[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 146 (Wednesday, December 3, 2014)]
[House]
[Pages H8289-H8305]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HOWARD COBLE COAST GUARD AND MARITIME TRANSPORTATION ACT OF 2014

  Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
bill (H.R. 5769) to authorize appropriations for the Coast Guard for 
fiscal year 2015, and for other purposes.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                               H.R. 5769

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Howard Coble Coast Guard and 
     Maritime Transportation Act of 2014''.

     SEC. 2. TABLE OF CONTENTS.

       The table of contents for this Act is the following:

Sec. 1. Short title.
Sec. 2. Table of contents.

                         TITLE I--AUTHORIZATION

Sec. 101. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 102. Authorized levels of military strength and training.

                         TITLE II--COAST GUARD

Sec. 201. Commissioned officers.
Sec. 202. Commandant; appointment.
Sec. 203. Prevention and response workforces.
Sec. 204. Centers of expertise.
Sec. 205. Penalties.
Sec. 206. Agreements.
Sec. 207. Tuition assistance program coverage of textbooks and other 
              educational materials.
Sec. 208. Coast Guard housing.
Sec. 209. Lease authority.
Sec. 210. Notification of certain determinations.
Sec. 211. Annual Board of Visitors.
Sec. 212. Flag officers.
Sec. 213. Repeal of limitation on medals of honor.
Sec. 214. Coast Guard family support and child care.
Sec. 215. Mission need statement.
Sec. 216. Transmission of annual Coast Guard authorization request.
Sec. 217. Inventory of real property.
Sec. 218. Retired service members and dependents serving on advisory 
              committees.
Sec. 219. Active duty for emergency augmentation of regular forces.
Sec. 220. Acquisition workforce expedited hiring authority.
Sec. 221. Coast Guard administrative savings.
Sec. 222. Technical corrections to title 14.
Sec. 223. Multiyear procurement authority for Offshore Patrol Cutters.
Sec. 224. Maintaining Medium Endurance Cutter mission capability.
Sec. 225. Aviation capability in the Great Lakes region.
Sec. 226. Gaps in writings on Coast Guard history.
Sec. 227. Officer evaluation reports.
Sec. 228. Improved safety information for vessels.
Sec. 229. E-LORAN.
Sec. 230. Analysis of resource deficiencies with respect to maritime 
              border security.
Sec. 231. Modernization of National Distress and Response System.
Sec. 232. Report reconciling maintenance and operational priorities on 
              the Missouri River.
Sec. 233. Maritime Search and Rescue Assistance Policy assessment.

[[Page H8290]]

                   TITLE III--SHIPPING AND NAVIGATION

Sec. 301. Repeal.
Sec. 302. Donation of historical property.
Sec. 303. Small shipyards.
Sec. 304. Drug testing reporting.
Sec. 305. Opportunities for sea service veterans.
Sec. 306. Clarification of high-risk waters.
Sec. 307. Technical corrections.
Sec. 308. Report.
Sec. 309. Fishing safety grant programs.
Sec. 310. Establishment of Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory 
              Committee.
Sec. 311. Travel and subsistence costs for prevention services.
Sec. 312. Prompt intergovernmental notice of marine casualties.
Sec. 313. Area Contingency Plans.
Sec. 314. International ice patrol reform.
Sec. 315. Offshore supply vessel third-party inspection.
Sec. 316. Watches.
Sec. 317. Coast Guard response plan requirements.
Sec. 318. Regional Citizens' Advisory Council.
Sec. 319. Uninspected passenger vessels in the United States Virgin 
              Islands.
Sec. 320. Treatment of abandoned seafarers.
Sec. 321. Enforcement.
Sec. 322. Coast Guard regulations.
Sec. 323. Website.

                 TITLE IV--FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION

Sec. 401. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 402. Award of reparations.
Sec. 403. Terms of Commissioners.

                TITLE V--ARCTIC MARITIME TRANSPORTATION

Sec. 501. Arctic maritime transportation.
Sec. 502. Arctic maritime domain awareness.
Sec. 503. IMO Polar Code negotiations.
Sec. 504. Forward operating facilities.
Sec. 505. Icebreakers.
Sec. 506. Icebreaking in polar regions.

                        TITLE VI--MISCELLANEOUS

Sec. 601. Distant water tuna fleet.
Sec. 602. Extension of moratorium.
Sec. 603. National maritime strategy.
Sec. 604. Waivers.
Sec. 605. Competition by United States flag vessels.
Sec. 606. Vessel requirements for notices of arrival and departure and 
              automatic identification system.
Sec. 607. Conveyance of Coast Guard property in Rochester, New York.
Sec. 608. Conveyance of certain property in Gig Harbor, Washington.
Sec. 609. Vessel determination.
Sec. 610. Safe vessel operation in Thunder Bay.
Sec. 611. Parking facilities.

                         TITLE I--AUTHORIZATION

     SEC. 101. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       Funds are authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 
     2015 for necessary expenses of the Coast Guard as follows:
       (1) For the operation and maintenance of the Coast Guard, 
     $6,981,036,000.
       (2) For the acquisition, construction, rebuilding, and 
     improvement of aids to navigation, shore and offshore 
     facilities, vessels, and aircraft, including equipment 
     related thereto, $1,546,448,000, to remain available until 
     expended.
       (3) For the Coast Guard Reserve program, including 
     personnel and training costs, equipment, and services, 
     $140,016,000.
       (4) For environmental compliance and restoration of Coast 
     Guard vessels, aircraft, and facilities (other than parts and 
     equipment associated with operation and maintenance), 
     $16,701,000, to remain available until expended.
       (5) To the Commandant of the Coast Guard for research, 
     development, test, and evaluation of technologies, materials, 
     and human factors directly related to improving the 
     performance of the Coast Guard's mission with respect to 
     search and rescue, aids to navigation, marine safety, marine 
     environmental protection, enforcement of laws and treaties, 
     ice operations, oceanographic research, and defense 
     readiness, $19,890,000.
       (6) For alteration or removal of bridges over navigable 
     waters of the United States constituting obstructions to 
     navigation, and for personnel and administrative costs 
     associated with the Alteration of Bridges Program, 
     $16,000,000.

     SEC. 102. AUTHORIZED LEVELS OF MILITARY STRENGTH AND 
                   TRAINING.

       (a) Active Duty Strength.--The Coast Guard is authorized an 
     end-of-year strength for active duty personnel of 43,000 for 
     fiscal year 2015.
       (b) Military Training Student Loads.--The Coast Guard is 
     authorized average military training student loads for fiscal 
     year 2015 as follows:
       (1) For recruit and special training, 2,500 student years.
       (2) For flight training, 165 student years.
       (3) For professional training in military and civilian 
     institutions, 350 student years.
       (4) For officer acquisition, 1,200 student years.

                         TITLE II--COAST GUARD

     SEC. 201. COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.

       Section 42(a) of title 14, United States Code, is amended 
     by striking ``7,200'' and inserting ``6,900''.

     SEC. 202. COMMANDANT; APPOINTMENT.

       Section 44 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by 
     inserting after the first sentence the following: ``The term 
     of an appointment, and any reappointment, shall begin on June 
     1 of the appropriate year and end on May 31 of the 
     appropriate year, except that, in the event of death, 
     retirement, resignation, or reassignment, or when the needs 
     of the Service demand, the Secretary may alter the date on 
     which a term begins or ends if the alteration does not result 
     in the term exceeding a period of 4 years.''.

     SEC. 203. PREVENTION AND RESPONSE WORKFORCES.

       Section 57 of title 14, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in paragraph (2) by striking ``or'' at the end;
       (B) in paragraph (3) by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting a semicolon; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(4) waterways operations manager shall have knowledge, 
     skill, and practical experience with respect to marine 
     transportation system management; or
       ``(5) port and facility safety and security specialist 
     shall have knowledge, skill, and practical experience with 
     respect to the safety, security, and environmental protection 
     responsibilities associated with maritime ports and 
     facilities.'';
       (2) in subsection (c) by striking ``or marine safety 
     engineer'' and inserting ``marine safety engineer, waterways 
     operations manager, or port and facility safety and security 
     specialist''; and
       (3) in subsection (f)(2) by striking ``investigator or 
     marine safety engineer.'' and inserting ``investigator, 
     marine safety engineer, waterways operations manager, or port 
     and facility safety and security specialist.''.

     SEC. 204. CENTERS OF EXPERTISE.

       Section 58(b) of title 14, United States Code, is amended 
     to read as follows:
       ``(b) Missions.--Any center established under subsection 
     (a) shall--
       ``(1) promote, facilitate, and conduct--
       ``(A) education;
       ``(B) training; and
       ``(C) activities authorized under section 93(a)(4);
       ``(2) be a repository of information on operations, 
     practices, and resources related to the mission for which the 
     center was established; and
       ``(3) perform and support the mission for which the center 
     was established.''.

     SEC. 205. PENALTIES.

       (a) Aids to Navigation and False Distress Messages.--
     Chapter 5 of title 14, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in section 83 by striking ``$100'' and inserting 
     ``$1,500'';
       (2) in section 84 by striking ``$500'' and inserting 
     ``$1,500'';
       (3) in section 85 by striking ``$100'' and inserting 
     ``$1,500''; and
       (4) in section 88(c)(2) by striking ``$5,000'' and 
     inserting ``$10,000''.
       (b) Unauthorized Use of Words ``Coast Guard''.--Section 639 
     of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking 
     ``$1,000'' and inserting ``$10,000''.

     SEC. 206. AGREEMENTS.

       (a) In General.--Section 93(a)(4) of title 14, United 
     States Code, is amended--
       (1) by striking ``, investigate'' and inserting ``and 
     investigate''; and
       (2) by striking ``, and cooperate and coordinate such 
     activities with other Government agencies and with private 
     agencies''.
       (b) Authority.--Chapter 5 of title 14, United States Code, 
     as amended by this Act, is further amended by adding at the 
     end the following:

     ``Sec. 102. Agreements

       ``(a) In General.--In carrying out section 93(a)(4), the 
     Commandant may--
       ``(1) enter into cooperative agreements, contracts, and 
     other agreements with--
       ``(A) Federal entities;
       ``(B) other public or private entities in the United 
     States, including academic entities; and
       ``(C) foreign governments with the concurrence of the 
     Secretary of State; and
       ``(2) impose on and collect from an entity subject to an 
     agreement or contract under paragraph (1) a fee to assist 
     with expenses incurred in carrying out such section.
       ``(b) Deposit and Use of Fees.--Fees collected under this 
     section shall be deposited in the general fund of the 
     Treasury as offsetting receipts. The fees may be used, to the 
     extent provided in advance in an appropriation law, only to 
     carry out activities under section 93(a)(4).''.
       (c) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for such chapter is 
     amended by adding at the end the following:

``102. Agreements.''.

     SEC. 207. TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM COVERAGE OF TEXTBOOKS 
                   AND OTHER EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS.

       Section 93(a)(7) of title 14, United States Code, is 
     amended by inserting ``and the textbooks, manuals, and other 
     materials required as part of such training or course of 
     instruction'' after ``correspondence courses''.

     SEC. 208. COAST GUARD HOUSING.

       (a) Commandant; General Powers.--Section 93(a)(13) of title 
     14, United States Code, is amended by striking ``the 
     Treasury'' and inserting ``the fund established under section 
     687''.
       (b) Lighthouse Property.--Section 672a(b) of title 14, 
     United States Code, is amended by striking ``the Treasury'' 
     and inserting ``the fund established under section 687''.
       (c) Conforming Amendment.--Section 687(b) of title 14, 
     United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:

[[Page H8291]]

       ``(4) Monies received under section 93(a)(13).
       ``(5) Amounts received under section 672a(b).''.

     SEC. 209. LEASE AUTHORITY.

       Section 93 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by 
     adding at the end the following:
       ``(f) Leasing of Tidelands and Submerged Lands.--
       ``(1) Authority.--The Commandant may lease under subsection 
     (a)(13) submerged lands and tidelands under the control of 
     the Coast Guard without regard to the limitation under that 
     subsection with respect to lease duration.
       ``(2) Limitation.--The Commandant may lease submerged lands 
     and tidelands under paragraph (1) only if--
       ``(A) lease payments are--
       ``(i) received exclusively in the form of cash;
       ``(ii) equal to the fair market value of the use of the 
     leased submerged lands or tidelands for the period during 
     which such lands are leased, as determined by the Commandant; 
     and
       ``(iii) deposited in the fund established under section 
     687; and
       ``(B) the lease does not provide authority to or commit the 
     Coast Guard to use or support any improvements to such 
     submerged lands or tidelands, or obtain goods or services 
     from the lessee.''.

     SEC. 210. NOTIFICATION OF CERTAIN DETERMINATIONS.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 5 of title 14, United States Code, 
     as amended by this Act, is further amended by adding at the 
     end the following:

     ``Sec. 103. Notification of certain determinations

       ``(a) In General.--At least 90 days prior to making a final 
     determination that a waterway, or a portion thereof, is 
     navigable for purposes of the jurisdiction of the Coast 
     Guard, the Commandant shall provide notification regarding 
     the proposed determination to--
       ``(1) the Governor of each State in which such waterway, or 
     portion thereof, is located;
       ``(2) the public; and
       ``(3) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives.
       ``(b) Content Requirement.--Each notification provided 
     under subsection (a) to an entity specified in paragraph (3) 
     of that subsection shall include--
       ``(1) an analysis of whether vessels operating on the 
     waterway, or portion thereof, subject to the proposed 
     determination are subject to inspection or similar regulation 
     by State or local officials;
       ``(2) an analysis of whether operators of commercial 
     vessels on such waterway, or portion thereof, are subject to 
     licensing or similar regulation by State or local officials; 
     and
       ``(3) an estimate of the annual costs that the Coast Guard 
     may incur in conducting operations on such waterway, or 
     portion thereof.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for such chapter, as 
     amended by this Act, is further amended by adding at the end 
     the following:

``103. Notification of certain determinations.''.

     SEC. 211. ANNUAL BOARD OF VISITORS.

       Section 194 of title 14, United States Code, is amended to 
     read as follows:

     ``Sec. 194. Annual Board of Visitors

       ``(a) In General.--A Board of Visitors to the Coast Guard 
     Academy is established 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 chairman of the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
     and Transportation of the Senate, or the chairman's designee.
       ``(B) The chairman of the Committee on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, or the 
     chairman's designee.
       ``(C) 3 Members of the Senate designated by the Vice 
     President.
       ``(D) 4 Members of the House of Representatives designated 
     by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
       ``(E) 6 individuals designated by the President.
       ``(2) Length of service.--
       ``(A) Members of congress.--A Member of Congress designated 
     under subparagraph (C) or (D) of paragraph (1) as a member of 
     the Board shall be designated as a member in the First 
     Session of a Congress and serve for the duration of that 
     Congress.
       ``(B) Individuals designated by the president.--Each 
     individual designated by the President under subparagraph (E) 
     of paragraph (1) 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.
       ``(3) 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) Academy Visits.--
       ``(1) Annual visit.--The Board shall visit the Academy 
     annually to review the operation of the Academy.
       ``(2) Additional visits.--With the approval of the 
     Secretary, the Board or individual members of the Board may 
     make other visits to the Academy in connection with the 
     duties of the Board or to consult with the Superintendent of 
     the Academy.
       ``(d) Scope of Review.--The Board shall review, with 
     respect to the Academy--
       ``(1) the state of morale and discipline;
       ``(2) the curriculum;
       ``(3) instruction;
       ``(4) physical equipment;
       ``(5) fiscal affairs; and
       ``(6) other matters relating to the Academy that the Board 
     determines appropriate.
       ``(e) Report.--Not later than 60 days after the date of an 
     annual visit of the Board under subsection (c)(1), the Board 
     shall submit 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 report on the actions of the Board during 
     such visit and the recommendations of the Board pertaining to 
     the Academy.
       ``(f) Advisors.--If approved by the Secretary, the Board 
     may consult with advisors in carrying out this section.
       ``(g) Reimbursement.--Each member of the Board and each 
     adviser consulted by the Board under subsection (f) 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 adviser.''.

     SEC. 212. FLAG OFFICERS.

       (a) In General.--Title 14, United States Code, is amended 
     by inserting after section 295 the following:

     ``Sec. 296. Flag officers

       ``During any period in which the Coast Guard is not 
     operating as a service in the Navy, section 1216(d) of title 
     10 does not apply with respect to flag officers of the Coast 
     Guard.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 11 of 
     title 14, United States Code, is amended by inserting after 
     the item relating to section 295 the following:

``296. Flag officers.''.

     SEC. 213. REPEAL OF LIMITATION ON MEDALS OF HONOR.

       Section 494 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by 
     striking ``medal of honor,'' each place it appears.

     SEC. 214. COAST GUARD FAMILY SUPPORT AND CHILD CARE.

       (a) In General.--Title 14, United States Code, as amended 
     by this Act, is further amended by inserting after chapter 13 
     the following:

        ``CHAPTER 14--COAST GUARD FAMILY SUPPORT AND CHILD CARE

                   ``subchapter i--general provisions

``Sec.
``531. Work-life policies and programs.
``532. Surveys of Coast Guard families.

               ``subchapter ii--coast guard family support

``542. Education and training opportunities for Coast Guard spouses.
``543. Youth sponsorship initiatives.

                ``subchapter iii--coast guard child care

``551. Definitions.
``553. Child development center standards and inspections.
``554. Child development center employees.
``555. Parent partnerships with child development centers.

                   ``SUBCHAPTER I--GENERAL PROVISIONS

     ``Sec. 531. Work-life policies and programs

       ``The Commandant is authorized--
       ``(1) to establish an office for the purpose of developing, 
     promulgating, and coordinating policies, programs, and 
     activities related to the families of Coast Guard members;
       ``(2) to implement and oversee policies, programs, and 
     activities described in paragraph (1) as the Commandant 
     considers necessary; and
       ``(3) to perform such other duties as the Commandant 
     considers necessary.

     ``Sec. 532. Surveys of Coast Guard families

       ``(a) Authority.--The Commandant, in order to determine the 
     effectiveness of Federal policies, programs, and activities 
     related to the families of Coast Guard members, may survey--
       ``(1) any Coast Guard member;
       ``(2) any retired Coast Guard member;
       ``(3) the immediate family of any Coast Guard member or 
     retired Coast Guard member; and
       ``(4) any survivor of a deceased Coast Guard member.
       ``(b) Voluntary Participation.--Participation in any survey 
     conducted under subsection (a) shall be voluntary.
       ``(c) Federal Recordkeeping.--Each person surveyed under 
     subsection (a) shall be considered an employee of the United 
     States for purposes of section 3502(3)(A)(i) of title 44.

              ``SUBCHAPTER II--COAST GUARD FAMILY SUPPORT

     ``Sec. 542. Education and training opportunities for Coast 
       Guard spouses

       ``(a) Tuition Assistance.--The Commandant may provide, 
     subject to the availability of appropriations, tuition 
     assistance to an eligible spouse to facilitate the 
     acquisition of--
       ``(1) education and training required for a degree or 
     credential at an accredited college, university, or technical 
     school in the United States that expands employment and 
     portable career opportunities for the spouse; or

[[Page H8292]]

       ``(2) education prerequisites and a professional license or 
     credential required, by a government or government-sanctioned 
     licensing body, for an occupation that expands employment and 
     portable career opportunities for the spouse.
       ``(b) Definitions.--In this section, the following 
     definitions apply:
       ``(1) Eligible spouse.--
       ``(A) In general.--The term `eligible spouse' means the 
     spouse of a member of the Coast Guard who is serving on 
     active duty and includes a spouse who receives transitional 
     compensation under section 1059 of title 10.
       ``(B) Exclusion.--The term `eligible spouse' does not 
     include a person who--
       ``(i) is married to, but legally separated from, a member 
     of the Coast Guard under a court order or statute of any 
     State or territorial possession of the United States; or
       ``(ii) is eligible for tuition assistance as a member of 
     the Armed Forces.
       ``(2) Portable career.--The term `portable career' includes 
     an occupation that requires education, training, or both that 
     results in a credential that is recognized by an industry, 
     profession, or specific type of business.

     ``Sec. 543. Youth sponsorship initiatives

       ``(a) In General.--The Commandant is authorized to 
     establish, within any Coast Guard unit, an initiative to help 
     integrate into new surroundings the dependent children of 
     members of the Coast Guard who received permanent change of 
     station orders.
       ``(b) Description of Initiative.--An initiative established 
     under subsection (a) shall--
       ``(1) provide for the involvement of a dependent child of a 
     member of the Coast Guard in the dependent child's new Coast 
     Guard community; and
       ``(2) primarily focus on preteen and teenaged children.
       ``(c) Authority.--In carrying out an initiative under 
     subsection (a), the Commandant may--
       ``(1) provide to a dependent child of a member of the Coast 
     Guard information on youth programs and activities available 
     in the dependent child's new Coast Guard community; and
       ``(2) enter into agreements with nonprofit entities to 
     provide youth programs and activities to such child.

                ``SUBCHAPTER III--COAST GUARD CHILD CARE

     ``Sec. 551. Definitions

       ``In this subchapter, the following definitions apply:
       ``(1) Child abuse and neglect.--The term `child abuse and 
     neglect' has the meaning given that term in section 3 of the 
     Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (42 U.S.C. 5101 
     note).
       ``(2) Child development center employee.--The term `child 
     development center employee' means a civilian employee of the 
     Coast Guard who is employed to work in a Coast Guard child 
     development center without regard to whether the employee is 
     paid from appropriated or nonappropriated funds.
       ``(3) Coast guard child development center.--The term 
     `Coast Guard child development center' means a facility on 
     Coast Guard property or on property under the jurisdiction of 
     the commander of a Coast Guard unit at which child care 
     services are provided for members of the Coast Guard.
       ``(4) Competitive service position.--The term `competitive 
     service position' means a position in the competitive service 
     (as defined in section 2102 of title 5).
       ``(5) Family home daycare.--The term `family home daycare' 
     means home-based child care services provided for a member of 
     the Coast Guard by an individual who--
       ``(A) is certified by the Commandant as qualified to 
     provide home-based child care services; and
       ``(B) provides home-based child care services on a regular 
     basis in exchange for monetary compensation.

     ``Sec. 553. Child development center standards and 
       inspections

       ``(a) Standards.--The Commandant shall require each Coast 
     Guard child development center to meet standards that the 
     Commandant considers appropriate to ensure the health, 
     safety, and welfare of the children and employees at the 
     center.
       ``(b) Inspections.--The Commandant shall provide for 
     regular and unannounced inspections of each Coast Guard child 
     development center to ensure compliance with this section.
       ``(c) National Reporting.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Commandant shall maintain and 
     publicize a means by which an individual can report, with 
     respect to a Coast Guard child development center or a family 
     home daycare--
       ``(A) any suspected violation of--
       ``(i) standards established under subsection (a); or
       ``(ii) any other applicable law or standard;
       ``(B) suspected child abuse or neglect; or
       ``(C) any other deficiency.
       ``(2) Anonymous reporting.--The Commandant shall ensure 
     that an individual making a report pursuant to paragraph (1) 
     may do so anonymously if so desired by the individual.
       ``(3) Procedures.--The Commandant shall establish 
     procedures for investigating reports made pursuant to 
     paragraph (1).

     ``Sec. 554. Child development center employees

       ``(a) Training.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Commandant shall establish a 
     training program for Coast Guard child development center 
     employees and satisfactory completion of the training program 
     shall be a condition of employment for each employee of a 
     Coast Guard child development center.
       ``(2) Timing for new hires.--The Commandant shall require 
     each employee of a Coast Guard child development center to 
     complete the training program established under paragraph (1) 
     not later than 6 months after the date on which the employee 
     is hired.
       ``(3) Minimum requirements.--The training program 
     established under paragraph (1) shall include, at a minimum, 
     instruction with respect to--
       ``(A) early childhood development;
       ``(B) activities and disciplinary techniques appropriate to 
     children of different ages;
       ``(C) child abuse and neglect prevention and detection; and
       ``(D) cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other emergency 
     medical procedures.
       ``(4) Use of department of defense programs.--The 
     Commandant may use Department of Defense training programs, 
     on a reimbursable or nonreimbursable basis, for purposes of 
     this subsection.
       ``(b) Training and Curriculum Specialists.--
       ``(1) Specialist required.--The Commandant shall require 
     that at least 1 employee at each Coast Guard child 
     development center be a specialist in training and curriculum 
     development with appropriate credentials and experience.
       ``(2) Duties.--The duties of the specialist described in 
     paragraph (1) shall include--
       ``(A) special teaching activities;
       ``(B) daily oversight and instruction of other child care 
     employees;
       ``(C) daily assistance in the preparation of lesson plans;
       ``(D) assisting with child abuse and neglect prevention and 
     detection; and
       ``(E) advising the director of the center on the 
     performance of the other child care employees.
       ``(3) Competitive service.--Each specialist described in 
     paragraph (1) shall be an employee in a competitive service 
     position.

     ``Sec. 555. Parent partnerships with child development 
       centers

       ``(a) Parent Boards.--
       ``(1) Formation.--The Commandant shall require that there 
     be formed at each Coast Guard child development center a 
     board of parents, to be composed of parents of children 
     attending the center.
       ``(2) Functions.--Each board of parents formed under 
     paragraph (1) shall--
       ``(A) meet periodically with the staff of the center at 
     which the board is formed and the commander of the unit 
     served by the center, for the purpose of discussing problems 
     and concerns; and
       ``(B) be responsible, together with the staff of the 
     center, for coordinating any parent participation initiative 
     established under subsection (b).
       ``(3) FACA.--The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. 
     App.) does not apply to a board of parents formed under 
     paragraph (1).
       ``(b) Parent Participation Initiative.--The Commandant is 
     authorized to establish a parent participation initiative at 
     each Coast Guard child development center to encourage and 
     facilitate parent participation in educational and related 
     activities at the center.''.
       (b) Transfer of Provisions.--
       (1) In general.--
       (A) Reimbursement for adoption expenses.--Section 514 of 
     title 14, United States Code, is redesignated as section 541 
     and transferred to appear before section 542 of such title, 
     as added by subsection (a) of this section.
       (B) Child development services.--Section 515 of title 14, 
     United States Code--
       (i) is redesignated as section 552 and transferred to 
     appear after section 551 of such title, as added by 
     subsection (a) of this section; and
       (ii) is amended--

       (I) in subsection (b)(2)(B) by inserting ``and whether a 
     family is participating in an initiative established under 
     section 555(b)'' after ``family income'';
       (II) by striking subsections (c) and (e); and
       (III) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (c).

       (C) Dependent school children.--Section 657 of title 14, 
     United States Code--
       (i) is redesignated as section 544 and transferred to 
     appear after section 543 of such title, as added by 
     subsection (a) of this section; and
       (ii) is amended in subsection (a) by striking ``Except as 
     otherwise'' and all that follows through ``the Secretary 
     may'' and inserting ``The Secretary may''.
       (2) Conforming amendments.--
       (A) Part i.--The analysis for part I of title 14, United 
     States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating 
     to chapter 13 the following:

``14. Coast Guard Family Support and Child Care..............531''.....

       (B) Chapter 13.--The analysis for chapter 13 of title 14, 
     United States Code, is amended--
       (i) by striking the item relating to section 514; and
       (ii) by striking the item relating to section 515.
       (C) Chapter 14.--The analysis for chapter 14 of title 14, 
     United States Code, as added by subsection (a) of this 
     section, is amended by inserting--

[[Page H8293]]

       (i) before the item relating to section 542 the following:

``541. Reimbursement for adoption expenses.'';
       (ii) after the item relating to section 551 the following:

``552. Child development services.''; and
       (iii) after the item relating to section 543 the following:

``544. Dependent school children.''.
       (D) Chapter 17.--The analysis for chapter 17 of title 14, 
     United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating 
     to section 657.
       (c) Commandant; General Powers.--Section 93(a)(7) of title 
     14, United States Code, as amended by this Act, is further 
     amended by inserting ``, and to eligible spouses as defined 
     under section 542,'' after ``Coast Guard''.
       (d) Sense of Congress.--
       (1) In general.--It is the sense of Congress that the 
     amount of funds appropriated for a fiscal year for operating 
     expenses related to Coast Guard child development services 
     should not be less than the amount of the child development 
     center fee receipts estimated to be collected by the Coast 
     Guard during that fiscal year.
       (2) Child development center fee receipts defined.--In this 
     subsection, the term ``child development center fee 
     receipts'' means fees paid by members of the Coast Guard for 
     child care services provided at Coast Guard child development 
     centers.

     SEC. 215. MISSION NEED STATEMENT.

       (a) In General.--Section 569 of title 14, United States 
     Code, is amended to read as follows:

     ``Sec. 569. Mission need statement

       ``(a) In General.--On the date on which the President 
     submits to Congress a budget for fiscal year 2016 under 
     section 1105 of title 31, on the date on which the President 
     submits to Congress a budget for fiscal year 2019 under such 
     section, and every 4 years 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 an 
     integrated major acquisition mission need statement.
       ``(b) Definitions.--In this section, the following 
     definitions apply:
       ``(1) Integrated major acquisition mission need 
     statement.--The term `integrated major acquisition mission 
     need statement' means a document that--
       ``(A) identifies current and projected gaps in Coast Guard 
     mission capabilities using mission hour targets;
       ``(B) explains how each major acquisition program addresses 
     gaps identified under subparagraph (A) if funded at the 
     levels provided for such program in the most recently 
     submitted capital investment plan; and
       ``(C) describes the missions the Coast Guard will not be 
     able to achieve, by fiscal year, for each gap identified 
     under subparagraph (A).
       ``(2) Major acquisition program.--The term `major 
     acquisition program' has the meaning given that term in 
     section 569a(e).
       ``(3) Capital investment plan.--The term `capital 
     investment plan' means the plan required under section 
     663(a)(1).''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 15 of 
     title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking the item 
     relating to section 569 and inserting the following:

``569. Mission need statement.''.

     SEC. 216. TRANSMISSION OF ANNUAL COAST GUARD AUTHORIZATION 
                   REQUEST.

       (a) In General.--Title 14, United States Code, as amended 
     by this Act, is further amended by inserting after section 
     662 the following:

     ``Sec. 662a. Transmission of annual Coast Guard authorization 
       request

       ``(a) In General.--Not later than 30 days after the date on 
     which the President submits to Congress a budget for a fiscal 
     year pursuant to section 1105 of title 31, the Secretary 
     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 Coast Guard authorization request with respect to 
     such fiscal year.
       ``(b) Coast Guard Authorization Request Defined.--In this 
     section, the term `Coast Guard authorization request' means a 
     proposal for legislation that, with respect to the Coast 
     Guard for the relevant fiscal year--
       ``(1) recommends end strengths for personnel for that 
     fiscal year, as described in section 661;
       ``(2) recommends authorizations of appropriations for that 
     fiscal year, including with respect to matters described in 
     section 662; and
       ``(3) addresses any other matter that the Secretary 
     determines is appropriate for inclusion in a Coast Guard 
     authorization bill.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 17 of 
     title 14, United States Code, as amended by this Act, is 
     further amended by inserting after the item relating to 
     section 662 the following:

``662a. Transmission of annual Coast Guard authorization request.''.

     SEC. 217. INVENTORY OF REAL PROPERTY.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 17 of title 14, United States 
     Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

     ``Sec. 679. Inventory of real property

       ``(a) In General.--Not later than September 30, 2015, the 
     Commandant shall establish an inventory of all real property, 
     including submerged lands, under the control of the Coast 
     Guard, which shall include--
       ``(1) the size, the location, and any other appropriate 
     description of each unit of such property;
       ``(2) an assessment of the physical condition of each unit 
     of such property, excluding lands;
       ``(3) a determination of whether each unit of such property 
     should be--
       ``(A) retained to fulfill a current or projected Coast 
     Guard mission requirement; or
       ``(B) subject to divestiture; and
       ``(4) other information the Commandant considers 
     appropriate.
       ``(b) Inventory Maintenance.--The Commandant shall--
       ``(1) maintain the inventory required under subsection (a) 
     on an ongoing basis; and
       ``(2) update information on each unit of real property 
     included in such inventory not later than 30 days after any 
     change relating to the control of such property.
       ``(c) Recommendations to Congress.--Not later than March 
     30, 2016, and every 5 years 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 
     that includes--
       ``(1) a list of all real property under the control of the 
     Coast Guard and the location of such property by property 
     type;
       ``(2) recommendations for divestiture with respect to any 
     units of such property; and
       ``(3) recommendations for consolidating any units of such 
     property, including--
       ``(A) an estimate of the costs or savings associated with 
     each recommended consolidation; and
       ``(B) a discussion of the impact that such consolidation 
     would have on Coast Guard mission effectiveness.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for such chapter, as 
     amended by this Act, is further amended by adding at the end 
     the following:

``679. Inventory of real property.''.

     SEC. 218. RETIRED SERVICE MEMBERS AND DEPENDENTS SERVING ON 
                   ADVISORY COMMITTEES.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 17 of title 14, United States 
     Code, as amended by this Act, is further amended by adding at 
     the end the following:

     ``Sec. 680. Retired service members and dependents serving on 
       advisory committees

       ``A committee that--
       ``(1) advises or assists the Coast Guard with respect to a 
     function that affects a member of the Coast Guard or a 
     dependent of such a member; and
       ``(2) includes in its membership a retired Coast Guard 
     member or a dependent of such a retired member;
     shall not be considered an advisory committee under the 
     Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) solely because 
     of such membership.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for such chapter, as 
     amended by this Act, is further amended by inserting after 
     the item relating to section 679 the following:

``680. Retired service members and dependents serving on advisory 
              committees.''.

     SEC. 219. ACTIVE DUTY FOR EMERGENCY AUGMENTATION OF REGULAR 
                   FORCES.

       Section 712(a) of title 14, United States Code, is amended 
     by striking ``not more than 60 days in any 4-month period 
     and''.

     SEC. 220. ACQUISITION WORKFORCE EXPEDITED HIRING AUTHORITY.

       Section 404(b) of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010 
     (Public Law 111-281; 124 Stat. 2951) is amended by striking 
     ``2015'' and inserting ``2017''.

     SEC. 221. COAST GUARD ADMINISTRATIVE SAVINGS.

       (a) Elimination of Outdated and Duplicative Reports.--
       (1) Marine industry training.--Section 59 of title 14, 
     United States Code, is amended--
       (A) by striking ``(a) In General.--The Commandant'' and 
     inserting ``The Commandant''; and
       (B) by striking subsection (b).
       (2) Operations and expenditures.--Section 651 of title 14, 
     United States Code, and the item relating to such section in 
     the analysis for chapter 17 of such title, are repealed.
       (3) Drug interdiction.--Section 103 of the Coast Guard 
     Authorization Act of 1996 (14 U.S.C. 89 note), and the item 
     relating to that section in the table of contents in section 
     2 of that Act, are repealed.
       (4) National defense.--Section 426 of the Maritime 
     Transportation Security Act of 2002 (14 U.S.C. 2 note), and 
     the item relating to that section in the table of contents in 
     section 1(b) of that Act, are repealed.
       (5) Living marine resources.--Section 4(b) of the Cruise 
     Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2010 (16 U.S.C. 1828 note) 
     is amended by adding at the end the following: ``No report 
     shall be required under this subsection, including that no 
     report shall be required under section 224 of the Coast Guard 
     and Maritime Transportation Act of 2004 or section 804 of the 
     Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2006, for 
     fiscal years beginning after fiscal year 2014.''.
       (b) Consolidation and Reform of Reporting Requirements.--
       (1) Marine safety.--
       (A) In general.--Section 2116(d)(2)(B) of title 46, United 
     States Code, is amended to read as follows:
       ``(B) on the program's mission performance in achieving 
     numerical measurable goals established under subsection (b), 
     including--

[[Page H8294]]

       ``(i) the number of civilian and military Coast Guard 
     personnel assigned to marine safety positions; and
       ``(ii) an identification of marine safety positions that 
     are understaffed to meet the workload required to accomplish 
     each activity included in the strategy and plans under 
     subsection (a); and''.
       (B) Conforming amendment.--Section 57 of title 14, United 
     States Code, as amended by this Act, is further amended--
       (i) by striking subsection (e); and
       (ii) by redesignating subsections (f), (g), and (h) as 
     subsections (e), (f), and (g) respectively.
       (2) Minor construction.--Section 656(d)(2) of title 14, 
     United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
       ``(2) Report.--Not later than the date on which the 
     President submits to Congress a budget under section 1105 of 
     title 31 each year, the Secretary 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 describing each 
     project carried out under paragraph (1), in the most recently 
     concluded fiscal year, for which the amount expended under 
     such paragraph for such project was more than $1,000,000. If 
     no such project was carried out during a fiscal year, no 
     report under this paragraph shall be required with respect to 
     that fiscal year.''.

     SEC. 222. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS TO TITLE 14.

       Title 14, United States Code, as amended by this Act, is 
     further amended--
       (1) in section 93(b)(1) by striking ``Notwithstanding 
     subsection (a)(14)'' and inserting ``Notwithstanding 
     subsection (a)(13)''; and
       (2) in section 197(b) by striking ``of Homeland Security''.

     SEC. 223. MULTIYEAR PROCUREMENT AUTHORITY FOR OFFSHORE PATROL 
                   CUTTERS.

       In fiscal year 2015 and each fiscal year thereafter, the 
     Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is 
     operating may enter into, in accordance with section 2306b of 
     title 10, United States Code, multiyear contracts for the 
     procurement of Offshore Patrol Cutters and associated 
     equipment.

     SEC. 224. MAINTAINING MEDIUM ENDURANCE CUTTER MISSION 
                   CAPABILITY.

       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 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--
       (1) a schedule and plan for decommissioning, not later than 
     September 30, 2029, each of the 210-foot, Reliance-Class 
     Cutters operated by the Coast Guard on the date of enactment 
     of this Act;
       (2) a schedule and plan for enhancing the maintenance or 
     extending the service life of each of the 270-foot, Famous-
     Class Cutters operated by the Coast Guard on the date of 
     enactment of this Act--
       (A) to maintain the capability of the Coast Guard to carry 
     out sea-going missions with respect to such Cutters at the 
     level of capability existing on September 30, 2013; and
       (B) for the period beginning on the date of enactment of 
     this Act and ending on the date on which the final Offshore 
     Patrol Cutter is scheduled to be commissioned under paragraph 
     (4);
       (3) an identification of the number of Offshore Patrol 
     Cutters capable of sea state 5 operations that, if 8 National 
     Security Cutters are commissioned, are necessary to return 
     the sea state 5 operating capability of the Coast Guard to 
     the level of capability that existed prior to the 
     decommissioning of the first High Endurance Cutter in fiscal 
     year 2011;
       (4) a schedule and plan for commissioning the number of 
     Offshore Patrol Cutters identified under paragraph (3); and
       (5) a schedule and plan for commissioning, not later than 
     September 30, 2034, a number of Offshore Patrol Cutters not 
     capable of sea state 5 operations that is equal to--
       (A) 25; less
       (B) the number of Offshore Patrol Cutters identified under 
     paragraph (3).

     SEC. 225. AVIATION CAPABILITY IN THE GREAT LAKES REGION.

       The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is 
     operating may--
       (1) request and accept through a direct military-to-
     military transfer under section 2571 of title 10, United 
     States Code, such H-60 helicopters as may be necessary to 
     establish a year-round operational capability in the Coast 
     Guard's Ninth District; and
       (2) use funds provided under section 101 of this Act to 
     convert such helicopters to Coast Guard MH-60T configuration.

     SEC. 226. GAPS IN WRITINGS ON COAST GUARD HISTORY.

       Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the Commandant of the Coast Guard 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 any gaps that 
     exist in writings on the history of the Coast Guard. The 
     report shall address, at a minimum, operations, broad topics, 
     and biographies with respect to the Coast Guard.

     SEC. 227. OFFICER EVALUATION REPORTS.

       (a) Assessment Required.--Not later than 180 days after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant of the Coast 
     Guard 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 written assessment of the Coast Guard's 
     officer evaluation reporting system.
       (b) Contents of Assessment.--The assessment required under 
     subsection (a) shall include, at a minimum, an analysis of--
       (1) the extent to which the Coast Guard's officer 
     evaluation reports differ in length, form, and content from 
     the officer fitness reports used by the Navy and other 
     branches of the Armed Forces;
       (2) the extent to which differences determined pursuant to 
     paragraph (1) are the result of inherent differences 
     between--
       (A) the Coast Guard and the Navy; and
       (B) the Coast Guard and other branches of the Armed Forces;
       (3) the feasibility of more closely aligning and conforming 
     the Coast Guard's officer evaluation reports with the officer 
     fitness reports of the Navy and other branches of the Armed 
     Forces; and
       (4) the costs and benefits of the alignment and conformity 
     described in paragraph (3), including with respect to--
       (A) Coast Guard administrative efficiency;
       (B) fairness and equity for Coast Guard officers; and
       (C) carrying out the Coast Guard's statutory mission of 
     defense readiness, including when operating as a service in 
     the Navy.

     SEC. 228. IMPROVED SAFETY INFORMATION FOR VESSELS.

       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 establish a process that allows an 
     operator of a marine exchange or other non-Federal vessel 
     traffic information service to use the automatic 
     identification system to transmit weather, ice, and other 
     important navigation safety information to vessels.

     SEC. 229. E-LORAN.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary of the department in which 
     the Coast Guard is operating may not carry out activities 
     related to the dismantling or disposal of infrastructure that 
     supported the former LORAN system until the later of--
       (1) the date that is 1 year after the date of enactment of 
     this Act; or
       (2) the date on which the Secretary provides to the 
     Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House 
     of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
     and Transportation of the Senate notice of a determination by 
     the Secretary that such infrastructure is not required to 
     provide a positioning, navigation, and timing system to 
     provide redundant capability in the event GPS signals are 
     disrupted.
       (b) Exception.--Subsection (a) does not apply to activities 
     necessary for the safety of human life.
       (c) Agreements.--The Secretary may enter into cooperative 
     agreements, contracts, and other agreements with Federal 
     entities and other public or private entities, including 
     academic entities, to develop a positioning, navigation, and 
     timing system, including an enhanced LORAN system, to provide 
     redundant capability in the event GPS signals are disrupted.

     SEC. 230. ANALYSIS OF RESOURCE DEFICIENCIES WITH RESPECT TO 
                   MARITIME BORDER SECURITY.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 120 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Commandant of the Coast Guard 
     shall provide to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on 
     Homeland Security of the House of Representatives a report 
     describing any Coast Guard resource deficiencies related to--
       (1) securing maritime borders with respect to the Great 
     Lakes and the coastal areas of the Southeastern and 
     Southwestern United States, including with respect to 
     Florida, California, Puerto Rico, and the United States 
     Virgin Islands;
       (2) patrolling and monitoring maritime approaches to the 
     areas described in paragraph (1); and
       (3) patrolling and monitoring relevant portions of the 
     Western Hemisphere Drug Transit Zone.
       (b) Scope.--In preparing the report under subsection (a), 
     the Commandant shall consider, at a minimum--
       (1) the Coast Guard's statutory missions with respect to 
     migrant interdiction, drug interdiction, defense readiness, 
     living marine resources, and ports, waterways, and coastal 
     security;
       (2) whether Coast Guard missions are being executed to meet 
     national performance targets set under the National Drug 
     Control Strategy;
       (3) the number and types of cutters and other vessels 
     required to effectively execute Coast Guard missions;
       (4) the number and types of aircraft, including unmanned 
     aircraft, required to effectively execute Coast Guard 
     missions;
       (5) the number of assets that require upgraded sensor and 
     communications systems to effectively execute Coast Guard 
     missions;
       (6) the Deployable Specialized Forces required to 
     effectively execute Coast Guard missions; and
       (7) whether additional shoreside facilities are required to 
     accommodate Coast Guard personnel and assets in support of 
     Coast Guard missions.

[[Page H8295]]

     SEC. 231. MODERNIZATION OF NATIONAL DISTRESS AND RESPONSE 
                   SYSTEM.

       (a) Report.--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 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 the Rescue 21 project in Alaska and in 
     Coast Guard sectors Upper Mississippi River, Lower 
     Mississippi River, and Ohio River Valley.
       (b) Contents.--The report required under subsection (a) 
     shall--
       (1) describe what improvements are being made to the 
     distress response system in the areas specified in subsection 
     (a), including information on which areas will receive 
     digital selective calling and direction finding capability;
       (2) describe the impediments to installing digital 
     selective calling and direction finding capability in areas 
     where such technology will not be installed;
       (3) identify locations in the areas specified in subsection 
     (a) where communication gaps will continue to present a risk 
     to mariners after completion of the Rescue 21 project;
       (4) include a list of all reported marine accidents, 
     casualties, and fatalities occurring in the locations 
     identified under paragraph (3) since 1990; and
       (5) provide an estimate of the costs associated with 
     installing the technology necessary to close communication 
     gaps in the locations identified under paragraph (3).

     SEC. 232. REPORT RECONCILING MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONAL 
                   PRIORITIES ON THE MISSOURI RIVER.

       Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the Commandant of the Coast Guard 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 outlines a 
     course of action to reconcile general maintenance priorities 
     for cutters with operational priorities on the Missouri 
     River.

     SEC. 233. MARITIME SEARCH AND RESCUE ASSISTANCE POLICY 
                   ASSESSMENT.

       (a) In General.--The Commandant of the Coast Guard shall 
     assess the Maritime Search and Rescue Assistance Policy as it 
     relates to State and local responders.
       (b) Scope.--The assessment under subsection (a) shall 
     consider, at a minimum--
       (1) the extent to which Coast Guard search and rescue 
     coordinators have entered into domestic search and rescue 
     agreements with State and local responders under the National 
     Search and Rescue Plan;
       (2) whether the domestic search and rescue agreements 
     include the Maritime Search and Rescue Assistance Policy; and
       (3) the extent to which Coast Guard sectors coordinate with 
     911 emergency centers, including ensuring the dissemination 
     of appropriate maritime distress check-sheets.
       (c) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Commandant of the Coast Guard 
     shall submit a report on the assessment under subsection (a) 
     to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of 
     the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure of the House of Representatives.

                   TITLE III--SHIPPING AND NAVIGATION

     SEC. 301. REPEAL.

       Chapter 555 of title 46, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) by repealing section 55501;
       (2) by redesignating section 55502 as section 55501; and
       (3) in the analysis by striking the items relating to 
     sections 55501 and 55502 and inserting the following:

``55501. United States Committee on the Marine Transportation 
              System.''.

     SEC. 302. DONATION OF HISTORICAL PROPERTY.

       Section 51103 of title 46, United States Code, is amended 
     by adding at the end the following:
       ``(e) Donation for Historical Purposes.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary may convey the right, 
     title, and interest of the United States Government in any 
     property administered by the Maritime Administration, except 
     real estate or vessels, if--
       ``(A) the Secretary determines that such property is not 
     needed by the Maritime Administration; and
       ``(B) the recipient--
       ``(i) is a nonprofit organization, a State, or a political 
     subdivision of a State;
       ``(ii) agrees to hold the Government harmless for any 
     claims arising from exposure to hazardous materials, 
     including asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyls, or lead paint, 
     after conveyance of the property;
       ``(iii) provides a description and explanation of the 
     intended use of the property to the Secretary for approval;
       ``(iv) has provided to the Secretary proof, as determined 
     by the Secretary, of resources sufficient to accomplish the 
     intended use provided under clause (iii) and to maintain the 
     property;
       ``(v) agrees that when the recipient no longer requires the 
     property, the recipient shall--

       ``(I) return the property to the Secretary, at the 
     recipient's expense and in the same condition as received 
     except for ordinary wear and tear; or
       ``(II) subject to the approval of the Secretary, retain, 
     sell, or otherwise dispose of the property in a manner 
     consistent with applicable law; and

       ``(vi) agrees to any additional terms the Secretary 
     considers appropriate.
       ``(2) Reversion.--The Secretary shall include in any 
     conveyance under this subsection terms under which all right, 
     title, and interest conveyed by the Secretary shall revert to 
     the Government if the Secretary determines the property has 
     been used other than as approved by the Secretary under 
     paragraph (1)(B)(iii).''.

     SEC. 303. SMALL SHIPYARDS.

       Section 54101(i) of title 46, United States Code, is 
     amended by striking ``2009 through 2013'' and inserting 
     ``2015 through 2017''.

     SEC. 304. DRUG TESTING REPORTING.

       Section 7706 of title 46, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a), by inserting ``an applicant for 
     employment by a Federal agency,'' after ``Federal agency,''; 
     and
       (2) in subsection (c), by--
       (A) inserting ``or an applicant for employment by a Federal 
     agency'' after ``an employee''; and
       (B) striking ``the employee.'' and inserting ``the employee 
     or the applicant.''.

     SEC. 305. OPPORTUNITIES FOR SEA SERVICE VETERANS.

       (a) Endorsements for Veterans.--Section 7101 of title 46, 
     United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(j) The Secretary may issue a license under this section 
     in a class under subsection (c) to an applicant that--
       ``(1) has at least 3 months of qualifying service on 
     vessels of the uniformed services (as that term is defined in 
     section 101(a) of title 10) of appropriate tonnage or 
     horsepower within the 7-year period immediately preceding the 
     date of application; and
       ``(2) satisfies all other requirements for such a 
     license.''.
       (b) Sea Service Letters.--
       (1) In general.--Title 14, United States Code, is amended 
     by inserting after section 427 the following:

     ``Sec. 428. Sea service letters

       ``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall provide a sea 
     service letter to a member or former member of the Coast 
     Guard who--
       ``(1) accumulated sea service on a vessel of the armed 
     forces (as such term is defined in section 101(a) of title 
     10); and
       ``(2) requests such letter.
       ``(b) Deadline.--Not later than 30 days after receiving a 
     request for a sea service letter from a member or former 
     member of the Coast Guard under subsection (a), the Secretary 
     shall provide such letter to such member or former member if 
     such member or former member satisfies the requirement under 
     subsection (a)(1).''.
       (2) Clerical amendment.--The analysis for chapter 11 of 
     title 14, United States Code, is amended by inserting after 
     the item relating to section 427 the following:

``428. Sea service letters.''.
       (c) Crediting of United States Armed Forces Service, 
     Training, and Qualifications.--
       (1) Maximizing creditability.--The Secretary of the 
     department in which the Coast Guard is operating, in 
     implementing United States merchant mariner license, 
     certification, and document laws and the International 
     Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and 
     Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, shall maximize the extent 
     to which United States Armed Forces service, training, and 
     qualifications are creditable toward meeting the requirements 
     of such laws and such Convention.
       (2) Notification.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall notify 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 taken to 
     implement this subsection.
       (d) Merchant Marine Post-Service Career Opportunities.--Not 
     later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, 
     the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall take steps to promote 
     better awareness, on an ongoing basis, among Coast Guard 
     personnel regarding post-service use of Coast Guard training, 
     education, and practical experience in satisfaction of 
     requirements for merchant mariner credentials under section 
     11.213 of title 46, Code of Federal Regulations.

     SEC. 306. CLARIFICATION OF HIGH-RISK WATERS.

       Section 55305(e) of title 46, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1)--
       (A) by striking ``provide armed personnel aboard'' and 
     inserting ``reimburse, subject to the availability of 
     appropriations, the owners or operators of''; and
       (B) by inserting ``for the cost of providing armed 
     personnel aboard such vessels'' before ``if''; and
       (2) by striking paragraphs (2) and (3) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(2) In this subsection, the term `high-risk waters' means 
     waters so designated by the Commandant of the Coast Guard in 
     the maritime security directive issued by the Commandant and 
     in effect on the date on which an applicable voyage begins, 
     if the Secretary of Transportation--
       ``(A) determines that an act of piracy occurred in the 12-
     month period preceding the date the voyage begins; or
       ``(B) in such period, issued an advisory warning that an 
     act of piracy is possible in such waters.''.

     SEC. 307. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.

       (a) Title 46.--Section 2116(b)(1)(D) of title 46, United 
     States Code, is amended by striking ``section 93(c)'' and 
     inserting ``section 93(c) of title 14''.

[[Page H8296]]

       (b) Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2006.--
     Section 304(a) of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation 
     Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-241; 33 U.S.C. 1503 note) is 
     amended by inserting ``and from'' before ``the United 
     States''.
       (c) Deepwater Port Act of 1974.--Section 4(i) of the 
     Deepwater Port Act of 1974 (33 U.S.C. 1503(i)) is amended by 
     inserting ``or that will supply'' after ``be supplied with''.

     SEC. 308. REPORT.

       Not later than 1 year after the date of the 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 the number of jobs, including vessel construction and 
     vessel operating jobs, that would be created in the United 
     States maritime industry each year in 2015 through 2025 if 
     liquified natural gas exported from the United States were 
     required to be carried--
       (1) before December 31, 2018, on vessels documented under 
     the laws of the United States; and
       (2) on and after such date, on vessels documented under the 
     laws of the United States and constructed in the United 
     States.

     SEC. 309. FISHING SAFETY GRANT PROGRAMS.

       (a) Fishing Safety Training Grant Program.--Section 
     4502(i)(4) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by 
     striking ``2010 through 2014'' and inserting ``2015 through 
     2017''.
       (b) Fishing Safety Research Grant Program.--Section 
     4502(j)(4) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by 
     striking ``2010 through 2014'' and inserting ``2015 through 
     2017''.

     SEC. 310. ESTABLISHMENT OF MERCHANT MARINE PERSONNEL ADVISORY 
                   COMMITTEE.

       (a) Establishment.--Chapter 81 of title 46, United States 
     Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

     ``Sec. 8108. Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee

       ``(a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a 
     Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee (in this section 
     referred to as `the Committee'). The Committee--
       ``(1) shall act solely in an advisory capacity to the 
     Secretary through the Commandant of the Coast Guard on 
     matters relating to personnel in the United States merchant 
     marine, including training, qualifications, certification, 
     documentation, and fitness standards, and other matters as 
     assigned by the Commandant;
       ``(2) shall review and comment on proposed Coast Guard 
     regulations and policies relating to personnel in the United 
     States merchant marine, including training, qualifications, 
     certification, documentation, and fitness standards;
       ``(3) may be given special assignments by the Secretary and 
     may conduct studies, inquiries, workshops, and fact finding 
     in consultation with individuals and groups in the private 
     sector and with State or local governments;
       ``(4) shall advise, consult with, and make recommendations 
     reflecting its independent judgment to the Secretary;
       ``(5) shall meet not less than twice each year; and
       ``(6) may make available to Congress recommendations that 
     the Committee makes to the Secretary.
       ``(b) Membership.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Committee shall consist of not more 
     than 19 members who are appointed by and serve terms of a 
     duration determined by the Secretary. Before filling a 
     position on the Committee, the Secretary shall publish a 
     notice in the Federal Register soliciting nominations for 
     membership on the Committee.
       ``(2) Required members.--Subject to paragraph (3), the 
     Secretary shall appoint as members of the Committee--
       ``(A) 9 United States citizens with active licenses or 
     certificates issued under chapter 71 or merchant mariner 
     documents issued under chapter 73, including--
       ``(i) 3 deck officers who represent the viewpoint of 
     merchant marine deck officers, of whom--

       ``(I) 2 shall be licensed for oceans any gross tons;
       ``(II) 1 shall be licensed for inland river route with a 
     limited or unlimited tonnage;
       ``(III) 2 shall have a master's license or a master of 
     towing vessels license;
       ``(IV) 1 shall have significant tanker experience; and
       ``(V) to the extent practicable--

       ``(aa) 1 shall represent the viewpoint of labor; and
       ``(bb) another shall represent a management perspective;
       ``(ii) 3 engineering officers who represent the viewpoint 
     of merchant marine engineering officers, of whom--

       ``(I) 2 shall be licensed as chief engineer any horsepower;
       ``(II) 1 shall be licensed as either a limited chief 
     engineer or a designated duty engineer; and
       ``(III) to the extent practicable--

       ``(aa) 1 shall represent a labor viewpoint; and
       ``(bb) another shall represent a management perspective;
       ``(iii) 2 unlicensed seamen, of whom--

       ``(I) 1 shall represent the viewpoint of able-bodied 
     seamen; and
       ``(II) another shall represent the viewpoint of qualified 
     members of the engine department; and

       ``(iv) 1 pilot who represents the viewpoint of merchant 
     marine pilots;
       ``(B) 6 marine educators, including--
       ``(i) 3 marine educators who represent the viewpoint of 
     maritime academies, including--

       ``(I) 2 who represent the viewpoint of State maritime 
     academies and are jointly recommended by such State maritime 
     academies; and
       ``(II) 1 who represents either the viewpoint of the State 
     maritime academies or the United States Merchant Marine 
     Academy; and

       ``(ii) 3 marine educators who represent the viewpoint of 
     other maritime training institutions, 1 of whom shall 
     represent the viewpoint of the small vessel industry;
       ``(C) 2 individuals who represent the viewpoint of shipping 
     companies employed in ship operation management; and
       ``(D) 2 members who are appointed from the general public.
       ``(3) Consultation.--The Secretary shall consult with the 
     Secretary of Transportation in making an appointment under 
     paragraph (2)(B)(i)(II).
       ``(c) Chairman and Vice Chairman.--The Secretary shall 
     designate one member of the Committee as the Chairman and one 
     member of the Committee as the Vice Chairman. The Vice 
     Chairman shall act as Chairman in the absence or incapacity 
     of the Chairman, or in the event of a vacancy in the office 
     of the Chairman.
       ``(d) Subcommittees.--The Committee may establish and 
     disestablish subcommittees and working groups for any purpose 
     consistent with this section, subject to conditions imposed 
     by the Committee. Members of the Committee and additional 
     persons drawn from the general public may be assigned to such 
     subcommittees and working groups. Only Committee members may 
     chair subcommittee or working groups.
       ``(e) Termination.--The Committee shall terminate on 
     September 30, 2020.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for such chapter is 
     amended by adding at the end the following:

``8108. Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee.''.

     SEC. 311. TRAVEL AND SUBSISTENCE COSTS FOR PREVENTION 
                   SERVICES.

       (a) Title 46, United States Code.--Section 2110 of title 
     46, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:
       ``(b)(1) In addition to the collection of fees and charges 
     established under subsection (a), in providing a service or 
     thing of value under this subtitle the Secretary may accept 
     in-kind transportation, travel, and subsistence.
       ``(2) The value of in-kind transportation, travel, and 
     subsistence accepted under this paragraph may not exceed 
     applicable per diem rates set forth in regulations prescribed 
     under section 464 of title 37.''; and
       (2) in subsection (c), by striking ``subsections (a) and 
     (b),'' and inserting ``subsection (a),''.
       (b) Title 14, United States Code.--Section 664 of title 14, 
     United States Code, is amended by redesignating subsections 
     (e) though (g) as subsections (f) through (h), respectively, 
     and by inserting after subsection (d) the following:
       ``(e)(1) In addition to the collection of fees and charges 
     established under this section, in the provision of a service 
     or thing of value by the Coast Guard the Secretary may accept 
     in-kind transportation, travel, and subsistence.
       ``(2) The value of in-kind transportation, travel, and 
     subsistence accepted under this paragraph may not exceed 
     applicable per diem rates set forth in regulations prescribed 
     under section 464 of title 37.''.
       (c) Limitation.--The Secretary of the Department in which 
     the Coast Guard is operating may not accept in-kind 
     transportation, travel, or subsistence under section 664(e) 
     of title 14, United States Code, or section 2110(d)(4) of 
     title 46, United States Code, as amended by this section, 
     until the Commandant of the Coast Guard--
       (1) amends the Standards of Ethical Conduct for members and 
     employees of the Coast Guard to include regulations governing 
     the acceptance of in-kind reimbursements; and
       (2) notifies the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives of the amendments made under paragraph (1).

     SEC. 312. PROMPT INTERGOVERNMENTAL NOTICE OF MARINE 
                   CASUALTIES.

       Section 6101 of title 46, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) by inserting after subsection (b) the following:
       ``(c) Notice to State and Tribal Governments.--Not later 
     than 24 hours after receiving a notice of a major marine 
     casualty under this section, the Secretary shall notify each 
     State or federally recognized Indian tribe that is, or may 
     reasonably be expected to be, affected by such marine 
     casualty.'';
       (2) in subsection (h)--
       (A) by striking ``(1)''; and
       (B) by redesignating subsection (h)(2) as subsection (i) of 
     section 6101, and in such subsection--
       (i) by striking ``paragraph,'' and inserting ``section,''; 
     and
       (ii) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through (D) as 
     paragraphs (1) through (4); and

[[Page H8297]]

       (3) by redesignating the last subsection as subsection (j).

     SEC. 313. AREA CONTINGENCY PLANS.

       Section 311(j)(4) of the Federal Water Pollution Control 
     Act (33 U.S.C. 1321(j)(4)) is amended--
       (1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``qualified personnel 
     of Federal, State, and local agencies.'' and inserting 
     ``qualified--
       ``(i) personnel of Federal, State, and local agencies; and
       ``(ii) members of federally recognized Indian tribes, where 
     applicable.'';
       (2) in subparagraph (B)(ii)--
       (A) by striking ``and local'' and inserting ``, local, and 
     tribal''; and
       (B) by striking ``wildlife;'' and inserting ``wildlife, 
     including advance planning with respect to the closing and 
     reopening of fishing areas following a discharge;'';
       (3) in subparagraph (B)(iii), by striking ``and local'' and 
     inserting ``, local, and tribal''; and
       (4) in subparagraph (C)--
       (A) in clause (iv), by striking ``and Federal, State, and 
     local agencies'' and inserting ``, Federal, State, and local 
     agencies, and tribal governments'';
       (B) by redesignating clauses (vii) and (viii) as clauses 
     (viii) and (ix), respectively; and
       (C) by inserting after clause (vi) the following:
       ``(vii) include a framework for advance planning and 
     decisionmaking with respect to the closing and reopening of 
     fishing areas following a discharge, including protocols and 
     standards for the closing and reopening of fishing areas;''.

     SEC. 314. INTERNATIONAL ICE PATROL REFORM.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 803 of title 46, United States 
     Code, is amended--
       (1) in section 80301, by adding at the end the following:
       ``(c) Payments.--Payments received pursuant to subsection 
     (b)(1) shall be credited to the appropriation for operating 
     expenses of the Coast Guard.'';
       (2) in section 80302--
       (A) in subsection (b), by striking ``An ice patrol vessel'' 
     and inserting ``The ice patrol'';
       (B) in subsection (c)(1), by striking ``An ice patrol 
     vessel'' and inserting ``The ice patrol''; and
       (C) in the first sentence of subsection (d), by striking 
     ``vessels'' and inserting ``aircraft''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:

     ``Sec. 80304. Limitation on ice patrol data

       ``Notwithstanding sections 80301 and 80302, data collected 
     by an ice patrol conducted by the Coast Guard under this 
     chapter may not be disseminated to a vessel unless such 
     vessel is--
       ``(1) documented under the laws of the United States; or
       ``(2) documented under the laws of a foreign country that 
     made the payment or contribution required under section 
     80301(b) for the year preceding the year in which the data is 
     collected.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for such chapter is 
     amended by adding at the end the following:

``80304. Limitation on ice patrol data.''.
       (c) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on 
     January 1, 2017.

     SEC. 315. OFFSHORE SUPPLY VESSEL THIRD-PARTY INSPECTION.

       Section 3316 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by 
     redesignating subsection (f) as subsection (g), and by 
     inserting after subsection (e) the following:
       ``(f)(1) Upon request of an owner or operator of an 
     offshore supply vessel, the Secretary shall delegate the 
     authorities set forth in paragraph (1) of subsection (b) with 
     respect to such vessel to a classification society to which a 
     delegation is authorized under that paragraph. A delegation 
     by the Secretary under this subsection shall be used for any 
     vessel inspection and examination function carried out by the 
     Secretary, including the issuance of certificates of 
     inspection and all other related documents.
       ``(2) If the Secretary determines that a certificate of 
     inspection or related document issued under authority 
     delegated under paragraph (1) of this subsection with respect 
     to a vessel has reduced the operational safety of that 
     vessel, the Secretary may terminate the certificate or 
     document, respectively.
       ``(3) Not later than 2 years after the date of the 
     enactment of the Howard Coble Coast Guard and Maritime 
     Transportation Act of 2014, and for each year of the 
     subsequent 2-year period, the Secretary 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 describing--
       ``(A) the number of vessels for which a delegation was made 
     under paragraph (1);
       ``(B) any savings in personnel and operational costs 
     incurred by the Coast Guard that resulted from the 
     delegations; and
       ``(C) based on measurable marine casualty and other data, 
     any impacts of the delegations on the operational safety of 
     vessels for which the delegations were made, and on the crew 
     on those vessels.''.

     SEC. 316. WATCHES.

       Section 8104 of title 46, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (d), by striking ``coal passers, firemen, 
     oilers, and water tenders'' and inserting ``and oilers''; and
       (2) in subsection (g)(1), by striking ``(except the coal 
     passers, firemen, oilers, and water tenders)''.

     SEC. 317. COAST GUARD RESPONSE PLAN REQUIREMENTS.

       (a) Vessel Response Plan Contents.--The Secretary of the 
     department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall 
     require that each vessel response plan prepared for a mobile 
     offshore drilling unit includes information from the facility 
     response plan prepared for the mobile offshore drilling unit 
     regarding the planned response to a worst case discharge, and 
     to a threat of such a discharge.
       (b) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Mobile offshore drilling unit.--The term ``mobile 
     offshore drilling unit'' has the meaning given that term in 
     section 1001 of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (33 U.S.C. 
     2701).
       (2) Response plan.--The term ``response plan'' means a 
     response plan prepared under section 311(j) of the Federal 
     Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1321(j)).
       (3) Worst case discharge.--The term ``worst case 
     discharge'' has the meaning given that term under section 
     311(a) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 
     1321(a)).
       (c) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
     construed to require the Coast Guard to review or approve a 
     facility response plan for a mobile offshore drilling unit.

     SEC. 318. REGIONAL CITIZENS' ADVISORY COUNCIL.

       Section 5002(k)(3) of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (33 
     U.S.C. 2732(k)(3)) is amended by striking ``not more than 
     $1,000,000'' and inserting ``not less than $1,400,000''.

     SEC. 319. UNINSPECTED PASSENGER VESSELS IN THE UNITED STATES 
                   VIRGIN ISLANDS.

       (a) In General.--Section 4105 of title 46, United States 
     Code, is amended--
       (1) by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (c); and
       (2) by inserting after subsection (a) the following:
       ``(b)(1) In applying this title with respect to an 
     uninspected vessel of less than 24 meters overall in length 
     that carries passengers to or from a port in the United 
     States Virgin Islands, the Secretary shall substitute `12 
     passengers' for `6 passengers' each place it appears in 
     section 2101(42) if the Secretary determines that the vessel 
     complies with, as applicable to the vessel--
       ``(A) the Code of Practice for the Safety of Small 
     Commercial Motor Vessels (commonly referred to as the `Yellow 
     Code'), as published by the U.K. Maritime and Coastguard 
     Agency and in effect on January 1, 2014; or
       ``(B) the Code of Practice for the Safety of Small 
     Commercial Sailing Vessels (commonly referred to as the `Blue 
     Code'), as published by such agency and in effect on such 
     date.
       ``(2) If the Secretary establishes standards to carry out 
     this subsection--
       ``(A) such standards shall be identical to those 
     established in the Codes of Practice referred to in paragraph 
     (1); and
       ``(B) on any dates before the date on which such standards 
     are in effect, the Codes of Practice referred to in paragraph 
     (1) shall apply with respect to the vessels referred to in 
     paragraph (1).''.
       (b) Technical Correction.--Section 4105(c) of title 46, 
     United States Code, as redesignated by subsection (a)(1) of 
     this section, is amended by striking ``Within twenty-four 
     months of the date of enactment of this subsection, the'' and 
     inserting ``The''.

     SEC. 320. TREATMENT OF ABANDONED SEAFARERS.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 111 of title 46, United States 
     Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

     ``Sec. 11113. Treatment of abandoned seafarers

       ``(a) Abandoned Seafarers Fund.--
       ``(1) Establishment.--There is established in the Treasury 
     a separate account to be known as the Abandoned Seafarers 
     Fund.
       ``(2) Authorized uses.--Amounts in the Fund may be 
     appropriated to the Secretary for use--
       ``(A) to pay necessary support of a seafarer--
       ``(i) who--

       ``(I) was paroled into the United States under section 
     212(d)(5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 
     1182(d)(5)), or for whom the Secretary has requested parole 
     under such section; and
       ``(II) is involved in an investigation, reporting, 
     documentation, or adjudication of any matter that is related 
     to the administration or enforcement of law by the Coast 
     Guard; or

       ``(ii) who--

       ``(I) is physically present in the United States;
       ``(II) the Secretary determines was abandoned in the United 
     States; and
       ``(III) has not applied for asylum under the Immigration 
     and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.); and

       ``(B) to reimburse a vessel owner or operator for the costs 
     of necessary support of a seafarer who has been paroled into 
     the United States to facilitate an investigation, reporting, 
     documentation, or adjudication of any matter that is related 
     to the administration or enforcement of law by the Coast 
     Guard, if--
       ``(i) the vessel owner or operator is not convicted of a 
     criminal offense related to such matter; or
       ``(ii) the Secretary determines that reimbursement is 
     appropriate.
       ``(3) Crediting of amounts to fund.--
       ``(A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (B), 
     there shall be credited to the Fund the following:

[[Page H8298]]

       ``(i) Penalties deposited in the Fund under section 9 of 
     the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (33 U.S.C. 1908).
       ``(ii) Amounts reimbursed or recovered under subsection 
     (c).
       ``(B) Limitation.--Amounts may be credited to the Fund 
     under subparagraph (A) only if the unobligated balance of the 
     Fund is less than $5,000,000.
       ``(4) Report required.--On the date on which the President 
     submits each budget for a fiscal year pursuant to section 
     1105 of title 31, the Secretary 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 describes--
       ``(A) the amounts credited to the Fund under paragraph (2) 
     for the preceding fiscal year; and
       ``(B) amounts in the Fund that were expended for the 
     preceding fiscal year.
       ``(b) Limitation.--Nothing in this section shall be 
     construed--
       ``(1) to create a private right of action or any other 
     right, benefit, or entitlement to necessary support for any 
     person; or
       ``(2) to compel the Secretary to pay or reimburse the cost 
     of necessary support.
       ``(c) Reimbursement; Recovery.--
       ``(1) In general.--A vessel owner or operator shall 
     reimburse the Fund an amount equal to the total amount paid 
     from the Fund for necessary support of a seafarer, if--
       ``(A) the vessel owner or operator--
       ``(i) during the course of an investigation, reporting, 
     documentation, or adjudication of any matter under this Act 
     that the Coast Guard referred to a United States attorney or 
     the Attorney General, fails to provide necessary support of a 
     seafarer who was paroled into the United States to facilitate 
     the investigation, reporting, documentation, or adjudication; 
     and
       ``(ii) subsequently is--

       ``(I) convicted of a criminal offense related to such 
     matter; or
       ``(II) required to reimburse the Fund pursuant to a court 
     order or negotiated settlement related to such matter; or

       ``(B) the vessel owner or operator abandons a seafarer in 
     the United States, as determined by the Secretary based on 
     substantial evidence.
       ``(2) Enforcement.--If a vessel owner or operator fails to 
     reimburse the Fund under paragraph (1) within 60 days after 
     receiving a written, itemized description of reimbursable 
     expenses and a demand for payment, the Secretary may--
       ``(A) proceed in rem against the vessel on which the 
     seafarer served in the Federal district court for the 
     district in which the vessel is found; and
       ``(B) withhold or revoke the clearance required under 
     section 60105 for the vessel and any other vessel operated by 
     the same operator (as that term is defined in section 2(9)(a) 
     of the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (33 U.S.C. 
     1901(9)(a)) as the vessel on which the seafarer served.
       ``(3) Obtaining clearance.--A vessel may obtain clearance 
     from the Secretary after it is withheld or revoked under 
     paragraph (2)(B) if the vessel owner or operator--
       ``(A) reimburses the Fund the amount required under 
     paragraph (1); or
       ``(B) provides a bond, or other evidence of financial 
     responsibility, sufficient to meet the amount required to be 
     reimbursed under paragraph (1).
       ``(4) Notification required.--The Secretary shall notify 
     the vessel at least 72 hours before taking any action under 
     paragraph (2)(B).
       ``(d) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) Abandons; abandoned.--Each of the terms `abandons' 
     and `abandoned' means--
       ``(A) a vessel owner's or operator's unilateral severance 
     of ties with a seafarer; or
       ``(B) a vessel owner's or operator's failure to provide 
     necessary support of a seafarer.
       ``(2) Fund.--The term `Fund' means the Abandoned Seafarers 
     Fund established under this section.
       ``(3) Necessary support.--The term `necessary support' 
     means normal wages and expenses the Secretary considers 
     reasonable for lodging, subsistence, clothing, medical care 
     (including hospitalization), repatriation, and any other 
     support the Secretary considers to be appropriate.
       ``(4) Seafarer.--The term `seafarer' means an alien crew 
     member who is employed or engaged in any capacity on board a 
     vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.
       ``(5) Vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the united 
     states.--The term `vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the 
     United States' has the meaning given that term in section 
     70502(c), except that it does not include a vessel that is--
       ``(A) owned, or operated under a bareboat charter, by the 
     United States, a State or political subdivision thereof, or a 
     foreign nation; and
       ``(B) not engaged in commerce.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for such chapter is 
     amended by adding at the end the following:

``11113. Treatment of abandoned seafarers.''.
       (c) Conforming Amendment.--Section 9 of the Act to Prevent 
     Pollution from Ships (33 U.S.C. 1908) is amended by adding at 
     the end the following:
       ``(g) Any penalty collected under subsection (a) or (b) 
     that is not paid under that subsection to the person giving 
     information leading to the conviction or assessment of such 
     penalties shall be deposited in the Abandoned Seafarers Fund 
     established under section 11113 of title 46, United States 
     Code.''.

     SEC. 321. ENFORCEMENT.

       (a) In General.--Section 55305(d) of title 46, United 
     States Code, is amended--
       (1) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:
       ``(1) Each department or agency that has responsibility for 
     a program under this section shall administer that program 
     consistent with this section and any regulations and guidance 
     issued by the Secretary of Transportation concerning this 
     section.'';
       (2) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3), and by 
     inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
       ``(2)(A) The Secretary shall have exclusive authority for 
     determining the applicability of this section to a program of 
     a Federal department or agency.
       ``(B) The head of a Federal department or agency shall 
     request the Secretary to determine the applicability of this 
     section to a program of such department or agency if the 
     department or agency is uncertain of such applicability. Not 
     later than 30 days after receiving such a request, the 
     Secretary shall make such determination.
       ``(C) Subparagraph (B) shall not be construed to limit the 
     authority of the Secretary to make a determination regarding 
     the applicability of this section to a program administered 
     by a Federal department or agency.
       ``(D) A determination made by the Secretary under this 
     paragraph regarding a program shall remain in effect until 
     the Secretary determines that this section no longer applies 
     to such program.'';
       (3) in paragraph (3), as so redesignated, by amending 
     subparagraph (A) to read as follows:
       ``(A) shall conduct an annual review of the administration 
     of programs subject to the requirements of this section to 
     determine compliance with the requirements of this 
     section;''; and
       (4) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(4) On the date on which the President submits to 
     Congress a budget pursuant to section 1105 of title 31, the 
     Secretary shall make available on the Internet website of the 
     Department of Transportation a report that--
       ``(A) lists the programs that were subject to 
     determinations made by the Secretary under paragraph (2) in 
     the preceding year; and
       ``(B) describes the results of the most recent annual 
     review required by paragraph (3)(A), including identification 
     of the departments and agencies that transported cargo in 
     violation of this section and any action the Secretary took 
     under paragraph (3) with respect to each violation.''.
       (b) Deadline for First Review.--The Secretary of 
     Transportation shall complete the first review required under 
     the amendment made by subsection (a)(1)(C) by not later than 
     December 31, 2015.
       (c) Conforming Amendment.--Section 3511(c) of the Duncan 
     Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 
     2009 (46 U.S.C. 55305 note) is repealed.

     SEC. 322. COAST GUARD REGULATIONS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, 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 an analysis of the Coast 
     Guard's proposed promulgation of safety and environmental 
     management system requirements for vessels engaged in Outer 
     Continental Shelf activities. The analysis shall include--
       (1) a discussion of any new operational, management, design 
     and construction, financial, and other mandates that would be 
     imposed on vessel owners and operators;
       (2) an estimate of all associated direct and indirect 
     operational, management, personnel, training, vessel design 
     and construction, record keeping, and other costs;
       (3) an identification and justification of any of such 
     proposed requirements that exceed those in international 
     conventions applicable to the design, construction, 
     operation, and management of vessels engaging in United 
     States Outer Continental Shelf activities; and
       (4) an identification of exemptions to the proposed 
     requirements, that are based upon vessel classification, 
     tonnage, offshore activity or function, alternative 
     certifications, or any other appropriate criteria.
       (b) Limitation.--The Secretary may not issue proposed 
     regulations relating to safety and environmental management 
     system requirements for vessels on the United States Outer 
     Continental Shelf for which noticed was published on 
     September 10, 2013 (78 Fed. Reg. 55230) earlier than 6 months 
     after the submittal of the analysis required by subsection 
     (a).

     SEC. 323. WEBSITE.

       (a) Reports to Secretary of Transportation; Incidents and 
     Details.--Section 3507(g)(3)(A) of title 46, United States 
     Code, is amended--
       (1) in clause (ii) by striking ``the incident to an 
     Internet based portal maintained by the Secretary'' and 
     inserting ``each incident specified in clause (i) to the 
     Internet website maintained by the Secretary of 
     Transportation under paragraph (4)(A)''; and
       (2) in clause (iii) by striking ``based portal maintained 
     by the Secretary'' and inserting

[[Page H8299]]

     ``website maintained by the Secretary of Transportation under 
     paragraph (4)(A)''.
       (b) Availability of Incident Data on Internet.--Section 
     3507(g)(4) of title 46, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(A) Website.--
       ``(i) In general.--The Secretary of Transportation shall 
     maintain a statistical compilation of all incidents on board 
     a cruise vessel specified in paragraph (3)(A)(i) on an 
     Internet website that provides a numerical accounting of the 
     missing persons and alleged crimes reported under that 
     paragraph without regard to the investigative status of the 
     incident.
       ``(ii) Updates and other requirements.--The compilation 
     under clause (i) shall--

       ``(I) be updated not less frequently than quarterly;
       ``(II) be able to be sorted by cruise line;
       ``(III) identify each cruise line by name;
       ``(IV) identify each crime or alleged crime committed or 
     allegedly committed by a passenger or crewmember; and
       ``(V) identify the number of individuals alleged overboard.

       ``(iii) User-friendly format.--The Secretary of 
     Transportation shall ensure that the compilation, data, and 
     any other information provided on the Internet website 
     maintained under this subparagraph are in a user-friendly 
     format.''; and
       (2) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``Secretary'' and 
     inserting ``Secretary of Transportation''.

                 TITLE IV--FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION

     SEC. 401. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       There is authorized to be appropriated to the Federal 
     Maritime Commission $24,700,000 for fiscal year 2015.

     SEC. 402. AWARD OF REPARATIONS.

       Section 41305 of title 46, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (b), by striking ``, plus reasonable 
     attorney fees''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(e) Attorney Fees.--In any action brought under section 
     41301, the prevailing party may be awarded reasonable 
     attorney fees.''.

     SEC. 403. TERMS OF COMMISSIONERS.

       (a) In General.--Section 301(b) of title 46, United States 
     Code, is amended--
       (1) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:
       ``(2) Terms.--The term of each Commissioner is 5 years. 
     When the term of a Commissioner ends, the Commissioner may 
     continue to serve until a successor is appointed and 
     qualified, but for a period not to exceed one year. Except as 
     provided in paragraph (3), no individual may serve more than 
     2 terms.''; and
       (2) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (5), and 
     inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
       ``(3) Vacancies.--A vacancy shall be filled in the same 
     manner as the original appointment. An individual appointed 
     to fill a vacancy is appointed only for the unexpired term of 
     the individual being succeeded. An individual appointed to 
     fill a vacancy may serve 2 terms in addition to the remainder 
     of the term for which the predecessor of that individual was 
     appointed.
       ``(4) Conflicts of interest.--
       ``(A) Limitation on relationships with regulated 
     entities.--A Commissioner may not have a pecuniary interest 
     in, hold an official relation to, or own stocks or bonds of 
     any entity the Commission regulates under chapter 401 of this 
     title.
       ``(B) Limitation on other activities.--A Commissioner may 
     not engage in another business, vocation, or employment.''.
       (b) Applicability.--The amendment made by subsection (a)(1) 
     does not apply with respect to a Commissioner of the Federal 
     Maritime Commission appointed and confirmed by the Senate 
     before the date of the enactment of this Act.

                TITLE V--ARCTIC MARITIME TRANSPORTATION

     SEC. 501. ARCTIC MARITIME TRANSPORTATION.

       (a) Arctic Maritime Transportation.--Chapter 5 of title 14, 
     United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 89 
     the following:

     ``Sec. 90. Arctic maritime transportation

       ``(a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to ensure 
     safe and secure maritime shipping in the Arctic including the 
     availability of aids to navigation, vessel escorts, spill 
     response capability, and maritime search and rescue in the 
     Arctic.
       ``(b) International Maritime Organization Agreements.--To 
     carry out the purpose of this section, the Secretary is 
     encouraged to enter into negotiations through the 
     International Maritime Organization to conclude and execute 
     agreements to promote coordinated action among the United 
     States, Russia, Canada, Iceland, Norway, and Denmark and 
     other seafaring and Arctic nations to ensure, in the Arctic--
       ``(1) placement and maintenance of aids to navigation;
       ``(2) appropriate marine safety, tug, and salvage 
     capabilities;
       ``(3) oil spill prevention and response capability;
       ``(4) maritime domain awareness, including long-range 
     vessel tracking; and
       ``(5) search and rescue.
       ``(c) Coordination by Committee on the Maritime 
     Transportation System.--The Committee on the Maritime 
     Transportation System established under section 55501 of 
     title 46, United States Code, shall coordinate the 
     establishment of domestic transportation policies in the 
     Arctic necessary to carry out the purpose of this section.
       ``(d) Agreements and Contracts.--The Secretary may, subject 
     to the availability of appropriations, enter into cooperative 
     agreements, contracts, or other agreements with, or make 
     grants to, individuals and governments to carry out the 
     purpose of this section or any agreements established under 
     subsection (b).
       ``(e) Icebreaking.--The Secretary shall promote safe 
     maritime navigation by means of icebreaking where necessary, 
     feasible, and effective to carry out the purposes of this 
     section.
       ``(f) Arctic Definition.--In this section, 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).''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for such chapter is 
     amended by inserting after the item relating to section 89 
     the following:

``90. Arctic maritime transportation''.
       (c) Conforming Amendment.--Section 307 of the Coast Guard 
     Authorization Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-281; 14 U.S.C. 92 
     note) is repealed.

     SEC. 502. ARCTIC MARITIME DOMAIN AWARENESS.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 7 of title 14, United States Code, 
     is amended by adding at the end the following:

     ``Sec. 154. Arctic maritime domain awareness

       ``(a) In General.--The Commandant shall improve maritime 
     domain awareness in the Arctic--
       ``(1) by promoting interagency cooperation and 
     coordination;
       ``(2) by employing joint, interagency, and international 
     capabilities; and
       ``(3) by facilitating the sharing of information, 
     intelligence, and data related to the Arctic maritime domain 
     between the Coast Guard and departments and agencies listed 
     in subsection (b).
       ``(b) Coordination.--The Commandant shall seek to 
     coordinate the collection, sharing, and use of information, 
     intelligence, and data related to the Arctic maritime domain 
     between the Coast Guard and the following:
       ``(1) The Department of Homeland Security.
       ``(2) The Department of Defense.
       ``(3) The Department of Transportation.
       ``(4) The Department of State.
       ``(5) The Department of the Interior.
       ``(6) The National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
       ``(7) The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
       ``(8) The Environmental Protection Agency.
       ``(9) The National Science Foundation.
       ``(10) The Arctic Research Commission.
       ``(11) Any Federal agency or commission or State the 
     Commandant determines is appropriate.
       ``(c) Cooperation.--The Commandant and the head of a 
     department or agency listed in subsection (b) may by 
     agreement, on a reimbursable basis or otherwise, share 
     personnel, services, equipment, and facilities to carry out 
     the requirements of this section.
       ``(d) 5-Year Strategic Plan.--Not later than January 1, 
     2016 and every 5 years thereafter, 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 5-year strategic plan to guide interagency 
     and international intergovernmental cooperation and 
     coordination for the purpose of improving maritime domain 
     awareness in the Arctic
       ``(e) Definitions.--In this section the term `Arctic' has 
     the meaning given that term in section 112 of the Arctic 
     Research and Policy Act of 1984 (15 U.S.C. 4111).''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for such chapter is 
     amended by inserting after the item relating to section 153 
     the following:

``154. Arctic maritime domain awareness.''.

     SEC. 503. IMO POLAR CODE NEGOTIATIONS.

       Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of 
     this Act, and thereafter with the submission of the budget 
     proposal submitted for each of fiscal years 2016, 2017, and 
     2018 under section 1105 of title 31, United States Code, the 
     Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is 
     operating 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--
       (1) the status of the negotiations at the International 
     Maritime Organization regarding the establishment of a draft 
     international code of safety for ships operating in polar 
     waters, popularly known as the Polar Code, and any amendments 
     proposed by such a code to be made to the International 
     Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea and the 
     International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from 
     Ships;
       (2) the coming into effect of such a code and such 
     amendments for nations that are parties to those conventions;
       (3) impacts, for coastal communities located in the Arctic 
     (as that term is defined in the section 112 of the Arctic 
     Research and Policy Act of 1984 (15 U.S.C. 4111)) of such a 
     code or such amendments, on--
       (A) the costs of delivering fuel and freight; and

[[Page H8300]]

       (B) the safety of maritime transportation; and
       (4) actions the Secretary must take to implement the 
     requirements of such a code and such amendments.

     SEC. 504. FORWARD OPERATING FACILITIES.

       The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is 
     operating may construct facilities in the Arctic (as that 
     term is defined in section 112 of the Arctic Research and 
     Policy Act of 1984 (15 U.S.C. 4111). The facilities shall--
       (1) support aircraft maintenance, including exhaust 
     ventilation, heat, an engine wash system, fuel, ground 
     support services, and electrical power;
       (2) provide shelter for both current helicopter assets and 
     those projected to be located at Air Station Kodiak, Alaska, 
     for at least 20 years; and
       (3) include accommodations for personnel.

     SEC. 505. ICEBREAKERS.

       (a) Coast Guard Polar Icebreakers.--Section 222 of the 
     Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2012 (Public 
     Law 112-213; 126 Stat. 1560) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (d)(2)--
       (A) in the paragraph heading by striking ``; bridging 
     strategy''; and
       (B) by striking ``Commandant of the Coast Guard'' and all 
     that follows through the period at the end and inserting 
     ``Commandant of the Coast Guard may decommission the Polar 
     Sea.'';
       (2) by adding at the end of subsection (d) the following:
       ``(3) Result of no determination.--If in the analysis 
     submitted under this section the Secretary does not make a 
     determination under subsection (a)(5) regarding whether it is 
     cost effective to reactivate the Polar Sea, then--
       ``(A) the Commandant of the Coast Guard may decommission 
     the Polar Sea; or
       ``(B) the Secretary may make such determination, not later 
     than 90 days after the date of the enactment of Howard Coble 
     Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2014, and take 
     actions in accordance with this subsection as though such 
     determination was made in the analysis previously 
     submitted.'';
       (3) by redesignating subsections (e), (f), and (g) as 
     subsections (f), (g), and (h), respectively; and
       (4) by inserting after subsection (d) the following:
       ``(e) Strategies.--
       ``(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
     on which the analysis required under subsection (a) is 
     submitted, the Commandant 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--
       ``(A) unless the Secretary makes a determination under this 
     section that it is cost effective to reactivate the Polar 
     Sea, a bridging strategy for maintaining the Coast Guard's 
     polar icebreaking services until at least September 30, 2024;
       ``(B) a strategy to meet the Coast Guard's Arctic ice 
     operations needs through September 30, 2050; and
       ``(C) a strategy to meet the Coast Guard's Antarctic ice 
     operations needs through September 30, 2050.
       ``(2) Requirement.--The strategies required under paragraph 
     (1) shall include a business case analysis comparing the 
     leasing and purchasing of icebreakers to maintain the needs 
     and services described in that paragraph.''.
       (b) Cutter ``Polar Sea''.--Upon the submission of a service 
     life extension plan in accordance with section 222(d)(1)(C) 
     of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2012 
     (Public Law 112-213; 126 Stat. 1560), the Secretary of the 
     department in which the Coast Guard is operating may use 
     funds authorized under section 101 of this Act to conduct a 
     service life extension of 7 to 10 years for the Coast Guard 
     Cutter Polar Sea (WAGB 11) in accordance with such plan.
       (c) Limitation.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary of the department in which 
     the Coast Guard is operating may not expend amounts 
     appropriated for the Coast Guard for any of fiscal years 2015 
     through 2024, for--
       (A) design activities related to a capability of a Polar-
     Class Icebreaker that is based solely on an operational 
     requirement of another Federal department or agency, except 
     for amounts appropriated for design activities for a fiscal 
     year before fiscal year 2016; or
       (B) long-lead-time materials, production, or post-delivery 
     activities related to such a capability.
       (2) Other amounts.--Amounts made available to the Secretary 
     under an agreement with another Federal department or agency 
     and expended on a capability of a Polar-Class Icebreaker that 
     is based solely on an operational requirement of that or 
     another Federal department or agency shall not be treated as 
     amounts expended by the Secretary for purposes of the 
     limitation established under paragraph (1).

     SEC. 506. ICEBREAKING IN POLAR REGIONS.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 5 of title 14, United States Code, 
     is amended by inserting after section 86 the following:

     ``Sec. 87. Icebreaking in polar regions

       ``The President shall facilitate planning for the design, 
     procurement, maintenance, deployment, and operation of 
     icebreakers as needed to support the statutory missions of 
     the Coast Guard in the polar regions by allocating all funds 
     to support icebreaking operations in such regions, except for 
     recurring incremental costs associated with specific 
     projects, to the Coast Guard.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for such chapter is 
     amended by inserting after the item relating to section 86 
     the following:

``87. Icebreaking in polar regions.''.

                        TITLE VI--MISCELLANEOUS

     SEC. 601. DISTANT WATER TUNA FLEET.

       Section 421 of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation 
     Act of 2006 (46 U.S.C. 8103 note) is amended--
       (1) by striking subsections (c) and (e); and
       (2) by redesignating subsections (d) and (f) as subsections 
     (c) and (d), respectively.

     SEC. 602. EXTENSION OF MORATORIUM.

       Section 2(a) of Public Law 110-299 (33 U.S.C. 1342 note) is 
     amended by striking ``2014'' and inserting ``2015''.

     SEC. 603. NATIONAL MARITIME STRATEGY.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 60 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation, 
     in consultation with the Secretary of the department in which 
     the Coast Guard is operating, 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 national maritime strategy.
       (b) Contents.--The strategy required under subsection (a) 
     shall--
       (1) identify--
       (A) Federal regulations and policies that reduce the 
     competitiveness of United States flag vessels in 
     international transportation markets; and
       (B) the impact of reduced cargo flow due to reductions in 
     the number of members of the United States Armed Forces 
     stationed or deployed outside of the United States; and
       (2) include recommendations to--
       (A) make United States flag vessels more competitive in 
     shipping routes between United States and foreign ports;
       (B) increase the use of United States flag vessels to carry 
     cargo imported to and exported from the United States;
       (C) ensure compliance by Federal agencies with chapter 553 
     of title 46, United States Code;
       (D) increase the use of third-party inspection and 
     certification authorities to inspect and certify vessels;
       (E) increase the use of short sea transportation routes, 
     including routes designated under section 55601(c) of title 
     46, United States Code, to enhance intermodal freight 
     movements; and
       (F) enhance United States shipbuilding capability.

     SEC. 604. WAIVERS.

       (a) ``John Craig''.--
       (1) In general.--Section 8902 of title 46, United States 
     Code, shall not apply to the vessel John Craig (United States 
     official number D1110613) when such vessel is operating on 
     the portion of the Kentucky River, Kentucky, located at 
     approximately mile point 158, in Pool Number 9, between Lock 
     and Dam Number 9 and Lock and Dam Number 10.
       (2) Application.--Paragraph (1) shall apply on and after 
     the date on which the Secretary of the department in which 
     the Coast Guard is operating determines that a licensing 
     requirement has been established under Kentucky State law 
     that applies to an operator of the vessel John Craig.
       (b) ``F/V Western Challenger''.--Notwithstanding section 
     12132 of title 46, United States Code, the Secretary of the 
     department in which the Coast Guard is operating may issue a 
     certificate of documentation with a coastwise endorsement for 
     the F/V Western Challenger (IMO number 5388108).

     SEC. 605. COMPETITION BY UNITED STATES FLAG VESSELS.

       (a) In General.--The Commandant of the Coast Guard shall 
     enter into an arrangement with the National Academy of 
     Sciences to conduct an assessment of authorities under 
     subtitle II of title 46, United States Code, that have been 
     delegated to the Coast Guard and that impact the ability of 
     vessels documented under the laws of the United States to 
     effectively compete in international transportation markets.
       (b) Review of Differences With IMO Standards.--The 
     assessment under subsection (a) shall include a review of 
     differences between United States laws, policies, 
     regulations, and guidance governing the inspection of vessels 
     documented under the laws of the United States and standards 
     set by the International Maritime Organization governing the 
     inspection of vessels.
       (c) Deadline.--Not later than 180 days after the date on 
     which the Commandant enters into an arrangement with the 
     National Academy of Sciences 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 the assessment required under such subsection.

     SEC. 606. VESSEL REQUIREMENTS FOR NOTICES OF ARRIVAL AND 
                   DEPARTURE AND AUTOMATIC IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM.

       Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of 
     this Act, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast 
     Guard is operating shall notify the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the

[[Page H8301]]

     Senate of the status of the final rule that relates to the 
     notice of proposed rulemaking titled ``Vessel Requirements 
     for Notices of Arrival and Departure, and Automatic 
     Identification System'' and published in the Federal Register 
     on December 16, 2008 (73 Fed. Reg. 76295).

     SEC. 607. CONVEYANCE OF COAST GUARD PROPERTY IN ROCHESTER, 
                   NEW YORK.

       (a) Conveyance Authorized.--The Commandant of the Coast 
     Guard is authorized to convey, at fair market value, all 
     right, title, and interest of the United States in and to a 
     parcel of real property, consisting of approximately 0.2 
     acres, that is under the administrative control of the Coast 
     Guard and located at 527 River Street in Rochester, New York.
       (b) Right of First Refusal.--The City of Rochester, New 
     York, shall have the right of first refusal with respect to 
     the purchase, at fair market value, of the real property 
     described in subsection (a).
       (c) Survey.--The exact acreage and legal description of the 
     property described in subsection (a) shall be determined by a 
     survey satisfactory to the Commandant.
       (d) Fair Market Value.--The fair market value of the 
     property described in subsection (a) shall--
       (1) be determined by appraisal; and
       (2) be subject to the approval of the Commandant.
       (e) Costs of Conveyance.--The responsibility for all 
     reasonable and necessary costs, including real estate 
     transaction and environmental documentation costs, associated 
     with a conveyance under subsection (a) shall be determined by 
     the Commandant and the purchaser.
       (f) Additional Terms and Conditions.--The Commandant may 
     require such additional terms and conditions in connection 
     with a conveyance under subsection (a) as the Commandant 
     considers appropriate and reasonable to protect the interests 
     of the United States.
       (g) Deposit of Proceeds.--Any proceeds from a conveyance 
     under subsection (a) shall be deposited in the fund 
     established under section 687 of title 14, United States 
     Code.

     SEC. 608. CONVEYANCE OF CERTAIN PROPERTY IN GIG HARBOR, 
                   WASHINGTON.

       (a) Definitions.--In this section, the following 
     definitions apply:
       (1) City.--The term ``City'' means the city of Gig Harbor, 
     Washington.
       (2) Property.--The term ``Property'' means the parcel of 
     real property, together with any improvements thereon, 
     consisting of approximately 0.86 acres of fast lands commonly 
     identified as tract 65 of lot 1 of section 8, township 21 
     north, range 2 east, Willamette Meridian, on the north side 
     of the entrance of Gig Harbor, narrows of Puget Sound, 
     Washington.
       (3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of the Interior.
       (b) Conveyance.--
       (1) Authority to convey.--Not later than 30 days after the 
     date on which the Secretary of the department in which the 
     Coast Guard is operating relinquishes the reservation of the 
     Property for lighthouse purposes, at the request of the City 
     and subject to the requirements of this section, the 
     Secretary shall convey to the City all right, title, and 
     interest of the United States in and to the Property, 
     notwithstanding the land use planning requirements of 
     sections 202 and 203 of the Federal Land Policy and 
     Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1712, 1713).
       (2) Terms of conveyance.--A conveyance made under paragraph 
     (1) shall be made--
       (A) subject to valid existing rights;
       (B) at the fair market value as described in subsection 
     (c); and
       (C) subject to any other condition that the Secretary may 
     consider appropriate to protect the interests of the United 
     States.
       (3) Costs.--The City shall pay any transaction or 
     administrative costs associated with a conveyance under 
     paragraph (1), including the costs of the appraisal, title 
     searches, maps, and boundary and cadastral surveys.
       (4) Conveyance is not a major federal action.--A conveyance 
     under paragraph (1) shall not be considered a major Federal 
     action for purposes of section 102(2) of the National 
     Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332(2)).
       (c) Fair Market Value.--
       (1) Determination.--The fair market value of the Property 
     shall be--
       (A) determined by an appraisal conducted by an independent 
     appraiser selected by the Secretary; and
       (B) approved by the Secretary in accordance with paragraph 
     (3).
       (2) Requirements.--An appraisal conducted under paragraph 
     (1) shall--
       (A) be conducted in accordance with nationally recognized 
     appraisal standards, including--
       (i) the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land 
     Acquisitions; and
       (ii) the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal 
     Practice; and
       (B) shall reflect the equitable considerations described in 
     paragraph (3).
       (3) Equitable considerations.--In approving the fair market 
     value of the Property under this subsection, the Secretary 
     shall take into consideration matters of equity and fairness, 
     including the City's past and current lease of the Property, 
     any maintenance or improvements by the City to the Property, 
     and such other factors as the Secretary considers 
     appropriate.
       (d) Revocation; Reversion.--Effective on and after the date 
     on which a conveyance of the Property is made under 
     subsection (b)(1)--
       (1) Executive Order 3528, dated August 9, 1921, is revoked; 
     and
       (2) the use of the tide and shore lands belonging to the 
     State of Washington and adjoining and bordering the Property, 
     that were granted to the Government of the United States 
     pursuant to the Act of the Legislature, State of Washington, 
     approved March 13, 1909, the same being chapter 110 of the 
     Session Laws of 1909, shall revert to the State of 
     Washington.

     SEC. 609. VESSEL DETERMINATION.

       The vessel assigned United States official number 1205366 
     is deemed a new vessel effective on the date of delivery of 
     the vessel after January 1, 2012, from a privately owned 
     United States shipyard, if no encumbrances are on record with 
     the Coast Guard at the time of the issuance of the new 
     certificate of documentation for the vessel.

     SEC. 610. SAFE VESSEL OPERATION IN THUNDER BAY.

       The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is 
     operating and the Administrator of the Environmental 
     Protection Agency may not prohibit a vessel operating within 
     the existing boundaries and any future expanded boundaries of 
     the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater 
     Preserve from taking up or discharging ballast water to allow 
     for safe and efficient vessel operation if the uptake or 
     discharge meets all Federal and State ballast water 
     management requirements that would apply if the area were not 
     a marine sanctuary.

     SEC. 611. PARKING FACILITIES.

       (a) Allocation and Assignment.--
       (1) In general.--Subject to the requirements of this 
     section, the Administrator of General Services, in 
     coordination with the Commandant of the Coast Guard, shall 
     allocate and assign the spaces in parking facilities at the 
     Department of Homeland Security St. Elizabeths Campus to 
     allow any member or employee of the Coast Guard, who is 
     assigned to the Campus, to use such spaces.
       (2) Timing.--In carrying out paragraph (1), and in addition 
     to the parking spaces allocated and assigned to Coast Guard 
     members and employees in fiscal year 2014, the Administrator 
     shall allocate and assign not less than--
       (A) 300 parking spaces not later than September 30, 2015;
       (B) 700 parking spaces not later than September 30, 2016; 
     and
       (C) 1,042 parking spaces not later than September 30, 2017.
       (b) Transportation Management Report.--Not later than 1 
     year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and each 
     fiscal year thereafter in which spaces are allocated and 
     assigned under subsection (a)(2), the Administrator 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 report on--
       (1) the impact of assigning and allocating parking spaces 
     under subsection (a) on the congestion of roads connecting 
     the St. Elizabeths Campus to the portions of Suitland Parkway 
     and I-295 located in the Anacostia section of the District of 
     Columbia; and
       (2) progress made toward completion of essential 
     transportation improvements identified in the Transportation 
     Management Program for the St. Elizabeths Campus.
       (c) Reallocation.--Notwithstanding subsection (a), the 
     Administrator may revise the allocation and assignment of 
     spaces to members and employees of the Coast Guard made under 
     subsection (a) as necessary to accommodate employees of the 
     Department of Homeland Security, other than the Coast Guard, 
     when such employees are assigned to the St. Elizabeths 
     Campus.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Hunter) and the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. 
Rahall) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California.


                             General Leave

  Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and 
include extraneous material on H.R. 5769.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from California?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, H.R. 5769, the Howard Coble Coast Guard and Maritime 
Transportation Act of 2014, reauthorizes funding for the Coast Guard 
through fiscal year 2015 at levels that are fiscally responsible and 
that will reverse the misguided cuts proposed by the current 
administration.
  The President proposed to slash the service's acquisition budget by 
over 20 percent, reduce the number of servicemembers by over 1,300, 
undermine readiness by cutting program hours for aircraft, and 
jeopardize the success of the

[[Page H8302]]

search-and-rescue mission by taking fixed-wing air aircraft crews off 
alert status. The President's budget request will only worsen the Coast 
Guard's growing gaps in mission performance, increase acquisition 
delays, drive up the cost of new assets, and deny our servicemembers 
the critical resources needed to perform their duties.

                              {time}  1245

  H.R. 5769 authorizes sufficient funding to ensure these cuts do not 
happen and the service has what it needs to successfully conduct its 
missions. The bill also makes several reforms to the Coast Guard 
authorities, as well as laws governing shipping and navigation.
  Specifically, H.R. 5769 supports Coast Guard servicemembers by 
ensuring the members of the Coast Guard are offered the same benefits 
available to members of the other armed services. It improves Coast 
Guard mission effectiveness by replacing and modernizing Coast Guard 
assets in a cost-effective manner.
  It enhances oversight of the Coast Guard, reduces inefficient 
operations, and saves taxpayer dollars by making commonsense reforms to 
Coast Guard missions and administration. It helps veterans make the 
transition from service in the military to good-paying jobs in the 
maritime industry.
  It includes an Arctic maritime transportation title, which provides 
the Coast Guard the authorities it needs to successfully carry out 
missions in the Arctic, as well as prepare for the safe operation of 
commercial vessels and increased human activity in the region.
  It encourages job growth in the maritime sector by conducting 
regulatory burdens on job creators, and lastly, it reauthorizes and 
reforms the structure and operations of the FMC.
  Mr. Speaker, with respect to section 323 of the bill, it is the 
committee's intent that the Department of Transportation use the Web 
site currently operated by the Coast Guard to the greatest extent 
possible. The data presented on the Web site should be limited only to 
that required by statute and shown in a simple, easily used format.
  The committee does not intend to use anything other than commercial 
off-the-shelf technology to establish the Web site or independently 
develop new software or acquire new hardware in operating the site.
  H.R. 5769 presents a strong bipartisan and bicameral agreement. I 
want to thank Senators Rockefeller, Thune, Begich, and Rubio for 
working with us on this important legislation. I also want to thank 
Ranking Member Rahall and the subcommittee ranking member, 
Representative Garamendi, for their efforts, and Chairman Shuster for 
his leadership.
  Finally, I want to take a minute to point out that this will be the 
last Coast Guard authorization bill that will benefit from the advice 
and support of the only Member of Congress with service in the Coast 
Guard, our colleague and friend, Howard Coble.
  Howard is a Korean war veteran with 5 years of active duty in the 
Coast Guard and another 18 years in the Coast Guard Reserve. He is the 
founder of the Congressional Coast Guard Caucus, as well as an active 
member and former chairman of the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and 
Maritime Transportation.
  Throughout his career in Congress, Howard has been a tireless 
advocate for the men and women of the Coast Guard. I thank and commend 
him for this service to our Nation and for his contributions to this 
and past Coast Guard authorizations.
  I reserve the balance of my time.

                                         House of Representatives,


                               Committee on Homeland Security,

                                 Washington, DC, December 3, 2014.
     Hon. Bill Shuster,
     Chairman, House Committee on Transportation and 
         Infrastructure, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Shuster: I write to you regarding the 
     jurisdictional interest of the Committee on Homeland Security 
     in H.R. 5769, the ``Howard Coble Coast Guard and Maritime 
     Transportation Act of 2014.'' The bill contains certain 
     provisions that fall within the jurisdiction of the 
     Committee.
       In the interest of permitting the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure to proceed expeditiously to 
     the House floor, I will not seek a sequential referral of 
     H.R. 5769. However, I do so only with the mutual 
     understanding that the jurisdiction of the Committee on 
     Homeland Security over matters concerning the United States 
     Coast Guard in this or similar legislation is in no way 
     diminished. I further request that you urge the Speaker to 
     name Members of this Committee to any conference committee 
     that is named to consider such provisions.
       Finally, I request you include this letter and your 
     response into the Congressional Record during consideration 
     of H.R. 5769 on the House floor. Thank you for your 
     cooperation.
           Sincerely,
                                                Michael T. McCaul,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

         House of Representatives, Committee on Transportation and 
           Infrastructure,
                                 Washington, DC, December 3, 2014.
     Hon. Michael T. McCaul,
     Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman McCaul: Thank you for your letter regarding 
     the Committee on Homeland Security's jurisdictional interest 
     in H.R. 5769, the Howard Coble Coast Guard and Maritime 
     Transportation Act of 2014.
       I look forward to working with you concerning provisions in 
     H.R. 5769, or similar legislation, that are within the 
     jurisdiction of the Committee on Homeland Security. Finally, 
     I would support your effort to seek appointment of an 
     appropriate number of conferees to any House-Senate 
     conference involving this legislation.
       I will include our letters in the Congressional Record 
     during House floor consideration of the bill. I appreciate 
     your cooperation regarding this legislation, and I look 
     forward to working with the Committee on Homeland Security as 
     the bill moves through the legislative process.
           Sincerely,
                                                     Bill Shuster,
                                                         Chairman.

  Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  (Mr. RAHALL asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5769, 
the Howard Coble Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2014. 
This legislation was developed, as Mr. Hunter has said, through very 
cooperative, bipartisan, and bicameral negotiations over the past 2 
months.
  That we are here today considering this legislation on the suspension 
calendar demonstrates again that, when we put aside partisan 
differences, we can find agreement on substantive legislation that 
serves the greater interests of the American public.
  I commend full committee Chairman Shuster for his leadership in 
reaching out to the other body to initiate the process that has 
culminated in producing the outstanding bill that is before the House 
today.
  I also want to thank and acknowledge the chairman of the Coast Guard 
and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, Duncan Hunter, and the 
ranking Democratic member of our Coast Guard and Maritime 
Transportation Subcommittee, Mr. John Garamendi, for their tireless 
efforts to advance this important legislation.
  As well, to our colleague Howard Coble, whom I have served with on 
the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee since he was first 
elected to the House in 1984.
  It is truly fitting that the pending bill will be named after Howard. 
He is a true gentleman in every sense of the word, a gentleman of this 
House, and a superb friend to myself, as well as to many of our 
colleagues.
  The U.S. Coast Guard, one of our Nation's five military services, 
remains an agency that is as indispensable today as it was 100 years 
ago. Whether maintaining the safety of maritime commerce on the high 
seas, securing our ports, harbors, and inland waterways, or when 
protecting life at sea, the Coast Guard stands ready and able to serve 
whenever called.
  I am pleased that this legislation will provide sufficient authorized 
funding to ensure that the Coast Guard has the resources and the 
personnel that it needs to accomplish its many missions, and most 
importantly, this legislation provides adequate funding to allow the 
Coast Guard to maintain progress in recapitalizing its offshore fleet 
of cutters, which is a very high priority.
  I am also pleased that this legislation will advance several policies 
to support our merchant marine, especially a provision that will 
strengthen the enforcement of cargo preference requirements and ensure 
that the transport of U.S. Government cargoes continue to provide jobs 
for U.S. seafarers.
  In general, this legislation will do much to advance our maritime 
industries and ensure that our maritime economy remains a vibrant 
contributor

[[Page H8303]]

and source of jobs for millions of Americans.
  This legislation is noncontroversial. It does have solid bipartisan 
and bicameral support, and I urge Members to support this worthy bill.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, there are a few people I want to thank, too. 
I want to thank John and Jeff, who are here in this room, for the work 
that they have put into this. I want to thank Victoria Middleton, who 
is my chief of staff. This will be her last year. This is her first 
Coast Guard bill that we are getting done here. They have put in so 
much work and so much time.
  For myself, this is my first piece of legislation that I am going to 
be passing in this Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee 
with Mr. Garamendi. It has been a great time working with everybody.
  I want to thank, lastly, the men and women of the Coast Guard. They 
have been fantastic. They have really opened up their arms to us. We 
have been able to see what they do, how they do it, and what they have 
to do, day in and day out, for the people of this country and, frankly, 
people of every country.
  If you are on the open seas and something bad happens to you, it is 
going to be the U.S. Coast Guard that comes and saves you. If you are a 
bad guy running drugs from South America up to Florida, it is going to 
be a U.S. Coast Guard vessel that interdicts.
  I just want to thank the U.S. Coast Guard for what they do for this 
Nation because they are kind of the redheaded stepchild. They are a 
military service, but they are also a law enforcement entity. They get 
to do both things, and that is one of the things that makes them such a 
great organization.
  With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Coble).
  Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California, and I 
will be very brief. I thank the ranking member, Mr. Rahall, and the 
chairman of the subcommittee for your generous words. I am not sure 
that I am deserving, but I am appreciative. I appreciate the diligence 
which the Coast Guard men and women display daily in the discharge of 
their duties.
  There is an old adage that is as old as the Coast Guard, and that is 
when distress calls are received, the Coast Guard must go out. It says 
nothing about them coming back. Most of them do come back, but on 
occasion, they don't. We should always remember that very clearly.
  Again, I thank you for this honor.
  Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the distinguished 
gentleman from California (Mr. Garamendi), the ranking member of the 
Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.
  Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me 
this time, and I rise in strong support of H.R. 5769, the Howard Coble 
Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act.
  As explained by previous speakers, this bill is bipartisan, 
bicameral, and is noncontroversial. It reauthorizes the Coast Guard and 
the Coast Guard Reserve and the Federal Maritime Commission. The 
legislation includes many important provisions that were contained in 
H.R. 4005, the Coast Guard authorization legislation that was passed 
and reported by voice vote from the committee, as well as overwhelming 
support here on the floor on April 1 of this year.
  Maintaining a safe, reliable, and efficient maritime commerce that 
enables our foreign and domestic trade to fuel the U.S. economy remains 
as important today as it was in 1790, when former Treasury Secretary 
Alexander Hamilton established the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service, the 
predecessor to the U.S. Coast Guard.
  This new legislation will provide our Coast Guard with the resources 
and policy tools they need to meet the challenges presented by an ever-
evolving economy and security demands of our Nation.
  First, let me explain. A sincere gratitude to my colleague, Duncan 
Hunter, the chair of the subcommittee, for the work that he and his 
extraordinary staff have done in putting together this bill. Working 
together, I think we have accomplished something useful.
  Mr. Rahall's leadership on our side was exemplary. He gave us the 
resources, the time, and the encouragement to get this job done, and 
that was repeated by Mr. Shuster on the other side. We have a great 
team, and I am proud to be part of it.
  This is a compromise to be sure, but it is a good one. First and 
foremost, the bill includes several noncontroversial administrative and 
management directives to better align the Coast Guard missions and 
needs with the long-term capital planning and annual budget requests.
  Additionally, the bill would grant the Coast Guard with greater 
flexibility to augment Active Duty forces and provide explicit 
cooperative agreement authority to enhance the Coast Guard's ability to 
develop beneficial partnerships with other maritime stakeholders. The 
bill provides new guidance to the Coast Guard as it continues to 
rebuild its fleet of offshore cutters.
  I am particularly pleased this legislation would advance several 
positive initiatives to reinvigorate the U.S. merchant marine and 
improve maritime transportation. Most noteworthy, this legislation 
would advance several positive policy initiatives, among them the 
enforcement of cargo preference laws and regulations, a move that is 
long overdue.
  Additionally, the legislation requires the Department of 
Transportation to develop a new maritime strategy and direct the 
Government Accountability Office to conduct an assessment of how future 
export trade can be augmented.
  I welcome the opportunities to chart new courses forward to improve 
the competitiveness of the U.S. flag fleet on the high seas, to 
increase opportunities for short sea shipping, and to expand our 
commercial shipbuilding industrial base.
  I am pleased that this legislation will advance significant new 
policies already discussed by Mr. Hunter to finally force the Federal 
Government and the Coast Guard especially to take constructive actions 
to address the implications of the thawing of the Arctic Ocean and the 
imminent demands for commercial maritime transportation and resource 
development across that vast region. A particular shout-out to Mr. 
Hunter for leading the charge on this very important effort.
  In closing, this bill is responsible legislation that would provide 
budget stability for the Coast Guard, advance sensible policy reforms, 
and promote our merchant marine. The bill deserves support from Members 
from both sides of the aisle.
  Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, this bill would not have happened without 
the leadership of Mr. Rahall and the full committee chairman, Bill 
Shuster from Pennsylvania. They did a lot of work on this bill.
  I am honored to yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman 
from Pennsylvania (Mr. Shuster).
  Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlemen from California, Mr. 
Hunter and Mr. Garamendi, for their great work. There were a couple of 
rough patches, but in the House, we were able to figure it out. In the 
Senate, I especially thank Senator Rockefeller for working through 
this. I know Senator Rockefeller is retiring, so it is fitting that, as 
he leaves, this bill and his work is complete, and so we congratulate 
and thank him for his work.
  This bill that Chairman Hunter and Mr. Garamendi put together is 
truly bipartisan and bicameral. There are a lot of great reforms in it. 
The men and women of the Coast Guard that help to keep this country 
safe and enforce our laws, this is a tribute to them for what they do.
  They risk their lives to save people and to save property, and so my 
hat goes off to them and to thank them again for the great work that 
they do protecting the American people on the waterways and on the high 
seas and the marine natural resources that they also help to protect. 
They have a huge job.
  I am very, very proud that the Howard Coble Coast Guard and Maritime 
Transportation Act is going to pass today. As I said, a lot of 
bipartisan reforms are in the bill that will help to streamline and 
ensure that our Coast Guard can do their job more efficiently and with 
less red tape, giving them the resources that they need.
  Again, a special thanks to Howard Coble, who the bill is named for. 
This

[[Page H8304]]

is his final bill. We wish him well in his future journey. Being the 
only Member of Congress that is a coastie, we thank him for all of his 
years of service back to 1985.
  I think I am one of the few Members who has known Howard Coble since 
1985--not that I was a Member then, but my father served with Howard on 
the committee. I was with my father last night, and I told him that we 
are doing the bill today, and he sends his best to you, Howard, and 
congratulates you on your retirement.
  You have been a tireless worker for the interests of the Coast Guard 
and for the security of America, and we can't thank you enough for 
that.

                              {time}  1300

  In addition, the ranking member, Mr. Rahall, I believe this will be 
the final bill that he moves through the committee. I want to thank him 
for his friendship and for working with me the past 2 years. It has 
been a great partnership.
  I have got a lot of great stories. As we went through the WRDA bill, 
a lot of great successes. A couple of them I can't tell, or I can't 
tell them on the House floor, but they are all clean. They are all 
good. But, again, we really worked well together on that, and I wish 
you the best in your future endeavors. You will be missed here in 
Washington. And again, a family friend for almost 40 years, serving 
with my father and with me; and again, we can't thank you enough for 
the great work that you have done in your 38 years here.
  Mr. COBLE. Will the gentleman yield?
  Mr. SHUSTER. I yield to the gentleman from North Carolina.
  Mr. COBLE. I will be very brief.
  In thanking Mr. Rahall and Mr. Hunter, I failed to thank the 
chairman. That is a mistake you should never commit. So I thank you as 
well, Mr. Shuster. Thanks to all of you.
  Mr. SHUSTER. I was more than happy to let Mr. Coble come up. He 
didn't have to thank me. His hard work is thanks enough. But, again, a 
fine member of the committee and a Member of Congress. We are going to 
miss him greatly.
  So, again, as I want to sum up, Chairman Hunter, Ranking Member 
Garamendi, great work on this bill. I encourage all of my colleagues to 
vote for this, and hopefully we will get a vote in the Senate next 
week, and we can get this to the President's desk and he can sign it 
for Christmas. So, again, thanks to all.
  I want to thank the staff for their great work, not only on the 
subcommittee but on the full committee. As we worked through the past 2 
years, the staff has had a lot of good action together, and I want to 
thank the staff and wish them a Merry Christmas, a happy holiday, and a 
happy new year. If we don't see you, then we will see you around the 
first of the year.
  I am particularly pleased that the bill includes a provision which 
equalizes the regulatory treatment among similar vessels which operate 
out of the British and U.S. Virgin Islands.
  Current law puts certain vessels operating out of the U.S. Virgin 
Islands at a competitive disadvantage with similar vessels operating 
out of the British Virgin Islands. H.R. 5769 establishes an equal 
playing field for these vessels.
  It allows vessels operating out of the U.S. Virgin Islands which meet 
safety requirements identical to those in effect for similar vessels 
operating out of the British Virgin Islands to carry an equal number of 
passengers.
  It is clear the provision comes into effect on the date of enactment. 
The Coast Guard may write standards to implement the provision, but, 
again, the provision is clear, any such standards must be identical to 
those imposed on BVI vessels; and during any period prior to the 
implementation of such standards, vessels operating out of the U.S. 
Virgin Islands which meet the standards referenced in section 319, 
uninspected passenger vessels in the United States Virgin Islands, of 
H.R. 5769 shall be allowed to carry an equal number of passengers as 
those operating out of the British Virgin Islands.
  Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
Maryland (Mr. Cummings).
  Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, first of all, I want to thank Ranking 
Member Rahall for this time. I also thank him for his work on this 
legislation and for his decades of service to our great Nation. He will 
be sorely missed in the Transportation Committee and, indeed, in the 
Congress.
  I also want to thank Chairman Shuster, Chairman Hunter, and Ranking 
Member Garamendi for all of their hard work on this legislation.
  I rise today in support of this measure, H.R. 5769, the Howard Coble 
Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2014.
  And it is interesting that Mr. Coble just got up to make sure that he 
thanked everybody, but I want to thank him. When I served as the 
chairman of the subcommittee, he was one of my staunchest supporters. 
He was the epitome of bipartisanship. He always made it clear that the 
Coast Guard was sometimes not put on the front burner, was on the back 
burner, and he wanted to make sure that they were on the front burner, 
and I want to thank him for this. This is so very, very significant, 
and I want to thank him for his friendship over the many years.
  This measure includes critical provisions strengthening the 
Department of Transportation's, DOT, authority to enforce cargo 
preference requirements to ensure that government-impelled cargoes are 
carried on U.S.-flagged vessels. Section 321 of this legislation 
clarifies that the DOT has exclusive authority to determine whether a 
government-impelled cargo is subject to these requirements.
  Section 321 also requires the DOT to conduct an annual review to 
determine whether government programs are in compliance with cargo 
preference requirements. According to the Maritime Administration, the 
number of U.S.-flagged vessels operating in international trade has 
declined nearly 25 percent in just the last 3 years, falling from 106 
in January of 2012 to just 81 as of this month.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentleman has expired.
  Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield the gentleman another minute.
  Mr. CUMMINGS. It is not an exaggeration to say that if we don't take 
deliberate and swift steps to preserve the U.S. Merchant Marine, we 
will lose it, leaving our Nation dependent for merchant sealift 
capacity on foreign-flagged vessels and foreign mariners. Despite what 
some may claim, reserving the carriage of the U.S. Government-impelled 
cargoes is not unlike any other government program designed to ensure 
that the expenditure of U.S. taxpayer funds benefits Americans.
  Again, this is a very important piece of legislation. I urge all the 
Members to vote for it. To all of those who have been a part of this in 
making it happen, I express my appreciation. On behalf of the Coast 
Guard, I express my appreciation.
  Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Royce), my good friend and colleague and the full 
committee chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee.
  Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize the efforts of the 
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Its leadership should be 
commended for this bipartisan effort to strengthen the Coast Guard in a 
time of heightened security threats to the United States.
  The Foreign Affairs Committee has been working in a bipartisan way to 
reform international food assistance, so I particularly appreciate the 
fact that this legislation does not include a provision that would have 
raised the cargo preference requirements for these programs from 50 
percent to 75 percent. A provision like this would cost U.S. taxpayers 
millions more and slow lifesaving assistance by months.
  Lives are at stake, and I appreciate that the committee heard our 
view, and I also appreciate the assurances provided by the 
Transportation Committee that nothing in section 321 will drastically 
alter the existing consultation requirements for enforcement of cargo 
preference. I also understand that nothing in the bill will have the 
effect of raising cargo preference above an annual global threshold of 
50 percent, particularly for the Food for Peace program.

[[Page H8305]]

  Again, congratulations to Chairman Hunter and his colleagues for 
crafting this important legislation and also Mr. Coble and Mr. Rahall 
for their work.
  Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, may I have a time check, please.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from West Virginia has 10 
minutes remaining. The gentleman from California has 9\1/2\ minutes 
remaining.
  Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
Washington (Mr. Larsen), the distinguished ranking member of our 
Subcommittee on Aviation.
  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 
5769, the Howard Coble Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 
2014.
  As a former ranking member of the Coast Guard Subcommittee, I am very 
pleased that this bill provides the necessary resources to keep the men 
and women of the Coast Guard on the job. I am also pleased this bill 
makes needed advancements in our Nation's engagement in the Arctic.
  Our country faces a steep opportunity curve when it comes to the 
Arctic. We haven't made the needed investments in that region to 
protect our environment, our economic interests, and our national 
security. But as our country gets ready to take over the chairmanship 
of the Arctic Council in 2015, this bill signals that our country is 
ready to engage further in Arctic issues. It requires the Coast Guard 
to come up with a plan for moving our icebreaker fleet forward; it 
encourages the development of forward operating bases for the Coast 
Guard in the region; and it improves the ability of the Coast Guard to 
monitor, patrol, and protect our Nation's Arctic waters.
  I am hopeful that this bill will finally push the Coast Guard to 
reactivate the mothballed Polar Sea icebreaker so that it can act as a 
bridge towards a new icebreaker fleet. In the longer term, funding a 
new icebreaker fleet will require a whole of government approach. The 
Coast Guard simply does not have the acquisition budget to build a new 
icebreaker fleet on its own.
  The Department of Defense, Coast Guard, and National Science 
Foundation need to work together to develop a funding strategy for 
assets they will all use. This bill endorses such a strategy.
  Finally, I am very pleased that this bill includes $10 million for 
the Small Shipyard Grant Program, a successful effort that provides 
infrastructure spending to shipyards in the Pacific Northwest and 
around the country that creates jobs and supports local economies.
  With that, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.
  Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
  Mr. Speaker, again, I want to commend our full committee chairman, 
Mr. Shuster; the subcommittee chair, Mr. Hunter; our ranking member, 
Mr. Garamendi; and our staffs, as well, for the tremendous work that 
has gone in to producing this legislation.

  Under Chairman Shuster's leadership, our Transportation and 
Infrastructure Committee is indeed demonstrating once again today what 
bipartisanship can do and the productive manner in which we can work 
for the American people in what is often described as a dysfunctional 
city. I know that in the years ahead, the Transportation and 
Infrastructure Committee will step up to the plate and do its work 
again, especially in addressing a major transportation bill next year 
and a major aviation bill that is on its agenda.
  I guess it is kind of fitting, Mr. Speaker, that the last bill that 
Senator Rockefeller and myself are in part being managed by West 
Virginians. Both of us will be leaving this Congress. West Virginia is 
the great seafaring State that it is. But I do salute Senator 
Rockefeller as well for his tremendous leadership as chairman of the 
Senate Commerce Committee, for his leadership on this legislation and 
so many other pieces of legislation that have benefited our State of 
West Virginia in a more direct way, perhaps, but also a benefit to this 
great country. He is one that has been concerned for all of us, as we 
all are, about producing jobs for America, and that is what our 
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is about.
  I commend the staffs and I commend my dear friend Mr. Coble that so 
much has been said about and for whom this legislation is named. We 
have traveled together on a few occasions. During my entire time here, 
I have not seen any Member of this body conduct themselves in such a 
true gentleman fashion as Howard Coble does. We all call him our dear 
friend.
  With that, Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this 
legislation and, again, commend Chairman Hunter and Chairman Shuster 
for their bipartisan and cooperative manner in which they have worked 
on this and so many pieces of legislation.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Again, I want to thank the gentleman from West Virginia and my 
colleague from California (Mr. Garamendi) and the great staffs that 
spent time on this and, of course, the great Howard Coble, who said in 
one of his elections probably about 10 years ago when he was down by a 
few hundred votes, I called him up on it election night and his answer 
was, ``Look good, feel good.'' That is the great Howard Coble.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield 
back the balance of my time.
  Ms. HAHN. Mr. Speaker, today the House will vote on the bipartisan 
Howard Coble Coast Guard & Maritime Transportation Act of 2014. This 
bill is a great step for our nation's Coast Guard and federal maritime 
transportation. Under the constraints of limited resources, this 
important agreement will continue to provide our Coast Guard and 
Federal Maritime Commission with the ability to protect our nation's 
international borders while promoting American commerce around the 
world.
  Having served the people of Los Angeles for nearly 15 years on the 
City Council and now in Congress, I have long appreciated the work of 
our Coast Guard and Federal Maritime Commission officials who support 
the largest port complex in the United States. America relies on the 
Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, which is the gateway for forty 
percent of all maritime commerce, and providing security to these ports 
keeps goods flowing across the nation.
  In addition, this act provides new incentives for the employment of 
veterans on U.S. flagged vessels, and directs the Secretary of 
Transportation to work with Congress to create a national maritime 
strategy to promote the competitiveness of the U.S. flagged fleet, 
increase the use of short seas shipping, and enhance U.S. shipbuilding 
capacity. Our nation's ports and maritime commerce drive all aspects of 
our economy, and this agreement will provide our nation's maritime 
gateways the federal support to ensure American ports remain the safest 
and most economical for shippers around the world.
  I am pleased this strong agreement bears the name of our colleague 
Howard Coble, a fellow member of the Transportation & Infrastructure 
Committee and a great friend of mine, who has long been a champion of 
America's Coast Guard and ports. Congress will miss his leadership. I 
urge the Senate to consider this legislation immediately and send it to 
the President's desk for his signature.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from California (Mr. Hunter) that the House suspend the rules 
and pass the bill, H.R. 5769.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further 
proceedings on this motion will be postponed.

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