the Commandant on the day before such date of enactment, shall not be required to complete the training required by this section. (b) Training for congressional affairs personnel (1) In general The Commandant shall develop a training course, which shall be administered in person, on the workings of Congress for any member of the Coast Guard selected for a position as a fellow, liaison, counsel, or administrative staff for the Coast Guard Office of Congressional and Governmental Affairs or as any Coast Guard district or area governmental affairs officer. (2) Course subject matter (A) In general The training course required under this section shall provide an overview and introduction to Congress and the Federal legislative process, including— (i) the congressional budget process; (ii) the congressional appropriations process; (iii) the congressional authorization process; (iv) the Senate advice and consent process for Presidential nominees; (v) the Senate advice and consent process for treaty ratification; (vi) the roles of Members of Congress and congressional staff in the legislative process; (vii) the concept and underlying purposes of congressional oversight within the governance framework of separation of powers; (viii) the roles of Coast Guard fellows, liaisons, counsels, governmental affairs officers, the Coast Guard Office of Program Review, the Coast Guard Headquarters program offices, and any other entity the Commandant considers relevant; and (ix) the roles and responsibilities of Coast Guard public affairs and external communications personnel with respect to Members of Congress and the staff of such Members necessary to enhance communication between Coast Guard units, sectors, and districts and Member offices and committees of jurisdiction so as to ensure visibility of Coast Guard activities. (3) Detail within Coast Guard office of budget and programs (A) In general At the written request of a receiving congressional office, the training course required under this section shall include a multi-day detail within the Coast Guard Office of Budget and Programs to ensure adequate exposure to Coast Guard policy, oversight, and requests from Congress. (B) Nonconsecutive detail permitted A detail under this paragraph is not required to be consecutive with the balance of the training. (4) Completion of required training A member of the Coast Guard selected for a position described in subsection (a) shall complete the training required by this section before the date on which such member reports for duty for such position. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 3 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 316 and inserting the following: 316. Training courses on workings of Congress. .

Sec. 205Services and use of funds for, and leasing of, the National Coast Guard Museum

This section would amend section 317 of title 14 (as redesignated) governing the National Coast Guard Museum. It would expand the services the Secretary may procure design assistance for beyond "engineering and design" to include design, construction administration, and quality assurance services for the Museum. It would amend the Coast Guard's leasing authority so the Commandant may lease from the Museum's supporting Association not only the Museum itself but also any Association-owned property adjacent to the railroad tracks that run next to the Museum property, for the purpose of conducting Coast Guard operations. And it would amend the section governing services related to the Museum's construction, maintenance, and operation so the Commandant may solicit and accept services from, and enter contracts or memoranda of agreement with, nonprofit entities including the Association.

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205. Services and use of funds for, and leasing of, the National Coast Guard Museum Section 317 of title 14, United States Code, as so redesignated, is amended— (1) in subsection (b)— (A) in paragraph (1) by striking The Secretary and inserting Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Secretary ; and (B) in paragraph (2) by striking on the engineering and design of a Museum. and inserting on— (A) the design of the Museum; and (B) engineering, construction administration, and quality assurance services for the Museum. ; (2) in subsection (e), by amending paragraph (2)(A) to read as follows: (2) (A) for the purpose of conducting Coast Guard operations, lease from the Association— (i) the Museum; and (ii) any property owned by the Association that is adjacent to the railroad tracks that are adjacent to the property on which the Museum is located; and ; and (3) by amending subsection (g) to read as follows: (g) Services With respect to the services related to the construction, maintenance, and operation of the Museum, the Commandant may, from nonprofits entities including the Association,— (1) solicit and accept services; and (2) enter into contracts or memoranda of agreement to acquire such services. . B Authorities

Sec. 211Enhanced use property pilot program

This section would amend section 504 of title 14 to extend the term of enhanced-use property agreements under subsection (a)(13) from 5 years to 30 years. It would also add that amounts received under that authority are in addition to other funds otherwise available and remain available without further appropriation until expended. Except for agreements between the Coast Guard and another federal department or agency (which must provide consideration equal to the Coast Guard's full costs), a party entering such an agreement would have to provide consideration at fair market value as determined by the Commandant, which could take the form of cash, facility maintenance or construction, Coast Guard use of the other party's facilities, services such as parking or environmental remediation, any other form the Commandant considers appropriate, or a combination. The authority under subsection (a)(13) would sunset on December 31, 2029, though that expiration would not affect agreements already entered into or the Commandant's ability to retain proceeds from them.

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211. Enhanced use property pilot program Section 504 of title 14, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (a)(13) by striking five years and inserting 30 years ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (g) Additional provisions (1) In general Amounts received under subsection (a)(13) shall be— (A) in addition to amounts otherwise available for the activities described in subsection (a)(13) for any fiscal year; and (B) available, without further appropriation, until expended. (2) Consideration (A) In general Except as provided in subparagraph (B), a person or entity entering into a contractual agreement under this section shall provide consideration for the contractual agreement at fair market value, as determined by the Commandant. (B) Exception In the case of a contractual agreement under this section between the Coast Guard and any other Federal department or agency, the Federal department or agency concerned shall provide consideration for the contractual agreement that is equal to the full cost borne by the Coast Guard in connection with completing such contractual agreement. (C) Forms Consideration under this subsection may take any of the following forms: (i) The payment of cash. (ii) The maintenance, construction, modification, or improvement of existing or new facilities on real property under the jurisdiction of the Commandant. (iii) The use by the Coast Guard of facilities on the property concerned. (iv) The provision of services, including parking, telecommunications, and environmental remediation and restoration of real property under the jurisdiction of the Commandant. (v) Any other consideration the Commandant considers appropriate. (vi) A combination of any forms described in this subparagraph. (3) Sunset The authority under paragraph (13) of subsection (a) shall expire on December 31, 2029. The expiration under this paragraph of authority under paragraph (13) of subsection (a) shall not affect the validity or term of contractual agreements under such paragraph or the retention by the Commandant of proceeds from such agreements entered into under such subsection before the expiration of the authority. .

Sec. 212Public availability of information

This section would transfer section 11269 of the Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022 into title 14 as new section 529, and would broaden the interdiction data the Commandant must make publicly available from "the number of migrant" interdictions to "the number of drug and person" interdictions. It would add required content: for drug interdictions, the number of incidents, the amount and type of drugs, and the Coast Guard sectors and geographic areas involved; for person interdictions, the number of incidents, the number of persons interdicted, how many were unaccompanied minors, and the sectors and areas involved. A rule of construction would clarify that nothing in the provision requires the Coast Guard to collect this information if it does not already, and nothing requires the Commandant to release confidential, classified, law-enforcement-sensitive, or otherwise protected information.

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212. Public availability of information (a) In general Section 11269 of the Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022 ( Public Law 117–263 ) is— (1) transferred to appear at the end of subchapter II of chapter 5 of title 14, United States Code; (2) redesignated as section 529; and (3) amended— (A) by striking the section enumerator and heading and inserting the following: 529. Public availability of information ; (B) by striking Not later than and inserting the following: (a) In general Not later than ; (C) by striking the number of migrant and inserting the number of drug and person ; and (D) by adding at the end the following: (b) Contents In making information about interdictions publicly available under subsection (a), the Commandant shall include a description of the following: (1) The number of incidents in which drugs were interdicted, the amount and type of drugs interdicted, and the Coast Guard sectors and geographic areas of responsibility in which such incidents occurred. (2) The number of incidents in which persons were interdicted, the number of persons interdicted, the number of those persons who were unaccompanied minors, and the Coast Guard sectors and geographic areas of responsibility in which such incidents occurred. (c) Rule of construction Nothing in this provision shall be construed to require the Coast Guard to collect the information described in subsection (b), and nothing in this provision shall be construed to require the Commandant to publicly release confidential, classified, law enforcement sensitive, or otherwise protected information. . (b) Clerical amendments (1) Title 14 The analysis for chapter 5 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 528 the following: 529. Public availability of information on monthly drug and migrant interdictions. . (2) Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022 The analysis for the Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022 (division K of Public Law 117–263 ) is amended by striking the item relating to section 11269.

Sec. 213Timely reimbursement of damage claims for Coast Guard property

This section would amend section 546 of title 14 to provide that amounts collected as reimbursement for damage to Coast Guard property remain available until expended in the special deposit account, rather than lapsing.

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213. Timely reimbursement of damage claims for Coast Guard property Section 546 of title 14, United States Code, is amended in the second sentence by inserting and the amounts collected shall be available until expended after special deposit account .

Sec. 214Uniform funding and management system for morale, well-being, and recreation programs and Coast Guard Exchange

This section would add a new section 565 to title 14 authorizing the Commandant, under Coast Guard policy, to treat appropriated funds made available for morale, well-being, and recreation programs and the Coast Guard Exchange as nonappropriated funds, spent under nonappropriated-fund rules and remaining available until expended. Such funds would only be available in amounts the Commandant determines consistent with Coast Guard policy and with Coast Guard readiness and resources. Not later than 90 days after enactment, the Commandant would have to update relevant policies to match the new section, and not later than 30 days after issuing the updated policies, would have to brief the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives on them.

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214. Uniform funding and management system for morale, well-being, and recreation programs and Coast Guard Exchange (a) In general Subchapter IV of chapter 5 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 565. Uniform funding and management of morale, well-being, and recreation programs and Coast Guard Exchange (a) Authority for uniform funding and management Under policies issued by the Commandant, funds appropriated to the Coast Guard and available for morale, well-being, and recreation programs and the Coast Guard Exchange may be treated as nonappropriated funds and expended in accordance with laws applicable to the expenditure of nonappropriated funds. When made available for morale, well-being, and recreation programs and the Coast Guard Exchange under such policies, appropriated funds shall be considered to be nonappropriated funds for all purposes and shall remain available until expended. (b) Conditions on availability Funds appropriated to the Coast Guard and subject to a policy described in subsection (a) shall only be available in amounts that are determined by the Commandant to be consistent with— (1) Coast Guard policy; and (2) Coast Guard readiness and resources. (c) Updated policy Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 , the Commandant shall update the policies described in subsection (a) consistent with this section. (d) Briefing Not later than 30 days after the date on which the Commandant issues the updated policies required under subsection (c), the Commandant shall provide to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a briefing on such policies. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 5 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 565. Uniform funding and management of morale, well-being, and recreation programs and Coast Guard Exchange. .

Sec. 215Coast Guard property

This section would add a new section 722 to chapter 7 of title 14 authorizing the Commandant to enter cooperative agreements (or interagency agreements, if the other party is a federal agency) with eligible entities -- states, local governments, Indian Tribes, Native Hawaiian organizations, Tribal organizations, or federal agencies -- to preserve, manage, and research natural and cultural resources located on a Coast Guard installation, or located elsewhere if the agreement would directly relieve or eliminate restrictions that interfere with current or anticipated Coast Guard training, testing, maintenance, or operations; sections 1535 and chapter 63 of title 31 (procurement contracting rules) would not apply to these agreements. The Commandant could also enter agreements addressing use or development of property near a Coast Guard installation to limit incompatible development, preserve habitat in ways that relieve environmental restrictions on Coast Guard training, maintain installation resilience, maintain access to Tribal treaty fisheries and subsistence resources, and repair Tribal or Native Hawaiian cultural property damaged by Coast Guard operations, again exempted from chapter 63 of title 31's contracting requirements. Where an agreement provides for an eligible entity to acquire real property interests with cost-sharing between the entity and the United States, the section sets out detailed rules: the property owner must consent to acquisition; the Commandant determines what portion of costs the United States bears, which may not exceed the fair market value of any property the United States would eventually receive; an eligible entity's cost contribution may include funds, in-kind services, or property exchange; each eligible entity generally must agree to transfer acquired property to the United States on the Commandant's request (with a narrow exception where the property is being transferred to a state or another federal agency under adequate legal safeguards); and the Commandant may accept non-federal appraisals or title documents that substantially comply with applicable federal acquisition standards. The Commandant may approve such agreements only after determining the eligible entity has authority to carry out the project, the project can be completed without unreasonable delay, and it cannot be effectively completed without this authority, and may add further protective terms as appropriate. Not later than 3 full business days before entering an agreement, the Commandant would have to notify the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation or the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate (and the Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate, if a Tribe, Tribal organization, or Native Hawaiian organization is involved) and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, including anticipated costs where practicable, and would have to provide a copy of any executed agreement to a requesting committee member within 5 full business days. Not later than 180 days after enactment, the Commandant would have to consult with Indian Tribes to improve their participation in developing and carrying out Coast Guard oil spill response and prevention activities, and a rule of construction would preserve every Tribe's right to seek full government-to-government consultation under this or any other law.

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215. Coast Guard property (a) In general Chapter 7 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 722. Cooperation with eligible entities (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Coast Guard installation The term Coast Guard installation means a base, unit, station, yard, other property under the jurisdiction of the Commandant or, in the case of property in a foreign country, under the operational control of the Coast Guard, without regard to the duration of operational control. (2) Cultural resource The term cultural resource means any of the following: (A) A building, structure, site, district, or object eligible for or included in the National Register of Historic Places maintained under section 302101 of title 54. (B) Cultural items, as that term is defined in section 2(3) of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act ( 25 U.S.C. 3001(3) ). (C) An archaeological resource, as that term is defined in section 3(1) of the Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 ( 16 U.S.C. 470bb(1) )). (D) An archaeological artifact collection and associated records covered by part 79 of title 36, Code of Federal Regulations. (E) A sacred site, as that term is defined in section 1(b) of Executive Order No. 13007 ( 42 U.S.C. 1996 note; relating to Indian sacred sites). (F) Treaty or trust resources of an Indian Tribe, including the habitat associated with such resources. (G) Subsistence resources of an Indian Tribe or a Native Hawaiian organization including the habitat associated with such resources. (3) Eligible entity The term eligible entity means any the following: (A) A State, or a political subdivision of a State. (B) A local government. (C) An Indian Tribe. (D) A Native Hawaiian organization. (E) A Tribal organization. (F) A Federal department or agency. (4) Indian Tribe The term Indian Tribe has the meaning given that term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 5304 ). (5) Native Hawaiian organization The term Native Hawaiian organization has the meaning given such term in section 6207 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 7517 ) except the term includes the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. (6) Natural resource The term natural resource means land, fish, wildlife, biota, air, water, ground water, drinking water supplies, and other such resources belonging to, managed by, held in trust by, appertaining to, or otherwise controlled by the United States (including the resources of the waters of the United States), any State or local government, any Indian Tribe, any Native Hawaiian organization, or any member of an Indian Tribe, if such resources are subject to a trust restriction on alienation and have been categorized into one of the following groups: (A) Surface water resources. (B) Ground water resources. (C) Air resources. (D) Geologic resources. (E) Biological resources. (7) State The term State includes each of the several States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the territories and possessions of the United States. (8) Tribal organization The term Tribal organization has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 5304 ). (b) Cooperative agreements for management of cultural resources (1) Authority The Commandant may enter into a cooperative agreement with an eligible entity (or in the case that the eligible entity is a Federal department or agency, an interagency agreement)— (A) to provide for the preservation, management, maintenance, and improvement of natural resources and cultural resources located on a site described under paragraph (2); and (B) for the purpose of conducting research regarding the natural resources and cultural resources. (2) Authorized natural and cultural resources sites To be covered by a cooperative agreement under paragraph (1), the relevant natural resources or cultural resources shall be located— (A) on a Coast Guard installation; or (B) on a site outside of a Coast Guard installation, but only if the cooperative agreement will directly relieve or eliminate current or anticipated restrictions that would or might restrict, impede, or otherwise interfere, either directly or indirectly, with current or anticipated Coast Guard training, testing, maintenance, or operations on a Coast Guard installation. (3) Application of other laws Section 1535 and chapter 63 of title 31 shall not apply to an agreement entered into under paragraph (1). (c) Agreements and considerations (1) Agreements authorized The Commandant may enter into an agreement with an eligible entity, and may enter into an interagency agreement with the head of another Federal department or agency, to address the use or development of property in the vicinity of, or ecologically related to, a Coast Guard installation for purposes of— (A) limiting any development or use of such property that would be incompatible with the mission of the Coast Guard installation; (B) preserving habitat on such property in a manner that— (i) is compatible with environmental requirements; and (ii) may eliminate or relieve current or anticipated environmental restrictions that would or might otherwise restrict, impede, or interfere, either directly or indirectly, with current or anticipated Coast Guard training or operations on the Coast Guard installation; (C) maintaining or improving Coast Guard installation resilience; (D) maintaining and improving natural resources, or benefitting natural and historic research, on the Coast Guard installation; (E) maintaining access to cultural resources and natural resources, including— (i) Tribal treaty fisheries and shellfish harvest, and usual and accustomed fishing areas; and (ii) subsistence fisheries, or any other fishery or shellfish harvest, of an Indian Tribe; (F) providing a means to replace or repair property or cultural resources of an Indian Tribe or a Native Hawaiian organization if such property is damaged by Coast Guard personnel or operations, in consultation with the affected Indian Tribe or Native Hawaiian organization; or (G) maintaining and improving natural resources located outside a Coast Guard installation, including property of an eligible entity, if the purpose of the agreement is to relieve or eliminate current or anticipated challenges that could restrict, impede, or otherwise interfere with, either directly or indirectly, current or anticipated Coast Guard activities. (2) Inapplicability of certain contract requirements Notwithstanding chapter 63 of title 31, an agreement under subsection (b)(1) that is a cooperative agreement and concerns a cultural resource or a natural resource may be used to acquire property or services for the direct benefit or use of the Federal Government. (d) (1) An agreement under subparagraph (b)(1) shall provide for— (A) the acquisition by an eligible entity or entities of all right, title, and interest in and to any real property, or any lesser interest in the property, as may be appropriate for purposes of this subsection; and (B) the sharing by the United States and an eligible entity or entities of the acquisition costs in accordance with paragraph (3). (2) Property or interests may not be acquired pursuant to an agreement under subsection (b)(1) unless the owner of the property or interests consents to the acquisition. (3) (A) An agreement with an eligible entity under subsection (b)(1) may provide for— (i) the management of natural resources on, and the monitoring and enforcement of any right, title, or interest in real property in which the Commandant acquires any right, title, or interest in accordance with this subsection; and (ii) for the payment by the United States of all or a portion of the costs of such management, monitoring, or enforcement if the Commandant determines that there is a demonstrated need to preserve or restore habitat for the purposes of subsection (b) or (c). (B) Any payment provided for under subparagraph (A) may— (i) be paid in a lump sum; (ii) include an amount intended to cover the future costs of natural resource management and monitoring and enforcement; and (iii) be placed by the eligible entity in an interest-bearing account, so long as any interest is to be applied for the same purposes as the principal. (C) Any payments made under this paragraph shall be subject to periodic auditing by the Inspector General of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating. (4) (A) In entering into an agreement under subsection (b)(1), the Commandant shall determine the appropriate portion of the acquisition costs to be borne by the United States in the sharing of acquisition costs of real property, or an interest in real property, as required under paragraph (1)(B). (B) In lieu of, or in addition to, making a monetary contribution toward the cost of acquiring a parcel of real property, or an interest therein, pursuant to an agreement under subsection (b)(1), the Commandant may convey real property in accordance with applicable law. (C) The portion of acquisition costs borne by the United States pursuant to subparagraph (A), either through the contribution of funds, excess real property, or both, may not exceed an amount equal to— (i) the fair market value of any property, or interest in property, to be transferred to the United States upon the request of the Commandant under paragraph (5); or (ii) the cumulative fair market value of all properties, or all interests in properties, to be transferred to the United States under paragraph (5) pursuant to an agreement under subsection (b)(1). (D) The contribution of an eligible entity to the acquisition costs of real property, or an interest in real property, under paragraph (1)(B) may include, with the approval of the Commandant, the following: (i) The provision of funds, including funds received by the eligible entity from— (I) a Federal agency outside the department in which the Coast Guard is operating; or (II) a State or local government in connection with a Federal, State, or local program. (ii) The provision of in-kind services, including services related to the acquisition or maintenance of such real property or interest in real property. (iii) The exchange or donation of real property or any interest in real property. (iv) Any combination of clauses (i) through (iii). (5) (A) In entering into an agreement under subsection (b)(1), each eligible entity that is a party to the agreement shall agree, as a term of the agreement, to transfer to the United States, upon request of the Commandant, all or a portion of the property or interest acquired under the agreement or a lesser interest therein, except no such requirement need be included in the agreement if— (i) the property or interest is being transferred to a State or another Federal agency, or the agreement requires the property or interest to be subsequently transferred to a State or another Federal agency; and (ii) the Commandant determines that the laws and regulations applicable to the future use of such property or interest provide adequate assurance that the property concerned will be developed and used in a manner appropriate for purposes of this subsection. (B) The Commandant shall limit a transfer request pursuant to subparagraph (A) to the minimum property or interests necessary to ensure that the property or interest concerned is developed and used in a manner appropriate for purposes of this subsection. (C) (i) Notwithstanding paragraph (A), If all or a portion of a property or interest acquired under an agreement under subsection (b)(1) is initially or subsequently transferred to a State or another Federal agency, before that State or other Federal agency may declare the property or interest in excess to its needs or propose to exchange the property or interest, the State or other Federal agency shall give the Commandant reasonable advance notice of its intent to so declare. (ii) Upon receiving such reasonable advance notice under clause (i), the Commandant may request, within a reasonable time period, that administrative jurisdiction over the property or interest be transferred to the Commandant, if the Commandant determines such transfer necessary for the preservation of the purposes of this subsection. (iii) Upon a request from the Commandant under clause (ii), the administrative jurisdiction over the property or interest be transferred to the Commandant at no cost. (iv) If the Commandant does not make a request under clause (ii) within a reasonable time period, all such rights of the Commandant to request transfer of administrative jurisdiction over the property or interest shall remain available to the Commandant with respect to future transfers or exchanges of the property or interest and shall bind all subsequent transferees. (D) The Commandant may accept, on behalf of the United States, any property or interest to be transferred to the United States under an agreement under subsection (b)(1). (E) For purposes of the acceptance of property or interests under an agreement under subsection (b)(1), the Commandant may accept an appraisal or title documents prepared or adopted by a non-Federal entity as satisfying the applicable requirements of section 301 of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 ( 42 U.S.C. 4651 ) or section 3111 of title 40 if the Commandant finds that the appraisal or title documents substantially comply with the requirements of such sections and is reasonably accurate. (e) Minimal criteria for approval of agreements The Commandant may approve a cooperative agreement under subsection (b)(1) if the Commandant determines that— (1) the eligible entity has authority to carry out the project; (2) the project would be completed without unreasonable delay as determined by the Commandant; and (3) the project cannot be effectively completed without the cooperative agreement authority under subsection (b)(1). (f) Additional terms and conditions The Commandant may require such additional terms and conditions in an agreement under subsection (b)(1) as the Commandant considers appropriate to protect the interests of the United States, in accordance with applicable Federal law. (g) Notification; availability of agreements to Congress (1) Notification The Commandant shall notify the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation or the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate when the eligible entity is a Tribe, Tribal Organization or Native Hawaiian organization, and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives in writing not later than the date that is 3 full business days prior to any day on which the Commandant intends to enter into an agreement under subsection (b)(1), and include in such notification the anticipated costs of carrying out the agreement, to the extent practicable. (2) Availability of agreements A copy of an agreement entered into under subsection (b)(1) shall be provided to any member of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation or the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate or the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives not later than 5 full business days after the date on which such request is submitted to the Commandant. (h) Consultation Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 , the Commandant shall consult with Indian Tribes to improve opportunities for Indian Tribe participation in the development and execution of Coast Guard oil spill response and prevention activities. (i) Rule of construction Nothing in this section may be construed to undermine the rights of any Indian Tribe to seek full and meaningful government-to-government consultation under this section or under any other law. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 7 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 721 the following: 722. Cooperation with eligible entities. .

Sec. 216Cyber coordination and support in foreign territories

This section would add a new section 723 to chapter 7 of title 14 authorizing the Secretary, acting through the Commandant, to coordinate with a foreign government or intergovernmental organization to provide cyber prevention and response assistance for marine transportation systems and assets outside the United States that have a nexus to the United States Marine Transportation System or to illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, including cyber assessments, audits, inspections, and other operations, after coordinating with the Secretary of State. The Secretary could require the foreign entity to reimburse the Coast Guard for costs incurred providing this assistance.

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216. Cyber coordination and support in foreign territories (a) In general Chapter 7 of title 14, United States Code, is further amended by inserting after section 722 (as added by this Act) the following: 723. Cyber coordination in foreign territories (a) In general The Secretary, acting through the Commandant, may coordinate with a foreign entity to provide cyber prevention and response assistance related to the marine transportation systems and assets located outside the United States that have a nexus to the United States Marine Transportation System or illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. (b) Types of support The Commandant may conduct cyber assessments, audits, inspections, operations, or other activities as provided under subsection (a). (c) Coordination The Secretary may provide support under subsections (a) and (b) after coordination with the Secretary of State. (d) Reimbursement authority The Secretary may require reimbursement from a foreign entity for costs incurred by the Coast Guard for assistance provided under subsection (a). (e) Definition In this section, the term foreign entity includes foreign governments and intergovernmental organizations the Secretary considers appropriate. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 7 of such title is further amended by inserting after the item relating to section 722 (as added by this Act) the following: 723. Cyber coordination in foreign territories. .

Sec. 217Modification of treatment of minor construction and improvement project management

This section would amend section 903(d)(1) of title 14 to raise the dollar threshold for minor construction and improvement project management from $1,500,000 to $2,000,000.

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217. Modification of treatment of minor construction and improvement project management Section 903(d)(1) of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking $1,500,000 and inserting $2,000,000 .

Sec. 218Modification of authority for special purpose facilities

This section would amend section 907 of title 14 to extend the duration of the Coast Guard's special-purpose-facility authority from 20 years to 30 years, and would add medical facilities, Coast Guard child development centers (as defined in section 2921), and training facilities including small arms firing ranges to the list of facilities this authority covers.

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218. Modification of authority for special purpose facilities Section 907 of title 14, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (a), in the first sentence— (A) by striking 20 years and inserting 30 years ; (B) by striking or National and inserting National ; and (C) by inserting before the period , medical facilities, Coast Guard child development centers (as such term is defined in section 2921), and training facilities, including small arms firing ranges ; and (2) in subsection (b)— (A) by striking the period and inserting a semicolon; (B) by striking means any facilities and inserting means— (1) any facilities ; and (C) by adding at the end the following: (2) medical facilities; (3) Coast Guard child development centers (as such term is defined in section 2921); and (4) training facilities, including small arms firing ranges. .

Sec. 219Preparedness plans for Coast Guard properties located in tsunami inundation zones

This section would require the Commandant, not later than 1 year after enactment and in consultation with the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and other appropriate federal agencies, to develop a location-specific tsunami preparedness plan for each Coast Guard property in a tsunami inundation zone. Each plan would have to minimize loss of life, be incorporated into the relevant unit's emergency action plan, designate an evacuation route to an assembly area outside the zone, account for both near-shore and distant tsunamis, include maps, evacuation routes and instructions, procedures to begin evacuation as soon as a seismic or tsunamigenic event is detected, evacuation plans for aviation and afloat assets, and either on-foot evacuation routes or, if none is possible, an assessment of the need for vertical evacuation refuges; for properties at risk from a near-shore tsunami, the plan must be executable within 15 minutes of detecting a seismic event, or as close to that as the Commandant considers reasonable. Each plan would have to be exercised annually by the relevant unit, communicated through in-person training to personnel and dependents living on the property, and evaluated annually by the relevant District Commander, developed in consultation with relevant state, Tribal, and local emergency management officials. Not later than 14 months after enactment, the Commandant would have to brief the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives on each plan's status and feasibility.

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219. Preparedness plans for Coast Guard properties located in tsunami inundation zones (a) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant, in consultation with the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the heads of other appropriate Federal agencies, shall develop a location-specific tsunami preparedness plan for each property concerned. (b) Requirements In developing each preparedness plan under subsection (a), the Commandant shall ensure that the plan— (1) minimizes the loss of human life; (2) maximizes the ability of the Coast Guard to meet the mission of the Coast Guard; (3) is included in the emergency action plan for each Coast Guard unit or sector located within the applicable tsunami inundation zone; (4) designates an evacuation route to an assembly area located outside the tsunami inundation zone; (5) takes into consideration near-shore and distant tsunami inundation of the property concerned; (6) includes— (A) maps of all applicable tsunami inundation zones; (B) evacuation routes and instructions for all individuals located on the property concerned; (C) procedures to begin evacuations as expeditiously as possible upon detection of a seismic or other tsunamigenic event; (D) evacuation plans for Coast Guard aviation and afloat assets; and (E) (i) routes for evacuation on foot from any location within the property concerned; or (ii) if an on-foot evacuation is not possible, an assessment of whether there is a need for vertical evacuation refuges that would allow evacuation on foot; (7) in the case of a property concerned that is at risk for a near-shore tsunami, is able to be completely executed within 15 minutes of detection of a seismic event, or if complete execution is not possible within 15 minutes, within a timeframe the Commandant considers reasonable to minimize the loss of life; and (8) not less frequently than annually, is— (A) exercised by each Coast Guard unit and sector located in the applicable tsunami inundation zone; (B) communicated through an annual in-person training to Coast Guard personnel and dependents located or living on the property concerned; and (C) evaluated by the relevant District Commander for each Coast Guard unit and sector located within the applicable tsunami inundation zone. (c) Consultation In developing each preparedness plan under subsection (a), the Commandant shall consult relevant State, Tribal, and local government entities, including emergency management officials. (d) Briefing Not later than 14 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall provide a briefing to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives on each plan developed under subsection (a), including the status of implementation and feasibility of each such plan. (e) Definitions In this section: (1) Property concerned The term property concerned means any real property owned, operated, or leased by the Coast Guard within a tsunami inundation zone. (2) Tsunamigenic event The term tsunamigenic event means any event, such as an earthquake, volcanic eruption, submarine landslide, coastal rockfall, or other event, with the magnitude to cause a tsunami. (3) Vertical evacuation refuge The term vertical evacuation refuge means a structure or earthen mound designated as a place of refuge in the event of a tsunami, with sufficient height to elevate evacuees above the tsunami inundation depth, designed and constructed to resist tsunami load effects.

Sec. 220Additional Pribilof Island transition completion actions

This section would amend section 11221 of the Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022 to require that, beginning with the first quarterly report required under that section after enactment, the Secretary include the status of using recently renovated Coast Guard housing, food preparation, and maintenance and repair facilities on St. Paul Island, Alaska, including a projected date for full use supporting Bering Sea missions, and a detailed plan for acquiring and building a hangar near the existing St. Paul airport facilities, including plans for the needed land.

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220. Additional Pribilof Island transition completion actions Section 11221 of the Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022 ( Public Law 117–263 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (e) Additional reports on status of use of facilities and helicopter basing Beginning with the first quarterly report required under subsection (a) submitted after the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 , the Secretary shall include in each such report— (1) the status of the use of recently renovated Coast Guard housing facilities, food preparation facilities, and maintenance and repair facilities on St. Paul Island, Alaska, including a projected date for full use and occupancy of such facilities in support of Coast Guard missions in the Bering Sea; and (2) a detailed plan for the acquisition and construction of a hangar in close proximity to existing St. Paul airport facilities for the prosecution of Coast Guard operational missions, including plans for the use of land needed for such hangar. .

Sec. 221Scientific mission for USCGC Storis

This section would amend section 11223 of the Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022 governing the USCGC Storis. It would adjust subsection (d)(2) so that costs described in a new paragraph (3), rather than "the science party," are covered alongside retrofitting and maintenance. It would rewrite the memoranda-of-agreement provision so the Commandant must enter a memorandum of agreement with the Under Secretary allowing the Under Secretary to use the vessel for research and science activities, and may enter similar memoranda with other federal, state, or local government entities, or research institutions, for the same purposes; the Commandant could not charge any fee for this use, and could only allow it where consistent with Coast Guard missions.

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221. Scientific mission for USCGC Storis Section 11223 of Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022 ( 14 U.S.C. 561 note) is amended— (1) in subsection (d)(2)— (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by striking retrofitting ; (B) in subparagraph (A)— (i) by inserting retrofitting, before maintenance ; and (ii) by striking the science party and inserting costs described in paragraph (3) ; and (C) by amending paragraph (4) to read as follows: (4) Memoranda of agreement (A) In general The Commandant— (i) shall enter into a memorandum of agreement with the Under Secretary to allow the Under Secretary to use any vessel acquired under this section to conduct research, and facilitate science activities, data collection, and other procedures necessary to carry out the purposes described in subsection (c); and (ii) may enter into a memorandum of agreement with any other Federal, State, local government entity, institution of higher education, or research institution to use any vessel acquired under this section to conduct research to facilitate science activities, data collection, and other procedures necessary to allow such an entity or institution to carry out the purposes described in subsection (c). (B) Prohibition The Commandant may not charge the Under Secretary or any other entity with whom the Commandant enters into a memorandum of agreement under subparagraph (A) any fee related to use or operation of any vessel acquired under this section. (C) Restriction The Commandant may only allow the use of any vessel acquired under this section under any memorandum of agreement entered into under this paragraph if such use is not inconsistent with the missions of the Coast Guard. ; and (2) in subsection (j) by striking through (c) and inserting and (b) .

Sec. 222Coast Guard access to Department of the Treasury fund

This section would amend section 9705 of title 31 (the Treasury Forfeiture Fund statute) to reclassify the Coast Guard as one of several "Department of the Treasury law enforcement organizations" covered by the fund, rather than naming the Coast Guard separately alongside the Department of the Treasury, and would add an explicit clause recognizing the Coast Guard's participation with respect to any law it is authorized to enforce, assist in enforcing, or administer under sections 102, 522, or 525 of title 14. At the same time, the section would eliminate the Coast Guard's own separate fund under subsection (c) of section 9705, redesignate the subsections that followed it, and update numerous internal cross-references within section 9705 and in title 28 (section 524(c)), title 31 (section 5340(1)), and title 39 (section 2003(e)(1)) to point to the new subsection numbers.

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222. Coast Guard access to Department of the Treasury fund (a) Inclusion of Coast Guard as Department of the Treasury law enforcement organization Section 9705 of title 31, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (a), in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking the Department of the Treasury or the United States Coast Guard and inserting a Department of the Treasury law enforcement organization ; (2) in subsection (a)(2)(B)— (A) in clause (iv) by striking and at the end; (B) in clause (v) by inserting and after the semicolon; and (C) by adding at the end the following: (vi) the United States Coast Guard with respect to any law of the United States which the Coast Guard is authorized to enforce, assist in the enforcement of, or administer pursuant to section 102, 522, or 525 of title 14; ; (3) in subsection (a)(2)(H) by striking the Department of the Treasury and inserting a Department of the Treasury law enforcement organization ; (4) in subsection (d)(2) by striking or the United States Coast Guard each place it appears; (5) in subsection (f)(1)(A)(ii) by striking or the United States Coast Guard ; (6) in subsection (h)(1) by striking the Department of the Treasury and inserting a Department of the Treasury law enforcement organization ; (7) in subsection (j)(1) by striking the Department of the Treasury or the United States Coast Guard and inserting a Department of the Treasury law enforcement organization ; (8) in subsection (l) by striking the Department of the Treasury and inserting a Department of the Treasury law enforcement organization ; and (9) in subsection (o)(1) by inserting the United States Coast Guard, before the United States Customs Service, . (b) Elimination of separate funds for the coast guard Section 9705 of title 31, United States Code, is amended— (1) by striking subsection (c); (2) in subsection (g)(2) by striking and (c) ; (3) by redesignating subsections (d) through (o) as subsections (c) through (n), respectively; (4) by striking subsection (d) each place it appears and inserting subsection (c) ; (5) by striking subsection (e) each place it appears and inserting subsection (d) ; and (6) by striking subsection (h) each place it appears and inserting subsection (g) . (c) Technical corrections Section 9705 of title 31, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (f)(3)(C), as so redesignated, by striking section 4(B) of 9703(g) and inserting paragraph (4)(B) ; (2) in subsection (f)(4)(B), as so redesignated, by striking for transfers pursuant to subparagraph (A)(ii) and ; (3) in subsection (g)(2), as so redesignated, by striking seizure of forfeiture and inserting seizure or forfeiture ; and (4) in subsection (l), as so redesignated, by striking 524(c)(11) and inserting 524(c) . (d) Updates to cross-references (1) Title 28 Section 524(c) of title 28, United States Code, is amended— (A) in paragraph (4)(C) by striking 9705(g)(4)(A) and inserting 9705(f)(4)(A) ; and (B) in paragraph (10) by striking 9705(o) and inserting 9705(n) . (2) Title 31 Section 5340(1) of title 31, United States Code, is amended by striking 9705(o) and inserting 9705(n) . (3) Title 39 Section 2003(e)(1) of title 39, United States Code, is amended by striking 9705(o) and inserting 9705(n) . C Acquisition

Sec. 231Modification of prohibition on use of lead systems integrators

This section would amend section 1105 of title 14 to add a definition of "lead systems integrator," borrowing the meaning given that term in section 805(c) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006.

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231. Modification of prohibition on use of lead systems integrators Section 1105 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: (c) Lead systems integrator defined In this section, the term lead systems integrator has the meaning given such term in section 805(c) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 ( Public Law 109–163 ). .

Sec. 232Acquisition improvements

This section would add three new sections to title 14. New section 1138 would exempt a Coast Guard acquisition that is a "service life extension program" -- a capital investment solely intended to extend the service life and address obsolescence of an existing capability or asset -- from the Level 1 and Level 2 acquisition requirements of sections 1131 through 1134. New section 1139 would require the Secretary, acting through the Commandant, to consider life-cycle cost estimates for vessels and aircraft during design and evaluation to the maximum extent practicable. New section 1140 would require the Commandant, in Level 1 or Level 2 acquisitions, to publicly announce construction, design, and engineering requirements and negotiate contracts based on demonstrated competence at fair and reasonable prices; the Commandant would have to require statements of qualifications from prospective contractors, evaluate them, hold discussions with at least three firms, and select at least three of the most qualified in order of preference, then negotiate with the top-ranked firm at compensation the Commandant determines fair and reasonable given the scope and complexity of the work, moving to the next-ranked firm (and, if necessary, to additional firms selected afterward) if negotiations with a given firm fail.

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232. Acquisition improvements (a) In general Subchapter II of chapter 11 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 1138. Service life extension programs (a) In general Requirements for a Level 1 or Level 2 acquisition project or program under sections 1131 through 1134 shall not apply to an acquisition by the Coast Guard that is a service life extension program. (b) Service life extension program defined In this section, the term service life extension program means a capital investment that is solely intended to extend the service life and address obsolescence of components or systems of a particular capability or asset. 1139. Consideration of life-cycle cost estimates for acquisition and procurement In carrying out the acquisition and procurement of vessels and aircraft, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, acting through the Commandant, shall consider the life-cycle cost estimates of vessels and aircraft, as applicable, during the design and evaluation processes to the maximum extent practicable. 1140. Contracts that provide best value for taxpayer (a) In general In carrying out a Level 1 or Level 2 acquisition project or program under this subchapter, the Commandant shall publicly announce all construction, design, and engineering requirements and negotiate contracts for construction, design, and engineering services on the basis of demonstrated competence and qualification for the type of professional services required and at fair and reasonable prices. (b) Selection procedure The following procedures shall apply to the procurement of Level 1 or Level 2 acquisition project or program under this subchapter: (1) Statements of qualification and performance The Commandant shall require prospective contractors to submit a statement of qualifications and performance data. (2) Evaluation For each proposed project, the Commandant shall— (A) evaluate statements of qualifications and performance submitted by firms regarding the proposed project; and (B) conduct discussions with at least 3 firms to consider anticipated concepts and compare alternative methods for furnishing services. (3) Selection From the firms with which discussions have been conducted under paragraph (2)(B), the Commandant shall select, in order of preference, at least 3 firms that the Commandant considers most highly qualified to provide the services required, based on criteria established and published by the Commandant. (c) Negotiation of contract (1) In general The Commandant shall negotiate a contract for construction, design, and engineering services under this section at compensation which the Commandant determines is fair and reasonable to the Federal Government. (2) Fair and reasonable compensation In determining fair and reasonable compensation, the Commandant shall consider the scope, complexity, professional nature, and estimated value of the services to be rendered. (3) Negotiation The Commandant shall attempt to negotiate a contract with the most highly qualified firm selected under subsection (b). (4) Further negotiation If the Commandant is unable to negotiate a satisfactory contract with the firm under paragraph (3), the Commandant shall formally terminate negotiations with such firm and undertake negotiations with the next most qualified of the selected firms, continuing the process until an agreement is reached. (5) Additional firms If the Commandant is unable to negotiate a satisfactory contract with any of the selected firms, the Commandant shall select additional firms in order of competence and qualification and continue negotiations in accordance with this section until an agreement is reached. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 11 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 1137 the following: 1138. Service life extension programs. 1139. Consideration of life-cycle cost estimates for acquisition and procurement. 1140. Contracts that provide best value for taxpayer. .

Sec. 233Restriction on acquisition, procurement, or construction of vessels in foreign shipyards

This section would rewrite section 1151 of title 14 to bar the Commandant from leasing, chartering, or otherwise procuring a vessel with a major hull or superstructure component built in a foreign shipyard, except where the President determines an exception is in the national security interest to address an immediate adverse effect on Coast Guard missions. Any such presidential exception would not take effect until the President submits to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a written explanation of the national-security circumstances, confirming that qualified United States shipyards are insufficient without the exception and describing actions taken to enable qualified shipyards to meet the need before the exception is issued.

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233. Restriction on acquisition, procurement, or construction of vessels in foreign shipyards (a) In general Section 1151 of title 14, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: 1151. Restriction on acquisition, procurement, or construction of vessels in foreign shipyards (a) In general Except as provided in subsection (b), the Commandant may not lease, charter, or otherwise procure a vessel which contains a major component of the hull or superstructure constructed in a foreign shipyard. (b) Exceptions (1) In general The President may authorize exceptions to the prohibition in subsection (a) when the President determines that it is in the national security interest of the United States to address an immediate adverse effect on Coast Guard missions. (2) Timing An exception made by the President under paragraph (1) shall not take effect until the President submits to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a written explanation of the circumstances requiring such an exception in the national security interest, including— (A) a confirmation that there are insufficient qualified shipyards to meet the national security interest without such an exception; and (B) actions taken by the President to enable qualified United States shipyards to meet national security requirements prior to the issuance of such an exception . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 11 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 1151 and inserting the following: 1151. Restriction on acquisition, procurement, or construction of vessels in foreign shipyards. .

Sec. 234Floating drydock for United States Coast Guard Yard

This section would add a new section 1159 to title 14 generally barring the Commandant from acquiring, procuring, or constructing a floating drydock for the Coast Guard Yard, but would permit it to happen through another entity contracting on the Coast Guard's behalf, direct construction at the Yard, or purchase of a commercially available floating drydock; sections 1131, 1132, 1133, and 1171 (the standard Level 1/2 acquisition rules) would not apply to any of these paths. To the extent practicable, the drydock would have to reflect commercial design standards and construction practices, and any drydock acquired, procured, or constructed under this authority would have to be berthed at the Coast Guard Yard in Baltimore, Maryland, when lifting or maintaining vessels. The section defines a covered "floating dry dock" as equipment built in the United States capable of meeting the lifting and maintenance needs of an Offshore Patrol Cutter or a National Security Cutter.

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234. Floating drydock for United States Coast Guard Yard (a) In general Subchapter III of chapter 11 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 1159. Floating drydock for United States Coast Guard Yard (a) In general Except as provided in subsection (b), the Commandant may not acquire, procure, or construct a floating dry dock for the Coast Guard Yard. (b) Permissible acquisition, procurement, or construction methods Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section and section 1105(a), the Commandant may— (1) provide for an entity other than the Coast Guard to contract for the acquisition, procurement, or construction of a floating drydock by contract, lease, purchase, or other agreement; (2) construct a floating drydock at the Coast Guard Yard; or (3) acquire or procure a commercially available floating drydock. (c) Exemptions from requirements Sections 1131, 1132, 1133, and 1171 shall not apply to an acquisition or procurement under subsection (b). (d) Design standards and construction practices To the extent practicable, a floating drydock acquired, procured, or constructed under this section shall reflect commercial design standards and commercial construction practices that are consistent with the best interests of the Federal Government. (e) Berthing requirement Any floating drydock acquired, procured, or constructed under subsection (b) shall be berthed at the Coast Guard Yard in Baltimore, Maryland, when lifting or maintaining vessels. (f) Floating dry dock defined In this section, the term floating dry dock means equipment that is— (1) constructed in the United States; and (2) capable of meeting the lifting and maintenance requirements of an Offshore Patrol Cutter or a National Security Cutter. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 11 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 1158 the following: 1159. Floating drydock for United States Coast Guard Yard. .

Sec. 235Great Lakes icebreaking

This section would require the Commandant, not later than 90 days after enactment, to submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a strategy for completing design and construction of a Great Lakes icebreaker at least as capable as the CGC Mackinaw (WLBB-30) as soon as possible once funding is provided, with a cost estimate and delivery timeline. Not later than 1 year after enactment, the Commandant would also have to report to the same two committees on the strategy for replacing the Bay class icebreaking tug fleet, including, if the last tug will not be replaced until more than 15 years after enactment, a plan to maintain the fleet's operational capability in the meantime, and, if that plan does not include replacing the main propulsion engines and marine gear, an assessment of the effect on future operational availability. The section would also add a 5-ice-season pilot program, beginning after enactment, under which the Commandant must determine the extent to which the Great Lakes icebreaking cutter fleet can keep tier one and tier two waterways open 95 percent of the time, reporting results to the same two committees not later than 180 days after each ice season along with any new performance measures implemented. It would rewrite the public-report requirement in the Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022 so that, not later than July 1 following the first winter after the Commandant submits the underlying performance report, the Commandant must publish on a public Coast Guard website the cost of meeting the proposed icebreaking performance standards. Finally, the section would add to the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 a requirement that, not later than 30 days after this Act's enactment, the Commandant brief the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate on the fiscal year 2024 cost of meeting the requirements of section 564 of title 14, with follow-up briefings on fiscal year 2025 and 2026 costs due by November 1, 2025, and November 1, 2026, respectively.

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235. Great Lakes icebreaking (a) Great Lakes icebreaker and icebreaking tugs (1) Strategy Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a strategy detailing how the Coast Guard will complete design and construction of a Great Lakes icebreaker at least as capable as the Coast Guard cutter Mackinaw (WLBB–30) as expeditiously as possible after funding is provided for such icebreaker, including providing a cost estimate and an estimated delivery timeline that would facilitate the expedited delivery detailed in the strategy. (2) Report on bay class icebreaking tug fleet replacement Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate— (A) a report that describes the strategy of the Coast Guard with respect to the replacement of the Bay class icebreaking tug fleet; (B) in the case of such a strategy that results in the replacement of the last Bay class icebreaking tug on a date that is more than 15 years after such date of enactment, a plan to maintain the operational capabilities of the Bay class icebreaking tug fleet until the date on which such fleet is projected to be replaced; and (C) in the case of such a plan that does not include the replacement of the main propulsion engines and marine gear components of the Bay class icebreaking tug fleet, an assessment of the manner in which not replacing such engines and gear components will effect the future operational availability of such fleet. (b) Great Lakes icebreaker pilot program Section 11212(a) of the Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022 ( Public Law 117–263 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (4) Pilot program (A) In general During the 5 ice seasons beginning after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall conduct a pilot program to determine the extent to which the Coast Guard Great Lakes icebreaking cutter fleet is capable of maintaining tier one and tier two waterways open 95 percent of the time during an ice season. (B) Report Not later than 180 days after the end of each of the 5 ice seasons beginning after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report that details— (i) the results of the pilot program required under subparagraph (A); and (ii) any relevant new performance measures implemented by the Coast Guard, including the measures described in pages 5 through 7 of the report of the Coast Guard titled Domestic Icebreaking Operations and submitted to Congress on July 26, 2024, as required by section 11212(a)(3) of the Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022 ( Public Law 117–263 ), and the results of the implementation of such measures. . (c) Modification to reporting requirement relating to icebreaking operations in Great Lakes (1) In general Section 11213(f) of the Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022 ( Public Law 117–263 ) is amended to read as follows: (f) Public report Not later than July 1 after the first winter in which the Commandant has submitted the report required by paragraph (3) of section 11212(a), the Commandant shall publish on a publicly accessible website of the Coast Guard a report on the cost to the Coast Guard of meeting the proposed standards described in paragraph (2) of such section. . (2) Public report Section 11272(c) of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 is amended by adding at the end the following: (7) Public report (A) In general Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 , the Commandant shall brief the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House or Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate on the cost to the Coast Guard of meeting the requirements of section 564 of title 14, United States Code, in fiscal year 2024. (B) Secondary briefings Not later than November 1, 2025 and November, 1, 2026, the Commandant shall brief the committees described in subparagraph (A) on the cost to the Coast Guard of meeting the requirements of section 564 of title 14, United States Code, in fiscal years 2025 and 2026, respectively. . D Personnel

Sec. 241Family leave policies for Coast Guard

This section would amend section 2512 of title 14, retitling it "Family leave" and expanding its coverage. It would extend eligibility for leave connected to the birth, adoption, or placement of a minor child for long-term foster care to enlisted members and members of the reserve component (not just officers as before), and would allow the Secretary of Defense to issue an implementing regulation for reserve component members under section 711 of title 10 in parallel with the department's own regulation. It would add a new subsection allowing the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard operates to authorize leave to be taken after the normal one-year window, for a member who would otherwise lose unused family leave, if the delay is due to operational requirements, professional military education obligations, or other circumstances the Secretary determines reasonable and appropriate, with any such extended leave required to be taken within a reasonable time after the qualifying circumstance ends. The section would define "member of the reserve component of the Coast Guard" to mean a member of the selected reserve, or of the individual ready reserve, entitled to compensation under section 206 of title 37, and would amend section 206(a)(4) of title 37 to reference this new family leave benefit.

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241. Family leave policies for Coast Guard (a) In general Section 2512 of title 14, United States Code, is amended— (1) in the section heading by striking Leave and inserting Family leave ; (2) in subsection (a)— (A) by striking , United States Code, and inserting or, with respect to the reserve component of the Coast Guard, the Secretary of Defense promulgates a new regulation for members of the reserve component of the Coast Guard pursuant to section 711 of title 10, ; (B) by striking or adoption of a child and inserting or placement of a minor child with the member for adoption or long term foster care ; (C) by striking and enlisted members and inserting , enlisted members, and members of the reserve component ; and (D) by inserting or, with respect to members of the reserve component of the Coast Guard, the Secretary of Defense after provided by the Secretary of the Navy ; (3) in subsection (b)— (A) in the subsection heading by striking adoption of child and inserting placement of minor child with member for adoption or long term foster care ; (B) by striking and 704 and inserting , 704, and 711 ; (C) by striking and enlisted members and inserting , enlisted members, and members of the reserve component ; (D) by striking the birth or adoption inserting the birth, adoption, or long term foster care ; (E) by striking immediately ; (F) by striking such birth or adoption and inserting such birth, placement of a minor child with the member for long-term foster care, or adoption, ; and (G) by striking enlisted member and inserting , enlisted member, or member of the reserve component ; and (4) by adding at the end the following: (c) Period of leave (1) In general The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, may authorize leave described under subparagraph (b) to be taken after the one-year period described in subparagraph (b) in the case of a member described in subsection (b) who, except for this subparagraph, would lose unused family leave at the end of the one-year period described in subparagraph (A) as a result of— (A) operational requirements; (B) professional military education obligations; or (C) other circumstances that the Secretary determines reasonable and appropriate. (2) Extended deadline The regulation, rule, policy, or memorandum prescribed under paragraph (a) shall require that any leave authorized to be taken after the one-year period described in subparagraph (c)(1)(A) shall be taken within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, after cessation of the circumstances warranting the extended deadline. (d) Member of the reserve component of the Coast Guard defined In this section, the term member of the reserve component of the Coast Guard means a member of the Coast Guard who is a member of— (1) the selected reserve who is entitled to compensation under section 206 of title 37; or (2) the individual ready reserve who is entitled to compensation under section 206 of title 37 when attending or participating in a sufficient number of periods of inactive-duty training during a year to count the year as a qualifying year of creditable service toward eligibility for retired pay. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 25 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 2512 and inserting the following: 2512. Family leave policies for the Coast Guard. . (c) Compensation Section 206(a)(4) of title 37, United States Code, is amended by inserting before the period at the end or family leave under section 2512 of title 14 .

Sec. 242Modifications to career flexibility program

This section would amend section 2514 of title 14 to shorten, from 2 months to 30 days, a period specified in subsection (c)(3), and would add to the benefits available under subsection (h) the entitlement of a member and the member's survivors to death benefits under subchapter II of chapter 75 of title 10, travel and transportation allowances for family members attending a deceased member's repatriation, burial, or memorial ceremony under section 453(f) of title 37, eligibility for general veterans' benefits under part II of title 38, and, for a victim of an alleged sex-related offense as defined in section 1044e(h) of title 10, continued access to the maximum extent practicable to Coast Guard behavioral health resources, sexual assault prevention and response resources, and legal resources including special victims' counsel where practicable.

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242. Modifications to career flexibility program Section 2514 of title 14, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (c)(3) by striking 2 months and inserting 30 days ; and (2) in subsection (h)— (A) in paragraph (1) by striking and at the end; (B) in paragraph (2) by striking the period and inserting a semicolon; and (C) by adding at the end the following: (3) the entitlement of the member and of the survivors of the member to all death benefits under subchapter II of chapter 75 of title 10; (4) the provision of all travel and transportation allowances to family members of a deceased member to attend the repatriation, burial, or memorial ceremony of a deceased member as provided in section 453(f) of title 37; (5) the eligibility of the member for general benefits as provided in part II of title 38; and (6) in the case of a victim of an alleged sex-related offense (as such term is defined in section 1044e(h) of title 10) to the maximum extent practicable, maintaining access to— (A) Coast Guard behavioral health resources; (B) sexual assault prevention and response resources and programs of the Coast Guard; and (C) Coast Guard legal resources, including, to the extent practicable, special victims’ counsel. .

Sec. 243Direct hire authority for certain personnel

This section would add a new section 2517 to title 14 authorizing the Commandant, without regard to standard competitive-hiring procedures under title 5 (other than two specific sections), to directly appoint qualified candidates to medical and health professional positions, childcare services positions, Coast Guard housing office positions, nonclinical specialist positions focused on preventing harmful behavior such as suicide, sexual assault, harassment, and abuse, special agent positions with the Coast Guard Investigative Service, and, at the Coast Guard Academy, civilian faculty positions and positions improving cadet health and well-being; the Secretary could also noncompetitively appoint a highly qualified candidate to an excepted-service faculty position. This authority could only be used where the Commandant determines there is a shortage of qualified candidates or a critical hiring need, and the Commandant would have to brief the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives annually for 6 years on how the authority was used, including how many were hired, in what positions and grades, and how many later separated from the Coast Guard. The authority would sunset on September 30, 2030.

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243. Direct hire authority for certain personnel (a) In general Subchapter I of chapter 25 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 2517. Direct hire authority for certain personnel (a) In general The Commandant may appoint, without regard to the provisions of subchapter I of chapter 33 (other than sections 3303 and 3328 of such chapter) of title 5, qualified candidates to any of the following positions in the competitive service (as defined in section 2102 of title 5) in the Coast Guard: (1) Any category of medical or health professional positions within the Coast Guard. (2) Any childcare services position. (3) Any position in the Coast Guard housing office of a Coast Guard installation, the primary function of which is supervision of Coast Guard housing covered by subchapter III of chapter 29 of this title. (4) Any nonclinical specialist position the purpose of which is the integrated primary prevention of harmful behavior, including suicide, sexual assault, harassment, domestic abuse, and child abuse. (5) Any special agent position of the Coast Guard Investigative Service. (6) The following positions at the Coast Guard Academy: (A) Any civilian faculty member appointed under section 1941. (B) A position involving the improvement of cadet health or well-being. (b) Noncompetitive appointment The Secretary may, without regard to the appointment requirements of title 5, noncompetitively appoint a highly qualified candidate to a faculty position in the excepted service. (c) Limitation The Commandant shall only appoint qualified candidates under the authority provided by subsections (a) and (b) if the Commandant determines that there is a shortage of qualified candidates for the positions described in such subsection or a critical hiring need for such positions. (d) Briefing requirement Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 , and annually thereafter for the following 5 years, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a written briefing which describes the use of the authority provided under this section on an annual basis, including the following: (1) The number of employees hired under the authority provided under this section within the year for which the briefing is provided. (2) The positions and grades for which employees were hired. (3) A justification for the Commandant’s determination that such positions involved a shortage of qualified candidates or a critical hiring need. (4) The number of employees who were hired under the authority provided under this section who have separated from the Coast Guard. (5) Steps the Coast Guard has taken to engage with the Office of Personnel Management under subpart B of part 337 of title 5, Code of Federal Regulations, for positions for which the Commandant determines a direct hire authority remains necessary. (e) Sunset The authority provided under subsection (a) shall expire on September 30, 2030. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 25 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to 2516 the following: 2517. Direct hire authority for certain personnel. .

Sec. 244Command sponsorship for dependents of members of Coast Guard assigned to Unalaska, Alaska

This section would add a new section 2518 to title 14 requiring the Commandant, on request, to grant command sponsorship to the dependents of any member of the Coast Guard assigned to Unalaska, Alaska.

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244. Command sponsorship for dependents of members of Coast Guard assigned to Unalaska, Alaska (a) In general Chapter 25 of title 14, United States Code, is further amended by inserting after section 2517 (as added by this Act) the following: 2518. Command sponsorship On request by a member of the Coast Guard assigned to Unalaska, Alaska, the Commandant shall grant command sponsorship to the dependents of such member. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 25 of title 14, United States Code, is further amended by inserting after the item relating to section 2517 the following: 2518. Command sponsorship. .

Sec. 245Authorization for maternity uniform allowance for officers

This section would amend section 2708 of title 14 to allow the Coast Guard to provide pregnant officers a cash allowance, in an amount the Secretary determines by policy, to purchase maternity-related uniform items that the Coast Guard does not itself furnish.

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245. Authorization for maternity uniform allowance for officers Section 2708 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: (c) The Coast Guard may provide a cash allowance, in such amount as the Secretary shall determine by policy, to be paid to pregnant officer personnel for the purchase of maternity-related uniform items, if such uniform items are not so furnished to the member by the Coast Guard. .

Sec. 246Consolidation of authorities for college student precommissioning initiative

This section would rewrite section 3710 of title 14 to establish a College Student Precommissioning Initiative for eligible undergraduates to enlist in the Coast Guard Reserve and later receive a Reserve officer commission. To apply, a student would have to be between 19 and 31 years old (or another age the Commandant sets), be of outstanding moral character, be a United States citizen eligible for a secret clearance, be enrolled at specified categories of institution (a minority-serving institution under the Higher Education Act, or a rural-serving institution, among others), attend an institution within 100 miles of a Coast Guard unit or recruiting office unless the Commandant approves otherwise, and meet credit, GPA, medical, and administrative standards the Commandant sets. The Commandant could provide financial assistance for tuition, fees, books, and (for baccalaureate programs) laboratory expenses, up to $25,000 per academic year for up to 5 consecutive years, to enlisted Reserve members enrolled full-time toward a baccalaureate (in no more than 5 years) or post-baccalaureate degree, conditioned on a written agreement to complete the degree, complete required training, accept a Reserve officer commission if tendered, and serve a minimum of 3 years of obligated active duty computed as 3 months of duty per month of assisted instruction for the first 12 months and 1 month per month after that (whichever is greater), on top of any other service obligation; a member who breaches the agreement could be retained in the Reserve and ordered to active duty for up to 4 years, and would otherwise be subject to repayment under section 303a(e) of title 37. The Commandant would have to brief the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives every year by August 15 on outreach efforts and enrollee demographics including race, ethnicity, gender, geographic origin, and educational institution. The section would also repeal section 2131 of title 14, a separate, now-superseded authority.

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246. Consolidation of authorities for college student precommissioning initiative (a) In general Section 3710 of title 14, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: 3710. College student precommissioning initiative (a) In general There is authorized within the Coast Guard a college student precommissioning initiative program (in this section referred to as the Program ) for eligible undergraduate students to enlist in the Coast Guard Reserve and receive a commission as a Reserve officer. (b) Criteria for selection To be eligible for the Program an applicant shall meet the following requirements upon submitting an application: (1) Age The applicant shall be not less than 19 years old and not more than 31 years old as of September 30 of the fiscal year in which the Program selection panel selecting such applicant convenes, or an age otherwise determined by the Commandant. (2) Character (A) In general The applicant shall be of outstanding moral character and meet any other character requirement set forth by the Commandant. (B) Coast Guard applicants Any applicant serving in the Coast Guard may not be commissioned if in the 36 months prior to the first Officer Candidate School class convening date in the selection cycle, such applicant was convicted by a court-martial or assigned nonjudicial punishment, or did not meet performance or character requirements set forth by the Commandant. (3) Citizenship The applicant shall be a United States citizen. (4) Clearance The applicant shall be eligible for a secret clearance. (5) Education The applicant shall be enrolled in a college degree program at— (A) an institution of higher education described in section 371(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1067q(a) ); (B) an institution of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1001 )) that, at the time of the application has had for 3 consecutive years an enrollment of undergraduate full-time equivalent students (as defined in section 312(e) of such Act ( 20 U.S.C. 1058(e) )) that is a total of at least 50 percent Black American, Hispanic American, Asian American (as defined in section 371(c) of such Act ( 20 U.S.C. 1067q(c) )), Native American Pacific Islander (as defined in such section), or Native American (as defined in such section), among other criteria, as determined by the Commandant; or (C) an institution that meets the eligibility requirements for funding as a rural-serving institution of higher education under section 861 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1161q ). (6) Location The institution at which the applicant is an undergraduate shall be within 100 miles of a Coast Guard unit or Coast Guard Recruiting Office unless otherwise approved by the Commandant. (7) Records The applicant shall meet credit and grade point average requirements set forth by the Commandant. (8) Medical and administrative The applicant shall meet other medical and administrative requirements as set forth by the Commandant. (c) Financial assistance (1) In general The Commandant may provide financial assistance to enlisted members of the Coast Guard Reserve on active duty participating in the Program, for expenses of the enlisted member while the enlisted member is enrolled, on a full-time basis, in a college degree program approved by the Commandant at a college, university, or institution of higher education described in subsection (b)(5) that leads to— (A) a baccalaureate degree in not more than 5 academic years; or (B) a post-baccalaureate degree. (2) Written agreements To be eligible for financial assistance under this section, an enlisted member of the Coast Guard Reserve shall enter into a written agreement with the Coast Guard that notifies the Reserve enlisted member of the obligations of that member under this section, and in which the member agrees to the following: (A) The member shall complete an approved college degree program at a college, university, or institution of higher education described in subsection (b)(5). (B) The member shall satisfactorily complete all required Coast Guard training and participate in monthly military activities of the Program as required by the Commandant. (C) Upon graduation from the college, university, or institution of higher education described in subsection (b)(5), the member shall— (i) accept an appointment, if tendered, as a commissioned officer in the Coast Guard Reserve; and (ii) serve a period of obligated active duty for a minimum of 3 years immediately after such appointment as follows: (I) Members participating in the Program shall be obligated to serve on active duty 3 months for each month of instruction for which they receive financial assistance pursuant to this section for the first 12 months and 1 month for each month thereafter, or 3 years, whichever is greater. (II) The period of obligated active duty service incurred while participating in the Program shall be in addition to any other obligated service a member may incur due to receiving other bonuses or other benefits as part of any other Coast Guard program. (III) If an appointment described in clause (i) is not tendered, the member will remain in the Reserve component until completion of the member’s enlisted service obligation. (D) The member shall agree to perform such duties or complete such terms under the conditions of service specified by the Coast Guard. (3) Expenses Expenses for which financial assistance may be provided under this section are the following: (A) Tuition and fees charged by the college, university, or institution of higher education at which a member is enrolled on a full-time basis. (B) The cost of books. (C) In the case of a program of education leading to a baccalaureate degree, laboratory expenses. (D) Such other expenses as the Commandant considers appropriate, which may not exceed $25,000 for any academic year. (4) Time limit Financial assistance may be provided to a member under this section for up to 5 consecutive academic years. (5) Breach of agreement (A) In general The Secretary may retain in the Coast Guard Reserve, and may order to active duty for such period of time as the Secretary prescribes (but not to exceed 4 years), a member who breaches an agreement under paragraph (2). The period of time for which a member is ordered to active duty under this paragraph may be determined without regard to section 651(a) of title 10. (B) Appropriate enlisted grade or rating A member who is retained in the Coast Guard Reserve under subparagraph (A) shall be retained in an appropriate enlisted grade or rating, as determined by the Commandant. (6) Repayment A member who does not fulfill the terms of the obligation to serve as specified under paragraph (2), or the alternative obligation imposed under paragraph (5), shall be subject to the repayment provisions of section 303a(e) of title 37. (d) Briefing (1) In general Not later than August 15 of each year following the date of the enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 , the Commandant shall provide a briefing to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives on the Program. (2) Contents The briefing required under paragraph (1) shall describe— (A) outreach and recruitment efforts over the previous year; and (B) demographic information of enrollees, including— (i) race; (ii) ethnicity; (iii) gender; (iv) geographic origin; and (v) educational institution. . (b) Repeal Section 2131 of title 14, United States Code, is repealed. (c) Clerical amendments (1) The analysis for chapter 21 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 2131. (2) The analysis for chapter 37 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 3710 and inserting the following: 3710. College student precommissioning initiative. .

Sec. 247Additional available guidance and considerations for reserve selection boards

This section would amend section 3740(f) of title 14 so that reserve selection boards must draw guidance and considerations from both sections 2115 and 2117 of title 14, rather than section 2117 alone.

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247. Additional available guidance and considerations for reserve selection boards Section 3740(f) of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking section 2117 and inserting sections 2115 and 2117 .

Sec. 248Housing

This section would add two new sections to title 14. New section 2948 would let the Commandant acquire sole interest in existing, privately owned or HUD-held family housing units in lieu of constructing new ones authorized by law and subject to available appropriations (accepting less than sole interest for housing in foreign countries), including the associated land interests, subject to the net-floor-area limits in section 2826 of title 10, though the Commandant could waive that limit for units acquired within 5 years of this section's enactment. New section 2949 would let the Commandant accept funds from a non-federal party to cover the Commandant's administrative expenses in real property transactions such as exchanges, easements, leases, licenses, and certain disposals or conveyances of Coast Guard-controlled real property. Separately, not later than 1 year after enactment, the Commandant would have to report to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate on the status of implementing recommendations from the GAO report "Coast Guard: Better Feedback Collection and Information Could Enhance Housing Program" (GAO-24-106388, issued February 5, 2024).

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248. Housing (a) In general Subchapter III of chapter 29 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 2948. Authorization for acquisition of existing family housing in lieu of construction (a) In general In lieu of constructing any family housing units authorized by law to be constructed and subject to the availability of appropriations, the Commandant may acquire sole interest in existing family housing units that are privately owned or that are held by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, except that in foreign countries the Commandant may acquire less than sole interest in existing family housing units. (b) Acquisition of interests in land When authority provided by law to construct Coast Guard family housing units is used to acquire existing family housing units under subsection (a), the authority includes authority to acquire interests in land. (c) Limitation on net floor area The net floor area of a family housing unit acquired under the authority of this section may not exceed the applicable limitation specified in section 2826 of title 10. The Commandant may waive the limitation set forth in the preceding sentence for family housing units acquired under this section during the five-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this section. 2949. Acceptance of funds to cover administrative expenses relating to certain real property transactions (a) Authority to accept In connection with a real property transaction referred to in subsection (b) with a non-Federal person or entity, the Commandant may accept amounts provided by the person or entity to cover administrative expenses incurred by the Commandant in entering into the transaction. (b) Covered transactions Subsection (a) applies to the following transactions involving real property under the control of the Commandant: (1) The exchange of real property. (2) The grant of an easement over, in, or upon real property of the United States. (3) The lease or license of real property of the United States. (4) The disposal of real property of the United States for which the Commandant will be the disposal agent. (5) The conveyance of real property under section 2945. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 29 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 2948. Authorization for acquisition of existing family housing in lieu of construction. 2949. Acceptance of funds to cover administrative expenses relating to certain real property transactions. . (c) Report on GAO recommendations on housing program Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the status of the implementation of the recommendations contained in the report of the Government Accountability Office titled Coast Guard: Better Feedback Collection and Information Could Enhance Housing Program , and issued February 5, 2024 (GAO–24–106388).

Sec. 249Behavioral health

This section would require the Commandant, not later than 270 days after enactment and coordinating with the Assistant Commandant for Health, Safety, and Work Life, to establish a Coast Guard Embedded Behavioral Health Technician Pilot Program placing a health services technician (grade E-5 or higher) or an equivalently trained civilian behavioral health specialist at three or more Coast Guard clinics supporting high-operational-tempo units, to provide supervised psychological assessment, behavioral health services, education, and expedited referrals at the clinic level. The Commandant would have to brief the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives on the implementation plan within 120 days, submit a data-collection plan within 270 days, and submit an annual report each September 1 on the program's implementation, lessons learned, and the feasibility and cost of expanding it Coast Guard-wide, until the pilot terminates on September 30, 2029. Separately, not later than 180 days after enactment, the Commandant would have to hire, train, and deploy at least 5 additional behavioral health specialists beyond those already required under section 11412(a) of the Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022, ensuring at least 35 percent of them have experience with military sexual trauma-related care, making their support (which may include telemedicine) widely available, and notifying the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives within 180 days if this hiring is not complete, including details on the hiring process and recruitment efforts and a compliance plan.

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249. Behavioral health (a) Coast Guard embedded behavioral health technician program (1) Establishment (A) In general Not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant, in coordination with the Assistant Commandant for Health, Safety, and Work Life, shall establish and conduct a pilot program, to be known as the Coast Guard Embedded Behavioral Health Technician Program (referred to in this section as the Pilot Program ), to integrate behavioral health technicians serving at Coast Guard units for the purposes of— (i) facilitating, at the clinic level, the provision of integrated behavioral health care for members of the Coast Guard; (ii) providing, as a force extender under the supervision of a licensed behavioral health care provider, at the clinic level— (I) psychological assessment and diagnostic services, as appropriate; (II) behavioral health services, as appropriate; (III) education and training related to promoting positive behavioral health and well-being; and (IV) information and resources, including expedited referrals, to assist members of the Coast Guard in dealing with behavioral health concerns; (iii) improving resilience and mental health care among members of the Coast Guard who respond to extraordinary calls of duty, with the ultimate goals of preventing crises and addressing mental health concerns before such concerns evolve into more complex issues that require care at a military treatment facility; (iv) increasing— (I) the number of such members served by behavioral health technicians; and (II) the proportion of such members returning to duty after seeking behavioral health care; and (v) positively impacting the Coast Guard in a cost-effective manner by extending behavioral health services to the workforce and improving access to care. (B) Briefing Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall provide the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives with a briefing regarding a plan to establish and conduct the Pilot Program. (2) Selection of Coast Guard clinics The Commandant shall select, for participation in the Pilot Program, 3 or more Coast Guard clinics that support units that have significantly high operational tempos or other force resiliency risks, as determined by the Commandant. (3) Placement of staff at Coast Guard clinics (A) In general Under the Pilot Program, a Coast Guard health services technician with a grade of E–5 or higher, or an assigned civilian behavioral health specialist, shall be— (i) assigned to each selected Coast Guard clinic; and (ii) located at a unit with high operational tempo. (B) Training (i) Health services technicians Before commencing an assignment at a Coast Guard clinic under subparagraph (A), a Coast Guard health services technician shall complete behavioral health technician training and independent duty health services training. (ii) Civilian behavioral health specialists To qualify for an assignment at a Coast Guard clinic under subparagraph (A), a civilian behavioral health specialist shall have at least the equivalent behavioral health training as the training required for a Coast Guard behavioral health technician under clause (i). (4) Administration The Commandant, in coordination with the Assistant Commandant for Health, Safety, and Work Life, shall administer the Pilot Program through the Health, Safety, and Work-Life Service Center. (5) Data collection (A) In general The Commandant shall collect and analyze data concerning the Pilot Program for purposes of— (i) developing and sharing best practices for improving access to behavioral health care; and (ii) providing information to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives regarding the implementation of the Pilot Program and related policy issues. (B) Plan Not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a plan for carrying out subparagraph (A). (6) Annual report Not later than September 1 of each year until the date on which the Pilot Program terminates under paragraph (7), the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on the Pilot Program that includes the following: (A) An overview of the implementation of the Pilot Program at each applicable Coast Guard clinic, including— (i) the number of members of the Coast Guard who received services on site by a behavioral health technician assigned to such clinic; (ii) feedback from all members of the Coast Guard empaneled for their medical care under the Pilot Program; (iii) an assessment of the deployability and overall readiness of members of the applicable operational unit; and (iv) an estimate of potential costs and impacts on other Coast Guard health care services of supporting the Pilot Program at such units and clinics. (B) The data and analysis required under paragraph (5)(A). (C) A list and detailed description of lessons learned from the Pilot Program as of the date of on which the report is submitted. (D) The feasibility, estimated cost, and impacts on other Coast Guard health care services of expanding the Pilot Program to all Coast Guard clinics, and a description of the personnel, fiscal, and administrative resources that would be needed for such an expansion. (7) Termination The Pilot Program shall terminate on September 30, 2029. (b) Behavioral health specialist (1) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall hire, train, and deploy not fewer than 5 additional behavioral health specialists, in addition to the personnel required under section 11412(a) of the Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022 ( 14 U.S.C. 504 note). (2) Requirement The Commandant shall ensure that not fewer than 35 percent of behavioral health specialists required to be deployed under paragraph (1) have experience in— (A) behavioral health care related to military sexual trauma; and (B) behavioral health care for the purpose of supporting members of the Coast Guard with needs for mental health care and counseling services for post-traumatic stress disorder and co-occurring disorders related to military sexual trauma. (3) Accessibility The support provided by the behavioral health specialists hired pursuant to paragraph (1)— (A) may include care delivered via telemedicine; and (B) shall be made widely available to members of the Coast Guard. (4) Notification (A) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall notify the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives if the Coast Guard has not completed hiring, training, and deploying— (i) the personnel referred to in paragraphs (1) and (2); and (ii) the personnel required under section 11412(a) of the Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022 ( 14 U.S.C. 504 note). (B) Contents The notification required under subparagraph (A) shall include— (i) the date of publication of the hiring opportunity for all such personnel; (ii) the General Schedule grade level advertised in the publication of the hiring opportunity for all such personnel; (iii) the number of personnel to whom the Coast Guard extended an offer of employment in accordance with the requirements of this section and section 11412(a) of the Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022 ( 14 U.S.C. 504 note), and the number of such personnel who accepted or declined such offer of employment; (iv) a summary of the efforts by the Coast Guard to publicize, advertise, or otherwise recruit qualified candidates in accordance with the requirements of this section and section 11412(a) of such Act; and (v) any recommendations and a detailed plan to ensure full compliance with the requirements of this section and section 11412(a) of such Act, which may include special payments discussed in the report of the Government Accountability Office titled Federal Pay: Opportunities Exist to Enhance Strategic Use of Special Payments , published on December 7, 2017 (GAO–18–91), which may be made available to help ensure full compliance with all such requirements in a timely manner.

Sec. 250Travel allowance for members of Coast Guard assigned to Alaska

This section would require the Commandant to implement a policy reimbursing eligible members of the Coast Guard for airfare to travel within the United States or its territories at the member's request. A member would be eligible if assigned to a duty location in Alaska and if an officer above the O-5 grade in the member's chain of command authorizes the travel; that authorizing official could require justification if the destination is not the member's home of record or legal residence but could not unreasonably deny the request, and the Commandant could not deny reimbursement for travel the officer has authorized. Time spent on this travel would count as leave under section 704 of title 10. Not later than February 1, 2027, the Commandant would have to brief the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives on the use and effectiveness of the reimbursements, the cost-of-living allowance calculation for Alaska duty, and the use of special pays as cold-weather or duty-location incentives. This reimbursement policy would run from enactment until the later of December 31, 2029, or the date the special/assignment pay authority under section 352 of title 37 terminates.

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250. Travel allowance for members of Coast Guard assigned to Alaska (a) Establishment The Commandant shall implement a policy that provides for reimbursement to eligible members of the Coast Guard for the cost of airfare for such members to travel to a place within the United States or the territories of the United States at the request of such member during the period specified in subsection (e). (b) Eligible members A member of the Coast Guard is eligible for a reimbursement under subsection (a) if— (1) the member is assigned to a duty location in Alaska; and (2) an officer in a grade above O–5 in the chain of command of the member authorizes the travel of the member. (c) Treatment of time as leave The time during which an eligible member is absent from duty for travel reimbursable under subsection (a) shall be treated as leave for purposes of section 704 of title 10, United States Code. (d) Restriction The Commandant shall not deny reimbursement for travel authorized under subsection (b)(2) to the respective member. (e) Justification If a member requests to travel to a place that is not the home of record, or state of legal residence, of such member, the approving official under subsection (b)(2) may require a justification of the request by such member and shall not unreasonably deny such request. (f) Briefing required Not later than February 1, 2027, the Commandant shall provide to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a briefing on— (1) the use and effectiveness of reimbursements under subsection (a); (2) the calculation and use of the cost of living allowance for a member assigned to a duty location in Alaska; and (3) the use of special pays and other allowances as incentives for cold weather proficiency or duty locations. (g) Period specified The period specified in this subsection is the period— (1) beginning on the date of enactment of this Act; and (2) ending on the later of— (A) December 31, 2029; or (B) the date on which the authority under section 352 of title 37, United States Code, to grant assignment or special duty pay to members of the uniform services terminates under subsection (g) of such section.

Sec. 251Tuition Assistance and Advanced Education Assistance Pilot Program

This section would require the Secretary, acting through the Commandant and not later than 120 days after enactment, to establish a Tuition Assistance and Advanced Education Assistance Pilot Program for Sea Duty for active-duty Coast Guard members. A participating member would enter a formal agreement providing that, upon successfully completing a sea duty tour, the Secretary would, for a period equal to the tour's length, reduce by 1 year the member's service obligation under the advanced education assistance program (10 U.S.C. 2005) or tuition assistance program (10 U.S.C. 2007), and would double the member's tuition assistance cost cap for that period. Starting 1 year after the pilot is established, and annually until it terminates, the Commandant would have to report to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives comparing retention, recruitment, and sea-duty-billet filling rates for participants versus the Coast Guard overall, the number of participants by officer or enlisted billet type, and their progress toward their degrees. The pilot program would terminate 6 years after it is established.

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251. Tuition Assistance and Advanced Education Assistance Pilot Program (a) Establishment Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, acting through the Commandant, shall establish a tuition assistance pilot program for active-duty members of the Coast Guard, to be known as the Tuition Assistance and Advanced Education Assistance Pilot Program for Sea Duty (referred to in this section as the pilot program ). (b) Formal agreement A member of the Coast Guard participating in the pilot program shall enter into a formal agreement with the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating that provides that, upon the successful completion of a sea duty tour by such member, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall, for a period equal to the length of the sea duty tour, beginning on the date on which the sea duty tour concludes— (1) reduce by 1 year the service obligation incurred by such member as a result of participation in the advanced education assistance program under section 2005 of title 10, United States Code, or the tuition assistance program under section 2007 of such title; and (2) increase the tuition assistance cost cap for such member to not more than double the amount of the standard tuition assistance cost cap set by the Commandant for the applicable fiscal year. (c) Report Not later than 1 year after the date on which the pilot program is established, and annually thereafter through the date on which the pilot program is terminated under subsection (d), the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report that— (1) evaluates and compares— (A) the Coast Guard’s retention, recruitment, and filling of sea duty billets for all members of the Coast Guard; and (B) the Coast Guard’s retention, recruitment, and filling of sea duty billets for all members of the Coast Guard participating in the pilot program; (2) includes the number of participants in the pilot program as of the date of the report, disaggregated by officer and enlisted billet type; and (3) assesses the progress made by such participants in their respective voluntary education programs, in accordance with their degree plans, during the period described in subsection (b). (d) Termination The pilot program shall terminate on the date that is 6 years after the date on which the pilot program is established.

Sec. 252Recruitment, relocation, and retention incentive program for civilian firefighters employed by Coast Guard in remote locations

This section would require the Commandant to identify remote locations for this purpose, including at minimum every Coast Guard fire station where members and dependents are eligible for the TRICARE Prime Remote program, and to establish an incentive program of recruitment and relocation bonuses (consistent with section 5753 of title 5) and retention bonuses (consistent with section 5754) for civilian firefighters at those locations, with eligibility criteria developed with the Director of the Office of Personnel Management requiring the Commandant to first determine that incentives are needed to address a recruitment, retention, or relocation problem at that location. Not less than annually for 5 years after enactment, the Commandant would have to report to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives on the program's use and effectiveness, the number of participants, how incentives were distributed, and the program's impact on recruitment and retention.

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252. Recruitment, relocation, and retention incentive program for civilian firefighters employed by Coast Guard in remote locations (a) Identification of remote locations The Commandant shall identify locations to be considered remote locations for purposes of this section, which shall include, at a minimum, each Coast Guard fire station located in an area in which members of the Coast Guard and the dependents of such members are eligible for the TRICARE Prime Remote program. (b) Incentive program (1) In general To ensure uninterrupted operations by civilian firefighters employed by the Coast Guard in remote locations, the Commandant shall establish an incentive program for such firefighters consisting of— (A) recruitment and relocation bonuses consistent with section 5753 of title 5, United States Code; and (B) retention bonuses consistent with section 5754 of title 5, United States Code. (2) Eligibility criteria The Commandant, in coordination with the Director of the Office of Personnel and Management, shall establish eligibility criteria for the incentive program established under paragraph (1), which shall include a requirement that a firefighter described in paragraph (1) may only be eligible for the incentive program under this section if, with respect to the applicable remote location, the Commandant has made a determination that incentives are appropriate to address an identified recruitment, retention, or relocation need. (c) Annual report Not less frequently than annually for the 5-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report that— (1) details the use and effectiveness of the incentive program established under this section; and (2) includes— (A) the number of participants in the incentive program; (B) a description of the distribution of incentives under such program; and (C) a description of the impact of such program on civilian firefighter recruitment and retention by the Coast Guard in remote locations.

Sec. 253Notification

This section would require the Commandant to notify the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives, not later than 10 days before the end of each fiscal year (or, during a continuing resolution lasting more than 10 days, not later than 10 days before that resolution's funding period ends), of the status of Coast Guard funding for the upcoming period, the Coast Guard's status as a component of the Armed Forces, the number of members currently serving overseas or otherwise supporting title 10 missions, the fact that Armed Forces members must continue to serve even if unpaid during a lapse in funding, the effects of past government shutdowns on Coast Guard members, and any other matter the Commandant considers relevant.

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253. Notification (a) In general The Commandant shall provide to the appropriate committees of Congress notification as described in subsection (b)— (1) not later than the date that is 10 days before the final day of each fiscal year; or (2) in the case of a continuing resolution that, for a period of more than 10 days, provides appropriated funds in lieu of an appropriations Act, not later than the date that is 10 days before the final day of the period that such continuing resolution covers. (b) Elements Notification under subsection (a) shall include— (1) the status of funding for the Coast Guard during the subsequent fiscal year or at the end of the continuing resolution if other appropriations measures are not enacted, as applicable; (2) the status of the Coast Guard as a component of the Armed Forces; (3) the number of members currently serving overseas and otherwise supporting missions related to title 10, United States Code; (4) the fact that members of the Armed Forces have service requirements unlike those of other Federal employees, which require them to continue to serve even if unpaid; (5) the impacts of historical shutdowns of the Federal Government on members of the Coast Guard; and (6) other relevant matters, as determined by the Commandant. (c) Appropriate committees of Congress defined In this section, the term appropriate committees of Congress means— (1) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate; (2) the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate; (3) the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives; and (4) the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives. E Coast Guard Academy

Sec. 261Modification of Board of Visitors

This section would rewrite section 1903 of title 14 governing the Coast Guard Academy's Board of Visitors. The Board would be established by the Commandant to review and recommend on the Academy's operation, with membership drawn from the chairs (or their designees) of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation and House Transportation and Infrastructure Committees, 3 Senators and 4 House members appointed by the Vice President and Speaker respectively, 2 additional Senators and 2 additional House members from each chamber's Appropriations Committee, and 6 individuals designated by the President; if any congressional appointment is not made within 180 days of a Congress's first session convening, the relevant subcommittee's chair and ranking member would serve as substitute members until that Congress's second session adjourns. The Board would biennially select a Member of Congress as chairperson, alternating between the House and Senate and barring consecutive terms for the same person; congressional members serve for the length of their Congress, and presidential designees serve 3-year terms (continuing until a successor is named), with vacancies filled by whichever official made the original designation. The Commandant would have to invite each Board member to visit the Academy at least annually and, with Secretary approval, allow additional visits and consultations with the Superintendent, faculty, staff, or cadets, ensuring reasonable access for these purposes. The Board would review the Academy's morale and discipline (including sexual assault and harassment prevention, response, and recovery), recruitment and retention including diversity and issues affecting women, curriculum, instruction, physical equipment and deferred maintenance, fiscal affairs, and any other matter it considers appropriate, meeting at least annually at a Commandant-chosen location, with a designated federal officer organizing the first meeting to select a chairperson and adopt a charter, and providing 30 days' notice of each meeting; the chair and ranking member of the relevant Senate and House committees could each designate one staff member to attend and participate in visits and meetings (without exercising Board members' own authorities), and the Board could consult outside advisors with Secretary approval. Not later than 60 days after each meeting, the Deputy Commandant for Mission Support would have to report the Board's actions and recommendations to the Secretary and to the Senate and House Commerce/Transportation and Armed Services committees, publishing each report on a public Coast Guard website. The Commandant and Superintendent would have to make candid, complete disclosures to the Board on the matters it reviews, consistent with applicable disclosure law, and the Commandant would have to support the Board's work, designate a supporting federal officer, and reimburse Board members' and advisors' actual expenses to the extent the law allows. Not later than 30 days after each Congress's first session convenes, the Commandant would have to notify the relevant Senate and House committee chairs and ranking members, and the President, of these requirements.

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261. Modification of Board of Visitors Section 1903 of title 14, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: 1903. Annual Board of Visitors (a) In general The Commandant shall establish a Board of Visitors to the Coast Guard Academy to review and make recommendations on the operation of the Academy. (b) Membership (1) In general The membership of the Board shall consist of the following: (A) The chairperson of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, or a member of such Committee designated by such chairperson. (B) The chairperson of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, or a member of such Committee designated by such chairperson. (C) 3 Senators appointed by the Vice President. (D) 4 Members of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. (E) 2 Senators appointed by the Vice President, each of whom shall be selected from among members of the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate. (F) 2 Members of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, each of whom shall be selected from among members of the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives. (G) 6 individuals designated by the President. (2) Timing of appointments of members (A) If any member of the Board described in paragraph (1)(C) is not appointed by the date that is 180 days after the date on which the first session of each Congress convenes, the chair and ranking member of the subcommittee of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate with jurisdiction over the authorization of appropriations of the Coast Guard shall be members of the Board until the date on which the second session of such Congress adjourns sine die. (B) If any member of the Board described in paragraph (1)(D) is not appointed by the date that is 180 days after the date on which the first session of each Congress convenes, the chair and ranking member of the subcommittee of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives with jurisdiction over the authorization of appropriations for the Coast Guard shall be members of the Board until the date on which the second session of such Congress adjourns sine die. (C) If any member of the Board described in paragraph (1)(E) is not appointed by the date that is 180 days after the date on which the first session of each Congress convenes, the chair and ranking member of the subcommittee of the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate with jurisdiction over appropriations for the Coast Guard shall be members of the Board until the date on which the second session of such Congress adjourns sine die. (D) If any member of the Board described in paragraph (1)(F) is not appointed by the date that is 180 days after the date on which the first session of each Congress convenes, the chair and ranking member of the subcommittee of the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives with jurisdiction over appropriations for the Coast Guard shall be members of the Board until the date on which the second session of such Congress adjourns sine die. (3) Chairperson (A) In general On a biennial basis and subject to paragraph (4), the Board shall select from among the members of the Board a Member of Congress to serve as the Chair of the Board. (B) Rotation A Member of the House of Representatives and a Member of the Senate shall alternately be selected as the Chair of the Board. (C) Term An individual may not serve as Chairperson of the Board for consecutive terms. (4) Length of service (A) Members of congress A Member of Congress designated as a member of the Board under paragraph (1) shall be designated as a member in the first session of the applicable Congress and shall serve for the duration of such Congress. (B) Individuals designated by the president Each individual designated by the President under paragraph (1)(G) shall serve as a member of the Board for 3 years, except that any such member whose term of office has expired shall continue to serve until a successor is appointed by the President. (C) Death or resignation of a member If a member of the Board dies or resigns, a successor shall be designated for any unexpired portion of the term of the member by the official who designated the member. (c) Duties (1) Academy visits (A) Annual visit The Commandant shall invite each member of the Board, and any designee of a member of the Board, to visit the Coast Guard Academy at least once annually to review the operation of the Academy. (B) Additional visits With the approval of the Secretary, the Board or any members of the Board in connection with the duties of the Board may— (i) make visits to the Academy in addition to the visits described in subparagraph (A); or (ii) consult with— (I) the Superintendent of the Academy; or (II) the faculty, staff, or cadets of the Academy. (C) Access The Commandant shall ensure that the Board or any members of the Board who visits the Academy under this paragraph is provided reasonable access to the grounds, facilities, cadets, faculty, staff, and other personnel of the Academy for the purpose of carrying out the duties of the Board. (2) Oversight review In conducting oversight of the Academy under this section, the Board shall review, with respect to the Academy— (A) the state of morale and discipline, including with respect to prevention of, response to, and recovery from sexual assault and sexual harassment; (B) recruitment and retention, including diversity, inclusion, and issues regarding women specifically; (C) the curriculum; (D) instruction; (E) physical equipment, including infrastructure, living quarters, and deferred maintenance; (F) fiscal affairs; and (G) any other matter relating to the Academy the Board considers appropriate. (d) Administrative matters (1) Meetings (A) In general Not less frequently than annually, the Board shall meet at a location chosen by the Commandant, in consultation with the Board, to conduct the review required by subsection (c)(2). (B) Chairperson and charter The Federal officer designated under subsection (f)(1)(B) shall organize a meeting of the Board for the purposes of— (i) selecting a Chairperson of the Board under subsection (b)(3); (ii) adopting an official charter for the Board, which shall establish the schedule of meetings of the Board; and (iii) any other matter such designated Federal officer or the Board considers appropriate. (C) Scheduling In scheduling a meeting of the Board, such designated Federal officer shall coordinate, to the greatest extent practicable, with the members of the Board to determine the date and time of the meeting. (D) Notification Not less than 30 days before each scheduled meeting of the Board, such designated Federal officer shall notify each member of the Board of the time, date, and location of the meeting. (2) Staff (A) Designation The chairperson and the ranking member of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the chairperson and the ranking member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives may each designate 1 staff member of each such Committees. (B) Role Staff designated under subparagraph (A)— (i) may attend and participate in visits and carry out consultations described under subsection (c)(1) and attend and participate in meetings described under paragraph (1); and (ii) may not otherwise carry out duties or take actions reserved to members of the Board under this section. (3) Advisors If approved by the Secretary, the Board may consult with advisors in carrying out the duties of the Board under this section. (4) Reports (A) In general Not later than 60 days after the date on which the Board conducts a meeting of the Board under paragraph (1), the Deputy Commandant for Mission Support, in consultation with the Board, shall submit a report on the actions of the Board during the meeting and the recommendations of the Board pertaining to the Academy to— (i) the Secretary; (ii) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate; and (iii) the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives. (B) Publication Each report submitted under this paragraph shall be published on a publicly accessible website of the Coast Guard. (e) Disclosure The Commandant and the Superintendent of the Academy shall ensure candid and complete disclosure to the Board, consistent with applicable laws relating to disclosure of information, with respect to— (1) each issue described in subsection (c)(2); and (2) any other issue the Board or the Commandant considers appropriate. (f) Coast Guard support (1) In general The Commandant shall— (A) provide support to the Board, as Board considers necessary for the performance of the duties of the Board; (B) designate a Federal officer to support the performance of the duties of the Board; and (C) in cooperation with the Superintendent of the Academy, advise the Board of any institutional issues, consistent with applicable laws concerning the disclosure of information. (2) Reimbursement Each member of the Board and each advisor consulted by the Board under subsection (d)(3) shall be reimbursed, to the extent permitted by law, by the Coast Guard for actual expenses incurred while engaged in duties as a member or advisor. (g) Notification Not later than 30 days after the date on which the first session of each Congress convenes, the Commandant shall provide to the chairperson and ranking member of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the chairperson and ranking member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, and the President notification of the requirements of this section. .

Sec. 262Study on Coast Guard Academy oversight

This section would require the Commandant, not later than 30 days after enactment and consulting relevant stakeholders, to study the governance of the Coast Guard Academy, examining the roles, responsibilities, authorities, and membership of both the Academy's Board of Visitors (under section 1903 of title 14) and its Board of Trustees (under the Coast Guard Academy Board of Trustees Charter), including how Coast Guard and departmental oversight may affect Academy accreditation and the effectiveness and expertise of both boards' membership over the preceding 10 years. Not later than 1 year after enactment, the Commandant would have to report the study's results and recommendations to improve Academy governance to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives.

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262. Study on Coast Guard Academy oversight (a) In general Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, shall conduct a study on the governance of the Coast Guard Academy, including examining the roles, responsibilities, authorities, advisory functions, and membership qualifications and expertise of the Annual Board of Visitors established under section 1903 of title 14, United States Code, and Board of Trustees established under the United States Coast Guard Academy Board of Trustees Charter. (b) Contents In conducting the study under subsection (a), the Commandant shall examine— (1) the authorities regarding Coast Guard and department in which the Coast Guard is operating oversight of the Coast Guard Academy, including considerations of how the Coast Guard and department may impact accreditation review at the Academy; (2) the roles and responsibilities of the Board of Trustees and Board of Visitors of such Academy; (3) the Coast Guard roles and responsibilities with respect to management and facilitation of the Board of Trustees and Board of Visitors of such Academy; (4) the advisory functions of the Board of Trustees and Board of Visitors of such Academy; and (5) the membership of the Board of Trustees and Board of Visitors for the 10-year period preceding the date of enactment of this Act, to include expertise, objectiveness, and effectiveness in conducting oversight of such Academy. (c) Report Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report that contains— (1) the results of the study required under subsection (a); and (2) recommendations to improve governance at the Coast Guard Academy.

Sec. 263Electronic locking mechanisms to ensure Coast Guard Academy cadet room security

This section would require the Commandant, not later than 2 years after enactment and consulting the Academy's Superintendent, to install an electronic locking mechanism on every cadet room, test each mechanism at least every 6 months, and use a system that electronically records who accesses each room and when, retained for 5 years or per the standard records schedule, whichever is longer; each mechanism would have to be coded to admit only the assigned cadets and necessary Academy staff or security personnel, including the Coast Guard Investigative Service, in an emergency. Not later than 30 days after enactment, the Superintendent would have to ensure that locking mechanisms already installed in academic buildings and Chase Hall common spaces are kept in working order, and not later than 1 year after enactment, would have to issue a cadet room security policy barring the sharing of access tokens or codes, setting procedures for resetting a compromised token, protecting the privacy of access records, letting cadets report malfunctions, and scheduling regular testing. The Superintendent would have to give each cadet initial training, within 1 day of arrival at the Academy, on using the locking mechanisms and on this policy.

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263. Electronic locking mechanisms to ensure Coast Guard Academy cadet room security (a) In general Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant, in consultation with the Superintendent of the Coast Guard Academy (referred to in this section as the Superintendent ), shall— (1) install an electronic locking mechanism for each room at the Coast Guard Academy within which 1 or more Coast Guard Academy cadets reside overnight; (2) test each such mechanism not less than once every 6 months for proper function and maintained in proper working order; and (3) use a system that electronically records the date, time, and identity of each individual who accesses a cadet room using an electronic access token, code, card, or other electronic means, which shall be maintained in accordance with the general schedule for records retention, or a period of five years, whichever is later. (b) Electronic locking mechanisms (1) In general Each electronic locking mechanism described in subsection (a) shall be coded in a manner that provides access to a room described in such subsection only to— (A) the 1 or more cadets assigned to the room; and (B) such Coast Guard Academy officers, administrators, staff, or security personnel, including personnel of the Coast Guard Investigative Service, as are necessary to access the room in the event of an emergency. (2) Existing mechanisms Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Superintendent shall ensure that electronic locking mechanisms installed in academic buildings of the Coast Guard Academy, Chase Hall common spaces, and in any other location at the Coast Guard Academy are maintained in proper working order. (c) Access policy instruction Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Superintendent shall promulgate a policy regarding cadet room security policies and procedures, which shall include, at a minimum— (1) a prohibition on sharing with any other cadet, employee, or other individual electronic access tokens, codes, cards, or other electronic means of accessing a cadet room; (2) procedures for resetting electronic locking mechanisms in the event of a lost, stolen, or otherwise compromised electronic access token, code, card, or other electronic means of accessing a cadet room; (3) procedures to maintain the identity of each individual who accesses a cadet room using an electronic access token, code, card, or other electronic means, while ensuring the security of personally identifiable information and protecting the privacy of any such individual, as appropriate; (4) procedures by which cadets may report to the chain of command the malfunction of an electronic locking mechanism; and (5) a schedule of testing to ensure the proper functioning of electronic locking mechanisms. (d) Minimum training requirements The Superintendent shall ensure that each Coast Guard Academy cadet receives, not later than 1 day after the date of the initial arrival of the cadet at the Coast Guard Academy, an initial training session, and any other training the Superintendent considers necessary, on— (1) the use of electronic locking mechanisms installed under this section; and (2) the policy promulgated under subsection (c).

Sec. 264Report on existing behavioral health and wellness support services facilities at Coast Guard Academy

This section would require the Commandant, not later than 120 days after enactment, to report to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives on existing behavioral health and wellness facilities at the Coast Guard Academy where cadets and officer candidates can get timely, independent support including by telemedicine, identifying every dormitory or overnight-accommodation building, additional beneficial services such as facilities with secure telemedicine access, the benefits such services would provide (particularly to those who have experienced sexual assault or harassment), and the resources needed to provide them.

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264. Report on existing behavioral health and wellness support services facilities at Coast Guard Academy (a) In general Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant, shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on existing behavioral health and wellness support services facilities at the Coast Guard Academy in which Coast Guard Academy cadets and officer candidates, respectively, may receive timely and independent behavioral health and wellness support services, including via telemedicine. (b) Elements The report required under paragraph (1) shall include— (1) an identification of each building at the Coast Guard Academy that contains a dormitory or other overnight accommodations for cadets or officer candidates; and (2) (A) an identification of additional behavioral health or wellness support services that would be beneficial to cadets and officer candidates, such as additional facilities with secure access to telemedicine; (B) a description of the benefits that such services would provide to cadets and officer candidates, particularly to cadets and officer candidates who have experienced sexual assault or sexual harassment; and (C) a description of the resources necessary to provide such services.

Sec. 265Required posting of information

This section would require the Commandant to ensure that every building at the Coast Guard Academy with overnight accommodations for cadets or officer candidates posts, in a visible location, information on how to report a crime including harassment or sexual assault or harassment, contact information for the Coast Guard Investigative Service, external resources for wellness, work-life, medical, behavioral health, civil rights, and sexual assault/harassment support, and cadets' and officer candidates' rights to report incidents to the Investigative Service, civilian authorities, the department's Inspector General, or other applicable entities.

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265. Required posting of information The Commandant shall ensure that, in each building at the Coast Guard Academy that contains a dormitory or other overnight accommodations for cadets or officer candidates, written information is posted in a visible location with respect to— (1) the methods and means by which a cadet or officer candidate may report a crime, including harassment, sexual assault, sexual harassment, and any other offense; (2) the contact information for the Coast Guard Investigative Service; (3) external resources for— (A) wellness support; (B) work-life; (C) medical services; and (D) support relating to behavioral health, civil rights, sexual assault, and sexual harassment; and (4) cadet and officer candidate rights with respect to reporting incidents to the Coast Guard Investigative Service, civilian authorities, the Office of the Inspector General of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, and any other applicable entity.

Sec. 266Installation of multipurpose medical privacy rooms

This section would require the Secretary of the department, not later than 2 years after enactment, to install or build at least 2 privacy rooms at the Coast Guard Academy for cadets and officer candidates seeking medical or health-related services, each equipped to protect privacy, with a telephone and computer for telehealth appointments, and with private wireless internet access, accessible at all times to the extent practicable and consistent with good order and discipline, and posting the written information required under section 265.

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266. Installation of multipurpose medical privacy rooms (a) In general Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall install or construct at the Coast Guard Academy not fewer than 2 rooms to be used for the purpose of providing privacy to cadets and officer candidates seeking medical or other health-related services. (b) Standards of rooms Each room installed or constructed under this section shall— (1) be equipped— (A) in a manner that ensures the protection of the privacy of cadets and officer candidates, consistent with law and policy; (B) with a telephone and computer to allow for the provision of telehealth appointments or other services both virtual and in person; and (C) with an accessible and private wireless internet connection for the use of personal communications devices at the discretion of the cadet or officer candidate concerned; and (2) to the extent practicable and consistent with good order and discipline, be accessible to cadets and officer candidates at all times; and (3) contain the written information described in section 265, which shall be posted in a visible location.

Sec. 267Coast Guard Academy room reassignment

This section would amend section 1902 of title 14 to let Coast Guard Academy cadets request room reassignment if they are experiencing discomfort because of their rooming assignment, consistent with Academy policy.

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267. Coast Guard Academy room reassignment Section 1902 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: (f) Room reassignment Coast Guard Academy cadets may request room reassignment if experiencing discomfort due to Coast Guard Academy rooming assignments, consistent with policy. .

Sec. 268Authorization for use of Coast Guard Academy facilities and equipment by covered foundations

This section would add a new section 1908 to title 14 letting the Secretary, with the Superintendent's concurrence, authorize a "covered foundation" -- a 501(c)(3) nonprofit the Secretary determines operates exclusively to support Academy recruiting, alumni or parent development, cadet development, institutional development, or athletics -- to use Academy facilities or equipment on a reimbursable or nonreimbursable basis. This use could not be authorized if it might jeopardize the health, safety, or well-being of any Coast Guard member or cadet, and could only be authorized without liability to the United States, without compromising the fair and objective conduct of Coast Guard programs or officials, without cadet participation in a foundation event (other than an honor guard), in compliance with ethics regulations, and after review and approval by a Coast Guard attorney. For any fiscal year the Secretary uses this authority, the Commandant would have to brief the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, by the last day of that fiscal year, on how many events or activities were supported.

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268. Authorization for use of Coast Guard Academy facilities and equipment by covered foundations (a) In general Subchapter I of chapter 19 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 1908. Authorization for use of Coast Guard Academy facilities and equipment by covered foundations (a) Authority Subject to subsections (b) and (c), the Secretary, with the concurrence of the Superintendent of the Coast Guard Academy, may authorize a covered foundation to use, on a reimbursable or nonreimbursable basis as determined by the Secretary, facilities or equipment of the Coast Guard Academy. (b) Prohibition The Secretary may not authorize any use of facilities or equipment under subsection (a) if such use may jeopardize the health, safety, or well-being of any member of the Coast Guard or cadet of the Coast Guard Academy. (c) Limitations The Secretary may only authorize the use of facilities or equipment under subsection (a) if such use— (1) is without any liability of the United States to the covered foundation; (2) does not— (A) affect the ability of any official or employee of the Coast Guard, or any member of the armed forces, to carry out any responsibility or duty in a fair and objective manner; (B) compromise the integrity or appearance of integrity of any program of the Coast Guard, or any individual involved in any such program; or (C) include the participation of any cadet of the Coast Guard Academy at an event of the covered foundation, other than participation of such a cadet in an honor guard; (3) complies with any applicable ethics regulation; and (4) has been reviewed and approved by an attorney of the Coast Guard. (d) Issuance of policies The Secretary shall issue Coast Guard policies to carry out this section. (e) Briefing For any fiscal year in which the Secretary exercises the authority under subsection (a), not later than the last day of such fiscal year, the Commandant shall provide a briefing to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives on the number of events or activities of a covered foundation supported by such exercise of authority during the fiscal year. (f) Covered foundation defined In this section, the term covered foundation means an organization that— (1) is a charitable, educational, or civic nonprofit organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; and (2) the Secretary determines operates exclusively to support— (A) recruiting activities with respect to the Coast Guard Academy; (B) parent or alumni development in support of the Coast Guard Academy; (C) academic, leadership, or character development of Coast Guard Academy cadets; (D) institutional development of the Coast Guard Academy; or (E) athletics in support of the Coast Guard Academy. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 19 of title 14, United States Code, is further amended by inserting after the item relating to item 1907 the following: 1908. Authorization for use of Coast Guard Academy facilities and equipment by covered foundations. .

Sec. 269Concurrent jurisdiction at Coast Guard Academy

This section would authorize the Secretary of the department, notwithstanding any other law, to establish concurrent jurisdiction between the federal government and the State of Connecticut over the Coast Guard Academy's land in New London, as necessary to let Connecticut and the City of New London investigate and prosecute crimes under Connecticut law committed on that property.

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269. Concurrent jurisdiction at Coast Guard Academy Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating may establish concurrent jurisdiction between the Federal Government and the State of Connecticut over the lands constituting the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut, as necessary to facilitate the ability of the State of Connecticut and City of New London to investigate and prosecute any crimes cognizable under Connecticut law that are committed on such Coast Guard Academy property. F Reports and Policies

Sec. 271Policy and briefing on availability of naloxone to treat opioid, including fentanyl, overdoses

This section would require the Commandant, not later than 1 year after enactment, to update Coast Guard policy on treating drug overdoses so that naloxone or similar medication is available to members on every Coast Guard installation and in every operational environment. Not later than 1 year after enactment or the establishment of the tracking system created under section 706 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024, whichever is earlier, the Coast Guard would have to join that tracking system, and the Secretary of the department (when the Coast Guard is not operating as a Navy service) and the Secretary of Defense would have to finalize a memorandum of understanding to enable Coast Guard access to it. Not later than 2 years after enactment, the Commandant would have to brief the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives on the use of naloxone and of opioids including fentanyl at Coast Guard facilities, aboard assets, and during operations, covering progress on the updated policy, the 5-year prevalence of illegal fentanyl and controlled substance use, mitigation processes, the status of the memorandum of understanding, and a 5-year review of instances where naloxone was used to treat an overdose. The Commandant would have to carry this out consistent with the Privacy Act and HIPAA privacy regulations, and a rule of construction would treat naloxone available at one facility on a multi-facility installation as available to the whole installation if appropriate access arrangements are in place at all times.

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271. Policy and briefing on availability of naloxone to treat opioid, including fentanyl, overdoses (a) Policy Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall update the policy of the Coast Guard regarding the use of medication to treat drug overdoses, including the use of naloxone or other similar medication to treat opioid, including fentanyl, overdoses. (b) Availability The updated policy required under subsection (a) shall require naloxone or other similar medication be available for members of the Coast Guard— (1) on all Coast Guard installations; and (2) in each operational environment. (c) Participation in tracking system Not later than 1 year after the earlier of the date of enactment of this Act or the date on which the tracking system established under section 706 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 ( 10 U.S.C. 1090 note) is established, the Commandant shall ensure the participation of the Coast Guard in the such tracking system. (d) Memorandum of understanding Not later than 1 year after the earlier of the date of enactment of this Act or the date on which the tracking system established under section 706 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 ( 10 U.S.C. 1090 note) is established, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating when not operating as a service in the Navy and the Secretary of Defense shall finalize a memorandum of understanding to facilitate Coast Guard access such tracking system. (e) Briefing (1) In general Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall provide the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a briefing on the use, by members and personnel of the Coast Guard at Coast Guard facilities, onboard Coast Guard assets, and during Coast Guard operations, of— (A) naloxone or other similar medication to treat opioid, including fentanyl, overdoses; and (B) opioids, including fentanyl. (2) Elements The briefing required under paragraph (1) shall include the following: (A) A description of— (i) the progress made in the implementation of the updated policy required under subsection (a); (ii) the prevalence and incidence of the illegal use of fentanyl and other controlled substances in the Coast Guard during the 5-year period preceding the briefing; (iii) processes of the Coast Guard to mitigate substance abuse in the Coast Guard, particularly with respect to fentanyl; and (iv) the status of the memorandum of understanding required under subsection (d). (B) For the 5-year period preceding the briefing, a review of instances in which naloxone or other similar medication was used to treat opioid, including fentanyl, overdoses at a Coast Guard facility, onboard a Coast Guard asset, or during a Coast Guard operation. (f) Privacy In carrying out the requirements of this section, the Commandant shall ensure compliance with all applicable privacy law, including section 552a of title 5, United States Code (commonly referred to as the Privacy Act ), and the privacy regulations promulgated under section 264(c) of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1320d–2 note). (g) Rule of construction For purposes of the availability requirement under subsection (b), with respect to a Coast Guard installation comprised of multiple Coast Guard facilities or units, naloxone or other similar medication available at a single Coast Guard facility within the installation shall be considered to be available to all Coast Guard facilities or units on the installation if appropriate arrangements are in place to ensure access, at all times during operations, to the naloxone or other similar medication contained within such single Coast Guard facility.

Sec. 272Policy on methods to reduce incentives for illicit maritime drug trafficking

This section would require the Commandant, not later than 1 year after enactment and consulting the Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Secretary of State, and the Secretary of Defense, to develop a policy, consistent with the Constitution and domestic and international law, to address, disincentivize, and interdict illicit maritime trafficking of controlled substances and their precursors bound for producing illicit synthetic drugs; the policy must, to the maximum extent practicable, require that a vessel unlawfully carrying such substances be seized or otherwise appropriately disposed of consistent with applicable law and international agreements, and must aim to reduce incentives for this trafficking globally, including in the Eastern Pacific, Indo-Pacific, Caribbean, and Middle East. Not later than 1 year after enactment, the Commandant would have to brief the Senate Commerce, Foreign Relations, and Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committees and the House Transportation and Infrastructure, Foreign Affairs, and Homeland Security Committees on the policy and on recommendations for additional methods and resources.

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272. Policy on methods to reduce incentives for illicit maritime drug trafficking (a) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant, in consultation with the Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Secretary of State, and the Secretary of Defense, shall develop a policy, consistent with the Constitution of the United States, as well as domestic and international law, to address, disincentivize, and interdict illicit trafficking by sea of controlled substances (and precursors of controlled substances) being transported to produce illicit synthetic drugs. (b) Elements The policy required under subsection (a) shall— (1) include a requirement that, to the maximum extent practicable, a vessel unlawfully transporting a controlled substance or precursors of a controlled substance being transported to produce illicit synthetic drugs, be seized or appropriately disposed of consistent with domestic and international law, as well as any international agreements to which the United States is a party; and (2) aim to reduce incentives for illicit maritime drug trafficking on a global scale, including in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, the Indo-Pacific region, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. (c) Briefing Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall brief the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, the Committee on Foreign Relations, and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives on— (1) the policy developed pursuant to subsection (a); and (2) recommendations with respect to— (A) additional methods for reducing illicit drug trafficking; and (B) additional resources necessary to implement the policy required under subsection (a) and methods recommended under subparagraph (A).

Sec. 273Report on condition of aids to navigation

This section would require the Commandant, not later than 270 days after enactment, to report to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate on the condition of dayboards and buoy placement on the Missouri River and in the First and Thirteenth Coast Guard Districts, including when each was last serviced, plans to systematically service each, and points of contact. Beginning on enactment, the Commandant could not remove these aids to navigation, absent an imminent threat to life or safety, until 180 days after that report is submitted.

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273. Report on condition of aids to navigation (a) Provision to Congress Not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the condition of dayboards and the placement of buoys on the Missouri River, the First Coast Guard District, and the Thirteenth Coast Guard District. (b) Elements The report under paragraph (1) shall include— (1) a list of the most recent date on which each dayboard and buoy was serviced by the Coast Guard; (2) an overview of the plan of the Coast Guard to systematically service each dayboard and buoy on the Missouri River; (3) an overview of the plan of the Coast Guard to systematically service each buoy located in the First Coast Guard District; (4) an overview of the plan of the Coast Guard to systematically service each buoy located in the Thirteenth Coast Guard District; and (5) assigned points of contact. (c) Limitation Beginning on the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant may not remove the aids to navigation covered in subsection (a), unless there is an imminent threat to life or safety, until a period of 180 days has elapsed following the date on which the Commandant submits the report required under subsection (a).

Sec. 274Feasibility study on supporting additional port visits and deployments in support of Operation Blue Pacific

This section would require the Secretary of the department (when the Coast Guard is not operating as a Navy service), not later than 180 days after enactment and consulting the Secretary of Defense, to study the feasibility of supporting additional Coast Guard port visits and deployments for Operation Blue Pacific or any successor Oceania-oriented operation, analyzing where any reassigned assets would be transferred from and what coverage gaps that would create, and to report the findings to the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives.

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274. Feasibility study on supporting additional port visits and deployments in support of Operation Blue Pacific Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating when not operating as a service in the Navy, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, shall— (1) complete a study on the feasibility and advisability of supporting additional Coast Guard port visits and deployments in support of Operation Blue Pacific, or any successor operation oriented toward Oceania; (2) include, as part of the study under paragraph (1), an analysis of where any Coast Guard assets used for port visits and deployments in support of Operation Blue Pacific, or any successor operation oriented toward Oceania, will be transferred from and any associated gaps in Coast Guard coverage any such transfer will create; and (3) submit to the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on the findings of such study.

Sec. 275Study and gap analysis with respect to Coast Guard Air Station Corpus Christi aviation hangar

This section would require the Commandant, not later than 180 days after enactment, to begin a study and gap analysis of the Corpus Christi air station's aviation hangar, assessing whether it can meet current mission requirements and accommodate an additional HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft, whether it can house all rotary-wing assets currently assigned (and what modifications would be needed if not, including after the transition from MH-65 to MH-60T aircraft), which fixed-wing assets should be enclosed to mitigate corrosion, whether outside storage of fixed-wing assets would compromise their condition and safety, and whether gust locks, chocks, tie-downs, or similar equipment could mitigate any such issue. Not later than 1 year after the study begins, the Commandant would have to report the results to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives.

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275. Study and gap analysis with respect to Coast Guard Air Station Corpus Christi aviation hangar (a) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall commence a study and gap analysis with respect to the aviation hangar at Coast Guard Air Station Corpus Christi and the capacity of such hangar to accommodate the aircraft currently assigned to Coast Guard Air Station Corpus Christi and any aircraft anticipated to be so assigned in the future. (b) Elements The study and gap analysis required by subsection (a) shall include the following: (1) An identification of hangar infrastructure requirements needed— (A) to meet mission requirements for all aircraft currently assigned to Coast Guard Air Station Corpus Christi; and (B) to accommodate the assignment of an additional HC–144 Ocean Sentry aircraft to Coast Guard Air Station Corpus Christi. (2) An assessment as to whether the aviation hangar at Coast Guard Air Station Corpus Christi is sufficient to accommodate all rotary-wing assets assigned to Coast Guard Air Station Corpus Christi. (3) In the case of an assessment that such hangar is insufficient to accommodate all such rotary-wing assets, a description of the facility modifications that would be required to do so. (4) An assessment of the facility modifications of such hangar that would be required to accommodate all aircraft assigned to Coast Guard Air Station Corpus Christi upon completion of the transition from the MH–65 rotary-wing aircraft to the MH–60T rotary-wing aircraft. (5) An evaluation with respect to which fixed-wing assets assigned to Coast Guard Air Station Corpus Christi should be enclosed in such hangar so as to most effectively mitigate the effects of corrosion while meeting mission requirements. (6) An evaluation as to whether, and to what extent, the storage of fixed-wing assets outside such hangar would compromise the material condition and safety of such assets. (7) An evaluation of the extent to which any material condition and safety issue identified under paragraph (6) may be mitigated through the use of gust locks, chocks, tie-downs, or related equipment. (c) Report Not later than 1 year after the commencement of the study and gap analysis required under subsection (a), the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on the results of the study and gap analysis.

Sec. 276Report on impacts of joint travel regulations on members of Coast Guard who rely on ferry systems

This section would require the Commandant, not later than 180 days after enactment and coordinating with the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, to report to the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services and the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on how the Joint Travel Regulations affect members who commute or travel officially via ferry systems, analyzing the one-vehicle shipping policy, the unavailability of reimbursement for costs from ferry schedule problems, and the lack of local infrastructure for vehicles or goods shipped to duty stations outside the contiguous United States that lack road connections, including locations served by the Alaska Marine Highway System.

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276. Report on impacts of joint travel regulations on members of Coast Guard who rely on ferry systems (a) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant, in coordination with the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the impacts of the Joint Travel Regulations on members of the Coast Guard who are commuting, on permanent change of station travel, or on other official travel to or from locations served by ferry systems. (b) Elements The report required under subsection (a) shall include an analysis of the impacts on such members of the Coast Guard of the following policies under the Joint Travel Regulations: (1) The one-vehicle shipping policy. (2) The unavailability of reimbursement of costs incurred by such members due to ferry schedule unavailability, sailing cancellations, and other sailing delays during commuting, permanent change of station travel, or other official travel. (3) The unavailability of local infrastructure to support vehicles or goods shipped to duty stations in locations outside the contiguous United States that are not connected by the road system, including locations served by the Alaska Marine Highway System. (c) Definitions In this section: (1) Appropriate committees of congress The term appropriate committees of Congress means— (A) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate; and (B) the Committee on Armed Services and the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives. (2) Joint travel regulations The term Joint Travel Regulations , with respect to official travel, means the terms, rates, conditions, and regulations maintained under section 464 of title 37, United States Code.

Sec. 277Report on Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps program

This section would require the Commandant, not later than 1 year after enactment, to report to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives on the Coast Guard's Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps program, covering the standards for participating schools; for each participating school, its training, facilities, Coast Guard- and school-provided resources, whether it is in an educationally and economically deprived area, historical participation disaggregated by gender, race, and grade, and participant performance and interest in Coast Guard service; for any unit suspended or placed on probation, the reason, year, and (if reinstated) justification for reinstatement; the resources and personnel needed to run the program at each school and Coast Guard-wide, including funding by school and year; and a recommendation on whether to expand the program to more schools, including which ones, where, and what additional resources would be needed.

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277. Report on Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program (a) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program. (b) Elements The report required under subsection (a) shall include the following: (1) A description of the standards and criteria prescribed by the Coast Guard for educational institution participation in the Coast Guard Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program. (2) With respect to each educational institution offering a Coast Guard Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program— (A) a description of— (i) the training and course of military instruction provided to students; (ii) the facilities and drill areas used for the program; (iii) the type and amount of Coast Guard Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program resources provided by the Coast Guard; (iv) the type and amount of Coast Guard Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program resources provided by the educational institution; and (v) any other matter relating to program requirements the Commandant considers appropriate; (B) an assessment as to whether the educational institution is located in an educationally and economically deprived area (as described in section 2031 of title 10, United States Code); (C) beginning with the year in which the program was established at the educational institution, the number of students who have participated in the program, disaggregated by gender, race, and grade of student participants; and (D) an assessment of the participants in the program, including— (i) the performance of the participants in the program; (ii) the number of participants in the program who express an intent to pursue a commission or enlistment in the Coast Guard; and (iii) a description of any other factor or matter considered by the Commandant to be important in assessing the success of program participants at the educational institution. (3) With respect to any unit of the Coast Guard Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps suspended or placed on probation pursuant to section 2031(h) of title 10, United States Code— (A) a description of the unit; (B) the reason for such suspension or placement on probation; (C) the year the unit was so suspended or placed on probation; and (D) with respect to any unit that was reinstated after previously being suspended or placed on probation, a justification for the reinstatement of such unit. (4) A description of the resources and personnel required to maintain, implement, and provide oversight for the Coast Guard Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program at each participating educational institution and within the Coast Guard, including the funding provided to each such educational institution, disaggregated by educational institution and year. (5) A recommendation with respect to— (A) whether the number of educational institutions participating in the Coast Guard Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program should be increased; and (B) in the case of a recommendation that such number should be increased, additional recommendations relating to such an increase, including— (i) the number of additional educational institutions that should be included in the program; (ii) the locations of such institutions; (iii) any additional authorities or resources necessary for such an increase; and (iv) any other matter the Commandant considers appropriate. (6) Any other matter the Commandant considers necessary in order to provide a full assessment of the effectiveness of the Coast Guard Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program.

Sec. 278Report and briefings on implementing section 564 of title 14

This section would amend section 11272(c) of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 to require the Commandant, not later than 30 days after this Act's enactment, to brief the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate on the fiscal year 2024 cost to the Coast Guard of meeting the requirements of section 564 of title 14, with follow-up briefings to the same committees on fiscal year 2025 and 2026 costs due by November 1, 2025, and November 1, 2026, respectively.

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278. Report and briefings on implementing section 564 of title 14 Section 11272(c) of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 ( Public Law 117–263 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (7) Public report (A) In general Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 , the Commandant shall brief the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House or Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate on the cost to the Coast Guard of meeting the requirements of section 564 of title 14, United States Code, in fiscal year 2024. (B) Secondary briefings Not later than November 1, 2025 and November, 1, 2026, the Commandant shall brief the committees described in subparagraph (A) on the cost to the Coast Guard of meeting the requirements of section 564 of title 14, United States Code, in fiscal years 2025 and 2026, respectively. .

Sec. 279Report on role of Coast Guard

This section would require the Secretary of Defense, not later than 180 days after enactment and consulting the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard operates (when it is not operating as a Navy service), to report on the role the Coast Guard is expected to play 5, 10, and 20 years after enactment in assisting the military departments, including working with Indo-Pacific nations' navies and coast guards to protect their territorial waters from incursions, maintaining a presence in the Arctic and Antarctic to protect United States national security interests, and providing law-enforcement capabilities for national security, piracy, and alien and drug interdiction and fishery law enforcement on the high seas that the military departments lack.

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279. Report on role of Coast Guard Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating when it is not operating as a Service in the Navy, shall prepare a report on the role the Coast Guard is expected to play in the 5, 10, and 20 years after the date of enactment of this Act in providing assistance to the military departments in— (1) working with the navies and domestic coast guard of nations located in the Indo-Pacific region on building capacity to protect the territorial waters of such nations from incursions by other nations; (2) providing a presence in the Arctic and Antarctic to protect United States sovereign national security interests in the regions; and (3) providing law enforcement capabilities which the military departments do not possess for national security, piracy, alien and drug interdiction, and fishery law enforcement on the high seas.

Sec. 280Report on Coast Guard personnel skills

This section would require the Commandant, not later than 180 days after enactment and consulting the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, to report to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate on Coast Guard personnel skills (particularly in engineering, navigation, heavy equipment operation, and maintenance) transferable to the dredging industry, a plan for outreach connecting separating or retiring personnel to dredging jobs and apprenticeships, an evaluation of recognizing Coast Guard skills toward merchant mariner credentials needed in that industry, and a description of coordination with the Army Corps of Engineers, employers, labor organizations, and other agencies to support the transition.

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280. Report on Coast Guard personnel skills Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant, in consultation with Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works), shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report that includes the following: (1) An analysis of the skills and experience of Coast Guard personnel, particularly such personnel with backgrounds in engineering, navigation, heavy equipment operation, and maintenance, that are directly transferable to the dredging industry. (2) A plan for developing and implementing targeted outreach and recruitment strategies to connect separating or retiring Coast Guard personnel with employment opportunities, including registered apprentice programs, in the dredging industry. (3) An evaluation of the potential for establishing programs to recognize the skills of Coast Guard personnel for the merchant mariner credentials necessary for employment in the dredging industry. (4) A description of any existing or planned coordination with the Corps of Engineers, employers, relevant labor organizations, and other relevant agencies to facilitate the transition of Coast Guard personnel into the dredging industry.

Sec. 281Report on Coast Guard search and rescue operations

This section would require the Commandant, not later than 1 year after enactment and annually afterward, to report to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate on search and rescue operations at "impacted Coast Guard facilities" -- those designated as scheduled mission stations or closed under the Assignment Year 2023 or 2024 Force Alignment Initiatives. The report would have to cover, since 2021 and updated annually, the number of impacted and still-active facilities, the number of active search-and-rescue personnel at each, past and current cooperative agreements with local first responders, average response times, lives lost, vessel safety checks performed, ice rescue missions, and the area of responsibility covered by each impacted facility; it would also have to cover incidents where another facility had to respond in an area previously covered by an impacted facility but could not complete the mission, including distance and time traveled, whether life was lost, whether the team reached the destination, and whether the Coast Guard had to rely on identified local authorities instead, along with any other metrics the Commandant considers relevant.

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281. Report on Coast Guard search and rescue operations (a) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report detailing the search and rescue operations at impacted Coast Guard facilities that contains the following: (1) The number of impacted Coast Guard facilities. (2) The number of active Coast Guard facilities operating as scheduled mission stations. (3) The number of active search and rescue personnel at each impacted Coast Guard facility. (4) The number of search and rescue personnel at each impacted Coast Guard facility beginning in 2021 and accounted for annually thereafter. (5) A description of active and past first responder cooperative agreements made between each impacted Coast Guard facility and local law enforcement or first responders for search and rescue operations. (6) The average response time for all search and rescue operations at each impacted Coast Guard facility beginning in 2021 and accounted for annually thereafter. (7) The number of lives lost during search and rescue operations at each impacted Coast Guard facility beginning in 2021 and accounted for annually thereafter. (8) The number of vessel safety checks administered by an impacted Coast Guard facility beginning in 2021 and accounted for annually thereafter. (9) The number of search and rescue incidents in which a facility responded to a search and rescue incident in an area previously covered by an impacted Coast Guard facility but was unable to fulfill the mission, including— (A) the distance traveled to the destination of each incident; (B) the duration time traveled to reach the destination of each incident; (C) whether the incident resulted in a loss of life; (D) whether the search and rescue team was able to reach the destination of the incident to complete operations; (E) whether the Coast Guard had to rely on local authorities to address the incident due to operational limitations for Coast Guard; and (F) identifying the local authorities addressing search and rescue incidents under subparagraph (E). (10) The number of ice rescue missions taken by impacted Coast Guard facilities beginning in 2021 and accounted for annually thereafter. (11) The area of responsibility covered by each impacted Coast Guard facility. (12) Any other metrics determined to be relevant by the Commandant to convey the changes to search and rescue operations at impacted Coast Guard facilities. (b) Definition of impacted Coast Guard facility In this section, the term impacted Coast Guard facility means a facility or station that was designated as a schedule mission station or closed under either the Assignment Year 2023 Force Alignment Initiative or the Assignment Year 2024 Force Alignment Initiative. III Shipping and Navigation A Merchant Mariner Credentials

Sec. 301Merchant mariner credentialing

This section makes extensive amendments to the merchant mariner credentialing provisions of title 46 and to section 3534 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024. It would add to section 2101 of title 46 (renumbering the paragraphs that follow) new defined terms for "merchant mariner credential" (any license, certificate, or document the Secretary is authorized to issue under title 46) and "nautical school program" (a Secretary-approved program of comprehensive training, including substantial sea service on nautical school or merchant vessels, to train individuals for the merchant marine). It would extend citizenship-based eligibility provisions across sections 7102, 7304, 8103, 12131(a), and 12135(2) of title 46 to also cover "noncitizen nationals" as defined in section 308 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, and would add a temporary rule to section 8103(k) providing that, from this Act's enactment through December 31, 2065, not more than 50 percent of the unlicensed seamen on a covered vessel may be aliens of the categories otherwise permitted under that subsection. It would strike an examination-related requirement in subsection (c) of section 7116. It would rewrite section 7306 to authorize the Secretary to issue merchant mariner credentials to deck department members in listed classes (Able Seaman-Unlimited, -Limited, -Special, -Offshore Supply Vessels, -Sail, -Fishing Industry, and Ordinary Seaman), classified by tonnage, propulsion, or waters of operation, to applicants at least 18 years old who meet service, examination or education, and physical qualification requirements; it would shorten the required service periods in sections 7307, 7308, and 7309 from 3 years to 18 months, from 18 months to 12 months, and from 12 months to 6 months, respectively, and would similarly restructure section 7313's classification and qualification requirements, striking its reference to "coal passer." It would rewrite section 7315 so that graduating a nautical school program may substitute entirely for the sea service requirements of sections 7307 through 7311a and 7313, and completing a Secretary-approved training program may substitute for up to half of that sea service, at conversion rates of 2 days of sea service credit per shore-based classroom training day, 4 days per laboratory or practical-demonstration training day, 6 days per full-mission-simulator training day, and 1.5 days per underway training day (if the underway training is Secretary-approved, fully completed, and the vessel's tonnage matches the endorsement sought), with a "training day" defined as at least 7 hours of training; the Secretary would implement the new section 7306(c) and section 7315 requirements without regard to the usual notice-and-comment rulemaking chapters of title 5 or certain regulatory-review executive orders. The section would repeal section 7314 of title 46 outright. It would amend section 7507 so that a credential renewal that is not an extension begins the day after the prior credential expires, and would substantially restructure the merchant mariner credentialing examination working group under section 7510(c): renaming it from an "exam review" to a "working group," extending its review deadline from 90 to 180 days, adding at least two individuals who recently passed the exam and a representative of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy to its membership, updating the scope of its review to cover the relevancy of exam topics and any redundancy with Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping competencies, requiring the working group to convene annually or whenever new exam questions are created (allowing remote participation), and barring the Commandant from using any new exam question until the working group has reviewed and approved it. Not later than 270 days after the working group completes its review, the Commandant would have to develop a plan (without diminishing competency standards) to eliminate redundant or outdated exam content, modernize testing procedures, and develop methods to analyze exam-question effectiveness, developed with the working group and standardized-testing experts, and would have to brief the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate on the review and plan within 1 year of this Act's enactment. The section would also restructure section 7702(d)(1) of title 46 to add a new ground for denial: probable cause that an individual violated company policy and poses a security risk to others aboard the vessel. Finally, the section makes numerous technical, cross-reference-only corrections throughout title 46 and in the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, title 18, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, and title 49 to reflect the renumbered paragraphs of section 2101, effective on this Act's enactment.

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301. Merchant mariner credentialing (a) Reduction of lengths of certain periods of service Section 3534 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 ( Public Law 118–31 ) is amended— (1) by redesignating subsection (k) as subsection (u); and (2) by striking subsection (j) and inserting the following: (j) Revising merchant mariner deck training requirements Section 2101 of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) by redesignating paragraphs (20) through (56) as paragraphs (21), (22), (24), (25), (26), (27), (28), (29), (30), (31), (32), (33), (34), (35), (36), (37), (38), (39), (40), (41), (42), (43), (44), (45), (46), (47), (48), (49), (50), (51), (52), (53), (54), (55), (56), (57), and (58), respectively; and (2) by inserting after paragraph (19) the following: (20) merchant mariner credential means a merchant mariner license, certificate, or document that the Secretary is authorized to issue pursuant to this title. ; and (3) by inserting after paragraph (22), as so redesignated, the following: (23) nautical school program means a program that— (A) offers a comprehensive program of training that includes substantial sea service on nautical school vessels or merchant vessels of the United States primarily to train individuals for service in the merchant marine; and (B) is approved by the Secretary for purposes of section 7315, in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Secretary. . (k) Noncitizenship nationality (1) Citizenship or noncitizen nationality Section 7102 of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (A) in the section heading by inserting or noncitizen nationality after Citizenship ; and (B) by inserting or noncitizen nationals (as such term is described in section 308 of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1408 )) after citizens . (2) Conforming amendments (A) In general Section 7304 of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (i) in the section heading by inserting or noncitizen nationality after Citizenship ; and (ii) by inserting or noncitizen nationals (as such term is described in section 308 of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1408 )) after citizens . (B) Citizenship and Navy Reserve requirements Section 8103 of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (i) in the section heading by inserting or noncitizen nationality after Citizenship ; (ii) in subsection (a) by inserting or noncitizen national after citizen ; (iii) in subsection (b)— (I) in paragraph (1)(A)(i) by inserting or noncitizen national after citizen ; (II) in paragraph (3) by inserting or noncitizen nationality after citizenship ; and (III) in paragraph (3)(C) by inserting or noncitizen nationals after citizens ; (iv) in subsection (c) by inserting or noncitizen nationals after citizens ; (v) in subsection (d)— (I) in paragraph (1) by inserting or noncitizen nationals after citizens ; and (II) in paragraph (2) by inserting or noncitizen national after citizen each place it appears; (vi) in subsection (e) by inserting or noncitizen national after citizen each place it appears; (vii) in subsection (i)(1)(A) by inserting or noncitizen national after citizen ; (viii) in subsection (k)— (I) in paragraph (1)(A) by inserting or noncitizen national after citizen ; and (II) in paragraph (2)— (aa) by striking Not more than and inserting the following: (A) Not more than ; and (bb) by adding at the end the following: (B) Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), for the period beginning on the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 and ending on December 31, 2065, not more than 50 percent of the unlicensed seamen on a vessel described in paragraph (1) may be aliens referred to in subparagraph (B) or (C) of such paragraph. ; and (ix) by adding at the end the following: (l) Noncitizen national defined In this section, the term noncitizen national means an individual described in section 308 of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1408 ). . (C) Command of documented vessels Section 12131(a) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by inserting or noncitizen national (as such term is described in section 308 of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1408 )) after citizen . (D) Invalidation of certificates of documentation Section 12135(2) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by inserting or noncitizen national (as such term is described in section 308 of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1408 )) after citizen . (3) Clerical amendments (A) In general The analysis for chapter 71 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 7102 and inserting the following: 7102. Citizenship or noncitizen nationality. . (B) Section 7304 The analysis for chapter 73 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 7304 and inserting the following: 7304. Citizenship or noncitizen nationality notation on merchant mariners’ documents. . (C) Section 8103 The analysis for chapter 81 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 8103 and inserting the following: 8103. Citizenship or noncitizen nationality and Navy Reserve requirements. . (l) Examinations Section 7116 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking subsection (c). (m) Merchant mariners documents Chapter 73 of title 46, United States Code is amended— (1) by amending section 7306 to read as follows: 7306. General requirements and classifications for members of deck departments (a) In general The Secretary may issue a merchant mariner credential, to members of the deck department in the following classes: (1) Able Seaman-Unlimited. (2) Able Seaman-Limited. (3) Able Seaman-Special. (4) Able Seaman-Offshore Supply Vessels. (5) Able Seaman-Sail. (6) Able Seaman-Fishing Industry. (7) Ordinary Seaman. (b) Classification of credentials The Secretary may classify the merchant mariner credential issued under subsection (a) based on— (1) the tonnage and means of propulsion of vessels; (2) the waters on which vessels are to be operated; or (3) other appropriate standards. (c) Qualifications To qualify for a credential under this section, an applicant shall provide satisfactory proof that the applicant— (1) is at least 18 years of age; (2) has the service required by the applicable section of this part; (3) is qualified professionally as demonstrated by an applicable examination or educational requirements; (4) is qualified as to sight, hearing, and physical condition to perform the seafarer’s duties; and (5) has satisfied any additional requirements established by the Secretary, including career patterns and service appropriate to the particular service, industry, or job functions the individual is engaged. ; (2) in section 7307 by striking 3 years and inserting 18 months ; (3) in section 7308 by striking 18 months and inserting 12 months ; (4) in section 7309 by striking 12 months and inserting 6 months ; (5) in section 7313— (A) in subsection (b) by striking and coal passer ; and (B) by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following: (c) Classification of credentials The Secretary may classify the merchant mariner credential issued under subsection (a) based on— (1) the tonnage and means of propulsion of vessels; (2) the waters on which vessels are to be operated; or (3) other appropriate standards. (d) Qualifications To qualify for a credential under this section, an applicant shall provide satisfactory proof that the applicant— (1) is at least 18 years of age; (2) has a minimum of 6-months service in the related entry rating; (3) is qualified professionally as demonstrated by an applicable examination or educational requirements; and (4) is qualified as to sight, hearing, and physical condition to perform the member’s duties. ; and (6) by amending section 7315 to read as follows: 7315. Training (a) Nautical school program Graduation from a nautical school program may be substituted for the sea service requirements under sections 7307 through 7311a and 7313 of this title. (b) Other approved training programs The satisfactory completion of a training program approved by the Secretary may be substituted for not more than one-half of the sea service requirements under sections 7307 through 7311a and 7313 of this title in accordance with subsection (c). (c) Training days For purposes of subsection (b), training days undertaken in connection with training programs approved by the Secretary may be substituted for days of required sea service under sections 7307 through 7311a and 7313 of this title as follows: (1) Each shore-based training day in the form of classroom lectures may be substituted for 2 days of sea service requirements. (2) Each training day of laboratory training, practical demonstrations, and other similar training, may be substituted for 4 days of sea service requirements. (3) Each training day of full mission simulator training may be substituted for 6 days of sea service requirements. (4) Each training day underway on a vessel while enrolled in an approved training program may be substituted for 1½ days of sea service requirements, as long as— (A) the structured training provided while underway on a vessel is— (i) acceptable to the Secretary as part of the approved training program; and (ii) fully completed by the individual; and (B) the tonnage of such vessel is appropriate to the endorsement being sought. (d) Definition In this section, the term training day means a day that consists of not less than 7 hours of training. . (n) Implementation (1) In general The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall implement the requirements under subsection (c) of section 7306 of title 46, United States Code (as amended by this section), without regard to chapters 5 and 6 of title 5, United States Code, and Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 ( 5 U.S.C. 601 note). (2) Section 7315 The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall implement the requirements of section 7315 of title 46, United States Code, as amended by this subsection, without regard to chapters 5 and 6 of title 5, United States Code, and Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 ( 5 U.S.C. 601 note) and 14094 (88 Fed. Reg. 21879). (o) Repeal Section 7314 of title 46, United States Code, and the item relating to such section in the analysis for chapter 73 of such title, are repealed. (p) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 73 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 7306 and inserting the following: 7306. General requirements and classifications for members of deck departments. . (q) Amendments to chapter 75 Chapter 75 of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) in section 7507 by adding at the end the following: (d) Renewal With respect to any renewal of an active merchant mariner credential issued under this part that is not an extension under subsection (a) or (b), such credential shall begin the day after the expiration of the active credential of the credential holder. ; and (2) in section 7510(c)— (A) in the subsection heading by striking Exam review and inserting Working group ; (B) in paragraph (1)— (i) by striking 90 days and inserting 180 days ; (ii) by striking Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2016 and insert Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 ; (iii) by striking new questions for inclusion in and inserting questions, content, and relevancy of ; (iv) by redesignating subparagraphs (E), (F), and (G) as subparagraphs (G), (H), and (I), respectively; and (v) by inserting after subparagraph (D) the following: (E) at least 2 individuals that have taken and passed the examination in the 5 years before the commissioning of the working group; (F) at least 1 representative from the United States Merchant Marine Academy; ; (C) in paragraph (4)— (i) in the paragraph heading by striking Baseline review and inserting Review ; (ii) in subparagraph (A)— (I) by striking Within 1 year and inserting Not later than 270 days ; (II) by striking Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2016 and inserting Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 ; (III) by striking Secretary and inserting Commandant ; (IV) by redesignating clauses (i), (ii), (iii), and (iv) as clauses (ii), (iii), (iv), and (vii), respectively; (V) in clause (iv), as so redesignated, by striking ; and and inserting a semicolon; (VI) by inserting before clause (ii) the following: (i) industry standards, practices, and technology to be considered in the Merchant Mariner Credentialing Examination; ; and (VII) by inserting after clause (iv) the following: (v) the relevancy of examination topics and contents; (vi) any redundancy of core competencies between the Merchant Mariner Credentialing Examination and Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchingkeeping competencies; and ; (iii) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the following: (B) Report to Commandant Upon completion of the review under this paragraph, a report shall be provided to the Commandant which shall include findings of the review with recommendations for updates to the Merchant Marine Credentialling Examination. ; (D) by striking paragraphs (3), (5), and (8); (E) by redesignating paragraphs (4) and (9) as paragraphs (5) and (8), respectively; and (F) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following: (3) Meeting of working group (A) In general The Commandant shall convene the working group annually or at the creation of new examination questions, whichever occurs sooner. (B) Remote participation The Commandant shall allow any member of the working group to participate remotely if the member of the working group does not have the means to participate in person. (4) Use of questions The Commandant may not use questions developed for use in the Merchant Mariner Credentialing Examination until such questions are reviewed and approved by the working group. . (r) Plan (1) Requirement Not later than 270 days after the completion of the review under paragraph (4) of subsection (c), the Commandant shall develop a plan to update and modernize the Merchant Mariner Credentialing Examination and implement the recommendations developed by the review under such paragraph. (2) Contents The plan developed under paragraph (1) shall not diminish demonstrated competency standards and shall include— (A) the elimination of redundant topics between the Merchant Mariner Credentialing Examination and other examinations required to obtain a Merchant Mariner Credential; (B) the elimination or updating of outdated topics, contents, core competencies, or questions covered by the Merchant Mariner Credentialing Examination; (C) the modernization of testing procedures consistent with contemporary procedures for standardized testing administration and evaluation; and (D) the development of methods to analyze examination data related to the effectiveness of questions in determining competency. (3) Coordination In developing the plan under paragraph (1), the Commandant shall develop such plan in consultation with the working group and individuals with expertise in modern best practices for relevant standardized testing. (4) Briefing required Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 , the Coast Guard shall provide to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a briefing on the review and plan developed under this subsection. (s) Amendments to chapter 77 Section 7702(d)(1) of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subparagraph (B) by redesignating clauses (i) through (iv) as subclauses (I) through (IV), respectively (and by conforming the margins accordingly); (2) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively (and by conforming the margins accordingly); (3) by striking an individual if— and inserting the following: an individual— (A) if— ; (4) in subparagraph (A)(ii)(IV), as so redesignated, by striking the period at the end and inserting ; or ; and (5) by adding at the end the following: (B) if there is probable cause to believe that the individual has violated company policy and is a security risk that poses a threat to other individuals on the vessel. . (t) Technical and conforming amendments (1) Title 46 Title 46, United States Code, is amended— (A) in section 2101(47)(B) by striking ; and and inserting ; or ; (B) in section 2113(3) by striking section 2101(53)(A) and inserting section 2101(55)(A) ; (C) in section 3202(a)(1)(A) by striking section 2101(29)(A) and inserting section 2101(31)(A) ; (D) in section 3507(k)(1) by striking section 2101(31) and inserting section 2101(33) ; (E) in section 4105(d) by striking section 2101(53)(A) and inserting section 2101(55)(A) ; (F) in section 12119(a)(3) by striking section 2101(26) and inserting section 2101(28) ; and (G) in section 51706(c)(6)(C)(ii) by striking section 2101(24) and inserting section 2101(26) . (2) Other laws (A) Section 3(3) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act ( 16 U.S.C. 1802(3) ) is amended by striking 2101(30) of title 46 and inserting 2101 of title 46 . (B) Section 1992(d)(7) of title 18, United States Code, is amended by striking section 2101(31) of title 46 and inserting section 2101 of title 46 . (C) Section 311(a)(26)(D) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1321(a)(26)(D) ) is amended by striking section 2101(23) and inserting section 2101 . (D) Section 1101 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking Section 2101(23) and inserting Section 2101(24) . . (b) Effective date The amendment made by subsection (a) shall take effect on the date of enactment of this Act.

Sec. 302Nonoperating individual

This section would amend section 8313(b) of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 to extend a date referenced there from 2025 to 2029.

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302. Nonoperating individual Section 8313(b) of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 ( Public Law 116–283 ) is amended by striking 2025 and inserting 2029 . B Vessel Safety

Sec. 311Grossly negligent operations of a vessel

This section would rewrite section 2302(b) of title 46 so that a person who operates a vessel in a grossly negligent manner that endangers a person's life, limb, or property commits a class A misdemeanor, and a person whose grossly negligent operation results in serious bodily injury (as defined in section 1365(h)(3) of title 18) commits a class E felony and may be assessed a civil penalty of not more than $35,000.

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311. Grossly negligent operations of a vessel Section 2302(b) of title 46, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: (b) Grossly negligent operation (1) Misdemeanor A person operating a vessel in a grossly negligent manner that endangers the life, limb, or property of a person commits a class A misdemeanor. (2) Felony A person operating a vessel in a grossly negligent manner that results in serious bodily injury, as defined in section 1365(h)(3) of title 18— (A) commits a class E felony; and (B) may be assessed a civil penalty of not more than $35,000. .

Sec. 312Performance driven examination schedule

This section would amend section 3714 of title 46 to let the Secretary adopt a performance-driven examination schedule for foreign vessels, varying how often a given vessel is examined based on its safety performance. In setting eligibility and schedules, the Secretary would have to consider each vessel's certificate-of-compliance and examination history, violation and casualty history, Coast Guard notices of violation, flag-state safety information, owner and operator history, classification society data, cargo documentation, port state control data, and repair and maintenance history, and could also consider data from quality assurance programs like QUALSHIP 21, industry inspection regimes, and vessel self-assessments submitted to international maritime organizations. A vessel would not be eligible if, in the last 36 months, it was detained by the Coast Guard, had a proven violation finding against its owners or operators, or suffered a marine casualty involving its safe operation or performance. The Secretary could not adopt this schedule until conducting the assessment recommended in a GAO report referenced in section 8254(a) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021, concluding that the new schedule provides at least the same level of safety as the existing annual exams, and providing the assessment results to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives. The section would also amend section 11237(a) of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 to let the Secretary provide assignment or special duty pay to a Coast Guard member serving as, or in support of, a marine inspector under section 312 of title 14 who is assigned to a billet the Commandant finds difficult to fill, in order to address marine inspector workforce shortages, and would require the Commandant, not later than 6 months after enactment and annually for 2 years after the new examination schedule is implemented, to brief the same two committees on the schedule's use, the size of and any shortages in the marine inspector workforce, and recommendations for the inspection program's governance.

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312. Performance driven examination schedule (a) Amendments Section 3714 of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (a)(1) by striking The Secretary and inserting Except as provided in subsection (c), the Secretary ; (2) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); and (3) by inserting after subsection (b) the following: (c) Performance-driven examination schedule (1) In general With respect to examinations of foreign vessels to which this chapter applies, and subject to paragraph (3), the Secretary may adopt a performance-driven examination schedule to which such vessels are to be examined and the frequency with which such examinations occur, including the frequency of examinations for each vessel. Such schedule shall be consistent with the Secretary’s assessment of the safety performance of such vessels, including each vessel participating in the performance-driven examination schedule, in accordance with paragraph (2). (2) Considerations In developing an examination schedule under paragraph (1) and subject to paragraph (3), with respect to each vessel in determining eligibility to participate in the performance based examination schedule— (A) the Secretary shall consider— (i) certificate of compliance and examination history, to include those conducted by foreign countries; (ii) history of violations, vessel detentions, incidents, and casualties; (iii) history of notices of violation issued by the Coast Guard; (iv) safety related information provided by the flag state of the vessel; (v) owner and operator history; (vi) historical classification society data, which may include relevant surveys; (vii) cargo-specific documentation; (viii) data from port state control safety exams; and (ix) relevant repair and maintenance history; and (B) the Secretary may consider— (i) data from relevant vessel quality assurance and risk assessment programs including Quality Shipping for the 21st Century (QUALSHIP 21); (ii) data from industry inspection regimes; (iii) data from vessel self assessments submitted to the International Maritime Organization or other maritime organizations; and (iv) other safety relevant data or information as determined by the Secretary. (3) Eligibility In developing an examination schedule under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall not consider a vessel eligible to take part in a performance-driven examination schedule under paragraph (1) if, within the last 36 months, the vessel has— (A) been detained by the Coast Guard; (B) a record of a violation issued by the Coast Guard against the owners or operators with a finding of proved; or (C) suffered a marine casualty that, as determined by the Secretary, involves the safe operation of the vessel and overall performance of the vessel. (4) Restrictions The Secretary may not adopt a performance-driven examination schedule under paragraph (1) until the Secretary has— (A) conducted the assessment recommended in the Government Accountability Office report submitted under section 8254(a) of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 ( Public Law 116–283 ); (B) concluded through such assessment that a performance-driven examination schedule provides not less than the level of safety provided by the annual examinations required under subsection (a)(1); and (C) provided the results of such assessment to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives. . (b) Career incentive pay for marine inspectors Subsection (a) of section 11237 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 ( Public Law 117–263 ) is amended as follows: (a) Authority to provide assignment pay or special duty pay For the purposes of addressing an identified shortage of marine inspectors, the Secretary may provide assignment pay or special duty pay under section 352 of title 37, United States Code, to a member of the Coast Guard serving in a prevention position that— (1) is assigned in support of or is serving as a marine inspector pursuant to section 312 of title 14, United States Code; and (2) is assigned to a billet that is difficult to fill due to geographic location, requisite experience or certifications, or lack of sufficient candidates, as determined by the Commandant, in an effort to address inspector workforce gaps. . (c) Briefing Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually for 2 years after the implementation of a performance-driven examination schedule program under section 3714(c) of title 46, United States Code, the Commandant shall brief the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives on— (1) the status of utilizing the performance-driven examination schedule program, including the quantity of examinations conducted and duration between examinations for each individual vessel examined under the performance-driven examination schedule; (2) an overview of the size of the Coast Guard marine inspector workforce, including any personnel shortages assessed by the Coast Guard, for inspectors that conduct inspections under section 3714 of such title; and (3) recommendations for the inspection, governance, or oversight of vessels inspected under section 3714 of such title.

Sec. 313Fishing vessel and fisherman training safety

This section would amend section 4502 of title 46 to expand two existing fishing-vessel-safety grant programs (subsections (i) and (j)) to also fund safety and prevention training addressing behavioral and physical health risks, including substance use disorder and worker fatigue, facing fishing vessel operators and crewmembers, restructure the criteria for competitive grant awards so they are developed in consultation with (rather than established solely by) the Commandant, and raise the authorized funding for each program from $3,000,000 for fiscal year 2023 to $6,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2029, appropriated to the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

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313. Fishing vessel and fisherman training safety Section 4502 of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (i)— (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) in subparagraph (A)(ii) by striking ; and and inserting a semicolon; (ii) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C); and (iii) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following: (B) to conduct safety and prevention training that addresses behavioral and physical health risks, to include substance use disorder and worker fatigue, facing fishing vessel operators and crewmembers; and ; (B) in paragraph (2)— (i) by striking , in consultation with and based on criteria established by the Commandant of the Coast Guard ; and (ii) by striking subsection on a competitive basis and inserting the following: subsection— (A) on a competitive basis; and (B) based on criteria developed in consultation with the Commandant of the Coast Guard ; and (C) in paragraph (4) by striking $3,000,000 for fiscal year 2023 and inserting to the Secretary of Health and Human Services $6,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025, and 2026, 2027, 2028, and 2029 ; and (2) in subsection (j)— (A) in paragraph (1) by inserting , and understanding and mitigating behavioral and physical health risks, to include substance use disorder and worker fatigue, facing members of the commercial fishing industry after weather detection ; (B) in paragraph (2)— (i) by striking , in consultation with and based on criteria established by the Commandant of the Coast Guard, ; and (ii) by striking subsection on a competitive basis and inserting the following: subsection— (A) on a competitive basis; and (B) based on criteria developed in consultation with the Commandant of the Coast Guard ; and (C) in paragraph (4) by striking $3,000,000 for fiscal year 2023 and inserting to the Secretary of Health and Human Services $6,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 , and 2026, 2027, 2028, and 2029 .

Sec. 314Designating pilotage waters for the Straits of Mackinac

This section would amend section 9302(a)(1)(A) of title 46 to explicitly designate the Straits of Mackinac, along with all other covered waters, as pilotage waters, and would add a definition of "Straits of Mackinac" covering all U.S. navigable waters between longitude 84 degrees 20 minutes west and 85 degrees 10 minutes west and latitude 45 degrees 39 minutes north and 45 degrees 54 minutes north, including Gray's Reef Passage, the South Channel, Round Island Passage, and their approaches.

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314. Designating pilotage waters for the Straits of Mackinac (a) In general Section 9302(a)(1)(A) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking in waters and inserting in the Straits of Mackinac and in all other waters . (b) Definition of the Straits of Mackinac Section 9302 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: (g) Definition of the Straits of Mackinac In this section, the term Straits of Mackinac includes all of the United States navigable waters bounded by longitudes 84 degrees 20 minutes west and 85 degrees 10 minutes west and latitudes 45 degrees 39 minutes north and 45 degrees 54 minutes north, including Gray’s Reef Passage, the South Channel, and Round Island Passage, and approaches thereto. .

Sec. 315Receipts; international agreements for ice patrol services

This section would amend section 80301(c) of title 46 so that receipts collected under that section remain available until expended for the Coast Guard's international ice patrol program, rather than reverting.

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315. Receipts; international agreements for ice patrol services Section 80301(c) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking the period at the end and inserting and shall remain available until expended for the purpose of the Coast Guard international ice patrol program under this chapter. .

Sec. 316Study of amphibious vessels

This section would require the Commandant to study whether current safety regulations adequately apply to commercial amphibious vessels, identifying applicable regulations, evaluating any safety gaps or risks, assessing whether aspects of the regulations established under section 11502 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 should extend to these vessels, and recommending potential new regulations, with a report due to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate not later than 1 year after enactment. The section defines a covered "amphibious vessel" as a small passenger vessel operating in U.S.-jurisdiction waters that also qualifies as a motor vehicle under the Clean Air Act, excluding DUKW amphibious passenger vessels as separately defined.

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316. Study of amphibious vessels (a) In general The Commandant shall conduct a study to determine the applicability of current safety regulations that apply to commercial amphibious vessels. (b) Elements The study required under subsection (a) shall include the following: (1) An overview and analysis that identifies safety regulations that apply to commercial amphibious vessels; (2) An evaluation of whether safety gaps and risks exist associated with the application of regulations identified in subsection (b)(1) to the operation of commercial amphibious vessels; (3) An evaluation of whether aspects of the regulations established in section 11502 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 ( 46 U.S.C. 3306 note) should apply to amphibious commercial vessels; and (4) Recommendations on potential regulations that should apply to commercial amphibious vessels. (c) Report Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report containing the findings, conclusions, and recommendations from the study required under subsection (a). (d) Definition of amphibious vessel In this section, the term amphibious vessel means a vessel which is operating as a small passenger vessel in waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, as defined in section 2.38 of title 33, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation) and is operating as a motor vehicle as defined in section 216 of the Clean Air Act ( 42 U.S.C. 7550 ) and that is not a DUKW amphibious passenger vessel as defined in section 11502 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 ( 46 U.S.C. 3306 note).

Sec. 317St. Lucie River railroad bridge

This section would require the Commandant, before adopting a final rule in Docket Number USCG-2022-0222, to conduct an independent boat traffic study at mile 7.4 of the St. Lucie River.

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317. St. Lucie River railroad bridge Regarding Docket Number USCG–2022–0222, before adopting a final rule, the Commandant shall conduct an independent boat traffic study at mile 7.4 of the St. Lucie River. C Ports

Sec. 321Ports and waterways safety

This section would amend section 8343 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 to remove the "2-year" limit from its pilot program's description and instead authorize the pilot program for fiscal years 2025 through 2029. It would expand the waterfront safety provisions of section 70011 of title 46 to cover damage, destruction, or other harm from cyber incidents, transnational organized crime, or foreign state threats (not just physical threats as before), and would add a new prohibition barring a representative of a government that the Secretary of State has determined repeatedly supports international terrorism from visiting a facility that must maintain a security plan under section 70103(c). It would rewrite section 70032 of title 46 so that, with a narrow exception, authority under sections 70001 through 70004 and 70011 concerning the Saint Lawrence Seaway may only be delegated to the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation, while the Secretary of the department retains authority to issue special orders, establish safety zones, and take port security actions there after consulting the delegated agency. It would add cyber incidents, transnational organized crime, and foreign state threats as triggers, alongside war and invasion, for the Secretary's authority under section 70051 of title 46 to regulate vessel anchorage and movement during a national emergency, and would require the Secretary of the department, not later than 2 years after enactment, to issue or amend regulations addressing vessel traffic service cooperation and data exchange arrangements with the Canadian Coast Guard in the Great Lakes and Saint Lawrence Seaway.

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321. Ports and waterways safety (a) In general Section 8343 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 ( Public Law 116–283 ) is amended— (1) by striking 2-year pilot program and inserting pilot program ; (2) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); and (3) by adding at the end the following: (c) Authorization The pilot program under subsection (a) is authorized for fiscal years 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, and 2029. . (b) Waterfront safety Section 70011(a) of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) in paragraph (1) by inserting , including damage or destruction resulting from cyber incidents, transnational organized crime, or foreign state threats after adjacent to such waters ; and (2) in paragraph (2) by inserting or harm resulting from cyber incidents, transnational organized crime, or foreign state threats after loss . (c) Facility visit by state sponsor of terrorism Section 70011(b) of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) in paragraph (3) by striking and at the end; (2) in paragraph (4) by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (5) prohibiting a representative of a government of country that the Secretary of State has determined has repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism under section 620A of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 ( 22 U.S.C. 2371 ) from visiting a facility for which a facility security plan is required under section 70103(c). . (d) Great Lakes and Saint Lawrence Seaway navigation Section 70032 of title 46, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: 70032. Delegation of ports and waterways authorities in Saint Lawrence Seaway (a) In general Except as provided in subsection (b), the authority granted to the Secretary under sections 70001, 70002, 70003, 70004, and 70011 may not be delegated with respect to the Saint Lawrence Seaway to any agency other than the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation. Any other authority granted the Secretary under subchapters I through III and this subchapter shall be delegated by the Secretary to the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation to the extent the Secretary determines such delegation is necessary for the proper operation of the Saint Lawrence Seaway. (b) Exception The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, after consultation with the Secretary or the head of an agency to which the Secretary has delegated the authorities in subsection (a), may— (1) issue and enforce special orders in accordance with section 70002; (2) establish water or waterfront safety zones, or other measures, for limited, controlled, or conditional access and activity when necessary for the protection of any vessel structure, waters, or shore area, as permitted in section 70011(b)(3); and (3) take actions for port, harbor, and coastal facility security in accordance with section 70116. . (e) Regulation of anchorage and movement of vessels during national emergency Section 70051 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by inserting or cyber incidents, or transnational organized crime, or foreign state threats, after threatened war, or invasion, or insurrection, or subversive activity, . (f) Great Lakes and Saint Lawrence river cooperative vessel traffic service Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall issue or amend such regulations as are necessary to address any applicable arrangements with the Canadian Coast Guard regarding vessel traffic services cooperation and vessel traffic management data exchanges within the Saint Lawrence Seaway and the Great Lakes. (g) Clerical amendments The analysis for chapter 700 of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) by inserting after the item relating to section 70007 the following: 70008. Special activities in exclusive economic zone. ; and (2) by striking the item relating to section 70032 and inserting the following: 70032. Delegation of ports and waterways authorities in Saint Lawrence Seaway. .

Sec. 322Study on Bering Strait vessel traffic projections and emergency response posture at ports of the United States

This section would require the Commandant, not later than 180 days after enactment, to seek an agreement with the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine under which its Marine Board would study projected growth in commercial vessel traffic through the Bering Strait over the following 10 years (including the volume, size, age, and flag state of vessels and any oil or product tankers linked to Russia or China) and assess the adequacy of emergency response capability and infrastructure at the Port of Point Spencer, Alaska, including a risk assessment of increased accidents and spills and their impact on the Arctic environment and Native Alaskan villages, an evaluation of the port's potential as a refuge and staging center, and recommendations for Congress, federal agencies, Alaska, carriers, and the salvage and emergency response industry, consulting the Department of Transportation, the Army Corps of Engineers, the National Transportation Safety Board, relevant Canadian government ministries, and the Port Coordination Council for the Port of Point Spencer. The Board would have to report its findings to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate not later than 1 year after the study begins.

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322. Study on Bering Strait vessel traffic projections and emergency response posture at ports of the United States (a) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall seek to enter into an agreement with the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine, under which the Marine Board of the Transportation Research Board (in this section referred to as the Board ) shall conduct a study to— (1) analyze commercial vessel traffic that transits through the Bering Strait and projections for the growth of such traffic during the 10-year period beginning after such date of enactment; and (2) assess the adequacy of emergency response capabilities and infrastructure at the Port of Point Spencer, Alaska, to address navigation safety risks and geographic challenges necessary to conduct emergency maritime response operations in the Arctic environment. (b) Elements The study required under subsection (a) shall include the following: (1) An analysis of the volume and types of domestic and international commercial vessel traffic through the Bering Strait and the projected growth of such traffic, including a summary of— (A) the sizes, ages, and flag states of vessels; and (B) the oil and product tankers that are— (i) in transit to or from Russia or China; or (ii) owned or operated by a Russian or Chinese entity. (2) An assessment of the state and adequacy of vessel traffic services and oil spill and emergency response capabilities in the vicinity of the Bering Strait, including its approaches. (3) A risk assessment of the projected growth in commercial vessel traffic in the Bering Strait and higher probability of increased frequency in the number of maritime accidents, including spill events, and the potential impacts to the Arctic maritime environment and Native Alaskan village communities in the vicinity of the Bering Strait. (4) An evaluation of the ability of the Port of Point Spencer, Alaska, to serve as a port of refuge and as a staging, logistics, and operations center to conduct and support maritime emergency and spill response activities. (5) Recommendations for practical actions that can be taken by the Congress, Federal agencies, the State of Alaska, vessel carriers and operators, the marine salvage and emergency response industry, and other relevant stakeholders to mitigate risks, upgrade infrastructure, and improve the posture of the Port of Point Spencer, Alaska, to function as a strategic staging and logistics center for maritime emergency and spill response operations in the Bering Strait region. (c) Consultation In conducting the study required under subsection (a), the Board shall consult with— (1) the Department of Transportation; (2) the Corps of Engineers; (3) the National Transportation Safety Board; (4) relevant ministries of the government of Canada; (5) the Port Coordination Council for the Port of Point Spencer; and (6) non-government entities with relevant expertise in monitoring and characterizing vessel traffic in the Arctic. (d) Report Not later than 1 year after initiating the study under subsection (a), the Board shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report containing the findings and recommendations of the study. (e) Definitions In this section: (1) Arctic The term Arctic has the meaning given such term in section 112 of the Arctic Research and Policy Act of 1984 ( 15 U.S.C. 4111 ). (2) Port coordination council for the port of point spencer The term Port Coordination Council for the Port of Point Spencer means the Council established under section 541 of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015 ( Public Law 114–120 ).

Sec. 323Improving Vessel Traffic Service monitoring

This section would require the Commandant, not later than 1 year after enactment, to implement the November 2021 plan of the Vessel Traffic Service Los Angeles-Long Beach for restructuring federal anchorages in San Pedro Bay described in a National Transportation Safety Board report on a January 2024 pipeline anchor strike, and would require the Secretary of the department to study whether any other anchorage grounds sit less than 1 mile from a pipeline, reporting the results, including a recommendation on relocating any such anchorage, to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate not later than 2 years after enactment. The Commandant would also have to work with vessel monitoring system providers to add audible and visual alarms warning watchstanders when an anchored vessel encroaches on a pipeline, develop procedures (within 1 year) for vessel traffic services to notify pipeline and utility operators of potential incursions on submerged pipelines, and report to the same two committees on implementing both requirements not later than 1 year after enactment and annually for the following 3 years.

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323. Improving Vessel Traffic Service monitoring (a) Proximity of anchorages to pipelines (1) Implementation of restructuring plan Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall implement the November 2021 proposed plan of the Vessel Traffic Service Los Angeles-Long Beach for restructuring the Federal anchorages in San Pedro Bay described on page 54 of the Report of the National Transportation Safety Board titled Anchor Strike of Underwater Pipeline and Eventual Crude Oil Release and issued January 2, 2024. (2) Study The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall conduct a study to identify any anchorage grounds other than the San Pedro Bay Federal anchorages in which the distance between the center of an approved anchorage ground and a pipeline is less than 1 mile. (3) Report (A) In general Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the results of the study required under paragraph (2). (B) Contents The report under subparagraph (A) shall include— (i) a list of the anchorage grounds described under paragraph (2); (ii) whether it is possible to move each such anchorage ground to provide a minimum distance of 1 mile; and (iii) a recommendation of whether to move any such anchorage ground and explanation for the recommendation. (b) Proximity to pipeline alerts (1) Audible and visual alarms The Commandant shall consult with the providers of vessel monitoring systems to add to the monitoring systems for vessel traffic services audible and visual alarms that alert the watchstander when an anchored vessel is encroaching on a pipeline. (2) Notification procedures Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall develop procedures for all vessel traffic services to notify pipeline and utility operators following potential incursions on submerged pipelines within the vessel traffic service area of responsibility. (3) Report Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually for the subsequent 3 years, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the implementation of paragraphs (1) and (2).

Sec. 324Controlled substance onboard vessels

This section would amend section 70503(a) of title 46, which prohibits certain drug-related conduct aboard covered vessels. Rather than a general lead-in restricting the whole section to conduct "while on board a covered vessel," the amendment would fold the "on board a covered vessel" element into each separate prohibited act: manufacturing, distributing, or possessing with intent to manufacture or distribute a controlled substance on board a covered vessel; and the other prohibited acts in paragraphs (2) and (3) would likewise be tied to being on board a covered vessel.

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324. Controlled substance onboard vessels Section 70503(a) of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking While on board a covered vessel, an and inserting An ; (2) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows: (1) manufacture or distribute, possess with intent to manufacture or distribute, or place or cause to be placed with intent to manufacture or distribute a controlled substance on board a covered vessel; ; (3) in paragraph (2) by inserting on board a covered vessel before the semicolon; and (4) in paragraph (3) by inserting while on board a covered vessel after such individual .

Sec. 325Cyber-incident training

This section would amend section 70103(c) of title 46 to let the Secretary conduct no-notice security exercises in Captain of the Port Zones involving any facility or vessel required to maintain a security plan under that subsection.

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325. Cyber-incident training Section 70103(c) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: (9) The Secretary may conduct no-notice exercises in Captain of the Port Zones (as described in part 3 of title 33, Code of Federal Regulations as in effect on the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 ) involving a facility or vessel required to maintain a security plan under this subsection. .

Sec. 326Navigational protocols

This section would require the Commandant, consulting the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, to examine how foreign allied nations govern port and vessel operations in fog and low-visibility conditions, including their use of advanced navigation technologies such as remote sensing, radar, tracking, and unmanned aerial vehicles to monitor visibility and manage operations.

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326. Navigational protocols The Commandant, in consultation with the Undersecretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, shall examine the navigational protocols used for foreign allied nations governing port and vessel operations in fog and low visibility operations and how those nations utilize advanced navigation technologies such as remote sensing, radar, tracking, and unmanned aerial vehicles to monitor visibility and manage port and vessels operations. D Matters Involving Autonomous Systems

Sec. 331Establishment of National Advisory Committee on Autonomous Maritime Systems
This section would add a new section 15110 to chapter 151 of title 46 establishing a National Advisory Committee on Autonomous Maritime Systems, but the provided bill text is cut off after the opening words "There is established a National Advisory Committee on A" at the very end of this slice. The committee's membership, duties, and any other terms are not visible in the text made available, so they cannot be rendered without guessing.
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331. Establishment of National Advisory Committee on Autonomous Maritime Systems (a) In general Chapter 151 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 15110. Establishment of National Advisory Committee on Autonomous Maritime Systems (a) Establishment There is established a National Advisory Committee on Autonomous Maritime Systems (in this section referred to as the Committee ). (b) Function The Committee shall advise the Secretary on matters relating to the regulation and use of Autonomous Systems within the territorial waters of the United States. (c) Membership (1) In general The Committee shall consist of 15 members appointed by the Secretary in accordance with this section and section 15109. (2) Expertise Each member of the Committee shall have particular expertise, knowledge, and experience in matters relating to the function of the Committee. (3) Representation Each of the following groups shall be represented by at least 1 member on the Committee: (A) Marine safety or security entities. (B) Vessel design and construction entities. (C) Entities engaged in the production or research of uncrewed vehicles, including drones, autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles, or any other product or service integral to the provision, maintenance, or management of such products or services. (D) Port districts, authorities, or terminal operators. (E) Vessel operators. (F) National labor unions representing merchant mariners. (G) Maritime pilots. (H) Commercial space transportation operators. (I) Academic institutions. . (b) Clerical amendments The analysis for chapter 151 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 15110. Establishment of National Advisory Committee on Autonomous Maritime Systems. . (c) Establishment Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall establish the Committee under section 15110 of title 46, United States Code (as added by this section).

Sec. 332Pilot program for governance and oversight of small uncrewed maritime systems

This section would create a two-year exemption starting when the Act becomes law. During that time, small uncrewed maritime systems that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) owns, operates, or charters, or that perform specified oceanographic surveys under a contract or written agreement with NOAA, would not have to follow any vessel inspection, design, operations, navigation, credentialing, or training law or regulation, but only if NOAA's Assistant Administrator for the Office of Marine and Aviation Operations determines that requirement would harm real-time operational extreme weather oceanographic and atmospheric data collection and predictions. This would not limit the authority of the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard operates, acting through the Commandant, to act if there is an immediate safety or security concern about small uncrewed maritime systems. For this section, a small uncrewed maritime system is an unmanned maritime system under the CENOTE Act of 2018 that is no more than 35 feet long overall, is operated remotely or autonomously, and is used only for oceanographic surveys or scientific research. An uncrewed system means an uncrewed surface, undersea, or aircraft system and the equipment, including communication links, that an operator needs to run it safely and efficiently, and it includes unmanned aircraft systems as already defined in federal aviation law.

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332. Pilot program for governance and oversight of small uncrewed maritime systems (a) Limitation Notwithstanding any other provision of law, for the period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act and ending on the date that is 2 years after such date of enactment, small uncrewed maritime systems owned, operated, or chartered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or that are performing specified oceanographic surveys on behalf of and pursuant to a contract or other written agreement with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, shall not be subject to any vessel inspection, design, operations, navigation, credentialing, or training requirement, law, or regulation, that the Assistant Administrator of the Office of Marine and Aviation Operations of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration determines will harm real-time operational extreme weather oceanographic and atmospheric data collection and predictions. (b) Other authority Nothing in this section shall limit the authority of the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, acting through the Commandant, if there is an immediate safety or security concern regarding small uncrewed maritime systems. (c) Definitions In this section: (1) Small uncrewed maritime systems The term small uncrewed maritime systems means unmanned maritime systems (as defined in section 2 of the CENOTE Act of 2018 ( 33 U.S.C. 4101 )), that— (A) are not greater than 35 feet overall in length; (B) are operated remotely or autonomously; and (C) exclusively perform oceanographic surveys or scientific research. (2) Uncrewed system The term uncrewed system — (A) means an uncrewed surface, undersea, or aircraft system and associated elements (including communication links and the components that control the uncrewed system) that are required for the operator to operate the system safely and efficiently; and (B) includes an unmanned aircraft system (as such term is defined in section 44801 of title 49, United States Code).

Sec. 333Coast Guard training course

For three years after the Act becomes law, the Commandant, or another person or organization the Commandant chooses, would have to develop a training course on small uncrewed maritime systems and offer it at least once a year to Coast Guard personnel who work with or regulate these systems. The course would have to cover an overview of small uncrewed maritime systems, including examples used by the federal government, in schools, and in businesses; the benefits and drawbacks of using them; safe navigation, including how to avoid collisions; how these systems communicate with and warn other vessels nearby; how they respond to alarms and equipment failures; their current and future capabilities; and the role of the International Maritime Organization in regulating them. The section uses the same definitions of small uncrewed maritime system and uncrewed system as section 332.

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333. Coast Guard training course (a) In general For the period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act and ending on the date that is 3 years after such date of enactment, the Commandant, or such other individual or organization as the Commandant considers appropriate, shall develop a training course on small uncrewed maritime systems and offer such training course at least once each year for Coast Guard personnel working with or regulating small uncrewed maritime systems. (b) Course subject matter The training course developed under subsection (a) shall— (1) provide an overview and introduction to small uncrewed maritime systems, including examples of those used by the Federal Government, in academic settings, and in commercial sectors; (2) address the benefits and disadvantages of use of small uncrewed maritime systems; (3) address safe navigation of small uncrewed maritime systems, including measures to ensure collision avoidance; (4) address the ability of small uncrewed maritime systems to communicate with and alert other vessels in the vicinity; (5) address the ability of small uncrewed maritime systems to respond to system alarms and failures to ensure control commensurate with the risk posed by the systems; (6) provide present and future capabilities of small uncrewed maritime systems; and (7) provide an overview of the role of the International Maritime Organization in the governance of small uncrewed maritime systems. (c) Definitions In this section: (1) Small uncrewed maritime systems The term small uncrewed maritime systems means unmanned maritime systems (as defined in section 2 of the CENOTE Act of 2018 ( 33 U.S.C. 4101 )), that— (A) are not greater than 35 feet overall in length; (B) are operated remotely or autonomously; and (C) exclusively perform oceanographic surveys or scientific research. (2) Uncrewed system The term uncrewed system — (A) means an uncrewed surface, undersea, or aircraft system and associated elements (including communication links and the components that control the uncrewed system) that are required for the operator to operate the system safely and efficiently; and (B) includes an unmanned aircraft system (as such term is defined in section 44801 of title 49, United States Code).

Sec. 334NOAA membership on Autonomous Vessel Policy Council

Within 30 days after the Act becomes law, the Commandant, with the agreement of NOAA's Assistant Administrator for the Office of Marine and Aviation Operations, would have to create a permanent seat on the Coast Guard's Automated and Autonomous Vessel Policy Council for a NOAA employee.

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334. NOAA membership on Autonomous Vessel Policy Council Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant, with the concurrence of the Assistant Administrator of the Office of Marine and Aviation Operations of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, shall establish the permanent membership of a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration employee to the Automated and Autonomous Vessel Policy Council of the Coast Guard.

Sec. 335Technology pilot program
This section changes section 319(b)(1) of title 14, United States Code, by replacing '2 or more' with 'up to 4.' The text of section 319(b)(1) is not part of the excerpt provided, so what this number counts (for example, participating agencies, test sites, or technologies in the technology pilot program) cannot be stated without guessing.
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335. Technology pilot program Section 319(b)(1) of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking 2 or more and inserting up to 4 .

Sec. 336Uncrewed systems capabilities report

Within one year after the Act becomes law, the Commandant would have to report to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation with a plan for setting up an uncrewed systems capabilities office inside the Coast Guard. That office would be responsible for acquiring and developing uncrewed system and counter-uncrewed system technology and for expanding the Coast Guard's capabilities in this area. The report would have to include a management strategy for acquiring, developing, and deploying this technology; a service-wide coordination strategy that supports the Coast Guard's core duties under section 102 of title 14 and pursues more research, development, testing, and funding opportunities; the contracting and acquisition authorities the Coast Guard would need; a detailed list of commercially available uncrewed and counter-uncrewed technology useful to the Coast Guard; a plan to work with the Department of Defense and other agencies on shared requirements and partnership opportunities; ways to obtain and share uncrewed system data from government and commercial sources to improve maritime domain awareness; and a concept of operations for a data system that ties this technology to communications networks, data storage, artificial intelligence and machine learning tools, and information sharing. A counter-uncrewed system is a system or device that can lawfully and safely disable, disrupt, or take control of an uncrewed system, including a counter-UAS system as already defined in federal aviation law. An uncrewed system has the same meaning described in section 332.

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336. Uncrewed systems capabilities report (a) In general (1) Report Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report that outlines a plan for establishing an uncrewed systems capabilities office within the Coast Guard responsible for the acquisition and development of uncrewed system and counter-uncrewed system technologies and to expand the capabilities of the Coast Guard with respect to such technologies. (2) Contents The report required under paragraph (1) shall include the following: (A) A management strategy for the acquisition, development, and deployment of uncrewed system and counter-uncrewed system technologies. (B) A service-wide coordination strategy to synchronize and integrate efforts across the Coast Guard in order to— (i) support the primary duties of the Coast Guard pursuant to section 102 of title 14, United States Code; and (ii) pursue expanded research, development, testing, and evaluation opportunities and funding to expand and accelerate identification and transition of uncrewed system and counter-uncrewed system technologies. (C) The identification of contracting and acquisition authorities needed to expedite the development and deployment of uncrewed system and counter-uncrewed system technologies. (D) A detailed list of commercially available uncrewed system and counter-uncrewed system technologies with capabilities determined to be useful for the Coast Guard. (E) A cross-agency collaboration plan to engage with the Department of Defense and other relevant agencies to identify common requirements and opportunities to partner in acquiring, contracting, and sustaining uncrewed system and counter-uncrewed system capabilities. (F) Opportunities to obtain and share uncrewed system data from government and commercial sources to improve maritime domain awareness. (G) The development of a concept of operations for a data system that supports and integrates uncrewed system and counter-uncrewed system technologies with key enablers, including enterprise communications networks, data storage and management, artificial intelligence and machine learning tools, and information sharing and dissemination capabilities. (b) Definitions In this section: (1) Counter-uncrewed system The term counter-uncrewed system — (A) means a system or device capable of lawfully and safely disabling, disrupting, or seizing control of an uncrewed system; and (B) includes a counter-UAS system (as such term is defined in section 44801 of title 49, United States Code). (2) Uncrewed system The term uncrewed system — (A) means an uncrewed surface, undersea, or aircraft system and associated elements (including communication links and the components that control the uncrewed system) that are required for the operator to operate the system safely and efficiently; and (B) includes an unmanned aircraft system (as such term is defined in section 44801 of title 49, United States Code).

Sec. 337Medium unmanned aircraft systems capabilities study

Within 180 days after the Act becomes law, the Commandant would have to study whether it is feasible to extend the National Security Cutter's medium unmanned aircraft system capability to Medium Endurance Cutters and Offshore Patrol Cutters. Within one year, the Commandant would have to report the study's results to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Senate Commerce Committee, including whether it is feasible to equip Offshore Patrol Cutters and Medium Endurance Cutters with medium unmanned aircraft systems, which mission capabilities such systems would strengthen, and the projected procurement and operating costs. This section uses the same definitions of counter-uncrewed system and uncrewed system as section 336.

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337. Medium unmanned aircraft systems capabilities study (a) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall conduct a study to determine the feasibility of expanding the National Security Cutter’s medium unmanned aircraft system capabilities to Medium Endurance Cutters and Offshore Patrol Cutters. (b) Report (1) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a written report that contains the results of the study conducted under subsection (a). (2) Contents In submitting the study under paragraph (1), the Commandant shall determine— (A) the feasibility of equipping Offshore Patrol Cutters and Medium Endurance Cutters with medium unmanned aircraft systems; (B) the missions capabilities that would be strengthen by the use of such systems; and (V) projected procurement and operational costs for acquiring such systems. (c) Definitions In this section: (1) Counter-uncrewed system The term counter-uncrewed system — (A) means a system or device capable of lawfully and safely disabling, disrupting, or seizing control of an uncrewed system; and (B) includes a counter-UAS system (as such term is defined in section 44801 of title 49, United States Code). (2) Uncrewed system The term uncrewed system — (A) means an uncrewed surface, undersea, or aircraft system and associated elements (including communication links and the components that control the uncrewed system) that are required for the operator to operate the system safely and efficiently; and (B) includes an unmanned aircraft system (as such term is defined in section 44801 of title 49, United States Code).

Sec. 338Comptroller General report on Coast Guard acquisition and deployment of unmanned systems

Within 18 months after the Act becomes law, the Comptroller General would have to submit the first of several reports to the House and Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committees on the Coast Guard's use and acquisition of unmanned systems, with later reports to follow. Each report would have to include an inventory of the Coast Guard's current unmanned systems and the missions and assets they are used on; the cost, schedule, and performance status of unmanned system acquisition programs; how much the Coast Guard has assessed whether these systems support its core duties under section 102 of title 14; an evaluation of the Coast Guard's acquisition strategy, including how it weighs the costs and benefits of buying commercially available systems and autonomous capabilities; an evaluation of the Coast Guard's progress in setting up an unmanned systems capabilities office and how effective that office is at supporting acquisition and deployment, coordinating efforts Coast Guard-wide, pursuing research and funding, and working across agencies with the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Defense, and others; and recommendations to improve how the Coast Guard evaluates, acquires, and deploys unmanned systems. In preparing the report, the Comptroller General may consult the maritime and aviation industries, federal agencies familiar with unmanned systems, federally funded research institutions, nongovernmental organizations, and manufacturers of unmanned systems.

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338. Comptroller General report on Coast Guard acquisition and deployment of unmanned systems (a) In general Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the Senate the first of multiple reports of the use and acquisition of the Coast Guard of unmanned systems, with subsequent reports submitted after the first report. (b) Elements The reports required by subsection (a) shall include the following: (1) An inventory of the current unmanned systems of the Coast Guard, including the missions and assets on which such systems are deployed. (2) Cost, schedule, and performance status of the unmanned system acquisition programs of the Coast Guard. (3) The extent to which the Coast Guard has assessed how the use of such systems support the primary duties of the Coast Guard pursuant to section 102 of title 14, United States Code. (4) An evaluation of the acquisition strategy of the Coast Guard for unmanned systems, including the extent to which the Coast Guard has evaluated the benefits and costs of acquiring— (A) commercially available systems; and (B) autonomous capabilities. (5) An evaluation of the progress of the Coast Guard in establishing an unmanned systems capabilities office responsible for the acquisition and development of unmanned system technologies, and the effectiveness of such office, including the ability to— (A) support the acquisition, development, leasing, and deployment of unmanned systems technologies, including autonomous capabilities; (B) execute a service-wide coordination strategy to synchronize and integrate efforts across the Coast Guard; (C) pursue expanded research, development, experimentation, testing, and evaluation opportunities and funding to expand and accelerate identification and transition of unmanned system technologies; and (D) execute cross-agency collaboration to engage with the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Defense, and other relevant agencies to identify common requirements and opportunities to partner in acquiring, contracting, and sustaining unmanned system capabilities. (6) Recommendations to improve the ability of the Coast Guard to evaluate, acquire, and deploy unmanned systems technologies. (c) Consultation In developing the report required under subsection (a), the Comptroller General may consult with— (1) the maritime and aviation industries; (2) Federal Government agencies familiar with the use and deployment of unmanned systems; and (3) any relevant— (A) federally funded research institutions; (B) nongovernmental organizations; and (C) manufactures of unmanned systems.

Sec. 339National Academies of Sciences report on unmanned systems and use of data

Within 60 days after the Act becomes law, the Commandant would have to seek an arrangement with the National Academy of Sciences under which the Academy prepares an assessment of available unmanned, autonomous, or remotely controlled maritime domain awareness technology the Coast Guard could use. The assessment would have to describe the benefits and limits of current and emerging such systems for ocean observation, vessel monitoring and identification, weather observation, search and rescue, communications, and, where practical for the Academy to consider, intelligence gathering, surveillance, and reconnaissance; assess how these technologies could help the government prioritize its spending by looking at affordability, including buying, operating, maintaining, and lifecycle costs, along with reliability, versatility, efficiency, and expected service life; analyze whether new and emerging technology could let the Coast Guard carry out its missions at lower cost and with fewer people, expand its maritime domain awareness, and allocate its vessels, aircraft, and personnel more efficiently; evaluate how far these systems have moved from research and development into actual use since the Academy's 2020 study on unmanned systems for Coast Guard missions; and identify changes the Coast Guard would need to make to its authorities, policies, procedures, and protocols to use unmanned technology more efficiently. Within one year after entering the arrangement, the Academy would have to submit the assessment to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Senate Commerce Committee. In estimating costs, the Academy may use information from other Coast Guard reports or analyses about manpower needs or about federal efforts to acquire unmanned, autonomous, or remotely controlled technology.

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339. National Academies of Sciences report on unmanned systems and use of data (a) In general Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall seek to enter into an arrangement with the National Academy of Sciences under which the Academy shall prepare an assessment of available unmanned, autonomous, or remotely-controlled maritime domain awareness technologies for use by the Coast Guard. (b) Assessment In carrying out the assessment under subsection (a), the National Academy of Sciences shall— (1) describe the potential benefits and limitations of current and emerging unmanned, autonomous, or remotely controlled systems used in the maritime domain for— (A) ocean observation; (B) vessel monitoring and identification; (C) weather observation; (D) search and rescue operations; (E) to the extent practicable for consideration by the Academy, intelligence gathering, surveillance, and reconnaissance; and (F) communications; (2) assess how technologies described in paragraph (1) can help prioritize Federal investment by examining— (A) affordability, including acquisition, operations, maintenance and lifecycle costs; (B) reliability; (C) versatility; (D) efficiency; and (E) estimated service life and persistence of effort; (3) analyze whether the use of new and emerging maritime domain awareness technologies can be used to— (A) effectively carry out Coast Guard missions at lower costs and reduced manpower needs; (B) expand the scope and range of Coast Guard maritime domain awareness; and (C) allow the Coast Guard to more efficiently and effectively allocate Coast Guard vessels, aircraft, and personnel; (4) evaluate the extent to which such systems have moved from the research and development phase to effective operations since the National Academy of Sciences published the study titled Leveraging Unmanned Systems for Coast Guard Missions and issued in 2020; and (5) identify adjustments that would be necessary in Coast Guard authorities, policies, procedures, and protocols to incorporate unmanned technologies to enhance efficiency. (c) Report to Congress Not later than 1 year after entering into an arrangement under subsection (a), the National Academy of Sciences shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate the assessment prepared under this section. (d) Use of information In formulating costs pursuant to subsection (b), the National Academy of Sciences may utilize information from other Coast Guard reports, assessments, or analyses regarding existing Coast Guard manpower requirements or other reports, assessments, or analyses for the acquisition of unmanned, autonomous, or remotely-controlled technologies by the Federal Government.

Sec. 340Unmanned aircraft systems

This section would add a new provision to title 14, United States Code, stating that for any unmanned aircraft system the Coast Guard buys, the Commandant must make sure it is used to support the Coast Guard's core duties under section 102 of that title.

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340. Unmanned aircraft systems (a) In general Subchapter IV of chapter 5 of title 14, United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the following: 566. Use of unmanned aircraft systems With respect to any unmanned aircraft system procured by the Coast Guard, the Commandant shall ensure that such system be used to support the primary duties of the Coast Guard pursuant to section 102. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 5 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 566. Use of unmanned aircraft systems. . E Other Matters

Sec. 341Information on type approval certificates

This section would add a new provision to the Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018. Unless another law says otherwise, the Commandant would have to give any state, the District of Columbia, any Indian Tribe, or any U.S. territory, on request, all Coast Guard data about a ballast water management system that has a Coast Guard type approval certificate. That data would cover the quality of the challenge water used to test the system, the water quality after treatment, the concentration of living organisms in the challenge water, and the concentration of living organisms in the water after treatment.

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341. Information on type approval certificates (a) In general Title IX of the Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018 ( Public Law 115–282 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: 904. Information on type approval certificates Unless otherwise prohibited by law, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall, upon request by any State, the District of Columbia, any Indian Tribe, or any territory of the United States, provide all data possessed by the Coast Guard for a ballast water management system with a type approval certificate approved by the Coast Guard pursuant to subpart 162.060 of title 46, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 pertaining to— (1) challenge water (as defined in section 162.060–3 of title 46, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 ) quality characteristics; (2) post-treatment water quality characteristics; (3) challenge water (as defined in section 162.060–3 of title 46, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 ) biologic organism concentrations data; and (4) post-treatment water biologic organism concentrations data. . (b) Clerical amendment The table of contents for the Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018 ( Public Law 115–282 ) is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 903 the following: Sec. 904. Information on type approval certificates. .

Sec. 342Clarification of authorities

This section addresses the Deepwater Port Act of 1974. It would give the Secretary the authority to issue regulations carrying out that Act's purposes, following the normal notice-and-comment rulemaking steps in section 553 of title 5, United States Code, notwithstanding section 888(b) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, which would otherwise apply. It would also rewrite the Act's environmental review provision: it would define 'lead agency' using the meaning already in the National Environmental Policy Act, name the Maritime Administration as the single federal lead agency under that Act for all deepwater port applications, and state that the Maritime Administration's compliance with that Act satisfies the federal lead agency's environmental review duties for this Act. Within 18 months after the Act becomes law, the Commandant would have to transfer the Coast Guard's authorities under part 148 of title 33 of the Code of Federal Regulations to the Secretary of Transportation, except that the Commandant would keep authority over the design, construction, equipment, and operation of deepwater ports and over navigational safety, and the Secretary of Transportation would have to issue regulations reflecting this transfer as soon as practical. Nothing in this section would limit the authority other government agencies already have under the Deepwater Port Act or any other law, and none of this section would apply to any application submitted before the Act becomes law.

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342. Clarification of authorities (a) In general Section 5(a) of the Deepwater Port Act of 1974 ( 33 U.S.C. 1504(a) ) is amended by striking the first sentence and inserting Notwithstanding section 888(b) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 ( 6 U.S.C. 468(b) ), the Secretary shall have the authority to issue regulations to carry out the purposes and provisions of this Act, in accordance with the provisions of section 553 of title 5, United States Code, without regard to subsection (a) thereof. . (b) NEPA compliance Section 5 of the Deepwater Port Act of 1974 ( 33 U.S.C. 1504 ) is amended by striking subsection (f) and inserting the following: (f) NEPA compliance (1) Definition of lead agency In this subsection, the term lead agency has the meaning given the term in section 111 of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4336e ). (2) Lead agency (A) In general For all applications, the Maritime Administration shall be the Federal lead agency for purposes of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq. ). (B) Effect of compliance Compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq. ) in accordance with subparagraph (A) shall fulfill the requirement of the Federal lead agency in carrying out the responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq. ) pursuant to this Act. . (c) Regulations (1) In general Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall transfer the authorities provided to the Coast Guard in part 148 of title 33, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this Act), except as provided in paragraph (2), to the Secretary of Transportation. (2) Retention of authority The Commandant shall retain responsibility for authorities pertaining to design, construction, equipment, and operation of deepwater ports and navigational safety. (3) Updates to authority As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall issue such regulations as are necessary to reflect the updates to authorities prescribed by this subsection. (d) Rule of construction Nothing in this section, or the amendments made by this section, may be construed to limit the authorities of other governmental agencies previously delegated authorities of the Deepwater Port Act of 1974 ( 33 U.S.C. 1501 et seq. ) or any other law. (e) Applications Nothing in this section, or the amendments made by this section, shall apply to any application submitted before the date of enactment of this Act.

Sec. 343Amendments to passenger vessel security and safety requirements

This section would change the passenger vessel supply requirement in section 3507(d)(1) of title 46, United States Code, so that a vessel's supply of items that help prevent sexually transmitted diseases must take into account the length of the voyage and the number of passengers and crew the vessel can carry. It would also change section 3507(f) so that vessels must add a system that electronically records the date, time, and identity of every crew member who accesses a passenger stateroom, on top of their existing access procedures and restrictions, and must make sure those procedures and restrictions are fully and properly carried out, reviewed every year, and updated as needed.

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343. Amendments to passenger vessel security and safety requirements (a) Maintenance of supplies that prevent sexually transmitted diseases Section 3507(d)(1) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by inserting (taking into consideration the length of the voyage and the number of passengers and crewmembers that the vessel can accommodate) after a sexual assault . (b) Crew access to passenger staterooms; procedures and restrictions Section 3507(f) of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)— (A) in subparagraph (A) by striking and at the end; and (B) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following: (C) a system that electronically records the date, time, and identity of each crew member accessing each passenger stateroom; and ; and (2) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following: (2) ensure that the procedures and restrictions are— (A) fully and properly implemented; (B) reviewed annually; and (C) updated as necessary. .

Sec. 344Extension of pilot program to establish a cetacean desk for Puget Sound region

This section would extend the pilot program that set up a cetacean desk for the Puget Sound region, changing its authorized length from four years to six years.

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344. Extension of pilot program to establish a cetacean desk for Puget Sound region Section 11304(a)(2)(A)(i) of the Don Young Coast Guard Reauthorization Act of 2022 (division K of Public Law 117–263 ; 16 U.S.C. 1390 note) is amended by striking 4 years and inserting 6 years .

Sec. 345Suspension of enforcement of use of devices broadcasting on AIS for purposes of marking fishing gear

This section would extend the period during which the Coast Guard does not enforce the requirement that devices marking fishing gear broadcast on the Automatic Identification System. Enforcement would stay suspended until December 31, 2029, instead of ending on the date set in current law.

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345. Suspension of enforcement of use of devices broadcasting on AIS for purposes of marking fishing gear Section 11320 of the Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022 ( Public Law 117–263 ; 136 Stat. 4092) is amended by striking during the period and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting until December 31, 2029. .

Sec. 346Classification societies

This section would change the rules on delegating vessel classification authority to a foreign classification society. The Secretary could delegate that authority to a foreign classification society only if the government of the country where that society is headquartered either delegates its own authority to the American Bureau of Shipping, or does not delegate its authority to any classification society. The section would also make clear that none of this lets the Secretary delegate classification authority to a classification society from the People's Republic of China.

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346. Classification societies Section 3316(d) of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) by amending paragraph (2)(B)(i) to read as follows: (i) the government of the foreign country in which the foreign society is headquartered— (I) delegates that authority to the American Bureau of Shipping; or (II) does not delegate that authority to any classification society; or ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (5) Clarification on authority Nothing in this subsection authorizes the Secretary to make a delegation under paragraph (2) to a classification society from the People’s Republic of China. .

Sec. 347Abandoned and derelict vessel removals

This section would reorganize chapter 47 of title 46, United States Code, so that the existing rules on barges become Subchapter I, Barges, and it would add a new Subchapter II, Non-Barge Vessels, covering other abandoned vessels.

The new subchapter would define abandon as mooring, stranding, wrecking, sinking, or leaving a covered vessel unattended for more than 45 days; covered vessel as any vessel that is not a barge; and Indian Tribe and Native Hawaiian organization using existing federal definitions, with Native Hawaiian organization also covering the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

It would prohibit an owner or operator from abandoning a covered vessel on U.S. navigable waters. Before deciding a vessel is abandoned, the Commandant would have to try to identify the owner using the vessel's registration number, hull identification number, or other available information, and notify the owner of the possible penalty and that the Coast Guard will remove the vessel at the owner's expense if it is found abandoned and not removed or accounted for. The Commandant would give this notice by certified mail or another appropriate method if the owner is known, or by a public announcement and posting on a Coast Guard website if not. The Commandant could not decide a vessel is abandoned until at least 45 days after giving that notice.

An owner or operator found to have abandoned a vessel could face a civil penalty of up to $500, and the vessel itself would also be liable for that penalty. The Commandant could not impose the penalty if the abandonment was caused by major extenuating circumstances, such as the owner's or operator's long-term medical incapacitation. A vessel would not count as abandoned if it is at a federally or state-approved mooring area, on private property with the property owner's permission, or if the owner or operator tells the Commandant where the vessel is, states it is not abandoned, and provides documents proving it is allowed to be there, or if the Commandant decides that finding it abandoned would not serve the public interest.

Within one year after the Act becomes law, the Commandant, working with NOAA and relevant state agencies, would have to create and keep a national inventory of abandoned covered vessels, including their locations by geographic mapping data, and publish it on a Coast Guard website. States, Indian Tribes, Native Hawaiian organizations, or any person could report a possibly abandoned vessel for the Commandant to review and add to the inventory if it meets the abandonment standard. Except when responding to a discharge under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act or facing an immediate threat to life and safety, the Commandant would not be responsible for removing any vessel on the inventory.

The Secretary, working with the Army's Chief of Engineers and Commerce's Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere, would have to issue regulations on how to determine a vessel is abandoned. The rest of chapter 47 would be updated so that its cross-references say subchapter instead of chapter and its table of contents reflects the new two-subchapter structure, without changing what the existing barge rules require.

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347. Abandoned and derelict vessel removals (a) In general Chapter 47 of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) in the chapter heading by striking Barges and inserting Vessels ; (2) by inserting before section 4701 the following: I Barges ; and (3) by adding at the end the following: II Non-Barge Vessels 4710. Definitions In this subchapter: (1) Abandon The term abandon means to moor, strand, wreck, sink, or leave a covered vessel unattended for longer than 45 days. (2) Covered vessel The term covered vessel means a vessel that is not a barge to which subchapter I applies. (3) Indian Tribe The term Indian Tribe has the meaning given such term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 5304 ). (4) Native Hawaiian organization The term Native Hawaiian organization has the meaning given such term in section 6207 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 7517 ) except the term includes the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. 4711. Abandonment of vessels prohibited (a) In general An owner or operator of a covered vessel may not abandon such vessel on the navigable waters of the United States. (b) Determination of abandonment (1) Notification (A) In general With respect to a covered vessel that appears to be abandoned, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall— (i) attempt to identify the owner using the vessel registration number, hull identification number, or any other information that can be reasonably inferred or gathered; and (ii) notify such owner— (I) of the penalty described in subsection (c); and (II) that the vessel will be removed at the expense of the owner if the Commandant determines that the vessel is abandoned and the owner does not remove or account for the vessel. (B) Form The Commandant shall provide the notice required under subparagraph (A)— (i) if the owner can be identified, via certified mail or other appropriate forms determined by the Commandant; or (ii) if the owner cannot be identified, via an announcement in a local publication and on a website maintained by the Coast Guard. (2) Determination The Commandant shall make a determination not earlier than 45 days after the date on which the Commandant provides the notification required under paragraph (1) of whether a covered vessel described in such paragraph is abandoned. (c) Penalty (1) In general The Commandant may assess a civil penalty of not more than $500 against an owner or operator of a covered vessel determined to be abandoned under subsection (b) for a violation of subsection (a). (2) Liability in rem The owner or operator of a covered vessel shall also be liable in rem for a penalty imposed under paragraph (1). (3) Limitation The Commandant shall not assess a penalty if the Commandant determines the vessel was abandoned due to major extenuating circumstances of the owner or operator of the vessel, including long term medical incapacitation of the owner or operator. (d) Vessels not abandoned The Commandant may not determine that a covered vessel is abandoned under this section if— (1) such vessel is located at a federally approved or State approved mooring area; (2) such vessel is located on private property with the permission of the owner of such property; (3) the owner or operator of such vessel provides a notification to the Commandant that— (A) indicates the location of the vessel; (B) indicates that the vessel is not abandoned; and (C) contains documentation proving that the vessel is allowed to be in such location; or (4) the Commandant determines that such an abandonment determination would not be in the public interest. 4712. Inventory of abandoned vessels (a) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 , the Commandant, in consultation with the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and relevant State agencies, shall establish and maintain a national inventory of covered vessels that are abandoned. (b) Contents The inventory established and maintained under subsection (a) shall include data on each vessel, including geographic information system data related to the location of each such vessel. (c) Publication The Commandant shall make the inventory established under subsection (a) publicly available on a website of the Coast Guard. (d) Reporting of potentially abandoned vessels In carrying out this section, the Commandant shall develop a process by which— (1) a State, Indian Tribe, Native Hawaiian organization, or person may report a covered vessel that may be abandoned to the Commandant for potential inclusion in the inventory established under subsection (a); (2) the Commandant shall review any such report and add such vessel to the inventory if the Commandant determines that the reported vessel is abandoned pursuant to section 4711. (e) Clarification Except in a response action carried out under section 311(j) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1321 ) or in the case of imminent threat to life and safety, the Commandant shall not be responsible for removing any covered vessels listed on the inventory established and maintained under subsection (a). . (b) Rulemaking The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, in consultation with the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, and the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere, shall issue regulations with respect to the procedures for determining that a vessel is abandoned for the purposes of subchapter II of chapter 47 of title 46, United States Code (as added by this section). (c) Conforming amendments Chapter 47 of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) in section 4701— (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking chapter and inserting subchapter ; and (B) in paragraph (2) by striking chapter and inserting subchapter ; (2) in section 4703 by striking chapter and inserting subchapter ; (3) in section 4704 by striking chapter each place it appears and inserting subchapter ; and (4) in section 4705 by striking chapter and inserting subchapter . (d) Clerical amendments The analysis for chapter 47 of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) by inserting before the item relating to section 4701 the following: Subchapter I—Barges ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: Subchapter II—Non-Barge Vessels 4710. Definitions. 4711. Abandonment of vessels prohibited. 4712. Inventory of abandoned vessels. .

Sec. 348Report on certain Coast Guard requirements

Within 180 days after the Act becomes law, the Commandant would have to send the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Senate Commerce Committee a report recommending legislative and regulatory changes to keep vessels operating safely. The recommendations would have to cover making sure the Commandant does not take administrative action against a vessel's responsible entity over harassment cases reported under section 10104 of title 46 if the harassment was not caused by that entity's own policies or procedures; making sure the Coast Guard's process for deciding whether conduct counts as harassment, sexual harassment, or sexual assault does not stop a vessel's responsible entity from acting right away after learning of a possible incident; and clarifying for mariners and responsible entities which kinds of behavior must be reported to the Coast Guard.

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348. Report on certain Coast Guard requirements (a) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall prepare and submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report that provides legislative and regulatory recommendations to ensure the safe operation of vessels. (b) Contents The report under subsection (a) shall include recommendations— (1) to ensure that if cases of harassment required to be reported under section 10104 of title 46, United States Code, are not the result of the policies and procedures of the responsible entity of a vessel, the Commandant shall not take administrative action against the responsible entity of a vessel as a result of the reporting of such cases; (2) to ensure that the Coast Guard’s deliberative process for determining whether acts are harassment, sexual harassment, or sexual assault does not prevent the responsible entity of a vessel from immediately acting after learning of a potential incident of harassment; and (3) to clarify for mariners and the responsible entity of a vessel the types of behaviors that shall be reported to the Coast Guard.

Sec. 349Offshore operations

This section would broaden section 3702(b) of title 46, United States Code, so that it covers exploring for, developing, or producing offshore drilling or production facilities in the oil industry and in non-mineral energy production, not just oil-industry facilities, and it would replace the term oil exploitation with exploration, development, or production of offshore energy resources. Within 60 days after the Act becomes law, the Commandant would have to update section 125.115(b) of title 46 of the Code of Federal Regulations to match this broader scope. If the Commandant misses that deadline, the Secretary would instead have to let vessels covered by section 3702 transfer fuel from their own fuel tanks to offshore facilities supporting exploration, development, or production of offshore energy resources, without waiting for that regulatory update. Similarly, within 60 days, the Commandant would have to update the Coast Guard's Marine Safety Manual guidance on outer continental shelf activities to match; if that deadline is missed, the Secretary would instead have to exempt a non-tanker documented vessel transferring fuel from its own tanks to an offshore facility supporting such energy production from section 3702, without the manual being updated.

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349. Offshore operations (a) In general Section 3702(b) of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking offshore drilling or production facilities in the oil industry and inserting exploration, development, or production of offshore drilling or production facilities in the oil industry and non-mineral energy production ; and (2) in paragraph (2) by striking oil exploitation and inserting exploration, development, or production of offshore energy resources . (b) Oil fuel tank protection (1) In general Notwithstanding any other provision of law and not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall amend section 125.115(b) of title 46, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on such date of enactment), to reflect the amendment made in subsection (a). (2) Application If the Commandant fails to amend the section described in paragraph (1) by the date that is 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, then, in lieu of the application of such section, the Secretary shall allow vessels to which section 3702 of title 46, United States Code, applies to transfer fuel from the fuel supply tanks of such vessel to offshore facilities in support of exploration, development, or production of offshore energy resources. (c) Outer continental shelf activities (1) In general Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall amend section G6.3.a of the United States Coast Guard Marine Safety Manual, Volume II titled Materiel Inspection: Outer Continental Shelf Activities , issued September 20, 2021 (COMDTINST M16000.76) (as in effect on such date of enactment), to reflect the amendment made in subsection (a). (2) Application If the Commandant fails to amend the section described in paragraph (1) by the date that is 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, then the Secretary shall in lieu of such section not apply section 3702 of title 46, United States Code, to a documented vessel transferring fuel from the fuel supply tanks of such vessel to an offshore facility if such vessel is not a tanker and is in the service of exploration, development, or production of offshore energy resources.

Sec. 350Administrative costs

This section would remove the current cap limiting administrative costs under section 9(b) of the Marine Debris Act to no more than 5 percent of the funds authorized each fiscal year, so that cap would no longer apply.

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350. Administrative costs Section 9(b) of the Marine Debris Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1958 ) is amended by striking , of which not more than 5 percent is authorized for each fiscal year for administrative costs . F American Offshore Workers Fairness

Sec. 361Manning and crewing requirements for certain outer continental shelf vessels, vehicles, and structures

This section would rework the manning and crewing exemption rules in section 30(c) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act.

It would reorganize the existing exemption for certain vessels into a new paragraph (1), without changing which vessels already qualify for that exemption. It would also reorganize the existing exemption for certain foreign-owned vessels, rigs, platforms, and other structures into a new paragraph (2), and add a detailed new requirement to that exemption.

Under the new requirement, to keep this foreign-owned-vessel exemption, every individual who mans or crews the vessel, rig, platform, or other vehicle or structure must be a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident, or a citizen of the country under whose laws the vessel or structure is documented. Starting when the Act becomes law, this citizenship condition applies to all outer continental shelf activities under the Act. But for vessels paying out export cables, inter-array cables, umbilical cables, or pipe, the citizenship condition would not start until three years after the Act becomes law, and even then only subject to the new section 30A described below. Paying out, for pipe or cable, means the specific act of laying it; it does not include related work such as site clearance, trenching, dredging, mattress installation, cable tie-ins, installing pipeline end fittings, moving anchors tied to the cable or pipe, or burying the cable or pipe.

An exemption granted under this paragraph could let no more than 2.5 times the number of crew required under the vessel's flag-country law be filled by crew members who are lawful permanent residents of the United States or citizens of the country under whose laws the vessel, rig, platform, or other vehicle or structure is documented, meaning that count would include permanent residents along with foreign-nation citizens and not just foreign-nation citizens alone, and the exemption could last no more than one year. An owner or operator would apply to the Secretary for the exemption, or its renewal or extension, with a sworn statement containing all required information. The Secretary could revoke an exemption if the application information was false, incomplete, or is no longer accurate, and must immediately revoke it if the vessel was crewed in a way the exemption did not allow or that otherwise violates this paragraph, notifying the vessel's owner, operator, agent, or master. The Secretary would have to inspect each exempted vessel at least once a year to check compliance, and during each inspection require every crew member to hold a valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential. An owner or operator could be fined a civil penalty of $10,000 for each day the vessel is crewed in violation of this paragraph, or for each day it operates under an exemption the Secretary determines was not validly obtained or was based on false or incomplete information. The Secretary would have to notify the Secretary of State of every exemption issued, including how long it lasts.

Within one year after the Act becomes law, and every year after that, the Secretary would have to report to Congress on how many of these exemptions were granted during the preceding year, listing for each vessel, rig, platform, or structure its name and International Maritime Organization number, the country where it is documented, the nationality of each owner, and any changes to that information since a prior exemption.

The section would also add a new section 30A to the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act covering pipe, inter-array cable, umbilical cable, and export cable lay projects. Not earlier than 180 days before the new three-year citizenship requirement takes effect, the Secretary of Transportation would have to decide, separately for pipe lay vessels, inter-array cable lay vessels, umbilical cable lay vessels, and export cable lay vessels, whether a coastwise-endorsed vessel exists in each category. If none exists for a category, vessels in that category would be exempt from the citizenship condition for a project in that category, starting on the date of that finding. After that, an owner or operator could ask the Secretary for a new finding that a coastwise-endorsed vessel now exists in the category. If the Secretary finds one does exist, then before starting or resuming any project not already begun or resumed, a non-coastwise-endorsed vessel's owner or operator must ask the Secretary to decide whether a coastwise-endorsed vessel is actually available for that specific project. The Secretary must find one is not available if the requester submits an application with full project details, the Secretary shares it, within 30 days, with every coastwise-endorsed vessel owner in that category listed in the vessel inventory and publishes a Federal Register notice describing the project and asking for availability information within 30 days, and either no one responds in that time, or someone claims a suitable vessel is available but the Secretary, after consulting the Commandant, decides within 90 days after the notice that no coastwise-endorsed vessel is actually suitable or reasonably available. In making these suitability and availability calls, the Secretary must, wherever practical, use the American Bureau of Shipping or another recognized classification society for guidance.

Once the Secretary finds a coastwise-endorsed vessel is available for a project, a non-coastwise-endorsed vessel already working on that project could keep finishing it, but could not start or resume any further such project until it becomes coastwise-endorsed. If the Secretary finds no coastwise-endorsed vessel is available, the non-coastwise-endorsed vessel could work the project regardless of when the project started. The Secretary cannot extend these decision deadlines beyond what the law allows, and if the Secretary misses the deadline for an availability decision, the requesting owner or operator is automatically treated as allowed to proceed with the project. The Secretary of Transportation must coordinate with the Coast Guard's Secretary to apply these exemptions to the underlying citizenship condition. None of this authorizes a non-coastwise-endorsed vessel to carry merchandise in the coastwise trade.

The section would also update the vessel inventory in section 12138(b) of title 46: the Secretary of Transportation must keep an inventory of vessels that are documented under chapter 121, are at least 200 feet long, and can pay out, maintain, or repair a submarine export cable, inter-array cable, umbilical cable, or pipe, regardless of how the vessel is formally classed, and must note each listed vessel's category to match the new section 30A categories.

Within one year after the Act becomes law, the Secretary would have to issue regulations on how to apply for an exemption under the new paragraph (2). Any exemption granted before the Act becomes law would stay in effect until the date the new citizenship requirement would apply to that vessel's activity, then terminate the next day, unless continued for certain vessels under new section 30A; within 90 days, the Secretary must tell every current exemption holder that their exemption will end this way.

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361. Manning and crewing requirements for certain outer continental shelf vessels, vehicles, and structures (a) Authorization of limited exemptions from manning and crew requirement Section 30(c) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act ( 43 U.S.C. 1356(c) ) is amended— (1) by striking (c) The regulations issued under and all that follows through to any vessel in paragraph (1) and inserting the following: (c) Exemptions (1) In general The regulations issued under subsection (a)(3) shall not apply to any vessel ; (2) in paragraph (1)(C) by striking ; and and inserting a period; and (3) in paragraph (2)— (A) by striking (2) to any vessel and inserting the following: (2) Exemption for certain foreign-owned vessels, rigs, platforms, and other vehicles or structures (A) In general Subject to the requirements of this paragraph, the regulations issued under subsection (a)(3) shall not apply to any vessel ; and (B) by adding at the end the following: (B) Requirement (i) In general Subject to clauses (ii) and (iii), an exemption under subparagraph (A) shall require that each individual who is manning or crewing the vessel, rig, platform, or other vehicle or structure is— (I) a citizen of the United States; (II) an alien lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence; or (III) a citizen of the nation under the laws of which the vessel, rig, platform, or other vehicle or structure is documented. (ii) Timeline for application (I) In general Except as provided in subclause (II), beginning on the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 , the condition described in clause (i) shall apply to all activities pursuant to this Act on the outer Continental Shelf. (II) Export cable lay, inter-array cable lay, umbilical cable lay, and pipe lay activities Beginning on the date that is 3 years after the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 , the requirement described in clause (i) shall apply, except as provided in section 30A, to any vessel paying out— (aa) export cables; (bb) inter-array cables; (cc) umbilical cables; or (dd) pipes. (iii) Paying out defined In this subparagraph: (I) In general The term paying out , with respect to pipe or cable, means the specific act of paying out pipe, export cable, inter-array cable, or umbilical cable. (II) Exclusions The term paying out does not include repair or other activities incidental to the paying out of pipe, export cable, inter-array cable, or umbilical cable, such as— (aa) site clearance; (bb) trenching; (cc) dredging; (dd) mattress installation; (ee) cable tie-ins; (ff) installation of pipeline end terminations or pipeline end manifolds; (gg) the setting or moving of any anchors associated with the cable or pipe; (hh) offshore cable or pipe burial; and (ii) other activities that are not the actual paying of the pipe or cable. (C) Requirements An exemption under subparagraph (A)— (i) shall provide that the number of individuals manning or crewing the vessel, rig, platform, or other vehicle or structure who are individuals described in subclause (II) or (III) of subparagraph (B)(i) may not exceed 2.5 times the number of individuals required to man or crew the vessel, rig, platform, or other vehicle or structure under the laws of the nation in which the vessel, rig, platform, or other vehicle or structure is documented; and (ii) subject to subparagraph (D), shall be effective for not more than 1 year. (D) Application (i) In general The owner or operator of a vessel, rig, platform, or other vehicle or structure described in subparagraph (A) may submit to the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating an application for an exemption or a renewal or extension of an exemption under that subparagraph. (ii) Contents An application under clause (i) shall include a sworn statement by the applicant of all information required by the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating for the issuance of the exemption or renewal or extension. (E) Revocations (i) In general The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating may revoke an exemption for a vessel, rig, platform, or other vehicle or structure under subparagraph (A) if the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating determines that information provided in the application for the exemption or renewal or extension of such an exemption— (I) was false or incomplete; or (II) is no longer true or complete. (ii) Manning or crewing violation The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall immediately revoke an exemption for a vessel, rig, platform, or other vehicle or structure under subparagraph (A) if the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating determines that, during the effective period of the exemption, the vessel, rig, platform, or other vehicle or structure was manned or crewed in a manner that— (I) was not authorized by the exemption; or (II) does not otherwise comply with this paragraph. (iii) Notice The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall provide notice of a determination and revocation under clause (i) or (ii) to the owner, operator, agent, or master of the vessel, rig, platform, or other vehicle or structure. (F) Review of compliance (i) In general The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall periodically, but not less frequently than annually, inspect each vessel, rig, platform, or other vehicle or structure for which an exemption under subparagraph (A) has been granted to verify the compliance of the vessel, rig, platform, or other vehicle or structure with this paragraph. (ii) Requirement During each inspection of a vessel, rig, platform, or other vehicle or structure under clause (i), the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall require all individuals who are manning or crewing the vessel, rig, platform, or other vehicle or structure to hold a valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential. (G) Civil penalties The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating may impose on the owner or operator of a vessel, rig, platform, or other vehicle or structure for which an exemption under subparagraph (A) has been granted a civil penalty of $10,000 per day for each day the vessel, rig, platform, or other vehicle or structure— (i) is manned or crewed in violation of this paragraph; or (ii) operates under the exemption, if the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating determines that— (I) the exemption was not validly obtained; or (II) information provided in the application for the exemption was false or incomplete. (H) Notification to Secretary of State The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall notify the Secretary of State of each exemption issued under this subsection, including information on the effective period of the exemption. . (b) Annual report (1) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall submit to Congress a report that describes the number of exemptions granted under subsection (c)(2)(A) of section 30 of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act ( 43 U.S.C. 1356 ) (as amended by this Act) during the year preceding the report. (2) Requirements Each report under paragraph (1) shall include a list of, with respect to each vessel, rig, platform, or other vehicle or structure granted an exemption during the period covered by the report, the following: (A) The name and International Maritime Organization number of the vessel, rig, platform, or other vehicle or structure. (B) The nation in which the vessel, rig, platform, or other vehicle or structure is documented. (C) The nationality of each owner of the vessel, rig, platform, or other vehicle or structure. (D) Any changes to the information described in subparagraphs (A) through (C) applicable to the vessel, rig, platform, or other vehicle or structure if the vessel, rig, platform, or other vehicle or structure has received a prior exemption under subsection (c)(2)(A) or subsection (c)(2)(as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act). (c) Pipe, inter-array cable, umbilical cable, or export cable lay vessels (1) In general The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act ( 43 U.S.C. 1331 et seq. ) is amended by inserting after section 30 of such Act ( 43 U.S.C. 1356 ) the following: 30A. Pipe, inter-array cable, umbilical cable, or export cable lay projects (a) Initial determination (1) In general Not prior to 180 days before the date on which subclause (II) of section 30(c)(2)(B)(ii) takes effect, the Secretary shall determine for each category of vessel described in paragraph (2) whether there exists a coastwise-endorsed vessel. (2) Categories The categories of vessels described in this paragraph are the following: (A) Pipe lay vessels. (B) Inter-array cable lay vessels. (C) Umbilical cable lay vessels. (D) Export cable lay vessels. (b) Application In the case the Secretary determines under subsection (a) that a coastwise-endorsed vessel does not exist for a category of vessels described in subsection (a)(2), a vessel in such category shall, beginning on the date on which the Secretary makes such determination, be exempt from the condition under section 30(c)(2)(B) with respect to an applicable project. (c) Requests for determinations of coastwise-endorsed vessels (1) New determinations After the date on which the determination is made under subsection (a), the owner or operator of a vessel in the applicable category may seek a new determination from the Secretary that a coastwise-endorsed vessel for such category exists. (2) Application to non-coastwise-endorsed vessels If the Secretary makes a determination under paragraph (1) that a coastwise-endorsed vessel for the applicable category exists, then the owner or operator of a vessel in such category that is not coastwise-endorsed shall seek a determination under paragraph (3) of the availability of a coastwise-endorsed vessel in such category for an applicable project before engaging in any such applicable project that has not commenced or resumed prior to such determination under paragraph (1) that a coastwise-endorsed vessel for the applicable category exists. (3) Determination of availability (A) In general As soon as practicable in accordance with this paragraph, the Secretary shall determine whether a coastwise-endorsed vessel in the applicable category is available for the applicable project that is the subject of a request under paragraph (2). The Secretary shall determine that a coastwise-endorsed vessel in the applicable category is not available for such applicable project if— (i) the owner or operator of the non-coastwise endorsed vessel making such request submits to the Secretary an application for the use of such vessel for such applicable project that includes all relevant information and requirements for such applicable project, including engineering details and timing requirements; (ii) not later than 30 days after receiving such an application, the Secretary provides a copy of the application to the owner of each coastwise-endorsed vessel in the applicable category that is listed in the inventory under section 12138(b) of title 46, United States Code, and promptly publishes in the Federal Register a notice— (I) describing such applicable project; (II) advising that all relevant information reasonably needed to assess the transportation and installation requirements for the pipe, inter-array cables, umbilical cables, or export cables, as applicable, used in such applicable project will be made available to an interested person upon request; and (III) requesting that information on the availability for such applicable project of coastwise-endorsed vessels in the applicable category be submitted within the 30-day period beginning on the date of such publication; and (iii) (I) within such 30-day period, no information is submitted to the Secretary from owners or operators of coastwise-endorsed vessels in the applicable category to meet the requirements of the applicable project described in the application submitted under clause (i); or (II) the owner or operator of a coastwise-endorsed vessel in the applicable category submits information to the Secretary asserting that the owner or operator has a suitable coastwise-endorsed vessel in the applicable category to meet the requirements of the applicable project described in such application, but the Secretary determines, in consultation with the Commandant of the Coast Guard, within 90 days after the notice is first published, that such vessel is not suitable or reasonably available for the transportation required for such applicable project and no other vessel for which such information has been so submitted is so suitable and reasonably available for such transportation. (B) Guidance For the purpose of providing guidance on making determinations regarding suitability or availability under this paragraph, the Secretary, to the maximum extent practicable, shall contract with the American Bureau of Shipping or another classification society recognized by the Secretary as meeting acceptable standards to provide such guidance. (4) Impact of determination (A) Coastwise-endorsed vessel availability After the date on which a determination is made under paragraph (3) that a coastwise-endorsed vessel in the applicable category is available for an applicable project, the owner or operator of a vessel in the applicable category that is not coastwise-endorsed— (i) shall engage only in the applicable project for which the vessel began or resumed prior to the date of the determination under paragraph (1) that a coastwise-endorsed vessel in the applicable category exists and pursuant to the exemption under subsection (b); and (ii) may not engage or resume in any further applicable projects until the vessel is in compliance with the condition under section 30(c)(2)(B). (B) No coastwise-endorsed vessel availability After the date on which a determination is made under paragraph (3) that a coastwise-endorsed vessel in the applicable category is not available for an applicable project, the owner or operator of the vessel in the applicable category that is not coastwise-endorsed shall be permitted to engage in the applicable project as authorized under subsection (b) without regard to whether such applicable project has commenced or resumed prior to the date of the determination under paragraph (1) that a coastwise-endorsed vessel in the applicable category exists. (5) Time periods The Secretary shall not extend any period under paragraph (3)(A) beyond the period as required under such paragraph. (6) Deemed approval If the Secretary has failed to take an action required of the Secretary under paragraph (3)(A) within the period required for such action under such paragraph with respect to an application submitted under clause (i) of such paragraph, the owner or operator who submitted such application shall be deemed permitted under paragraph (4)(B) to engage in the applicable project that is the subject of such application. (d) Coordination The Secretary shall coordinate with the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating in order to apply an exemption determined under this section to the condition under section 30(c)(2)(B) with respect to an applicable project. (e) Definitions In this section: (1) Applicable category The term applicable category , with respect to a vessel for which a determination is made under subsection (a), means the category of such vessel as described in paragraph (2) of such subsection. (2) Applicable project The term applicable project — (A) with respect to a pipe lay vessel, means a project paying out pipe; (B) with respect to an inter-array cable lay vessel, means a project paying out inter-array cables; (C) with respect to an umbilical cable lay vessel, means a project paying out umbilical cables; and (D) with respect to an export cable lay vessel, means a project paying out export cables. (3) Coastwise-endorsed The term coastwise-endorsed , with respect to a vessel, means that the vessel has been issued a certificate of documentation with a coastwise endorsement under chapter 121 of title 46, United States Code. (4) Inter-array cable lay vessel The term inter-array cable lay vessel means a vessel paying out inter-array cables to which section 30(c)(2)(B)(ii)(II) applies, including paying out a submarine inter-array cable described in section 12138(b) of title 46, United States Code. (5) Export cable lay vessel The term export cable lay vessel means a vessel paying out export cables to which section 30(c)(2)(B)(ii)(II) applies, including paying out a submarine export cable described in section 12138(b) of title 46, United States Code. (6) Pipe lay vessel The term pipe lay vessel means a vessel paying out pipe to which section 30(c)(2)(B)(ii)(II) applies, including paying out a submarine pipe described in such section 12138(b). (7) Umbilical cable lay vessel The term umbilical cable lay vessel means a vessel paying out umbilical cables to which section 30(c)(2)(B)(ii)(II) applies, including paying out a submarine umbilical cable described in such section 12138(b). (8) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of Transportation. . (2) Inventory Section 12138(b) of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (A) in the heading by striking Vessels for cable laying, maintenance, and repair and inserting Vessels for paying out pipe, inter-array cables, umbilical cables, or export cables, maintenance, and repair ; (B) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows: (1) In general The Secretary of Transportation shall develop, maintain, and periodically update an inventory of vessels that— (A) are documented under this chapter; (B) are at least 200 feet in length; and (C) have the capability to pay out, maintain, or repair a submarine export cable, inter-array cable, umbilical cable, or pipe without regard to whether a particular vessel is classed as a cable or pipe lay ship or cable or pipe lay vessel. ; (C) by amending paragraph (2)(B) to read as follows: (B) the abilities and limitations of the vessel with respect to paying out, maintaining, and repairing a submarine export, inter-array, or umbilical cable or submarine pipeline; and ; and (D) by adding at the end the following: (4) Categories For purposes of subsection (c)(3)(A)(ii) of section 30A of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall note the category of each vessel included in the inventory under this subsection in accordance with the categories described in subsection (a)(2) of such section 30A. . (d) Regulations Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall issue regulations that specify the application requirements for an exemption under subsection (c)(2)(A) of section 30 of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act ( 43 U.S.C. 1356(c)(2)(A) ) (as amended by this Act). (e) Existing exemptions (1) In general Each exemption granted to a vessel before the date of enactment of this Act under section 30(c)(2) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act ( 43 U.S.C. 1356(c)(2) ) (as in effect on the day before such effective date) shall remain in effect until the applicable date described in section 30(c)(2)(B) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C.1356(c)(2)(B)) (as amended by this Act) based on the activity of the vessel. (2) Termination On the day after the last day of the period described in paragraph (1), each exemption described in that paragraph shall terminate, except to the extent the exemption is continued for certain vessels under section 30A of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (as added by this Act). (3) Notification Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall notify all persons that hold an exemption described in paragraph (1) that the exemption will terminate in accordance with paragraph (2). (f) Savings provisions (1) In general Nothing in this section or the amendments made by this section shall authorize a pipe lay vessel, inter-array cable lay vessel, umbilical cable lay vessel, or export cable lay vessel that is not coastwise-endorsed to engage in the transportation of merchandise in coastwise trade. (2) Definitions In this subsection: (A) Coastwise-endorsed The term coastwise-endorsed has the meaning given the term in section 30A(e) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (as added by this Act). (B) Export cable lay vessel; inter-array cable lay vessel; pipe lay vessel; and umbilical cable lay vessel The terms export cable lay vessel , inter-array cable lay vessel , pipe lay vessel , and umbilical cable lay vessel have the meanings given such terms in section 30A(e) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (as added by this Act). (g) Rule of construction Nothing in this section or an amendment made by this section shall be construed as adopting any agency interpretations of any provisions of, or terms within, chapter 551 of title 46, United States Code.

Sec. 362Outer Continental Shelf

This section would broaden the foreign-owned-vessel exemption in section 30(c)(2)(A) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, as reorganized by this Act, replacing the exploration, development, or production of oil and gas with exploring for, developing, or producing resources, including nonmineral energy resources. This means the exemption, and the citizenship condition attached to it, would now cover offshore activity for any resource, including energy sources besides oil and gas, such as offshore wind. Within 90 days after the Act becomes law, the Secretary would have to issue regulations implementing an earlier amendment, made by the fiscal year 2021 defense authorization law, to the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act's jurisdiction provision, for laws that Secretary administers. Nothing in this section or its amendments would be read to cancel or override any other law about the outer continental shelf, except where this Act expressly says so.

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362. Outer Continental Shelf (a) Amendment to exemption for certain foreign-owned vessels, rigs, platforms, and other vehicles or structures Section 30(c)(2)(A) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act ( 43 U.S.C. 1356(c)(2)(A) ), as so designated by this Act, is further amended by striking the exploration, development, or production of oil and gas and inserting exploring for, developing, or producing resources, including nonmineral energy resources, . (b) Implementation of amendment to jurisdiction of the United States on the outer Continental Shelf Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall issue regulations to implement the amendment made by section 9503 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 ( Public Law 116–283 ; 134 Stat. 4822) to section 4(a)(1) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act ( 43 U.S.C. 1333(a)(1) ) with respect to laws administered by such Secretary. (c) Rule of construction Nothing in this Act or the amendments made by this Act may be construed to nullify or supersede any other provision of law relating to the outer Continental Shelf (as such term is defined in section 2 of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act ( 43 U.S.C. 1331 )), except as expressly provided in this Act or an amendment made by this Act.

Sec. 363Foreign vessel notifications

This section covers foreign vessel notifications in three parts.

First, it would add a requirement to section 55102 of title 46, United States Code: within 7 days after a final decision on a violation involving a vessel that lacks a coastwise trade endorsement or is not otherwise authorized for coastwise trade, the Secretary must publish a notice in the Customs Bulletin and Decisions giving the vessel's name, the owner's name, the fine amount or value of any seized merchandise, a summary of the violation, and the justification for the penalty. Within 90 days after the Act becomes law, the Secretary of Homeland Security must issue regulations to carry this out.

Second, it would add a new section 55124 to title 46 creating an interpretive ruling process for the coastwise trade laws. An interested party, such as a coastwise vessel owner or operator, a builder of coastwise-qualified vessels, a labor organization representing the coastwise trade or vessel-construction workforce, or a trade association made up of such parties, could ask the Secretary for an interpretive ruling on whether a non-coastwise-qualified vessel's activities comply with U.S. law, and the Secretary must answer within 60 days. If the party believes a ruling is wrong, it can file a petition explaining its understanding of the facts, what outcome it thinks is correct, and why; the Secretary must publish the petitioner's name and the contested ruling online. If the Secretary agrees the ruling was wrong, the Secretary must fix it and notify the party within 60 days of the petition. If the Secretary decides the ruling was right, the Secretary must say so within 30 days, and the party can appeal within 30 days of that; the Secretary must decide the appeal within 7 days of receiving it. The Secretary must publish any such determination within 3 days. Within 90 days after the Secretary decides an appeal, any interested party may sue in federal district court to challenge the Secretary's legal conclusions. Within 90 days after this provision becomes law, the Secretary must issue regulations to carry it out. Nothing in this Act should be read as Congress endorsing any ruling letter, guidance, or other action the Secretary of Homeland Security has already taken.

Third, it would add a new section 70009 to title 46 requiring foreign vessels to notify the government before working on the outer continental shelf. Before starting any activity there, a foreign vessel's operator must file a notification describing the planned work and, if relevant, any prior ruling letter approving that vessel's use for an identical activity. Within 14 days, the Secretary, for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, must redact any information exempt from public disclosure and publish the notice in the Customs Bulletin and Decisions. This notification requirement would not apply to a vessel performing an offshore lift with a crane that can reach 180 meters, or to certain rigs or units already exempted under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act.

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363. Foreign vessel notifications (a) Publication of penalties Section 55102 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: (d) Publication of penalties (1) In general Not later than 7 days after a final agency action regarding a violation of this section by a vessel that does not have a coastwise endorsement under chapter 121 of this title or is not otherwise authorized to engage in the coastwise trade, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall publish in the Customs Bulletin and Decisions a notification pursuant to paragraph (2) with respect to the violation. (2) Contents The notification under paragraph (1) shall include— (A) the name of the vessel involved in the violation; (B) the name of the owner of such vessel; (C) the amount of the fine imposed, or value of merchandise seized, pursuant to subsection (c) as a result of the violation; and (D) a summary of the misconduct comprising the violation; and (E) justification for imposing a penalty, as identified in the final agency action with respect to the violation. (e) Regulations Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall prescribe regulations implementing subsection (d), which may include amending regulations relating to penalties issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, particularly with respect to the information to be contained in the notification under such subsection. . (b) Interpretive ruling process Chapter 551 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 55124. Interpretive ruling process (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Coastwise qualified vessel The term coastwise qualified vessel has the meaning given the term in section 55108 of this title. (2) Interested party The term interested party means— (A) the owner or operator of a vessel engaged in coastwise trade; (B) a manufacturer of coastwise qualified vessels; (C) a certified labor organization, recognized labor organization, or group of workers or mariners which is representative of an industry engaged or employed in— (i) the coastwise trade; or (ii) coastwise qualified vessel construction; (D) a trade or business association, a majority of whose members are— (i) owners or operators of vessels engaged in coastwise trade; or (ii) manufacturers of coastwise qualified vessels; or (E) an association, a majority of whose members are composed of persons described in subparagraphs (A) through (D). (3) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating. (b) Interpretive rulings process Upon written request by an interested party, the Secretary shall furnish, by not later than 60 days after such request, an interpretive ruling regarding a non-coastwise qualified vessel’s activities and compliance with United States laws in the internal waters of the United States, the territorial sea, and the waters of the outer Continental Shelf, including the vessel’s compliance with sections 50503 and 55101 through 55121 of this title. (c) Petition (1) In general After the Secretary furnishes an interpretive ruling requested under subsection (b) or any other interpretive ruling regarding the interpretation, application, or enforcement of the coastwise laws, an interested party that believes the ruling is incorrect may file a petition with the Secretary setting forth— (A) the interested party’s understanding of the factual scenario; (B) the outcome of the decision that the interested party believes to be proper in the provided factual scenario; and (C) the reasons for the belief of the interested party. (2) Publication The Secretary shall publish online— (A) the name of an interested party filing a petition under paragraph (1); and (B) the ruling that such party believes is incorrect. (d) Determination on petition (1) Correction of interpretive ruling If, after receipt and consideration of a petition filed under subsection (c) by an interested party, the Secretary determines that the conclusion reached in the contested interpretive ruling is not correct, the Secretary shall, by not later than 60 days after such receipt, determine the proper outcome and notify the interested party of the determinations of the Secretary. (2) Contest by petitioner (A) Determination If after receipt and consideration of a petition filed under subsection (c) by an interested party, the Secretary determines that the contested interpretive ruling under subsection (b) is correct, the Secretary shall, not later than 30 days after such receipt, notify the interested party. (B) Appeal An interested party that receives a notice under subparagraph (A) may file an appeal to contest the ruling by not later than 30 days after the date of the notification. (C) Determination in response to appeal Not later than 7 days after the receipt of an appeal from the interested party under subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall make a determination of the interpretive ruling contested in the original ruling under subsection (b). (3) Publication Not later than 3 days after making a determination under paragraph (1) or (2), the Secretary shall publish such determination on a website of the Coast Guard. (e) Review of interpretive ruling Not later than 90 days after the Secretary makes a determination regarding an interpretive ruling under subsection (d)(2)(B), any interested party may commence an action in any district court of the United States, subject to the venue requirements of section 1391 of title 28, by filing concurrently a summons and complaint, each with the content and in the form, manner, and style prescribed by the rules of such court, contesting any legal conclusions of the Secretary. (f) Regulations implementing required procedures Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall prescribe regulations to carry out this section. . (c) Conforming amendment The table of sections for chapter 551 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 55123 the following: Sec. 55124. Interpretive ruling process. . (d) Ruling letters Nothing in this Act or the amendments made by this Act may be construed as congressional validation of a ruling letter, interpretative guidance, or doctrine issued, or other action taken, by the Secretary of Homeland Security. (e) Foreign vessel notifications (1) In general Subchapter I of chapter 700 of title 46, United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the following: 70009. Foreign vessel notifications (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Outer continental shelf The term outer Continental Shelf has the meaning given such term in section 2 of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act ( 43 U.S.C. 1331 ). (2) Ruling letter The term ruling letter means any ruling letter or headquarters ruling letter relating to the enforcement of chapters 121 and 551 (commonly referred to as the Jones Act ), issued by the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection pursuant to section 502(a) or 625 of the Tariff Act of 1930 ( 19 U.S.C. 1502(a) , 1625). (3) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of the department in which the United States Customs and Border Protection is operating, acting through the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. (b) Notification (1) Advance notification required Prior to engaging in any activity or operation on the outer Continental Shelf, the operator of a foreign vessel used in such activity or operations shall file with the Secretary a notification describing all activities and operations to be performed by the operator on the outer Continental Shelf and, if applicable, an identification of each applicable ruling letter issued by such Secretary to approve the use of a foreign vessel in an identical activity or operation. (2) Publication of notices Not later than 14 days after the receipt of a notification under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall— (A) if necessary, redact any information exempt from public disclosure under section 552 of title 5; and (B) publish the notification, as so redacted, in the Customs Bulletin and Decisions. (3) Exceptions This subsection shall not apply to— (A) any vessel that— (i) is performing an offshore lift, as defined in section 30(c)(2)(B)(iv)(I) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act ( 43 U.S.C. 1356(c)(2)(B)(iv)(I) ); and (ii) has a crane height capability of 180 meters; and (B) any rig or unit described in section 30(d) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act ( 43 U.S.C. 1356(d) ). . (2) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 700 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 70009. Foreign vessel notifications. .

Sec. 364Effective date

Sections 361, 362, and 363, and the changes they make, would take effect one year after the Act becomes law.

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364. Effective date Sections 361, 362, and 363, and the amendments made by sections 361, 362, and 363, shall take effect on the day that is 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act.

Sec. 365Anchor handling activities

This section would expand section 12111(d) of title 46, United States Code, so that its existing coverage of drilling units also covers energy production or transmission facilities and vessels that launch, recover, or support commercial space transportation or space exploration. It would define an energy production or transmission facility as a floating offshore facility that is not a vessel, is securely and substantially anchored to the seabed, and is equipped with wind turbines that generate and transmit non-mineral energy.

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365. Anchor handling activities Section 12111(d) of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)— (A) in subparagraph (A) by inserting or other energy production or transmission facility, or vessel engaged in the launch, recovery, or support of commercial space transportation or space exploration activities after drilling unit ; and (B) in subparagraph (B) by inserting or other energy production or transmission facility, or vessel engaged in the launch, recovery, or support of commercial space transportation or space exploration activities after drilling unit ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (3) Energy production or transmission facility defined In this subsection, the term energy production or transmission facility means a floating offshore facility that is— (A) not a vessel; (B) securely and substantially moored to the seabed; and (C) equipped with wind turbines which are used for the generation and transmission of non-mineral energy resources. .

Sec. 366Near shore cable laying barges

Until two years after the Act becomes law, the Secretary would not enforce the citizenship requirements in section 8103 of title 46 or the credentialing requirements in section 8701 of title 46 against a covered individual. During that same two years, the Commandant must make sure operators of near shore cable-laying vertical trenching injector equipment on barges that use covered individuals develop certification and training processes for them and train and certify enough qualified people. A covered individual is someone who works aboard a barge operating specialized equipment, including a vertical trenching injector, to lay near shore power cable supporting non-mineral energy exploration, development, or production, but who is not one of the licensed crew members required by the barge's certificate of inspection and is not part of the steward's department. A qualified individual is someone qualified to serve on a documented vessel, hold a merchant mariner credential, and operate or support these injectors on documented barges supporting U.S. offshore non-mineral energy work.

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366. Near shore cable laying barges (a) In general Until the date that is 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, notwithstanding subsection (b), the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating may not enforce citizenship requirements under section 8103 of title 46, United States Code, or the credentialing requirements under section 8701 of title 46, United States Code, with respect to a covered individual. (b) Training Until the date that is 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall ensure that operators of near shore cable lay vertical trenching injector equipment on barges on which covered individuals serve— (1) develop processes and requirements for conducting certification and training for such individuals; and (2) certify and train a sufficient cadre of qualified individuals. (c) Definitions In this section: (1) Covered individual The term covered individual means an individual, including a near shore cable lay vertical trenching injector operator or near shore cable laying vertical trenching injector support personnel, who is— (A) engaged on board a barge for the purpose of operating specialized equipment, including a vertical trenching injector, necessary to lay near shore power cable in support of non-mineral energy exploration, development, and production; and (B) not— (i) included in the complement of licensed individuals to be stated in the certificate of inspection issued under chapter 33 of title 46, United States Code, to be necessary by the certificate of inspection or to ensure the safe navigation of such barge; or (ii) a member of the steward’s department on such barge. (2) Qualified individual The term qualified individual means an individual qualified to— (A) serve on a vessel documented under chapter 121 of title 46, United States Code, under section 8103 of such title; (B) receive a merchant mariner credential under section 8701 of title 46, United States Code; and (C) be available to operate and support the operation of specialized near shore cable lay vertical trenching injectors on barges that are documented under chapter 121 of title 46, United States Code, in support of United States offshore non-mineral energy exploration, development, and production. IV Oil Pollution Response

Sec. 401Vessel response plans

This section would add authority to section 311(j) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act letting the President, acting through the Secretary unless delegated elsewhere, require periodic inspection of vessels and their salvage, firefighting, and other major marine casualty response equipment; periodic verification of response capability, including drills with or without advance notice, review of contracts and third-party agreements, equipment testing, training review, and other evaluations; and carrying response equipment that uses the best technology that is economically feasible and safe to operate. A marine casualty is one that must be reported under existing marine casualty reporting law, and salvage equipment is equipment that can help a vessel in danger to prevent loss of life, damage to the vessel or cargo, or a release into the marine environment.

Within 270 days after the Act becomes law, the Comptroller General must report to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Senate Commerce Committee on the state of marine firefighting authority, jurisdiction, and plan review, and on other issues around waterfront facility fires, including vessel fires, and vessel fires on navigable waters. The report must examine how federal and non-federal groups work together to cut fire risk to local communities, how often such fires happen, and how well firefighters and marine firefighters understand and can respond to lithium-ion battery fires, including from vehicle batteries; review how best practices for responding to vessel fires are documented and shared; and recommend how to prepare for, respond to, and train for such fires, clarify federal and non-federal roles, and address other related topics.

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401. Vessel response plans (a) Salvage and marine firefighting response capability Section 311(j) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1321(j) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (10) Salvage and marine firefighting response capability (A) In general The President, acting through the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating unless otherwise delegated by the President, may require— (i) periodic inspection of vessels and salvage equipment, firefighting equipment, and other major marine casualty response equipment on or associated with vessels; (ii) periodic verification of capabilities to appropriately, and in a timely manner, respond to a marine casualty, including— (I) drills, with or without prior notice; (II) review of contracts and relevant third-party agreements; (III) testing of equipment; (IV) review of training; and (V) other evaluations of marine casualty response capabilities, as determined appropriate by the President; and (iii) carrying of appropriate response equipment for responding to a marine casualty that employs the best technology economically feasible and that is compatible with the safe operation of the vessel. (B) Definitions In this paragraph: (i) Marine casualty The term marine casualty means a marine casualty that is required to be reported pursuant to paragraph (3), (4), or (5) of section 6101 of title 46, United States Code. (ii) Salvage equipment The term salvage equipment means any equipment that is capable of being used to assist a vessel in potential or actual danger in order to prevent loss of life, damage or destruction of the vessel or its cargo, or release of its contents into the marine environment. . (b) Report to Congress (1) In general Not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on— (A) the state of marine firefighting authorities, jurisdiction, and plan review; and (B) other considerations with respect to fires at waterfront facilities (including vessel fires) and vessel fires on the navigable waters (as such term is defined in section 502 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1362 )). (2) Contents In carrying out paragraph (1), the Comptroller General shall— (A) examine— (i) collaboration among Federal and non-Federal entities for purposes of reducing the risks to local communities of fires described in paragraph (1); (ii) the prevalence and frequency of such fires; and (iii) the extent to which firefighters and marine firefighters are aware of the dangers of lithium-ion battery fires, including lithium-ion batteries used for vehicles, and how to respond to such fires; (B) review methods of documenting and sharing best practices throughout the maritime community for responding to vessel fires; and (C) make recommendations for— (i) preparing for, responding to, and training for such fires; (ii) clarifying roles and responsibilities of Federal and non-Federal entities in preparing for, responding to, and training for such fires; and (iii) other topics for consideration.

Sec. 402Use of marine casualty investigations

This section would change section 6308 of title 46, United States Code, by requiring that a proceeding be conducted, rather than merely initiated, by the United States, and it would add that an administrative proceeding conducted by the United States for purposes of this section includes proceedings under section 7701 of title 46 and claims decided under section 1013 of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990.

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402. Use of marine casualty investigations Section 6308 of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (a) by striking initiated and inserting conducted ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (e) For purposes of this section, an administrative proceeding conducted by the United States includes proceedings under section 7701 and claims adjudicated under section 1013 of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 ( 33 U.S.C. 2713 ). .

Sec. 403Timing of review

This section would add a rule to section 1017 of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990: before a removal action finishes, no one may sue under that Act, under section 311 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, or under the judicial-review chapter of the Administrative Procedure Act, to challenge a decision an on-scene coordinator made about that removal action under the National Contingency Plan.

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403. Timing of review Section 1017 of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 ( 33 U.S.C. 2717 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (g) Timing of review Before the date of completion of a removal action, no person may bring an action under this Act, section 311 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1321 ), or chapter 7 of title 5, United States Code, challenging any decision relating to such removal action that is made by an on-scene coordinator appointed under the National Contingency Plan. .

Sec. 404Online incident reporting system

Within one year after the Act becomes law, the National Response Center must submit a plan to Congress for designing, funding, and staffing a web-based application to receive reports of oil discharges or hazardous substance releases. Within two years after submitting that plan, the National Response Center must finish building the application and must let people use it to make notifications that federal law or regulation requires. The National Response Center could not require anyone to use the application; using it would have to remain optional.

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404. Online incident reporting system (a) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the National Response Center shall submit to Congress a plan to design, fund, and staff the National Response Center to develop and maintain a web-based application by which the National Response Center may receive notifications of oil discharges or releases of hazardous substances. (b) Development of application Not later than 2 years after the date on which the plan is submitted under subsection (a), the National Response Center shall— (1) complete development of the application described in such subsection; and (2) allow notifications described in such subsection that are required under Federal law or regulation to be made online using such application. (c) Use of application In carrying out subsection (b), the National Response Center may not require the notification of an oil discharge or release of a hazardous substance to be made using the application developed under such subsection.

Sec. 405Investment of Exxon Valdez oil spill court recovery in high yield investments and marine research
This section restructures section 350 of Public Law 106-113, the law governing investment of the Exxon Valdez oil spill court recovery, splitting it into labeled subsections covering definitions, deposits, transfers between accounts, effect on jurisdiction, effect on other law, grants, and expiration. It repeals paragraph (5) of the existing law and changes a grants provision so that grants must prioritize funding habitat protection and habitat restoration programs. Most of the substantive text of the existing paragraphs, including what paragraph (5) required and what the deposits, transfers, and other provisions actually say, is not part of the excerpt provided, so the practical effect of the restructuring cannot be stated without guessing.
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405. Investment of Exxon Valdez oil spill court recovery in high yield investments and marine research Section 350 of Public Law 106–113 ( 43 U.S.C. 1474b note) is amended— (1) by striking paragraph (5); (2) by redesignating paragraphs (2), (3), (4), (6), and (7) as subsections (c), (d), (e), (f), and (g), respectively, and indenting the subsections appropriately; (3) in paragraph (1)— (A) by striking (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law and subject to the provisions of paragraphs (5) and (7) and inserting the following: (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Consent decree The term Consent Decree means the consent decree issued in United States v. Exxon Corporation, et al. (No. A91–082 CIV) and State of Alaska v. Exxon Corporation, et al. (No. A91–083 CIV). (2) Fund The term Fund means the Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration Fund established pursuant to title I of the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1992 ( 43 U.S.C. 1474b ). (3) Outside account The term outside account means any account outside the United States Treasury. (4) Trustee The term Trustee means a Federal or State natural resource trustee for the Exxon Valdez oil spill. (b) Deposits (1) In general Notwithstanding any other provision of law and subject to subsection (g) ; (4) in subsection (b)(1) (as so designated)— (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by striking issued in United States v. Exxon Corporation, et al. (No. A91–082 CIV) and State of Alaska v. Exxon Corporation, et al. (No. A91–083 CIV) (hereafter referred to as the Consent Decree ), ; (B) by striking subparagraphs (A) and (B) and inserting the following: (A) the Fund; (B) an outside account; or ; and (C) in the undesignated matter following subparagraph (C)— (i) by striking the Federal and State natural resource trustees for the Exxon Valdez oil spill ( trustees ) and inserting the Trustees ; and (ii) by striking Any funds and inserting the following: (2) Requirement for deposits in outside accounts Any funds ; (5) in subsection (c) (as redesignated by paragraph (2)) by striking (c) Joint and inserting the following: (c) Transfers Any joint ; (6) in subsection (d) (as redesignated by paragraph (2)) by striking (d) The transfer and inserting the following: (d) No effect on jurisdiction The transfer ; (7) in subsection (e) (as redesignated by paragraph (2))— (A) by striking (e) Nothing herein shall affect and inserting the following: (e) Effect on other law Nothing in this section affects ; and (B) by striking trustees and inserting Trustees ; (8) in subsection (f) (as redesignated by paragraph (2))— (A) by striking (f) The Federal trustees and the State trustees and inserting the following: (f) Grants The Trustees ; and (B) by striking this program and inserting this section, prioritizing the issuance of grants to facilitate habitat protection and habitat restoration programs ; and (9) in subsection (g) (as redesignated by paragraph (2))— (A) in the second sentence, by striking Upon the expiration of the authorities granted in this section all and inserting the following: (2) Return of funds On expiration of the authority provided in this section, all ; and (B) by striking (g) The authority and inserting the following: (g) Expiration (1) In general The authority .

Sec. 406Additional response assets

This section would add a new inspection exemption to section 3302 of title 46, United States Code, for vessels responding to oil spills in Alaska. A qualified vessel responding to a qualified oil spill would not need a Coast Guard inspection if it has an agreement, or Secretary approval, to support an oil spill response plan, including training and exercises, under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act; is normally used for purposes other than spill response and is not built for it; follows all laws that apply to its normal use, including any inspection those laws require; and has at least one crew member certified, or in training, for hazardous waste operations and emergency response. Such a vessel could tow only a small vessel or container under 250 barrels of capacity, or spill response equipment, unless it is separately inspected as a towing vessel; could carry temporary storage containers for recovered oil or contaminated material, spill response equipment, or up to 6 paying passengers supporting an approved response plan, unless separately inspected or authorized for more; could, if it is a tank vessel, store recovered oil only when it is not carrying oil cargo; and could carry out other operations, training, or exercises supporting an approved response plan. A qualified vessel is one operating in the Western Alaska or Prince William Sound Captain of the Port Zones, and a qualified oil spill is one occurring in either zone. This section would also repeal section 11316 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023, an earlier, similar provision.

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406. Additional response assets (a) Exemption and requirements Section 3302 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: (o) Additional response assets (1) Vessels exempt from inspection Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, a qualified vessel engaged in a qualified oil spill response shall not be subject to inspection if the qualified vessel— (A) has— (i) an agreement by contract or other approved means with an oil spill removal organization to support a response plan under section 311(j) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1321(j) ), including training and exercises related to oil spill response activities; or (ii) been approved by the Secretary to respond to a discharge of oil or to participate in training and exercises related to oil spill response activities; (B) is normally and substantially involved in activities other than, and not adapted to, spill response; (C) complies with all applicable laws for the use of such vessel in the activities for which such vessel is normally and substantially operated, including any inspection requirement under this title for such use; and (D) has at least 1 crewmember possessing certifications for, or who are in training for, applicable hazardous waste operations and emergency response. (2) Allowances A qualified vessel under paragraph (1) may— (A) unless otherwise inspected as a towing vessel under this title, tow only— (i) another vessel or a device, including a bladder, designed to carry oil or oil residues with the capacity of less than 250 barrels; or (ii) oil spill response equipment, including boom, skimmers, or other response equipment; (B) carry— (i) temporary storage containers on board for recovered oil or oil-contaminated materials collected during an oil spill response, including bags, drums, and totes as approved by the Secretary; (ii) oil spill response equipment; or (iii) no more than 6 passengers for hire in support of a response plan under Section 311(j) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1321(j) ) approved by the Secretary unless the vessel has been inspected under paragraph (4) or (8) of section 3301 or is authorized by the Secretary to carry more than 6 passengers for hire; (C) if the qualified vessel is a tank vessel, be used for storage of recovered oil only if not carrying oil as cargo at the time of an oil spill response; or (D) conduct any other operation, or engage in training or exercises, in support of a response plan under section 311(j) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1321(j) ) approved by the Secretary. (3) Definitions In this subsection: (A) Qualified vessel The term qualified vessel means a vessel operating in any part of the area of responsibility— (i) of the Western Alaska Captain of the Port Zone as in effect of the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 ; or (ii) the Prince William Sound Captain of the Port Zone as in effect of the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 . (B) Qualified oil spill The term qualified oil spill means an oil spill occurring in any part of the area of responsibility— (i) of the Western Alaska Captain of the Port Zone as in effect of the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 ; or (ii) the Prince William Sound Captain of the Port Zone as in effect of the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 . . (b) Repeal Section 11316 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 ( Public Law 117–263 ) is repealed.

Sec. 407International maritime oil spill response

Within 180 days after the Act becomes law, the Commandant, working with the Secretary of State, must review and update the Canada-US Joint Maritime Pollution Contingency Plan. In doing so, the Commandant must review each geographic annex in the plan, study vessel traffic patterns, including the types of vessels passing through, to assess pollution risk, and decide whether any covered area should be expanded or changed. The Commandant, with the Secretary of State, must also run a joint training exercise at least once a year to test emergency response capability and identify other support needed for a successful oil spill response, following the Contingency Plan.

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407. International maritime oil spill response (a) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall, in coordination with the Secretary of State, review and update the Canada-US Joint Maritime Pollution Contingency Plan. (b) Requirements In carrying out subsection (a), the Commandant shall— (1) review each geographic annex within the contingency plan; (2) analyze the vessel traffic patterns, including the types of vessels transiting the area, and assess the risks of a pollution incident; and (3) determine if any of the areas should be expanded or modified. (c) Exercises The Commandant, in coordination with the Secretary of State, shall conduct a joint training exercise not less than once a year to determine emergency response capabilities and identify other types of support necessary to effectuate a successful oil spill response, in accordance with the Canada-US Joint Maritime Pollution Contingency Plan. V Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Response

Sec. 501Independent review of Coast Guard reforms

Within one year after the Act becomes law, the Comptroller General must report to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Senate Commerce Committee on the Coast Guard's efforts to reduce sexual assault and sexual harassment. The report must evaluate the Commandant's progress carrying out the directed actions from the Coast Guard's November 27, 2023 memorandum titled "Commandant's Directed Actions: Accountability and Transparency"; whether the Commandant met the reporting requirements in section 5112 of title 14; and how effective the Coast Guard's actions have been, including efforts beyond that memorandum, at reducing and improving enforcement of these incidents, and how the Coast Guard is overcoming implementation challenges. It must recommend improvements to the Commandant, and recommend to the two committees ways to reduce these incidents and improve enforcement, including any legislative changes. Within 90 days after the Comptroller General finishes, the Commandant must report to the same two committees an implementation plan, with milestones and timeframes, for each recommendation the Commandant agrees with, and an explanation for each recommendation the Commandant does not agree with.

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501. Independent review of Coast Guard reforms (a) Government Accountability Office report (1) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall report to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate on the efforts of the Coast Guard to mitigate cases of sexual assault and sexual harassment within the service. (2) Elements The report required under paragraph (1) shall— (A) evaluate— (i) the efforts of the Commandant to implement the directed actions from enclosure 1 of the memorandum titled Commandant's Directed Actions—Accountability and Transparency dated November 27, 2023; (ii) whether the Commandant met the reporting requirements under section 5112 of title 14, United States Code; and (iii) the effectiveness of the actions of the Coast Guard, including efforts outside of the actions described in the memorandum titled Commandant's Directed Actions—Accountability and Transparency dated November 27, 2023, to mitigate instances of sexual assault and sexual harassment and improve the enforcement relating to such instances within the Coast Guard, and how the Coast Guard is overcoming challenges in implementing such actions; (B) make recommendations to the Commandant for improvements to the efforts of the service to mitigate instances of sexual assault and sexual harassment and improve the enforcement relating to such instances within the Coast Guard; and (C) make recommendations to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate to mitigate instances of sexual assault and sexual harassment in the Coast Guard and improve the enforcement relating to such instances within the Coast Guard, including proposed changes to any legislative authorities. (b) Report by Commandant Not later than 90 days after the date on which the Comptroller General completes all actions under subsection (a), the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report that includes the following: (1) A plan for Coast Guard implementation, including interim milestones and timeframes, of any recommendation made by the Comptroller General under subsection (a)(2)(B) with which the Commandant concurs. (2) With respect to any recommendation made under subsection (a)(2)(B) with which the Commandant does not concur, an explanation of the reasons why the Commandant does not concur.

Sec. 502Comprehensive policy and procedures on retention and access to evidence and records relating to sexual misconduct and other misconduct

This section would add a new section 955 to title 14, United States Code, on retaining and giving access to evidence and records about sexual misconduct and other covered misconduct. Within one year after the Act becomes law, the Secretary, consulting the Inspector General of the department in which the Coast Guard operates and the Department of Defense's Inspector General, must issue a comprehensive retention and access policy. That policy must be designed to keep evidence and records long enough for victims to pursue veterans benefits claims, to support administrative, criminal, and civil proceedings, and for any other documentation purpose the Secretary considers appropriate.

At minimum, the policy must identify which records to keep, including relevant records the Coast Guard does not itself hold, and set coordination procedures with whoever holds them; set criteria for collecting and keeping records; identify physical and other non-document evidence to keep; set retention periods, except that physical or forensic evidence of rape or sexual assault must be kept at least 50 years, with other covered misconduct evidence kept for at least the applicable statute of limitations under military law, and documentary evidence of rape or sexual assault must also be kept at least 50 years; address storage locations and preservation methods, including electronic records systems; protect the privacy of people named in records and of restricted reports, consistent with federal privacy law; designate the position or positions responsible for retention; require training on retention requirements; set access criteria, including whether victim consent is needed, for victims, law enforcement, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and others, including the accused; require uniform data collection on how often covered misconduct occurs and what discipline results; and set standards for communicating with and notifying victims, consistent with Department of Defense policy and, where practical, Coast Guard department policy.

All original copies of Coast Guard Form 6095 filed for a rape or sexual assault report involving a Coast Guard member must be kept for the longer of 50 years from the date the covered person signed the form, or however long existing Coast Guard policy already requires, and must be kept in a way that protects the member's confidentiality. For criminal investigations of covered misconduct, the policy must require keeping every part of the case file, including the case activity record, case review record, investigative plans, and all of the investigating agent's notes, for at least 50 years for rape and sexual assault cases and at least the applicable statute of limitations for other covered misconduct; no part of the file may be destroyed before that period ends.

Personal property held as evidence in a rape or sexual assault case involving a Coast Guard member may be returned to its owner once all related legal, administrative, and adverse-action proceedings are finished, as the Commandant decides. Separately, for restricted reports, the Secretary must let a victim request the return of personal property collected during a sexual assault forensic exam at any time, on a confidential basis, without affecting the report's restricted status; when the victim first files the restricted report, a Special Victims' Counsel, Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, or Victim Advocate must tell the victim about this right and warn that asking for the property back could hurt a later case if the victim later converts the report to an unrestricted one. Apart from property actually returned this way, none of this changes the requirement to keep a sexual assault forensic exam kit for its full retention period.

After all final decisions and appeals are done, and as long as it will not endanger an active investigation or case, the policy must, to the extent practical, give a victim access to all records directly related to their own case or to themselves, subject to federal privacy law; treat a victim's records request about their own case as having a compelling need and process it on an expedited basis if the victim says so; when redacting information for such requests, redact as little as possible and never redact the victim's own statement or the victim's own information from the investigation; and, if the expedited deadlines are missed, require the Commandant to brief the Secretary and the two congressional committees on why.

For this section, a covered person includes active-duty Coast Guard members; Coast Guard Reserve members for crimes investigated or reported while they were in military status; former Coast Guard members for crimes investigated or reported; and Coast Guard civilian employees involved in a covered misconduct investigation or report. Nothing in this section requires disclosing internal work product created by government attorneys or their staff.

The section would also add a new section 956 to title 14 requiring the Commandant to keep all work product documenting a disposition decision on a Coast Guard Investigative Service or other law enforcement investigation of a member accused of a military justice offense, for at least 7 years after the decision. Except for wrongful drug use or possession cases where the accused is an officer at pay grade O-4 or below or an enlisted member at pay grade E-7 or below, the convening authority must sign a case action summary listing the disposition, the referral authority's name and command, any staff judge advocate or special trial counsel consultation and recommendation, a list of materials reviewed, the Coast Guard Investigative Service's investigation report, and its completed adjudication report. Work product includes prosecution memos, related emails, notes, and correspondence, and the items just listed. As with section 955, nothing here requires disclosing attorney work product.

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502. Comprehensive policy and procedures on retention and access to evidence and records relating to sexual misconduct and other misconduct (a) In general Subchapter II of chapter 9 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 955. Comprehensive policy and procedures on retention and access to evidence and records relating to sexual misconduct and other misconduct (a) Issuance of policy Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 , the Secretary, in consultation with the Office of the Inspector General of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating and the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Defense, shall issue a comprehensive policy for the Coast Guard on the retention of and access to evidence and records relating to covered misconduct involving members of the Coast Guard. (b) Objectives The comprehensive policy required by subsection (a) shall revise existing policies and procedures, including systems of records, as necessary to ensure preservation of such evidence and records for periods sufficient— (1) to ensure that members of the Coast Guard who were victims of covered misconduct are able to pursue claims for veterans benefits; (2) to support administrative processes, criminal proceedings, and civil litigation conducted by military or civil authorities; and (3) for such other purposes relating to the documentation of an incident of covered misconduct in the Coast Guard as the Secretary considers appropriate. (c) Elements (1) In general In developing the comprehensive policy required by subsection (a), the Secretary shall, at a minimum— (A) identify records relating to an incident of covered misconduct that shall be retained; (B) with respect to records relating to covered misconduct involving members of the Coast Guard that are not records of the Coast Guard, identify such records known to or in the possession of the Coast Guard, and set forth procedures for Coast Guard coordination with the custodian of such records for proper retention of the records; (C) set forth criteria for the collection and retention of records relating to covered misconduct involving members of the Coast Guard; (D) identify physical evidence and nondocumentary forms of evidence relating to covered misconduct that shall be retained; (E) set forth the period for which evidence and records relating to covered misconduct involving members of the Coast Guard, including Coast Guard Form 6095, shall be retained, except that— (i) any physical or forensic evidence relating to rape or sexual assault, as described in sections 920(a) and 920(b) of title 10 (articles 120(a) and 120(b) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), shall be retained not less than 50 years, and for other covered misconduct not less than the statute of limitations of the alleged offense under the Uniform Code of Military Justice; and (ii) documentary evidence relating to rape or sexual assault, as described in sections 920(a) and 920(b) of title 10 (articles 120(a) and 120(b) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), shall be retained not less than 50 years; (F) consider locations in which such records shall be stored; (G) identify media and methods that may be used to preserve and ensure access to such records, including electronic systems of records; (H) ensure the protection of privacy of— (i) individuals named in records and status of records under section 552 of title 5 (commonly referred to as the Freedom of Information Act ) and section 552a of title 5 (commonly referred to as the Privacy Act ); and (ii) individuals named in restricted reporting cases; (I) designate the 1 or more positions within the Coast Guard that shall have the responsibility for such record retention by the Coast Guard; (J) require education and training for members and civilian employees of the Coast Guard on record retention requirements under this section; (K) set forth criteria for access to such records relating to covered misconduct involving members of the Coast Guard, including whether the consent of the victim should be required, by— (i) victims of covered misconduct; (ii) law enforcement authorities; (iii) the Department of Veterans Affairs; and (iv) other individuals and entities, including alleged assailants; (L) require uniform collection of data on— (i) the incidence of covered misconduct in the Coast Guard; and (ii) disciplinary actions taken in substantiated cases of covered misconduct in the Coast Guard; and (M) set forth standards for communications with, and notifications to, victims, consistent with— (i) the requirements of any applicable Department of Defense policy; and (ii) to the extent practicable, any applicable policy of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating. (2) Retention of certain forms and evidence in connection with restricted reports and unrestricted reports of sexual assault involving members of the Coast Guard (A) In general The comprehensive policy required by subsection (a) shall require all unique or original copies of Coast Guard Form 6095 filed in connection with a restricted or unrestricted report on an alleged incident of rape or sexual assault, as described in sections 920(a) and 920(b) of title 10 (articles 120(a) and 120(b) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), involving a member of the Coast Guard to be retained for the longer of— (i) 50 years commencing on the date of signature of the covered person on Coast Guard Form 6095; or (ii) the time provided for the retention of such form in connection with unrestricted and restricted reports on incidents of sexual assault involving members of the Coast Guard under Coast Guard policy. (B) Protection of confidentiality Any Coast Guard form retained under subparagraph (A) shall be retained in a manner that protects the confidentiality of the member of the Coast Guard concerned in accordance with Coast Guard policy. (3) Retention of case notes in investigations of covered misconduct involving members of the Coast Guard (A) Required retention of all investigative records The comprehensive policy required by subsection (a) shall require, for all criminal investigations relating to an alleged incident of covered misconduct involving a member of the Coast Guard, the retention of all elements of the case file. (B) Elements The elements of the case file to be retained under subparagraph (A) shall include, at a minimum— (i) the case activity record; (ii) the case review record; (iii) investigative plans; and (iv) all case notes made by any investigating agent. (C) Retention period All elements of the case file shall be retained for not less than 50 years for cases involving rape or sexual assault, as described in sections 920(a) and 920(b) of title 10 (articles 120(a) and 120(b) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), and not less than the statute of limitations of the alleged offense under the Uniform Code of Military Justice for other covered misconduct, and no element of any such case file may be destroyed until the expiration of such period. (4) Return of personal property upon completion of related proceedings in unrestricted reporting cases Notwithstanding the records and evidence retention requirements described in paragraphs (1)(E) and (2), personal property retained as evidence in connection with an incident of rape or sexual assault, as described in sections 920(a) and 920(b) of title 10 (articles 120(a) and 120(b) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), involving a member of the Coast Guard may be returned to the rightful owner of such property after the conclusion of all legal, adverse action, and administrative proceedings related to such incident, as determined by the Commandant. (5) Return of personal property in restricted reporting cases (A) In general The Secretary shall prescribe procedures under which a victim who files a restricted report of an incident of sexual assault may request, at any time, the return of any personal property of the victim obtained as part of the sexual assault forensic examination. (B) Requirements The procedures required by subparagraph (A) shall ensure that— (i) a request by a victim for the return of personal property described under subparagraph (A) may be made on a confidential basis and without affecting the restricted nature of the restricted report; and (ii) at the time of the filing of the restricted report, a Special Victims’ Counsel, Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, or Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Victim Advocate— (I) informs the victim that the victim may request the return of personal property as described in such subparagraph; and (II) advises the victim that such a request for the return of personal property may negatively impact a subsequent case adjudication if the victim later decides to convert the restricted report to an unrestricted report. (C) Rule of construction Except with respect to personal property returned to a victim under this paragraph, nothing in this paragraph may be construed to affect the requirement to retain a sexual assault forensic examination kit for the period specified in paragraph (2). (6) Victim access to records With respect to victim access to records after all final disposition actions and any appeals have been completed, as applicable, the comprehensive policy required by subsection (a) shall provide that, to the maximum extent practicable, and in such a manner that will not jeopardize an active investigation or an active case— (A) a victim of covered misconduct in a case in which either the victim or alleged perpetrator is a covered person shall have access to all records that are directly related to the victim’s case, or related to the victim themselves, in accordance with the policy issued under subsection (a) and subject to required protections under sections 552 and 552a of title 5; (B) a victim of covered misconduct who requests access to records under section 552 or 552a of title 5 concerning the victim’s case shall be determined to have a compelling need, and the records request shall be processed under expedited processing procedures, if in the request for such records the victim indicates that the records concerned are related to the covered misconduct case; (C) in applying sections 552 and 552a of title 5 to the redaction of information related to a records request by a victim of covered misconduct made under such sections after all final disposition actions and any appeals have been completed— (i) any such redaction shall be applied to the minimum extent possible so as to ensure the provision of the maximum amount of unredacted information to the victim that is permissible by law; and (ii) any such redaction shall not be applied to— (I) receipt by the victim of the victim’s own statement; or (II) the victim’s information from an investigation; and (D) in the case of such a records request for which the timelines for expedited processing are not met, the Commandant shall provide to the Secretary, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a briefing that explains the reasons for the denial or the delay in processing, as applicable. (d) Definition of covered person In this section, the term covered person includes— (1) a member of the Coast Guard on active duty; (2) a member of the Coast Guard Reserve with respect to crimes investigated by or reported to the Secretary on any date on which such member is in a military status under section 802 of title 10 (article 2 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice); (3) a former member of the Coast Guard with respect to crimes investigated by or reported to the Secretary; and (4) in the case of an investigation of covered misconduct conducted by, or an incident of covered misconduct reported to, the Coast Guard involving a civilian employee of the Coast Guard, any such civilian employee of the Coast Guard. (e) Savings clause Nothing in this section authorizes or requires, or shall be construed to authorize or require, the discovery, inspection, or production of reports, memoranda, or other internal documents or work product generated by counsel, an attorney for the Government, or their assistants or representatives. . (b) In general Subchapter II of chapter 9 of title 14, United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the following: 956. Requirement to maintain certain records (a) In general The Commandant shall maintain all work product related to documenting a disposition decision on an investigation by the Coast Guard Investigative Service or other law enforcement entity investigating a Coast Guard member accused of an offense against chapter 47 of title 10. (b) Record retention period Work product documents and the case action summary described in subsection (c) shall be maintained for a period of not less than 7 years from the date of the disposition decision. (c) Case action summary Upon a final disposition action for cases described in subsection (a), except for offenses of wrongful use or possession of a controlled substance under section 912a of title 10 (article 112a of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), where the member accused is an officer of pay grade O–4 and below or an enlisted member of pay grade E–7 and below, a convening authority shall sign a case action summary that includes the following: (1) The disposition actions. (2) The name and command of the referral authority. (3) Records documenting when a referral authority consulted with a staff judge advocate or special trial counsel, as applicable, before a disposition action was taken, to include the recommendation of the staff judge advocate or special trial counsel. (4) A reference section listing the materials reviewed in making a disposition decision. (5) The Coast Guard Investigative Service report of investigation. (6) The completed Coast Guard Investigative Service report of adjudication included as an enclosure. (d) Definition In this section, the term work product includes— (1) a prosecution memorandum; (2) emails, notes, and other correspondence related to a disposition decision; and (3) the contents described in paragraphs (1) through (6) of subsection (c). (e) Savings clause Nothing in this section authorizes or requires, or shall be construed to authorize or require, the discovery, inspection, or production of reports, memoranda, or other internal documents or work product generated by counsel, an attorney for the Government, or their assistants or representatives. . (c) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 9 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: Sec. 955. Comprehensive policy and procedures on retention and access to evidence and records relating to sexual misconduct and other misconduct. Sec. 956. Requirement to maintain certain records. .

Sec. 503Consideration of request for transfer of a cadet at the Coast Guard Academy who is the victim of a sexual assault or related offense

This section would add a new subsection to section 1902 of title 14, United States Code. The Commandant must promptly consider and act on a request from a Coast Guard Academy cadet, who says they were the victim of an alleged sexual assault or a related military justice offense, to transfer to another military service academy or enroll in an ROTC program at another school. The Commandant, working with the Secretary of Defense, must set policy requiring the Superintendent to tell cadets about this right and process formal requests quickly through the chain of command; requiring the Superintendent, coordinating with the receiving academy, to act on a transfer request within 72 hours, approve it unless there are exceptional circumstances, and then carry it out as fast as possible while considering the cadet's preferences, including delaying until a course is finished, and well-being; and setting the same 72-hour, approval, and well-being requirements for a cadet requesting to join an ROTC program instead, coordinated with the sponsoring military department, subject to the cadet being admitted to the new school.

If the Superintendent denies a transfer request, the cadet may ask the Secretary to review the denial, and the Secretary must act within 72 hours. All records of the request, decision, and transfer must stay confidential. A cadet who transfers may keep their Coast Guard Academy appointment, or accept appointment to the new academy, without regard to certain seat-limit rules in title 10. A cadet who graduates from West Point, the Air Force Academy, or the Naval Academy after transferring is entitled to become a permanent commissioned Coast Guard officer just like a Coast Guard Academy graduate, unless, before graduating, the cadet said they would rather commission into the armed force tied to their new academy; the Commandant must consider that preference but can still require Coast Guard service instead, and if the cadet is allowed to commission elsewhere, their existing service agreement is satisfied after five years of active duty there. A cadet who transferred into an ROTC program is entitled, on completing it, to commission into the Coast Guard.

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503. Consideration of request for transfer of a cadet at the Coast Guard Academy who is the victim of a sexual assault or related offense Section 1902 of title 14, United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the following: (g) Consideration of request for transfer of cadet who is the victim of sexual assault or related offense (1) In general The Commandant shall provide for timely consideration of and action on a request submitted by a cadet appointed to the Coast Guard Academy who is the victim of an alleged sexual assault or other offense covered by section 920, 920c, or 930 of title 10 (article 120, 120c, or 130 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice) for transfer to another military service academy or to enroll in a Senior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program affiliated with another institution of higher education. (2) Regulations The Commandant, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, shall establish policies to carry out this subsection that— (A) provide that the Superintendent shall ensure that any cadet who has been appointed to the Coast Guard Academy is informed of the right to request a transfer pursuant to this subsection, and that any formal request submitted by a cadet who alleges an offense referred to in paragraph (1) is processed as expeditiously as practicable through the chain of command for review and action by the Superintendent; (B) direct the Superintendent, in coordination with the Superintendent of the military service academy to which the cadet requests to transfer— (i) to take action on a request for transfer under this subsection not later than 72 hours after receiving the formal request from the cadet; (ii) to approve such request for transfer unless there are exceptional circumstances that require denial of the request; (iii) upon approval of such request for transfer, to take all necessary and appropriate action to effectuate the transfer of the cadet to the military service academy concerned as expeditiously as possible, subject to the considerations described in clause (iv); and (iv) in determining the transfer date of the cadet to the military service academy concerned, to take into account— (I) the preferences of the cadet, including any preference to delay transfer until the completion of any academic course in which the cadet is enrolled at the time of the request for transfer; and (II) the well-being of the cadet; and (C) direct the Superintendent of the Coast Guard Academy, in coordination with the Secretary of the military department that sponsors the Senior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program at the institution of higher education to which the cadet requests to transfer— (i) to take action on a request for transfer under this subsection not later than 72 hours after receiving the formal request from the cadet; (ii) subject to the cadet’s acceptance for admission to the institution of higher education to which the cadet wishes to transfer, to approve such request for transfer unless there are exceptional circumstances that require denial of the request; (iii) to take all necessary and appropriate action to effectuate the cadet’s enrollment in the institution of higher education to which the cadet wishes to transfer and to process the cadet for participation in the relevant Senior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program as expeditiously as possible, subject to the considerations described in clause (iv); and (iv) in determining the transfer date of the cadet to the institution of higher education to which the cadet wishes to transfer, to take into account— (I) the preferences of the cadet, including any preference to delay transfer until the completion of any academic course in which the cadet is enrolled at the time of the request for transfer; and (II) the well-being of the cadet. (3) Review If the Superintendent denies a request for transfer under this subsection, the cadet may request review of the denial by the Secretary, who shall take action on such request for review not later than 72 hours after receipt of such request. (4) Confidentiality The Secretary shall ensure that all records of any request, determination, transfer, or other action under this subsection remain confidential, consistent with applicable law and regulation. (5) Effect of other law A cadet who transfers under this subsection may retain the cadet’s appointment to the Coast Guard Academy or may be appointed to the military service academy to which the cadet transfers without regard to the limitations and requirements set forth in sections 7442, 8454, and 9442 of title 10. (6) Commission as officer in the Coast Guard (A) In general Upon graduation, a graduate of the United States Military Academy, the United States Air Force Academy, or the United States Naval Academy who transferred to that academy under this subsection is entitled to be accepted for appointment as a permanent commissioned officer in the Regular Coast Guard in the same manner as graduates of the Coast Guard Academy, as set forth in section 2101 of this title. (B) Commission as officer in other armed force (i) In general A cadet who transfers under this subsection to the United States Military Academy, the United States Air Force Academy, or the United States Naval Academy and indicates a preference pursuant to clause (ii) may be appointed as a commissioned officer in an armed force associated with the academy from which the cadet graduated. (ii) Statement of preference A cadet seeking appointment as a commissioned officer in an armed force associated with the academy from which the cadet graduated under clause (i) shall, before graduating from that academy, indicate to the Commandant that the cadet has a preference for appointment to that armed force. (iii) Consideration by Coast Guard The Commandant shall consider a preference of a cadet indicated pursuant to clause (ii), but may require the cadet to serve as a permanent commissioned officer in the Regular Coast Guard instead of being appointed as a commissioned officer in an armed force associated with the academy from which the cadet graduated. (iv) Treatment of service agreement With respect to a service agreement entered into under section 1925 of this title by a cadet who transfers under this subsection to the United States Military Academy, the United States Air Force Academy, or the United States Naval Academy and is appointed as a commissioned officer in an armed force associated with that academy, the service obligation undertaken under such agreement shall be considered to be satisfied upon the completion of 5 years of active duty service in the service of such armed force. (C) Senior reserve officers’ training corps program A cadet who transfers under this subsection to a Senior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program affiliated with another institution of higher education is entitled upon graduation from the Senior Reserve Officers’ Training program to commission into the Coast Guard, as set forth in section 3738a of this title. .

Sec. 504Designation of officers with particular expertise in military justice or healthcare

This section would add a new section 2132 to title 14, United States Code, letting the Secretary designate a limited number of Coast Guard officers as having particular expertise in military justice or health care. A designated officer would not be on the regular active-duty promotion list, would instead be promoted under the existing rules for that separate list, and could not be promoted above the rank of captain. It would also update related provisions of title 14 covering how many officers may serve in each grade and how promotion boards work, so that this new category of designated officers is counted and handled alongside the Academy's permanent teaching staff and reserve-component officers.

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504. Designation of officers with particular expertise in military justice or healthcare (a) In general Subchapter I of chapter 21 of title 14, United States Code is amended by adding at the end the following: 2132. Designation of officers with particular expertise in military justice or healthcare (a) Secretary designation The Secretary may designate a limited number of officers of the Coast Guard as having particular expertise in— (1) military justice; or (2) healthcare. (b) Promotion and grade An individual designated under this section— (1) shall not be included on the active duty promotion list; (2) shall be promoted under section 2126; and (3) may not be promoted to a grade higher than captain. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 21 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 2131 the following: 2132. Designation of officers with particular expertise in military justice or healthcare. . (c) Conforming amendments (1) Section 2102(a) of title 14, United States Code, is amended, in the second sentence by striking and officers of the permanent commissioned teaching staff of the Coast Guard Academy and inserting officers of the permanent commissioned teaching staff of the Coast Guard Academy, and officers designated by the Secretary pursuant this section . (2) Subsection (e) of section 2103 of title 14, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: (e) Secretary To prescribe numbers for certain officers The Secretary shall prescribe the number of officers authorized to be serving on active duty in each grade of— (1) the permanent commissioned teaching staff of the Coast Guard Academy; (2) the officers designated by the Secretary pursuant to this section; and (3) the officers of the Reserve serving in connection with organizing, administering, recruiting, instructing, or training the reserve components. . (3) Section 2126 of title 14, United States Code, is amended, in the second sentence, by inserting and as to officers designated by the Secretary pursuant to this section after reserve components . (4) Section 3736(a) of title 14, United States Code, is amended— (A) in the first sentence by striking promotion list and the and inserting promotion list, officers designated by the Secretary pursuant to this section, and the officers on the ; and (B) in the second sentence by striking promotion list or the and inserting promotion list, officers designated by the Secretary pursuant to this section, or the officers on the .

Sec. 505Safe-to-Report policy for Coast Guard

This section would add a new section 1909 to title 14, United States Code. Within 90 days after the Act becomes law, the Commandant, consulting the military department Secretaries, must set up and maintain a safe-to-report policy covering all Coast Guard members, including reserve and auxiliary members, Coast Guard Academy cadets, and anyone training at a Coast Guard accession point. That policy must set out how to handle minor misconduct connected to a sexual assault when it involves a member who is the alleged victim or a reporting witness, no matter who the report was made to and no matter whether military or civilian authorities handle it. The Commandant must define which circumstances make this minor misconduct look better or worse for discipline purposes, and must set up a way to anonymously track how often this covered minor misconduct comes up. Minor collateral misconduct means minor misconduct punishable under military law that happened close in time to, or during, a sexual assault and is directly related to it, that came to light only because of the sexual assault report or the resulting investigation, and that does not involve any of the aggravating circumstances the policy identifies.

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505. Safe-to-Report policy for Coast Guard (a) In general Subchapter I of chapter 19 of title 14, United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the following: 1909. Safe-to-Report policy for Coast Guard (a) In general Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 , the Commandant shall, in consultation with the Secretaries of the military departments, establish and maintain a safe-to-report policy described in subsection (b) that applies with respect to all members of the Coast Guard (including members of the reserve and auxiliary components of the Coast Guard), cadets at the Coast Guard Academy, and any other individual undergoing training at an accession point of the Coast Guard. (b) Safe-to-Report policy The safe-to-report policy described in this subsection is a policy that— (1) prescribes the handling of minor collateral misconduct, involving a member of the Coast Guard who is the alleged victim or reporting witness of a sexual assault; and (2) applies to all such individuals, regardless of— (A) to whom the victim makes the allegation or who receives the victim’s report of sexual assault; or (B) whether the report, investigation, or prosecution is handled by military or civilian authorities. (c) Mitigating and aggravating circumstances In issuing the policy under subsection (a), the Commandant shall specify mitigating circumstances that decrease the gravity of minor collateral misconduct or the impact of such misconduct on good order and discipline and aggravating circumstances that increase the gravity of minor collateral misconduct or the impact of such misconduct on good order and discipline for purposes of the safe-to-report policy. (d) Tracking of collateral misconduct incidents In conjunction with the issuance of the policy under subsection (a), the Commandant shall develop and implement a process to anonymously track incidents of minor collateral misconduct that are subject to the safe-to-report policy. (e) Minor collateral misconduct defined In this section, the term minor collateral misconduct means any minor misconduct that is potentially punishable under chapter 47 of title 10 that— (1) is committed close in time to or during a sexual assault and directly related to the incident that formed the basis of the allegation of sexual assault allegation; (2) is discovered as a direct result of the report of sexual assault or the ensuing investigation into such sexual assault; and (3) does not involve aggravating circumstances (as specified in the policy issued under subsection (a)) that increase the gravity of the minor misconduct or the impact of such misconduct on good order and discipline. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 19 of title 14, United States Code, is further amended by inserting after the item relating to section 1908 (as added by this Act) the following: 1909. Safe-to-Report policy for Coast Guard. .

Sec. 506Modification of reporting requirements on covered misconduct in Coast Guard

This section renames section 1902 of title 14, United States Code, to Academy policy and report on covered misconduct, and replaces its subsections (c) through (e). Under the new text, the Commandant must direct the Coast Guard Academy's Superintendent to assess, every Academy program year, how effective the Academy's covered misconduct policies are. For program years starting in odd-numbered calendar years, the Superintendent must also survey cadets and staff to measure how often covered misconduct happens on or off campus, whether it was reported, and how often retaliation for reporting occurs, and to gauge perceptions of the Academy's policies, training, procedures, and enforcement.

Starting no earlier than one year after the Act becomes law, and every March 1 through March 1, 2031, the Commandant must direct the Superintendent to report on covered misconduct and retaliation incidents from the past program year. Each report must include, broken out separately by type of offense and not combined together: all reported incidents; how many were committed against, and by, cadets or other Academy personnel; information required under a related 2022 defense authorization policy, where practical; how many incidents were entered into the Department of Defense's Catch a Serial Offender system and how many produced a match; how many incidents were substantiated, with a short description of each, including whether the accused had a prior sexual assault conviction and whether drugs or alcohol were involved; how each substantiated case was resolved, such as court-martial conviction and sentence, acquittal, nonjudicial punishment, administrative action, dismissal and why, or separation or resignation and its characterization; for incidents involving a retaliation claim, a narrative of the claim and the relationships between the people involved; and for each investigation, its status, which entity is investigating, whether it was referred outside the Coast Guard, its results if complete, and whether it substantiated a military justice offense.

Each report must also analyze trends in these incidents going back to a 2012 Coast Guard law; describe the Academy's response, including policies, investigations, research, or studies undertaken; include a plan to improve prevention and response the following year; assess how well the Academy is preventing and responding to these incidents; analyze what factors are contributing to them and how to reduce those factors; include the biennial survey results in years the survey was run; and, in years without a required survey, be based on focus groups the Commandant must arrange instead. Within 270 days after receiving the Superintendent's report, the Commandant must forward it, with the Commandant's own comments and any focus group information, to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Senate Commerce Committee as part of the Coast Guard-wide report described below, and within 180 days after that must brief those committees and the Secretary of Homeland Security on it. All of this information must be handled consistent with federal privacy protections and without exposing victims' identities, and the Commandant must keep data collection and reporting consistent from year to year so trends can be tracked.

This section also rewrites section 5112 of title 14, United States Code, the Coast Guard-wide version of this report. By March 1 each year, the Commandant must report to the same two committees on covered misconduct and retaliation involving Coast Guard members generally, including recruits and officer candidates, following the same detailed content, format, trend-analysis, response, planning, and contributing-factor requirements described above, but covering the whole Coast Guard for the preceding calendar year. Incidents specifically involving recruits at Training Center Cape May or candidates at Officer Candidate School must be reported the same way in a separate appendix or enclosure. For five years starting March 1, 2025, each report must also describe how the Commandant is implementing the directed actions from the Coast Guard's November 27, 2023 memorandum titled "Commandant's Directed Actions: Accountability and Transparency," including what has been done, each action's implementation status, and, for any not yet implemented, a detailed plan, timeline, needed policy changes, and other information, along with the metrics used to track progress, any additional steps being taken, needed legislative changes, and the funding and staff needed to finish the work. Substantiated has the meaning already used in a 2011 defense authorization provision. The tables of sections for the relevant chapters of title 14 would be updated to match these renamed and rewritten sections.

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506. Modification of reporting requirements on covered misconduct in Coast Guard (a) Assessment of policy on covered misconduct Section 1902 of title 14, United States Code, is further amended— (1) in the section heading by striking Policy on sexual harassment and sexual violence and inserting Academy policy and report on covered misconduct ; and (2) by striking subsections (c) through (e) and inserting the following: (c) Assessment (1) In general The Commandant shall direct the Superintendent of the Coast Guard Academy to conduct at the Coast Guard Academy during each Academy program year an assessment to determine the effectiveness of the policies of the Academy with respect to covered misconduct involving cadets or other military or civilian personnel of the Academy. (2) Biennial survey For the assessment at the Academy under paragraph (1) with respect to an Academy program year that begins in an odd-numbered calendar year, the Superintendent shall conduct a survey of cadets and other military and civilian personnel of the Academy— (A) to measure the incidence, during such program year— (i) of covered misconduct events, on or off the Academy campus, that have been reported to an official of the Academy; (ii) of covered misconduct events, on or off the Academy campus, that have not been reported to an official of the Academy; and (iii) of retaliation related to a report of a covered misconduct event, on or off the Academy campus; and (B) to assess the perceptions of the cadets and other military and civilian personnel of the Academy with respect to— (i) the Academy’s policies, training, and procedures on covered misconduct involving cadets and other military and civilian personnel of the Academy; (ii) the enforcement of such policies; (iii) the incidence of covered misconduct involving cadets and other military and civilian personnel of the Academy; and (iv) any other issues relating to covered misconduct involving cadets and other military and civilian personnel of the Academy. (d) Report (1) In general Not earlier than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 , and each March 1 thereafter through March 1, 2031, the Commandant shall direct the Superintendent to submit to the Commandant a report on incidents of covered misconduct and retaliation for reporting of covered misconduct involving cadets or other military and civilian personnel of the Academy. (2) Elements (A) In general Each report required under paragraph (1) shall include the following: (i) Information and data on all incidents of covered misconduct and retaliation described in paragraph (1) reported to the Superintendent or any other official of the Academy during the preceding Academy program year (referred to in this subsection as a reported incident ), (ii) The number of reported incidents committed against a cadet or any other military or civilian personnel of the Academy. (iii) The number of reported incidents committed by a cadet or any other military or civilian personnel of the Academy. (iv) Information on reported incidents, in accordance with the policy prescribed under section 549G(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 ( 10 U.S.C. 1561 note), to the maximum extent practicable. (v) The number of reported incidents that were entered into the Catch a Serial Offender system, including the number of such incidents that resulted in the identification of a potential or confirmed match. (vi) The number of reported incidents that were substantiated (referred to in this subsection as a substantiated reported incident ). (vii) A synopsis of each substantiated reported incident that includes— (I) a brief description of the nature of the incident; (II) whether the accused cadet or other military or civilian personnel of the Academy had previously been convicted of sexual assault; and (III) whether alcohol or other controlled or prohibited substances were involved in the incident, and a description of the involvement. (viii) The type of case disposition associated with each substantiated reported incident, such as— (I) conviction and sentence by court-martial, including charges and specifications for which convicted; (II) acquittal of all charges at court-martial; (III) as appropriate, imposition of a nonjudicial punishment under section 815 of title 10 (article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice); (IV) as appropriate, administrative action taken, including a description of each type of such action imposed; (V) dismissal of all charges, including a description of each reason for dismissal and the stage at which dismissal occurred; and (VI) whether the accused cadet or other military or civilian personnel of the Academy was administratively separated or, in the case of an officer, allowed to resign in lieu of court martial, and the characterization (honorable, general, or other than honorable) of the service of the military member upon separation or resignation. (ix) With respect to any incident of covered misconduct involving cadets or other military and civilian personnel of the Academy reported to the Superintendent or any other official of the Academy during the preceding Academy program year that involves a report of retaliation relating to the incident— (I) a narrative description of the retaliation claim; (II) the nature of the relationship between the complainant and the individual accused of committing the retaliation; and (III) the nature of the relationship between the individual accused of committing the covered misconduct and the individual accused of committing the retaliation. (x) With respect to any investigation of a reported incident— (I) whether the investigation is in open or completed status; (II) an identification of the investigating entity; (III) whether a referral has been made to outside law enforcement entities; (IV) in the case of an investigation that is complete, a description of the results of such an investigation and information with respect to whether the results of the investigation were provided to the complainant; and (V) whether the investigation substantiated an offense under chapter 47 of title 10 (the Uniform Code of Military Justice). (B) Format With respect to the information and data required under subparagraph (A), the Commandant shall report such information and data separately for each type of covered misconduct offense, and shall not aggregate the information and data for multiple types of covered misconduct offenses. (3) Trends Subject to subsection (f), beginning on the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 , each report required under paragraph (1) shall include an analysis of trends in incidents described in paragraph (1), as applicable, since the date of enactment of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2012 ( Public Law 112–213 ). (4) Response Each report required under paragraph (1) shall include, for the preceding Academy program year, a description of the policies, procedures, processes, initiatives, investigations (including overarching investigations), research, or studies implemented by the Commandant in response to any incident described in paragraph (1) involving a cadet or any other military or civilian personnel of the Academy. (5) Plan Each report required under paragraph (1) shall include a plan for actions to be taken during the year following the Academy program year covered by the report to enhance the prevention of and response to incidents of covered misconduct and retaliation for reporting of covered misconduct involving cadets or other military or civilian personnel of the Academy. (6) Covered misconduct prevention and response activities Each report required under paragraph (1) shall include an assessment of the adequacy of covered misconduct prevention and response carried out by the Academy during the preceding Academy program year. (7) Contributing factors Each report required under paragraph (1) shall include, for incidents of covered misconduct and retaliation for reporting of covered misconduct involving cadets or other military or civilian personnel of the Academy— (A) an analysis of the factors that may have contributed to such incidents; (B) an assessment of the role of such factors in contributing to such incidents during such Academy program year; and (C) recommendations for mechanisms to eliminate or reduce such contributing factors. (8) Biennial survey Each report under paragraph (1) for an Academy program year that begins in an odd-numbered calendar year shall include the results of the survey conducted under subsection (c)(2) in such Academy program year. (9) Focus groups For each Academy program year with respect to which the Superintendent is not required to conduct a survey at the Academy under subsection (c)(2), the Commandant shall require focus groups to be conducted at the Academy for the purpose of ascertaining information relating to covered misconduct issues at the Academy. (10) Submission of report; briefing (A) Submission Not later than 270 days after the date on which the Commandant receives a report from the Superintendent under paragraph (1), the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, as an enclosure or appendix to the report required by section 5112— (i) the report of the Superintendent; (ii) the comments of the Commandant with respect to the report; and (iii) relevant information gathered during a focus group under subparagraph (A) during the Academy program year covered by the report, as applicable. (B) Briefing Not later than 180 days after the date on which the Commandant submits a report under subparagraph (A), the Commandant shall provide a briefing on the report submitted under subparagraph (A) to— (i) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives; and (ii) the Secretary of Homeland Security. (e) Victim confidentiality To the extent that information collected or reported under the authority of this section, such information shall be provided in a form that is consistent with applicable privacy protections under Federal law and does not jeopardize the confidentiality of victims. (f) Continuity of data and reporting In carrying out this section, the Commandant shall ensure the continuity of data collection and reporting such that the ability to analyze trends is not compromised. . (b) Covered misconduct in Coast Guard Section 5112 of title 14, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: 5112. Covered misconduct in Coast Guard (a) In general Not later than March 1 each year, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on incidents of covered misconduct involving members of the Coast Guard, including recruits and officer candidates, and claims of retaliation related to the reporting of any such incident. (b) Continuity of data and reporting In carrying out this section, the Commandant shall ensure the continuity of data collection and reporting such that the ability to analyze trends is not compromised. (c) Contents (1) Incidents involving members (A) Information and data (i) In general Each report required under subsection (a) shall include, for the preceding calendar year, information and data on— (I) incidents of covered misconduct; and (II) incidents of retaliation against a member of the Coast Guard related to the reporting of covered misconduct, disaggregated by type of retaliation claim. (ii) Inclusions The information and data on the incidents described in clause (i) shall include the following: (I) All incidents of covered misconduct and retaliation described in clause (i) reported to the Commandant or any other official of the Coast Guard during the preceding calendar year (referred to in this subsection as a reported incident ). (II) The number of reported incidents committed against members of the Coast Guard. (III) The number of reported incidents committed by members of the Coast Guard. (IV) Information on reported incidents, in accordance with the policy prescribed under section 549G(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 ( 10 U.S.C. 1561 note), to the maximum extent practicable. (V) The number of reported incidents that were entered into the Catch a Serial Offender system, including the number of such incidents that resulted in the identification of a potential or confirmed match. (VI) The number of reported incidents that were substantiated (referred to in this subsection as a substantiated reported incident ). (VII) A synopsis of each substantiated reported incident that includes— (aa) a brief description of the nature of the incident; (bb) whether the accused member has previously been convicted of sexual assault; and (cc) whether alcohol or other controlled or prohibited substances were involved in the incident, and a description of the involvement. (VIII) The type of case disposition associated with each substantiated reported incident, such as— (aa) conviction and sentence by court-martial, including charges and specifications for which convicted; (bb) acquittal of all charges at court-martial; (cc) as appropriate, imposition of a nonjudicial punishment under section 815 of title 10 (article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice); (dd) as appropriate, administrative action taken, including a description of each type of such action imposed; (ee) dismissal of all charges, including a description of each reason for dismissal and the stage at which dismissal occurred; and (ff) whether the accused member was administratively separated or, in the case of an officer, allowed to resign in lieu of court-martial, and the characterization (honorable, general, or other than honorable) of the service of the member upon separation or resignation. (IX) With respect to any incident of covered misconduct reported to the Commandant or any other official of the Coast Guard during the preceding calendar year that involves a report of retaliation relating to the incident— (aa) a narrative description of the retaliation claim; (bb) the nature of the relationship between the complainant and the individual accused of committing the retaliation; and (cc) the nature of the relationship between the individual accused of committing the covered misconduct and the individual accused of committing the retaliation. (X) The disposition of or action taken by the Coast Guard or any other Federal, State, local, or Tribal entity with respect to a substantiated reported incident. (XI) With respect to any investigation of a reported incident— (aa) the status of the investigation or information relating to any referral to outside law enforcement entities; (bb) the official or office of the Coast Guard that received the complaint; (cc) a description of the results of such an investigation or information with respect to whether the results of the investigation were provided to the complainant; or (dd) whether the investigation substantiated an offense under chapter 47 of title 10 (the Uniform Code of Military Justice). (iii) Format With respect to the information and data required under clause (i), the Commandant shall report such information and data separately for each type of covered misconduct offense, and shall not aggregate the information and data for multiple types of covered misconduct offenses. (B) Trends Subject to subsection (b), beginning on the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 , each report required by subsection (a) shall include, for the preceding calendar year, an analysis or assessment of trends in the occurrence, as applicable, of incidents described in subparagraph (A)(i), since the date of enactment of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2012 ( Public Law 112–213 ). (C) Response Each report required under subsection (a) shall include, for the preceding calendar year, a description of the policies, procedures, processes, initiatives, investigations (including overarching investigations), research, or studies implemented by the Commandant in response to any incident described in subparagraph (A)(i) involving a member of the Coast Guard. (D) Plan Each report required under subsection (a) shall include a plan for actions to be taken during the year following the year covered by the report to enhance the prevention of and response to incidents described in subparagraph (A)(i) involving members of the Coast Guard. (E) Covered misconduct prevention and response activities Each report required under subsection (a) shall include an assessment of the adequacy of covered misconduct prevention and response activities related to incidents described in subparagraph (A)(i) carried out by the Coast Guard during the preceding calendar year. (F) Contributing factors Each report required under subsection (a) shall include, for incidents described in subparagraph (A)(i)— (i) an analysis of the factors that may have contributed to such incidents; (ii) an assessment of the role of such factors in contributing to such incidents during such year; and (iii) recommendations for mechanisms to eliminate or reduce such contributing factors. (2) Incidents involving recruits and officer candidates (A) Information and data (i) In general Subject to subsection (b), each report required under subsection (a) shall include, as a separate appendix or enclosure, for the preceding calendar year, information and data on— (I) incidents of covered misconduct involving a recruit of the Coast Guard at Training Center Cape May or an officer candidate at the Coast Guard Officer Candidate School; and (II) incidents of retaliation against such a recruit or officer candidate related to the reporting of covered misconduct, disaggregated by type of retaliation claim. (ii) Inclusions (I) In general The information and data on the incidents described in clause (i) shall include the following: (aa) All incidents of covered misconduct and retaliation described in clause (i) reported to the Commandant or any other official of the Coast Guard during the preceding calendar year (referred to in this subsection as a reported incident ). (bb) The number of reported incidents committed against recruits and officer candidates described in clause (i)(I). (cc) The number of reported incidents committed by such recruits and officer candidates. (dd) Information on reported incidents, in accordance with the policy prescribed under section 549G(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 ( 10 U.S.C. 1561 note), to the maximum extent practicable. (ee) (AA) The number of reported incidents that were entered into the Catch a Serial Offender system. (BB) Of such reported incidents entered into such system, the number that resulted in the identification of a potential or confirmed match. (ff) The number of reported incidents that were substantiated (referred to in this subsection as a substantiated reported incident ). (gg) A synopsis of each substantiated reported incident that includes— (AA) a brief description of the nature of the incident; and (BB) whether alcohol or other controlled or prohibited substances were involved in the incident, and a description of the involvement. (hh) The type of case disposition associated with each substantiated reported incident, such as— (AA) conviction and sentence by court-martial, including charges and specifications for which convicted; (BB) acquittal of all charges at court-martial; (CC) as appropriate, imposition of a nonjudicial punishment under section 815 of title 10 (article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice); (DD) as appropriate, administrative action taken, including a description of each type of such action imposed; (EE) dismissal of all charges, including a description of each reason for dismissal and the stage at which dismissal occurred; and (FF) whether the accused member was administratively separated or, in the case of an officer, allowed to resign in lieu of court-martial, and the characterization (honorable, general, or other than honorable) of the service of the member upon separation or resignation. (ii) With respect to any incident of covered misconduct involving recruits or officer candidates reported to the Commandant or any other official of the Coast Guard during the preceding calendar year that involves a report of retaliation relating to the incident— (AA) a narrative description of the retaliation claim; (BB) the nature of the relationship between the complainant and the individual accused of committing the retaliation; and (CC) the nature of the relationship between the individual accused of committing the covered misconduct and the individual accused of committing the retaliation. (jj) The disposition of or action taken by the Coast Guard or any other Federal, State, local, or Tribal entity with respect to a substantiated reported incident. (kk) With respect to any investigation of a reported incident— (AA) the status of the investigation or information relating to any referral to outside law enforcement entities; (BB) the official or office of the Coast Guard that received the complaint; (CC) a description of the results of such an investigation or information with respect to whether the results of the investigation were provided to the complainant; or (DD) whether the investigation substantiated an offense under chapter 47 of title 10 (the Uniform Code of Military Justice). (II) Format With respect to the information and data required under clause (i), the Commandant shall report such information and data separately for each type of covered misconduct offense, and shall not aggregate the information and data for multiple types of covered misconduct offenses. (B) Trends Subject to subsection (b), beginning on the date of enactment of Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 , each report required by subsection (a) shall include, for the preceding calendar year, an analysis or assessment of trends in the occurrence, as applicable, of incidents described in subparagraph (A)(i), since the date of enactment of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2012 ( Public Law 112–213 ). (C) Response Each report required under subsection (a) shall include, for the preceding calendar year, a description of the policies, procedures, processes, initiatives, investigations (including overarching investigations), research, or studies implemented by the Commandant in response to any incident described in subparagraph (A)(i) involving— (i) a recruit of the Coast Guard at Training Center Cape May; or (ii) an officer candidate at the Coast Guard Officer Candidate School. (D) Plan Each report required under subsection (a) shall include a plan for actions to be taken during the year following the year covered by the report to enhance the prevention of and response to incidents described in subparagraph (A)(i) involving a recruit of the Coast Guard at Training Center Cape May or an officer candidate at the Coast Guard Officer Candidate School. (E) Covered misconduct prevention and response activities Each report required under subsection (a) shall include an assessment of the adequacy of covered misconduct prevention and response activities related to incidents described in subparagraph (A)(i) of this paragraph carried out by the Coast Guard during the preceding calendar year. (F) Contributing factors Each report required under subsection (a) shall include, for incidents described in subparagraph (A)(i)— (i) an analysis of the factors that may have contributed to such incidents; (ii) an assessment of the role of such factors in contributing to such incidents during such year; and (iii) recommendations for mechanisms to eliminate or reduce such contributing factors. (3) Implementation status of accountability and transparency review directed actions Each report required under subsection (a) submitted during the 5-year period beginning on March 1, 2025, shall include information on the implementation by the Commandant of the directed actions described in the memorandum of the Coast Guard titled Commandant’s Directed Actions—Accountability and Transparency , issued on November 27, 2023, including— (A) a description of actions taken to address each directed action during the year covered by the report; (B) the implementation status of each directed action; (C) in the case of any directed action that has not been implemented— (i) a detailed action plan for implementation of the recommendation; (ii) an estimated timeline for implementation of the recommendation; (iii) description of changes the Commandant intends to make to associated Coast Guard policies so as to enable the implementation of the recommendation; and (iv) any other information the Commandant considers appropriate; (D) a description of the metrics and milestones used to measure completion, accountability, and effectiveness of each directed action; (E) a description of any additional actions the Commandant is taking to mitigate instances of covered misconduct within the Coast Guard; (F) any legislative change proposal necessary to implement the directed actions; and (G) a detailed list of funding necessary to implement the directed actions in a timely and effective manner, including a list of personnel needed for such implementation. (d) Victim confidentiality To the extent that information collected under the authority of this section is reported or otherwise made available to the public, such information shall be provided in a form that is consistent with applicable privacy protections under Federal law and does not jeopardize the confidentiality of victims. (e) Substantiated defined In this section, the term substantiated has the meaning given the term under section 1631(c) of the Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 ( 10 U.S.C. 1561 note). . (c) Clerical amendments (1) Chapter 19 The table of sections for chapter 19 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 1902 and inserting the following: 1902. Academy policy and report on covered misconduct. . (2) Chapter 51 The table of sections for chapter 51 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 5112 and inserting the following: 5112. Covered misconduct in the Coast Guard. .

Sec. 507Modifications to the officer involuntary separation process

This section would change how the Coast Guard handles involuntary separation of officers. Instead of letting the Commandant convene a board of officers whenever the Commandant chooses, section 2158 of title 14 would require the Commandant to set fixed procedures, by regulation, for reviewing an officer's record. Section 2159(c) would change so that, instead of sending its findings to a separate board of review, a board of inquiry would directly recommend to the Secretary that the officer not be kept on active duty. Section 2160, which created that board of review, would be repealed, and other sections of title 14 would be updated to remove their references to it.

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507. Modifications to the officer involuntary separation process (a) Review of records Section 2158 of title 14, United States Code, is amended in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking may at any time convene a board of officers and inserting shall prescribe, by regulation, procedures . (b) Boards of inquiry Section 2159(c) of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking send the record of its proceedings to a board of review and inserting recommend to the Secretary that the officer not be retained on active duty . (c) Repeal of boards of review Section 2160 of title 14, United States Code, is repealed. (d) Technical and conforming amendments (1) Title 14, United States Code, is amended— (A) in section 2161 by striking section 2158, 2159, or 2160 each place it appears and inserting section 2158 or 2159 ; (B) in section 2163, in the first sentence by striking board of review under section 2160 of this title and inserting board of inquiry under section 2159 of this title ; and (C) in section 2164(a), in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking or 2160 . (2) The analysis at the beginning of chapter 21 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 2160.

Sec. 508Review of discharge characterization

This section would add a new section 2519 to title 14, United States Code, on reviewing discharge characterizations. Whether to review a former Coast Guard member's case would be up to the Secretary's discretion. A board of review for a former member could, on its own initiative and subject to the Secretary's review, downgrade an honorable discharge to a general discharge under honorable conditions if it finds, by clear and convincing evidence, that the member committed sexual assault or sexual harassment while on active duty. The board could not make this downgrade if an administrative board already considered the same conduct before the member separated. The review would be based on Coast Guard records, and for members who also served elsewhere, that service's records, and other evidence presented; witnesses could testify in person or by affidavit; the requester could appear in person or through counsel or an accredited veterans' service representative; and the former member would be notified in writing, given access to relevant records, and given the same right to appear or be represented. Within 90 days after the Act becomes law, the Commandant must start a rulemaking to carry this out, and the resulting regulations must take effect within 180 days after the final rule is issued.

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508. Review of discharge characterization (a) In general Subchapter I of chapter 25 of title 14, United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the following: 2519. Review of discharge characterization (a) Downgrade (1) In general The decision to conduct a case review under this section shall be at the discretion of the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating. (2) Board of review In addition to the requirements of section 1553 of title 10, a board of review for a former member of the Coast Guard established pursuant to such section and under part 51 of title 33, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 ), may upon a motion of the board and subject to review by the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, downgrade an honorable discharge to a general (under honorable conditions) discharge upon a finding that a former member of the Coast Guard, while serving on active duty as a member of the armed forces, committed sexual assault or sexual harassment in violation of section 920, 920b, or 934 of title 10 (article 120, 120b, or 134 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice). (3) Evidence Any downgrade under paragraph (2) shall be supported by clear and convincing evidence. (4) Limitation The review board under paragraph (2) may not downgrade a discharge of a former member of the Coast Guard if the same action described in paragraph (2) was considered prior to separation from active duty by an administrative board in determining the characterization of discharge as otherwise provided by law and in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating. (b) Procedural rights (1) In general A review by a board established under section 1553 of title 10 and under part 51 of title 33, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 ), shall be based on the records of the Coast Guard, and with respect to a member who also served in another one of the armed forces, the records of the armed forces concerned and such other evidence as may be presented to the board. (2) Evidence by witness A witness may present evidence to the board in person or by affidavit. (3) Appearance before board A person who requests a review under this section may appear before the board in person or by counsel or an accredited representative of an organization recognized by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs under chapter 59 of title 38. (4) Notification A former member of the Coast Guard who is subject to a downgrade in discharge characterization review under subsection (a) shall be notified in writing of such proceedings, afforded the right to obtain copies of records and documents relevant to the proceedings, and the right to appear before the board in person or by counsel or an accredited representative of an organization recognized by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs under chapter 59 of title 38. . (b) Rulemaking (1) In general Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall initiate a rulemaking to implement this section. (2) Deadline for regulations The regulations issued under paragraph (1) shall take effect not later than 180 days after the date on which the Commandant promulgates a final rule pursuant to such paragraph. (c) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 25 of title 14, United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the following: 2519. Review of discharge characterization. .

Sec. 509Convicted sex offender as grounds for denial

This section would add rape and sexual assault convictions under military justice law, alongside existing federal, state, local, and tribal law convictions, as a ground under section 7511(a) of title 46, United States Code for denying a credential, consistent with that section's heading covering convicted sex offenders as grounds for denial.

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509. Convicted sex offender as grounds for denial Section 7511(a) of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) in paragraph (1) by striking or ; (2) in paragraph (2) by striking State, local, or Tribal law and inserting Federal, State, local, or Tribal law ; (3) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and (4) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following: (2) section 920 or 920b of title 10 (article 120 and 120b of the Uniform Code of Military Justice); or .

Sec. 510Definition of covered misconduct

This section would add a new section 2520 to title 14, United States Code, defining covered misconduct for that title to mean rape and sexual assault, sexual harassment, abusive and aggravated sexual contact, wrongful broadcast or creation of sexual content, child pornography offenses, rape or sexual assault of a child and related stalking offenses, and domestic violence, each as described in the corresponding military justice law provision or executive order.

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510. Definition of covered misconduct (a) In general Subchapter I of chapter 25 of title 14, United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the following: 2520. Covered misconduct defined In this title, the term covered misconduct means— (1) rape and sexual assault, as described in sections 920(a) and 920(b) of title 10 (articles 120(a) and 120(b) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice); (2) sexual harassment, as described in Executive Order 14062 dated January 26, 2022, and enumerated under section 934 of title 10 (article 134 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice); (3) abusive sexual contact and aggravated sexual contact, as described in sections 920(c) and 920(d) of title 10 (articles 120(c) and 120(d) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice); (4) wrongful broadcast, dissemination, or creation of content as described in sections 917 and 920c of title 10 (articles 117a and 120c of the Uniform Code of Military Justice); (5) the child pornography offenses as described in section 934 of title 10 (article 134 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice); (6) rape and sexual assault of a child, other sexual misconduct, and stalking, as described in sections 920b, 920c(a), and 930 of title 10 (articles 120b, 120c, and 130 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice); and (7) domestic violence, as described in section 928b of title 10 (article 128b of the Uniform Code of Military Justice). . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 25 of title 14, United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the following: 2520. Covered misconduct defined. .

Sec. 511Notification of changes to Uniform Code of Military Justice or Manual for Courts Martial relating to covered misconduct

This section would add a new section 5117 to title 14, United States Code. Starting March 30, 2026, and every year after, the Commandant must tell the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Senate Commerce Committee whether the Uniform Code of Military Justice has been changed to add a new sex-related offense or to remove an article covering any of the seven kinds of covered misconduct, and whether the Manual for Courts-Martial has been changed to add a sex-related offense under an existing article or to remove covered misconduct as an offense under one.

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511. Notification of changes to Uniform Code of Military Justice or Manual for Courts Martial relating to covered misconduct (a) In general Chapter 51 of title 14, United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the following: 5117. Notification of changes to Uniform Code of Military Justice or Manual for Courts Martial relating to covered misconduct Beginning on March 30, 2026, and annually thereafter, the Commandant shall notify the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives with respect to each of the following: (1) Whether the Uniform Code of Military Justice ( chapter 47 of title 10) has been amended— (A) to add any sex-related offense as a new article; or (B) to remove an article relating to covered misconduct described in any of paragraphs (1) through (7) of section 301. (2) Whether the Manual for Courts Martial has been modified— (A) to add any sex-related offense as an offense described under an article of the Uniform Code of Military Justice; or (B) to remove as an offense described under an article of the Uniform Code of Military Justice covered misconduct described in any of paragraphs (1) through (7) of section 301. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 51 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 5117. Notification of changes to Uniform Code of Military Justice Or Manual for Courts Martial relating to covered misconduct. .

Sec. 512Complaints of retaliation by victims of sexual assault or sexual harassment and related persons

This section would change section 1562a of title 10, United States Code, covering retaliation complaints from sexual assault and sexual harassment victims and related people. It would split the Secretary of Defense's existing duty into its own paragraph and add that the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard operates must designate the Commandant to carry out this section for Coast Guard members whenever the Coast Guard is not operating as part of the Navy. It would add the Commandant alongside the Secretary of Defense in several other places, extend Coast Guard members' access to inspectors general, including the Department of Homeland Security's Inspector General, and replace the word military with armed force so the protections read consistently across services.

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512. Complaints of retaliation by victims of sexual assault or sexual harassment and related persons Section 1562a of title 10, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) by striking The Secretary of Defense shall and inserting the following: (1) In general The Secretary of Defense shall ; and (B) by adding at the end the following: (2) Coast Guard The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall designate the Commandant of the Coast Guard to be responsible for carrying out the requirements of this section with respect to members of the Coast Guard when the Coast Guard is not operating as a service in the Navy. ; (2) in subsection (b)— (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by inserting and the Commandant of the Coast Guard after Secretary ; (B) in paragraph (8) by inserting before the period at the end or with respect to the Coast Guard, the component designated by the Commandant of the Coast Guard ; and (C) in paragraph (4) by striking Department of Defense ; and (3) in subsection (c)(2)— (A) in subparagraph (A) by inserting , the Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security, before or any other inspector general ; (B) in subparagraph (D) by striking military and inserting armed force ; and (C) in subparagraph (E) by inserting or department in which the Coast Guard is operating when not operating as a service in the Navy for members of the Coast Guard after Department of Defense .

Sec. 513Development of policies on military protective orders

Within 180 days after the Act becomes law, the Commandant must issue updated policies on military protective orders that match Department of Defense law and policy. Those policies must require that any denial of a protective order request come with a written explanation, sent to the next flag officer in the denying official's chain of command and to the member who asked for the order; and that an approving official recuse themselves from deciding a protective order request if they were ever the subject of an assault, harassment, or retaliation complaint filed by either person involved, or if they have a relationship with either person that creates an actual or apparent conflict of interest. The Commandant must also make sure sexual assault response coordinators, victim advocates, and other appropriate staff tell victims how to request an expedited transfer, a no-contact order, or a protective order.

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513. Development of policies on military protective orders (1) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall issue updated policies of the Coast Guard relating to military protective orders that are consistent with the law and policies of the Department of Defense. (2) Elements The policies developed under paragraph (1) shall require— (A) that any denial of a request for a military protective order shall include a written explanation for the denial, which shall be— (i) forwarded to the next flag officer in the chain of command of the commanding officer or other approving authority who denied the request; and (ii) provided to the member who submitted the request; and (B) the recusal of an approving authority from participating in the granting or denying of a military protective order, if such authority was, at any time— (i) the subject of a complaint of any form of assault, harassment, or retaliation filed by the member requesting the military protective order or the member who is the subject of the military protective order; or (ii) associated with the member requesting the military protective order or the member who is the subject of the military protective order in a manner that presents as an actual or apparent conflict of interest. (3) Notification requirement The Commandant shall develop a policy to ensure that sexual assault response coordinators, victim advocates, and other appropriate personnel shall inform victims of the process by which the victim may request an expedited transfer, a no-contact order, or a military or civilian protective order.

Sec. 514Coast Guard implementation of independent review commission recommendations on addressing sexual assault and sexual harassment in the military

Within 180 days after the Act becomes law, the Commandant must review the Independent Review Commission's report titled "Hard Truths and the Duty to Change," on sexual assault and sexual harassment in the military. Once that review is done, and within one year after the Act becomes law, the Commandant must send the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Senate Commerce Committee a strategy and action plan that identifies any Commission recommendation that does not apply to the Coast Guard, is outside its jurisdiction, or would not benefit its members, with a brief explanation why, and that, for every other recommendation, either lays out a detailed action plan, needed policy changes, timeline, estimated cost, and any needed legislative proposals, or explains why the Commandant cannot implement it. Within 90 days, and every 180 days after that through 2028, the Commandant must brief the two committees on how implementation is going and on any changes to the plan.

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514. Coast Guard implementation of independent review commission recommendations on addressing sexual assault and sexual harassment in the military (a) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall review the report of the Independent Review Commission titled Hard Truths and the Duty to Change: Recommendations from the Independent Review Commission on Sexual Assault in the Military referred to in the memorandum of the Department of Defense titled Memorandum for Senior Pentagon Leadership Commanders of the Combatant Commands Defense Agency and DoD Field Activity Directors , dated September 22, 2021, (relating to commencing Department of Defense actions and implementation of the recommendations of the Independent Review Commission to address sexual assault and sexual harassment in the military). (b) Strategy and action plan On completion of the review required under subsection (a), and not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a strategy and action plan that— (1) (A) identifies any recommendation set forth in the report by the Independent Review Commission described in subsection (a) that addresses a matter that is not within the jurisdiction of the Coast Guard, does not apply to the Coast Guard, or otherwise would not be beneficial to members of the Coast Guard, as determined by the Commandant; and (B) includes a brief rationale for such determination; and (2) with respect to each recommendation set forth in such report that is not identified under paragraph (1), includes— (A) (i) a detailed action plan for implementation of the recommendation; (ii) a description of changes the Commandant will make to associated Coast Guard policies so as to enable the implementation of the recommendation; (iii) an estimated timeline for implementation of the recommendation; (iv) the estimated cost of the implementation; (v) legislative proposals for such implementation, as appropriate; and (vi) any other information the Commandant considers appropriate; or (B) in the case of such a recommendation that the Commandant is unable to implement, an explanation of the reason the recommendation cannot be implemented. (c) Briefing Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, and every 180 days thereafter through 2028, the Commandant shall provide the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives with a briefing on the status of the implementation of this section and any modification to the strategy and plan submitted under subsection (b).

Sec. 515Policy relating to care and support of victims of covered misconduct

Within 180 days after the Act becomes law, the Commandant must issue Coast Guard policy on caring for and supporting members who say they are victims of covered misconduct. To the extent practical, that policy must require that a member who discloses covered misconduct to the right Coast Guard staff receives care and support without denial or unreasonable delay, and that, if the contacted staff cannot provide it, for example because the member is at a remote unit or on a vessel underway, the member, with their consent, gets an in-person introduction to appropriate service providers at their own discretion and access to follow-up services. This policy applies to all staff responsible for victim care and any others the Commandant chooses. Within 180 days, the Commandant must also update domestic abuse policy to define intimate partner the same way military justice law does. All staff responsible for this care must be trained, following professional standards of practice, and that training must cover how to carry out the policy and what resources and personnel are available, provided in person wherever practical.

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515. Policy relating to care and support of victims of covered misconduct (a) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall issue Coast Guard policy relating to the care and support of members of the Coast Guard who are alleged victims covered misconduct. (b) Elements The policy required by subsection (a) shall require, to the maximum extent practicable, that— (1) a member of the Coast Guard who is an alleged victim of covered misconduct and discloses such covered misconduct to the appropriate individual of the Coast Guard responsible for providing victim care and support— (A) shall receive care and support from such individual; and (B) such individual shall not deny or unreasonably delay providing care and support; and (2) in the case of such an alleged victim to whom care and support cannot be provided by the appropriate individual contacted by the alleged victim based on programmatic eligibility criteria or any other reason that affects the ability of such appropriate individual to provide care and support (such as being stationed at a remote unit or serving on a vessel currently underway) the alleged victim shall receive, with the permission of the alleged victim— (A) an in-person introduction to appropriate service providers, for which the alleged victim is physically present, which shall occur at the discretion of the alleged victim; and (B) access to follow-up services from the appropriate 1 or more service providers. (c) Applicability The policy issued under subsection (a) shall apply to— (1) all Coast Guard personnel responsible for the care and support of victims of covered misconduct; and (2) any other Coast Guard personnel the Commandant considers appropriate. (d) Revision of policy relating to domestic abuse Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall issue or revise any Coast Guard policy or process relating to domestic abuse so as to define the term intimate partner to have the meaning given such term in section 930 of title 10, United States Code. (e) Training (1) In general All Coast Guard personnel responsible for the care and support of members of the Coast Guard who are alleged victims of covered misconduct shall receive training in accordance with professional standards of practice to ensure that such alleged victims receive adequate care that is consistent with the policy issued under subsection (a). (2) Elements The training required by paragraph (1)— (A) shall include— (i) instructions on specific procedures for implementing the policy issued under subsection (a); and (ii) information on resources and personnel critical for the implementation of such policy; and (B) to the maximum extent practicable, shall be provided in person. (f) Covered misconduct In this section, the term covered misconduct shall have the meaning given such term in section 2519 of title 14, United States Code (as added by this Act).

Sec. 516Establishment of special victim capabilities to respond to allegations of certain special victim offenses

This section would change section 573 of the Fiscal Year 2013 National Defense Authorization Act, which covers special victim investigation capabilities, so that it also applies to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as part of the Navy, adding the Coast Guard Investigative Service alongside the other services' investigative offices. Within 120 days after the Act becomes law, the Secretary must report to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Senate Commerce Committee everything the underlying law already requires other services to report, applied to the Coast Guard. Within 270 days, the Commandant must also brief those committees on how the Commandant is assessing and acting on the recommendations in a June 2024 Center for Naval Analyses report on the Coast Guard's Special Victims' Counsel program, including the status of each adopted recommendation, actions taken, timelines for unfinished ones, which recommendations will not be adopted and why, the metrics used to track progress, other improvement steps being taken, any needed legislative changes, and the funding and staff needed.

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516. Establishment of special victim capabilities to respond to allegations of certain special victim offenses (a) In general Section 573 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 ( 10 U.S.C. 1561 note) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) by inserting or the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating when not operating as a service in the Navy after Secretary of Defense ; and (B) by striking Secretary of each military department and inserting Secretary concerned ; (2) in subsection (b) by striking or Air Force Office of Special Investigations and inserting , Air Force Office of Special Investigations, or Coast Guard Investigative Services ; (3) in subsection (c) by inserting or the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating when not operating as a service in the Navy after Secretary of Defense ; (4) in subsection (d)— (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) by inserting or the Commandant of the Coast Guard after Secretary of a military department ; and (ii) by inserting or the Coast Guard after within the military department ; (B) in paragraph (2) by inserting or the Coast Guard after within a military department ; and (5) by adding at the end the following: (h) Time for establishment for Coast Guard Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 , the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report containing all the items described in subsections (e) and (f) as applied to the Coast Guard. . (b) Briefing Not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall provide the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives with a briefing on the Commandant’s assessment and implementation, as appropriate, of the recommendations included in the Center for Naval Analyses report titled Assessing the USCG’s Special Victims’ Counsel Program , issued in June 2024, including— (1) the implementation status of each adopted recommendation, as appropriate; (2) for each adopted recommendation, a description of actions taken to implement such recommendation; (3) in the case of an adopted recommendation that has not been fully implemented— (A) a description of actions taken or planned to address such recommendation; (B) an estimated completion date; and (C) a description of the milestones necessary to complete the recommendation; (4) a description of any recommendation that will not be adopted and an explanation of the reason the recommendation will not be adopted; (5) a description of the metrics and milestones used to ensure completion and effectiveness of each adopted recommendation; (6) a description of any additional actions the Commandant is taking to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Special Victims’ Counsel program of the Coast Guard; (7) any legislative change proposal necessary to implement the adopted recommendations; and (8) an overview of any funding or resource necessary to implement each adopted recommendation in a timely and effective manner, including a list of personnel needed for such implementation.

Sec. 517Members asserting post-traumatic stress disorder, sexual assault, or traumatic brain injury

This section would change section 2516 of title 14, United States Code, covering medical exams for members who say they have post-traumatic stress disorder, were sexually assaulted, or have a traumatic brain injury. It would add a new category: a member sexually assaulted within the preceding 5 years who says they have symptoms of a diagnosable mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder because of that assault must be offered, and must receive, a medical exam evaluating post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, or that disorder. It would also expand who can perform these exams to include a board-certified psychiatrist, a licensed doctorate-level psychologist, another licensed or certified health professional the Commandant designates, or a psychiatry resident or board-eligible psychologist with at least a year of supervised training. Any member who gets a notice of involuntary separation must be told, at that time, about the right to request this exam if it applies to them, and the Commandant must set a clear policy for giving that notice to members who filed an unrestricted sexual assault report, and make sure sexual assault response coordinators know about it.

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517. Members asserting post-traumatic stress disorder, sexual assault, or traumatic brain injury Section 2516 of title 14, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) by striking or has been sexually assaulted during the preceding 2-year period ; and (ii) by striking or based on such sexual assault, the influence of and inserting the signs and symptoms of either ; (B) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (4) as paragraphs (3) through (5), respectively; (C) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following: (2) Mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder A member of the Coast Guard who has been sexually assaulted during the preceding 5-year period and who alleges, based on such sexual assault, the signs and symptoms of a diagnosable mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder described within the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders published by the American Psychiatric Association— (A) is provided the opportunity to request a medical examination to clinically evaluate such signs and symptoms; and (B) receives such a medical examination to evaluate a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, or diagnosable mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder described within the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders published by the American Psychiatric Association. ; (D) in paragraph (3) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting this subsection ; and (E) in paragraph (4), as so redesignated— (i) by inserting or a diagnosable mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder before under this subsection ; (ii) by inserting performed by after shall be ; and (iii) by striking subparagraphs (A) and (B) and inserting the following: (A) a board-certified psychiatrist; (B) a licensed doctorate-level psychologist; (C) any other appropriate licensed or certified healthcare professional designated by the Commandant; or (D) a psychiatry resident or board-eligible psychologist who— (i) has completed a 1-year internship or residency; and (ii) is under the close supervision of a board-certified psychiatrist or licensed doctorate-level psychologist. ; (2) in subsection (b) by inserting or a diagnosable mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder after traumatic brain injury ; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (e) Notification of right to request medical examination (1) In general Any member of the Coast Guard who receives a notice of involuntary administrative separation shall be advised at the time of such notice of the right of the member to request a medical examination under subsection (a) if any condition described in such subsection applies to the member. (2) Policy The Commandant shall— (A) develop and issue a clear policy for carrying out the notification required under paragraph (1) with respect to any member of the Coast Guard described in that paragraph who has made an unrestricted report of sexual assault; and (B) provide information on such policy to sexual assault response coordinators of the Coast Guard for the purpose of ensuring that such policy is communicated to members of the Coast Guard who may be eligible for a medical examination under this section. .

Sec. 518Participation in CATCH a Serial Offender program

The Secretary, acting through the Commandant, must make sure the Coast Guard takes part in the Department of Defense's Catch a Serial Offender program. Within 60 days after the Act becomes law, that Secretary and the Secretary of Defense must finish a memorandum of agreement to give the Coast Guard access to and participation in the program.

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518. Participation in CATCH a Serial Offender program (a) In general The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating when not operating as a service in the Navy, acting through the Commandant, shall ensure the participation of the Coast Guard in the Catch a Serial Offender program (referred to in this section as the CATCH program ) of the Department of Defense established in accordance with section 543 of the Carl Levin and Howard P. Buck McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 ( Public Law 113–291 ). (b) Memorandum of understanding Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating and the Secretary of Defense shall finalize a memorandum of agreement to facilitate Coast Guard access to and participation in the CATCH program.

Sec. 519Accountability and transparency relating to allegations of misconduct against senior leaders

This section would renumber the Coast Guard's existing Advisory Board on Women provision, currently section 2521 of title 14, as section 2531, freeing up section 2521 for a new provision on oversight of alleged misconduct by senior Coast Guard leaders. Within 90 days after the Act becomes law, the Secretary must set a policy requiring that any misconduct allegation against a senior leader be reported to the department's Inspector General within 72 hours of the Coast Guard learning of it, and that the Inspector General notify the head of the office where the leader serves, or the next person up the chain if the leader heads that office, unless doing so would risk an investigation, unmask the person who reported it, or otherwise be inappropriate. The department's Inspector General would have the first right to investigate such allegations, and could investigate to the exclusion of any other Coast Guard investigation if needed to protect its integrity. The policy must be public and taught throughout Coast Guard training. Alleged misconduct means a credible allegation that, if proven, would violate criminal law, including military justice law, or a recognized ethics standard, or that could reasonably matter to the Secretary or Inspector General, particularly if it involves misusing a position or getting an unauthorized personal benefit. A senior leader means an active, retired, or reserve officer at the rank of O-7 or higher, an officer selected for that rank, a current or former member of the Senior Executive Service at the Coast Guard, or a civilian employee in an equivalent position as the Inspector General decides, with the Commandant's agreement.

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519. Accountability and transparency relating to allegations of misconduct against senior leaders (a) In general Subchapter II of chapter 25 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by redesignating section 2521 as section 2531. (b) Accountability and transparency relating to allegations of misconduct against senior leaders Subchapter I of chapter 25 of title 14, United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the following: 2521. Accountability and transparency relating to allegations of misconduct against senior leaders (a) In general Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 , the Secretary shall establish a policy to improve oversight, investigations, accountability, and public transparency regarding alleged misconduct of senior leaders of the Coast Guard. (b) Elements The policy required by subsection (a)— (1) shall require that— (A) any allegation of alleged misconduct made against a senior leader of the Coast Guard shall be reported to the Office of the Inspector General of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating not later than 72 hours after the allegation is reported to the Coast Guard or the department in which the Coast Guard is operating; and (B) the Inspector General of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall notify the head of the Coast Guard office in which the senior leader is serving with respect to the receipt of such allegation, or, in a case where the senior leader is the head of such Coast Guard office, the next in the chain of command, as appropriate, except in a case in which the Inspector General determines that such notification would risk impairing an ongoing investigation, would unnecessarily compromise the anonymity of the individual making the allegation, or would otherwise be inappropriate; and (2) to the extent practicable, shall be consistent with Department of Defense directives, including Department of Defense Directive 5505.06. (c) First right to exclusive investigation The Inspector General of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating— (1) shall have the first right to investigate an allegation described in subsection (b)(1)(A); and (2) in cases with concurrent jurisdiction involving an allegation described in subsection (b)(1)(A), may investigate such an allegation to the exclusion of any other Coast Guard criminal or administrative investigation if the Inspector General determines that an exclusive investigation is necessary to maintain the integrity of the investigation. (d) Public availability and broad dissemination The policy established under subsection (a) shall be made available to the public and incorporated into training and curricula across the Coast Guard at all levels to ensure broad understanding of the policy among members and personnel of the Coast Guard. (e) Definitions In this section: (1) Alleged misconduct The term alleged misconduct — (A) means a credible allegation that, if proven, would constitute a violation of— (i) a provision of criminal law, including the Uniform Code of Military Justice ( chapter 47 of title 10); or (ii) a recognized standard, such as the Department of Defense Joint Ethics Regulation or other Federal regulation, including any other Department of Defense regulation and any Department of Homeland Security regulation; or (B) could reasonably be expected to be of significance to the Secretary or the Inspector General of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, particularly in a case in which there is an element of misuse of position or of unauthorized personal benefit to the senior official, a family member, or an associate. (2) Senior leader of the Coast Guard The term senior leader of the Coast Guard means— (A) an active duty, retired, or reserve officer of the Coast Guard in the grade of O–7 or higher; (B) an officer of the Coast Guard selected for promotion to the grade of O–7; (C) a current or former civilian member of the Senior Executive Service employed by the Coast Guard; or (D) any civilian member of the Coast Guard whose position is deemed equivalent to that of a member of the Senior Executive Service, as determined by the Office of the Inspector General of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, in concurrence with the Secretary acting through the Commandant. . (c) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 25 of title 14, United States Code, is further amended— (1) by striking the item relating to section 2521 and inserting the following: 2531. Advisory Board on Women in the Coast Guard. ; and (2) by inserting after the item relating to section 2520 (as added by this Act) the following: 2521. Accountability and transparency relating to allegations of misconduct against senior leaders. .

Sec. 520Confidential reporting of sexual harassment

This section would change section 1561b of title 10, United States Code, on confidential sexual harassment reporting, so that it also covers the Coast Guard and the Commandant when the Coast Guard is not operating as part of the Navy. By April 30, 2025, and every two years after, the Secretary must report to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Senate Commerce Committee data on sexual harassment complaints filed confidentially over the prior two years, without any personally identifiable information.

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520. Confidential reporting of sexual harassment Section 1561b of title 10, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) by inserting and the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating when not operating as a service in the Navy after Secretary of Defense ; and (B) by inserting or the Commandant after Secretary of a military department ; (2) in subsection (c)— (A) by inserting or the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating when not operating as a service in the Navy after Secretary of Defense ; and (B) in paragraph (1) by inserting departments or the Commandant after Secretaries of the military ; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (e) Reports for the Coast Guard (1) In general Not later than April 30, 2025, and April 30 every 2 years thereafter, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report containing data on the complaints of sexual harassment alleged pursuant to the process under subsection (a) during the previous 2 calendar years. (2) Personally identifiable information Any data on complaints described in paragraph (1) shall not contain any personally identifiable information. .

Sec. 521Report on policy on whistleblower protections

Within 90 days after the Act becomes law, the Commandant must report to the Senate Commerce Committee, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on Coast Guard whistleblower protection policy. The report must discuss current protections, accountability measures against retaliation, professional support standards and training given to Coast Guard staff and personnel on whistleblower issues; describe commanders' and civilian supervisors' responsibilities toward whistleblower complaints, how compliance with the relevant federal whistleblower laws, including the right to speak with Members of Congress, is ensured, what happens to a commander or supervisor who fails to act or interferes, and what role Coast Guard attorneys and judges play in enforcing this; discuss the availability of behavioral health staff who support whistleblowers, including their numbers, roles, limits, expansion plans, and resource needs; assess how all of this applies specifically to the Coast Guard Academy; and recommend ways to strengthen these protections, including possible legislation and a plan to seek public comment through the Federal Register within 180 days, to prevent discrimination and harassment against whistleblowers, better enforce anti-retaliation rules, and hold commanders and supervisors accountable.

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521. Report on policy on whistleblower protections (a) In general Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to the Committees on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on the policy of the Coast Guard on whistleblower protections. (b) Elements The report required by subsection (a) shall include the following: (1) A discussion of the policy of the Coast Guard as of the date of enactment of this Act with respect to— (A) whistleblower protections; (B) accountability measures for reprisal against whistleblowers; (C) the applicable professional standards and potential types of support provided to whistleblowers by members of the Coast Guard personnel, such as the members in the Coast Guard Investigative Service; and (D) the content and frequency of training provided to members of the Coast Guard on active duty, members of the Coast Guard Reserve, and civilian personnel of the Coast Guard with respect to the applicable professional standards and potential types of support offered to whistleblowers. (2) A description of the responsibilities of commanders and equivalent civilian supervisors with respect to whistleblower complaints and measures used by the Coast Guard to ensure compliance with such responsibilities, such as— (A) the mechanisms to ensure that— (i) any such commander complies with section 1034 of title 10, United States Code, including subsection (a)(1) of that section; (ii) any such equivalent civilian supervisor complies with section 2302 of title 5, United States Code; and (iii) any such commander or supervisor protects the constitutional right of whistleblowers to speak with Members of Congress; (B) actions to be taken against any a commander or equivalent civilian supervisor who fails to act on a whistleblower complaint or improperly interferes with a whistleblower after a complaint is filed or during the preparation of a complaint; (C) the role of Coast Guard attorneys in ensuring that such commanders comply with responsibilities under section 1034 of title 10, United States Code; and (D) the role of Coast Guard civilian attorneys and administrative law judges in ensuring that such civilian supervisors comply with responsibilities under section 2302 of title 5, United States Code. (3) A discussion of the availability of Coast Guard staff, including civilian staff, assigned to providing, in accordance with professional standards or practice, behavioral health care to whistleblowers, including— (A) the number and type of such staff; (B) a description of the specific care responsibilities of such staff; (C) an identification of any limitation existing as of the date of enactment of this Act to the provision of such care; (D) a description of any plan to increase capacity of such staff to provide such care, as applicable; and (E) a description of any additional resources necessary to provide such care. (4) An assessment of the manner in which the policies discussed in paragraph (1), the responsibilities of commanders and civilian supervisors described in paragraph (2), and the availability of Coast Guard staff as discussed in paragraph (3) apply specifically to cadets and leadership at the Coast Guard Academy. (5) Recommendations (including, as appropriate, proposed legislative changes and a plan to publish in the Federal Register not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act a request for information seeking public comment and recommendations) of the Commandant regarding manners in which Coast Guard policies and procedures may be strengthened— (A) to prevent whistleblower discrimination and harassment; (B) to better enforce prohibitions on retaliation, including reprisal, restriction, ostracism, and maltreatment, set forth in section 1034 of title 10, United States Code, and section 2302 of title 5, United States Code; and (C) to hold commanding officers and civilian supervisors accountable for enforcing and complying with prohibitions on any form of retaliation described in such section.

Sec. 522Review and modification of Coast Guard Academy policy on sexual harassment and sexual violence

Within 60 days after the Act becomes law, the Coast Guard Academy's Superintendent must start reviewing the Academy's sexual harassment and sexual violence policy, checking whether any long-standing Academy tradition, system, process, or internal policy is blocking best practices used by other military service academies. Within 180 days, the Superintendent must finish that review and update the policy to include everything already required by section 1902(b) of title 14; bring it in line with military justice law; describe the roles of the Academy's Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, Victim Advocate Program Specialist, Volunteer Victim Advocate, and a new Primary Prevention Specialist; describe the Coast Guard Investigative Service's role and the role of support staff, including chaplains; address dating violence awareness; describe the relationship between cadet advocacy groups, such as Cadets Against Sexual Assault, and Academy staff; require at least one in-person training each year for cadets and personnel; establish or expand an anti-retaliation policy for cadets who report incidents, join advocacy groups, or seek help from a company officer, coach, or other staff for a mental health or medical emergency; and explain how no-contact orders and military protective orders work, including notifying the National Criminal Information Center. Within 180 days, the Superintendent must also hire a Primary Prevention Specialist based at the Academy, and must align the Academy's policy on leave of absence for reporting cadets with other service academies' policies.

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522. Review and modification of Coast Guard Academy policy on sexual harassment and sexual violence (a) In general The Superintendent of the Coast Guard Academy (referred to in this section as the Superintendent ) shall— (1) not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, commence a review of the Coast Guard Academy policy on sexual harassment and sexual violence established in accordance with section 1902 of title 14, United States Code, that includes an evaluation as to whether any long-standing Coast Guard Academy tradition, system, process, or internal policy impedes the implementation of necessary evidence-informed best practices followed by other military service academies in prevention, response, and recovery relating to sexual harassment and sexual violence; and (2) not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act— (A) complete such review; and (B) modify such policy in accordance with subsection (b). (b) Modifications to policy In modifying the Coast Guard Academy policy on sexual harassment and sexual violence referred to in subsection (a), the Superintendent shall ensure that such policy includes the following: (1) Each matter required to be specified by section 1902(b) of title 14, United States Code. (2) Updates to achieve compliance with chapter 47 of title 10, United States Code (Uniform Code of Military Justice). (3) A description of the roles and responsibilities of staff of the Coast Guard Academy Sexual Assault Prevention, Response, and Recovery program, including— (A) the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator; (B) the Victim Advocate Program Specialist; (C) the Volunteer Victim Advocate; and (D) the Primary Prevention Specialist, as established under subsection (c). (4) A description of the role of the Coast Guard Investigative Service with respect to sexual harassment and sexual violence prevention, response, and recovery at the Coast Guard Academy. (5) A description of the role of support staff at the Coast Guard Academy, including chaplains, with respect to sexual harassment and sexual violence prevention, response, and recovery. (6) Measures to promote awareness of dating violence. (7) A delineation of the relationship between— (A) cadet advocacy groups organized for the prevention of, response to, and recovery from sexual harassment and sexual violence, including Cadets Against Sexual Assault; and (B) the staff of the Coast Guard Academy Sexual Assault Prevention, Response, and Recovery program. (8) A provision that requires cadets and Coast Guard Academy personnel to participate in not fewer than one in-person training each academic year on the prevention of, responses to, and resources relating to incidents of sexual harassment and sexual violence, to be provided by the staff of the Coast Guard Academy Sexual Assault Prevention, Response, and Recovery program. (9) The establishment, revision, or expansion, as necessary, of an anti-retaliation Superintendent’s Instruction for cadets who— (A) report incidents of sexual harassment or sexual violence; (B) participate in cadet advocacy groups that advocate for the prevention of, response to, and recovery from sexual harassment and sexual violence; or (C) seek assistance from a company officer, company senior enlisted leader, athletic coach, or other Coast Guard Academy staff member with respect to a mental health or other medical emergency. (10) A provision that explains the purpose of and process for issuance of a no-contact order at the Coast Guard Academy, including a description of the manner in which such an order shall be enforced. (11) A provision that explains the purpose of and process for issuance of a military protective order at the Coast Guard Academy, including a description of— (A) the manner in which such an order shall be enforced; and (B) the associated requirement to notify the National Criminal Information Center of the issuance of such an order. (c) Primary prevention specialist Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Superintendent shall hire a Primary Prevention Specialist, to be located and serve at the Coast Guard Academy. (d) Temporary leave of absence To receive medical services and mental health and related support services The Superintendent shall ensure that the Academy’s policy regarding a cadet who has made a restricted or unrestricted report of sexual harassment to request a leave of absence from the Coast Guard Academy is consistent with other military service academies.

Sec. 523Coast Guard and Coast Guard Academy access to defense sexual assault incident database

Within 180 days after the Act becomes law, the Commandant, working with the Secretary of Defense, must sign a memorandum of understanding connecting the Coast Guard's own case management database to the Department of Defense's Sexual Assault Incident Database. Within 60 days after that, the Commandant and the Secretary of Defense must send Congress a plan covering how Coast Guard and Coast Guard Academy staff will get access, describing any barriers unique to each; how the Coast Guard will coordinate with the Department of Defense's sexual assault prevention office to fix those barriers; the steps and costs needed to remove them, including any manual workaround; and the technical challenges, timeline, and cost of giving Coast Guard staff access comparable to the other armed forces.

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523. Coast Guard and Coast Guard Academy access to defense sexual assault incident database (a) Memorandum of understanding Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, shall enter into a memorandum of understanding to enable the criminal offender case management and analytics database of the Coast Guard to have system interface access with the Defense Sexual Assault Incident Database (referred to in this section as the Database ) established by section 563 of the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 ( 10 U.S.C. 1561 note). (b) Plan (1) In general Not later than 60 days after entering into the memorandum of understanding required under subsection (a), the Commandant, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a plan to carry out the terms of such memorandum. (2) Elements The plan required under paragraph (1) shall include the following: (A) Measures to ensure that authorized staff of the Coast Guard have system interface access to the Database, and a description of any barrier to such access. (B) Measures to ensure that authorized staff of the Coast Guard Academy have system interface access to the Database, and a description of any barrier to such access that is unique to the Coast Guard Academy. (C) Measures to facilitate formal or informal communication between the Coast Guard and the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office of the Department of Defense, or any other relevant Department of Defense component, to identify or seek a resolution to barriers to Database access. (D) A description of the steps, measures, and improvements necessary to remove any barrier encountered by staff of the Coast Guard or the Coast Guard Academy in accessing the Database, including any failure of system interface access necessitating manual entry of investigative data. (E) An assessment of the technical challenges, timeframes, and costs associated with providing authorized staff of the Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Academy with system interface access for the Database that is substantially similar to such system interface access possessed by other branches of the Armed Forces. (3) Appropriate committees of congress defined In this subsection, the term appropriate committees of Congress means— (A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate; and (B) the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives.

Sec. 524Director of Coast Guard Investigative Service

This section would add a new section 325 to title 14, United States Code, creating a Director of the Coast Guard Investigative Service, who would report directly to, and work under the general supervision of, the Commandant acting through the Vice Commandant.

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524. Director of Coast Guard Investigative Service (a) In general Chapter 3 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 325. Director of Coast Guard Investigative Service (a) In general There shall be a Director of the Coast Guard Investigative Service. (b) Chain of command The Director of the Coast Guard Investigative Service shall report directly to and be under the general supervision of the Commandant, acting through the Vice Commandant of the Coast Guard. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for Chapter 3 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 324 the following: 325. Director of Coast Guard Investigative Service. .

Sec. 525Modifications and revisions relating to reopening retired grade determinations

This section would add three new grounds to section 2501(d)(2) of title 14, United States Code, for reopening a retired officer's grade determination: substantial evidence surfacing that, during their commissioned service, the officer failed to follow the law with intent to deceive or defraud; substantial evidence surfacing after retirement that the officer committed rape or sexual assault at any point during their service; or substantial evidence surfacing after retirement that the officer knew about, and failed to properly report, a sexual assault by someone under their command. Within 180 days, the Secretary must issue or revise regulations defining good cause to reopen these determinations to include a deceptive failure to properly respond to a sexual assault report, or substantial evidence of the officer's own sexual assault, including evidence not previously properly considered, and must set the standard and evidence needed to support an adverse decision. Within 180 days, the Secretary must also revise existing Coast Guard guidance to remove any rule that blocks reopening a case just because the new evidence surfaced a while after retirement, or because the misconduct could have been found earlier with due diligence. None of this lets the Coast Guard review conduct that was not against the law or policy at the time it happened.

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525. Modifications and revisions relating to reopening retired grade determinations (a) In general Section 2501(d)(2) of title 14, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subparagraph (B) by inserting a before competent authority ; (2) by redesignating subparagraphs (C) through (E) as subparagraphs (F) through (H), respectively; and (3) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following: (C) substantial evidence comes to light that, during the commissioned service of the officer, the officer failed to carry out applicable laws, with an intent to deceive or defraud; (D) substantial evidence comes to light after the retirement that the officer committed rape or sexual assault, as described in sections 920(a) and 920(b) of title 10 (articles 120(a) and 120(b) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice) at any time during the commissioned service of the officer; (E) substantial evidence comes to light after the retirement that the commissioned officer knew of and failed to report through proper channels, in accordance with existing law at the time of the alleged incident, any known instances of sexual assault by a member of the Coast Guard under the command of the officer during the officer’s service; . (b) Issuance and revision of regulations relating to good cause to reopen retired grade determinations Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall issue or revise, as applicable, and at the discretion of the Secretary consistent with this section, regulations of the Coast Guard to do the following: (1) Define what constitutes good cause to reopen a retired grade determination referred to in subparagraph (H) of section 2501(d)(2) of title 14, United States Code, as redesignated by subsection (a), to ensure that the following shall be considered good cause for such a reopening: (A) Circumstances that constitute a failure to carry out applicable laws regarding a report of sexual assault with an intent to deceive by a commissioned officer, that relate to a response made to a report of sexual assault, during the commissioned service of the officer. (B) Substantial evidence of sexual assault by the commissioned officer concerned, at any time during the commissioned service of such officer, or such evidence that was not considered by the Coast Guard in a manner consistent with law. (2) Identify the standard for making, and the evidentiary showing required to support, an adverse determination on the retired grade of a commissioned officer. (c) Revision of limitations on reopening retired grade determinations Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall revise applicable guidance in section K.10 of chapter 3 of Commandant Instruction 1000.4A to remove any restriction that limits the ability to reopen the retired grade of a commissioned officer based on— (1) whether new evidence is discovered contemporaneously with or within a short time period after the date of retirement of the officer concerned; and (2) whether the misconduct concerned was not discoverable through due diligence. (d) Savings clause No provision of this section or the amendments made by this section shall be construed to permit a review of conduct that was not in violation of law or policy at the time of the alleged conduct.

Sec. 526Inclusion and command review of information on covered misconduct in personnel service records

This section would add a new section 2522 to title 14, United States Code. If a member is convicted by court-martial or receives nonjudicial punishment or punitive administrative action for a covered misconduct complaint, a notation must go into their personnel record no matter their rank, so supervisors and commanders can spot repeat offenders and factor this into commissioning or promotion decisions, but the notation cannot go in the restricted part of the record, and this does not stop the member from challenging or appealing it. A commanding officer receiving a member with a documented history of covered misconduct must review that history under Secretary-set policy. The Commandant must also set procedures, consistent with existing Department of Defense law and practice, for reviewing a former service member's record to decide if they are suitable for civilian employment at the Coast Guard.

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526. Inclusion and command review of information on covered misconduct in personnel service records (a) In general Subchapter I of chapter 25 of title 14, United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the following: 2522. Inclusion and command review of information on covered misconduct in personnel service records (a) Information on reports on covered misconduct (1) In general If a complaint of covered misconduct is made against a member of the Coast Guard and the member is convicted by court-martial or receives nonjudicial punishment or punitive administrative action for such covered misconduct, a notation to that effect shall be placed in the personnel service record of the member, regardless of the grade of the member. (2) Purpose The purpose of the inclusion of information in personnel service records under paragraph (1) is to alert supervisors and commanders to any member of their command who has received a court-martial conviction, nonjudicial punishment, or punitive administrative action for covered misconduct in order— (A) to reduce the likelihood that repeat offenses will escape the notice of supervisors and commanders; and (B) to help inform commissioning or promotability of the member; (3) Limitation on placement A notation under paragraph (1) may not be placed in the restricted section of the personnel service record of a member. (4) Construction Nothing in this subsection may be construed to prohibit or limit the capacity of a member of the Coast Guard to challenge or appeal the placement of a notation, or location of placement of a notation, in the personnel service record of the member in accordance with procedures otherwise applicable to such challenges or appeals. (b) Command review of history of covered misconduct (1) In general Under policy to be prescribed by the Secretary, the commanding officer of a unit or facility to which a covered member is assigned or transferred shall review the history of covered misconduct as documented in the personnel service record of a covered member in order to become familiar with such history of the covered member. (2) Covered member defined In this subsection, the term covered member means a member of the Coast Guard who, at the time of assignment or transfer as described in paragraph (1), has a history of 1 or more covered misconduct offenses as documented in the personnel service record of such member or such other records or files as the Commandant shall specify in the policy prescribed under subparagraph (A). (c) Review of personnel service record to determine suitability for civilian employment Under policy to be prescribed by the Secretary, the Commandant shall establish procedures that are consistent with the law, policies, and practices of the Department of Defense in effect on the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 to consider and review the personnel service record of a former member of the Armed Forces to determine the suitability of the individual for civilian employment in the Coast Guard. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 25 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 2521 (as added by this Act) the following: 2522. Inclusion and command review of information on covered misconduct in personnel service records. .

Sec. 527Flag officer review of, and concurrence in, separation of members who have reported sexual misconduct

Within 120 days after the Act becomes law, the Commandant must set up a policy to review a proposed involuntary separation of a member who reported covered misconduct, is then recommended for separation within 2 years of that report, and asks for review because they believe the separation is retaliation. The policy must require commanding officers and the flag officer described below to recuse themselves from deciding or reviewing such a separation if they were ever the subject of a complaint filed by that member, or connected to the person accused of the misconduct. Separating the member would require the agreement of the Deputy Commandant for Mission Support, or the Vice Admiral who succeeds that role in overseeing personnel policy, or their designee at the rank of O-7 or higher; if that officer is in the member's own chain of command, the Commandant must instead pick a flag officer from outside it. Any member who reported covered misconduct and later gets a separation proposal must be told about their right to this review.

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527. Flag officer review of, and concurrence in, separation of members who have reported sexual misconduct (a) Policy to require review of certain proposed involuntary separations Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall establish, with respect to any proposed involuntary separation under chapter 59 of title 10, United States Code, a Coast Guard policy to review the circumstances of, and grounds for, such a proposed involuntary separation of any member of the Coast Guard who— (1) made a restricted or unrestricted report of covered misconduct (as such term is defined in section 2519 of title 14, United States Code); (2) within 2 years after making such a report, is recommended for involuntary separation from the Coast Guard; and (3) requests the review on the grounds that the member believes the recommendation for involuntary separation from the Coast Guard was initiated in retaliation for making the report. (b) Recusal (1) In general The policy established under subsection (a) shall set forth a process for the recusal of commanding officers and the flag officer described in subsection (c)(2) from making initial or subsequent decisions on proposed separations or from reviewing proposed separations. (2) Criteria The recusal process established under paragraph (1) shall specify criteria for recusal, including mandatory recusal from making a decision on a proposed separation, and from reviewing a proposed separation, if the commanding officer or the flag officer described in subsection (c)(2) was, at any time— (A) the subject of a complaint of any form of assault, harassment, or retaliation, filed by the member of the Coast Guard described in subsection (a) who is the subject of a proposed involuntary separation or whose proposed separation is under review; or (B) associated with the individual suspected or accused of perpetrating the incident of covered misconduct reported by such member. (c) Concurrence of flag officer required (1) In general The policy established under subsection (a) shall require the concurrence of the flag officer described in paragraph (2) in order to separate the member of the Coast Guard described in such subsection. (2) Flag officer described (A) In general Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the flag officer described in this paragraph is— (i) the Deputy Commandant for Mission Support or the successor Vice Admiral that oversees personnel policy; or (ii) a designee of the Deputy Commandant for Mission Support (or the successor Vice Admiral that oversees personnel policy) who is in a grade not lower than O–7. (B) Chain of command exception In the case of a member of the Coast Guard described in subsection (a) who is in the immediate chain of command of the Deputy Commandant for Mission Support or the successor Vice Admiral that oversees personnel policy or the designee of the Deputy Commandant for Mission Support or the successor Vice Admiral that oversees personnel policy, the flag officer described in this paragraph is a flag officer outside the chain of command of such member, as determined by the Commandant consistent with the policy established under subsection (a). (d) Notification required Any member of the Coast Guard who has made a report of covered misconduct and who receives a proposal for involuntary separation shall be notified at the time of such proposal of the right of the member to a review under this section.

Sec. 528Expedited transfer in cases of sexual misconduct or domestic violence

Within 180 days after the Act becomes law, the Commandant must update policy to create an expedited transfer process for covered individuals, matching existing Department of Defense policy, and a process letting a covered individual, their commanding officer, or another Coast Guard official ask that a subject be reassigned to another unit while an investigation, and any prosecution, is ongoing, making clear that such a reassignment is not punishment but is meant only to preserve good order and discipline, while still protecting the subject's due process. Any official deciding such a transfer request must recuse themselves if they were ever the target of a complaint filed by the covered individual, or connected to the subject beyond ordinary workplace contact in a way that creates a conflict of interest. The updated policy must specify which officials must tell a member who reports an unrestricted sexual assault or domestic violence about this transfer option. By March 1 of the year at least one year after these updates are finished, and every year after that for three years, the Commandant must report to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and Senate Commerce Committee the updated policies, a summary of them, how many covered individuals requested a transfer in the prior year, broken down by gender and whether granted or denied, and the reasons for each denial. A covered individual is a Coast Guard member who is a victim of sexual assault or domestic violence, including by a spouse or intimate partner whether or not that partner is also in the Coast Guard, or whose dependent is such a victim. A subject is a member under investigation for alleged sexual assault or domestic violence who is stationed at or near the covered individual.

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528. Expedited transfer in cases of sexual misconduct or domestic violence (a) Expedited transfer policy update Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall update Coast Guard policy as necessary to implement— (1) an expedited transfer process for covered individuals consistent with— (A) Department of Defense policy on expedited transfers of victims of sexual assault or domestic violence in place on the date of enactment of this Act; and (B) subsection (b); and (2) a process by which— (A) a covered individual, the commanding officer of a covered individual, or any other Coast Guard official may initiate a request that a subject be administratively assigned to another unit in accordance with military assignments and authorized absence policy for the duration of the investigation and, if applicable, prosecution of such subject; (B) the Coast Guard shall ensure that any administrative assignment action in response to a request under subparagraph (A) will be taken not as a punitive measure, but solely for the purpose of maintaining good order and discipline within the unit of the covered individual or the subject; and (C) protection of due process for the subject is preserved. (b) Recusal The expedited transfer process implemented under this section shall require the recusal of any official involved in the approval or denial of an expedited transfer request if the official was, at any time— (1) the subject of a complaint of any form of assault, harassment, or retaliation, or any other type of complaint, filed by the covered individual; or (2) associated, beyond workplace interactions, with the subject in a manner that may present an actual or apparent conflict of interest. (c) Notification requirement With respect to a member of the Coast Guard who makes an unrestricted report of sexual assault or a report of domestic violence, the updated policy required under subsection (a) shall specify the appropriate officials of the Coast Guard who shall provide such member with information regarding expedited transfer authority. (d) Report (1) Initial report Not later than March 1 of the year that is not less than 1 year after the date on which the updates required under subsection (a) are completed, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, as an enclosure or appendix to the report required by section 5112 of title 14, United States Code, a report on such updates that includes— (A) a copy of the updated policies of the Coast Guard relating to expedited transfers; (B) a summary of such updated policies; (C) for the preceding year, the number of covered individuals who have requested an expedited transfer, disaggregated by gender of the requester and whether the request was granted or denied; (D) for each denial of an expedited transfer request during the preceding year, a description of the rationale for the denial; and (E) any other matter the Commandant considers appropriate. (2) Subsequent reports Not later than 1 year after the Commandant submits the report required under paragraph (1), and annually thereafter for 3 years, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, as an enclosure or appendix to the report required by section 5112 of title 14, United States Code, a report on the updates required under subsection (a) that includes— (A) any policies of the Coast Guard relating to expedited transfers that have been updated since the previous report submitted under this subsection; (B) a summary of any such updated policies; and (C) the information described under subparagraphs (C) through (E) of paragraph (1). (e) Definitions In this section: (1) Covered individual The term covered individual means— (A) a member of the Coast Guard who is a victim of sexual assault in a case handled under the Sexual Assault Prevention, Response, and Recovery Program or the Family Advocacy Program; (B) a member of the Coast Guard who is a victim of domestic violence (as defined by the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating in the policies prescribed under this section) committed by the spouse or intimate partner of the member, regardless of whether the spouse or intimate partner is a member of the Coast Guard; and (C) a member of the Coast Guard whose dependent is a victim of sexual assault or domestic violence. (2) Subject The term subject means a member of the Coast Guard who is the subject of an investigation related to alleged incidents of sexual assault or domestic violence and is stationed at the same installation as, or in close proximity to, the covered individual involved.

Sec. 529Access to temporary separation program for victims of alleged sex-related offenses

Within 180 days after the Act becomes law, the Commandant must update the temporary separation policy for members who say they were victims of an alleged sex-related offense. The updated policy must let a member request temporary separation if they reported such an offense, in an unrestricted format where practical, at any point in the preceding 5 years of their service; must allow this even if the member already had a prior temporary separation, including for an earlier unrelated offense, or their enlistment or tour is not close to ending; must set an updated review standard; and must create a request process that lets the Commandant decide whether the member still has to complete their remaining service obligation after the separation ends. For any such separation, the Secretary concerned may decide whether to waive repayment of bonuses or incentive pay under existing law.

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529. Access to temporary separation program for victims of alleged sex-related offenses (a) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall update the Coast Guard policy relating to temporary separation of members of the Coast Guard who are victims of alleged sex-related offenses as required under subsection (b). (b) Eligibility The updated policy required under subsection (a) shall include— (1) a provision that allows a member of the Coast Guard to request to participate in the temporary separation program if the member has reported, in an unrestricted format or to the greatest extent practicable, a restricted format, being the victim of an alleged sex-related offense on a date that is during— (A) the 5-year period preceding the requested date of separation; and (B) the military service of the member; (2) a provision that provides eligibility for a member of the Coast Guard to request temporary separation if the member has reported being the victim of an alleged sex-related offense, even if— (A) the member has had a previous temporary separation including a previous temporary separation as the victim of a previous unrelated alleged sex-related offense; or (B) the enlistment period of the member is not nearing expiration or the tour or contract of the member is not nearing completion; (3) an updated standard of review consistent with the application of, and purposes of, this section; and (4) the establishment of a process— (A) for eligible members to make requests for temporary separation under this section; and (B) that allows the Commandant to consider whether to allow a member granted temporary separation under this section to fulfill the enlistment period or tour or contract obligation of the member after the end of the temporary separation period. (c) Exception from repayment of bonuses, incentive pay, or similar benefits and termination of remaining payments For any temporary separation granted under the updated policy required under subsection (a), the Secretary concerned may conduct a review to determine whether to exercise discretion in accordance with section 373(b)(1) of title 37, United States Code. (d) Definitions In this section: (1) Secretary concerned The term Secretary concerned has the meaning given such term in section 101 of title 37, United States Code. (2) Sex-related offense The term sex-related offense has the meaning given such term in section 1044e(h) of title 10, United States Code.

Sec. 530Policy and program to expand prevention of sexual misconduct

Within 180 days after the Act becomes law, the Commandant must issue a comprehensive Coast Guard policy to reinvigorate misconduct prevention, containing the same elements already required of the military services under section 1561 of title 10, United States Code. Within 180 days after that, the Commandant must build and roll out a matching prevention program.

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530. Policy and program to expand prevention of sexual misconduct (a) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall develop and issue a comprehensive policy for the Coast Guard to reinvigorate the prevention of misconduct involving members and civilians of the Coast Guard that contains the policy elements described in section 1561 of title 10, United States Code. (b) Programs required Not later than 180 days after the issuance of the policy required under paragraph (1), the Commandant shall develop and implement for the Coast Guard a program to reinvigorate the prevention of misconduct involving members and civilians of the Coast Guard.

Sec. 531Continuous vetting of security clearances

This section would change section 1564(c) of title 10, United States Code, on continuous security clearance vetting, to add a new category of people the Secretary of Homeland Security must investigate and clear: Coast Guard flag officers and Senior Executive Service employees who hold a security clearance. It updates related provisions so that these Coast Guard individuals' vetting runs through the Secretary of Homeland Security instead of the Secretary of Defense, while keeping the existing requirement that relevant conviction or clearance information be shared appropriately.

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531. Continuous vetting of security clearances Section 1564(c) of title 10, United States Code, is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)— (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by inserting , and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall conduct an investigation or adjudication under subsection (a) of any individual described in paragraph (3), after paragraph (2) ; and (B) in subparagraph (A)(iv) by striking the Secretary and inserting the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of Homeland Security, as the case may be, ; (2) in paragraph (2) by inserting (other than an individual described in paragraph (3)) after is an individual ; (3) by redesignating paragraphs (3) and (4) as paragraphs (4) and (5), respectively; (4) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new paragraph: (3) An individual described in this paragraph is an individual who has a security clearance and is— (A) a flag officer of the Coast Guard; or (B) an employee of the Coast Guard in the Senior Executive Service. ; and (5) in paragraph (4), as redesignated by paragraph (3), by striking Secretary and all that follows through paragraph (2) and inserting the following: Secretary of Defense, in the case of an individual described in paragraph (2), and the Secretary of Homeland Security, in the case of an individual described in paragraph (3), shall ensure that relevant information on the conviction or determination described in paragraph (1) of such an individual .

Sec. 532Training and education programs for covered misconduct prevention and response

This section covers training on preventing and responding to covered misconduct. Within two years after the Act becomes law, the Commandant must update the Coast Guard's training curriculum to cover reporting, investigation, and survivor health and safety procedures, including expedited transfers, no-contact and protective orders, and temporary separations, whistleblower protections, Department of Veterans Affairs resources, the right to seek legal help outside the Coast Guard, general information about civilian legal service organizations without endorsing any particular one, and the role of the Chief Prosecutor of the Coast Guard, and must address the training recommendations in the Coast Guard's November 27, 2023 memorandum titled "Commandant's Directed Actions: Accountability and Transparency," consulting outside experts in sexual assault and harassment prevention training along the way.

Within one year, the Commandant must make sure all members and civilian employees get this training every year, delivered through initial and accession training, annual refreshers, first responder training, new commander training, and specialized leadership training, tailored to each group's level and role. Within two years, first responder training must include this material on a recurring basis, plus trauma-informed guidance on caring for victims. Within 18 months, training for prospective commanding and executive officers must include this material too, tailored to command responsibilities and covering how to foster a command climate that does not tolerate misconduct, encourages intervention, and encourages reporting; how trauma affects people differently; how procedures and resources vary by operating environment; how to investigate alleged misconduct, including evidentiary standards; available disciplinary options, including deferring discipline for related minor misconduct; and the Chief Prosecutor's role. Within one year, every new member must get an initial training module within 14 duty days of joining, covering Coast Guard policy and reporting procedures, followed by a more detailed module within 60 duty days covering everything described above. A covered first responder includes sexual assault response coordinators, victim advocates, Coast Guard medical officers, security forces, Investigative Service agents, judge advocates, special victims' counsel, chaplains, and related personnel.

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532. Training and education programs for covered misconduct prevention and response (a) Modification of curriculum (1) In general Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall revise the curriculum of the Coast Guard with respect to covered misconduct prevention and response training— (A) to include— (i) information on procedures and responsibilities with respect to reporting requirements, investigations, survivor health and safety (including expedited transfers, no-contact orders, military and civilian protective orders, and temporary separations), and whistleblower protections; (ii) information on Department of Veterans Affairs resources available to veterans, active-duty personnel, and reserve personnel; (iii) information on the right of any member of the Coast Guard to seek legal resources outside the Coast Guard; (iv) general information regarding the availability of legal resources provided by civilian legal services organizations, presented in an organized and consistent manner that does not endorse any particular legal services organization; and (v) information on the capability, operations, reporting structure, and requirements with respect to the Chief Prosecutor of the Coast Guard; and (B) to address the workforce training recommendations set forth in the memorandum of the Coast Guard titled Commandant’s Directed Actions—Accountability and Transparency , issued on November 27, 2023. (2) Collaboration In revising the curriculum under this subsection, the Commandant shall solicit input from individuals outside the Coast Guard who are experts in sexual assault and sexual harassment prevention and response training. (b) Covered misconduct prevention and response training and education (1) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall ensure that all members and civilian employees of the Coast Guard are provided with annual covered misconduct prevention and response training and education for the purpose of strengthening individual knowledge, skills, and capacity relating to the prevention of and response to covered misconduct. (2) Scope The training and education referred to in paragraph (1)— (A) shall be provided as part of— (i) initial entry and accession training; (ii) annual refresher training; (iii) initial and recurring training courses for covered first responders; (iv) new and prospective commanding officer and executive officer training; and (v) specialized leadership training; and (B) shall be tailored for specific leadership levels, positions, pay grades, and roles. (3) Content The training and education referred to in paragraph (1) shall include the information described in subsection (a)(1)(A). (c) Covered first responder training (1) In general Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall ensure that— (A) training for covered first responders includes the covered misconduct prevention and response training described in subsection (b); and (B) such covered misconduct prevention and response training is provided to covered first responders on a recurring basis. (2) Requirements In addition to the information described in subsection (a)(1)(A), the initial and recurring covered misconduct prevention and response training for covered first responders shall include information on procedures and responsibilities with respect to— (A) the provision of care to a victim of covered misconduct, in accordance with professional standards or practice, that accounts for trauma experienced by the victim and associated symptoms or events that may exacerbate such trauma; and (B) the manner in which such a victim may receive such care. (d) Training for prospective commanding officers and executive officers (1) In general Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall ensure that training for prospective commanders and executive officers at all levels of command includes the covered misconduct prevention and response training described in subsection (b). (2) Requirements In addition to the information described in subsection (a)(1)(A), the covered misconduct prevention and response training for prospective commanding officers and executive officers shall be— (A) tailored to the responsibilities and leadership requirements of members of the Coast Guard as they are assigned to command positions; and (B) revised, as necessary, to include information on— (i) fostering a command climate— (I) that does not tolerate covered misconduct; (II) in which individuals assigned to the command are encouraged to intervene to prevent potential incidents of covered misconduct; and (III) that encourages victims of covered misconduct to report any incident of covered misconduct; (ii) the possible variations in the effect of trauma on individuals who have experienced covered misconduct; (iii) potential differences in the procedures and responsibilities, Department of Veterans Affairs resources, and legal resources described in subsection (a)(1)(A) depending on the operating environment in which an incident of covered misconduct occurred; (iv) the investigation of alleged incidents of covered misconduct, including training on understanding evidentiary standards; (v) available disciplinary options, including administrative action and deferral of discipline for collateral misconduct, and examples of disciplinary options in civilian jurisdictions; and (vi) the capability, operations, reporting structure, and requirements with respect to the Chief Prosecutor of the Coast Guard. (e) Entry and accession trainings (1) Initial training (A) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall provide for the inclusion of an initial covered misconduct prevention and response training module in the training for each new member of the Coast Guard, which shall be provided not later than 14 duty days after the date of accession. (B) Requirement In addition to the information described in subsection (a)(1)(A), the initial training module referred to in subparagraph (A) shall include a comprehensive explanation of Coast Guard— (i) policy with respect to covered misconduct; and (ii) procedures for reporting covered misconduct. (2) Subsequent training (A) In general The Commandant shall provide for the inclusion of a detailed covered misconduct prevention and response training module in the training for each new member of the Coast Guard, which shall be provided not later than 60 duty days after the date on which the initial training module described in paragraph (1)(A) is provided. (B) Content The detailed training module referred to in subparagraph (A) shall include the information described in subsection (a)(1)(A). (f) Definitions In this section: (1) Covered first responder The term covered first responder includes sexual assault response coordinators, victim advocates, Coast Guard medical officers, Coast Guard security forces, Coast Guard Investigative Service agents, judge advocates, special victims’ counsel, chaplains, and related personnel. (2) Covered misconduct The term covered misconduct has the meaning given such term in section 2519 of title 14, United States Code. VI Comptroller General Reports

Sec. 601Comptroller General report on Coast Guard research, development, and innovation program

Within 18 months after the Act becomes law, the Comptroller General must report to the Senate Commerce Committee and House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on the state of the Coast Guard's research, development, and innovation program over the prior 5 years. The report must evaluate how the Coast Guard picks projects for that program; analyze how it determines and requests funding for the program and its projects, aligned with the fiscal year; assess how it sets goals and measures the impact of successful projects on its operations and mission; assess how it evaluates the benefits of partnering with the Department of Defense and others, and how it manages related challenges; analyze how the Commandant works with partners to move projects faster from research and testing into production; assess how the authority to use flexible research agreements other than standard contracts and grants has been used, and what training or resources are needed to use it more; evaluate the role of the Blue Tech Center of Expertise; and recommend what authorization, staffing, infrastructure, and other resources are needed to move technology from prototype to production faster. The Comptroller General may consult the maritime and aviation industries, the Secretary of Defense, the intelligence community, and relevant research institutions, nonprofits, and universities.

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601. Comptroller General report on Coast Guard research, development, and innovation program (a) In general Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on the state of the research, development, and innovation program of the Coast Guard during the 5-year period ending on such date of enactment. (b) Elements The report required by subsection (a) shall include the following: (1) An evaluation and description of the process for selecting projects to be carried out under the research, development, and innovation program of the Coast Guard. (2) An analysis of the manner in which funding needs are determined and requested for such program, and for the activities and projects of such program, in alignment with the appropriate fiscal year. (3) An assessment of the manner in which the Coast Guard determines desired outcomes, and measures the impact, of successful projects on the execution of the operations and mission of the Coast Guard. (4) An assessment of the manner in which the Coast Guard evaluates impacts and benefits of partnerships between the Coast Guard and the Department of Defense and other entities, and a description of the extent to which and manner in which the Coast Guard is leveraging such benefits and identifying and managing any potential challenge. (5) An analysis of the manner in which the Commandant is working with partners to accelerate project transition from research, testing, evaluation, and prototype to production. (6) An assessment of the manner in which the authority to enter into transactions other than contracts and grants pursuant to sections 719 and 1158 of title 14, United States Code, has been exercised by the Commandant, and a description of any training or resources necessary (including additional agreements for officers and training) to more fully exercise such authority. (7) An evaluation of the role of the Blue Tech Center of Expertise established in section 302 of the Coast Guard Blue Technology Center of Expertise Act ( Public Law 115–265 ). (8) Recommendations regarding authorization, personnel, infrastructure, and other requirements necessary for the expeditious transition of technologies developed under such program from prototype to production in the field. (c) Consultation In developing the report required under subsection (a), the Comptroller General may consult with— (1) the maritime and aviation industries; (2) the Secretary of Defense; (3) the intelligence community; and (4) any relevant— (A) federally funded research institutions; (B) nongovernmental organizations; and (C) institutions of higher education.

Sec. 602Comptroller General review of quality and availability of Coast Guard behavioral health care and resources for personnel wellness

Within 60 days after the Act becomes law, the Comptroller General must begin reviewing the quality and availability of behavioral health care and related resources for Coast Guard personnel, starting with Training Center Cape May and then covering the Coast Guard Academy, including Officer Candidate School, and other training locations. For each location, the review must assess, with 10 years of trend data where available, the resources devoted to behavioral health services; how the Coast Guard manages treatment for recruits, cadets, candidates, or other personnel in a behavioral health crisis, including transfers between facilities; what physical spaces and resources exist to manage such crises; what behavioral health screenings are required, compared with similar Department of Defense screenings; whether the Coast Guard has assessed whether its resources and services are adequate, and what gaps, such as resilience or life-skills coaching, still need filling; how care transfers are managed, including command input and privacy; how well the Coast Guard has studied what contributes to behavioral health crises among new personnel; and how far the Coast Guard has addressed provider staffing and credentialing problems identified in a February 2022 Comptroller General report. The Comptroller General must report as soon as practicable, but no later than one year, on Training Center Cape May, and within one year on the Coast Guard Academy, Officer Candidate School, and other training locations, sending both reports, with recommendations, to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and Senate Commerce Committee.

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602. Comptroller General review of quality and availability of Coast Guard behavioral health care and resources for personnel wellness (a) In general Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall commence a review of the quality and availability of behavioral health care and related resources for Coast Guard personnel at the locations described in subsection (b). (b) Locations to be reviewed In conducting the review under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall— (1) first review the practices and policies relating to the availability of behavioral health care and related resources at Training Center Cape May; and (2) review such practices and policies at— (A) the Coast Guard Academy, including Officer Candidate School; and (B) other Coast Guard training locations, as applicable. (c) Elements The review conducted under subsection (a) shall include, for each location described in subsection (b), an assessment, and a description of available trend information (as applicable) for the 10-year period preceding the date of the review, with respect to each of the following: (1) The nature of Coast Guard resources directed toward behavioral health services at the location. (2) The manner in which the Coast Guard has managed treatment for recruits, cadets, officer candidates, or other personnel who may be experiencing a behavioral health crisis at the location (including individuals who have transferred to other buildings or facilities within the location). (3) The extent to which the Coast Guard has identified the resources, such as physical spaces and facilities, necessary to manage behavioral health challenges and crises that Coast Guard personnel may face at the location. (4) The behavioral health screenings required by the Coast Guard for recruits, cadets, officer candidates, or other personnel at the location, and the manner in which such screenings compare with screenings required by the Department of Defense for military recruits, service academy cadets, officer candidates, or other personnel at military service accession points. (5) Whether the Coast Guard has assessed the adequacy of behavioral health resources and services for recruits, cadets, officer candidates, and other personnel at the location, and if so, the additional services and resources (such as resilience and life skills coaching), if any, needed to address any potential gaps. (6) The manner in which the Coast Guard manages care transfers related to behavior health at the location, including command and other management input and privacy policies. (7) The extent to which the Coast Guard has evaluated contributing factors or reasons for behavioral health crises experienced by newly enlisted personnel, cadets, officer candidates, or other personnel at the location. (8) The extent to which the Coast Guard has addressed, at the location, provider care staffing standards and credentialing deficiencies identified in the report of the Comptroller General titled Coast Guard Health Care: Improvements Needed for Determining Staffing Needs and Monitoring Access to Care , issued on February 4, 2022. (d) Reports The Comptroller General shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives— (1) as soon as practicable but not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, a report relating to the results of the review conducted under subsection (a) relating to Training Center Cape May, including any recommendations the Comptroller General considers appropriate; and (2) not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act— (A) a report on the results of the review conducted under subsection (a) relating to— (i) the Coast Guard Academy, including Officer Candidate School; and (ii) other Coast Guard training locations, as applicable; and (B) any recommendations the Comptroller General considers appropriate.

Sec. 603Comptroller General study on Coast Guard efforts to reduce prevalence of missing or incomplete medical records and sharing of medical data with Department of Veterans Affairs and other entities

Within one year after the Act becomes law, the Comptroller General must begin a study of the Commandant's efforts to cut down on missing or incomplete medical records, share member medical data with the Department of Veterans Affairs, and make electronic health records easy to access and use. The study must review the steps taken to reduce missing or incomplete records; how the electronic health record system has changed record management, including how private-provider records get added, progress putting the system on ships' sick bays, how records are shared with Veterans Affairs, and other effects on member health; and how well Coast Guard and Department of Defense medical staff, Veterans Affairs staff, and others can access and search these electronic records. Once done, the Comptroller General must report the results to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Senate Commerce Committee.

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603. Comptroller General study on Coast Guard efforts to reduce prevalence of missing or incomplete medical records and sharing of medical data with Department of Veterans Affairs and other entities (a) Study Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall commence a study assessing the efforts of the Commandant— (1) to reduce the prevalence of missing or incomplete medical records; (2) to share medical data of members of the Coast Guard with the Department of Veterans Affairs; and (3) to ensure that electronic health records are provided in a format that is user friendly and easy to access. (b) Elements In conducting the study under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall review the following: (1) The steps the Commandant has taken to reduce the prevalence of missing or incomplete medical records of members of the Coast Guard. (2) How implementation of an electronic health record system has affected the ability of the Commandant to manage health records of members of the Coast Guard, including— (A) how the Commandant adds records from private medical providers to the electronic health record system; (B) the progress of the Commandant toward implementing the electronic health record system in shipboard sick bays of the Coast Guard; (C) how the Coast Guard shares medical records with the Department of Veterans Affairs; and (D) any other matter the Comptroller General considers appropriate with respect to medical record storage, use, and sharing and the associated consequences for member health and well-being. (3) The ability of members of the Coast Guard, medical professionals of the Coast Guard and of the Department of Defense, personnel of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and other personnel to access and search, as appropriate, the electronic health records of individuals, including the ability to search or quickly find information within electronic health records. (c) Report Upon completion of the study under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report containing the results of the study under subsection (a).

Sec. 604Comptroller General study on Coast Guard training facility infrastructure

Within 180 days after the Act becomes law, the Comptroller General must begin a study of infrastructure needs at 15 named Coast Guard training facilities: the Coast Guard Academy and Leadership Development Center in New London, Connecticut; Training Center Cape May, New Jersey; Training Center Petaluma, California; Training Center Yorktown, Virginia; the Maritime Law Enforcement Academy in Charleston, South Carolina; the Special Missions Training Center at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina; the Gulf, North Pacific, Northeast, Southeast, and Pacific Regional Fisheries Training Centers, in New Orleans, Kodiak, Cape Cod, Charleston, and Alameda respectively; the National Motor Lifeboat School at Cape Disappointment, Washington; and the Aviation Technical Training Center in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, and Aviation Training Center in Mobile, Alabama. For each facility, the study must summarize capital and equipment-upgrade needs; assess what improvements, including pools, simulators, and marksmanship ranges, are needed to meet training goals; describe what resources are needed to meet all training needs; assess security gaps in base, facility, and berthing access; identify exposed hazards unrelated to training; identify hazardous materials such as lead paint, asbestos, black mold, radon, and contaminated drinking water; and assess the need for and cost of cleaning those up. It must also evaluate how the Coast Guard identifies, monitors, and builds its training facilities. Within one year after starting, the Comptroller General must report the findings to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and Senate Commerce Committee.

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604. Comptroller General study on Coast Guard training facility infrastructure (a) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall commence a study on Coast Guard training facility infrastructure, including the specific needs of the Coast Guard training facilities described in subsection (c). (b) Elements The study required under subsection (a) shall include the following: (1) With respect to each Coast Guard training facility described in subsection (c)— (A) a summary of capital needs, including construction and repair; (B) a summary of equipment upgrade backlogs; (C) an assessment of necessary improvements, including improvements to essential training equipment (including swimming pools, operational simulators, and marksmanship training ranges) to enable the Coast Guard to achieve all operational training objectives; (D) a description of the resources necessary to fully address all training needs; (E) an assessment of any security deficiency, including with respect to base access, training facility access, and trainee berthing area access; (F) an identification of any exposed hazard that does not serve a training purpose; (G) an identification of the presence of hazardous or toxic materials, including— (i) lead-based paint; (ii) asbestos or products that contain asbestos; (iii) black mold; (iv) radon; and (v) contaminated drinking water; and (H) an assessment of the need for, and estimated cost of, remediation of such toxic materials. (2) An evaluation of the process used by the Coast Guard to identify, monitor, and construct Coast Guard training facilities. (c) Coast Guard training facilities described The Coast Guard training facilities described in this subsection are the following: (1) The Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut. (2) The Leadership Development Center in New London, Connecticut. (3) Training Center Cape May, New Jersey. (4) Training Center Petaluma, California. (5) Training Center Yorktown, Virginia. (6) The Maritime Law Enforcement Academy in Charleston, South Carolina. (7) The Special Missions Training Center at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. (8) The Gulf Regional Fisheries Training Center (GRFTC) in New Orleans, Louisiana. (9) The North Pacific Regional Fisheries Training Center (NPRFTC) in Kodiak, Alaska. (10) The Northeast Regional Fisheries Training Center (NRFTC) at Cape Cod, Massachusetts. (11) The Southeast Regional Fisheries Training Center (SRFTC) in Charleston, South Carolina. (12) The Pacific Regional Fisheries Training Center (PRFTC) in Alameda, California. (13) The National Motor Lifeboat School at Cape Disappointment, Washington. (14) The Aviation Technical Training Center in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. (15) The Aviation Training Center in Mobile, Alabama. (d) Report Not later than 1 year after commencing the study required under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on the findings of the study.

Sec. 605Comptroller General study on Coast Guard basic allowance for housing

Within 90 days after the Department of Defense issues its Fourteenth Quadrennial Review of Military Compensation, the Comptroller General must begin a study of the Coast Guard's role in determining adequate housing costs and calculating the basic allowance for housing. The study must identify Coast Guard duty locations where that allowance falls below 95 percent of the local cost of adequate housing, and analyze the anchor points used to set minimum housing standards, including their methodology and any gaps between them and housing standards for other services, the military housing boundary areas affecting the Coast Guard, how the Commandant monitors housing allowance rates, and how often the Commandant reviews the site visits the Department of Defense uses to set those boundaries. Within one year after starting, the Comptroller General must report the findings and any recommendations to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Senate Commerce Committee, and the Commandant. Within one year after that, the Commandant must send the two committees an implementation plan, with timeframes and milestones, for any recommendations adopted, and written reasons for any declined.

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605. Comptroller General study on Coast Guard basic allowance for housing (a) In general Not later than 90 days after the date on which the Department of Defense issues the report on the Fourteenth Quadrennial Review of Military Compensation, the Comptroller General of the United States shall commence a study of Coast Guard involvement in, and efforts to support, the determination of the cost of adequate housing and the calculation of the basic allowance for housing under section 403 of title 37, United States Code. (b) Elements The study required under subsection (a) shall include, to the extent practicable, the following: (1) An identification of Coast Guard duty locations in which there is a misalignment between the basic allowance for housing rate and the prevailing housing cost for members of the Coast Guard such that the basic allowance for housing is less than 95 percent of the monthly cost of adequate housing for such members in the corresponding military housing area. (2) An analysis of each of the following: (A) Anchor points, including— (i) the methodology for the establishment of anchor points; and (ii) with respect to housing provided as part of a public-private venture and Government-owned and Government-leased housing, the disparities between established anchor points and housing standards across the armed forces (as such term is defined in section 101 of title 10, United States Code). (B) Existing military housing boundary areas that affect the Coast Guard. (C) Actions taken by the Commandant to comprehensively monitor basic allowance for housing rates for Coast Guard duty locations. (D) The frequency of reviews conducted by the Commandant of the site visits used by the Department of Defense to inform military housing area boundaries. (c) Report Not later than 1 year after the date on which the study required under subsection (a) commences, the Comptroller General shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, and the Commandant a report on the findings of the study, including any recommendation the Comptroller General considers appropriate. (d) Plan Not later than 1 year after the date on which the report required by subsection (c) is submitted to the Commandant, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives— (1) an implementation plan, including timeframes and milestones, addressing any recommendation made by the Comptroller General in such report, as the Commandant considers appropriate; and (2) with respect to any recommendation set forth in such report that the Commandant declines to implement, a written justification for the decision. (e) Anchor point defined In this section, the term anchor point — (1) means the minimum housing standard reference benchmark used to establish the basic allowance for housing under section 403 of title 37, United States Code; and (2) includes housing type and size based on pay grade and dependent status.

Sec. 606Comptroller General report on safety and security infrastructure at Coast Guard Academy

Within one year after the Act becomes law, the Comptroller General must report to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and Senate Commerce Committee on safety and security infrastructure at the Coast Guard Academy, assessing existing security measures for the grounds, buildings, and athletic facilities; how the Coast Guard manages and stores the data those measures produce; security needs for large campus events; access policies for current and former members and employees, resident personnel and cadets' families, and the public; existing processes to bar campus access for anyone court-martialed or administratively disciplined for sexual misconduct; how no-contact-order access restrictions are enforced; and recommendations to improve Academy security and safety. Within 180 days after that report, the Commandant must send the same two committees a detailed improvement plan and implementation timeline, and within 30 days after the report, the Commandant, while maintaining good order and discipline, must update Academy access policy to include procedures for barring access consistent with the Comptroller General's recommendations.

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606. Comptroller General report on safety and security infrastructure at Coast Guard Academy (a) GAO report (1) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on the safety and security infrastructure at the Coast Guard Academy. (2) Elements The report required under paragraph (1) shall include an assessment of each of the following: (A) Existing security infrastructure for the grounds, buildings, athletic facilities, and any other facility of the Coast Guard Academy, including access points, locks, surveillance, and other security methods, as appropriate. (B) Coast Guard policies with respect to the management, data storage and access, and operational capacity of the security infrastructure and methods evaluated under subparagraph (A). (C) Special security needs relating to events at the Coast Guard Academy, such as large athletic events and other widely attended events. (D) Coast Guard policies and procedures with respect to access to Coast Guard Academy grounds by— (i) current or former members of the Coast Guard; (ii) current or former civilian employees of the Coast Guard; (iii) Coast Guard personnel that reside at the Academy and families of cadets; and (iv) members of the public. (E) Existing processes by which the Commandant, the Superintendent of the Coast Guard Academy, or a designated individual may prohibit or restrict access to Coast Guard Academy grounds by any current or former member or civilian employee of the Coast Guard who— (i) has been subject to court-martial under the Uniform Code of Military Justice for sexual misconduct; or (ii) has been administratively disciplined for sexual misconduct. (F) Enforcement processes regarding access to Coast Guard Academy grounds for individuals (including current and former cadets, members, and civilian employees of the Coast Guard) who are or have been subject to a no-contact order relating to— (i) a cadet or member of the faculty of the Academy; or (ii) any other individual with access to Academy grounds. (G) Recommendations to improve— (i) the security of the Coast Guard Academy; and (ii) the safety of— (I) cadets at the Coast Guard Academy; and (II) members of the Coast Guard stationed at, and civilian employees of, the Coast Guard Academy. (b) Actions by Commandant (1) Report Not later than 180 days after the date on which the Comptroller General submits the report required under subsection (a), the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report that includes— (A) a detailed plan to improve the security of, and the safety of cadets at, the Coast Guard Academy; and (B) a detailed timeline for implementation of— (i) the recommendations made by the Comptroller General in such report; and (ii) any other safety improvement the Commandant considers appropriate. (2) Policy Not later than 30 days after the date on which the Comptroller General submits the report required under subsection (a), the Commandant, in a manner that maintains good order and discipline, shall update Coast Guard policy relating to access to the Coast Guard Academy grounds to include procedures by which individuals may be prohibited from accessing the Coast Guard Academy— (A) as the Commandant considers appropriate; and (B) consistent with the recommendations made by the Comptroller General in such report.

Sec. 607Comptroller General study and report on permanent change of station process

Within one year after the Act becomes law, the Comptroller General must begin a study evaluating how well the Coast Guard's permanent change of station process works. Within one year after starting, the Comptroller General must report to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and Senate Commerce Committee describing the Coast Guard's permanent change of station policies and spending; evaluating how effective contracted movers are, including costs from lost or damaged belongings, scheduling delays, and delayed deliveries; reviewing policy changes over the past 10 years and their costs or savings; and recommending ways to improve the process.

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607. Comptroller General study and report on permanent change of station process (a) Study Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall commence a study to evaluate the effectiveness of the permanent change of station process of the Coast Guard. (b) Report (1) In general Not later than 1 year after commencing the study required by subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on the findings of the study. (2) Elements The report required by paragraph (1) shall include the following: (A) A description of the permanent change of station policies of the Coast Guard. (B) A description of Coast Guard spending on permanent change of station moves and associated support costs. (C) An evaluation of the effectiveness of using contracted movers for permanent change of station moves, including the estimated costs associated with— (i) lost or damaged personal property of members of the Coast Guard; (ii) delays in scheduling such a move through a contracted mover; (iii) delayed delivery of household goods; and (iv) other related challenges. (D) A review of changes to permanent change of station policies implemented during the 10-year period ending on the date of enactment of this Act, and the costs or savings to the Coast Guard directly associated with such changes. (E) Recommendations to improve the permanent change of station process of the Coast Guard. (F) Any additional information or related matter arising from the study, as the Comptroller General considers appropriate. VII Amendments

Sec. 701Amendments

This section makes a long list of technical corrections across Coast Guard and oil pollution law, fixing wording and updating cross-references without changing what the underlying rules require. It corrects a wording error in section 70022(b)(1) of title 46; fixes punctuation in section 70116(b) so that terrorism and cyber read as separate listed threats; updates outdated citations in sections 70118(a) and 70131(2) of title 46 to point to the correct, renumbered sections of that title; moves the notice-of-arrival requirement for vessels on the outer continental shelf, currently sitting in a 2012 Coast Guard law, directly into section 70001 of title 46 as a new subsection, renumbering the subsections after it; and fixes several other outdated cross-references and minor wording and punctuation errors throughout title 46, including in its tables of contents. It also fixes a series of outdated cross-references in the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, including updated paragraph numbering after an earlier definition was restructured, and in the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998, updating references from Act to title and to a renumbered chapter, reflecting the fact that this law has since been folded into a larger title. None of these changes are described as altering who is covered by these laws or what they require substantively.

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701. Amendments (a) Prohibition on entry and operation Section 70022(b)(1) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking Federal Register and inserting the Federal Register . (b) Port, harbor, and coastal facility security Section 70116(b) of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) in paragraph (1) by striking terrorism cyber and inserting terrorism, cyber ; and (2) in paragraph (2) by inserting a comma after acts of terrorism . (c) Enforcement by state and local officers Section 70118(a) of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) by striking section 1 of title II of the Act of June 15, 1917 (chapter 30; 50 U.S.C. 191 ) and inserting section 70051 ; and (2) by striking section 7(b) of the Ports and Waterways Safety Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1226(b) ) and inserting section 70116(b) . (d) Chapter 701 definitions Section 70131(2) of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) by striking section 1 of title II of the Act of June 15, 1917 ( 50 U.S.C. 191 ) and inserting section 70051 ; and (2) by striking section 7(b) of the Ports and Waterways Safety Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1226(b) ) and inserting section 70116(b) . (e) Notice of arrival requirements for vessels on the outer continental shelf (1) Preparatory conforming amendment Section 70001 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by redesignating subsections (l) and (m) as subsections (m) and (n), respectively. (2) Transfer of provision Section 704 of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act 2012 ( Public Law 112–213 ; 46 U.S.C. 70001 note) is— (A) amended by striking of title 46, United States Code, ; (B) amended by striking ( 33 U.S.C. 1223 note) and inserting ( 46 U.S.C. 70001 note) ; (C) transferred to appear after 70001(k) of title 46, United States Code; and (D) redesignated as subsection (l). (f) Title 46 Title 46, United States Code, is amended as follows: (1) Section 2101(2) is amended by striking section 1 and inserting section 101 . (2) Section 2116(b)(1)(D) is amended by striking section 93(c) and inserting section 504(c) . (3) In the analysis for subtitle VII by striking the period after 70001 in the item relating to chapter 700. (4) In the analysis for chapter 700 by striking the item relating to section 70006 and inserting the following: 70006. Establishment by Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating of anchorage grounds and regulations generally. . (5) In the heading for subchapter IV in the analysis for chapter 700 by inserting a comma after Definitions . (6) In the heading for subchapter VI in the analysis for chapter 700 by striking of the United and inserting of United . (7) Section 70052(e)(1) is amended by striking section 4197 of the Revised Statutes of the United States ( 46 U.S.C. App. 91 ) and inserting section 60105 . (g) Oil pollution act of 1990 The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 ( 33 U.S.C. 2701 et seq. ) is amended as follows: (1) Section 1001 ( 33 U.S.C. 2701 ) is amended— (A) in paragraph (32)(G) by striking pipeline and all that follows through offshore facility and inserting pipeline, offshore facility ; (B) in paragraph (39) by striking section 101(20)(G)(i) and inserting section 101(20)(H)(i) ; (C) in paragraph (40) by striking section 101(20)(G)(ii) and inserting section 101(20)(H)(ii) ; (D) ) in paragraph (41) by striking section 101(20)(G)(iii) and inserting section 101(20)(H)(iii) ; (E) in paragraph (42) by striking section 101(20)(G)(iv) and inserting section 101(20)(H)(iv) ; (F) in paragraph (43) by striking section 101(20)(G)(v) and inserting section 101(20)(H)(v) ; and (G) in paragraph (44) by striking section 101(20)(G)(vi) and inserting section 101(20)(H)(vi) . (2) Section 1003(d)(6) ( 33 U.S.C. 2703(d)(6) ) is amended by striking this paragraph and inserting this subsection . (3) Section 1016 ( 33 U.S.C. 2716 ) is amended— (A) by redesignating subsections (e) through (i) as subsections (d) through (h), respectively; and (B) in subsection (e)(1)(B), as redesignated by subparagraph (A), by striking subsection (e) and inserting subsection (d) . (4) Section 1012(b)(2) ( 33 U.S.C. 2712(b)(2) ) is amended by striking section 1016(f)(1) and inserting section 1016(e)(1) . (5) Section 1005(b)(5)(B) ( 33 U.S.C. 2716(b)(5)(B) ) is amended by striking section 1016(g) and inserting section 2716(f) . (6) Section 1018(c) ( 33 U.S.C. 2718(c) ) is amended by striking the Act of March 3, 1851 ( 46 U.S.C. 183 et seq. ) and inserting chapter 305 of title 46, United States Code . (7) Section 7001(h)(1) ( 33 U.S.C. 2761(h)(1) ) is amended by striking subsection (c)(4) and inserting subsection (e)(4) . (h) Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998 Section 303 of the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998 ( 33 U.S.C. 892a ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a) by striking Act and inserting title ; and (2) in subsection (b)— (A) by striking Act and inserting title ; and (B) by striking subchapter IV of chapter 10 and inserting chapter 11 .

AI plain languageRead the whole bill in plain language, 154 sections

Where it is

Introduced · 2025-07-02

In the House.

Passed the House · 2025-07-23
Senate floor vote · next · the next step

Official documents

The on-site text is shown verbatim from the GovInfo publication, captured 2026-07-23. The same version at GovInfo.

The numbers

29%
of bills that passed one chamber became law in the 118th Congress, 2023 to 2024 (n=939)
5
sponsors, out of 218 needed to pass

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ROBERTSON MONAGLE & EASTAUGH PC (ON BEHALF OF CITY OF SEWARD AK)via BLANK ROME GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
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From 133 filings in federal lobbying disclosures (LDA), via lda.gov, naming this bill (2025 to 2026). Filings are self-reported by lobbying firms and show who is paid to influence this bill. They do not say which side, or whether it worked.
Every fact on this page links to its source, starting with the official bill record. Last action: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (2025-07-23).