[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 179 (Thursday, December 10, 2015)]
[House]
[Pages H9223-H9242]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
COAST GUARD AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2015
Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the
bill (H.R. 4188) to authorize appropriations for the Coast Guard for
fiscal years 2016 and 2017, and for other purposes.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
H.R. 4188
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 ``Coast Guard Authorization
Act of 2015''.
SEC. 2. TABLE OF CONTENTS.
The table of contents for this Act is as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title.
Sec. 2. Table of contents.
TITLE I--AUTHORIZATIONS
Sec. 101. Authorizations.
Sec. 102. Conforming amendments.
TITLE II--COAST GUARD
Sec. 201. Vice Commandant.
Sec. 202. Vice admirals.
Sec. 203. Coast Guard remission of indebtedness.
Sec. 204. Acquisition reform.
Sec. 205. Auxiliary jurisdiction.
Sec. 206. Coast Guard communities.
Sec. 207. Polar icebreakers.
Sec. 208. Air facility closures.
Sec. 209. Technical corrections to title 14, United States Code.
Sec. 210. Discontinuance of an aid to navigation.
Sec. 211. Mission performance measures.
Sec. 212. Communications.
Sec. 213. Coast Guard graduate maritime operations education.
Sec. 214. Professional development.
Sec. 215. Senior enlisted member continuation boards.
Sec. 216. Coast Guard member pay.
Sec. 217. Transfer of funds necessary to provide medical care.
Sec. 218. Participation of the Coast Guard Academy in Federal, State,
or other educational research grants.
Sec. 219. National Coast Guard Museum.
Sec. 220. Investigations.
Sec. 221. Clarification of eligibility of members of the Coast Guard
for combat-related special compensation.
Sec. 222. Leave policies for the Coast Guard.
TITLE III--SHIPPING AND NAVIGATION
Sec. 301. Survival craft.
Sec. 302. Vessel replacement.
Sec. 303. Model years for recreational vessels.
Sec. 304. Merchant mariner credential expiration harmonization.
Sec. 305. Safety zones for permitted marine events.
Sec. 306. Technical corrections.
Sec. 307. Recommendations for improvements of marine casualty
reporting.
Sec. 308. Recreational vessel engine weights.
Sec. 309. Merchant mariner medical certification reform.
Sec. 310. Atlantic Coast port access route study.
Sec. 311. Certificates of documentation for recreational vessels.
Sec. 312. Program guidelines.
Sec. 313. Repeals.
Sec. 314. Maritime drug law enforcement.
Sec. 315. Examinations for merchant mariner credentials.
Sec. 316. Higher volume port area regulatory definition change.
Sec. 317. Recognition of port security assessments conducted by other
entities.
Sec. 318. Fishing vessel and fish tender vessel certification.
Sec. 319. Interagency Coordinating Committee on Oil Pollution Research.
Sec. 320. International port and facility inspection coordination.
TITLE IV--FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION
Sec. 401. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 402. Duties of the Chairman.
Sec. 403. Prohibition on awards.
TITLE V--CONVEYANCES
Subtitle A--Miscellaneous Conveyances
Sec. 501. Conveyance of Coast Guard property in Point Reyes Station,
California.
Sec. 502. Conveyance of Coast Guard property in Tok, Alaska.
Subtitle B--Pribilof Islands
Sec. 521. Short title.
Sec. 522. Transfer and disposition of property.
Sec. 523. Notice of certification.
Sec. 524. Redundant capability.
Subtitle C--Conveyance of Coast Guard Property at Point Spencer, Alaska
Sec. 531. Findings.
Sec. 532. Definitions.
Sec. 533. Authority to convey land in Point Spencer.
Sec. 534. Environmental compliance, liability, and monitoring.
Sec. 535. Easements and access.
Sec. 536. Relationship to Public Land Order 2650.
Sec. 537. Archeological and cultural resources.
Sec. 538. Maps and legal descriptions.
Sec. 539. Chargeability for land conveyed.
Sec. 540. Redundant capability.
Sec. 541. Port Coordination Council for Point Spencer.
TITLE VI--MISCELLANEOUS
Sec. 601. Modification of reports.
Sec. 602. Safe vessel operation in the Great Lakes.
Sec. 603. Use of vessel sale proceeds.
Sec. 604. National Academy of Sciences cost assessment.
Sec. 605. Penalty wages.
Sec. 606. Recourse for noncitizens.
Sec. 607. Coastwise endorsements.
Sec. 608. International Ice Patrol.
Sec. 609. Assessment of oil spill response and cleanup activities in
the Great Lakes.
Sec. 610. Report on status of technology detecting passengers who have
fallen overboard.
Sec. 611. Venue.
Sec. 612. Disposition of infrastructure related to E-LORAN.
Sec. 613. Parking.
TITLE I--AUTHORIZATIONS
SEC. 101. AUTHORIZATIONS.
(a) In General.--Title 14, United States Code, is amended
by adding at the end the following:
``PART III--COAST GUARD AUTHORIZATIONS AND REPORTS TO CONGRESS
``Chap. Sec.
``27. Authorizations...........................................2701....
``29. Reports..................................................2901....
``CHAPTER 27--AUTHORIZATIONS
``Sec.
``2702. Authorization of appropriations.
``2704. Authorized levels of military strength and training.
``Sec. 2702. Authorization of appropriations
``Funds are authorized to be appropriated for each of
fiscal years 2016 and 2017 for necessary expenses of the
Coast Guard as follows:
``(1) For the operation and maintenance of the Coast Guard,
not otherwise provided for--
``(A) $6,981,036,000 for fiscal year 2016; and
``(B) $6,981,036,000 for fiscal year 2017.
``(2) For the acquisition, construction, renovation, and
improvement of aids to navigation, shore facilities, vessels,
and aircraft, including equipment related thereto, and for
maintenance, rehabilitation, lease, and operation of
facilities and equipment--
``(A) $1,945,000,000 for fiscal year 2016; and
``(B) $1,945,000,000 for fiscal year 2017.
``(3) For the Coast Guard Reserve program, including
operations and maintenance of the program, personnel and
training costs, equipment, and services--
[[Page H9224]]
``(A) $140,016,000 for fiscal year 2016; and
``(B) $140,016,000 for fiscal year 2017.
``(4) For the environmental compliance and restoration
functions of the Coast Guard under chapter 19 of this title--
``(A) $16,701,000 for fiscal year 2016; and
``(B) $16,701,000 for fiscal year 2017.
``(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, and for maintenance, rehabilitation, lease, and
operation of facilities and equipment--
``(A) $19,890,000 for fiscal year 2016; and
``(B) $19,890,000 for fiscal year 2017.
``Sec. 2704. 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 each of fiscal years 2016 and 2017.
``(b) Military Training Student Loads.--The Coast Guard is
authorized average military training student loads for each
of fiscal years 2016 and 2017 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.
``CHAPTER 29--REPORTS
``Sec.
``2904. Manpower requirements plan.
``Sec. 2904. Manpower requirements plan
``(a) In General.--On the date on which the President
submits to the Congress a budget for fiscal year 2017 under
section 1105 of title 31, on the date on which the President
submits to the 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 a manpower requirements plan.
``(b) Scope.--A manpower requirements plan submitted under
subsection (a) shall include for each mission of the Coast
Guard--
``(1) an assessment of all projected mission requirements
for the upcoming fiscal year and for each of the 3 fiscal
years thereafter;
``(2) the number of active duty, reserve, and civilian
personnel assigned or available to fulfill such mission
requirements--
``(A) currently; and
``(B) as projected for the upcoming fiscal year and each of
the 3 fiscal years thereafter;
``(3) the number of active duty, reserve, and civilian
personnel required to fulfill such mission requirements--
``(A) currently; and
``(B) as projected for the upcoming fiscal year and each of
the 3 fiscal years thereafter;
``(4) an identification of any capability gaps between
mission requirements and mission performance caused by
deficiencies in the numbers of personnel available--
``(A) currently; and
``(B) as projected for the upcoming fiscal year and each of
the 3 fiscal years thereafter; and
``(5) an identification of the actions the Commandant will
take to address capability gaps identified under paragraph
(4).
``(c) Consideration.--In composing a manpower requirements
plan for submission under subsection (a), the Commandant
shall consider--
``(1) the marine safety strategy required under section
2116 of title 46;
``(2) information on the adequacy of the acquisition
workforce included in the most recent report under section
2903 of this title; and
``(3) any other Federal strategic planning effort the
Commandant considers appropriate.''.
(b) Requirement for Prior Authorization of
Appropriations.--Section 662 of title 14, United States Code,
is amended--
(1) by redesignating such section as section 2701;
(2) by transferring such section to appear before section
2702 of such title (as added by subsection (a) of this
section); and
(3) by striking paragraphs (1) through (5) and inserting
the following:
``(1) For the operation and maintenance of the Coast Guard,
not otherwise provided for.
``(2) For the acquisition, construction, renovation, and
improvement of aids to navigation, shore facilities, vessels,
and aircraft, including equipment related thereto, and for
maintenance, rehabilitation, lease, and operation of
facilities and equipment.
``(3) For the Coast Guard Reserve program, including
operations and maintenance of the program, personnel and
training costs, equipment, and services.
``(4) For the environmental compliance and restoration
functions of the Coast Guard under chapter 19 of this title.
``(5) For research, development, test, and evaluation of
technologies, materials, and human factors directly related
to improving the performance of the Coast Guard.
``(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.''.
(c) Authorization of Personnel End Strengths.--Section 661
of title 14, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by redesignating such section as section 2703; and
(2) by transferring such section to appear before section
2704 of such title (as added by subsection (a) of this
section).
(d) Reports.--
(1) Transmission of annual coast guard authorization
request.--Section 662a of title 14, United States Code, is
amended--
(A) by redesignating such section as section 2901;
(B) by transferring such section to appear before section
2904 of such title (as added by subsection (a) of this
section); and
(C) in subsection (b)--
(i) in paragraph (1) by striking ``described in section
661'' and inserting ``described in section 2703''; and
(ii) in paragraph (2) by striking ``described in section
662'' and inserting ``described in section 2701''.
(2) Capital investment plan.--Section 663 of title 14,
United States Code, is amended--
(A) by redesignating such section as section 2902; and
(B) by transferring such section to appear after section
2901 of such title (as so redesignated and transferred by
paragraph (1) of this subsection).
(3) Major acquisitions.--Section 569a of title 14, United
States Code, is amended--
(A) by redesignating such section as section 2903;
(B) by transferring such section to appear after section
2902 of such title (as so redesignated and transferred by
paragraph (2) of this subsection); and
(C) in subsection (c)(2) by striking ``of this
subchapter''.
(e) Icebreakers.--
(1) Icebreaking on the great lakes.--For fiscal years 2016
and 2017, the Commandant of the Coast Guard may use funds
made available pursuant to section 2702(2) of title 14,
United States Code (as added by subsection (a) of this
section), for the selection of a design for and the
construction of an icebreaker that is capable of buoy tending
to enhance icebreaking capacity on the Great Lakes.
(2) Polar icebreaking.--Of the amounts authorized to be
appropriated under section 2702(2) of title 14, United States
Code, as amended by subsection (a), there is authorized to be
appropriated to the Coast Guard $4,000,000 for fiscal year
2016 and $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2017 for preacquisition
activities for a new polar icebreaker, including initial
specification development and feasibility studies.
(f) Additional Submissions.--The Commandant of the Coast
Guard shall submit to the Committee on Homeland Security of
the House of Representatives--
(1) each plan required under section 2904 of title 14,
United States Code, as added by subsection (a) of this
section;
(2) each plan required under section 2903(e) of title 14,
United States Code, as added by section 206 of this Act;
(3) each plan required under section 2902 of title 14,
United States Code, as redesignated by subsection (d) of this
section; and
(4) each mission need statement required under section 569
of title 14, United States Code.
SEC. 102. CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.
(a) Analysis for Title 14.--The analysis for title 14,
United States Code, is amended by adding after the item
relating to part II the following:
``III. Coast Guard Authorizations and Reports to Congress...2701''.....
(b) Analysis for Chapter 15.--The analysis for chapter 15
of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking the
item relating to section 569a.
(c) Analysis for Chapter 17.--The analysis for chapter 17
of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking the
items relating to sections 661, 662, 662a, and 663.
(d) Analysis for Chapter 27.--The analysis for chapter 27
of title 14, United States Code, as added by section 101(a)
of this Act, is amended by inserting--
(1) before the item relating to section 2702 the following:
``2701. Requirement for prior authorization of appropriations.'';
and
(2) before the item relating to section 2704 the following:
``2703. Authorization of personnel end strengths.''.
(e) Analysis for Chapter 29.--The analysis for chapter 29
of title 14, United States Code, as added by section 101(a)
of this Act, is amended by inserting before the item relating
to section 2904 the following:
``2901. Transmission of annual Coast Guard authorization request.
``2902. Capital investment plan.
``2903. Major acquisitions.''.
(f) Mission Need Statement.--Section 569(b) of title 14,
United States Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2) by striking ``in section 569a(e)'' and
inserting ``in section 2903''; and
(2) in paragraph (3) by striking ``under section
663(a)(1)'' and inserting ``under section 2902(a)(1)''.
TITLE II--COAST GUARD
SEC. 201. VICE COMMANDANT.
(a) Grades and Ratings.--Section 41 of title 14, United
States Code, is amended by striking ``an admiral,'' and
inserting ``admirals (two);''.
[[Page H9225]]
(b) Vice Commandant; Appointment.--Section 47 of title 14,
United States Code, is amended by striking ``vice admiral''
and inserting ``admiral''.
(c) Conforming Amendment.--Section 51 of title 14, United
States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (a) by inserting ``admiral or'' before
``vice admiral,'';
(2) in subsection (b) by inserting ``admiral or'' before
``vice admiral,'' each place it appears; and
(3) in subsection (c) by inserting ``admiral or'' before
``vice admiral,''.
SEC. 202. VICE ADMIRALS.
Section 50 of title 14, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
``(1) The President may--
``(A) designate, within the Coast Guard, no more than five
positions of importance and responsibility that shall be held
by officers who, while so serving--
``(i) shall have the grade of vice admiral, with the pay
and allowances of that grade; and
``(ii) shall perform such duties as the Commandant may
prescribe, except that if the President designates five such
positions, one position shall be the Chief of Staff of the
Coast Guard; and
``(B) designate, within the executive branch, other than
within the Coast Guard or the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, positions of importance and
responsibility that shall be held by officers who, while so
serving, shall have the grade of vice admiral, with the pay
and allowances of that grade.''; and
(B) in paragraph (3)(A) by striking ``under paragraph (1)''
and inserting ``under paragraph (1)(A)''; and
(2) in subsection (b)(2)--
(A) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``and'' at the end;
(B) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (D);
and
(C) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following:
``(C) at the discretion of the Secretary, while awaiting
orders after being relieved from the position, beginning on
the day the officer is relieved from the position, but not
for more than 60 days; and''.
SEC. 203. COAST GUARD REMISSION OF INDEBTEDNESS.
(a) Expansion of Authority To Remit Indebtedness.--Section
461 of title 14, United States Code, is amended to read as
follows:
``Sec. 461. Remission of indebtedness
``The Secretary may have remitted or cancelled any part of
a person's indebtedness to the United States or any
instrumentality of the United States if--
``(1) the indebtedness was incurred while the person served
on active duty as a member of the Coast Guard; and
``(2) the Secretary determines that remitting or cancelling
the indebtedness is in the best interest of the United
States.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 13 of
title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking the item
relating to section 461 and inserting the following:
``461. Remission of indebtedness.''.
SEC. 204. ACQUISITION REFORM.
(a) Minimum Performance Standards.--Section 572(d)(3) of
title 14, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by redesignating subparagraphs (C) through (H) as
subparagraphs (E) through (J), respectively;
(2) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C);
(3) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following:
``(B) the performance data to be used to determine whether
the key performance parameters have been resolved;''; and
(4) by inserting after subparagraph (C), as redesignated by
paragraph (2) of this subsection, the following:
``(D) the results during test and evaluation that will be
required to demonstrate that a capability, asset, or
subsystem meets performance requirements;''.
(b) Capital Investment Plan.--Section 2902 of title 14,
United States Code, as redesignated and otherwise amended by
this Act, is further amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(1)--
(A) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``completion;'' and
inserting ``completion based on the proposed appropriations
included in the budget;''; and
(B) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``at the projected
funding levels;'' and inserting ``based on the proposed
appropriations included in the budget;'';
(2) by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (c), and
inserting after subsection (a) the following:
``(b) New Capital Assets.--In the fiscal year following
each fiscal year for which appropriations are enacted for a
new capital asset, the report submitted under subsection (a)
shall include--
``(1) an estimated life-cycle cost estimate for the new
capital asset;
``(2) an assessment of the impact the new capital asset
will have on--
``(A) delivery dates for each capital asset;
``(B) estimated completion dates for each capital asset;
``(C) the total estimated cost to complete each capital
asset; and
``(D) other planned construction or improvement projects;
and
``(3) recommended funding levels for each capital asset
necessary to meet the estimated completion dates and total
estimated costs included in the such asset's approved
acquisition program baseline.''; and
(3) by amending subsection (c), as so redesignated, to read
as follows:
``(c) Definitions.--In this section--
``(1) the term `unfunded priority' means a program or
mission requirement that--
``(A) has not been selected for funding in the applicable
proposed budget;
``(B) is necessary to fulfill a requirement associated with
an operational need; and
``(C) the Commandant would have recommended for inclusion
in the applicable proposed budget had additional resources
been available or had the requirement emerged before the
budget was submitted; and
``(2) the term `new capital asset' means--
``(A) an acquisition program that does not have an approved
acquisition program baseline; or
``(B) the acquisition of a capital asset in excess of the
number included in the approved acquisition program
baseline.''.
(c) Days Away From Homeport.--Not later than 1 year after
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commandant of the
Coast Guard shall--
(1) implement a standard for tracking operational days at
sea for Coast Guard cutters that does not include days during
which such cutters are undergoing maintenance or repair; and
(2) notify the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the
Senate of the standard implemented under paragraph (1).
(d) Fixed Wing Aircraft Fleet Mix Analysis.--Not later than
September 30, 2016, 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 revised
fleet mix analysis of Coast Guard fixed wing aircraft.
(e) Long-Term Major Acquisitions Plan.--Section 2903 of
title 14, United States Code, as redesignated and otherwise
amended by this Act, is further amended--
(1) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (g); and
(2) by inserting after subsection (d) the following:
``(e) Long-Term Major Acquisitions Plan.--Each report under
subsection (a) shall include a plan that describes for the
upcoming fiscal year, and for each of the 20 fiscal years
thereafter--
``(1) the numbers and types of cutters and aircraft to be
decommissioned;
``(2) the numbers and types of cutters and aircraft to be
acquired to--
``(A) replace the cutters and aircraft identified under
paragraph (1); or
``(B) address an identified capability gap; and
``(3) the estimated level of funding in each fiscal year
required to--
``(A) acquire the cutters and aircraft identified under
paragraph (2);
``(B) acquire related command, control, communications,
computer, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance
systems; and
``(C) acquire, construct, or renovate shoreside
infrastructure.
``(f) Quarterly Updates on Risks of Programs.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 15 days after the end of
each fiscal year quarter, the Commandant of the Coast Guard
shall submit to the committees of Congress specified in
subsection (a) an update setting forth a current assessment
of the risks associated with all current major acquisition
programs.
``(2) Elements.--Each update under this subsection shall
set forth, for each current major acquisition program, the
following:
``(A) The top five current risks to such program.
``(B) Any failure of such program to demonstrate a key
performance parameter or threshold during operational test
and evaluation conducted during the fiscal year quarter
preceding such update.
``(C) Whether there has been any decision during such
fiscal year quarter to order full-rate production before all
key performance parameters or thresholds are met.
``(D) Whether there has been any breach of major
acquisition program cost (as defined by the Major Systems
Acquisition Manual) during such fiscal year quarter.
``(E) Whether there has been any breach of major
acquisition program schedule (as so defined) during such
fiscal year quarter.''.
SEC. 205. AUXILIARY JURISDICTION.
(a) In General.--Section 822 of title 14, United States
Code, is amended--
(1) by striking ``The purpose'' and inserting the
following:
``(a) In General.--The purpose''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(b) Limitation.--The Auxiliary may conduct a patrol of a
waterway, or a portion thereof, only if--
``(1) the Commandant has determined such waterway, or
portion thereof, is navigable for purposes of the
jurisdiction of the Coast Guard; or
``(2) a State or other proper authority has requested such
patrol pursuant to section 141 of this title or section 13109
of title 46.''.
(b) Notification.--The Commandant of the Coast Guard
shall--
(1) review the waterways patrolled by the Coast Guard
Auxiliary in the most recently
[[Page H9226]]
completed fiscal year to determine whether such waterways are
eligible or ineligible for patrol under section 822(b) of
title 14, United States Code (as added by subsection (a));
and
(2) not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment
of this Act, 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 written notification of--
(A) any waterways determined ineligible for patrol under
paragraph (1); and
(B) the actions taken by the Commandant to ensure Auxiliary
patrols do not occur on such waterways.
SEC. 206. COAST GUARD COMMUNITIES.
Section 409 of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1998
(14 U.S.C. 639 note) is amended in the second sentence by
striking ``90 days'' and inserting ``30 days''.
SEC. 207. POLAR ICEBREAKERS.
(a) Incremental Funding Authority for Polar Icebreakers.--
In fiscal year 2016 and each fiscal year thereafter, the
Commandant of the Coast Guard may enter into a contract or
contracts for the acquisition of polar icebreakers and
associated equipment using incremental funding.
(b) ``Polar Sea'' Materiel Condition Assessment and Service
Life Extension.--Section 222 of the Coast Guard and Maritime
Transportation Act of 2012 (Public Law 112-213; 126 Stat.
1560) is amended--
(1) by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:
``(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
the enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015,
the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is
operating shall--
``(1) complete a materiel condition assessment with respect
to the Polar Sea;
``(2) make a determination of whether it is cost effective
to reactivate the Polar Sea compared with other options to
provide icebreaking services as part of a strategy to
maintain polar icebreaking services; and
``(3) 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) the assessment required under paragraph (1); and
``(B) written notification of the determination required
under paragraph (2).'';
(2) in subsection (b) by striking ``analysis'' and
inserting ``written notification'';
(3) by striking subsection (c);
(4) by redesignating subsections (d) through (h) as
subsections (c) through (g), respectively;
(5) in subsection (c) (as redesignated by paragraph (4) of
this section)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``based on the analysis
required''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (C) by striking ``analysis'' and
inserting ``written notification'';
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by striking ``analysis'' each place it appears and
inserting ``written notification'';
(ii) by striking ``subsection (a)'' and inserting
``subsection (a)(3)(B)'';
(iii) by striking ``subsection (c)'' each place it appears
and inserting ``that subsection''; and
(iv) by striking ``under subsection (a)(5)''; and
(C) in paragraph (3)--
(i) by striking ``in the analysis submitted under this
section'';
(ii) by striking ``(a)(5)'' and inserting ``(a)'';
(iii) by striking ``then'' and all that follows through
``(A)'' and inserting ``then'';
(iv) by striking ``; or'' and inserting a period; and
(v) by striking subparagraph (B); and
(6) in subsection (d) (as redesignated by paragraph (4) of
this subsection) by striking ``in subsection (d)'' and
inserting ``in subsection (c)''.
SEC. 208. AIR FACILITY CLOSURES.
(a) In General.--Chapter 17 of title 14, United States
Code, is amended by inserting after section 676 the
following:
``Sec. 676a. Air facility closures
``(a) Prohibition.--
``(1) In general.--The Coast Guard may not--
``(A) close a Coast Guard air facility that was in
operation on November 30, 2014; or
``(B) retire, transfer, relocate, or deploy an aviation
asset from an air facility described in subparagraph (A) for
the purpose of closing such facility.
``(2) Sunset.--Paragraph (1) shall have no force or effect
beginning on the later of--
``(A) January 1, 2018; or
``(B) the date on which the Secretary submits to the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House
of Representatives, and to the Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation of the Senate, rotary wing
strategic plans prepared in accordance with section 208(b) of
the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015.
``(b) Closures.--
``(1) In general.--Beginning on January 1, 2018, the
Secretary may not close a Coast Guard air facility, except as
specified by this section.
``(2) Determinations.--The Secretary may not propose
closing or terminating operations at a Coast Guard air
facility unless the Secretary determines that--
``(A) remaining search and rescue capabilities maintain the
safety of the maritime public in the area of the air
facility;
``(B) regional or local prevailing weather and marine
conditions, including water temperatures or unusual tide and
current conditions, do not require continued operation of the
air facility; and
``(C) Coast Guard search and rescue standards related to
search and response times are met.
``(3) Public notice and comment.--Prior to closing an air
facility, the Secretary shall provide opportunities for
public comment, including the convening of public meetings in
communities in the area of responsibility of the air facility
with regard to the proposed closure or cessation of
operations at the air facility.
``(4) Notice to congress.--Prior to closure, cessation of
operations, or any significant reduction in personnel and use
of a Coast Guard air facility that is in operation on or
after December 31, 2015, the Secretary shall--
``(A) submit to the Congress a proposal for such closure,
cessation, or reduction in operations along with the budget
of the President submitted to Congress under section 1105(a)
of title 31 for the fiscal year in which the action will be
carried out; and
``(B) not later than 7 days after the date a proposal for
an air facility is submitted pursuant to subparagraph (A),
provide written notice of such proposal to each of the
following:
``(i) Each member of the House of Representatives who
represents a district in which the air facility is located.
``(ii) Each member of the Senate who represents a State in
which the air facility is located.
``(iii) Each member of the House of Representatives who
represents a district in which assets of the air facility
conduct search and rescue operations.
``(iv) Each member of the Senate who represents a State in
which assets of the air facility conduct search and rescue
operations.
``(v) The Committee on Appropriations of the House of
Representatives.
``(vi) The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
of the House of Representatives.
``(vii) The Committee on Appropriations of the Senate.
``(viii) The Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate.
``(c) Operational Flexibility.--The Secretary may implement
any reasonable management efficiencies within the air station
and air facility network, such as modifying the operational
posture of units or reallocating resources as necessary to
ensure the safety of the maritime public nationwide.''.
(b) Rotary Wing Strategic Plans.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of the department in which
the Coast Guard is operating shall prepare the plans
specified in paragraph (2) to adequately address
contingencies arising from potential future aviation
casualties or the planned or unplanned retirement of rotary
wing airframes to avoid to the greatest extent practicable
any substantial gap or diminishment in Coast Guard
operational capabilities.
(2) Rotary wing strategic plans.--
(A) Rotary wing contingency plan.--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
develop and submit to the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the
Senate a contingency plan--
(i) to address the planned or unplanned losses of rotary
wing airframes;
(ii) to reallocate resources as necessary to ensure the
safety of the maritime public nationwide; and
(iii) to ensure the operational posture of Coast Guard
units.
(B) Rotary wing replacement capital investment plan.--
(i) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the department in
which the Coast Guard is operating shall develop and submit
to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the
House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation of the Senate a capital
investment plan for the acquisition of new rotary wing
airframes to replace the Coast Guard's legacy helicopters and
fulfil all existing mission requirements.
(ii) Requirements.--The plan developed under this
subparagraph shall provide--
(I) a total estimated cost for completion;
(II) a timetable for completion of the acquisition project
and phased in transition to new airframes; and
(III) projected annual funding levels for each fiscal year.
(c) Technical and Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Analysis for chapter 17.--The analysis for chapter 17
of title 14, United States Code, is amended by inserting
after the item relating to section 676 the following:
``676a. Air facility closures.''.
(2) Repeal of prohibition.--Section 225 of the Howard Coble
Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2014 (Public
Law 113-281; 128 Stat. 3022) is amended--
(A) by striking subsection (b); and
(B) by striking ``(a) In General.--''.
SEC. 209. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS TO TITLE 14, UNITED STATES
CODE.
Title 14, United States Code, as amended by this Act, is
further amended--
(1) in the analysis for part I, by striking the item
relating to chapter 19 and inserting the following:
``19. Environmental Compliance and Restoration Program.......690'';....
[[Page H9227]]
(2) in section 46(a), by striking ``subsection'' and
inserting ``section'';
(3) in section 47, in the section heading by striking
``commandant'' and inserting ``Commandant'';
(4) in section 93(f), by striking paragraph (2) and
inserting the following:
``(2) Limitation.--The Commandant may lease submerged lands
and tidelands under paragraph (1) only if--
``(A) the lease is for cash exclusively;
``(B) the lease amount is 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;
``(C) the lease does not provide authority to or commit the
Coast Guard to use or support any improvements to such
submerged lands and tidelands, or obtain goods and services
from the lessee; and
``(D) proceeds from the lease are deposited in the Coast
Guard Housing Fund established under section 687.'';
(5) in the analysis for chapter 9, by striking the item
relating to section 199 and inserting the following:
``199. Marine safety curriculum.'';
(6) in section 427(b)(2), by striking ``this chapter'' and
inserting ``chapter 61 of title 10'';
(7) in the analysis for chapter 15 before the item relating
to section 571, by striking the following:
``Sec.'';
(8) in section 581(5)(B), by striking ``$300,000,0000,''
and inserting ``$300,000,000,'';
(9) in section 637(c)(3), in the matter preceding
subparagraph (A) by inserting ``it is'' before ``any'';
(10) in section 641(d)(3), by striking ``Guard,
installation'' and inserting ``Guard installation'';
(11) in section 691(c)(3), by striking ``state'' and
inserting ``State'';
(12) in the analysis for chapter 21--
(A) by striking the item relating to section 709 and
inserting the following:
``709. Reserve student aviation pilots; Reserve aviation pilots;
appointments in commissioned grade.'';
and
(B) by striking the item relating to section 740 and
inserting the following:
``740. Failure of selection and removal from an active status.'';
(13) in section 742(c), by striking ``subsection'' and
inserting ``subsections'';
(14) in section 821(b)(1), by striking ``Chapter 26'' and
inserting ``Chapter 171''; and
(15) in section 823a(b)(1), by striking ``Chapter 26'' and
inserting ``Chapter 171''.
SEC. 210. DISCONTINUANCE OF AN AID TO NAVIGATION.
(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the department in
which the Coast Guard is operating shall establish a process
for the discontinuance of an aid to navigation (other than a
seasonal or temporary aid) established, maintained, or
operated by the Coast Guard.
(b) Requirement.--The process established under subsection
(a) shall include procedures to notify the public of any
discontinuance of an aid to navigation described in that
subsection.
(c) Consultation.--In establishing a process under
subsection (a), the Secretary shall consult with and consider
any recommendations of the Navigation Safety Advisory
Council.
(d) Notification.--Not later than 30 days after
establishing a process under subsection (a), 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 of the process established.
SEC. 211. MISSION PERFORMANCE MEASURES.
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
and the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate an assessment of the efficacy of
the Coast Guard's Standard Operational Planning Process with
respect to annual mission performance measures.
SEC. 212. COMMUNICATIONS.
(a) In General.--If the Secretary of Homeland Security
determines that there are at least two communications systems
described under paragraph (1)(B) and certified under
paragraph (2), the Secretary shall establish and carry out a
pilot program across not less than three components of the
Department of Homeland Security to assess the effectiveness
of a communications system that--
(1) provides for--
(A) multiagency collaboration and interoperability; and
(B) wide-area, secure, and peer-invitation- and acceptance-
based multimedia communications;
(2) is certified by the Department of Defense Joint
Interoperability Test Center; and
(3) is composed of commercially available, off-the-shelf
technology.
(b) Assessment.--Not later than 6 months after the date on
which the pilot program is completed, the Secretary shall
submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
and the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation and the Committee Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs of the Senate an assessment of the pilot
program, including the impacts of the program with respect to
interagency and Coast Guard response capabilities.
(c) Strategy.--The pilot program shall be consistent with
the strategy required by the Department of Homeland Security
Interoperable Communications Act (Public Law 114-29).
(d) Timing.--The pilot program shall commence within 90
days after the date of the enactment of this Act or within 60
days after the completion of the strategy required by the
Department of Homeland Security Interoperable Communications
Act (Public Law 114-29), whichever is later.
SEC. 213. COAST GUARD GRADUATE MARITIME OPERATIONS EDUCATION.
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 establish an education program, for
members and employees of the Coast Guard, that--
(1) offers a master's degree in maritime operations;
(2) is relevant to the professional development of such
members and employees;
(3) provides resident and distant education options,
including the ability to utilize both options; and
(4) to the greatest extent practicable, is conducted using
existing academic programs at an accredited public academic
institution that--
(A) is located near a significant number of Coast Guard,
maritime, and other Department of Homeland Security law
enforcement personnel; and
(B) has an ability to simulate operations normally
conducted at a command center.
SEC. 214. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT.
(a) Multirater Assessment.--
(1) In general.--Chapter 11 of title 14, United States
Code, is amended by inserting after section 428 the
following:
``Sec. 429. Multirater assessment of certain personnel
``(a) Multirater Assessment of Certain Personnel.--
``(1) In general.--Commencing not later than one year after
the date of the enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization
Act of 2015, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall develop
and implement a plan to conduct every two years a multirater
assessment for each of the following:
``(A) Each flag officer of the Coast Guard.
``(B) Each member of the Senior Executive Service of the
Coast Guard.
``(C) Each officer of the Coast Guard nominated for
promotion to the grade of flag officer.
``(2) Post-assessment elements.--Following an assessment of
an individual pursuant to paragraph (1), the individual shall
be provided appropriate post-assessment counseling and
leadership coaching.
``(b) Multirater Assessment Defined.--In this section, the
term `multirater assessment' means a review that seeks
opinion from members senior to the reviewee and the peers and
subordinates of the reviewee.''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The analysis at the beginning of
such chapter is amended by inserting after the item related
to section 428 the following:
``429. Multirater assessment of certain personnel.''.
(b) Training Course on Workings of Congress.--
(1) In general.--Chapter 3 of title 14, United States Code,
is amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 60. Training course on workings of Congress
``(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date
of the enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of
2015, the Commandant, in consultation with the Superintendent
of the Coast Guard Academy and such other individuals and
organizations as the Commandant considers appropriate, shall
develop a training course on the workings of the Congress and
offer that training course at least once each year.
``(b) Course Subject Matter.--The training course required
by this section shall provide an overview and introduction to
the Congress and the Federal legislative process, including--
``(1) the history and structure of the Congress and the
committee systems of the House of Representatives and the
Senate, including the functions and responsibilities of the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House
of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science,
and Transportation of the Senate;
``(2) the documents produced by the Congress, including
bills, resolutions, committee reports, and conference
reports, and the purposes and functions of those documents;
``(3) the legislative processes and rules of the House of
Representatives and the Senate, including similarities and
differences between the two processes and rules, including--
``(A) the congressional budget process;
``(B) the congressional authorization and appropriation
processes;
``(C) the Senate advice and consent process for
Presidential nominees; and
``(D) the Senate advice and consent process for treaty
ratification;
``(4) the roles of Members of Congress and congressional
staff in the legislative process; and
``(5) the concept and underlying purposes of congressional
oversight within our governance framework of separation of
powers.
[[Page H9228]]
``(c) Lecturers and Panelists.--
``(1) Outside experts.--The Commandant shall ensure that
not less than 60 percent of the lecturers, panelists, and
other individuals providing education and instruction as part
of the training course required by this section are experts
on the Congress and the Federal legislative process who are
not employed by the executive branch of the Federal
Government.
``(2) Authority to accept pro bono services.--In satisfying
the requirement under paragraph (1), the Commandant shall
seek, and may accept, educational and instructional services
of lecturers, panelists, and other individuals and
organizations provided to the Coast Guard on a pro bono
basis.
``(d) Completion of Required Training.--
``(1) Current flag officers and employees.--A Coast Guard
flag officer appointed or assigned to a billet in the
National Capital Region on the date of the enactment of this
section, and a Coast Guard Senior Executive Service employee
employed in the National Capital Region on the date of the
enactment of this section, shall complete a training course
that meets the requirements of this section within 60 days
after the date on which the Commandant completes the
development of the training course.
``(2) New flag officers and employees.--A Coast Guard flag
officer who is newly appointed or assigned to a billet in the
National Capital Region, and a Coast Guard Senior Executive
Service employee who is newly employed in the National
Capital Region, shall complete a training course that meets
the requirements of this section not later than 60 days after
reporting for duty.''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The analysis at the beginning of
such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following:
``60. Training course on workings of Congress.''.
(c) Report on Leadership Development.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
the 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 Coast Guard leadership
development.
(2) Contents.--The report shall include the following:
(A) An assessment of the feasibility of--
(i) all officers (other than officers covered by section
429(a) of title 14, United States Code, as amended by this
section) completing a multirater assessment;
(ii) all members (other than officers covered by such
section) in command positions completing a multirater
assessment;
(iii) all enlisted members in a supervisory position
completing a multirater assessment; and
(iv) members completing periodic multirater assessments.
(B) Such recommendations as the Commandant considers
appropriate for the implementation or expansion of a
multirater assessment in the personnel development programs
of the Coast Guard.
(C) An overview of each of the current leadership
development courses of the Coast Guard, an assessment of the
feasibility of the expansion of any such course, and a
description of the resources, if any, required to expand such
courses.
(D) An assessment on the state of leadership training in
the Coast Guard, and recommendations on the implementation of
a policy to prevent leadership that has adverse effects on
subordinates, the organization, or mission performance,
including--
(i) a description of methods that will be used by the Coast
Guard to identify, monitor, and counsel individuals whose
leadership may have adverse effects on subordinates, the
organization, or mission performance;
(ii) the implementation of leadership recognition training
to recognize such leadership in one's self and others;
(iii) the establishment of procedures for the
administrative separation of leaders whose leadership may
have adverse effects on subordinates, the organization, or
mission performance; and
(iv) a description of the resources needed to implement
this section.
SEC. 215. SENIOR ENLISTED MEMBER CONTINUATION BOARDS.
(a) In General.--Section 357 of title 14, United States
Code, is amended--
(1) by striking subsections (a) through (h) and subsection
(j); and
(2) in subsection (i), by striking ``(i)''.
(b) Conforming and Clerical Amendments.--
(1) Heading amendment.--The heading of such section is
amended to read as follows:
``Sec. 357. Retirement of enlisted members: increase in
retired pay''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The analysis at the beginning of
chapter 11 of such title is amended by striking the item
relating to such section and inserting the following:
``357. Retirement of enlisted members: increase in retired pay.''.
SEC. 216. COAST GUARD MEMBER PAY.
(a) Annual Audit of Pay and Allowances of Members
Undergoing Permanent Change of Station.--
(1) In general.--Chapter 13 of title 14, United States
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 519. Annual audit of pay and allowances of members
undergoing permanent change of station
``The Commandant shall conduct each calendar year an audit
of member pay and allowances for the members who transferred
to new units during such calendar year. The audit for a
calendar year shall be completed by the end of the calendar
year.''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The analysis at the beginning of
such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following:
``519. Annual audit of pay and allowances of members undergoing
permanent change of station.''.
(b) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the
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 alternative methods for notifying
members of the Coast Guard of their monthly earnings. The
report shall include--
(1) an assessment of the feasibility of providing members a
monthly notification of their earnings, categorized by pay
and allowance type; and
(2) a description and assessment of mechanisms that may be
used to provide members with notification of their earnings,
categorized by pay and allowance type.
SEC. 217. TRANSFER OF FUNDS NECESSARY TO PROVIDE MEDICAL
CARE.
(a) Transfer Required.--In lieu of the reimbursement
required under section 1085 of title 10, United States Code,
the Secretary of Homeland Security shall transfer to the
Secretary of Defense an amount that represents the actuarial
valuation of treatment or care--
(1) that the Department of Defense shall provide to members
of the Coast Guard, former members of the Coast Guard, and
dependents of such members and former members (other than
former members and dependents of former members who are a
Medicare-eligible beneficiary or for whom the payment for
treatment or care is made from the Medicare-Eligible Retiree
Health Care Fund) at facilities under the jurisdiction of the
Department of Defense or a military department; and
(2) for which a reimbursement would otherwise be made under
section 1085.
(b) Amount.--The amount transferred under subsection (a)
shall be--
(1) in the case of treatment or care to be provided to
members of the Coast Guard and their dependents, derived from
amounts appropriated for the operating expenses of the Coast
Guard;
(2) in the case of treatment or care to be provided former
members of the Coast Guard and their dependents, derived from
amounts appropriated for retired pay;
(3) determined under procedures established by the
Secretary of Defense;
(4) transferred during the fiscal year in which treatment
or care is provided; and
(5) subject to adjustment or reconciliation as the
Secretaries determine appropriate during or promptly after
such fiscal year in cases in which the amount transferred is
determined excessive or insufficient based on the services
actually provided.
(c) No Transfer When Service in Navy.--No transfer shall be
made under this section for any period during which the Coast
Guard operates as a service in the Navy.
(d) Relationship to TRICARE.--This section shall not be
construed to require a payment for, or the transfer of an
amount that represents the value of, treatment or care
provided under any TRICARE program.
SEC. 218. PARTICIPATION OF THE COAST GUARD ACADEMY IN
FEDERAL, STATE, OR OTHER EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH
GRANTS.
Section 196 of title 14, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by inserting ``(a) In General.--'' before the first
sentence; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(b) Qualified Organizations.--
``(1) In general.--The Commandant of the Coast Guard may--
``(A) enter into a contract, cooperative agreement, lease,
or licensing agreement with a qualified organization;
``(B) allow a qualified organization to use, at no cost,
personal property of the Coast Guard; and
``(C) notwithstanding section 93, accept funds, supplies,
and services from a qualified organization.
``(2) Sole-source basis.--Notwithstanding chapter 65 of
title 31 and chapter 137 of title 10, the Commandant may
enter into a contract or cooperative agreement under
paragraph (1)(A) on a sole-source basis.
``(3) Maintaining fairness, objectivity, and integrity.--
The Commandant shall ensure that contributions under this
subsection do not--
``(A) reflect unfavorably on the ability of the Coast
Guard, any of its employees, or any member of the armed
forces to carry out any responsibility or duty in a fair and
objective manner; or
``(B) compromise the integrity or appearance of integrity
of any program of the Coast Guard, or any individual involved
in such a program.
``(4) Limitation.--For purposes of this subsection,
employees or personnel of a qualified organization shall not
be employees of the United States.
``(5) Qualified organization defined.--In this subsection
the term `qualified organization' means an organization--
``(A) described under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt
[[Page H9229]]
from taxation under section 501(a) of that Code; and
``(B) established by the Coast Guard Academy Alumni
Association solely for the purpose of supporting academic
research and applying for and administering Federal, State,
or other educational research grants on behalf of the Coast
Guard Academy.''.
SEC. 219. NATIONAL COAST GUARD MUSEUM.
Section 98(b) of title 14, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``any appropriated
Federal funds for'' and insert ``any funds appropriated to
the Coast Guard on''; and
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``artifacts.'' and
inserting ``artifacts, including the design, fabrication, and
installation of exhibits or displays in which such artifacts
are included.''.
SEC. 220. INVESTIGATIONS.
(a) In General.--Chapter 11 of title 14, United States
Code, is further amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 430. Investigations of flag officers and Senior
Executive Service employees
``In conducting an investigation into an allegation of
misconduct by a flag officer or member of the Senior
Executive Service serving in the Coast Guard, the Inspector
General of the Department of Homeland Security shall--
``(1) conduct the investigation in a manner consistent with
Department of Defense policies for such an investigation; and
``(2) consult with the Inspector General of the Department
of Defense.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis at the beginning of
such chapter is further amended by inserting after the item
related to section 429 the following:
``430. Investigations of flag officers and Senior Executive Service
employees.''.
SEC. 221. CLARIFICATION OF ELIGIBILITY OF MEMBERS OF THE
COAST GUARD FOR COMBAT-RELATED SPECIAL
COMPENSATION.
(a) Consideration of Eligibility.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the department is
which the Coast Guard is operating shall issue procedures and
criteria to use in determining whether the disability of a
member of the Coast Guard is a combat-related disability for
purposes of the eligibility of such member for combat-related
special compensation under section 1413a of title 10, United
States Code. Such procedures and criteria shall include the
procedures and criteria prescribed by the Secretary of
Defense pursuant to subsection (e)(2) of such section. Such
procedures and criteria shall apply in determining whether
the disability of a member of the Coast Guard is a combat-
related disability for purposes of determining the
eligibility of such member for combat-related special
compensation under such section.
(2) Disability for which a determination is made.--For the
purposes of this section, and in the case of a member of the
Coast Guard, a disability under section 1413a(e)(2)(B) of
title 10, United States Code, includes a disability incurred
during aviation duty, diving duty, rescue swimmer or similar
duty, and hazardous service duty onboard a small vessel (such
as duty as a surfman)--
(A) in the performance of duties for which special or
incentive pay was paid pursuant to section 301, 301a, 304,
307, 334, or 351 of title 37, United States Code;
(B) in the performance of duties related to--
(i) law enforcement, including drug or migrant
interdiction;
(ii) defense readiness; or
(iii) search and rescue; or
(C) while engaged in a training exercise for the
performance of a duty described in subparagraphs (A) and (B).
(b) Applicability of Guidance.--The guidance issued
pursuant to subsection (a) shall apply to disabilities
described in that subsection that are incurred on or after
the effective date provided in section 636(a)(2) of the Bob
Stump National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003
(Public Law 107-314; 116 Stat. 2574; 10 U.S.C. 1413a note).
(c) Reapplication for Compensation.--Any member of the
Coast Guard who was denied combat-related special
compensation under section 1413a of title 10, United States
Code, during the period beginning on the effective date
specified in subsection (b) and ending on the date of the
issuance of the guidance required by subsection (a) may
reapply for combat-related special compensation under such
section on the basis of such guidance in accordance with such
procedures as the Secretary of the department in which the
Coast Guard is operating shall specify.
SEC. 222. LEAVE POLICIES FOR THE COAST GUARD.
(a) In General.--Chapter 11 of title 14, United States
Code, is further amended by inserting after section 430 the
following:
``Sec. 431. Leave policies for the Coast Guard
``Not later than 1 year after the date on which the
Secretary of the Navy promulgates a new rule, policy, or
memorandum pursuant to section 704 of title 10, United States
Code, with respect to leave associated with the birth or
adoption of a child, the Secretary of the department in which
the Coast Guard is operating shall promulgate a similar rule,
policy, or memorandum that provides leave to officers and
enlisted members of the Coast Guard that is equal in duration
and compensation to that provided by the Secretary of the
Navy.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis at the beginning of
such chapter is further amended by inserting after the item
related to section 430 the following:
``431. Leave policies for the Coast Guard.''.
TITLE III--SHIPPING AND NAVIGATION
SEC. 301. SURVIVAL CRAFT.
(a) In General.--Section 3104 of title 46, United States
Code, is amended to read as follows:
``Sec. 3104. Survival craft
``(a) Requirement To Equip.--The Secretary shall require
that a passenger vessel be equipped with survival craft that
ensures that no part of an individual is immersed in water,
if--
``(1) such vessel is built or undergoes a major conversion
after January 1, 2016; and
``(2) operates in cold waters as determined by the
Secretary.
``(b) Higher Standard of Safety.--The Secretary may revise
part 117 or part 180 of title 46, Code of Federal
Regulations, as in effect before January 1, 2016, if such
revision provides a higher standard of safety than is
provided by the regulations in effect on or before the date
of the enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of
2015.
``(c) Innovative and Novel Designs.--The Secretary may, in
lieu of the requirements set out in part 117 or part 180 of
title 46, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on the
date of the enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of
2015, allow a passenger vessel to be equipped with a life-
saving appliance or arrangement of an innovative or novel
design that--
``(1) ensures no part of an individual is immersed in
water; and
``(2) provides an equal or higher standard of safety than
is provided by such requirements as in effect before such
date of the enactment.
``(d) Built Defined.--In this section, the term `built' has
the meaning that term has under section 4503(e).''.
(b) Review; Revision of Regulations.--
(1) Review.--Not later than December 31, 2016, 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 review of--
(A) the number of casualties for individuals with
disabilities, children, and the elderly as a result of
immersion in water, reported to the Coast Guard over the
preceding 30-year period, by vessel type and area of
operation;
(B) the risks to individuals with disabilities, children,
and the elderly as a result of immersion in water, by
passenger vessel type and area of operation;
(C) the effect that carriage of survival craft that ensure
that no part of an individual is immersed in water has on--
(i) passenger vessel safety, including stability and safe
navigation;
(ii) improving the survivability of individuals, including
individuals with disabilities, children, and the elderly; and
(iii) the costs, the incremental cost difference to vessel
operators, and the cost effectiveness of requiring the
carriage of such survival craft to address the risks to
individuals with disabilities, children, and the elderly;
(D) the efficacy of alternative safety systems, devices, or
measures in improving survivability of individuals with
disabilities, children, and the elderly; and
(E) the number of small businesses and nonprofit vessel
operators that would be affected by requiring the carriage of
such survival craft on passenger vessels to address the risks
to individuals with disabilities, children, and the elderly.
(2) Revision.--Based on the review conducted under
paragraph (1), the Secretary may revise regulations
concerning the carriage of survival craft pursuant to section
3104(c) of title 46, United States Code.
SEC. 302. VESSEL REPLACEMENT.
(a) Loans and Guarantees.--Chapter 537 of title 46, United
States Code, is amended--
(1) in section 53701--
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (8) through (14) as
paragraphs (9) through (15), respectively; and
(B) by inserting after paragraph (7) the following:
``(8) Historical uses.--The term `historical uses'
includes--
``(A) refurbishing, repairing, rebuilding, or replacing
equipment on a fishing vessel, without materially increasing
harvesting capacity;
``(B) purchasing a used fishing vessel;
``(C) purchasing, constructing, expanding, or
reconditioning a fishery facility;
``(D) refinancing existing debt;
``(E) reducing fishing capacity; and
``(F) making upgrades to a fishing vessel, including
upgrades in technology, gear, or equipment, that improve--
``(i) collection and reporting of fishery-dependent data;
``(ii) bycatch reduction or avoidance;
``(iii) gear selectivity;
``(iv) adverse impacts caused by fishing gear; or
``(v) safety.''; and
(2) in section 53702(b), by adding at the end the
following:
``(3) Minimum obligations available for historic uses.--Of
the direct loan obligations issued by the Secretary under
this
[[Page H9230]]
chapter, the Secretary shall make a minimum of $59,000,000
available each fiscal year for historic uses.
``(4) Use of obligations in limited access fisheries.--In
addition to the other eligible purposes and uses of direct
loan obligations provided for in this chapter, the Secretary
may issue direct loan obligations for the purpose of--
``(A) financing the construction or reconstruction of a
fishing vessel in a fishery managed under a limited access
system; or
``(B) financing the purchase of harvesting rights in a
fishery that is federally managed under a limited access
system.''.
(b) Limitation on Application to Certain Fishing Vessels of
Prohibition Under Vessel Construction Program.--Section
302(b)(2) of the Fisheries Financing Act (title III of Public
Law 104-297; 46 U.S.C. 53706 note) is amended--
(1) in the second sentence--
(A) by striking ``or in'' and inserting ``, in''; and
(B) by inserting before the period the following: ``, in
fisheries that are under the jurisdiction of the North
Pacific Fishery Management Council and managed under a
fishery management plan issued under the Magnuson-Stevens
Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et
seq.), or in the Pacific whiting fishery that is under the
jurisdiction of the Pacific Fishery Management Council and
managed under a fishery management plan issued under that
Act''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following: ``Any fishing
vessel operated in fisheries under the jurisdiction of the
North Pacific Fishery Management Council and managed under a
fishery management plan issued under the Magnuson-Stevens
Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et
seq.), or in the Pacific whiting fishery under the
jurisdiction of the Pacific Fishery Management Council and
managed under a fishery management plan issued under that
Act, and that is replaced by a vessel that is constructed or
rebuilt with a loan or loan guarantee provided by the Federal
Government may not be used to harvest fish in any fishery
under the jurisdiction of any regional fishery management
council, other than a fishery under the jurisdiction of the
North Pacific Fishery Management Council or the Pacific
Fishery Management Council.''.
SEC. 303. MODEL YEARS FOR RECREATIONAL VESSELS.
(a) In General.--Section 4302 of title 46, United States
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(e)(1) If in prescribing regulations under this section
the Secretary establishes a model year for recreational
vessels and associated equipment, such model year shall,
except as provided in paragraph (2)--
``(A) begin on June 1 of a year and end on July 31 of the
following year; and
``(B) be designated by the year in which it ends.
``(2) Upon the request of a recreational vessel
manufacturer to which this chapter applies, the Secretary may
alter a model year for a model of recreational vessel of the
manufacturer and associated equipment, by no more than 6
months from the model year described in paragraph (1).''.
(b) Application.--This section shall only apply with
respect to recreational vessels and associated equipment
constructed or manufactured, respectively, on or after June
1, 2015.
(c) Guidance.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the department in
which the Coast Guard is operating shall publish guidance to
implement section 4302(d)(2) of title 46, United States Code.
SEC. 304. MERCHANT MARINER CREDENTIAL EXPIRATION
HARMONIZATION.
(a) In General.--Except as provided in subsection (c) and
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 establish a process to harmonize the
expiration dates of merchant mariner credentials, mariner
medical certificates, and radar observer endorsements for
individuals applying to the Secretary for a new merchant
mariner credential or for renewal of an existing merchant
mariner credential.
(b) Requirements.--The Secretary shall ensure that the
process established under subsection (a)--
(1) does not require an individual to renew a merchant
mariner credential earlier than the date on which the
individual's current credential expires; and
(2) results in harmonization of expiration dates for
merchant mariner credentials, mariner medical certificates,
and radar observer endorsements for all individuals by not
later than 6 years after the date of the enactment of this
Act.
(c) Exception.--The process established under subsection
(a) does not apply to individuals--
(1) holding a merchant mariner credential with--
(A) an active Standards of Training, Certification, and
Watchkeeping endorsement; or
(B) Federal first-class pilot endorsement; or
(2) who have been issued a time-restricted medical
certificate.
SEC. 305. SAFETY ZONES FOR PERMITTED MARINE EVENTS.
Not later than 6 months after the date of the enactment of
this Act, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast
Guard is operating shall establish and implement a process
to--
(1) account for the number of safety zones established for
permitted marine events;
(2) differentiate whether the event sponsor who requested a
permit for such an event is--
(A) an individual;
(B) an organization; or
(C) a government entity; and
(3) account for Coast Guard resources utilized to enforce
safety zones established for permitted marine events,
including for--
(A) the number of Coast Guard or Coast Guard Auxiliary
vessels used; and
(B) the number of Coast Guard or Coast Guard Auxiliary
patrol hours required.
SEC. 306. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.
(a) Title 46.--Title 46, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in section 103, by striking ``(33 U.S.C. 151).'' and
inserting ``(33 U.S.C. 151(b)).'';
(2) in section 2118--
(A) in subsection (a), in the matter preceding paragraph
(1), by striking ``title,'' and inserting ``subtitle,''; and
(B) in subsection (b), by striking ``title'' and inserting
``subtitle'';
(3) in the analysis for chapter 35--
(A) by adding a period at the end of the item relating to
section 3507; and
(B) by adding a period at the end of the item relating to
section 3508;
(4) in section 3715(a)(2), by striking ``; and'' and
inserting a semicolon;
(5) in section 4506, by striking ``(a)'';
(6) in section 8103(b)(1)(A)(iii), by striking ``Academy.''
and inserting ``Academy; and'';
(7) in section 11113(c)(1)(A)(i), by striking ``under this
Act'';
(8) in the analysis for chapter 701--
(A) by adding a period at the end of the item relating to
section 70107A;
(B) in the item relating to section 70112, by striking
``security advisory committees.'' and inserting ``Security
Advisory Committees.''; and
(C) in the item relating to section 70122, by striking
``watch program.'' and inserting ``Watch Program.'';
(9) in section 70105(c)--
(A) in paragraph (1)(B)(xv)--
(i) by striking ``18, popularly'' and inserting ``18
(popularly''; and
(ii) by striking ``Act'' and inserting ``Act)''; and
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``(D) paragraph'' and
inserting ``(D) of paragraph'';
(10) in section 70107--
(A) in subsection (b)(2), by striking ``5121(j)(8)),'' and
inserting ``5196(j)(8)),''; and
(B) in subsection (m)(3)(C)(iii), by striking ``that is''
and inserting ``that the applicant'';
(11) in section 70122, in the section heading, by striking
``watch program'' and inserting ``Watch Program''; and
(12) in the analysis for chapter 705, by adding a period at
the end of the item relating to section 70508.
(b) General Bridge Statutes.--
(1) Act of march 3, 1899.--The Act of March 3, 1899,
popularly known as the Rivers and Harbors Appropriations Act
of 1899, is amended--
(A) in section 9 (33 U.S.C. 401), by striking ``Secretary
of Transportation'' each place it appears and inserting
``Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is
operating''; and
(B) in section 18 (33 U.S.C. 502), by striking ``Secretary
of Transportation'' each place it appears and inserting
``Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is
operating''.
(2) Act of march 23, 1906.--The Act of March 23, 1906,
popularly known as the Bridge Act of 1906, is amended--
(A) in the first section (33 U.S.C. 491), by striking
``Secretary of Transportation'' and inserting ``Secretary of
the department in which the Coast Guard is operating'';
(B) in section 4 (33 U.S.C. 494), by striking ``Secretary
of Homeland Security'' each place it appears and inserting
``Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is
operating''; and
(C) in section 5 (33 U.S.C. 495), by striking ``Secretary
of Transportation'' each place it appears and inserting
``Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is
operating''.
(3) Act of august 18, 1894.--Section 5 of the Act entitled
``An Act making appropriations for the construction, repair,
and preservation of certain public works on rivers and
harbors, and for other purposes'', approved August 18, 1894
(33 U.S.C. 499), is amended by striking ``Secretary of
Transportation'' each place it appears and inserting
``Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is
operating''.
(4) Act of june 21, 1940.--The Act of June 21, 1940,
popularly known as the Truman-Hobbs Act, is amended--
(A) in section 1 (33 U.S.C. 511), by striking ``Secretary
of Transportation'' and inserting ``Secretary of the
department in which the Coast Guard is operating'';
(B) in section 4 (33 U.S.C. 514), by striking ``Secretary
of Transportation'' and inserting ``Secretary of the
department in which the Coast Guard is operating'';
(C) in section 7 (33 U.S.C. 517), by striking ``Secretary
of Transportation'' each place it appears and inserting
``Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is
operating''; and
(D) in section 13 (33 U.S.C. 523), by striking ``Secretary
of Transportation'' and inserting ``Secretary of the
department in which the Coast Guard is operating''.
[[Page H9231]]
(5) General bridge act of 1946.--The General Bridge Act of
1946 is amended--
(A) in section 502(b) (33 U.S.C. 525(b)), by striking
``Secretary of Transportation'' and inserting ``Secretary of
the department in which the Coast Guard is operating''; and
(B) in section 510 (33 U.S.C. 533), by striking ``Secretary
of Transportation'' each place it appears and inserting
``Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is
operating''.
(6) International bridge act of 1972.--The International
Bridge Act of 1972 is amended--
(A) in section 5 (33 U.S.C. 535c), by striking ``Secretary
of Transportation'' and inserting ``Secretary of the
department in which the Coast Guard is operating'';
(B) in section 8 (33 U.S.C. 535e), by striking ``Secretary
of Transportation'' each place it appears and inserting
``Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is
operating''; and
(C) by striking section 11 (33 U.S.C. 535h).
SEC. 307. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPROVEMENTS OF MARINE CASUALTY
REPORTING.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of
this Act, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall notify the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House
of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science,
and Transportation of the Senate of the actions the
Commandant will take to implement recommendations on
improvements to the Coast Guard's marine casualty reporting
requirements and procedures included in--
(1) the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector
General report entitled ``Marine Accident Reporting,
Investigations, and Enforcement in the United States Coast
Guard'', released on May 23, 2013; and
(2) the Towing Safety Advisory Committee report entitled
``Recommendations for Improvement of Marine Casualty
Reporting'', released on March 26, 2015.
SEC. 308. RECREATIONAL VESSEL ENGINE WEIGHTS.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of
this Act, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast
Guard is operating shall issue regulations amending table 4
to subpart H of part 183 of title 33, Code of Federal
Regulations (relating to Weights (Pounds) of Outboard Motor
and Related Equipment for Various Boat Horsepower Ratings),
as appropriate to reflect ``Standard 30-Outboard Engine and
Related Equipment Weights'' published by the American Boat
and Yacht Council, as in effect on the date of the enactment
of this Act.
SEC. 309. MERCHANT MARINER MEDICAL CERTIFICATION REFORM.
(a) In General.--Chapter 75 of title 46, United States
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 7509. Medical certification by trusted agents
``(a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
law and pursuant to regulations prescribed by the Secretary,
a trusted agent may issue a medical certificate to an
individual who--
``(1) must hold such certificate to qualify for a license,
certificate of registry, or merchant mariner's document, or
endorsement thereto under this part; and
``(2) is qualified as to sight, hearing, and physical
condition to perform the duties of such license, certificate,
document, or endorsement, as determined by the trusted agent.
``(b) Process for Issuance of Certificates by Secretary.--A
final rule implementing this section shall include a process
for--
``(1) the Secretary of the department in which the Coast
Guard is operating to issue medical certificates to mariners
who submit applications for such certificates to the
Secretary; and
``(2) a trusted agent to defer to the Secretary the
issuance of a medical certificate.
``(c) Trusted Agent Defined.--In this section the term
`trusted agent' means a medical practitioner certified by the
Secretary to perform physical examinations of an individual
for purposes of a license, certificate of registry, or
merchant mariner's document under this part.''.
(b) Deadline.--Not later than 5 years after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the department in
which the Coast Guard is operating shall issue a final rule
implementing section 7509 of title 46, United States Code, as
added by this section.
(c) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for such chapter is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``7509. Medical certification by trusted agents.''.
SEC. 310. ATLANTIC COAST PORT ACCESS ROUTE STUDY.
(a) Atlantic Coast Port Access Route Study.--Not later than
April 1, 2016, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall
conclude the Atlantic Coast Port Access Route Study and
submit the results of such study to the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate.
(b) Nantucket Sound.--Not later than December 1, 2016, the
Commandant of the Coast Guard shall complete and submit to
the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the
House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation of the Senate a port access route
study of Nantucket Sound using the standards and methodology
of the Atlantic Coast Port Access Route Study, to determine
whether the Coast Guard should revise existing regulations to
improve navigation safety in Nantucket Sound due to factors
such as increased vessel traffic, changing vessel traffic
patterns, weather conditions, or navigational difficulty in
the vicinity.
SEC. 311. CERTIFICATES OF DOCUMENTATION FOR RECREATIONAL
VESSELS.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of
this Act, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast
Guard is operating shall issue regulations that--
(1) make certificates of documentation for recreational
vessels effective for 5 years; and
(2) require the owner of such a vessel--
(A) to notify the Coast Guard of each change in the
information on which the issuance of the certificate of
documentation is based, that occurs before the expiration of
the certificate; and
(B) apply for a new certificate of documentation for such a
vessel if there is any such change.
SEC. 312. PROGRAM GUIDELINES.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment
this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall--
(1) develop guidelines to implement the program authorized
under section 304(a) of the Coast Guard and Maritime
Transportation Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-241), including
specific actions to ensure the future availability of able
and credentialed United States licensed and unlicensed
seafarers including--
(A) incentives to encourage partnership agreements with
operators of foreign-flag vessels that carry liquified
natural gas, that provide no less than one training billet
per vessel for United States merchant mariners in order to
meet minimum mandatory sea service requirements;
(B) development of appropriate training curricula for use
by public and private maritime training institutions to meet
all United States merchant mariner license, certification,
and document laws and requirements under the International
Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and
Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978; and
(C) steps to promote greater outreach and awareness of
additional job opportunities for sea service veterans of the
United States Armed Forces; and
(2) submit such guidelines to the Committee Transportation
and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the
Senate.
SEC. 313. REPEALS.
(a) Repeals, Merchant Marine Act, 1936.--Sections 601
through 606, 608 through 611, 613 through 616, 802, and 809
of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 (46 U.S.C. 53101 note) are
repealed.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--Chapter 575 of title 46, United
States Code, is amended--
(1) in section 57501, by striking ``titles V and VI'' and
inserting ``title V''; and
(2) in section 57531(a), by striking ``titles V and VI''
and inserting ``title V''.
(c) Transfer From Merchant Marine Act, 1936.--
(1) In general.--Section 801 of the Merchant Marine Act,
1936 (46 U.S.C. 53101 note)--
(A) is redesignated as section 57522 of title 46, United
States Code, and transferred to appear after section 57521 of
such title; and
(B) as so redesignated and transferred, is amended--
(i) by striking so much as precedes the first sentence and
inserting the following:
``Sec. 57522. Books and records, balance sheets, and
inspection and auditing'';
(ii) by striking ``the provision of title VI or VII of this
Act'' and inserting ``this chapter''; and
(iii) by striking ``: Provided, That'' and all that follows
through ``Commission''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The analysis for chapter 575, of
title 46, United States Code, is amended by inserting after
the item relating to section 57521 the following:
``57522. Books and records, balance sheets, and inspection and
auditing.''.
(d) Repeals, Title 46, U.S.C.--Section 8103 of title 46,
United States Code, is amended in subsections (c) and (d) by
striking ``or operating'' each place it appears.
SEC. 314. MARITIME DRUG LAW ENFORCEMENT.
(a) Prohibitions.--Section 70503(a) of title 46, United
States Code, is amended to read as follows:
``(a) Prohibitions.--While on board a covered vessel, an
individual may not knowingly or intentionally--
``(1) manufacture or distribute, or possess with intent to
manufacture or distribute, a controlled substance;
``(2) destroy (including jettisoning any item or scuttling,
burning, or hastily cleaning a vessel), or attempt or
conspire to destroy, property that is subject to forfeiture
under section 511(a) of the Comprehensive Drug Abuse
Prevention and Control Act of 1970 (21 U.S.C. 881(a)); or
``(3) conceal, or attempt or conspire to conceal, more than
$100,000 in currency or other monetary instruments on the
person of such individual or in any conveyance, article of
luggage, merchandise, or other container, or compartment of
or aboard the covered vessel if that vessel is outfitted for
smuggling.''.
(b) Covered Vessel Defined.--Section 70503 of title 46,
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(e) Covered Vessel Defined.--In this section the term
`covered vessel' means--
[[Page H9232]]
``(1) a vessel of the United States or a vessel subject to
the jurisdiction of the United States; or
``(2) any other vessel if the individual is a citizen of
the United States or a resident alien of the United
States.''.
(c) Penalties.--Section 70506 of title 46, United States
Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``A person violating
section 70503'' and inserting ``A person violating paragraph
(1) of section 70503(a)''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(d) Penalty.--A person violating paragraph (2) or (3) of
section 70503(a) shall be fined in accordance with section
3571 of title 18, imprisoned not more than 15 years, or
both.''.
(d) Seizure and Forfeiture.--Section 70507(a) of title 46,
United States Code, is amended by striking ``section 70503''
and inserting ``section 70503 or 70508''.
(e) Clerical Amendments.--
(1) The heading of section 70503 of title 46, United States
Code, is amended to read as follows:
``Sec. 70503. Prohibited acts''.
(2) The analysis for chapter 705 of title 46, United States
Code, is further amended by striking the item relating to
section 70503 and inserting the following:
``70503. Prohibited acts.''.
SEC. 315. EXAMINATIONS FOR MERCHANT MARINER CREDENTIALS.
(a) Disclosure.--
(1) In general.--Chapter 75 of title 46, United States
Code, is further amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 7510. Examinations for merchant mariner credentials
``(a) Disclosure Not Required.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of law, the Secretary is not required to disclose
to the public--
``(1) a question from any examination for a merchant
mariner credential;
``(2) the answer to such a question, including any correct
or incorrect answer that may be presented with such question;
and
``(3) any quality or characteristic of such a question,
including--
``(A) the manner in which such question has been, is, or
may be selected for an examination;
``(B) the frequency of such selection; and
``(C) the frequency that an examinee correctly or
incorrectly answered such question.
``(b) Exception for Certain Questions.--Notwithstanding
subsection (a), the Secretary may, for the purpose of
preparation by the general public for examinations required
for merchant mariner credentials, release an examination
question and answer that the Secretary has retired or is not
presently on or part of an examination, or that the Secretary
determines is appropriate for release.
``(c) Exam Review.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
the enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015,
and once every two years thereafter, the Commandant of the
Coast Guard shall commission a working group to review new
questions for inclusion in examinations required for merchant
mariner credentials, composed of--
``(A) 1 subject matter expert from the Coast Guard;
``(B) representatives from training facilities and the
maritime industry, of whom--
``(i) one-half shall be representatives from approved
training facilities; and
``(ii) one-half shall be representatives from the
appropriate maritime industry;
``(C) at least 1 representative from the Merchant Marine
Personnel Advisory Committee;
``(D) at least 2 representatives from the State maritime
academies, of whom one shall be a representative from the
deck training track and one shall be a representative of the
engine license track;
``(E) representatives from other Coast Guard Federal
advisory committees, as appropriate, for the industry segment
associated with the subject examinations;
``(F) at least 1 subject matter expert from the Maritime
Administration; and
``(G) at least 1 human performance technology
representative.
``(2) Inclusion of persons knowledgeable about examination
type.--The working group shall include representatives
knowledgeable about the examination type under review.
``(3) Limitation.--The requirement to convene a working
group under paragraph (1) does not apply unless there are new
examination questions to review.
``(4) Baseline review.--
``(A) In general.--Within 1 year after the date of the
enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015, the
Secretary shall convene the working group to complete a
baseline review of the Coast Guard's Merchant Mariner
Credentialing Examination, including review of--
``(i) the accuracy of examination questions;
``(ii) the accuracy and availability of examination
references;
``(iii) the length of merchant mariner examinations; and
``(iv) the use of standard technologies in administering,
scoring, and analyzing the examinations.
``(B) Progress report.--The Coast Guard shall provide a
progress report to the appropriate congressional committees
on the review under this paragraph.
``(5) Full membership not required.--The Coast Guard may
convene the working group without all members present if any
non-Coast-Guard representative is present.
``(6) Nondisclosure agreement.--The Secretary shall require
all members of the working group to sign a nondisclosure
agreement with the Secretary.
``(7) Treatment of members as federal employees.--A member
of the working group who is not a Federal Government employee
shall not be considered a Federal employee in the service or
the employment of the Federal Government, except that such a
member shall be considered a special government employee, as
defined in section 202(a) of title 18 for purposes of
sections 203, 205, 207, 208, and 209 of such title and shall
be subject to any administrative standards of conduct
applicable to an employee of the department in which the
Coast Guard is operating.
``(8) Formal exam review.--The Secretary shall ensure that
the Coast Guard Performance Technology Center--
``(A) prioritizes the review of examinations required for
merchant mariner credentials; and
``(B) not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of
the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015, completes a formal
review, including an appropriate analysis, of the topics and
testing methodology employed by the National Maritime Center
for merchant seamen licensing.
``(9) FACA.--The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C.
App.) shall not apply to any working group created under this
section to review the Coast Guard's merchant mariner
credentialing examinations.
``(d) Merchant Mariner Credential Defined.--In this
section, the term `merchant mariner credential' means a
merchant seaman license, certificate, or document that the
Secretary is authorized to issue pursuant to this title.''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The analysis for such chapter is
further amended by adding at the end the following:
``7510. Examinations for merchant mariner credentials.''.
(b) Examinations for Merchant Mariner Credentials.--
(1) In general.--Chapter 71 of title 46, United States
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 7116. Examinations for merchant mariner credentials
``(a) Requirement for Sample Exams.--The Secretary shall
develop a sample merchant mariner credential examination and
outline of merchant mariner examination topics on an annual
basis.
``(b) Public Availability.--Each sample examination and
outline of topics developed under subsection (a) shall be
readily available to the public.
``(c) Merchant Mariner Credential Defined.--In this
section, the term `merchant mariner credential' has the
meaning that term has in section 7510.''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The analysis for such chapter is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``7116. Examinations for merchant mariner credentials.''.
(c) Disclosure to Congress.--Nothing in this section may be
construed to authorize the withholding of information from an
appropriate inspector general, the Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation of the Senate, or the Committee
on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of
Representatives.
SEC. 316. HIGHER VOLUME PORT AREA REGULATORY DEFINITION
CHANGE.
(a) In General.--Subsection (a) of section 710 of the Coast
Guard Authorization Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-281; 124
Stat. 2986) is amended to read as follows:
``(a) Higher Volume Ports.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of law, the requirements of subparts D, F, and G of
part 155 of title 33, Code of Federal Regulations, that apply
to the higher volume port area for the Strait of Juan de Fuca
at Port Angeles, Washington (including any water area within
50 nautical miles seaward), to and including Puget Sound,
shall apply, in the same manner, and to the same extent, to
the Strait of Juan de Fuca at Cape Flattery, Washington
(including any water area within 50 nautical miles seaward),
to and including Puget Sound.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Subsection (b) of such section
is amended by striking ``the modification of the higher
volume port area definition required by subsection (a).'' and
inserting ``higher volume port requirements made applicable
under subsection (a).''.
SEC. 317. RECOGNITION OF PORT SECURITY ASSESSMENTS CONDUCTED
BY OTHER ENTITIES.
Section 70108 of title 46, United States Code, is amended
by adding at the end the following:
``(f) Recognition of Assessment Conducted by Other
Entities.--
``(1) Certification and treatment of assessments.--For the
purposes of this section and section 70109, the Secretary may
treat an assessment that a foreign government (including, for
the purposes of this subsection, an entity of or operating
under the auspices of the European Union) or international
organization has conducted as an assessment that the
Secretary has conducted for the purposes of subsection (a),
provided that the Secretary certifies that the foreign
government or international organization has--
``(A) conducted the assessment in accordance with
subsection (b); and
[[Page H9233]]
``(B) provided the Secretary with sufficient information
pertaining to its assessment (including, but not limited to,
information on the outcome of the assessment).
``(2) Authorization to enter into an agreement.--For the
purposes of this section and section 70109, the Secretary, in
consultation with the Secretary of State, may enter into an
agreement with a foreign government (including, for the
purposes of this subsection, an entity of or operating under
the auspices of the European Union) or international
organization, under which parties to the agreement--
``(A) conduct an assessment, required under subsection (a);
``(B) share information pertaining to such assessment
(including, but not limited to, information on the outcome of
the assessment); or
``(C) both.
``(3) Limitations.--Nothing in this subsection shall be
construed to--
``(A) require the Secretary to recognize an assessment that
a foreign government or an international organization has
conducted; or
``(B) limit the discretion or ability of the Secretary to
conduct an assessment under this section.
``(4) Notification to congress.--Not later than 30 days
before entering into an agreement or arrangement with a
foreign government under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall
notify the Committee on Homeland Security and the Committee
on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate of the proposed terms of such
agreement or arrangement.''.
SEC. 318. FISHING VESSEL AND FISH TENDER VESSEL
CERTIFICATION.
(a) Alternative Safety Compliance Programs.--Section 4503
of title 46, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``this section'' and
inserting ``this subsection'';
(2) in subsection (b), by striking ``This section'' and
inserting ``Except as provided in subsection (d), subsection
(a)'';
(3) in subsection (c)--
(A) by striking ``This section'' and inserting ``(1) Except
as provided in paragraph (2), subsection (a)''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Subsection (a) does not apply to a fishing vessel or
fish tender vessel to which section 4502(b) of this title
applies, if the vessel--
``(A) is at least 50 feet overall in length, and not more
than 79 feet overall in length; and
``(B)(i) is built after January 1, 2016, and complies with
the alternative safety compliance program established under
subsection (e); or
``(ii) is built after the date of the enactment of the
Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015 and before the
establishment of the alternative safety compliance program
required under subsection (e), and complies with the
requirements described in subsection (f).''; and
(4) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (g), and
inserting after subsection (d) the following:
``(e)(1) Not later than 5 years after the date of the
enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015, the
Secretary shall establish an alternative safety compliance
program for fishing vessels or fish tender vessels (or both)
that are described in subparagraphs (A) and (B)(i) of
subsection (c)(2).
``(2) The alternative safety compliance program established
under paragraph (1) shall include requirements for--
``(A) vessel construction;
``(B) a vessel stability test;
``(C) vessel stability and loading instructions;
``(D) an assigned vessel loading mark;
``(E) a vessel condition survey at least biennially;
``(F) an out-of-water vessel survey at least once every 5
years;
``(G) maintenance of records to demonstrate compliance with
the program, and the availability of such records for
inspection; and
``(H) such other aspects of vessel safety as the Secretary
considers appropriate.
``(f) The requirements referred to in subsection
(c)(2)(B)(ii) are the following:
``(1) The vessel is designed by an individual licensed by a
State as a naval architect or marine engineer, and the design
incorporates standards equivalent to those prescribed by a
classification society to which the Secretary has delegated
authority under section 3316 or another qualified
organization approved by the Secretary for purposes of this
paragraph.
``(2) Construction of the vessel is overseen and certified
as being in accordance with its design by a marine surveyor
of an organization accepted by the Secretary.
``(3) The vessel--
``(A) completes a stability test performed by a qualified
individual;
``(B) has written stability and loading instructions from a
qualified individual that are provided to the owner or
operator; and
``(C) has an assigned loading mark.
``(4) The vessel is not substantially modified or changed
without the review and approval of an individual licensed by
a State as a naval architect or marine engineer before the
beginning of such substantial modification or change.
``(5) The vessel undergoes a condition survey at least
biennially to the satisfaction of a marine surveyor of an
organization accepted by the Secretary.
``(6) The vessel undergoes an out-of-water survey at least
once every 5 years to the satisfaction of a certified marine
surveyor of an organization accepted by the Secretary.
``(7) Once every 5 years and at the time of a modification
or substantial change to such vessel, compliance of the
vessel with the requirements of paragraph (3) is reviewed and
updated as necessary.
``(8) For the life of the vessel, the owner of the vessel
maintains records to demonstrate compliance with this
subsection and makes such records readily available for
inspection by an official authorized to enforce this
chapter.''.
(b) GAO Report on Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 12 months 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 commercial fishing vessel safety. The
report shall include--
(A) national and regional trends that can be identified
with respect to rates of marine causalities, human injuries,
and deaths aboard or involving fishing vessels greater than
79 feet in length that operate beyond the 3-nautical-mile
demarcation line;
(B) a comparison of United States regulations for
classification of fishing vessels to those established by
other countries, including the vessel length at which such
regulations apply;
(C) the additional costs imposed on vessel owners as a
result of the requirement in section 4503(a) of title 46,
United States Code, and how the those costs vary in relation
to vessel size and from region to region;
(D) savings that result from the application of the
requirement in section 4503(a) of title 46, United States
Code, including reductions in insurance rates or reduction in
the number of fishing vessels or fish tender vessels lost to
major safety casualties, nationally and regionally;
(E) a national and regional comparison of the additional
costs and safety benefits associated with fishing vessels or
fish tender vessels that are built and maintained to class
through a classification society to the additional costs and
safety benefits associated with fishing vessels or fish
tender vessels that are built to standards equivalent to
classification society construction standards and maintained
to standards equivalent to classification society standards
with verification by independent surveyors; and
(F) the impact on the cost of production and availability
of qualified shipyards, nationally and regionally, resulting
from the application of the requirement in section 4503(a) of
title 46, United States Code.
(2) Consultation requirement.--In preparing the report
under paragraph (1), the Comptroller General shall--
(A) consult with owners and operators of fishing vessels or
fish tender vessels, classification societies, shipyards, the
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the
National Transportation Safety Board, the Coast Guard,
academics, and marine safety nongovernmental organizations;
and
(B) obtain relevant data from the Coast Guard including
data collected from enforcement actions, boardings,
investigations of marine casualties, and serious marine
incidents.
(3) Treatment of data.--In preparing the report under
paragraph (1), the Comptroller General shall--
(A) disaggregate data regionally for each of the regions
managed by the regional fishery management councils
established under section 302 of the Magnuson-Stevens
Fisheries Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1852),
the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, the Pacific
States Marine Fisheries Commission, and the Gulf States
Marine Fisheries Commission; and
(B) include qualitative data on the types of fishing
vessels or fish tender vessels included in the report.
SEC. 319. INTERAGENCY COORDINATING COMMITTEE ON OIL POLLUTION
RESEARCH.
(a) In General.--Section 7001(a)(3) of the Oil Pollution
Act of 1990 (33 U.S.C. 2761(a)(3)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``Minerals Management Service'' and
inserting ``Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement,
the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management,''; and
(2) by inserting ``the United States Arctic Research
Commission,'' after ``National Aeronautics and Space
Administration,''.
(b) Technical Amendments.--Section 7001 of the Oil
Pollution Act of 1990 (33 U.S.C. 2761) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(2), in the matter preceding
subparagraph (A), by striking ``Department of
Transportation'' and inserting ``department in which the
Coast Guard is operating''; and
(2) in subsection (c)(8)(A), by striking ``(1989)'' and
inserting ``(2010)''.
SEC. 320. INTERNATIONAL PORT AND FACILITY INSPECTION
COORDINATION.
Section 825(a) of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010
(6 U.S.C. 945 note; Public Law 111-281) is amended in the
matter preceding paragraph (1)--
(1) by striking ``the department in which the Coast Guard
is operating'' and inserting ``Homeland Security''; and
(2) by striking ``they are integrated and conducted by the
Coast Guard'' and inserting ``the assessments are coordinated
between
[[Page H9234]]
the Coast Guard and Customs and Border Protection''.
TITLE IV--FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION
SEC. 401. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) In General.--Chapter 3 of title 46, United States Code,
is amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 308. Authorization of appropriations
``There is authorized to be appropriated to the Federal
Maritime Commission $24,700,000 for each of fiscal years 2016
and 2017 for the activities of the Commission authorized
under this chapter and subtitle IV.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 3 of
title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end
the following:
``308. Authorization of appropriations.''.
SEC. 402. DUTIES OF THE CHAIRMAN.
Section 301(c)(3)(A) of title 46, United States Code, is
amended--
(1) in clause (ii) by striking ``units, but only after
consultation with the other Commissioners;'' and inserting
``units (with such appointments subject to the approval of
the Commission);'';
(2) in clause (iv) by striking ``and'' at the end;
(3) in clause (v) by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; and''; and
(4) by adding at the end the following:
``(vi) prepare and submit to the President and the Congress
requests for appropriations for the Commission (with such
requests subject to the approval of the Commission).''.
SEC. 403. PROHIBITION ON AWARDS.
Section 307 of title 46, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by striking ``The Federal Maritime Commission'' and
inserting the following:
``(a) In General.--The Federal Maritime Commission''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(b) Prohibition.--Notwithstanding subsection (a), the
Federal Maritime Commission may not expend any funds
appropriated or otherwise made available to it to a non-
Federal entity to issue an award, prize, commendation, or
other honor that is not related to the purposes set forth in
section 40101.''.
TITLE V--CONVEYANCES
Subtitle A--Miscellaneous Conveyances
SEC. 501. CONVEYANCE OF COAST GUARD PROPERTY IN POINT REYES
STATION, CALIFORNIA.
(a) Conveyance.--
(1) In general.--The Commandant of the Coast Guard shall
convey to the County of Marin, California, all right, title,
and interest of the United States in and to the covered
property--
(A) for fair market value, as provided in paragraph (2);
(B) subject to the conditions required by this section; and
(C) subject to any other term or condition that the
Commandant considers appropriate and reasonable to protect
the interests of the United States.
(2) Fair market value.--The fair market value of the
covered property shall be--
(A) determined by a real estate appraiser who has been
selected by the County and is licensed to practice in
California; and
(B) approved by the Commandant.
(3) Proceeds.--The Commandant shall deposit the proceeds
from a conveyance under paragraph (1) in the Coast Guard
Housing Fund established by section 687 of title 14, United
States Code.
(b) Condition of Conveyance.--As a condition of any
conveyance of the covered property under this section, the
Commandant shall require that all right, title, and interest
in and to the covered property shall revert to the United
States if the covered property or any part thereof ceases to
be used for affordable housing, as defined by the County and
the Commandant at the time of conveyance, or to provide a
public benefit approved by the County.
(c) Survey.--The exact acreage and legal description of the
covered property shall be determined by a survey satisfactory
to the Commandant.
(d) Rules of Construction.--Nothing in this section may be
construed to affect or limit the application of or obligation
to comply with any environmental law, including section
120(h) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9620(h)).
(e) Covered Property Defined.--In this section, the term
``covered property'' means the approximately 32 acres of real
property (including all improvements located on the property)
that are--
(1) located in Point Reyes Station in the County of Marin,
California;
(2) under the administrative control of the Coast Guard;
and
(3) described as ``Parcel A, Tract 1'', ``Parcel B, Tract
2'', ``Parcel C'', and ``Parcel D'' in the Declaration of
Taking (Civil No. C 71-1245 SC) filed June 28, 1971, in the
United States District Court for the Northern District of
California.
(f) Expiration.--The authority to convey the covered
property under this section shall expire on the date that is
four years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 502. CONVEYANCE OF COAST GUARD PROPERTY IN TOK, ALASKA.
(a) Conveyance Authorized.--The Commandant of the Coast
Guard may convey to the Tanana Chiefs' Conference all right,
title, and interest of the United States in and to the
covered property, upon payment to the United States of the
fair market value of the covered property.
(b) Survey.--The exact acreage and legal description of the
covered property shall be determined by a survey satisfactory
to the Commandant.
(c) Fair Market Value.--The fair market value of the
covered property shall be--
(1) determined by appraisal; and
(2) subject to the approval of the Commandant.
(d) Costs of Conveyance.--The responsibility for all
reasonable and necessary costs, including real estate
transaction and environmental documentation costs, associated
with a conveyance under this section shall be determined by
the Commandant and the purchaser.
(e) Additional Terms and Conditions.--The Commandant may
require such additional terms and conditions in connection
with a conveyance under this section as the Commandant
considers appropriate and reasonable to protect the interests
of the United States.
(f) Deposit of Proceeds.--Any proceeds received by the
United States from a conveyance under this section shall be
deposited in the Coast Guard Housing Fund established under
section 687 of title 14, United States Code.
(g) Covered Property Defined.--
(1) In general.--In this section, the term ``covered
property'' means the approximately 3.25 acres of real
property (including all improvements located on the property)
that are--
(A) located in Tok, Alaska;
(B) under the administrative control of the Coast Guard;
and
(C) described in paragraph (2).
(2) Description.--The property described in this paragraph
is the following:
(A) Lots 11, 12 and 13, block ``G'', Second Addition to
Hartsell Subdivision, Section 20, Township 18 North, Range 13
East, Copper River Meridian, Alaska as appears by Plat No.
72-39 filed in the Office of the Recorder for the Fairbanks
Recording District of Alaska, bearing seal dated 25 September
1972, all containing approximately 1.25 acres and commonly
known as 2-PLEX - Jackie Circle, Units A and B.
(B) Beginning at a point being the SE corner of the SE \1/
4\ of the SE \1/4\ Section 24, Township 18 North, Range 12
East, Copper River Meridian, Alaska; thence running westerly
along the south line of said SE \1/4\ of the NE \1/4\ 260
feet; thence northerly parallel to the east line of said SE
\1/4\ of the NE \1/4\ 335 feet; thence easterly parallel to
the south line 260 feet; then south 335 feet along the east
boundary of Section 24 to the point of beginning; all
containing approximately 2.0 acres and commonly known as 4-
PLEX - West ``C'' and Willow, Units A, B, C and D.
(h) Expiration.--The authority to convey the covered
property under this section shall expire on the date that is
4 years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Subtitle B--Pribilof Islands
SEC. 521. SHORT TITLE.
This subtitle may be cited as the ``Pribilof Island
Transition Completion Act of 2015''.
SEC. 522. TRANSFER AND DISPOSITION OF PROPERTY.
(a) Transfer.--To further accomplish the settlement of land
claims under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43
U.S.C. 1601 et seq.), the Secretary of Commerce shall,
subject to paragraph (2), and notwithstanding section 105(a)
of the Pribilof Islands Transition Act (16 U.S.C. 1161 note;
Public Law 106-562), convey all right, title, and interest in
the following property to the Alaska native village
corporation for St. Paul Island:
(1) Lots 4, 5, and 6A, Block 18, Tract A, U.S. Survey 4943,
Alaska, the plat of which was Officially Filed on January 20,
2004, aggregating 13,006 square feet (0.30 acres).
(2) On the termination of the license described in
subsection (b)(3), T. 35 S., R. 131 W., Seward Meridian,
Alaska, Tract 43, the plat of which was Officially Filed on
May 14, 1986, containing 84.88 acres.
(b) Federal Use.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of the department in which
the Coast Guard is operating may operate, maintain, keep,
locate, inspect, repair, and replace any Federal aid to
navigation located on the property described in subsection
(a) as long as the aid is needed for navigational purposes.
(2) Administration.--In carrying out subsection (a), the
Secretary may enter the property, at any time for as long as
the aid is needed for navigational purposes, without notice
to the extent that it is not practicable to provide advance
notice.
(3) License.--The Secretary of the Department in which the
Coast Guard is operating may maintain a license in effect on
the date of the enactment of this Act with respect to the
real property and improvements under subsection (a) until the
termination of the license.
(4) Reports.--Not later than 2 years after the date of the
enactment of this Act and not less than once every 2 years
thereafter, the Secretary of the department in which the
Coast Guard is operating shall submit to the Committee on
Natural Resources of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the
Senate a report on--
(A) efforts taken to remediate contaminated soils on tract
43 described in subsection (a)(2);
(B) a schedule for the completion of contaminated soil
remediation on tract 43; and
[[Page H9235]]
(C) any use of tract 43 to carry out Coast Guard navigation
activities.
(c) Agreement on Transfer of Other Property on St. Paul
Island.--
(1) In general.--In addition to the property transferred
under subsection (a), not later than 60 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Commerce and
the presiding officer of the Alaska native village
corporation for St. Paul Island shall enter into an agreement
to exchange of property on Tracts 50 and 38 on St. Paul
Island and to finalize the recording of deeds, to reflect the
boundaries and ownership of Tracts 50 and 38 as depicted on a
survey of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, to be filed with the Office of the Recorder
for the Department of Natural Resources for the State of
Alaska.
(2) Easements.--The survey described in subsection (a)
shall include respective easements granted to the Secretary
and the Alaska native village corporation for the purpose of
utilities, drainage, road access, and salt lagoon
conservation.
SEC. 523. NOTICE OF CERTIFICATION.
Section 105 of the Pribilof Islands Transition Act (16
U.S.C. 1161 note; Public Law 106-562) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(1), by striking ``The Secretary'' and
inserting ``Notwithstanding paragraph (2) and effective
beginning on the date the Secretary publishes the notice of
certification required by subsection (b)(5), the Secretary'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking ``section 205 of the
Fur Seal Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 1165)'' and inserting
``section 205(a) of the Fur Seal Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C.
1165(a))''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(5) Notice of certification.--The Secretary shall
promptly publish and submit to the Committee on Natural
Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee
on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate notice
that the certification described in paragraph (2) has been
made.'';
(3) in subsection (c)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking
``makes the certification described in subsection (b)(2)''
and inserting ``publishes the notice of certification
required by subsection (b)(5)''; and
(B) in paragraph (1), by striking ``Section 205'' and
inserting ``Subsections (a), (b), (c), and (d) of section
205'';
(4) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (g); and
(5) by inserting after subsection (d) the following:
``(e) Notifications.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 30 days after the
Secretary makes a determination under subsection (f) that
land on St. Paul Island, Alaska, not specified for transfer
in the document entitled `Transfer of Property on the
Pribilof Islands: Descriptions, Terms and Conditions' or
section 522 of the Pribilof Island Transition Completion Act
of 2015 is in excess of the needs of the Secretary and the
Federal Government, the Secretary shall notify the Alaska
native village corporation for St. Paul Island of the
determination.
``(2) Election to receive.--Not later than 60 days after
the date receipt of the notification of the Secretary under
subsection (a), the Alaska native village corporation for St.
Paul Island shall notify the Secretary in writing whether the
Alaska native village corporation elects to receive all
right, title, and interest in the land or a portion of the
land.
``(3) Transfer.--If the Alaska native village corporation
provides notice under paragraph (2) that the Alaska native
village corporation elects to receive all right, title and
interest in the land or a portion of the land, the Secretary
shall transfer all right, title, and interest in the land or
portion to the Alaska native village corporation at no cost.
``(4) Other disposition.--If the Alaska native village
corporation does not provide notice under paragraph (2) that
the Alaska native village corporation elects to receive all
right, title, and interest in the land or a portion of the
land, the Secretary may dispose of the land in accordance
with other applicable law.
``(f) Determination.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
the enactment of this subsection and not less than once every
5 years thereafter, the Secretary shall determine whether
property located on St. Paul Island and not transferred to
the Natives of the Pribilof Islands is in excess of the
smallest practicable tract enclosing land--
``(A) needed by the Secretary for the purposes of carrying
out the Fur Seal Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 1151 et seq.);
``(B) in the case of land withdrawn by the Secretary on
behalf of other Federal agencies, needed for carrying out the
missions of those agencies for which land was withdrawn; or
``(C) actually used by the Federal Government in connection
with the administration of any Federal installation on St.
Paul Island.
``(2) Report of determination.--When a determination is
made under subsection (a), the Secretary shall report the
determination to--
``(A) the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of
Representatives;
``(B) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate; and
``(C) the Alaska native village corporation for St. Paul
Island.''.
SEC. 524. REDUNDANT CAPABILITY.
(a) Rule of Construction.--Except as provided in subsection
(b), section 681 of title 14, United States Code, as amended
by this Act, shall not be construed to prohibit any transfer
or conveyance of lands under this subtitle or any actions
that involve the dismantling or disposal of infrastructure
that supported the former LORAN system that are associated
with the transfer or conveyance of lands under section 522.
(b) Redundant Capability.--If, within the 5-year period
beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, the
Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is
operating determines that a facility on Tract 43, if
transferred under this subtitle, is subsequently required to
provide a positioning, navigation, and timing system to
provide redundant capability in the event GPS signals are
disrupted, the Secretary may--
(1) operate, maintain, keep, locate, inspect, repair, and
replace such facility; and
(2) in carrying out the activities described in paragraph
(1), enter, at any time, the facility without notice to the
extent that it is not possible to provide advance notice, for
as long as such facility is needed to provide such
capability.
Subtitle C--Conveyance of Coast Guard Property at Point Spencer, Alaska
SEC. 531. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds as follows:
(1) Major shipping traffic is increasing through the Bering
Strait, the Bering and Chukchi Seas, and the Arctic Ocean,
and will continue to increase whether or not development of
the Outer Continental Shelf of the United States is
undertaken in the future, and will increase further if such
Outer Continental Shelf development is undertaken.
(2) There is a compelling national, State, Alaska Native,
and private sector need for permanent infrastructure
development and for a presence in the Arctic region of Alaska
by appropriate agencies of the Federal Government,
particularly in proximity to the Bering Strait, to support
and facilitate search and rescue, shipping safety, economic
development, oil spill prevention and response, protection of
Alaska Native archaeological and cultural resources, port of
refuge, arctic research, and maritime law enforcement on the
Bering Sea, the Chukchi Sea, and the Arctic Ocean.
(3) The United States owns a parcel of land, known as Point
Spencer, located between the Bering Strait and Port Clarence
and adjacent to some of the best potential deepwater port
sites on the coast of Alaska in the Arctic.
(4) Prudent and effective use of Point Spencer may be best
achieved through marshaling the energy, resources, and
leadership of the public and private sectors.
(5) It is in the national interest to develop
infrastructure at Point Spencer that would aid the Coast
Guard in performing its statutory duties and functions in the
Arctic on a more permanent basis and to allow for public and
private sector development of facilities and other
infrastructure to support purposes that are of benefit to the
United States.
SEC. 532. DEFINITIONS.
In this subtitle:
(1) Arctic.--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).
(2) BSNC.--The term ``BSNC'' means the Bering Straits
Native Corporation authorized under section 7 of the Alaska
Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1606).
(3) Council.--The term ``Council'' means the Port
Coordination Council established under section 541.
(4) Plan.--The term ``Plan'' means the Port Management
Coordination Plan developed under section 541.
(5) Point spencer.--The term ``Point Spencer'' means the
land known as ``Point Spencer'' located in Townships 2, 3,
and 4 South, Range 40 West, Kateel River Meridian, Alaska,
between the Bering Strait and Port Clarence and withdrawn by
Public Land Order 2650 (published in the Federal Register on
April 12, 1962).
(6) Secretary.--Except as otherwise specifically provided,
the term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of the department
in which the Coast Guard is operating.
(7) State.--The term ``State'' means the State of Alaska.
(8) Tract.--The term ``Tract'' or ``Tracts'' means any of
Tract 1, Tract 2, Tract 3, Tract 4, Tract 5, or Tract 6, as
appropriate, or any portion of such Tract or Tracts.
(9) Tracts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.--The terms ``Tract 1'',
``Tract 2'', ``Tract 3'', ``Tract 4'', ``Tract 5'', and
``Tract 6'' each mean the land generally depicted as Tract 1,
Tract 2, Tract 3, Tract 4, Tract 5, or Tract 6, respectively,
on the map entitled the ``Point Spencer Land Retention and
Conveyance Map'', dated January 2015, and on file with the
Department of Homeland Security and the Department of the
Interior.
SEC. 533. AUTHORITY TO CONVEY LAND IN POINT SPENCER.
(a) Authority To Convey Tracts 1, 3, and 4.--Within 1 year
after the Secretary notifies the Secretary of the Interior
that the Coast Guard no longer needs to retain jurisdiction
of Tract 1, Tract 3, or Tract 4 and subject to section 534,
the Secretary of the Interior shall convey to BSNC or the
State, subject to valid existing rights, all right, title,
and interest of the United States in and to the surface and
subsurface estates of that Tract in accordance with
subsection (d).
[[Page H9236]]
(b) Authority To Convey Tracts 2 and 5.--Within 1 year
after the date of the enactment of this section and subject
to section 534, the Secretary of the Interior shall convey,
subject to valid existing rights, all right, title, and
interest of the United States in and to the surface and
subsurface estates of Tract 2 and Tract 5 in accordance with
subsection (d).
(c) Authority To Transfer Tract 6.--Within one year after
the date of the enactment of this Act and subject to sections
534 and 535, the Secretary of the Interior shall convey,
subject to valid existing rights, all right, title, and
interest of the United States in and to the surface and
subsurface estates of Tract 6 in accordance with subsection
(e).
(d) Order of Offer To Convey Tract 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5.--
(1) Determination and offer.--
(A) Tract 1, 3, or 4.--If the Secretary makes the
determination under subsection (a) and subject to section
534, the Secretary of the Interior shall offer Tract 1, Tract
3, or Tract 4 for conveyance to BSNC under the Alaska Native
Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.).
(B) Tract 2 and 5.--Subject to section 534, the Secretary
of the Interior shall offer Tract 2 and Tract 5 to BSNC under
the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1601 et
seq.).
(2) Offer to bsnc.--
(A) Acceptance by bsnc.--If BSNC chooses to accept an offer
of conveyance of a Tract under paragraph (1), the Secretary
of the Interior shall consider Tract 6 as within BSNC's
entitlement under section 14(h)(8) of the Alaska Native
Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1613(h)(8)) and shall convey
such Tract to BSNC.
(B) Decline by bsnc.--If BSNC declines to accept an offer
of conveyance of a Tract under paragraph (1), the Secretary
of the Interior shall offer such Tract for conveyance to the
State under the Act of July 7, 1958 (commonly known as the
``Alaska Statehood Act'') (48 U.S.C. note prec. 21; Public
Law 85-508).
(3) Offer to state.--
(A) Acceptance by state.--If the State chooses to accept an
offer of conveyance of a Tract under paragraph (2)(B), the
Secretary of the Interior shall consider such Tract as within
the State's entitlement under the Act of July 7, 1958
(commonly known as the ``Alaska Statehood Act'') (48 U.S.C.
note prec. 21; Public Law 85-508) and shall convey such Tract
to the State.
(B) Decline by state.--If the State declines to accept an
offer of conveyance of a Tract offered under paragraph
(2)(B), such Tract shall be disposed of pursuant to
applicable public land laws.
(e) Order of Offer To Convey Tract 6.--
(1) Offer.--Subject to section 534, the Secretary of the
Interior shall offer Tract 6 for conveyance to the State.
(2) Offer to state.--
(A) Acceptance by state.--If the State chooses to accept an
offer of conveyance of Tract 6 under paragraph (1), the
Secretary of the Interior shall consider Tract 6 as within
the State's entitlement under the Act of July 7, 1958
(commonly known as the ``Alaska Statehood Act'') (48 U.S.C.
note prec. 21; Public Law 85-508) and shall convey Tract 6 to
the State.
(B) Decline by state.--If the State declines to accept an
offer of conveyance of Tract 6 under paragraph (1), the
Secretary of the Interior shall offer Tract 6 for conveyance
to BSNC under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43
U.S.C. 1601 et seq.).
(3) Offer to bsnc.--
(A) Acceptance by bsnc.--
(i) In general.--Subject to clause (ii), if BSNC chooses to
accept an offer of conveyance of Tract 6 under paragraph
(2)(B), the Secretary of the Interior shall consider Tract 6
as within BSNC's entitlement under section 14(h)(8) of the
Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1613(h)(8))
and shall convey Tract 6 to BSNC.
(ii) Lease by the state.--The conveyance of Tract 6 to BSNC
shall be subject to BSNC negotiating a lease of Tract 6 to
the State at no cost to the State, if the State requests such
a lease.
(B) Decline by bsnc.--If BSNC declines to accept an offer
of conveyance of Tract 6 under paragraph (2)(B), the
Secretary of the Interior shall dispose of Tract 6 pursuant
to the applicable public land laws.
SEC. 534. ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE, LIABILITY, AND
MONITORING.
(a) Environmental Compliance.--Nothing in this Act or any
amendment made by this Act may be construed to affect or
limit the application of or obligation to comply with any
applicable environmental law, including section 120(h) of the
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and
Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9620(h)).
(b) Liability.--A person to which a conveyance is made
under this subtitle shall hold the United States harmless
from any liability with respect to activities carried out on
or after the date of the conveyance of the real property
conveyed. The United States shall remain responsible for any
liability with respect to activities carried out before such
date on the real property conveyed.
(c) Monitoring of Known Contamination.--
(1) In general.--To the extent practicable and subject to
paragraph (2), any contamination in a Tract to be conveyed to
the State or BSNC under this subtitle that--
(A) is identified in writing prior to the conveyance; and
(B) does not pose an immediate or long-term risk to human
health or the environment,
may be routinely monitored and managed by the State or BSNC,
as applicable, through institutional controls.
(2) Institutional controls.--Institutional controls may be
used if--
(A) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection
Agency and the Governor of the State concur that such
controls are protective of human health and the environment;
and
(B) such controls are carried out in accordance with
Federal and State law.
SEC. 535. EASEMENTS AND ACCESS.
(a) Use by Coast Guard.--The Secretary of the Interior
shall make each conveyance of any relevant Tract under this
subtitle subject to an easement granting the Coast Guard, at
no cost to the Coast Guard--
(1) use of all existing and future landing pads, airstrips,
runways, and taxiways that are located on such Tract; and
(2) the right to access such landing pads, airstrips,
runways, and taxiways.
(b) Use by State.--For any Tract conveyed to BSNC under
this subtitle, BSNC shall provide to the State, if requested
and pursuant to negotiated terms with the State, an easement
granting to the State, at no cost to the State--
(1) use of all existing and future landing pads, airstrips,
runways, and taxiways located on such Tract; and
(2) a right to access such landing pads, airstrips,
runways, and taxiways.
(c) Right of Access or Right of Way.--If the State requests
a right of access or right of way for a road from the
airstrip to the southern tip of Point Spencer, the location
of such right of access or right of way shall be determined
by the State, in consultation with the Secretary and BSNC, so
that such right of access or right of way is compatible with
other existing or planned infrastructure development at Point
Spencer.
(d) Access Easement Across Tracts 2, 5, and 6.--In
conveyance documents to the State and BSNC under this
subtitle, the Coast Guard shall retain an access easement
across Tracts 2, 5, and 6 reasonably necessary to afford the
Coast Guard with access to Tracts 1, 3, and 4 for its
operations.
(e) Access.--Not later than 30 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Coast Guard shall provide to the
State and BSNC, access to Tracts for planning, design, and
engineering related to remediation and use of and
construction on those Tracts.
(f) Public Access Easements.--No public access easements
may be reserved to the United States under section 17(b) of
the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1616(b))
with respect to the land conveyed under this subtitle.
SEC. 536. RELATIONSHIP TO PUBLIC LAND ORDER 2650.
(a) Tracts Not Conveyed.--Any Tract that is not conveyed
under this subtitle shall remain withdrawn pursuant to Public
Land Order 2650 (published in the Federal Register on April
12, 1962).
(b) Tracts Conveyed.--For any Tract conveyed under this
subtitle, Public Land Order 2650 shall automatically
terminate upon issuance of a conveyance document issued
pursuant to this subtitle for such Tract.
SEC. 537. ARCHEOLOGICAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES.
Conveyance of any Tract under this subtitle shall not
affect investigations, criminal jurisdiction, and
responsibilities regarding theft or vandalism of
archeological or cultural resources located in or on such
Tract that took place prior to conveyance under this
subtitle.
SEC. 538. MAPS AND LEGAL DESCRIPTIONS.
(a) Preparation of Maps and Legal Descriptions.--As soon as
practicable after the date of the enactment of this Act, the
Secretary of the Interior in consultation with the Secretary
shall prepare maps and legal descriptions of Tract 1, Tract
2, Tract 3, Tract 4, Tract 5, and Tract 6. In doing so, the
Secretary of the Interior may use metes and bounds legal
descriptions based upon the official survey plats of Point
Spencer accepted by the Bureau of Land Management on December
6, 1978, and on information provided by the Secretary.
(b) Survey.--Not later than 5 years after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Interior shall
survey Tracts conveyed under this subtitle and patent the
Tracts in accordance with the official plats of survey.
(c) Legal Effect.--The maps and legal descriptions prepared
under subsection (a) and the surveys prepared under
subsection (b) shall have the same force and effect as if the
maps and legal descriptions were included in this Act.
(d) Corrections.--The Secretary of the Interior may correct
any clerical and typographical errors in the maps and legal
descriptions prepared under subsection (a) and the surveys
prepared under subsection (b).
(e) Availability.--Copies of the maps and legal
descriptions prepared under subsection (a) and the surveys
prepared under subsection (b) shall be available for public
inspection in the appropriate offices of--
(1) the Bureau of Land Management; and
(2) the Coast Guard.
SEC. 539. CHARGEABILITY FOR LAND CONVEYED.
(a) Conveyances to Alaska.--The Secretary of the Interior
shall charge any conveyance of land conveyed to the State of
[[Page H9237]]
Alaska pursuant to this subtitle against the State's
remaining entitlement under section 6(b) of the Act of July
7, 1958 (commonly known as the ``Alaska Statehood Act'';
Public Law 85-508; 72 Stat. 339).
(b) Conveyances to BSNC.--The Secretary of the Interior
shall charge any conveyance of land conveyed to BSNC pursuant
to this subtitle, against BSNC's remaining entitlement under
section 14(h)(8) of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act
(43 U.S.C. 1613(h)(8)).
SEC. 540. REDUNDANT CAPABILITY.
(a) In General.--Except as provided in subsection (b),
section 681 of title 14, United States Code, as amended by
this Act, shall not be construed to prohibit any transfer or
conveyance of lands under this subtitle or any actions that
involve the dismantling or disposal of infrastructure that
supported the former LORAN system that are associated with
the transfer or conveyance of lands under this subtitle.
(b) Continued Access to and Use of Facilities.--If the
Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is
operating determines, within the 5-year period beginning on
the date of the enactment of this Act, that a facility on any
of Tract 1, Tract 3, or Tract 4 that is transferred under
this subtitle is subsequently required to provide a
positioning, navigation, and timing system to provide
redundant capability in the event GPS signals are disrupted,
the Secretary may, for as long as such facility is needed to
provide redundant capability--
(1) operate, maintain, keep, locate, inspect, repair, and
replace such facility; and
(2) in carrying out the activities described in paragraph
(1), enter, at any time, the facility without notice to the
extent that it is not possible to provide advance notice.
SEC. 541. PORT COORDINATION COUNCIL FOR POINT SPENCER.
(a) Establishment.--There is established a Port
Coordination Council for the Port of Point Spencer.
(b) Membership.--The Council shall consist of a
representative appointed by each of the following:
(1) The State.
(2) BSNC.
(c) Duties.--The duties of the Council are as follows:
(1) To develop a Port Management Coordination Plan to help
coordinate infrastructure development and operations at the
Port of Point Spencer, that includes plans for--
(A) construction;
(B) funding eligibility;
(C) land use planning and development; and
(D) public interest use and access, emergency preparedness,
law enforcement, protection of Alaska Native archaeological
and cultural resources, and other matters that are necessary
for public and private entities to function in proximity
together in a remote location.
(2) Update the Plan annually for the first 5 years after
the date of the enactment of this Act and biennially
thereafter.
(3) Facilitate coordination among BSNC, the State, and the
Coast Guard, on the development and use of the land and
coastline as such development relates to activities at the
Port of Point Spencer.
(4) Assess the need, benefits, efficacy, and desirability
of establishing in the future a port authority at Point
Spencer under State law and act upon that assessment, as
appropriate, including taking steps for the potential
formation of such a port authority.
(d) Plan.--In addition to the requirements under subsection
(c)(1) to the greatest extent practicable, the Plan developed
by the Council shall facilitate and support the statutory
missions and duties of the Coast Guard and operations of the
Coast Guard in the Arctic.
(e) Costs.--Operations and management costs for airstrips,
runways, and taxiways at Point Spencer shall be determined
pursuant to provisions of the Plan, as negotiated by the
Council.
TITLE VI--MISCELLANEOUS
SEC. 601. MODIFICATION OF REPORTS.
(a) Distant Water Tuna Fleet.--Section 421(d) of the Coast
Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2006 (46 U.S.C. 8103
note) is amended by striking ``On March 1, 2007, and annually
thereafter'' and inserting ``Not later than July 1 of each
year''.
(b) Annual Updates on Limits to Liability.--Section
603(c)(3) of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act
of 2006 (33 U.S.C. 2704 note) is amended by striking ``on an
annual basis.'' and inserting ``not later than January 30 of
the year following each year in which occurs an oil discharge
from a vessel or nonvessel source that results or is likely
to result in removal costs and damages (as those terms are
defined in section 1001 of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (33
U.S.C. 2701)) that exceed liability limits established under
section 1004 of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (33 U.S.C.
2704).''.
(c) Report.--Not later than 60 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Commandant of the Coast Guard
shall submit to the Secretary of the department in which the
Coast Guard is operating a report detailing the
specifications and capabilities for interoperable
communications the Commandant determines are necessary to
allow the Coast Guard to successfully carry out its missions
that require communications with other Federal agencies,
State and local governments, and nongovernmental entities.
SEC. 602. SAFE VESSEL OPERATION IN THE GREAT LAKES.
The Howard Coble Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation
Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-281) is amended--
(1) in section 610, by--
(A) striking the section enumerator and heading and
inserting the following:
``SEC. 610. SAFE VESSEL OPERATION IN THE GREAT LAKES.'';
(B) striking ``existing boundaries and any future expanded
boundaries of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and
Underwater Preserve'' and inserting ``boundaries of any
national marine sanctuary that preserves shipwrecks or
maritime heritage in the Great Lakes''; and
(C) inserting before the period at the end the following:
``, unless the designation documents for such sanctuary do
not allow taking up or discharging ballast water in such
sanctuary''; and
(2) in the table of contents in section 2, by striking the
item relating to such section and inserting the following:
``Sec. 610. Safe vessel operation in the Great Lakes.''.
SEC. 603. USE OF VESSEL SALE PROCEEDS.
(a) Audit.--The Comptroller General of the United States
shall conduct an audit of funds credited in each fiscal year
after fiscal year 2004 to the Vessel Operations Revolving
Fund that are attributable to the sale of obsolete vessels in
the National Defense Reserve Fleet that were scrapped or sold
under sections 57102, 57103, and 57104 of title 46, United
States Code, including--
(1) a complete accounting of all vessel sale proceeds
attributable to the sale of obsolete vessels in the National
Defense Reserve Fleet that were scrapped or sold under
sections 57102, 57103, and 57104 of title 46, United States
Code, in each fiscal year after fiscal year 2004;
(2) the annual apportionment of proceeds accounted for
under paragraph (1) among the uses authorized under section
308704 of title 54, United States Code, in each fiscal year
after fiscal year 2004, including--
(A) for National Maritime Heritage Grants, including a list
of all annual National Maritime Heritage Grant grant and
subgrant awards that identifies the respective grant and
subgrant recipients and grant and subgrant amounts;
(B) for the preservation and presentation to the public of
maritime heritage property of the Maritime Administration;
(C) to the United States Merchant Marine Academy and State
maritime academies, including a list of annual awards; and
(D) for the acquisition, repair, reconditioning, or
improvement of vessels in the National Defense Reserve Fleet;
and
(3) an accounting of proceeds, if any, attributable to the
sale of obsolete vessels in the National Defense Reserve
Fleet that were scrapped or sold under sections 57102, 57103,
and 57104 of title 46, United States Code, in each fiscal
year after fiscal year 2004, that were expended for uses not
authorized under section 308704 of title 54, United States
Code.
(b) Submission to Congress.--Not later than 180 days after
the date of the enactment this Act, the Comptroller General
shall submit the audit conducted in subsection (a) to the
Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Natural
Resources, and the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the
Senate.
SEC. 604. NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES COST ASSESSMENT.
(a) Cost Assessment.--The Secretary of the department in
which the Coast Guard is operating shall seek to enter into
an arrangement with the National Academy of Sciences under
which the Academy, by no later than 365 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act, 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 assessment of the costs
incurred by the Federal Government to carry out polar
icebreaking missions. The assessment shall--
(1) describe current and emerging requirements for the
Coast Guard's polar icebreaking capabilities, taking into
account the rapidly changing ice cover in the Arctic
environment, national security considerations, and expanding
commercial activities in the Arctic and Antarctic, including
marine transportation, energy development, fishing, and
tourism;
(2) identify potential design, procurement, leasing,
service contracts, crewing, and technology options that could
minimize life-cycle costs and optimize efficiency and
reliability of Coast Guard polar icebreaker operations in the
Arctic and Antarctic; and
(3) examine--
(A) Coast Guard estimates of the procurement and operating
costs of a Polar icebreaker capable of carrying out Coast
Guard maritime safety, national security, and stewardship
responsibilities including--
(i) economies of scale that might be achieved for
construction of multiple vessels; and
(ii) costs of renovating existing polar class icebreakers
to operate for a period of no less than 10 years.
(B) the incremental cost to augment the design of such an
icebreaker for multiuse capabilities for scientific missions;
(C) the potential to offset such incremental cost through
cost-sharing agreements with other Federal departments and
agencies; and
[[Page H9238]]
(D) United States polar icebreaking capability in
comparison with that of other Arctic nations, and with
nations that conduct research in the Arctic.
(b) Included Costs.--For purposes of subsection (a), the
assessment shall include costs incurred by the Federal
Government for--
(1) the lease or operation and maintenance of the vessel or
vessels concerned;
(2) disposal of such vessels at the end of the useful life
of the vessels;
(3) retirement and other benefits for Federal employees who
operate such vessels; and
(4) interest payments assumed to be incurred for Federal
capital expenditures.
(c) Assumptions.--For purposes of comparing the costs of
such alternatives, the Academy shall assume that--
(1) each vessel under consideration is--
(A) capable of breaking out McMurdo Station and conducting
Coast Guard missions in the Antarctic, and in the United
States territory 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)); and
(B) operated for a period of 30 years;
(2) the acquisition of services and the operation of each
vessel begins on the same date; and
(3) the periods for conducting Coast Guard missions in the
Arctic are of equal lengths.
(d) Use of Information.--In formulating cost pursuant to
subsection (a), the National Academy of Sciences may utilize
information from other Coast Guard reports, assessments, or
analyses regarding existing Coast Guard Polar class
icebreakers or for the acquisition of a polar icebreaker for
the Federal Government.
SEC. 605. PENALTY WAGES.
(a) Foreign and Intercoastal Voyages.--Section 10313(g) of
title 46, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)--
(A) by striking ``all claims in a class action suit by
seamen'' and inserting ``each claim by a seaman''; and
(B) by striking ``the seamen'' and inserting ``the
seaman''; and
(2) in paragraph (3)--
(A) by striking ``class action''; and
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``, by a seaman who is
a claimant in the suit,'' and inserting ``by the seaman''.
(b) Coastwise Voyages.--Section 10504(c) of such title is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)--
(A) by striking ``all claims in a class action suit by
seamen'' and inserting ``each claim by a seaman''; and
(B) by striking ``the seamen'' and inserting ``the
seaman''; and
(2) in paragraph (3)--
(A) by striking ``class action''; and
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``, by a seaman who is
a claimant in the suit,'' and inserting ``by the seaman''.
SEC. 606. RECOURSE FOR NONCITIZENS.
Section 30104 of title 46, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by inserting ``(a) In General.--'' before the first
sentence; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(b) Restriction on Recovery for Nonresident Aliens
Employed on Foreign Passenger Vessels.--A claim for damages
or expenses relating to personal injury, illness, or death of
a seaman who is a citizen of a foreign nation, arising during
or from the engagement of the seaman by or for a passenger
vessel duly registered under the laws of a foreign nation,
may not be brought under the laws of the United States if--
``(1) such seaman was not a permanent resident alien of the
United States at the time the claim arose;
``(2) the injury, illness, or death arose outside the
territorial waters of the United States; and
``(3) the seaman or the seaman's personal representative
has or had a right to seek compensation for the injury,
illness, or death in, or under the laws of--
``(A) the nation in which the vessel was registered at the
time the claim arose; or
``(B) the nation in which the seaman maintained citizenship
or residency at the time the claim arose.
``(c) Compensation Defined.--As used in subsection (b), the
term `compensation' means--
``(1) a statutory workers' compensation remedy that
complies with Standard A4.2 of Regulation 4.2 of the Maritime
Labour Convention, 2006; or
``(2) in the absence of the remedy described in paragraph
(1), a legal remedy that complies with Standard A4.2 of
Regulation 4.2 of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, that
permits recovery for lost wages, pain and suffering, and
future medical expenses.''.
SEC. 607. COASTWISE ENDORSEMENTS.
(a) ``Elettra III''.--
(1) In general.--Notwithstanding sections 12112 and 12132,
of title 46, United States Code, and subject to paragraphs
(2) and (3), the Secretary of the department in which the
Coast Guard is operating may issue a certificate of
documentation with a coastwise endorsement for the vessel M/V
Elettra III (United States official number 694607).
(2) Limitation on operation.--Coastwise trade authorized
under a certificate of documentation issued under paragraph
(1) shall be limited to the carriage of passengers and
equipment in association with the operation of the vessel in
the Puget Sound region to support marine and maritime science
education.
(3) Termination of effectiveness of certificate.--A
certificate of documentation issued under paragraph (1) shall
expire on the earlier of--
(A) the date of the sale of the vessel or the entity that
owns the vessel;
(B) the date any repairs or alterations are made to the
vessel outside of the United States; or
(C) the date the vessel is no longer operated as a vessel
in the Puget Sound region to support the marine and maritime
science education.
(b) ``F/V Rondys''.--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 Rondys
(O.N. 291085)
SEC. 608. INTERNATIONAL ICE PATROL.
(a) Requirement for Report.--Not later than 180 days after
the date of the 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 describes the current
operations to perform the International Ice Patrol mission
and on alternatives for carrying out that mission, including
satellite surveillance technology.
(b) Alternatives.--The report required by subsection (a)
shall include whether an alternative--
(1) provides timely data on ice conditions with the highest
possible resolution and accuracy;
(2) is able to operate in all weather conditions or any
time of day; and
(3) is more cost effective than the cost of current
operations.
SEC. 609. ASSESSMENT OF OIL SPILL RESPONSE AND CLEANUP
ACTIVITIES IN THE GREAT LAKES.
(a) Assessment.--The Commandant of the Coast Guard, in
consultation with the Administrator of the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration and the head of any other
agency the Commandant determines appropriate, shall conduct
an assessment of the effectiveness of oil spill response
activities specific to the Great Lakes. Such assessment shall
include--
(1) an evaluation of new research into oil spill impacts in
fresh water under a wide range of conditions; and
(2) an evaluation of oil spill prevention and clean up
contingency plans, in order to improve understanding of oil
spill impacts in the Great Lakes and foster innovative
improvements to safety technologies and environmental
protection systems.
(b) Report to Congress.--Not later than 2 years after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Commandant of the
Coast Guard shall submit to the Congress a report on the
results of the assessment required by subsection (a).
SEC. 610. REPORT ON STATUS OF TECHNOLOGY DETECTING PASSENGERS
WHO HAVE FALLEN OVERBOARD.
Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of
this Act, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall submit a
report to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of
Representatives that--
(1) describes the status of technology for immediately
detecting passengers who have fallen overboard;
(2) includes a recommendation to cruise lines on the
feasibility of implementing technology that immediately
detects passengers who have fallen overboard, factoring in
cost and the risk of false positives;
(3) includes data collected from cruise lines on the status
of the integration of the technology described in paragraph
(2) on cruise ships, including--
(A) the number of cruise ships that have the technology to
capture images of passengers who have fallen overboard; and
(B) the number of cruise lines that have tested technology
that can detect passengers who have fallen overboard; and
(4) includes information on any other available
technologies that cruise ships could integrate to assist in
facilitating the search and rescue of a passenger who has
fallen overboard.
SEC. 611. VENUE.
Section 311(d) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation
and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1861(d)) is amended by striking
the second sentence and inserting ``In the case of Hawaii or
any possession of the United States in the Pacific Ocean, the
appropriate court is the United States District Court for the
District of Hawaii, except that in the case of Guam and Wake
Island, the appropriate court is the United States District
Court for the District of Guam, and in the case of the
Northern Mariana Islands, the appropriate court is the United
States District Court for the District of the Northern
Mariana Islands.''.
SEC. 612. DISPOSITION OF INFRASTRUCTURE RELATED TO E-LORAN.
(a) Disposition of Infrastructure.--
(1) In general.--Chapter 17 of title 14, United States
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 681. Disposition of infrastructure related to E-LORAN
``(a) In General.--The Secretary may not carry out
activities related to the dismantling or disposal of
infrastructure comprising
[[Page H9239]]
the LORAN-C system until the date on which the Secretary
provides to the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure and the Committee on Appropriations of the
House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation and the Committee on
Appropriations 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 the Global Positioning
System signals are disrupted.
``(b) Exception.--Subsection (a) does not apply to
activities necessary for the safety of human life.
``(c) Disposition of Property.--
``(1) In general.--On any date after the notification is
made under subsection (a), the Administrator of General
Services, acting on behalf of the Secretary, may,
notwithstanding any other provision of law, sell any real and
personal property under the administrative control of the
Coast Guard and used for the LORAN-C system, subject to such
terms and conditions that the Secretary believes to be
necessary to protect government interests and program
requirements of the Coast Guard.
``(2) Availability of proceeds.--
``(A) Availability of proceeds.--The proceeds of such
sales, less the costs of sale incurred by the General
Services Administration, shall be deposited as offsetting
collections into the Coast Guard `Environmental Compliance
and Restoration' account and, without further appropriation,
shall be available until expended for--
``(i) environmental compliance and restoration purposes
associated with the LORAN-C system;
``(ii) the costs of securing and maintaining equipment that
may be used as a backup to the Global Positioning System or
to meet any other Federal navigation requirement;
``(iii) the demolition of improvements on such real
property; and
``(iv) the costs associated with the sale of such real and
personal property, including due diligence requirements,
necessary environmental remediation, and reimbursement of
expenses incurred by the General Services Administration.
``(B) Other environmental compliance and restoration
activities.--After the completion of activities described in
subparagraph (A), the unexpended balances of such proceeds
shall be available for any other environmental compliance and
restoration activities of the Coast Guard.''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The analysis at the beginning of
such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following:
``681. Disposition of infrastructure related to E-LORAN.''.
(3) Conforming repeals.--
(A) Section 229 of the Howard Coble Coast Guard and
Maritime Transportation Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-281; 128
Stat. 3040), and the item relating to that section in section
2 of such Act, are repealed.
(B) Subsection 559(e) of the Department of Homeland
Security Appropriations Act, 2010 (Public Law 111-83; 123
Stat. 2180) is repealed.
(b) Agreements To Develop Backup Positioning, Navigation,
and Timing System.--Section 93(a) of title 14, United States
Code, is amended by striking ``and'' after the semicolon at
the end of paragraph (23), by striking the period at the end
of paragraph (24) and inserting ``; and'', and by adding at
the end the following the following:
``(25) 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 to provide
redundant capability in the event Global Positioning System
signals are disrupted, which may consist of an enhanced LORAN
system.''.
SEC. 613. PARKING.
Section 611(a) of the Howard Coble Coast Guard and Maritime
Transportation Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-281; 128 Stat.
3064) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Reimbursement.--Through September 30, 2017,
additional parking made available under paragraph (2) shall
be made available at no cost to the Coast Guard or members
and employees of the Coast Guard.''.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
California (Mr. Hunter) and the gentleman from California (Mr.
Garamendi) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California (Mr. Hunter).
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. 4188.
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 such time as I may consume.
H.R. 4188, the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015, is a product of
bipartisan efforts to reauthorize the Coast Guard through fiscal year
2017. The House passed similar legislation by a voice vote in May.
The bill makes several reforms to Coast Guard authorities, as well as
laws governing shipping and navigation. Specifically, the bill supports
Coast Guard servicemembers, improves Coast Guard mission effectiveness,
enhances oversight of the Coast Guard programs, encourages job growth
in the maritime sector by cutting regulatory burdens on job creators,
strengthens maritime drug enforcement laws, and increases coordination
with partner nations, further strengthening port security. It does all
this in a way that allows this to be brought under suspension in a
bipartisan way.
I want to commend Ranking Members DeFazio and Garamendi for their
efforts in getting us to this point and, of course, the leadership of
Chairman Shuster.
I also want to thank the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard for
the tremendous job they do for our Nation. Coast Guard servicemembers
place their lives at risk on a daily basis to save those in danger,
ensure the safety and security of our ports and waterways, and protect
our environmental resources.
{time} 1515
They do all this on aging, obsolete cutters, and aircraft, some of
which were first commissioned in World War II.
Passing H.R. 4188 will help rebuild and strengthen the Coast Guard.
It will also demonstrate the strong support Congress has for the men
and women of the Coast Guard and the deep appreciation we have for the
sacrifices that they make for our Nation.
I urge all Members to support H.R. 4188.
I reserve the balance of my time.
House of Representatives, Committee on Science, Space,
and Technology,
Washington, DC, December 10, 2015.
Hon. Bill Shuster,
Chairman, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure,
House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
Dear Mr. Chairman: I am writing concerning H.R. 4188, the
``Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015,'' which was
introduced on December 8, 2015.
H.R. 4188 contains provisions within the Committee on
Science, Space, and Technology's rule X jurisdiction. As a
result of your having consulted with the Committee and in
order to expedite this bill for floor consideration, the
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology will forgo action
on the bill. This is being done on the basis of our mutual
understanding that doing so will in no way diminish or alter
the jurisdiction of the Committee on Science, Space, and
Technology with respect to the appointment of conferees, or
to any future jurisdictional claim over the subject matters
contained in the bill or similar legislation.
I would appreciate your response to this letter confirming
this understanding, and would request that you include a copy
of this letter and your response in the Congressional Record
during the floor consideration of this bill. Thank you in
advance for your cooperation.
Sincerely,
Lamar Smith,
Chairman.
____
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, House of
Representatives,
Washington, DC, December 10, 2015.
Hon. Lamar Smith
Chairman, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology,
Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Smith: Thank you for your letter regarding
H.R. 4188, the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015. I
appreciate your cooperation in expediting the consideration
of this legislation on the House floor.
As you know, the Parliamentarians were not able to render
an official decision as to the jurisdictional claim the
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology may have had. I
agree that the absence of a decision on this bill will not
prejudice any claim the Committee on Science, Space, and
Technology may have had or may have to this or similar
legislation in the future. In addition, should a conference
on the bill be necessary, I would support your effort to seek
appointment of an appropriate number of conferees to any
House-Senate conference involving provisions in this
legislation on which the Committee on Science, Space, and
Technology has a valid jurisdictional claim.
I will include our letters on H.R. 4188 in the
Congressional Record during House floor consideration of the
bill. Again, I appreciate your cooperation regarding this
legislation, and I look forward to working with the Committee
on Science, Space, and Technology as the bill moves through
the legislative process.
Sincerely,
Bill Shuster,
Chairman.
[[Page H9240]]
Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
I am pleased to be here again at the end of another year to rise and
join Chairman Hunter, for whom I have great respect. We have been able
to get some stuff done.
I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Hunter) for bringing this
bill to the floor today to authorize the funding of the United States
Coast Guard and to advance new policy initiatives to strengthen the
prospects for the U.S. flag and U.S. maritime industry.
H.R. 4188, the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act of 2015, is carefully
crafted bipartisan legislation developed over the course of several
months of negotiation within this House and with that other body. It is
deserving of robust support from Members of both sides of the aisle. I
urge its quick passage by the House today.
I want to thank Chairman Hunter for all the leadership and the
cooperative spirit in working with me and our other Democratic Members.
He addressed our concerns. They were handled and taken care of in the
bill.
The willingness of Chairman Hunter and his outstanding staff and
members of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee to
collaborate and work through the several nettlesome issues is very,
very much appreciated.
That is not to say this bill does not contain some items which I
might have some lingering concerns about, but they are few. As is the
case with every piece of legislation I don't personally draft all by
myself, this bill has those minor issues.
I am sure, if the chairman were to draft it all by himself, it would
be perfect, also. But we did it together, and it came out quite well.
I am extremely pleased that this legislation would provide stable and
sufficient authorized funding levels for the Coast Guard for the next 2
years. The importance of budget stability cannot be overstated. The
Coast Guard is pressed daily to meet the demands of its 11 statutory
missions.
The last thing the Coast Guard needs is to face recurrent budget
uncertainties, a circumstance which would leave the service's
leadership unable to know exactly what resources and capabilities they
have available to address port and harbor security, illegal drug
interdiction, search and rescue, and law enforcement actions, along
with many other important activities.
I am also pleased this legislation continues to move the ball down
the field in the effort to strengthen and recapitalize a new fleet of
Polar-class heavy icebreakers for the Coast Guard, and a cheer goes up
between the chairman and myself if we can get that done.
It is clear that we are at the advent of Arctic operations for the
Coast Guard, and it is vital that the service has the icebreaking
capabilities it will need to operate safely and effectively in this
very unforgiving maritime environment.
The bill will advance the completion of the materiel assessment of
the Polar Sea to determine, finally, if this heavy icebreaker can be
returned to service.
Additionally, this legislation authorized funding to allow the Coast
Guard to maintain progress in developing requirements and preliminary
design for a new heavy icebreaker. So we will figure out, hopefully,
this next year which way we will go.
I am also pleased that this legislation includes language that will
continue to preserve the remaining LORAN-C infrastructure until such
time as the administration makes a final decision on whether or not to
build out an enhanced LORAN or e-LORAN infrastructure to provide a
reliable, land-based, low-frequency backup navigation timing signal to
back up GPS, the Global Positioning System.
For several years, we have known that the relatively weak, high-
frequency GPS signal is fairly easy to corrupt, to degrade, or
altogether disrupt, stop.
For this reason, the Secretary of Defense, Ash Carter, has called GPS
a potential single source of failure for important national defense
assets. It is also a major liability across 16 sectors of critical
infrastructure.
If Russia, China, and the EU have land-based GPS backup systems, the
question is: Why does the United States not have one?
This administration needs to make a decision now. At least language
in this legislation ensures that we will have available the option of
re-purposing what remains of the LORAN-C infrastructure for an e-LORAN
system of the future.
In closing, Mr. Speaker, I have already said it twice. I will say it
a third time. To Chairman Hunter and his staff, we like working with
you and we like you, too.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I enjoy working with the gentleman from
California as well. It is a strange situation when we actually get
stuff done. It is a California thing.
Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman
from Texas (Mr. Smith).
Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from California
(Mr. Hunter), the chairman of the Coast Guard and Maritime
Transportation Subcommittee, for yielding me time. I also want to thank
both him and the Transportation Committee chairman himself, Bill
Shuster, for their work on this legislation.
This bill ensures the safety and security of our maritime borders and
maritime interests around the globe.
The Committee on Science, Space, and Technology shares jurisdiction
with the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee over important
research and development programs carried out by the Coast Guard.
These programs improve search and rescue, navigation, marine safety,
marine environmental protection enforcement of laws and treaties, ice
operations, oceanographic research, and defense readiness.
The bill also authorizes funding to help acquire a new Polar
icebreaker and requires a study of alternatives for conducting
icebreaking operations.
The Coast Guard's icebreakers are critical to the United States
missions in the polar regions, which include important research
supported by the National Science Foundation.
I look forward to the results of the study this bill calls for on
cost-effective alternatives for icebreaking. This will help us ensure
taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and efficiently.
Again, I thank Chairman Hunter and Chairman Shuster for taking the
initiative with this critical legislation.
Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume, as
long as it is less than 3 minutes, to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr.
DeFazio), the ranking member of the committee.
Mr. DeFAZIO. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.
I want to congratulate Chairman Hunter, Ranking Member Garamendi, and
talk just briefly about how important this legislation is.
The Coast Guard, first off, is now going to get 2 years of budget
certainty. That has been a real problem. It is pretty hard to run a
military organization that large on something that creates short-term
uncertainty with your budget, particularly when they have to begin to
plan for acquiring more major assets with larger ships.
In particular, we have just been talking about the icebreakers. I
went up to Seattle to visit the Polar Sea in its decrepitude. But the
interesting thing I found is that it is an absolutely unique hull
design. The ice band contains materials that are no longer
manufactured. They are superior to current technologies.
There is substantial thought that this ship could be renovated using
the existing hull with a modern ship, modern engines, and electronics.
The ship has now been hulled. The hull is being evaluated, and we are
going to do a cost-benefit analysis.
If we were to go down that path--and I believe it will prove to be
the best path--then that would provide additional spare parts for its
sister ship, which is the only one we have got working, and then would
set a template for rehabilitating that ship later.
The Russians have about two dozen icebreakers. Five, I believe, are
nuclear powered.
The Chinese are building two large icebreakers. The United States of
America is down to one 45-year-old heavy icebreaker, which has an
Antarctic mission, which means, for the
[[Page H9241]]
next 6 months after it comes back, it is in dry dock and being
repaired.
We do not have any longer the capability of deploying north and south
with heavy icebreakers, despite the fact that the Northwest Passage
long dreamed of is about to open.
So for the United States of America maritime power to not have at
least two heavy icebreakers, if not a half a dozen, is absolutely
absurd, penny-wise, pound-foolish stupidity, on the part of former
Congresses. I am glad that this Congress has seen the light and we are
beginning to move forward to re-institute that program.
The gentleman from California has been particularly persistent and
outspoken about the LORAN-C system. I believe it is absolutely critical
that we maintain this infrastructure until we know what alternatives we
are going to have. I think it is a critical national security asset.
And then, finally, to the more everyday national security-oriented
duties of the Coast Guard in this bill, there is a particular provision
that is incredibly important to the State of Oregon and the State of
South Carolina and to hundreds of people who make their living on the
ocean out of those two ports.
The Port of Newport, mid-coast Oregon, has an air rescue facility.
They do half the rescues in the mid-coast. Oregon has extremely cold
water year-round. We have some of the roughest bar entrances in the
United States, and rescue time is critical in terms of saving lives.
The Coast Guard has been underfunded by Congress, and we are
beginning to rectify that. But in a budget-cutting mode last year, with
no discussion with anyone, they proposed to close Newport and close
Charleston.
Last year, in the omnibus bill at the end of the year, we put in
place a 1-year prohibition on the closure. This bill extends the
statutory prohibition on closing either of those two stations for 2
years and then puts in place a very different and meaningful process,
should they ever wish to think about closing critical air rescue
stations in the future.
First, it requires them to develop a program to manage their
airframes and learn about and figure about how we are going to replace
our helicopter fleets, which are about at the same point as these
icebreakers. So they need that plan. They have to develop that.
Then, if they wish to close an individual station, the Secretary of
Homeland Security will have to make a number of findings, that it
wouldn't jeopardize life and safety and degrade rescue capabilities, a
pretty long list.
Then, if the Secretary makes that determination, the Secretary would
have to go forward in a public process to take input from those
communities.
Then, if the Secretary further decided, after going through that,
that this was necessary and prudent and wouldn't jeopardize lives and
safety at sea, that future Secretary would have to submit the proposal
to the Congress.
So we have effectively safeguarded the Newport and the Charleston
stations in this legislation, and I believe we have safeguarded them
for all time.
I believe, also, Congress should give the Coast Guard adequate
funding so they can replenish and rebuild their air fleet and they
don't have to struggle and close stations that they know could
potentially lead to loss of life.
So there are many, many things to recommend in this legislation. I
would expect Congress to nearly, if not totally, unanimously improve it
on this side. And then, hopefully, we can get the Senate to finally act
because we need this done by January 1.
Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from
Florida (Ms. Brown).
Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the chairman and
ranking member for their work in moving the Coast Guard bill forward.
Transportation is one of the most bipartisan bills in this Congress.
I am just so proud that we are really moving this Congress forward and
putting the American people back to work.
The Coast Guard personnel serve this country and do a wonderful job,
and I truly appreciate the hard work and dedication of these fine
servicemembers.
The Coast Guard has been protecting our shores for more than 200
years and has done an outstanding job. The Coast Guard was the first
agency to react to the terrorist attacks on September 11 and provide
critical assistance during the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. This
bill provides the resources and policy provisions that the Coast Guard
needs to continue their critical mission.
Assisting migrants and stopping drug shipments at sea, search-and-
rescue missions, monitoring our ports, and protecting our homeland are
just a few of the vital services that the Coast Guard provides, all of
which is critical to my home State of Florida, where 14 deepwater ports
and 1,200 miles of coastline are the gateway to America.
{time} 1530
This legislation also includes important provisions I have long
championed that bring maritime laws into the modern era and recognize
the positive changes that have taken place in employment rights.
Again, Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the men and women serving the
Coast Guard for their hard work and their vigilance in protecting our
country. This is a good bill, and it will allow the Coast Guard to
continue protecting our Nation.
I strongly encourage its passing in both the House and the Senate and
for the President to sign it into law.
Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time
Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to how much time
remains.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from California (Mr.
Garamendi) has 7 minutes remaining.
Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from
Connecticut (Mr. Courtney), my colleague.
Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, as a co-chairman of the House Coast Guard
Caucus and the Representative from southeastern Connecticut with a deep
connection to the Coast Guard, I rise in strong support of the Coast
Guard authorization bill and the hard work of Chairman Hunter and
Ranking Member Garamendi.
Every single day, the men and women of our Coast Guard are operating
around the country and around the world to enforce our laws and protect
our country. This bill provides them the tools and support they need to
do this important work.
In particular, I want to highlight a specific provision in this bill,
section 219, that I was pleased to work with my colleague from
Connecticut, Senator Blumenthal, and committee staff to bolster the
National Coast Guard Museum.
Despite a history that reaches back to the founding of our Nation,
the Coast Guard is the only armed service without a national museum to
highlight its heritage. Indeed, the Coast Guard this year is
celebrating its 225th anniversary, and it is actually older than the
U.S. Navy. Thankfully, efforts are underway to change this.
The nonprofit National Coast Guard Museum Association is building
national support and funding for a new museum in New London,
Connecticut. When completed, Mr. Speaker, this facility will be a
tribute to all who have served and those who serve today in the Coast
Guard, and I am proud to support their efforts.
Section 219 ensures that the Coast Guard can provide support to
preserve and display its historical artifacts that will be a key part
of the museum. This language opens the vault of the Coast Guard's rich
treasure of maritime artifacts from America's oldest maritime fleet to
be displayed for learning and understanding by the American public and
the world.
This is a huge boost to the effort to create a long-overdue museum
and sends a powerful signal that this effort has the backing of
Congress, the Federal Government, and the Coast Guard.
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Commandant Admiral Zukunft; former
Commandant Papp, who is his predecessor; Joann Burdian; Brittany
Panetta; and Kent Reinhold in the Coast Guard legislative office for
the work that they have done with my office on this and other critical
Coast Guard issues and, above all else, for their service to our
Nation.
I congratulate Chairman Hunter and Ranking Member Garamendi for their
strong advocacy for our Coast Guard and our Nation's maritime industry.
[[Page H9242]]
Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of the bill.
Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close.
Mr. Speaker, to my colleague Mr. Hunter and those who have assisted
in the drafting of the bill, particularly our staff, I want to thank
you for making all of this possible.
This bill, which does extend the authorization for the Coast Guard,
also provides very, very important elements, most of which you have
heard here today. I would urge its passing.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Ranking Member Garamendi and all the
staff who worked so hard on this, and, again, the ranking member of the
full committee, Mr. DeFazio, and Chairman Shuster for their help,
leadership, and support on this.
Explanation of Sec. 310. Atlantic Coast Port Access Route Study. This
section would require the Coast Guard to complete its on-going Atlantic
Coast Port Access Route Study (PARS) by April 2016. This provision was
included in H.R. 1987 because the House was concerned about the impacts
on navigation safety from the construction of certain offshore
renewable energy projects. The Study will assist the federal
government, as well as stakeholders, to understand potential impacts
and whether the siting of these projects could pose hazards to safe
navigation, especially projects built in or near vessel traffic routes.
The Coast Guard's Atlantic Coast PARS working group has developed
standards and a methodology for assessing potential impacts on
navigation safety including high, medium and low or minimal impacts.
The purpose of the study and the reason for developing standards and
methodologies is to assist in future determinations of waterway
suitability for proposed development projects.
When the Atlantic Coast PARS began, it excluded the waters in and
around Nantucket Sound. These waters are heavily traveled by commercial
vessels, fishing and recreational vessels as well as passenger and
freight ferries. Because of increased vessel traffic and the potential
impacts to navigation from any future development, this section would
direct the Coast Guard to complete a separate port access route study
of Nantucket Sound using the new standards and methodologies developed
by the Coast Guard's working group. The Atlantic Coast PARS will help
the Coast Guard determine whether they should revise current
regulations to improve navigation safety by establishing safety
fairways, traffic separation zones or new vessel routing. The Nantucket
Sound PARS is intended to guide decision-makers to ensure that any
future development in Nantucket Sound will have minimal impact and low
risk to navigational safety. This section would require the completion
of the Nantucket Sound PARS by December
I urge the passage of H.R. 4188.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
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. 4188.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
rules were suspended and the bill was passed.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
____________________