[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 125 (Wednesday, July 24, 2019)]
[House]
[Pages H7263-H7287]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 COAST GUARD AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2019

  Mr. DeFAZIO. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
bill (H.R. 3409) to authorize appropriations for the Coast Guard, and 
for other purposes, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                               H.R. 3409

       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 2019''.

     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 of appropriations.
Sec. 102. Authorized levels of military strength and training.
Sec. 103. Determination of budgetary effects.

                         TITLE II--COAST GUARD

Sec. 201. Grade on retirement.
Sec. 202. Congressional affairs; Director.
Sec. 203. Limitations on claims.
Sec. 204. Authority for officers to opt out of promotion board 
              consideration.
Sec. 205. Temporary promotion authority for officers in certain grades 
              with critical skills.
Sec. 206. Career intermission program.
Sec. 207. Major acquisitions; operation and sustainment costs.
Sec. 208. Employment assistance.
Sec. 209. Reports on gender diversity in the Coast Guard.
Sec. 210. Disposition of infrastructure related to E-LORAN.
Sec. 211. Positions of importance and responsibility.
Sec. 212. Research projects; transactions other than contracts and 
              grants.
Sec. 213. Acquisition workforce authorities.
Sec. 214. Report on Coast Guard defense readiness resources allocation.
Sec. 215. Report on the feasibility of liquefied natural gas fueled 
              vessels.

                          TITLE III--SHIPPING

Sec. 301. Electronic charts; equivalency.
Sec. 302. Passenger vessel security and safety requirements; 
              application.
Sec. 303. Non-operating individual.
Sec. 304. Small passenger vessels and uninspected passenger vessels.
Sec. 305. Installation vessels.
Sec. 306. Advisory committees.
Sec. 307. Expired maritime liens.
Sec. 308. Training; emergency response providers.
Sec. 309. Aiming a laser pointer at a vessel.
Sec. 310. Maritime transportation assessment.
Sec. 311. Safety of special activities.
Sec. 312. Engine cut-off switches; use requirement.
Sec. 313. Exemptions and equivalents.
Sec. 314. Security plans; reviews.
Sec. 315. Waiver of navigation and vessel inspection laws.
Sec. 316. Requirement for small shipyard grantees.
Sec. 317. Independent study on the United States Merchant Marine 
              Academy.
Sec. 318. Centers of excellence for domestic maritime workforce 
              training and education.
Sec. 319. Renewal of merchant mariner licenses and documents.

                        TITLE IV--MISCELLANEOUS

Sec. 401. Coastwise trade.
Sec. 402. Unmanned maritime systems and satellite vessel tracking 
              technologies.
Sec. 403. Expedited transfer in cases of sexual assault; dependents of 
              members of the Coast Guard.
Sec. 404. Towing vessels; operation outside the boundary line.
Sec. 405. Coast Guard authorities study.
Sec. 406. Cloud computing strategy.
Sec. 407. Report on effects of climate change on Coast Guard.
Sec. 408. Shore infrastructure.
Sec. 409. Physical access control system report.
Sec. 410. Coastwise endorsements.
Sec. 411. Polar security cutter acquisition report.
Sec. 412. Sense of the Congress on the need for a new Great Lakes 
              icebreaker.
Sec. 413. Cargo preference study.
Sec. 414. Insider Threat program.
Sec. 415. Fishing safety grants.
Sec. 416. Plans for demonstration programs.
Sec. 417. Waters deemed not navigable waters of the United States for 
              certain purposes.
Sec. 418. Coast Guard housing; status and authorities briefing.

[[Page H7264]]

Sec. 419. Conveyance of Coast Guard property at Point Spencer, Alaska.
Sec. 420. Prohibition.
Sec. 421. Certificate extensions.
Sec. 422. Homeland security rotational cybersecurity research program 
              at the Coast Guard Academy.
Sec. 423. Towing vessel inspection fees.
Sec. 424. Subrogated claims.
Sec. 425. Loan provisions under Oil Pollution Act of 1990.
Sec. 426. Liability limits.
Sec. 427. Report on drug interdiction in the Caribbean basin.
Sec. 428. Voting Requirement.
Sec. 429. Transportation work identification card pilot program.
Sec. 430. Plan for wing-in-ground demonstration plan.

                        TITLE V--REORGANIZATION

Sec. 501. Uninspected commercial fishing industry vessels.
Sec. 502. Transfers.
Sec. 503. Repeals.

       TITLE VI--TECHNICAL, CONFORMING, AND CLARIFYING AMENDMENTS

Sec. 601. Maritime transportation system.
Sec. 602. References to ``persons'' and ``seamen''.
Sec. 603. Common appropriation structure.
Sec. 604. References to ``himself'' and ``his''.
Sec. 605. References to ``motorboats'' and ``yachts''.
Sec. 606. Miscellaneous technical corrections.
Sec. 607. Technical corrections relating to codification of Ports and 
              Waterways Safety Act.

                 TITLE VII--FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION

Sec. 701. Short title.
Sec. 702. Authorization of appropriations.

            TITLE VIII--COAST GUARD ACADEMY IMPROVEMENT ACT

Sec. 801. Short title.
Sec. 802. Coast Guard Academy study.
Sec. 803. Annual report.
Sec. 804. Assessment of Coast Guard Academy admission processes.
Sec. 805. Coast Guard Academy minority outreach team program.
Sec. 806. Coast Guard college student pre-commissioning initiative.
Sec. 807. Annual board of visitors.

                        TITLE I--AUTHORIZATIONS

     SEC. 101. AUTHORIZATIONS OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       Section 4902 of title 14, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 
     ``year 2019'' and inserting ``years 2020 and 2021'';
       (2) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking ``provided for, 
     $7,914,195,000 for fiscal year 2019.'' and inserting 
     ``provided for--
       ``(i) $8,122,912,000 for fiscal year 2020; and
       ``(ii) $8,538,324,000 for fiscal year 2021.'';
       (3) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking ``subparagraph (A)--'' 
     and inserting ``subparagraph (A)(i), $17,035,000 shall be for 
     environmental compliance and restoration.'';
       (4) by striking paragraphs (1)(B)(i) and (1)(B)(ii);
       (5) in paragraph (1), by adding at the end the following:
       ``(C) Of the amount authorized under subparagraph (A)(ii) 
     $17,376,000 shall be for environmental compliance and 
     restoration.'';
       (6) in paragraph (2)--
       (A) by striking ``For the procurement'' and inserting ``(A) 
     For the procurement'';
       (B) by striking ``and equipment, $2,694,745,000 for fiscal 
     year 2019.'' and inserting ``and equipment--
       ``(i) $2,748,640,000 for fiscal year 2020; and
       ``(ii) $2,803,613,000 for fiscal year 2021.''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(B) Of the amounts authorized under subparagraph (A), the 
     following amounts shall be for the alteration of bridges:
       ``(i) $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2020; and
       ``(ii) $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2021.'';
       (7) in paragraph (3), by striking ``and equipment, 
     $29,141,000 for fiscal year 2019.'' and inserting ``and 
     equipment--
       ``(A) $13,834,000 for fiscal year 2020; and
       ``(B) $14,111,000 for fiscal year 2021.''; and
       (8) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(4) For the Coast Guard's Medicare-eligible retiree 
     health care fund contribution to the Department of Defense--
       ``(A) $205,107,000 for fiscal year 2020; and
       ``(B) $209,209,000 for fiscal year 2021.''.

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

       Section 4904 of title 14, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``43,000 for fiscal year 
     2018 and 44,500 for fiscal year 2019'' and inserting ``44,500 
     for each of fiscal years 2020 and 2021''; and
       (2) in subsection (b), by striking ``fiscal years 2018 and 
     2019'' and inserting ``fiscal years 2020 and 2021''.

     SEC. 103. DETERMINATION OF BUDGETARY EFFECTS.

       The budgetary effects of this Act, for the purpose of 
     complying with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, shall 
     be determined by reference to the latest statement titled 
     ``Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation'' for this Act, 
     submitted for printing in the Congressional Record by the 
     Chairman of the House Budget Committee, provided that such 
     statement has been submitted prior to the vote on passage.

                         TITLE II--COAST GUARD

     SEC. 201. GRADE ON RETIREMENT.

       (a) Commandant or Vice Commandant.--Section 303 of title 
     14, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsections (a) and (b), by striking ``A'' each 
     place it appears and inserting ``Subject to section 2501, 
     a''; and
       (2) in subsection (c), by striking ``An'' and inserting 
     ``Subject to section 2501, an''.
       (b) Other Officers.--Section 306 of title 14, United States 
     Code, is amended--
       (1) by striking ``An officer'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``Subject to section 2501, an officer''; and
       (2) in subsection (c), by striking ``his'' and inserting 
     ``the officer's''.
       (c) Commissioned or Warrant Officer.--Section 2501 of title 
     14, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by striking ``Any'' and inserting ``Commissioned 
     Officer.--
       ``(1) In general.--Any'';
       (B) by striking ``him'' and inserting ``such officer'';
       (C) by striking ``his'' and inserting ``the officer's''; 
     and
       (D) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(2) Conditional determination.--When an officer is under 
     investigation for alleged misconduct at the time of 
     retirement, the Secretary may conditionally determine the 
     highest grade of satisfactory service of the officer pending 
     completion of the investigation. Such grade is subject to 
     resolution under subsection (c)(2).'';
       (2) in subsection (b)--
       (A) by striking ``Any'' and inserting ``Warrant Officer.--
     Any'';
       (B) by striking ``him'' and inserting ``such warrant 
     officer''; and
       (C) by striking ``his'' and inserting ``the warrant 
     officer's''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(c) Retirement in Lower Grade.--
       ``(1) Misconduct in lower grade.--In the case of an officer 
     whom the Secretary determines committed misconduct in a lower 
     grade, the Secretary may determine the officer has not served 
     satisfactorily in any grade equal to or higher than that 
     lower grade.
       ``(2) Conditional determination.--A determination of the 
     retired grade of an officer shall be resolved following a 
     conditional determination under subsection (a)(2) or (b)(2) 
     if the investigation of or personnel action against the 
     officer or warrant officer, as applicable, results in adverse 
     findings.
       ``(3) Retired pay; recalculation.--If the retired grade of 
     an officer is reduced, the retired pay of the officer under 
     chapter 71 of title 10 shall be recalculated, and any 
     modification of the retired pay of the officer shall go into 
     effect on the effective date of the reduction in retired 
     grade.
       ``(d) Finality of Retired Grade Determinations.--
       ``(1) Administrative finality.--Except as otherwise 
     provided by law, a determination of the retired grade of an 
     officer pursuant to this section is administratively final on 
     the day the officer is retired, and may not be reopened.
       ``(2) Reopening determination.--A determination of the 
     retired grade of an officer may be reopened as follows:
       ``(A) If the retirement or retired grade of the officer was 
     procured by fraud.
       ``(B) If substantial evidence comes to light after the 
     retirement that could have led to a lower retired grade under 
     this section if known by competent authority at the time of 
     retirement.
       ``(C) If a mistake of law or calculation was made in the 
     determination of the retired grade.
       ``(D) In the case of a retired grade following a 
     conditional determination under subsection (a)(2) or (b)(2), 
     if the investigation of or personnel action against the 
     officer, as applicable, results in an adverse finding.
       ``(E) If the Secretary determines, pursuant to regulations 
     prescribed by the Secretary, that good cause exists to reopen 
     the determination or certification.
       ``(3) Notification of reopening.--If a determination or 
     certification of the retired grade of an officer is reopened, 
     the Secretary--
       ``(A) shall notify the officer of the reopening; and
       ``(B) may not make an adverse determination on the retired 
     grade of the officer until the officer has had a reasonable 
     opportunity to respond regarding the basis of the reopening.
       ``(4) Retired pay; recalculation.--If the retired grade of 
     an officer is reduced through the reopening of the officer's 
     or warrant officer's retired grade, the retired pay of the 
     officer under chapter 71 of title 10 shall be recalculated, 
     and any modification of the retired pay of the officer shall 
     go into effect on the effective date of the reduction of the 
     officer's retired grade.''.

     SEC. 202. CONGRESSIONAL AFFAIRS; DIRECTOR.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 3 of title 14, United States Code, 
     as amended by this Act, is further amended by adding at the 
     end the following:

     ``Sec. 320. Congressional affairs; Director

       ``The Commandant of the Coast Guard shall appoint a 
     Director of Congressional Affairs from among officers of the 
     Coast Guard who are in a grade above captain.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 3 of 
     title 14, United States Code, as amended by this Act, is 
     further amended by adding at the end the following:

``320. Congressional affairs; Director.''.

[[Page H7265]]

  


     SEC. 203. LIMITATIONS ON CLAIMS.

       (a) Admiralty Claims.--Section 937 of title 14, United 
     States Code, is amended in subsection (a) by striking 
     ``$100,000'' and inserting ``$425,000''.
       (b) Claims for Damage to Property of the United States.--
     Section 938 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by 
     striking ``$100,000'' and inserting ``$425,000''.

     SEC. 204. AUTHORITY FOR OFFICERS TO OPT OUT OF PROMOTION 
                   BOARD CONSIDERATION.

       (a) Eligibility of Officers for Consideration for 
     Promotion.--Section 2113 of title 14, United States Code, is 
     amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(g)(1) Notwithstanding subsection (a), the Commandant may 
     provide that an officer may, upon the officer's request and 
     with the approval of the Commandant, be excluded from 
     consideration by a selection board convened under section 
     2106(a).
       ``(2) The Commandant shall approve a request under 
     paragraph (1) only if--
       ``(A) the basis for the request is to allow the officer to 
     complete a broadening assignment, advanced education, another 
     assignment of significant value to the Coast Guard, a career 
     progression requirement delayed by the assignment or 
     education, or a qualifying personal or professional 
     circumstance, as determined by the Commandant;
       ``(B) the Commandant determines the exclusion from 
     consideration is in the best interest of the Coast Guard; and
       ``(C) the officer has not previously failed of selection 
     for promotion to the grade for which the officer requests the 
     exclusion from consideration.''.
       (b) Eligibility of Reserve Officer for Promotion.--Section 
     3743 of title 14, United States Code, is amended to read as 
     follows:

     ``Sec. 3743. Eligibility for promotion

       ``(a) In General.--Except as provided in subsection (b), a 
     Reserve officer is eligible for consideration for promotion 
     and for promotion under this subchapter, if that officer is 
     in an active status.
       ``(b) Exception.--A Reserve officer who has been considered 
     but not recommended for retention in an active status by a 
     board convened under subsection 3752(a) of this title, is not 
     eligible for consideration for promotion.
       ``(c) Request for Exclusion.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Commandant may provide that an 
     officer may, upon the officer's request and with the approval 
     of the Commandant, be excluded from consideration by a 
     selection board convened under section 3740(b) of this title 
     to consider officers for promotion to the next higher grade.
       ``(2) Approval of request.--The Commandant shall approve a 
     request under paragraph (1) only if--
       ``(A) the basis for the request is to allow an officer to 
     complete a broadening assignment, advanced education, another 
     assignment of significant value to the Coast Guard, a career 
     progression requirement delayed by the assignment or 
     education, or a qualifying personal or professional 
     circumstance, as determined by the Commandant;
       ``(B) the Commandant determines the exclusion from 
     consideration is in the best interest of the Coast Guard; and
       ``(C) the officer has not previously failed of selection 
     for promotion to the grade for which the officer requests the 
     exclusion from consideration.''.

     SEC. 205. TEMPORARY PROMOTION AUTHORITY FOR OFFICERS IN 
                   CERTAIN GRADES WITH CRITICAL SKILLS.

       (a) In General.--Subchapter I of Chapter 21 of title 14, 
     United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:

     ``Sec. 2130. Promotion to certain grades for officers with 
       critical skills: captain, commander, lieutenant commander, 
       lieutenant

       ``(a) In General.--An officer in the grade of lieutenant 
     (junior grade), lieutenant, lieutenant commander, or 
     commander, who is described in subsection (b) may be 
     temporarily promoted to the grade of lieutenant, lieutenant 
     commander, commander, or captain under regulations prescribed 
     by the Secretary. Appointments under this section shall be 
     made by the President, by and with the advice and consent of 
     the Senate.
       ``(b) Covered Officers.--An officer described in this 
     subsection is any officer in a grade specified in subsection 
     (a) who--
       ``(1) has a skill in which the Coast Guard has a critical 
     shortage of personnel (as determined by the Secretary); and
       ``(2) is serving in a position (as determined by the 
     Secretary) that--
       ``(A) is designated to be held by a lieutenant, lieutenant 
     commander, commander, or captain; and
       ``(B) requires that an officer serving in such position 
     have the skill possessed by such officer.
       ``(c) Preservation of Position and Status of Officers 
     Appointed.--
       ``(1) The temporary positions authorized under this section 
     shall not be counted among or included in the list of 
     positions on the active duty promotion list.
       ``(2) An appointment under this section does not change the 
     position on the active-duty list or the permanent, 
     probationary, or acting status of the officer so appointed, 
     prejudice the officer in regard to other promotions or 
     appointments, or abridge the rights or benefits of the 
     officer.
       ``(d) Board Recommendation Required.--A temporary promotion 
     under this section may be made only upon the recommendation 
     of a board of officers convened by the Secretary for the 
     purpose of recommending officers for such promotions.
       ``(e) Acceptance and Effective Date of Appointment.--Each 
     appointment under this section, unless expressly declined, 
     is, without formal acceptance, regarded as accepted on the 
     date such appointment is made, and a member so appointed is 
     entitled to the pay and allowances of the grade of the 
     temporary promotion under this section beginning on the date 
     the appointment is made.
       ``(f) Termination of Appointment.--Unless sooner 
     terminated, an appointment under this section terminates--
       ``(1) on the date the officer who received the appointment 
     is promoted to the permanent grade of lieutenant, lieutenant 
     commander, commander, or captain;
       ``(2) on the date the officer is detached from a position 
     described in subsection (b)(2), unless the officer is on a 
     promotion list to the permanent grade of lieutenant, 
     lieutenant commander, commander, or captain, in which case 
     the appointment terminates on the date the officer is 
     promoted to that grade; or
       ``(3) when the appointment officer determines that the 
     officer who received the appointment has engaged in 
     misconduct or has displayed substandard performance.
       ``(g) Limitation on Number of Eligible Positions.--An 
     appointment under this section may only be made for service 
     in a position designated by the Secretary for the purposes of 
     this section. The number of positions so designated may not 
     exceed the following percentages of the respective grades:
       ``(1) As lieutenant, 0.5 percent.
       ``(2) As lieutenant commander, 3.0 percent.
       ``(3) As commander, 2.6 percent.
       ``(4) As captain, 2.6 percent.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for such subchapter 
     is amended by adding at the end the following:

``2130. Promotion to certain grades for officers with critical skills: 
              captain, commander, lieutenant commander, lieutenant.''.

     SEC. 206. CAREER INTERMISSION PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter 25 of title 14, 
     United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:

     ``Sec. 2514. Career flexibility to enhance retention of 
       members

       ``(a) Programs Authorized.--The Commandant may carry out a 
     program under which members of the Coast Guard may be 
     inactivated from active service in order to meet personal or 
     professional needs and returned to active service at the end 
     of such period of inactivation from active service.
       ``(b) Period of Inactivation From Active Service; Effect of 
     Inactivation.--
       ``(1) In general.--The period of inactivation from active 
     service under a program under this section of a member 
     participating in the program shall be such period as the 
     Commandant shall specify in the agreement of the member under 
     subsection (c), except that such period may not exceed three 
     years.
       ``(2) Exclusion from years of service.--Any service by a 
     Reserve officer while participating in a program under this 
     section shall be excluded from computation of the total years 
     of service of that officer pursuant to section 14706(a) of 
     title 10.
       ``(3) Exclusion from retirement.--Any period of 
     participation of a member in a program under this section 
     shall not count toward--
       ``(A) eligibility for retirement or transfer to the Ready 
     Reserve under either chapter 571 or 1223 of title 10; or
       ``(B) computation of retired or retainer pay under chapter 
     71 or 1223 of title 10.
       ``(c) Agreement.--Each member of the Coast Guard who 
     participates in a program under this section shall enter into 
     a written agreement with the Commandant under which that 
     member shall agree as follows:
       ``(1) To accept an appointment or enlist, as applicable, 
     and serve in the Coast Guard Ready Reserve during the period 
     of the inactivation of the member from active service under 
     the program.
       ``(2) To undergo during the period of the inactivation of 
     the member from active service under the program such 
     inactive service training as the Commandant shall require in 
     order to ensure that the member retains proficiency, at a 
     level determined by the Commandant to be sufficient, in the 
     military skills, professional qualifications, and physical 
     readiness of the member during the inactivation of the member 
     from active service.
       ``(3) Following completion of the period of the 
     inactivation of the member from active service under the 
     program, to serve two months as a member of the Coast Guard 
     on active service for each month of the period of the 
     inactivation of the member from active service under the 
     program.
       ``(d) Conditions of Release.--The Commandant shall 
     prescribe regulations specifying the guidelines regarding the 
     conditions of release that must be considered and addressed 
     in the agreement required by subsection (c). At a minimum, 
     the Commandant shall prescribe the procedures and standards 
     to be used to instruct a member on the obligations to be 
     assumed by the member under paragraph (2) of such subsection 
     while the member is released from active service.
       ``(e) Order to Active Service.--Under regulations 
     prescribed by the Commandant, a member of the Coast Guard 
     participating in a program under this section may, in the 
     discretion of the Commandant, be required to terminate 
     participation in the program and be ordered to active 
     service.

[[Page H7266]]

       ``(f) Pay and Allowances.--
       ``(1) Basic pay.--During each month of participation in a 
     program under this section, a member who participates in the 
     program shall be paid basic pay in an amount equal to two-
     thirtieths of the amount of monthly basic pay to which the 
     member would otherwise be entitled under section 204 of title 
     37 as a member of the uniformed services on active service in 
     the grade and years of service of the member when the member 
     commences participation in the program.
       ``(2) Special or incentive pay or bonus.--
       ``(A) Prohibition.--A member who participates in such a 
     program shall not, while participating in the program, be 
     paid any special or incentive pay or bonus to which the 
     member is otherwise entitled under an agreement under chapter 
     5 of title 37 or section 1925 of this title that is in force 
     when the member commences participation in the program.
       ``(B) Not treated as failure to perform services.--The 
     inactivation from active service of a member participating in 
     a program shall not be treated as a failure of the member to 
     perform any period of service required of the member in 
     connection with an agreement for a special or incentive pay 
     or bonus under chapter 5 of title 37 that is in force when 
     the member commences participation in the program.
       ``(3) Return to active service.--
       ``(A) Special or incentive pay or bonus.--Subject to 
     subparagraph (B), upon the return of a member to active 
     service after completion by the member of participation in a 
     program--
       ``(i) any agreement entered into by the member under 
     chapter 5 of title 37 for the payment of a special or 
     incentive pay or bonus that was in force when the member 
     commenced participation in the program shall be revived, with 
     the term of such agreement after revival being the period of 
     the agreement remaining to run when the member commenced 
     participation in the program; and
       ``(ii) any special or incentive pay or bonus shall be 
     payable to the member in accordance with the terms of the 
     agreement concerned for the term specified in clause (i).
       ``(B) Limitation.--
       ``(i) In general.--Subparagraph (A) shall not apply to any 
     special or incentive pay or bonus otherwise covered by that 
     subparagraph with respect to a member if, at the time of the 
     return of the member to active service as described in that 
     subparagraph--

       ``(I) such pay or bonus is no longer authorized by law; or
       ``(II) the member does not satisfy eligibility criteria for 
     such pay or bonus as in effect at the time of the return of 
     the member to active service.

       ``(ii) Pay or bonus ceases being authorized.--Subparagraph 
     (A) shall cease to apply to any special or incentive pay or 
     bonus otherwise covered by that subparagraph with respect to 
     a member if, during the term of the revived agreement of the 
     member under subparagraph (A)(i), such pay or bonus ceases 
     being authorized by law.
       ``(C) Repayment.--A member who is ineligible for payment of 
     a special or incentive pay or bonus otherwise covered by this 
     paragraph by reason of subparagraph (B)(i)(II) shall be 
     subject to the requirements for repayment of such pay or 
     bonus in accordance with the terms of the applicable 
     agreement of the member under chapter 5 of title 37.
       ``(D) Required service is additional.--Any service required 
     of a member under an agreement covered by this paragraph 
     after the member returns to active service as described in 
     subparagraph (A) shall be in addition to any service required 
     of the member under an agreement under subsection (c).
       ``(4) Travel and transportation allowance.--
       ``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), a member 
     who participates in a program is entitled, while 
     participating in the program, to the travel and 
     transportation allowances authorized by section 474 of title 
     37 for--
       ``(i) travel performed from the residence of the member, at 
     the time of release from active service to participate in the 
     program, to the location in the United States designated by 
     the member as the member's residence during the period of 
     participation in the program; and
       ``(ii) travel performed to the residence of the member upon 
     return to active service at the end of the participation of 
     the member in the program.
       ``(B) Single residence.--An allowance is payable under this 
     paragraph only with respect to travel of a member to and from 
     a single residence.
       ``(5) Leave balance.--A member who participates in a 
     program is entitled to carry forward the leave balance 
     existing as of the day on which the member begins 
     participation and accumulated in accordance with section 701 
     of title 10, but not to exceed 60 days.
       ``(g) Promotion.--
       ``(1) Officers.--
       ``(A) In general.--An officer participating in a program 
     under this section shall not, while participating in the 
     program, be eligible for consideration for promotion under 
     chapter 21 or 37 of this title.
       ``(B) Return to service.--Upon the return of an officer to 
     active service after completion by the officer of 
     participation in a program--
       ``(i) the Commandant may adjust the date of rank of the 
     officer in such manner as the Commandant shall prescribe in 
     regulations for purposes of this section; and
       ``(ii) the officer shall be eligible for consideration for 
     promotion when officers of the same competitive category, 
     grade, and seniority are eligible for consideration for 
     promotion.
       ``(2) Enlisted members.--An enlisted member participating 
     in a program shall not be eligible for consideration for 
     advancement during the period that--
       ``(A) begins on the date of the inactivation of the member 
     from active service under the program; and
       ``(B) ends at such time after the return of the member to 
     active service under the program that the member is treatable 
     as eligible for promotion by reason of time in grade and such 
     other requirements as the Commandant shall prescribe in 
     regulations for purposes of the program.
       ``(h) Continued Entitlements.--A member participating in a 
     program under this section shall, while participating in the 
     program, be treated as a member of the Armed Forces on active 
     duty for a period of more than 30 days for purposes of--
       ``(1) the entitlement of the member and of the dependents 
     of the member to medical and dental care under the provisions 
     of chapter 55 of this title; and
       ``(2) retirement or separation for physical disability 
     under the provisions of chapter 61 of title 10 and chapters 
     21 and 23 of this title.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for such chapter is 
     amended by inserting after the item relating to section 2513 
     the following:

``2514. Career flexibility to enhance retention of members.''.

     SEC. 207. MAJOR ACQUISITIONS; OPERATION AND SUSTAINMENT 
                   COSTS.

       Section 5103(e)(3) of title 14, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (1) by redesignating subparagraphs (B) and (C) as 
     subparagraphs (C) and (D) respectively; and
       (2) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following:
       ``(B) operate and sustain the cutters and aircraft 
     described under paragraph (2);''.

     SEC. 208. EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE.

       (a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter 27 of title 14, 
     United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:

     ``Sec. 2713. Employment assistance

       ``(a) In General.--In order to improve the accuracy and 
     completeness of a certification or verification of job skills 
     and experience required by section 1143(a)(1) of title 10, 
     the Secretary shall--
       ``(1) establish a database to record all training performed 
     by members of the Coast Guard that may have application to 
     employment in the civilian sector; and
       ``(2) make unclassified information regarding such 
     information available to States and other potential employers 
     referred to in section 1143(c) of title 10 so that State and 
     other entities may allow military training to satisfy 
     licensing or certification requirements to engage in a 
     civilian profession.
       ``(b) Form of Certification or Verification.--The Secretary 
     shall ensure that a certification or verification of job 
     skills and experience required by section 1143(a)(1) of title 
     10 is rendered in such a way that States and other potential 
     employers can confirm the accuracy and authenticity of the 
     certification or verification.
       ``(c) Requests by States.--A State may request that the 
     Secretary confirm the accuracy and authenticity of a 
     certification or verification of jobs skills and experience 
     provided under section 1143(c) of title 10.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for such chapter is 
     amended by inserting after the item relating to section 2712 
     the following:

``2713. Employment assistance.''.

     SEC. 209. REPORTS ON GENDER DIVERSITY IN THE COAST GUARD.

       (a) Action Plan.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Commandant of the Coast Guard 
     shall--
       (A) determine which recommendations in the RAND gender 
     diversity report can practicably be implemented to promote 
     gender diversity in the Coast Guard; and
       (B) submit a report to the Committee on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate on the actions the Coast Guard has taken or plans to 
     take to implement such recommendations.
       (2) Definition.--In this subsection, the term ``RAND 
     diversity report'' means the RAND Corporation's Homeland 
     Security Operational Analysis Center 2019 report entitled 
     ``Improving Gender Diversity in the U.S. Coast Guard: 
     Identifying Barriers to Female Retention''.
       (b) Recurring Report.--Chapter 51 of title 14, United 
     States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

     ``Sec. 5109. Report on gender diversity in the Coast Guard

       ``(a) In General.--Not later than January 15, 2022, and 
     biennially thereafter, the Commandant shall submit a report 
     on gender diversity in the Coast Guard to the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate.
       ``(b) Contents.--The report required under subsection (a) 
     shall contain the following:

[[Page H7267]]

       ``(1) Gender diversity overview.--An overview of Coast 
     Guard active duty and Reserve members, including the number 
     of officers and enlisted members and the percentages of men 
     and women in each.
       ``(2) Recruitment and retention.--(A) An analysis of the 
     changes in the recruitment and retention of women over the 
     previous two years.
       ``(B) A discussion of any changes to Coast Guard 
     recruitment and retention over the previous two years that 
     were aimed at increasing the recruitment and retention of 
     female members.
       ``(3) Parental leave.--(A) The number of men and women who 
     took parental leave during each year covered by the report, 
     including the average length of such leave periods.
       ``(B) A discussion of the ways in which the Coast Guard 
     worked to mitigate the impacts of parental leave on Coast 
     Guard operations and on the careers of the members taking 
     such leave.
       ``(4) Limitations.--An analysis of current gender-based 
     limitations on Coast Guard career opportunities, including 
     discussion of--
       ``(A) shipboard opportunities;
       ``(B) opportunities to serve at remote units; and
       ``(C) any other limitations on the opportunities of female 
     members.
       ``(5) Progress update.--An update on the Coast Guard's 
     progress on the implementation of the action plan required 
     under section 209 of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 
     2019.''.
       (c) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for such chapter is 
     amended by adding at the end the following:

``5109. Report on gender diversity in the Coast Guard.''.

     SEC. 210. DISPOSITION OF INFRASTRUCTURE RELATED TO E-LORAN.

       Section 914 of title 14, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by striking ``date'' and inserting ``later of the date 
     of the conveyance of the properties directed under section 
     533(a) of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2016 (Public 
     Law 114-120) or the date''; and
       (B) by striking ``determination by the Secretary'' and 
     inserting ``determination by the Secretary of Transportation 
     under section 312(d) of title 49''; and
       (2) in subsection (c), by striking paragraph (2) and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(2) Availability of proceeds.--The proceeds of such 
     sales, less the costs of sale incurred by the General 
     Services Administration, shall be deposited into the Coast 
     Guard Housing Fund for uses authorized under section 2946 of 
     this title.''.

     SEC. 211. POSITIONS OF IMPORTANCE AND RESPONSIBILITY.

       Section 2103(c)(3) of title 14, United States Code, is 
     amended by striking ``rear admiral (lower half)'' and 
     inserting ``vice admiral''.

     SEC. 212. RESEARCH PROJECTS; TRANSACTIONS OTHER THAN 
                   CONTRACTS AND GRANTS.

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

     ``Sec. 720. Research projects; transactions other than 
       contracts and grants

       ``(a) Additional Forms of Transactions Authorized.--The 
     Commandant may enter into transactions (other than contracts, 
     cooperative agreements, and grants) in carrying out basic, 
     applied, and advanced research projects. The authority under 
     this subsection is in addition to the authority provided in 
     section 717 to use contracts, cooperative agreements, and 
     grants in carrying out such projects.
       ``(b) Advance Payments.--The authority under subsection (a) 
     may be exercised without regard to section 3324 of title 31.
       ``(c) Recovery of Funds.--
       ``(1) In general.--Subject to subsection (d), a cooperative 
     agreement for performance of basic, applied, or advanced 
     research authorized by section 717, and a transaction 
     authorized by subsection (a), may include a clause that 
     requires a person or other entity to make payments to the 
     Coast Guard or any other department or agency of the Federal 
     Government as a condition for receiving support under the 
     agreement or transaction, respectively.
       ``(2) Availability of funds.--The amount of any payment 
     received by the Federal Government pursuant to a requirement 
     imposed under paragraph (1) may be credited, to the extent 
     authorized by the Commandant, to an appropriate 
     appropriations account. Amounts so credited shall be merged 
     with other funds in the account and shall be available for 
     the same purposes and the same period for which other funds 
     in such account are available.
       ``(d) Conditions.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Commandant shall ensure that--
       ``(A) to the extent that the Commandant determines 
     practicable, no cooperative agreement containing a clause 
     described in subsection (c)(1), and no transaction entered 
     into under subsection (a), provides for research that 
     duplicates research being conducted under existing programs 
     carried out by the Coast Guard; and
       ``(B) to the extent that the Commandant determines 
     practicable, the funds provided by the Federal Government 
     under a cooperative agreement containing a clause described 
     in subsection (c)(1), or under a transaction authorized by 
     subsection (a), do not exceed the total amount provided by 
     other parties to the cooperative agreement or other 
     transaction, respectively.
       ``(2) Other agreements not feasible.--A cooperative 
     agreement containing a clause described in subsection (c)(1), 
     or under a transaction authorized by subsection (a), may be 
     used for a research project only if the use of a standard 
     contract, grant, or cooperative agreement for such project is 
     not feasible or appropriate.
       ``(e) Education and Training.--The Commandant shall--
       ``(1) ensure that management, technical, and contracting 
     personnel of the Coast Guard involved in the award or 
     administration of transactions under this section or other 
     innovative forms of contracting are afforded opportunities 
     for adequate education and training; and
       ``(2) establish minimum levels and requirements for 
     continuous and experiential learning for such personnel, 
     including levels and requirements for acquisition 
     certification programs.
       ``(f) Regulations.--The Secretary of the department in 
     which the Coast Guard is operating shall prescribe 
     regulations, as necessary, to carry out this section.
       ``(g) Protection of Certain Information From Disclosure.--
       ``(1) In general.--Disclosure of information described in 
     paragraph (2) is not required, and may not be compelled, 
     under section 552 of title 5 for five years after the date on 
     which the information is received by the Coast Guard.
       ``(2) Limitation.--
       ``(A) In general.--Paragraph (1) applies to information 
     described in subparagraph (B) that is in the records of the 
     Coast Guard only if the information was submitted to the 
     Coast Guard in a competitive or noncompetitive process having 
     the potential for resulting in an award, to the party 
     submitting the information, of a cooperative agreement for 
     performance of basic, applied, or advanced research 
     authorized by section 717 or another transaction authorized 
     by subsection (a).
       ``(B) Information described.--The information referred to 
     in subparagraph (A) is the following:
       ``(i) A proposal, proposal abstract, and supporting 
     documents.
       ``(ii) A business plan submitted on a confidential basis.
       ``(iii) Technical information submitted on a confidential 
     basis.
       ``(h) Annual Report.--On the date on which the President 
     submits to Congress a budget pursuant to section 1105 of 
     title 31, the Commandant shall submit to the Committees on 
     Appropriations and Transportation and Infrastructure of the 
     House of Representatives and the Committees on Appropriations 
     and Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a 
     report describing each use of the authority provided under 
     this section during the most recently completed fiscal year, 
     including details of each use consisting of--
       ``(1) the amount of each transaction;
       ``(2) the entities or organizations involved;
       ``(3) the product or service received; and
       ``(4) the research project for which the product or service 
     was required.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 7 of 
     title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end 
     the following:

``720. Research projects; transactions other than contracts and 
              grants.''.

     SEC. 213. ACQUISITION WORKFORCE AUTHORITIES.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 11 of title 14, United States 
     Code, as amended by this Act, is further amended by inserting 
     after section 1110 the following:

     ``Sec. 1111. Acquisition workforce authorities

       ``(a) Expedited Hiring Authority.--
       ``(1) In general.--For the purposes of section 3304 of 
     title 5, the Commandant may--
       ``(A) designate any category of acquisition positions 
     within the Coast Guard as shortage category positions; and
       ``(B) use the authorities in such section to recruit and 
     appoint highly qualified persons directly to positions so 
     designated.
       ``(2) Reports.--The Commandant shall include in reports 
     under section 1102 information described in that section 
     regarding positions designated under this subsection.
       ``(b) Reemployment Authority.--
       ``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), if 
     an annuitant receiving an annuity from the Civil Service 
     Retirement and Disability Fund becomes employed in any 
     category of acquisition positions designated by the 
     Commandant under subsection (a), the annuity of the annuitant 
     so employed shall continue. The annuitant so reemployed shall 
     not be considered an employee for purposes of subchapter III 
     of chapter 83 or chapter 84 of title 5.
       ``(2)(A) Election.--An annuitant retired under section 
     8336(d)(1) or 8414(b)(1)(A) of title 5, receiving an annuity 
     from the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund, who 
     becomes employed in any category of acquisition positions 
     designated by the Commandant under subsection (a) after date 
     of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2019, 
     may elect to be subject to section 8344 or 8468 of such title 
     (as the case may be).
       ``(i) Deadline.--An election for coverage under this 
     subsection shall be filed not later than 90 days after the 
     Commandant takes reasonable actions to notify an employee who 
     may file an election.
       ``(ii) Coverage.--If an employee files an election under 
     this subsection, coverage

[[Page H7268]]

     shall be effective beginning on the first day of the first 
     applicable pay period beginning on or after the date of the 
     filing of the election.
       ``(B) Application.--Paragraph (1) shall apply to an 
     individual who is eligible to file an election under such 
     subparagraph and does not file a timely election under clause 
     (i).''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents of chapter 
     11 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by inserting 
     after the item relating to section 1110 the following:

``1111. Acquisition workforce authorities.''.

     SEC. 214. REPORT ON COAST GUARD DEFENSE READINESS RESOURCES 
                   ALLOCATION.

       (a) Report Required.--Not later than 180 days after the 
     date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of 
     the United States shall submit to the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate, a report on the allocation of 
     resources by the Coast Guard to support its defense readiness 
     mission.
       (b) Contents.--The report required by subsection (a) shall 
     include the following elements:
       (1) Funding levels allocated by the Coast Guard to support 
     defense readiness missions for each of the past ten fiscal 
     years.
       (2) Funding levels transferred or otherwise provided by the 
     Department of Defense to the Coast Guard in support of the 
     Coast Guard's defense readiness missions for each of the past 
     ten fiscal years.
       (3) The number of Coast Guard detachments assigned in 
     support of the Coast Guard's defense readiness mission for 
     each of the past ten fiscal years.
       (c) Assessment.--In addition to the elements detailed in 
     subsection (b), the report shall include an assessment of the 
     impacts on the Coast Guard's non-defense mission readiness 
     and operational capabilities due to the annual levels of 
     reimbursement provided by the Department of Defense to 
     compensate the Coast Guard for its expenses to fulfill its 
     defense readiness mission.

     SEC. 215. REPORT ON THE FEASIBILITY OF LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS 
                   FUELED VESSELS.

       Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of 
     this Act, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall submit a 
     report to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure 
     of the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
     Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate on the 
     following:
       (1) The feasibility, safety, and cost effectiveness of 
     using liquefied natural gas to fuel new Coast Guard vessels.
       (2) The feasibility, safety, and cost effectiveness of 
     converting existing vessels to run on liquefied natural gas 
     fuels.
       (3) The operational benefits of using liquefied natural gas 
     to fuel Coast Guard vessels.

                          TITLE III--SHIPPING

     SEC. 301. ELECTRONIC CHARTS; EQUIVALENCY.

       (a) Requirements.--Section 3105(a)(1) of title 46, United 
     States Code, is amended to read as follows:
       ``(1) Electronic charts in lieu of marine charts, charts, 
     and maps.--Subject to paragraph (2), the following vessels, 
     while operating on the navigable waters of the United States, 
     shall be equipped with and operate electronic navigational 
     charts conforming to a standard acceptable to the Secretary 
     in lieu of any marine charts, charts, and maps required by 
     titles 33 and 46, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect 
     on the date of the enactment of this paragraph:
       ``(A) A self-propelled commercial vessel of at least 65 
     feet overall length.
       ``(B) A vessel carrying more than a number of passengers 
     for hire determined by the Secretary.
       ``(C) A towing vessel of more than 26 feet in overall 
     length and 600 horsepower.
       ``(D) Any other vessel for which the Secretary decides that 
     electronic charts are necessary for the safe navigation of 
     the vessel.''.
       (b) Exemptions and Waivers.--Section 3105(a)(2) of title 
     46, United States Code, is amended by--
       (1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``operates; and'' and 
     inserting ``operates;'';
       (2) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``those waters.'' and 
     inserting ``those waters; and''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(C) permit vessels that operate solely landward of the 
     baseline from which the territorial sea of the United States 
     is measured to utilize software-based, platform-independent 
     electronic chart systems that the Secretary determines are 
     capable of displaying electronic navigational charts with 
     necessary scale and detail to ensure safe navigation for the 
     intended voyage.''.

     SEC. 302. PASSENGER VESSEL SECURITY AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS; 
                   APPLICATION.

       Section 3507(k)(1) of title 46, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (1) in subparagraph (B), by adding ``and'' after the 
     semicolon at the end;
       (2) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``; and'' and 
     inserting a period; and
       (3) by striking subparagraph (D).

     SEC. 303. NON-OPERATING INDIVIDUAL.

       (a) Definition.--Section 2101 of title 46, United States 
     Code, is amended by inserting after paragraph (23) the 
     following:
       ``(23a) `non-operating individual' means an individual 
     who--
       ``(A) does not perform--
       ``(i) with respect to the operation of a vessel, 
     watchstanding, automated engine room duty watch, navigation, 
     or personnel safety functions;
       ``(ii) with respect to the loading and unloading of 
     merchandise, cargo handling functions, including any activity 
     relating to the loading or unloading of cargo, the operation 
     of cargo-related equipment (whether or not integral to the 
     vessel), and the handling of mooring lines on the dock when 
     the vessel is made fast or let go;
       ``(iii) vessel maintenance, including any repairs that can 
     be performed by the vessel's crew or a riding gang; or
       ``(iv) safety, security, or environmental protection 
     activities directly related to the operation of the vessel 
     and normally conducted by the vessel's crew;
       ``(B) does not serve as part of the crew complement 
     required under section 8101;
       ``(C) does not serve as a riding gang member;
       ``(D) is not a member of the steward's department;
       ``(E) is not a citizen or temporary or permanent resident 
     of a country designated by the United States as a sponsor of 
     terrorism or any other country that the Secretary, in 
     consultation with the Secretary of State and the heads of 
     other appropriate United States agencies, determines to be a 
     security threat to the United States;
       ``(F) is not specifically exempted from the requirement to 
     have a merchant mariner's document under section 8701(a);
       ``(G) has not been convicted in any jurisdiction of an 
     offense described in paragraph (2) or (3) of section 7703;
       ``(H) whose license, certificate of registry, or merchant 
     mariner's document has not been suspended or revoked under 
     section 7704; and
       ``(I) who does not otherwise constitute a threat to the 
     safety of the vessel.''.
       (b) Citizenship and Navy Reserve Requirements.--Section 
     8103(j) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by--
       (1) striking ``Riding Gang Member'' and inserting ``Riding 
     Gang Member or Non-Operating Individual''; and
       (2) inserting ``or a non-operating individual'' before the 
     period.
       (c) Requirements Relating to Non-Operating Individuals.--
       (1) In general.--Chapter 81 of title 46, United States 
     Code, is amended--
       (A) by redesignating section 8107 as section 8108; and
       (B) by inserting after section 8106 the following:

     ``Sec. 8107. Requirements relating to non-operating 
       individuals

       ``(a) In General.--The owner or managing operator of a 
     merchant vessel of the United States of at least 100 gross 
     tons as measured under section 14502, or an alternate tonnage 
     measured under section 14302 as prescribed by the Secretary 
     under section 14104, shall--
       ``(1) ensure that--
       ``(A) each non-operating individual on the vessel--
       ``(i) is a United States citizen or an alien lawfully 
     admitted to the United States for permanent residence; or
       ``(ii) possesses a United States non-immigrant visa for 
     individuals desiring to enter the United States temporarily 
     for business, employment-related and personal identifying 
     information, and any other documentation required by the 
     Secretary;
       ``(B) all required documentation for such individual is 
     kept on the vessel and available for inspection by the 
     Secretary; and
       ``(C) each non-operating individual is identified on the 
     manifest;
       ``(2) ensure that--
       ``(A) each non-operating individual possesses--
       ``(i) a merchant mariner's document;
       ``(ii) a transportation worker identification credential 
     under section 70105; or
       ``(iii) a current security clearance issued by a Federal 
     agency; or
       ``(B) the employer of such an individual attests in a 
     certificate to the owner or managing operator that--
       ``(i) the background of such individual has been examined 
     and found to be free of any credible information indicating a 
     material risk to the security of the vessel, the vessel's 
     cargo, the ports the vessel visits, or other individuals 
     onboard the vessel;;
       ``(ii) such examination--

       ``(I) met the requirements of section 70105(d)(2), for 
     persons described in paragraph (1)(A)(i) of this subsection; 
     or
       ``(II) consisted of a search of all information reasonably 
     available to the owner or managing operator in the 
     individual's country of citizenship and any other country in 
     which the individual works, receives employment referrals, or 
     resides, for persons described in paragraph (1)(A)(ii) of 
     this subsection; and

       ``(iii) the information derived from any such examination 
     is made available to the Secretary upon request;
       ``(3) ensure that each non-operating individual of the 
     vessel, while on board the vessel, is subject to the same 
     random chemical testing and reporting regimes as crew 
     members;
       ``(4) ensure that each such individual employed on the 
     vessel receives basic safety familiarization and basic safety 
     training approved by the Coast Guard; and
       ``(5) ensure that every non-operating individual of the 
     vessel is employed on board the vessel under conditions that 
     meet or exceed

[[Page H7269]]

     the minimum international standards of all applicable 
     international labor conventions to which the United States is 
     a party, including all of the merchant seamen protection and 
     relief provided under United States law.
       ``(b) Recordkeeping.--In addition to the requirements of 
     subsection (a), the owner or managing operator of a vessel to 
     which subsection (a) applies shall ensure that all 
     information necessary to ensure compliance with this section, 
     as determined by the Secretary, is entered into the vessel's 
     official logbook required by chapter 113.
       ``(c) Civil Penalty.--A person (including an individual) 
     violating this section is liable to the United States 
     Government for a civil penalty of $1,250.''.
       (2) Clerical amendments.--The analysis for chapter 81 of 
     title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking the item 
     relating to section 8107 and inserting the following:

``8107. Requirements relating to non-operating individuals.
``8108. Use of force against piracy.''.
       (3) Conforming amendments.--
       (A) Merchant mariners' documents required.--Section 8701 of 
     title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end 
     the following:
       ``(e) This section does not apply to non-operating 
     individuals.''.
       (B) Training for use of force against piracy.--Section 
     51705(4) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by 
     striking ``46 U.S.C. 8107 note'' and inserting ``46 U.S.C. 
     8108 note''.

     SEC. 304. SMALL PASSENGER VESSELS AND UNINSPECTED PASSENGER 
                   VESSELS.

       Section 12121 of title 46, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)(1), by striking subparagraphs (A) and 
     (B) and inserting the following:
       ``(A) was built in the United States;
       ``(B) was not built in the United States and is at least 3 
     years old; or
       ``(C) if rebuilt, was rebuilt--
       ``(i) in the United States; or
       ``(ii) outside the United States at least 3 years before 
     the certificate requested under subsection (b) would take 
     effect.''; and
       (2) in subsection (b), by inserting ``12132,'' after 
     ``12113,''.

     SEC. 305. INSTALLATION VESSELS.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 551 of title 46, United States 
     Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new 
     section:

     ``Sec. 55123. Installation vessels

       ``(a) Initial Determination of Coastwise Qualified 
     Vessel.--No later than 180 days after the date of the 
     enactment of this section, the Secretary of Transportation 
     shall determine whether an installation vessel exists for 
     which a coastwise endorsement has been issued under section 
     12112.
       ``(b) Application.--If the Secretary of Transportation 
     determines under subsection (a) that no such coastwise 
     qualified vessel exists, then, after the date on which such 
     determination is made, lifting operations between a vessel 
     for which a coastwise endorsement has been issued under 
     section 12112 and an installation vessel for which no such 
     endorsement has been issued is not transportation of 
     merchandise for the purposes of section 55102.
       ``(c) Requests for Determinations of Coastwise Qualified 
     Vessels.--
       ``(1) In general.--After the date on which the 
     determination is made under subsection (a), an installation 
     vessel for which a coastwise endorsement has been issued 
     under section 12112, the owner or operator of such 
     installation vessel may seek a new determination from the 
     Secretary of Transportation that an installation vessel for 
     which a coastwise endorsement has been issued under section 
     12112 exists.
       ``(2) Application to non-qualified vessels.--If the 
     Secretary of Transportation makes a determination under 
     paragraph (1) that a coastwise qualified vessel exists, 
     then--
       ``(A) the owner or operator of an installation vessel for 
     which no coastwise endorsement has been issued under section 
     12112 shall seek a determination of the availability of a 
     coastwise qualified vessel under paragraph (3) before using 
     such non-coastwise qualified vessel for the transportation of 
     a platform jacket; and
       ``(B) after the date on which such determination is made, 
     the owner or operator of an installation vessel for which no 
     coastwise endorsement has been issued under section 12112 
     shall not use such non-coastwise qualified vessel for the 
     transportation of a platform jacket unless the Secretary of 
     Transportation determines a coastwise qualified is not 
     available under paragraph (4).
       ``(3) Criteria for determination of availability.--The 
     Secretary of Transportation shall determine a coastwise 
     qualified vessel is not available if--
       ``(A) the owner or operator of a non-coastwise qualified 
     vessel submits to the Secretary of Transportation an 
     application for the use of a non-coastwise qualified 
     installation vessel for transportation of a platform jacket 
     under this section that includes all relevant information, 
     including engineering details and timing requirements, and 
     such application is submitted not less than 1 year before the 
     date such vessel is required for such use;
       ``(B) the Secretary provides the application made under 
     subparagraph (A) to the owner of each coastwise qualified 
     vessel listed as an installation vessel in the inventory 
     under section 12138(c) and promptly publishes in the Federal 
     Register a notice--
       ``(i) describing the project and the platform jacket 
     involved;
       ``(ii) advising that all relevant information reasonably 
     needed to assess the transportation and installation 
     requirements for the platform jacket will be made available 
     to an interested person on request; and
       ``(iii) requesting that information on the availability of 
     coastwise qualified vessels be submitted within a 45-day 
     period beginning on the date of such publication; and
       ``(C)(i) within such 45-day period no information is 
     submitted to the Secretary from owners or operators of 
     coastwise qualified installation vessels to meet the 
     requirements of the application required under paragraph (A); 
     or
       ``(ii) the owner or operator of a coastwise qualified 
     installation vessel submits information to the Secretary 
     asserting that the owner or operator has a suitable coastwise 
     qualified installation vessel available to meet the 
     requirements of the application required under paragraph (A), 
     but the Secretary determines, within 90 days after the notice 
     is first published, that the coastwise qualified installation 
     vessel is not suitable or reasonably available for the 
     transportation.
       ``(d) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) Installation vessel.--The term `installation vessel' 
     means a vessel using a crane suitable for offshore use that--
       ``(A) is used to install platform jackets;
       ``(B) has a slewing or luffing capability;
       ``(C) has a lifting capacity of at least 1,000 metric tons; 
     and
       ``(D) conducts lifting operations to construct or remove 
     offshore facilities or subsea infrastructure or to install 
     and uninstall component parts or materials from offshore 
     facilities or subsea infrastructure.
       ``(2) Lifting operations.--The term `lifting operations' 
     means the lifting of platform jackets by crane from the time 
     that the lifting activity begins when unlading from a vessel 
     or removing offshore facilities or subsea infrastructure 
     until the time that the lifting activities are terminated for 
     a particular unlading, installation, or removal of offshore 
     facilities or subsea infrastructure.
       ``(3) Platform jacket.--The term `platform jacket' has the 
     meaning given such term in section 55108(a).''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 551 of 
     title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end 
     the following:

``55123. Installation vessels.''.
       (c) Inventory.--Section 12138(b) of title 46, United States 
     Code, is amended--
       (1) in the heading, by striking the period and inserting 
     ``, and Installation.'';
       (2) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary of Transportation shall 
     develop, maintain, and periodically update an inventory of 
     vessels that are--
       ``(A) documented under this chapter;
       ``(B) at least 200 feet in length;
       ``(C) have the capability to lay, maintain, or repair a 
     submarine cable, without regard to whether a particular 
     vessel is classed as a cable ship or cable vessel; and
       ``(D) installation vessels within the meaning of such term 
     in section 55123.''; and
       (3) by amending paragraph (2)(B) to read as follows:
       ``(B) the abilities and limitations of the vessel with 
     respect to--
       ``(i) in the case of a vessel required to be inventoried 
     under paragraph (1)(A), laying, maintaining, and repairing a 
     submarine cable; and
       ``(ii) in the case of a vessel required to be inventoried 
     under paragraph (1)(B), installing platform jackets; and''.
       (d) Notice of Modification or Revocation.--No later than 30 
     days after the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of 
     Homeland Security, acting through the Commissioner of Customs 
     and Border Protection, shall issue a notice, including an 
     opportunity for public comment, on the modification or 
     revocation of Letter Rulings 101925, 108442, 113841, 114435, 
     115185, 115218, 115311, 115487, 115522, 115771, 115938, 
     116078, H004242 with respect to the application of the 
     section 55102 of title 46, Shipping, United States Code, to 
     certain offshore operations.

     SEC. 306. ADVISORY COMMITTEES.

       (a) National Offshore Safety Advisory Committee; 
     Representation.--Section 15106(c)(3) of title 46, United 
     States Code, is amended--
       (1) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``mineral and oil 
     operations, including geophysical services'' and inserting 
     ``operations'';
       (2) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``exploration and 
     recovery'';
       (3) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``engaged in diving 
     services related to offshore construction, inspection, and 
     maintenance'' and inserting ``providing diving services to 
     the offshore industry'';
       (4) in subparagraph (F), by striking ``engaged in safety 
     and training services related to offshore exploration and 
     construction'' and inserting ``providing safety and training 
     services to the offshore industry'';
       (5) in subparagraph (G), by striking ``engaged in 
     pipelaying services related to offshore construction'' and 
     inserting ``providing subsea engineering, construction, or 
     remotely operated vehicle support to the offshore industry'';
       (6) in subparagraph (H), by striking ``mineral and 
     energy'';

[[Page H7270]]

       (7) in subparagraph (I), by striking ``national 
     environmental entities'' and inserting ``entities providing 
     environmental protection, compliance, or response services to 
     the offshore industry''; and
       (8) in subparagraph (J), by striking ``deepwater ports'' 
     and inserting ``entities engaged in offshore oil exploration 
     and production on the Outer Continental Shelf adjacent to 
     Alaska''.
       (b) Advisory Committees; Testimony.--Section 15109(j)(4) of 
     title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end 
     the following:
       ``(C) Testimony.--The members of a committee shall be 
     available to testify before appropriate committees of the 
     Congress with respect to the advice, reports, and 
     recommendations submitted under paragraph (2).''.
       (c) Maritime Transportation System National Advisory 
     Committee.--
       (1) In general.--Chapter 555 of title 46, United States 
     Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

     ``Sec. 55502. Maritime Transportation System National 
       Advisory Committee

       ``(a) Establishment.--There is established a Maritime 
     Transportation System National Advisory Committee (in this 
     section referred to as the `Committee').
       ``(b) Function.--The Committee shall advise the Secretary 
     of Transportation on matters relating to the United States 
     maritime transportation system and its seamless integration 
     with other segments of the transportation system, including 
     the viability of the United States Merchant Marine.
       ``(c) Membership.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Committee shall consist of 27 
     members appointed by the Secretary of Transportation in 
     accordance with this section and section 15109.
       ``(2) Expertise.--Each member of the Committee shall have 
     particular expertise, knowledge, and experience in matters 
     relating to the function of the Committee.
       ``(3) Representation.--Members of the Committee shall be 
     appointed as follows:
       ``(A) At least 1 member shall represent the Environmental 
     Protection Agency.
       ``(B) At least 1 member shall represent the Department of 
     Commerce.
       ``(C) At least 1 member shall represent the Army Corps of 
     Engineers.
       ``(D) At least 1 member shall represent the Coast Guard.
       ``(E) At least 1 member shall represent Customs and Border 
     Protection.
       ``(F) At least 1 member shall represent State and local 
     governmental entities.
       ``(G) Additional members shall represent private sector 
     entities that reflect a cross-section of maritime industries, 
     including port and water stakeholders, academia, and labor.
       ``(H) The Secretary may appoint additional representatives 
     from other Federal agencies as the Secretary considers 
     appropriate.
       ``(4) Administration.--For purposes of section 15109--
       ``(A) the Committee shall be treated as a committee 
     established under chapter 151; and
       ``(B) the Secretary of Transportation shall fulfill all 
     duties and responsibilities and have all authorities of the 
     Secretary of Homeland Security with regard to the 
     Committee.''.
       (2) Treatment of existing committee.--Notwithstanding any 
     other provision of law--
       (A) an advisory committee substantially similar to the 
     Committee established by section 55502 of title 46, United 
     States Code, and that was in force or in effect on the day 
     before the date of the enactment of this Act, including the 
     charter, membership, and other aspects of such committee, may 
     remain in force or in effect for the 2-year period beginning 
     on the date of the enactment of this section; and
       (B) during such 2-year period--
       (i) requirements relating the Maritime Transportation 
     System National Advisory Committee established by such 
     section shall be treated as satisfied by such substantially 
     similar advisory committee; and
       (ii) the enactment of this section shall not be the basis--

       (I) to deem, find, or declare such committee, including the 
     charter, membership, and other aspects thereof, void, not in 
     force, or not in effect;
       (II) to suspend the activities of such committee; or
       (III) to bar the members of such committee from a meeting.

       (3) Clerical amendment.--The analysis for chapter 555 of 
     title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end 
     the following:

``55502. Maritime Transportation System National Advisory Committee.''.
       (4) Repeal.--Section 55603 of title 46, United States Code, 
     and the item relating to that section in the analysis for 
     chapter 556 of that title, are repealed.
       (d) Great Lakes Pilotage Advisory Committee.--
       (1) In general.--Title 46, United States Code, is amended 
     by striking section 9307 and inserting the following:

     ``Sec. 9307. Great Lakes Pilotage Advisory Committee

       ``(a) Establishment.--There is established a Great Lakes 
     Pilotage Advisory Committee (in this section referred to as 
     the `Committee').
       ``(b) Function.--The Committee--
       ``(1) may review proposed Great Lakes pilotage regulations 
     and policies and make recommendations to the Secretary that 
     the Committee considers appropriate;
       ``(2) may advise, consult with, report to, and make 
     recommendations to the Secretary on matters relating to Great 
     Lakes pilotage; and
       ``(3) may only make recommendations to the Secretary under 
     paragraph (2) if such recommendations have been approved by 
     all but one of the members then serving on such Committee.
       ``(c) Membership.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Committee shall consist of 7 members 
     appointed by the Secretary in accordance with this section 
     and section 15109.
       ``(2) Expertise.--Each member of the Committee shall have 
     particular expertise, knowledge, and experience in matters 
     relating to the function of the Committee.
       ``(3) Representation.--Members of the Committee shall be 
     appointed as follows:
       ``(A) The President of each of the 3 Great Lakes pilotage 
     districts, or the President's representative.
       ``(B) At least 1 member shall represent the interests of 
     vessel operators that contract for Great Lakes pilotage 
     services.
       ``(C) At least 1 member shall represent the interests of 
     Great Lakes ports.
       ``(D) At least 1 member shall represent the interests of 
     shippers whose cargoes are transported through Great Lakes 
     ports.
       ``(E) At least 1 member shall have a background in finance 
     or accounting and must have been recommended to the Secretary 
     by a unanimous vote of the other members of the Committee.
       ``(4) Administration.--For purposes of section 15109, the 
     Committee shall be treated as a committee established under 
     chapter 151.''.
       (2) Treatment of existing committee.--Notwithstanding any 
     other provision of law--
       (A) an advisory committee substantially similar to the 
     Great Lakes Pilotage Advisory Committee established by 
     section 9307 of title 46, United States Code, as amended by 
     this section, and that was in force or in effect on the day 
     before the date of the enactment of this Act, including the 
     charter, membership, and other aspects of the committee, may 
     remain in force or in effect for a period of 2 years from the 
     date of enactment of this Act; and
       (B) during such 2-year period--
       (i) requirements relating to the Great Lakes Pilotage 
     Advisory Committee established by section 9307 of title 46, 
     United States Code, as amended by this section, shall be 
     treated as satisfied by the substantially similar advisory 
     committee; and
       (ii) the enactment of this section and the amendments made 
     by this section shall not be the basis--

       (I) to deem, find, or declare such committee, including the 
     charter, membership, and other aspects thereof, void, not in 
     force, or not in effect;
       (II) to suspend the activities of such committee; or
       (III) to bar the members of such committee from a meeting.

       (e) Technical Corrections.--Section 15109 of title 46 is 
     amended by inserting ``or to which this chapter applies'' 
     after ``committee established under this chapter'' each place 
     it appears.

     SEC. 307. EXPIRED MARITIME LIENS.

       Section 31343(e) of title 46, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (1) by inserting ``(1)'' before ``A notice''; and
       (2) by inserting after paragraph (1), as so designated by 
     this section, the following:
       ``(2) On expiration of a notice of claim of lien under 
     paragraph (1), the Secretary shall remove such expired 
     notice.''.

     SEC. 308. TRAINING; EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROVIDERS.

       (a) Security Plan Implementation Grants.--Section 70107 of 
     title 46, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``law enforcement 
     personnel'' and inserting ``emergency response providers'';
       (2) in subsection (b)(8), by striking ``law enforcement 
     personnel--'' and inserting ``emergency response providers--
     ''; and
       (3) in subsection (c)(2)(C), by striking ``law enforcement 
     agency personnel'' and inserting ``emergency response 
     providers''.
       (b) Credentialing for State and Local Support.--Section 
     70132 of title 46, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``law enforcement 
     personnel--'' and inserting ``emergency response providers--
     '';
       (2) in subsection (b), by striking ``law enforcement 
     personnel'' each place it appears and inserting ``emergency 
     response providers''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(d) Definition.--For the purposes of this section, the 
     term `emergency response providers' has the meaning given 
     that term in section 2 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 
     (6 U.S.C. 101).''.

     SEC. 309. AIMING A LASER POINTER AT A VESSEL.

       (a) In General.--Subchapter II of chapter 700 of title 46, 
     United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:

     ``Sec. 70014. Aiming a laser pointer at a vessel

       ``(a) Prohibition.--It shall be unlawful to cause the beam 
     of a laser pointer to strike a vessel operating on the 
     navigable waters of the United States.
       ``(b) Exceptions.--This section shall not apply to a member 
     or element of the Department of Defense or Department of 
     Homeland Security acting in an official capacity for

[[Page H7271]]

     the purpose of research, development, operations, testing, or 
     training.
       ``(c) Laser Pointer Defined.--In this section the term 
     `laser pointer' means any device designed or used to amplify 
     electromagnetic radiation by stimulated emission that emits a 
     beam designed to be used by the operator as a pointer or 
     highlighter to indicate, mark, or identify a specific 
     position, place, item, or object.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for such chapter is 
     amended by adding at the end of the items relating to such 
     subchapter the following:

``70014. Aiming a laser pointer at a vessel.''.

     SEC. 310. MARITIME TRANSPORTATION ASSESSMENT.

       Section 55501(e) of title 46, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (1) in paragraph (2), by striking ``an assessment of the 
     condition'' and inserting ``a conditions and performance 
     analysis'';
       (2) in paragraph (4), by striking ``; and'' and inserting a 
     semicolon;
       (3) in paragraph (5) by striking the period and inserting 
     ``; and''; and
       (4) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(6) a compendium of the Federal programs engaged in the 
     maritime transportation system.''.

     SEC. 311. SAFETY OF SPECIAL ACTIVITIES.

       (a) In General.--Title 46, United States Code, is amended 
     by inserting after section 70005 the following:

     ``Sec. 70006. Safety of special activities

       ``(a) In General.--The Secretary may establish a safety 
     zone to address special activities in the exclusive economic 
     zone.
       ``(b) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) The term `safety zone' has the meaning provided in 
     section 165.20 of title 33, Code of Federal Regulations.
       ``(2) The term `special activities' includes--
       ``(A) space activities, including launch and reentry, as 
     those terms are defined in section 50902 of title 51, carried 
     out by United States citizens; and
       ``(B) offshore energy development activities, as described 
     in section 8(p)(1)(C) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands 
     Act (43 U.S.C. 1337(p)(1)(C)), on or near a fixed platform.
       ``(3) The term `United States citizen' has the meaning 
     given the term `eligible owners' in section 12103.
       ``(4) The term `fixed platform' means an artificial island, 
     installation, or structure permanently attached to the sea-
     bed for the purpose of exploration or exploitation of 
     resources or for other economic purposes.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 700 of 
     title 46, United States Code, is amended by inserting after 
     the item relating to section 70005 the following:

``70006. Safety of special activities.''.
       (c) Regulations.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the department in 
     which the Coast Guard is operating shall establish 
     regulations to implement this section.
       (2) Alignment with other regulations.--Such regulations 
     shall align with subchapter C of chapter III of title 14, 
     Code of Federal Regulations.

     SEC. 312. ENGINE CUT-OFF SWITCHES; USE REQUIREMENT.

       (a) In General.--Section 4312 of title 46, United States 
     Code, is amended--
       (1) by redesignating subsections (b), (c), and (d) as 
     subsections (c), (d), and (e), respectively; and
       (2) by inserting after subsection (a) the following:
       ``(b) Use Requirement.--
       ``(1) In general.--An individual operating a covered 
     recreational vessel shall use an engine cut-off switch link 
     while operating on plane or above displacement speed.
       ``(2) Exceptions.--The requirement under paragraph (1) 
     shall not apply if--
       ``(A) the main helm of the covered vessel is installed 
     within an enclosed cabin; or
       ``(B) the vessel does not have an engine cut-off switch and 
     is not required to have one under subsection (a).''.
       (b) Civil Penalty.--Section 4311 of title 46, United States 
     Code, is amended by--
       (1) redesignating subsections (c), (d), (e), (f), and (g) 
     as subsections (d), (e), (f), (g), and (h), respectively; and
       (2) inserting after subsection (b) the following:
       ``(c) A person violating section 4312(b) of this title is 
     liable to the United States Government for a civil penalty of 
     not more than--
       ``(1) $100 for the first offense;
       ``(2) $250 for the second offense; and
       ``(3) $500 for any subsequent offense.''.
       (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made in subsections (a) 
     and (b) shall take effect 90 days after the date of the 
     enactment of this section, unless the Commandant of the Coast 
     Guard, prior to the date that is 90 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this section, determines that the use 
     requirement enacted in subsection (a) would not promote 
     recreational boating safety.

     SEC. 313. EXEMPTIONS AND EQUIVALENTS.

       (a) In General.--Section 4305 of title 46, United States 
     Code, is amended--
       (1) by striking the heading and inserting the following:

     ``Sec. 4305. Exemptions and equivalents'';

       (2) by striking ``If the Secretary'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(a) Exemptions.--If the Secretary''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(b) Equivalents.--The Secretary may accept a substitution 
     for associated equipment performance or other safety 
     standards for a recreational vessel if the substitution 
     provides an equivalent level of safety.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 43 of 
     title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking the item 
     relating to section 4305 and inserting the following:

``4305. Exemptions and equivalents.''.

     SEC. 314. SECURITY PLANS; REVIEWS.

       Section 70103 of title 46, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) by amending subsection (b)(3) to read as follows:
       ``(3) The Secretary shall review and approve Area Maritime 
     Transportation Security Plans and updates under this 
     subsection.''; and
       (2) in subsection (c)(4), by inserting ``or update'' after 
     ``plan'' each place it appears.

     SEC. 315. WAIVER OF NAVIGATION AND VESSEL INSPECTION LAWS.

       Section 501(a) of title 46, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (1) by striking ``On request'' and inserting the following:
       ``(1) In general.--On request''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(2) Explanation.--Not later than 24 hours after making a 
     request under paragraph (1), the Secretary of Defense shall 
     submit to the Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure 
     and Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committees on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and Armed 
     Services of the Senate a written explanation of the 
     circumstances requiring such a waiver in the interest of 
     national defense, including a confirmation that there are 
     insufficient qualified vessels to meet the needs of national 
     defense without such a waiver.''.

     SEC. 316. REQUIREMENT FOR SMALL SHIPYARD GRANTEES.

       Section 54101(d) of title 46, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (1) by striking ``Grants awarded'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(1) In general.--Grants awarded''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(2) Buy america.--
       ``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), no funds 
     may be obligated by the Administrator of the Maritime 
     Administration under this section, unless each product and 
     material purchased with those funds (including products and 
     materials purchased by a grantee), and including any 
     commercially available off-the-shelf item, is--
       ``(i) an unmanufactured article, material, or supply that 
     has been mined or produced in the United States; or
       ``(ii) a manufactured article, material, or supply that has 
     been manufactured in the United States substantially all from 
     articles, materials, or supplies mined, produced, or 
     manufactured in the United States.
       ``(B) Exceptions.--
       ``(i) In general.--Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), the 
     requirements of that subparagraph shall not apply with 
     respect to a particular product or material if such 
     Administrator determines--

       ``(I) that the application of those requirements would be 
     inconsistent with the public interest;
       ``(II) that such product or material is not available in 
     the United States in sufficient and reasonably available 
     quantities, of a satisfactory quality, or on a timely basis; 
     or
       ``(III) that inclusion of a domestic product or material 
     will increase the cost of that product or material by more 
     than 25 percent, with respect to a certain contract between a 
     grantee and that grantee's supplier.

       ``(ii) Federal register.--A determination made by such 
     Administrator under this subparagraph shall be published in 
     the Federal Register.
       ``(C) Definitions.--In this paragraph:
       ``(i) Commercially available off-the-shelf item.--The term 
     `commercially available off-the-shelf item' means--

       ``(I) any item of supply (including construction material) 
     that is--

       ``(aa) a commercial item, as defined by section 2.101 of 
     title 48, Code of Federal Regulations; and
       ``(bb) sold in substantial quantities in the commercial 
     marketplace; and

       ``(II) does not include bulk cargo, as that term is defined 
     in section 40102(4) of this title, such as agricultural 
     products and petroleum products.

       ``(ii) Product or material.--The term `product or material' 
     means an article, material, or supply brought to the site by 
     the recipient for incorporation into the building, work, or 
     project. The term also includes an item brought to the site 
     preassembled from articles, materials, or supplies. However, 
     emergency life safety systems, such as emergency lighting, 
     fire alarm, and audio evacuation systems, that are discrete 
     systems incorporated into a public building or work and that 
     are produced as complete systems, are evaluated as a single 
     and distinct construction material regardless of when or how 
     the individual parts or components of those systems are 
     delivered to the construction site.
       ``(iii) United states.--The term `United States' includes 
     the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, 
     the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the 
     Virgin Islands.''.

[[Page H7272]]

  


     SEC. 317. INDEPENDENT STUDY ON THE UNITED STATES MERCHANT 
                   MARINE ACADEMY.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall 
     seek to enter into an agreement with the National Academy of 
     Public Administration (referred to in this section as the 
     ``Academy'') to carry out the activities described in this 
     section.
       (b) Study Elements.--In accordance with the agreement 
     described in subsection (a), the Academy shall conduct a 
     study of the United States Merchant Marine Academy that 
     consists of the following:
       (1) A comprehensive assessment of the United States 
     Merchant Marine Academy's systems, training, facilities, 
     infrastructure, information technology, and stakeholder 
     engagement.
       (2) Identification of needs and opportunities for 
     modernization to help the United States Merchant Marine 
     Academy keep pace with more modern campuses.
       (3) Development of an action plan for the United States 
     Merchant Marine Academy with specific recommendations for--
       (A) improvements or updates relating to the opportunities 
     described in paragraph (2); and
       (B) systemic changes needed to help the United States 
     Merchant Marine Academy achieve its mission of inspiring and 
     educating the next generation of the mariner workforce on a 
     long-term basis.
       (c) Deadline and Report.--Not later than 1 year after the 
     date of the agreement described in subsection (a), the 
     Academy shall prepare and submit to the Administrator of the 
     Maritime Administration a report containing the action plan 
     described in subsection (b)(3), including specific findings 
     and recommendations.

     SEC. 318. CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE FOR DOMESTIC MARITIME 
                   WORKFORCE TRAINING AND EDUCATION.

       Section 54102 of title 46, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (b), by inserting ``or subsection (d)'' 
     after ``designated under subsection (a)''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(d) State Maritime Academy.--The Secretary of 
     Transportation shall designate each State maritime academy, 
     as defined in section 51102(4) of this title, as a center of 
     excellence under this section.''.

     SEC. 319. RENEWAL OF MERCHANT MARINER LICENSES AND DOCUMENTS.

       Section 7507 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by 
     adding at the end the following:
       ``(d) Renewal.--With respect to any renewal of an existing 
     merchant mariner credential that is not an extension under 
     subsection (a) or (b), such credential shall begin the day 
     after the expiration of the credential holder's existing 
     credential.''.

                        TITLE IV--MISCELLANEOUS

     SEC. 401. COASTWISE TRADE.

       (a) In General.--The Commandant of the Coast Guard shall 
     review the adequacy of and continuing need for provisions in 
     title 46, Code of Federal Regulations, that require a United 
     States vessel documented under chapter 121 of title 46, 
     United States Code, possessing a coastwise endorsement under 
     that chapter, and engaged in coastwise trade, to comply with 
     regulations for vessels engaged in an international voyage.
       (b) Briefing.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Commandant of the Coast Guard 
     shall provide to the Committee on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate a briefing on the findings of the review required 
     under subsection (a) and a discussion of how existing laws 
     and regulations could be amended to ensure the safety of 
     vessels described in subsection (a) while infringing as 
     little as possible on commerce.

     SEC. 402. UNMANNED MARITIME SYSTEMS AND SATELLITE VESSEL 
                   TRACKING TECHNOLOGIES.

       (a) Assessment.--
       (1) In general.--The Commandant of the Coast Guard, acting 
     through the Blue Technology Center of Expertise, shall 
     regularly assess available unmanned maritime systems and 
     satellite vessel tracking technologies for potential use to 
     support missions of the Coast Guard.
       (2) Consultation.--The Commandant shall make the assessment 
     required under paragraph (1) after consultation with the 
     Department of Defense, other Federal agencies, the academic 
     sector, and developers and manufacturers of unmanned maritime 
     systems and satellite vessel tracking technologies.
       (b) Report.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than one year after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, and biennially thereafter, the 
     Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Transportation 
     and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate a report on the actual and potential effects of the 
     use of then-existing unmanned maritime systems and satellite 
     vessel tracking technologies on the mission effectiveness of 
     the Coast Guard.
       (2) Contents.--Each report submitted under paragraph (1) 
     shall include the following:
       (A) An inventory of current unmanned maritime systems used 
     by the Coast Guard, an overview of such usage, and a 
     discussion of the mission effectiveness of such systems, 
     including any benefits realized or risks or negative aspects 
     of such usage.
       (B) An inventory of satellite vessel tracking technologies, 
     and a discussion of the potential mission effectiveness of 
     such technologies, including any benefits or risks or 
     negative aspects of such usage.
       (C) A prioritized list of Coast Guard mission requirements 
     that could be met with additional unmanned maritime systems, 
     or with satellite vessel tracking technologies, and the 
     estimated costs of accessing, acquiring, or operating such 
     systems.
       (c) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Unmanned maritime systems.--
       (A) In general.--The term ``unmanned maritime systems'' 
     means remotely operated or autonomous vehicles produced by 
     the commercial sector designed to travel in the air, on or 
     under the ocean surface, on land, or any combination thereof, 
     and that function without an on-board human presence.
       (B) Examples.--Such term includes the following:
       (i) Unmanned undersea vehicles.
       (ii) Unmanned surface vehicles.
       (iii) Unmanned aerial vehicles.
       (iv) Autonomous underwater vehicles.
       (v) Autonomous surface vehicles.
       (vi) Autonomous aerial vehicles.
       (2) Available unmanned maritime systems.--The term 
     ``available unmanned maritime systems'' includes systems that 
     can be purchased commercially or are in use by the Department 
     of Defense or other Federal agencies.
       (3) Satellite vessel tracking technologies.--The term 
     ``satellite vessel tracking technologies'' means shipboard 
     broadcast systems that use satellites and terrestrial 
     receivers to continually track vessels.

     SEC. 403. EXPEDITED TRANSFER IN CASES OF SEXUAL ASSAULT; 
                   DEPENDENTS OF MEMBERS OF THE COAST GUARD.

       Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of 
     this Act, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall establish a 
     policy to allow the transfer of a member of the Coast Guard 
     whose dependent is the victim of sexual assault perpetrated 
     by a member of the Armed Forces who is not related to the 
     victim.

     SEC. 404. TOWING VESSELS; OPERATION OUTSIDE THE BOUNDARY 
                   LINE.

       (a) Interim Exemption.--A towing vessel to which this 
     section applies is exempt from any additional requirements of 
     subtitle II of title 46, United States Code, and chapter I of 
     title 33 and chapter I of title 46, Code of Federal 
     Regulations, that would result solely from such vessel 
     operating outside the Boundary Line (as such term is defined 
     in section 103 of title 46, United States Code) if such 
     vessel--
       (1) is listed as a response vessel on a vessel response 
     plan and is operating outside the Boundary Line solely to 
     perform duties of a response vessel; or
       (2) is operating outside the Boundary Line solely to 
     perform operations necessary to escort a vessel with limited 
     maneuverability.
       (b) Applicability.--This section applies to a towing 
     vessel--
       (1) that is subject to inspection under chapter 33 of title 
     46, United States Code, and subchapter M of title 46, Code of 
     Federal Regulations;
       (2) with only ``Lakes, Bays, and Sounds'' or ``Rivers'' 
     routes recorded on such vessel's certificate of inspection 
     under section 136.230 of title 46, Code of Federal 
     Regulations; and
       (3)(A) that, with respect to a vessel that is described in 
     subsection (a)(1), is listed--
       (i) on a vessel response plan under part 155 of title 33, 
     Code of Federal Regulations, on the date of approval of the 
     vessel response plan; or
       (ii) by name or reference in the vessel response plan's 
     geographic-specific appendix on the date of approval of the 
     vessel response plan; or
       (B) that, with respect to a vessel described in subsection 
     (a)(2), is regularly engaged in harbor assist operations, 
     including the docking, undocking, mooring, unmooring, and 
     escorting of vessels with limited maneuverability.
       (c) Limitations.--A vessel exempted under subsection (a) is 
     subject to the following operating limitations:
       (1) Response vessels.--The voyage of a vessel exempted 
     under subsection (a)(1) shall--
       (A) be less than 12 hours, or in the case of a voyage in 
     the territorial waters of Alaska, Guam, Hawaii, and American 
     Samoa, have sufficient manning as determined by the 
     Secretary; and
       (B) originate and end in the inspection zone of a single 
     Officer In-Charge, Marine Inspection, as defined in section 
     3305(d)(4) of title 46, United States Code.
       (2) Escort vessels.--The voyage of a vessel exempted under 
     subsection (a)(2) shall--
       (A) be less than 12 hours in total duration;
       (B) originate and end in the inspection zone of a single 
     Officer In-Charge, Marine Inspection, as such term is defined 
     in section 3305(d)(4) of title 46, United States Code; and
       (C) occur no further than 10 nautical miles from the 
     Boundary Line.
       (d) Termination.--The interim exemption provided under 
     subsection (a) shall terminate on July 22, 2023.
       (e) Restriction.--The Officer In-Charge, Marine Inspection, 
     as defined in section 3305(d)(4) of title 46, United States 
     Code, for an inspection zone may restrict operations under 
     the exemptions provided under subsection (a) for safety 
     purposes.

[[Page H7273]]

       (f) Briefing.--Not later than July 22, 2022, the Commandant 
     of the Coast Guard shall brief the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate regarding the following:
       (1) The impacts of the interim exemptions provided under 
     this section.
       (2) Any safety concerns regarding the expiration of such 
     interim exemptions.
       (3) Whether such interim exemptions should be extended or 
     made permanent in the interests of safety.

     SEC. 405. COAST GUARD AUTHORITIES STUDY.

       (a) In General.--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 not later 
     than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act 
     under which the Academy shall prepare an assessment of Coast 
     Guard authorities.
       (b) Assessment.--The assessment under subsection (a) shall 
     provide--
       (1) an examination of emerging issues that may require 
     Coast Guard oversight, regulation, or action;
       (2) a description of potential limitations and shortcomings 
     of relying on current Coast Guard authorities to address 
     emerging issues; and
       (3) an overview of adjustments and additions that could be 
     made to existing Coast Guard authorities to fully address 
     emerging issues.
       (c) Report to the Congress.--Not later than 1 year after 
     entering into an arrangement with the Secretary under 
     subsection (a), the National Academy of Sciences shall submit 
     the assessment under this section to the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate.
       (d) Emerging Issues.--In this section, the term ``emerging 
     issues'' means changes in the maritime industry and 
     environment that in the determination of the National Academy 
     of Sciences are reasonably likely to occur within 10 years 
     after the date of the enactment of this Act, including--
       (1) the introduction of new technologies in the maritime 
     domain;
       (2) the advent of new processes or operational activities 
     in the maritime domain; and
       (3) changes in the use of navigable waterways.

     SEC. 406. CLOUD COMPUTING STRATEGY.

       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 Transportation and Infrastructure of the 
     House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation of the Senate a detailed 
     description of the Coast Guard's strategy to implement cloud 
     computing for the entire Coast Guard, including--
       (1) the goals and acquisition strategies for all proposed 
     enterprise-wide cloud computing service procurements;
       (2) a strategy to sustain competition and innovation 
     throughout the period of performance of each contract for 
     procurement of cloud-computing goods and services for the 
     Coast Guard, including defining opportunities for multiple 
     cloud-service providers and insertion of new technologies;
       (3) an assessment of potential threats and security 
     vulnerabilities of the strategy, and plans to mitigate such 
     risks; and
       (4) an estimate of the cost and timeline to implement cloud 
     computing service for all Coast Guard computing.

     SEC. 407. REPORT ON EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON COAST GUARD.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, 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 report on vulnerabilities of Coast Guard 
     installations and requirements resulting from climate change 
     over the next 20 years.
       (b) Elements.--The report under subsection (a) shall 
     include the following:
       (1) A list of the 10 most vulnerable Coast Guard 
     installations based on the effects of climate change, 
     including rising sea tides, increased flooding, drought, 
     desertification, wildfires, thawing permafrost, or any other 
     categories the Commandant determines necessary.
       (2) An overview of--
       (A) mitigations that may be necessary to ensure the 
     continued operational viability and to increase the 
     resiliency of the identified vulnerable installations; and
       (B) the cost of such mitigations.
       (3) A discussion of the climate-change-related effects on 
     the Coast Guard, including--
       (A) the increase in the frequency of humanitarian 
     assistance and disaster relief missions; and
       (B) campaign plans, contingency plans, and operational 
     posture of the Coast Guard.
       (4) An overview of mitigations that may be necessary to 
     ensure mission resiliency and the cost of such mitigations.
       (c) Form.--The report required under subsection (a) shall 
     be submitted in unclassified form, but may contain a 
     classified annex.

     SEC. 408. SHORE INFRASTRUCTURE.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Commandant of the Coast Guard 
     shall--
       (1) develop a plan to standardize Coast Guard facility 
     condition assessments;
       (2) establish shore infrastructure performance goals, 
     measures, and baselines to track the effectiveness of 
     maintenance and repair investments and provide feedback on 
     progress made;
       (3) develop a process to routinely align the Coast Guard 
     shore infrastructure portfolio with mission needs, including 
     disposing of unneeded assets;
       (4) establish guidance for planning boards to document 
     inputs, deliberations, and project prioritization decisions 
     for infrastructure maintenance projects;
       (5) employ models for Coast Guard infrastructure asset 
     lines for--
       (A) predicting the outcome of investments in shore 
     infrastructure;
       (B) analyzing tradeoffs; and
       (C) optimizing decisions among competing investments;
       (6) include supporting details about competing project 
     alternatives and report tradeoffs in congressional budget 
     requests and related reports; and
       (7) explore the development of real property management 
     expertise within the Coast Guard workforce, including members 
     of the Senior Executive Service.
       (b) Briefing.--Not later than December 31, 2020, the 
     Commandant of the Coast Guard shall brief the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate on the status of the actions 
     required under subsection (a).

     SEC. 409. PHYSICAL ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEM REPORT.

       Not later 180 days after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act and annually for each of the 4 years thereafter, 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 report regarding the status of 
     the Coast Guard's compliance with Homeland Security 
     Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Federal Information 
     Processing Standard 201 (FIPS-201), including--
       (1) the status of Coast Guard efforts to field a 
     comprehensive Physical Access Control System at Coast Guard 
     installations and locations necessary to bring the Service 
     into compliance with HSPD-12 and FIPS-201B;
       (2) the status of the selection of a technological 
     solution;
       (3) the estimated phases and timeframe to complete the 
     implementation of such a system; and
       (4) the estimated cost for each phase of the project.

     SEC. 410. COASTWISE ENDORSEMENTS.

       (a) ``Safari Voyager''.--
       (1) In general.--Notwithstanding sections 12112 and 12132 
     of title 46, United States Code, the Secretary of the 
     department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall issue 
     a certificate of documentation with a coastwise endorsement 
     for the vessel Safari Voyager (International Maritime 
     Organization number 8963753).
       (2) Revocation of effectiveness of certificate.--A 
     certificate of documentation issued under paragraph (1) is 
     revoked on the date of the sale of the vessel or the entity 
     that owns the vessel.
       (b) ``Pacific Provider''.--
       (1) In general.--Notwithstanding sections 12112 and 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 vessel Pacific Provider (United States official number 
     597967).
       (2) Revocation of effectiveness of certificate.--A 
     certificate of documentation issued under paragraph (1) is 
     revoked on the date of the sale of the vessel or the entity 
     that owns the vessel.
       (c) Documentation of LNG Tankers.--Section 7(b)(3) of the 
     America's Cup Act of 2011 (Public Law 112-61) is amended by--
       (1) striking ``The coastwise endorsement issued'' and 
     inserting ``No coastwise endorsement shall be issued''; and
       (2) striking ``shall expire on'' and inserting ``after''.
       (d) Replacement Vessel.--Notwithstanding section 208(g)(5) 
     of the American Fisheries Act (Public Law 105-277; 16 U.S.C. 
     1851 note), a vessel eligible under section 208(e)(21) of 
     such Act that is replaced under section 208(g) of such Act 
     shall be subject to a sideboard restriction catch limit of 
     zero metric tons in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands and 
     in the Gulf of Alaska unless that vessel is also a 
     replacement vessel under section 679.4(o)(4) of title 50, 
     Code of Federal Regulations, in which case such vessel shall 
     not be eligible to be a catcher/processor under section 
     206(b)(2) of such Act.

     SEC. 411. POLAR SECURITY CUTTER ACQUISITION REPORT.

       Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of 
     this Act, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall submit a 
     report to the Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure 
     and Armed Services of the House of Representatives, and the 
     Committees on Commerce, Science and Transportation and Armed 
     Services of the Senate on--
       (1) the extent to which specifications, key drawings, and 
     detail design for the Polar Security Cutter are complete 
     before the start of construction;

[[Page H7274]]

       (2) the extent to which Polar Security Cutter hulls numbers 
     one, two, and three are science ready; and
       (3) what actions will be taken to ensure that Polar 
     Security Cutter hull number four is science capable, as 
     described in the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, 
     and Medicine's Committee on Polar Icebreaker Cost Assessment 
     letter report entitled ``Acquisition and Operation of Polar 
     Icebreakers: Fulfilling the Nation's Needs'' and dated July 
     11, 2017.

     SEC. 412. SENSE OF THE CONGRESS ON THE NEED FOR A NEW GREAT 
                   LAKES ICEBREAKER.

       (a) Findings.--The Congress finds the following:
       (1) The Great Lakes shipping industry is crucial to the 
     American economy, including the U.S. manufacturing base, 
     providing important economic and national security benefits.
       (2) A recent study found that the Great Lakes shipping 
     industry supports 237,000 jobs and tens of billions of 
     dollars in economic activity.
       (3) United States Coast Guard icebreaking capacity is 
     crucial to full utilization of the Great Lakes shipping 
     system, as during the winter icebreaking season up to 15 
     percent of annual cargo loads are delivered and many 
     industries would have to reduce their production if Coast 
     Guard icebreaking services were not provided.
       (4) Six of the Coast Guard's nine icebreaking cutters in 
     the Great Lakes are more than 30 years old and are frequently 
     inoperable during the winter icebreaking season, including 
     those that have completed a recent service life extension 
     program.
       (5) During the previous 10 winters, Coast Guard Great Lakes 
     icebreaking cutters have been inoperable for an average of 65 
     cutter-days during the winter icebreaking season, with this 
     annual lost capability exceeding 100 cutter-days, with a high 
     of 246 cutter-days during the winter of 2017-2018.
       (6) The 2019 ice season provides further proof that current 
     Coast Guard icebreaking capacity is inadequate for the needs 
     of the Great Lakes shipping industry, as only six of the nine 
     icebreaking cutters are operational and millions of tons of 
     cargo was not loaded or was delayed due to inadequate Coast 
     Guard icebreaking assets during a historically average winter 
     for Great Lakes ice coverage.
       (7) The Congress has authorized the Coast Guard to acquire 
     a new Great Lakes icebreaker as capable as Coast Guard Cutter 
     MACKINAW (WLBB-30), the most capable Great Lakes icebreaker, 
     and $10 million has been appropriated to fund the design and 
     initial acquisition work for this icebreaker.
       (8) The Coast Guard has not initiated a new acquisition 
     program for this Great Lakes icebreaker.
       (b) Sense of the Congress.--It is the sense of the Congress 
     of the United States that a new Coast Guard icebreaker as 
     capable as Coast Guard Cutter MACKINAW (WLBB-30) is needed on 
     the Great Lakes and the Coast Guard should acquire this 
     icebreaker as soon as possible.

     SEC. 413. CARGO PREFERENCE STUDY.

       (a) In General.--The Comptroller General of the United 
     States shall conduct an audit regarding the enforcement of 
     the United States Cargo Preference Laws set forth in sections 
     55302, 55303, 55304, and 55305 of title 46, United States 
     Code, and section 2631 of title 10, United States Code 
     (hereinafter in this section referred to as the ``United 
     States Cargo Preference Laws'').
       (b) Scope.--The audit conducted under subsection (a) shall 
     include, for the period from October 14, 2008, until the date 
     of the enactment of this Act--
       (1) a listing of the agencies and organizations required to 
     comply with the United States Cargo Preference Laws;
       (2) an analysis of the compliance or noncompliance of such 
     agencies and organizations with such laws, including--
       (A) the total amount of oceangoing cargo that each such 
     agency, organization, or contractor procured for its own 
     account or for which financing was in any way provided with 
     Federal funds, including loan guarantees;
       (B) the percentage of such cargo shipped on privately owned 
     commercial vessels of the United States;
       (C) an assessment of internal programs and controls used by 
     each such agency or organization to monitor and ensure 
     compliance with the United States Cargo Preference Laws, to 
     include education, training, and supervision of its 
     contracting personnel, and the procedures and controls used 
     to monitor compliance with cargo preference requirements by 
     contractors and subcontractors; and
       (D) instances in which cargoes are shipped on foreign-flag 
     vessels under non-availability determinations but not counted 
     as such for purposes of calculating cargo preference 
     compliance; and
       (3) an overview of enforcement activities undertaken by the 
     Maritime Administration from October 14, 2008, until the date 
     of the enactment of this Act, including a listing of all 
     bills of lading collected by the Maritime Administration 
     during that period.
       (c) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit 
     to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the 
     House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report detailing 
     the results of the audit and providing recommendations 
     related to such results, to include--
       (1) actions that should be taken by agencies and 
     organizations to fully comply with the United States Cargo 
     Preference Laws; and
       (2) Other measures that may compel agencies and 
     organizations, and their contractors and subcontractors, to 
     use United States flag vessels in the international 
     transportation of ocean cargoes as mandated by the United 
     States Cargo Preference Laws.

     SEC. 414. INSIDER THREAT PROGRAM.

       Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of 
     this Act, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall brief the 
     Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House 
     of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
     and Transportation of the Senate on a plan to expand the 
     Coast Guard Insider Threat program to include the monitoring 
     of all Coast Guard devices, including mobile devices.

     SEC. 415. FISHING SAFETY GRANTS.

       The cap on the Federal share of the cost of any activity 
     carried out with a grant under subsections (i) and (j) of 
     section 4502 of title 46, United States Code, as in effect 
     prior to the date of enactment of the Frank LoBiondo Coast 
     Guard Authorization Act of 2018, shall apply to any funds 
     appropriated under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2017 
     (Public Law 115-31) for the purpose of making such grants.

     SEC. 416. PLANS FOR DEMONSTRATION PROGRAMS.

       (a) In General.--The Commandant of the Coast Guard shall 
     develop plans for demonstration programs that will assess the 
     feasibility of using unmanned maritime systems for 
     surveillance of marine protected areas, the transit zone, and 
     the Arctic to--
       (1) gather regular maritime domain awareness of marine 
     protected areas, the transit zone, and the Arctic; and
       (2) ensure sufficient response to illegal activities in 
     marine protected areas, the transit zone, and the Arctic.
       (b) Collaboration With Local Authorities.--The Commandant 
     of the Coast Guard shall collaborate with local, State, and 
     Tribal authorities and international partners for 
     surveillance permissions over their waters in conducting any 
     demonstration program under subsection (a).
       (c) Requirements.--The plans required under subsection (a) 
     shall include--
       (1) discussion of the feasibility, safety, and cost 
     effectiveness of using unmanned maritime systems for the 
     purposes of enhancing maritime domain awareness in marine 
     protected areas, the transit zone, and the Arctic;
       (2) coordination and communication plans to facilitate 
     coordination with other relevant Federal, State, Tribal, and 
     local agencies, and international partners;
       (3) consideration of the potential impacts of such a 
     demonstration program on the Coast Guard's existing unmanned 
     vehicle programs;
       (4) an overview of areas that could be surveilled under 
     such program;
       (5) a timeline and technical milestones for the 
     implementation of such a program;
       (6) resource requirements to implement and sustain such a 
     program; and
       (7) the operational benefits of such a program.
       (d) Consultation With Stakeholders.--The Commandant of the 
     Coast Guard shall consult with relevant stakeholders 
     including the Department of Defense, other agencies, the 
     academic sector, and developers and manufacturers of unmanned 
     maritime systems on the appropriate technologies for 
     successful implementation of any demonstration program under 
     subsection (a).
       (e) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall brief the 
     Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House 
     of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
     and Transportation of the Senate on the plans required under 
     subsection (a).
       (f) Definitions.--In this section:
       (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) Marine protected area.--The term ``marine protected 
     area'' means any discrete area of the marine environment 
     under a Federal statute.
       (3) Transit zone.--The term ``transit zone'' has the 
     meaning given that term in section 1092(a)(8) of the National 
     Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (6 U.S.C. 
     223(a)(8)).
       (4) Unmanned maritime systems.--The term ``unmanned 
     maritime systems'' has the meaning given such term in section 
     402(c)(1).

     SEC. 417. WATERS DEEMED NOT NAVIGABLE WATERS OF THE UNITED 
                   STATES FOR CERTAIN PURPOSES.

       The Coalbank Slough in Coos Bay, Oregon, is deemed to not 
     be navigable waters of the United States for all purposes of 
     subchapter J of Chapter I of title 33, Code of Federal 
     Regulations.

     SEC. 418. COAST GUARD HOUSING; STATUS AND AUTHORITIES 
                   BRIEFING.

       Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of 
     this Act, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall provide to 
     the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the 
     House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation of the Senate a briefing on Coast 
     Guard housing, including--

[[Page H7275]]

       (1) a description of the material condition of Coast Guard 
     housing facilities;
       (2) the amount of current Coast Guard housing construction 
     and deferred maintenance backlogs;
       (3) an overview of the manner in which the Coast Guard 
     manages and maintains housing facilities;
       (4) a discussion of whether reauthorizing housing 
     authorities for the Coast Guard similar to those provided in 
     section 208 of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1996 
     (Public Law 104-324); and
       (5) recommendations regarding how the Congress could adjust 
     those authorities to prevent mismanagement of Coast Guard 
     housing facilities.

     SEC. 419. CONVEYANCE OF COAST GUARD PROPERTY AT POINT 
                   SPENCER, ALASKA.

       (1) Section 533 of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 
     2016 (Public Law 114-120) is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(f) Remedial Actions.--For purposes of the transfers 
     under this section, the remedial actions required under 
     section 120(h) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, 
     Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9620(h)) 
     may be completed by the United States Coast Guard after the 
     date of such transfer and a deed entered into for such 
     transfer shall include a clause granting the United States 
     Coast Guard access to the property in any case in which 
     remedial action or corrective action is found to be necessary 
     after the date of such transfer.''.
       (2) Section 534(a) of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 
     2016 (Public Law 114-120) is amended by--
       (A) striking ``Nothing'' and inserting ``After the date on 
     which the Secretary of the Interior conveys land under 
     section 533 of this Act, nothing''; and
       (B) by inserting ``, with respect to contaminants on such 
     land prior to the date on which the land is conveyed'' before 
     the period.

     SEC. 420. PROHIBITION.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary of the department in which 
     the Coast Guard is operating shall not establish anchorage 
     grounds on the Hudson River between Yonkers, New York, and 
     Kingston, New York, under section 7 of the Rivers and Harbors 
     Appropriations Act of 1915 (33 U.S.C. 471) or chapter 700 of 
     title 46, United States Code, in addition to any anchorage 
     grounds in effect in such area on the date of the enactment 
     of this Act.
       (b) Restriction.--The Commandant may not establish or 
     expand any anchorage grounds outside of the reach on the 
     Hudson River described in subsection (a) without first 
     providing notice to the Committee on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate not later than 180 days prior to the establishment or 
     expansion of any such anchorage grounds.
       (c) Savings Clause.--Nothing in this section--
       (1) prevents the master or pilot of a vessel operating on 
     the reach of the Hudson River described in subsection (a) 
     from taking emergency actions necessary to maintain the 
     safety of the vessel or to prevent the loss of life or 
     property; or
       (2) shall be construed as limiting the authority of the 
     Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is 
     operating to exercise authority over the movement of a vessel 
     under section 70002 of title 46, United States Code, or any 
     other applicable laws or regulations governing the safe 
     navigation of a vessel.
       (d) Study.--The Commandant of the Coast Guard, in 
     consultation with the Hudson River Safety, Navigation, and 
     Operations Committee, shall conduct a study of the Hudson 
     River north of Tarrytown, New York to examine--
       (1) the nature of vessel traffic including vessel types, 
     sizes, cargoes, and frequency of transits;
       (2) the risks and benefits of historic practices for 
     commercial vessels anchoring; and
       (3) the risks and benefits of establishing anchorage 
     grounds on the Hudson River.
       (e) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, 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 report containing the findings, conclusions, and 
     recommendations from the study required under subsection (b).

     SEC. 421. CERTIFICATE EXTENSIONS.

       (a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter 121 of title 46, 
     United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:

     ``Sec. 12108. Authority to extend the duration of vessel 
       certificates

       ``(a) Certificates.--Provided a vessel is in compliance 
     with inspection requirements in section 3313, the Secretary 
     of the Department in which in the Coast Guard is operating 
     may, if he makes the determination described in subsection 
     (b), extend for a period of not more than one year an 
     expiring---
       ``(1) certificate of documentation issued for a vessel 
     under chapter 121; or
       ``(2) certificate of financial responsibility required for 
     a vessel by section 1016(a) of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 
     (33 U.S.C. 2716(a)) or Section 108 of the Comprehensive 
     Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 
     1980 (42 U.S.C. 9608).
       ``(b) Determination.--The determination referred to in 
     subsection (a) is a determination that such extension is 
     required to enable the Coast Guard to--
       ``(1) eliminate a backlog in processing applications for 
     such certificates; or
       ``(2) act in response to a national emergency or natural 
     disaster.
       ``(c) Manner of Extension.--Any extension granted under 
     this section may be granted to individual vessels or to a 
     specifically identified group of vessels.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for such subchapter 
     is amended by adding at the end the following:

``12108. Authority to extend the duration of vessel certificates.''.

     SEC. 422. HOMELAND SECURITY ROTATIONAL CYBERSECURITY RESEARCH 
                   PROGRAM AT THE COAST GUARD ACADEMY.

       (a) In General.--Subtitle E of title VIII of the Homeland 
     Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 411 et seq.) is amended by 
     adding at the end the following:

     ``SEC. 846. ROTATIONAL CYBERSECURITY RESEARCH PROGRAM.

       ``To enhance the Department's cybersecurity capacity, the 
     Secretary may establish a rotational research, development, 
     and training program for--
       ``(1) detail to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure 
     Security Agency (including the national cybersecurity and 
     communications integration center authorized by section 2209) 
     of Coast Guard Academy graduates and faculty; and
       ``(2) detail to the Coast Guard Academy, as faculty, of 
     individuals with expertise and experience in cybersecurity 
     who are employed by--
       ``(A) the Agency (including the center);
       ``(B) the Directorate of Science and Technology; or
       ``(C) institutions that have been designated by the 
     Department as a Center of Excellence for Cyber Defense, or 
     the equivalent.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents in section 
     1(b) of such Act is amended by adding at the end of the items 
     relating to such subtitle the following:

``Sec. 846. Rotational cybersecurity research program.''.

     SEC. 423. TOWING VESSEL INSPECTION FEES.

       Notwithstanding section 9701 of title 31, United States 
     Code, and section 2110 of title 46, United States Code, the 
     Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is 
     operating may not charge an inspection fee for towing vessels 
     required to have a Certificate of Inspection under subchapter 
     M of title 46, Code of Federal Regulations, until--
       (1) the completion of the review required under section 815 
     of the Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018 
     (Public Law 115-282); and
       (2) the promulgation of regulations to establish specific 
     inspection fees for such vessels.

     SEC. 424. SUBROGATED CLAIMS.

       (a) In General.--Section 1012(b) of the Oil Pollution Act 
     of 1990 (33 U.S.C. 2712(b)) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``The'' and inserting the following:
       ``(1) In general.--The''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(2) Subrogated rights.--Except for a guarantor claim 
     pursuant to a defense under section 1016(f)(1), Fund 
     compensation of any claim by an insurer or other indemnifier 
     of a responsible party or injured third party is subject to 
     the subrogated rights of that responsible party or injured 
     third party to such compensation.''.
       (b) Effective Date.--This section and the amendments made 
     by this section shall take effect 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 425. LOAN PROVISIONS UNDER OIL POLLUTION ACT OF 1990.

       (a) In General.--Section 1013 of the Oil Pollution Act of 
     1990 (33 U.S.C. 2713) is amended by striking subsection (f).
       (b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 1012(a) of the Oil 
     Pollution Act of 1990 (33 U.S.C. 2712(a)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (4), by adding ``and'' after the semicolon 
     at the end;
       (2) in paragraph (5)(D), by striking ``; and'' and 
     inserting a period; and
       (3) by striking paragraph (6).

     SEC. 426. LIABILITY LIMITS.

       Section 1004(d)(2) of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (33 
     U.S.C. 2704(d)(2)) is amended to read as follows:
       ``(2) Deepwater ports and associated vessels.--
       ``(A) In general.--If the Secretary determines that the 
     design and operation of a deepwater port results in a lower 
     risk of oil pollution than the design and operation of such 
     deepwater ports as existed on the date of the enactment of 
     the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2019, the Secretary may 
     initiate a rulemaking proceeding to lower the limitation of 
     liability under subsection (a)(4) for such deepwater port and 
     each other deepwater port which achieves such lower risk 
     level through such port's design and operation.
       ``(B) Risk determination.--In determining the risk of oil 
     pollution, the Secretary shall take into account, as 
     applicable--
       ``(i) the size of the deepwater ports and associated 
     vessels;
       ``(ii) oil storage capacity of the deepwater ports and 
     associated vessels;
       ``(iii) oil handling capacity of the deepwater ports and 
     associated vessels;
       ``(iv) oil throughput;
       ``(v) proximity to sensitive areas;
       ``(vi) type of oil handled;
       ``(vii) history of oil discharges; and

[[Page H7276]]

       ``(viii) such other factors relevant to the oil pollution 
     risks posed by the class or category of deepwater port and 
     associated vessels as the Secretary determines appropriate.
       ``(C) Limit of liability; transportation of oil.--For 
     deepwater ports used in connection with the transportation of 
     oil, the Secretary may establish a limitation of liability 
     under subparagraph (A) of not more than $350,000,000 and not 
     less than $50,000,000.
       ``(D) Limit of liability; transportation of natural gas.--
     For deepwater ports used in connection with the 
     transportation of natural gas, the Secretary may establish a 
     limitation of liability under subparagraph (A) of not more 
     than $350,000,000 and not less than $1,000,000.''.

     SEC. 427. REPORT ON DRUG INTERDICTION IN THE CARIBBEAN BASIN.

       (a) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, 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 report on drug interdiction in the Caribbean basin.
       (b) Content.--Such report shall include--
       (1) a statement of the Coast Guard mission requirements for 
     drug interdiction in the Caribbean basin;
       (2) the number of maritime surveillance hours and Coast 
     Guard assets used in each of fiscal years 2017 through 2019 
     to counter the illicit trafficking of drugs and other related 
     threats throughout the Caribbean basin; and
       (3) a determination of whether such hours and assets 
     satisfied the Coast Guard mission requirements for drug 
     interdiction in the Caribbean basin.

     SEC. 428. VOTING REQUIREMENT.

       Section 305(i)(1)(G)(iv) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 
     Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1855(i)(1)(G)(iv)) 
     is amended to read as follows:
       ``(iv) Voting requirement.--The panel may act only by the 
     affirmative vote of at least five of its members.''.

     SEC. 429. TRANSPORTATION WORK IDENTIFICATION CARD PILOT 
                   PROGRAM.

       Section 70105(g) of title 46, United States Code, is 
     amended by striking ``shall concurrently'' and all that 
     follows and inserting the following: ``shall--
       ``(1) develop and, no later than one year after the date of 
     enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2019, 
     implement a joint application for merchant mariner's 
     documents under chapter 73 of title 46, United States Code, 
     and for a transportation security card issued under this 
     section; and
       ``(2) upon receipt of a joint application developed under 
     paragraph (1) concurrently process an application from an 
     individual for merchant mariner's documents under chapter 73 
     of title 46, United States Code, and an application from such 
     individual for a transportation security card under this 
     section.''.

     SEC. 430. PLAN FOR WING-IN-GROUND DEMONSTRATION PLAN.

       (a) In General.--(1) The Commandant of the Coast Guard, in 
     coordination with the Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration with regard to any regulatory or safety matter 
     regarding airspace, air space authorization, or aviation, 
     shall develop plans for a demonstration program that will 
     determine whether wing-in-ground craft, as that term is 
     defined in section 2101 of title 46, United States Code, that 
     is capable of carrying at least one individual, can--
       (A) provide transportation in areas in which energy 
     exploration, development or production activity takes place 
     on the Outer Continental Shelf; and
       (B) under the craft's own power, safely reach helidecks or 
     platforms located on offshore energy facilities.
       (2) Requirements.--The plans required under paragraph (1) 
     shall--
       (A) examine and explain any safety issues with regard to 
     the operation of the such craft as a vessel, or as an 
     aircraft, or both;
       (B) include a timeline and technical milestones for the 
     implementation of such a demonstration program;
       (C) outline resource requirements needed to undertake such 
     a demonstration program;
       (D) describe specific operational circumstances under which 
     the craft may be used, including distance from United States 
     land, altitude, number of individuals, amount of cargo, and 
     speed and weight of vessel;
       (E) describe the operations under which Federal Aviation 
     Administration statutes, regulations, circulars, or orders 
     apply; and
       (F) describe the certifications, permits, or authorizations 
     required to perform any operations.
       (b) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Commandant, along with the 
     Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration with 
     regard to any regulatory or safety matter regarding airspace, 
     air space authorization, or aviation, shall brief the 
     Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House 
     of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science and 
     Transportation of the Senate on the plan developed under 
     subsection (a), including--
       (1) any regulatory changes needed regarding inspections and 
     manning, to allow such craft to operate between onshore 
     facilities and offshore energy facilities when such craft is 
     operating as a vessel;
       (2) any regulatory changes that would be necessary to 
     address potential impacts to air traffic control, the 
     National Airspace System, and other aircraft operations, and 
     to ensure safe operations on or near helidecks and platforms 
     located on offshore energy facilities when such craft are 
     operating as aircraft; and
       (3) any other statutory or regulatory changes related to 
     authority of the Federal Aviation Administration over 
     operations of the craft.

                        TITLE V--REORGANIZATION

     SEC. 501. UNINSPECTED COMMERCIAL FISHING INDUSTRY VESSELS.

       (a) In General.--Subtitle II of title 46, United States 
     Code, is amended by striking chapter 45 and inserting the 
     following:

         ``CHAPTER 45--UNINSPECTED COMMERCIAL INDUSTRY VESSELS

``Sec.
``4501. Application.
``4502. Definitions.
``4503. Safety standards.
``4504. Vessel construction.
``4505. Operating stability.
``4506. Training.
``4507. Vessel certification.
``4508. Alternate safety compliance program.
``4509. Substitute safety compliance program.
``4510. Enhanced substitute safety compliance program.
``4511. Prohibited acts.
``4512. Termination of unsafe operations.
``4513. Penalties.
``4514. Compliance; Secretary actions.
``4515. Exemptions.
``4516. Regulations; considerations and limitations.
``4517. Fishing safety grants.

     ``Sec. 4501. Application

       ``(a) In General.--Except as provided in subsection (b), 
     this chapter applies to an uninspected vessel that is a 
     fishing vessel, fish processing vessel, or fish tender 
     vessel.
       ``(b) Carriage of Bulk Dangerous Cargoes.--This chapter 
     does not apply to the carriage of bulk dangerous cargoes 
     regulated under chapter 37.

     ``Sec. 4502. Definitions

       ``In this chapter:
       ``(1) The term `accountable vessel' means a vessel to which 
     this chapter applies that--
       ``(A)(i) was built after December 31, 1988, or undergoes a 
     major conversion completed after that date; and
       ``(ii) operates with more than 16 individuals on board; or
       ``(B) in the case of a fish tender vessel, engages in the 
     Aleutian trade.
       ``(2) The term `auxiliary craft' means a vessel that is 
     carried onboard a fishing vessel and is normally used to 
     support fishing operations.
       ``(3)(A) The term `built' means, with respect to a vessel, 
     that the vessel's construction has reached any of the 
     following stages:
       ``(i) The vessel's keel is laid.
       ``(ii) Construction identifiable with the vessel has begun 
     and assembly of that vessel has commenced comprising of at 
     least 50 metric tons or one percent of the estimated mass of 
     all structural material, whichever is less.
       ``(B) In the case of a vessel greater than 79 feet in 
     overall length, for purposes of subparagraph (A)(i), a keel 
     is deemed to be laid when a marine surveyor affirms that a 
     structure adequate for serving as a keel for such vessel is 
     in place and identified for use in the construction of such 
     vessel.
       ``(4) The term `subject vessel' means a vessel to which 
     this chapter applies that--
       ``(A) operates beyond 3 nautical miles from the baseline 
     from which the territorial sea of the United States is 
     measured or beyond 3 nautical miles from the coastline of the 
     Great Lakes;
       ``(B) operates with more than 16 individuals on board; or
       ``(C) in the case of a fish tender vessel, engages in the 
     Aleutian trade.
       ``(5) The term `substitute-eligible vessel' means a fishing 
     vessel or fish tender vessel that is--
       ``(A) a subject vessel;
       ``(B) at least 50 feet overall in length, and not more than 
     180 feet overall in length as listed on the vessel's 
     certificate of documentation or certificate of number; and
       ``(C) built after February 8, 2016.

     ``Sec. 4503. Safety standards

       ``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall prescribe 
     regulations that require that each vessel to which this 
     chapter applies shall be equipped with--
       ``(1) readily accessible fire extinguishers capable of 
     promptly and effectively extinguishing a flammable or 
     combustible liquid fuel fire;
       ``(2) at least one readily accessible life preserver or 
     other lifesaving device for each individual on board;
       ``(3) an efficient flame arrestor, backfire trap, or other 
     similar device on the carburetors of each inboard engine that 
     uses gasoline as fuel;
       ``(4) the means to properly and efficiently ventilate 
     enclosed spaces, including engine and fuel tank compartments, 
     so as to remove explosive or flammable gases;
       ``(5) visual distress signals;
       ``(6) other equipment required to minimize the risk of 
     injury to the crew during vessel operations, if the Secretary 
     determines that a risk of serious injury exists that can be 
     eliminated or mitigated by that equipment; and
       ``(7) a placard as required by regulations prescribed under 
     section 10603(b).
       ``(b) Subject Vessels.--In addition to the requirements of 
     subsection (a), the Secretary shall prescribe regulations 
     requiring that

[[Page H7277]]

     subject vessels install, maintain, and use the following 
     equipment:
       ``(1) Alerting and locating equipment, including emergency 
     position indicating radio beacons.
       ``(2)(A) Subject to subparagraph (B), a survival craft 
     that--
       ``(i) ensures that no part of an individual is immersed in 
     water; and
       ``(ii) is sufficient to accommodate all individuals on 
     board.
       ``(B) Except for a nonapplicable vessel, an auxiliary craft 
     shall satisfy the equipment requirement under paragraph 
     (2)(B) if such craft is--
       ``(i) necessary for normal fishing operations;
       ``(ii) readily accessible during an emergency; and
       ``(iii) capable, in accordance with the Coast Guard 
     capacity rating, when applicable, of safely holding all 
     individuals on board the vessel to which the craft functions 
     as an auxiliary.
       ``(3) At least one readily accessible immersion suit for 
     each individual on board the vessel when operating on the 
     waters described in section 3102.
       ``(4) Marine radio communications equipment sufficient to 
     effectively communicate with a land-based search and rescue 
     facility.
       ``(5) Navigation equipment, including compasses, nautical 
     charts, and publications.
       ``(6) First aid equipment and medical supplies sufficient 
     for the size and area of operation of the vessel.
       ``(7) Ground tackle sufficient for the vessel.
       ``(c) Accountable Vessels.--In addition to the requirements 
     described in subsections (a) and (b), the Secretary may 
     prescribe regulations establishing minimum safety standards 
     for accountable vessels, including standards relating to--
       ``(1) navigation equipment, including radars and 
     fathometers;
       ``(2) lifesaving equipment, immersion suits, signaling 
     devices, bilge pumps, bilge alarms, life rails, and grab 
     rails;
       ``(3) fire protection and firefighting equipment, including 
     fire alarms and portable and semiportable fire extinguishing 
     equipment;
       ``(4) use and installation of insulation material;
       ``(5) storage methods for flammable or combustible 
     material; and
       ``(6) fuel, ventilation, and electrical systems.

     ``Sec. 4504. Vessel construction

       ``A vessel to which this chapter applies shall be 
     constructed in a manner that provides a level of safety 
     equivalent to the minimum safety standards the Secretary may 
     establish for recreational vessels under section 4302, if the 
     vessel is--
       ``(1) a subject vessel;
       ``(2) less than 50 feet overall in length; and
       ``(3) built after January 1, 2010.

     ``Sec. 4505. Operating stability

       ``(a) Regulations.--The Secretary shall prescribe 
     regulations for the operating stability of a vessel to which 
     this chapter applies--
       ``(1) that was built after December 31, 1989; or
       ``(2) the physical characteristics of which are 
     substantially altered after December 31, 1989, in a manner 
     that affects the vessel's operating stability.
       ``(b) Evidence of Compliance.--The Secretary may accept, as 
     evidence of compliance with this section, a certification of 
     compliance issued by the person providing insurance for the 
     vessel or by another qualified person approved by the 
     Secretary.

     ``Sec. 4506. Training

       ``(a) In General.--The individual in charge of a subject 
     vessel must pass a training program approved by the Secretary 
     that meets the requirements of subsection (b) and hold a 
     valid certificate issued under that program.
       ``(b) Training Program Requirements.--The training program 
     shall--
       ``(1) be based on professional knowledge and skill obtained 
     through sea service and hands-on training, including training 
     in seamanship, stability, collision prevention, navigation, 
     firefighting and prevention, damage control, personal 
     survival, emergency medical care, emergency drills, and 
     weather;
       ``(2) require an individual to demonstrate ability to 
     communicate in an emergency situation and understand 
     information found in navigation publications;
       ``(3) recognize and give credit for recent past experience 
     in fishing vessel operation; and
       ``(4) provide for issuance of a certificate to an 
     individual who has successfully completed the program.
       ``(c) Regulations.--The Secretary shall prescribe 
     regulations implementing this section. The regulations shall 
     require that an individual who is issued a certificate under 
     subsection (b)(4) must complete refresher training at least 
     once every 5 years as a condition of maintaining the validity 
     of the certificate.
       ``(d) Electronic Database.--The Secretary shall establish 
     an electronic database listing the names of individuals who 
     have participated in and received a certificate confirming 
     successful completion of a training program approved by the 
     Secretary under this section.

     ``Sec. 4507. Vessel certification

       ``(a) In General.--A vessel to which this section applies 
     may not be operated unless the vessel--
       ``(1) meets all survey and classification requirements 
     prescribed by the American Bureau of Shipping or another 
     similarly qualified organization approved by the Secretary; 
     and
       ``(2) has on board a certificate issued by the American 
     Bureau of Shipping or such other organization evidencing 
     compliance with this subsection.
       ``(b) Application.--
       ``(1) Except as provided in section 4509, this section 
     applies to a fish processing vessel to which this chapter 
     applies that--
       ``(A) is built after July 27, 1990; or
       ``(B) undergoes a major conversion completed after that 
     date.
       ``(2)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), this 
     section applies to a subject vessel that is at least 50 feet 
     overall in length and is built after July 1, 2013.
       ``(B) This section does not apply to a substitute-eligible 
     vessel if such vessel complies with--
       ``(i) the substitute safety compliance program established 
     under section 4509; or
       ``(ii) the enhanced substitute safety compliance program 
     established by the Secretary under section 4510.

     ``Sec. 4508. Alternate safety compliance program

       ``(a) In General.--
       ``(1) The Secretary shall establish an alternate safety 
     compliance program developed in coordination with the 
     commercial fishing industry.
       ``(2) The program established under paragraph (1) may 
     include requirements for--
       ``(A) a specific region or fishery (or both); and
       ``(B) any combination of regions or fisheries (or both).
       ``(b) Vessels Required To Comply.--Beginning on the date 
     that is 3 years after the date the Secretary prescribes an 
     alternate safety compliance program, the following vessels 
     shall comply with such program:
       ``(1) A subject vessel that is--
       ``(A) at least 50 feet overall in length;
       ``(B) built before July 1, 2013; and
       ``(C) 25 years of age or older.
       ``(2) A fishing vessel, fish processing vessel, or fish 
     tender vessel built before July 1, 2013, that undergoes a 
     major conversion completed after the date the Secretary 
     prescribes an alternate safety compliance program.
       ``(c) Exempt Vessels.--
       ``(1) Notwithstanding subsection (b), vessels owned by a 
     person that owns more than 30 vessels subject to that 
     subsection are not required to comply with alternate safety 
     compliance program requirements until January 1, 2030, if 
     that owner--
       ``(A) enters into a compliance agreement with the Secretary 
     that provides for a fixed schedule for all such vessels owned 
     by that person to meet requirements of such paragraph by such 
     date; and
       ``(B) is meeting such schedule.
       ``(2) A subject vessel that was classed before July 1, 
     2012, is exempt from the requirements of this section if such 
     vessel--
       ``(A) remains subject to the requirements of a 
     classification society approved by the Secretary; and
       ``(B) has on board a certificate from that society.

     ``Sec. 4509. Substitute safety compliance program

       ``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish a 
     substitute safety compliance program for substitute-eligible 
     vessels that includes the following requirements:
       ``(1) A substitute-eligible vessel shall be designed by an 
     individual licensed by a State as a naval architect or marine 
     engineer, and the design shall incorporate 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 a substitute-eligible vessel shall be 
     overseen and certified as being in accordance with its design 
     by a marine surveyor of an organization accepted by the 
     Secretary.
       ``(3) A substitute-eligible vessel shall--
       ``(A) complete a stability test performed by a qualified 
     individual;
       ``(B) have written stability and loading instructions from 
     a qualified individual that are provided to the owner or 
     operator; and
       ``(C) have an assigned loading mark.
       ``(4) A substitute-eligible vessel shall not be 
     substantially altered 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 alteration.
       ``(5) A substitute-eligible vessel shall undergo a 
     condition survey at least twice in 5 years, with not more 
     than 3 years between surveys, to the satisfaction of a marine 
     surveyor of an organization accepted by the Secretary.
       ``(6) A substitute-eligible vessel shall undergo 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 substantial 
     alteration to a substitute-eligible vessel, compliance of the 
     vessel with the requirements of paragraph (3) is reviewed and 
     updated as necessary.
       ``(8) For the life of a substitute-eligible vessel, the 
     owner of the vessel shall maintain records to demonstrate 
     compliance with this subsection and make such records readily 
     available for inspection by an official authorized to enforce 
     this chapter.
       ``(b) Compliance.--Section 4507 of this title shall not 
     apply to a substitute-eligible vessel

[[Page H7278]]

     that complies with the requirements of the program 
     established under this section.
       ``(c) Report.--Not later than February 8, 2026, the 
     Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate a report that provides an analysis of the adequacy of 
     the substitute safety compliance program requirements 
     established under subsection (a) in maintaining the safety of 
     substitute-eligible fishing vessels and fish tender vessels 
     and that comply with such requirements.

     ``Sec. 4510. Enhanced substitute safety compliance program

       ``(a) In General.--If the report required under section 
     4509(c) includes a determination that the substitute safety 
     compliance program established under section 4509(a) is not 
     adequate or that additional safety measures are necessary, 
     then the Secretary may establish an enhanced substitute 
     safety compliance program for fishing vessels or fish tender 
     vessels (or both) that are substitute-eligible vessels and 
     that comply with the requirements of section 4509.
       ``(b) Requirements.--The enhanced substitute safety 
     compliance program established under this subsection shall 
     include requirements for--
       ``(1) vessel construction;
       ``(2) a vessel stability test;
       ``(3) vessel stability and loading instructions;
       ``(4) an assigned vessel loading mark;
       ``(5) a vessel condition survey at least twice in 5 years, 
     not more than 3 years apart;
       ``(6) an out-of-water vessel survey at least once every 5 
     years;
       ``(7) maintenance of records to demonstrate compliance with 
     the program, and the availability of such records for 
     inspection; and
       ``(8) such other aspects of vessel safety as the Secretary 
     considers appropriate.
       ``(c) Compliance.--Section 4507 shall not apply to a 
     substitute-eligible vessel that complies with the 
     requirements of the program established under this section.

     ``Sec. 4511. Prohibited acts

       ``A person may not operate a vessel in violation of this 
     chapter or a regulation prescribed under this chapter.

     ``Sec. 4512. Termination of unsafe operations

       ``An official authorized to enforce this chapter--
       ``(1) may direct the individual in charge of a vessel to 
     which this chapter applies to immediately take reasonable 
     steps necessary for the safety of individuals on board the 
     vessel if the official observes the vessel being operated in 
     an unsafe condition that the official believes creates an 
     especially hazardous condition, including ordering the 
     individual in charge to return the vessel to a mooring and to 
     remain there until the situation creating the hazard is 
     corrected or ended; and
       ``(2) may order the individual in charge of an uninspected 
     fish processing vessel that does not have on board the 
     certificate required under section 4507 to return the vessel 
     to a mooring and to remain there until the vessel is in 
     compliance with such section, unless the vessel is required 
     to comply with section 4508.

     ``Sec. 4513. Penalties

       ``(a) Civil Penalty.--The owner, charterer, managing 
     operator, agent, master, and individual in charge of a vessel 
     to which this chapter applies that is operated in violation 
     of this chapter or a regulation prescribed under this chapter 
     may each be assessed a civil penalty by the Secretary of not 
     more than $10,260. Any vessel with respect to which a penalty 
     is assessed under this subsection is liable in rem for the 
     penalty.
       ``(b) Criminal Penalties.--An individual willfully 
     violating this chapter or a regulation prescribed under this 
     chapter shall be fined not more than $5,000, imprisoned for 
     not more than one year, or both.

     ``Sec. 4514. Compliance; Secretary actions

       ``To ensure compliance with the requirements of this 
     chapter, the Secretary--
       ``(1) shall require the individual in charge of a subject 
     vessel to keep a record of equipment maintenance and required 
     instruction and drills;
       ``(2) shall examine at dockside a subject vessel at least 
     once every 5 years, but may require an exam at dockside every 
     2 years for certain subject vessels if requested by the owner 
     or operator; and
       ``(3) shall issue a certificate of compliance to a vessel 
     meeting the requirements of this chapter and satisfying the 
     requirements of paragraph (2).

     ``Sec. 4515. Exemptions

       ``The Secretary may exempt a vessel from any part of this 
     chapter if, under regulations prescribed by the Secretary 
     (including regulations on special operating conditions), the 
     Secretary finds that--
       ``(1) good cause exists for granting an exemption; and
       ``(2) the safety of the vessel and those on board will not 
     be adversely affected.

     ``Sec. 4516. Regulations; considerations and limitations

       ``In prescribing a regulation under this chapter, the 
     Secretary--
       ``(1) shall consider the specialized nature and economics 
     of the operations and the character, design, and construction 
     of the vessel; and
       ``(2) may not require the alteration of a vessel or 
     associated equipment that was constructed or manufactured 
     before the effective date of such regulation.

     ``Sec. 4517. Fishing safety grants

       ``(a) Safety Training Grants.--
       ``(1) Establishment.--The Secretary of Health and Human 
     Services shall establish a Fishing Safety Training Grant 
     Program to provide funding to municipalities, port 
     authorities, other appropriate public entities, not-for-
     profit organizations, and other qualified persons that 
     provide commercial fishing safety training.
       ``(2) Use of funds.--Entities receiving funds under this 
     section may use such funds--
       ``(A) to conduct fishing vessel safety training for vessel 
     operators and crewmembers that--
       ``(i) in the case of vessel operators, meets the 
     requirements of section 4506; and
       ``(ii) in the case of crewmembers, meets the requirements 
     of sections 4506(b)(1), 4506(b)(4), 4506(c), and 4506(d), and 
     such requirements of section 4506(b)(2) as are appropriate 
     for crewmembers; and
       ``(B) for purchase of safety equipment and training aids 
     for use in such fishing vessel safety training programs.
       ``(3) Award criteria.--The Secretary of Health and Human 
     Services, in consultation with and based on criteria 
     established by the Commandant of the Coast Guard, shall award 
     grants under this subsection on a competitive basis.
       ``(4) Limitation on federal share of cost.--The Federal 
     share of the cost of any activity carried out with a grant 
     under this subsection shall not exceed 50 percent.
       ``(5) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2020 
     and 2021 for grants under this subsection.
       ``(b) Research Grant Program.--
       ``(1) Establishment.--The Secretary of Health and Human 
     Services shall establish a Fishing Safety Research Grant 
     Program to provide funding to individuals in academia, not-
     for-profit organizations, businesses involved in fishing and 
     maritime matters, and other persons with expertise in fishing 
     safety, to conduct research on methods of improving the 
     safety of the commercial fishing industry, including vessel 
     design, emergency and survival equipment, enhancement of 
     vessel monitoring systems, communications devices, de-icing 
     technology, and severe weather detection.
       ``(2) Award criteria.--The Secretary of Health and Human 
     Services, in consultation with and based on criteria 
     established by the Commandant of the Coast Guard, shall award 
     grants under this subsection on a competitive basis.
       ``(3) Limitation on federal share of cost.--The Federal 
     share of the cost of any activity carried out with a grant 
     under this subsection shall not exceed 50 percent.
       ``(4) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated $3,000,000 for each fiscal year 2020 and 
     2021 for activities under this subsection.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 3104(d) of title 46, 
     United States Code, is amended by striking ``under section 
     4503(d)'' and inserting ``under section 4502(3)''.
       (c) Safety Standards.--Not later than 90 days after the 
     date of the enactment of this Act, and without regard to the 
     provisions of chapters 5 and 6 of title 5, United States 
     Code, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast 
     Guard is operating shall promulgate the regulations required 
     by section 4503(b) of title 46, United States Code, as 
     amended by this section.

     SEC. 502. TRANSFERS.

       (a) Transfers of Provisions.--
       (1) In general.--
       (A) Section 215 of the Coast Guard and Maritime 
     Transportation Act of 2004 (Public Law 108-293; 14 U.S.C. 504 
     note) is redesignated as section 321 of title 14, United 
     States Code, transferred to appear after section 320 of that 
     title, and amended so that the enumerator, section heading, 
     typeface, and typestyle conform to those appearing in other 
     sections in title 14, United States Code.
       (B) Section 406 of the Maritime Transportation Security Act 
     of 2002 (Public Law (107-295; 14 U.S.C. 501 note) is 
     redesignated as section 719 of title 14, United States Code, 
     transferred to appear after section 718 of that title, and 
     amended so that the enumerator, section heading, typeface, 
     and typestyle conform to those appearing in other sections in 
     title 14, United States Code.
       (C) Section 1110 of title 14, United States Code, is 
     redesignated as section 5110 of that title, and transferred 
     to appear after section 5109 of that title.
       (D) Elevation of disputes to the chief acquisition 
     officer.--
       (i) Section 401 of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 
     2010 (Public Law 111-281) is amended by striking subsection 
     (e).
       (ii) Subchapter I of chapter 11 of title 14, United States 
     Code, as amended by this Act, is amended by adding at the end 
     the following:

     ``Sec. 1110. Elevation of Disputes to the Chief Acquisition 
       Officer

       ``If, after 90 days following the elevation to the Chief 
     Acquisition Officer of any design or other dispute regarding 
     level 1 or level 2 acquisition, the dispute remains 
     unresolved, the Commandant shall provide to the appropriate 
     congressional committees a detailed description of the issue 
     and the rationale underlying the decision taken by the Chief 
     Acquisition Officer to resolve the issue.''.

[[Page H7279]]

       (E) Section 217 of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 
     2010 (Public Law 111-281; 14 U.S.C. 504 note)--
       (i) is redesignated as section 5111 of title 14, United 
     States Code, transferred to appear after section 5110 of that 
     title, and amended so that the enumerator, section heading, 
     typeface, and typestyle conform to those appearing in other 
     sections in title 14, United States Code; and
       (ii) is amended--

       (I) by striking the heading and inserting the following:

     ``Sec. 5111. Sexual assault and sexual harassment in the 
       Coast Guard''; and

       (II) in subsection (b), by adding at the end the following:

       ``(5)(A) The number of instances in which a covered 
     individual was accused of misconduct or crimes considered 
     collateral to the investigation of a sexual assault committed 
     against the individual.
       ``(B) The number of instances in which adverse action was 
     taken against a covered individual who was accused of 
     collateral misconduct or crimes as described in subparagraph 
     (A).
       ``(C) The percentage of investigations of sexual assaults 
     that involved an accusation or adverse action against a 
     covered individual as described in subparagraphs (A) and (B).
       ``(D) In this paragraph, the term `covered individual' 
     means an individual who is identified as a victim of a sexual 
     assault in the case files of a military criminal 
     investigative organization.''.
       (F) Section 305 of title 46, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (i) by striking ``The Federal'' and inserting ``(a) In 
     General.--The Federal''; and
       (ii) by inserting after section (a) the following:
       ``(b) Transparency.--
       ``(1) In general.--In conjunction with the transmittal by 
     the President to the Congress of the Budget of the United 
     States for fiscal year 2021 and biennially there-after, the 
     Federal Maritime Commission 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 reports that describe the Commission's 
     progress toward addressing the issues raised in each 
     unfinished regulatory proceeding, regardless of whether the 
     proceeding if subject to a statutory or regulatory deadline.
       ``(2) Format of reports.--Each report under paragraph (1) 
     shall, among other things, clearly identify for each 
     unfinished regulatory proceeding--
       ``(A) the popular title;
       ``(B) the current stage of the proceeding;
       ``(C) an abstract of the proceeding;
       ``(D) what prompted the action in question;
       ``(E) any applicable statutory, regulatory, or judicial 
     deadline;
       ``(F) the associated docket number;
       ``(G) the date the rulemaking was initiated;
       ``(H) a date for the next action; and
       ``(I) if a date for the next action identified in the 
     previous report is not met, the reason for the delay.''.
       (G) Section 7 of the Rivers and Harbors Appropriations Act 
     of 1915 (33 U.S.C. 471) is amended--
       (i) by transferring such section to appear after section 
     70006 of title 46, United States Code;
       (ii) by striking ``Sec. 7.'' and inserting ``Sec. 70007. 
     Establishment by Secretary of Homeland Security of anchorage 
     grounds and regulations generally''; and
       (iii) by adjusting the margins with respect to subsections 
     (a) and (b) for the presence of a section heading 
     accordingly.
       (2) Clerical amendments.--
       (A) The analysis for chapter 3 of title 14, United States 
     Code, as amended by this Act, is further amended by adding at 
     the end the following:

``321. Redistricting notification requirement.''.
       (B) The analysis for chapter 7 of title 14, United States 
     Code, as amended by this Act, is further amended by adding at 
     the end the following:

``719. VHF communication services.''.
       (C) The analysis for chapter 11 of title 14, United States 
     Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 
     1110 and inserting the following:

``1110. Elevation of disputes to the Chief Acquisition Officer.''.
       (D) The analysis for chapter 51 of title 14, United States 
     Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

``5110. Mission need statement.
``5111. Sexual assault and sexual harassment in the Coast Guard.''.
       (E) The analysis for chapter 700 of title 46, United States 
     Code, as amended by section 311(b), is further amended by 
     inserting after the item relating to section 70006 the 
     following:

``70007. Establishment by the Secretary of Homeland Security of 
              anchorage grounds and regulations generally.''.
       (b) Transfers.--
       (1) Section 204 of the marine transportation security 
     act.--
       (A) The Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 is 
     amended by striking section 204 (33 U.S.C. 1902a).
       (B) Section 3 of the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships 
     (33 U.S.C. 1902)--
       (i) is amended by redesignating subsections (e) through (i) 
     as subsections (f) through (j) respectively; and
       (ii) by inserting after subsection (d) the following:
       ``(e) Discharge of Agricultural Cargo Residue.--
     Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the discharge 
     from a vessel of any agricultural cargo residue material in 
     the form of hold washings shall be governed exclusively by 
     the provisions of the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (33 
     U.S.C. 1901 et seq.) that implement Annex V to the 
     International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from 
     Ships.''.
       (2) LNG tankers.--
       (A) The Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2006 
     is amended by striking section 304 (Public Law 109-241; 120 
     Stat. 527).
       (B) Section 5 of the Deepwater Port Act of 1974 (33 U.S.C. 
     1504) is amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(j) LNG Tankers.--
       ``(1) Program.--The Secretary of Transportation shall 
     develop and implement a program to promote the transportation 
     of liquefied natural gas to and from the United States on 
     United States flag vessels.
       ``(2) Information to be provided.--When the Coast Guard is 
     operating as a contributing agency in the Federal Energy 
     Regulatory Commission's shoreside licensing process for a 
     liquefied natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas terminal 
     located on shore or within State seaward boundaries, the 
     Coast Guard shall provide to the Commission the information 
     described in section 5(c)(2)(K) of the Deepwater Port Act of 
     1974 (33 U.S.C. 1504(c)(2)(K)) with respect to vessels 
     reasonably anticipated to be servicing that port.''.

     SEC. 503. REPEALS.

       (a) License Exemptions; Repeal of Obsolete Provisions.--
       (1) Service under licenses issued without examination.--
       (A) Repeal.--Section 8303 of title 46, United States Code, 
     and the item relating to that section in the analysis for 
     chapter 83 of that title, are repealed.
       (B) Conforming amendment.--Section 14305(a)(10) of title 
     46, United States Code, is amended by striking ``sections 
     8303 and 8304'' and inserting ``section 8304''.
       (2) Standards for tank vessels of the united states.--
     Section 9102 of title 46, United States Code, is amended--
       (A) by striking ``(a)'' before the first sentence; and
       (B) by striking subsection (b).
       (b) Repeal.--Section 343 of the Maritime Transportation 
     Security Act of 2002 (Public Law 107-295; 116 Stat. 2106) is 
     repealed.
       (c) Accident and Incident Notification.--Subsection (c) of 
     section 9 of the Pipeline Safety, Regulatory Certainty, and 
     Job Creation Act of 2011 (Public Law 112-90; 125 Stat 1912)) 
     is repealed and is deemed not to have been enacted.

       TITLE VI--TECHNICAL, CONFORMING, AND CLARIFYING AMENDMENTS

     SEC. 601. MARITIME TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM.

       (a) Maritime Transportation System.--Section 312(b)(4) of 
     title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking ``marine 
     transportation system'' and inserting ``maritime 
     transportation system''.
       (b) Clarification of Reference to Marine Transportation 
     System Programs.--Section 50307(a) of title 46, United States 
     Code, is amended by striking ``marine transportation'' and 
     inserting ``maritime transportation''.

     SEC. 602. REFERENCES TO ``PERSONS'' AND ``SEAMEN''.

       (a) Technical Correction of References to ``Persons''.--
     Title 14, United States Code, is amended as follows:
       (1) In section 312(d), by striking ``persons'' and 
     inserting ``individuals''.
       (2) In section 313(d)(2)(B), by striking ``person'' and 
     inserting ``individual''.
       (3) In section 504--
       (A) in subsection (a)(19)(B), by striking ``a person'' and 
     inserting ``an individual''; and
       (B) in subsection (c)(4), by striking ``seamen;'' and 
     inserting ``mariners;''.
       (4) In section 521, by striking ``persons'' each place it 
     appears and inserting ``individuals''.
       (5) In section 522--
       (A) by striking ``a person'' and inserting ``an 
     individual''; and
       (B) by striking ``person'' the second and third place it 
     appears and inserting ``individual''.
       (6) In section 525(a)(1)(C)(ii), by striking ``person'' and 
     inserting ``individual''.
       (7) In section 526--
       (A) by striking ``person'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``individual'';
       (B) by striking ``persons'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``individuals''; and
       (C) in subsection (b), by striking ``person's'' and 
     inserting ``individual's''.
       (8) In section 709--
       (A) by striking ``persons'' and inserting ``individuals''; 
     and
       (B) by striking ``person'' and inserting ``individual''.
       (9) In section 933(b), by striking ``Every person'' and 
     inserting ``An individual''.
       (10) In section 1102(d), by striking ``persons'' and 
     inserting ``individuals''.
       (11) In section 1902(b)(3)--
       (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``person or persons'' 
     and inserting ``individual or individuals''; and
       (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``person'' and 
     inserting ``individual''.
       (12) In section 1941(b), by striking ``persons'' and 
     inserting ``individuals''.
       (13) In section 2101(b), by striking ``person'' and 
     inserting ``individual''.

[[Page H7280]]

       (14) In section 2102(c), by striking ``A person'' and 
     inserting ``An individual''.
       (15) In section 2104(b)--
       (A) by striking ``persons'' and inserting ``individuals''; 
     and
       (B) by striking ``A person'' and inserting ``An 
     individual''.
       (16) In section 2118(d), by striking ``person'' and 
     inserting ``individual who is''.
       (17) In section 2147(d), by striking ``a person'' and 
     inserting ``an individual''.
       (18) In section 2150(f), by striking ``person'' and 
     inserting ``individual who is''.
       (19) In section 2161(b), by striking ``person'' and 
     inserting ``individual''.
       (20) In section 2317--
       (A) by striking ``persons'' and inserting ``individuals'';
       (B) by striking ``person'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``individual''; and
       (C) in subsection (c)(2), by striking ``person's'' and 
     inserting ``individual's''.
       (21) In section 2531--
       (A) by striking ``person'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``individual''; and
       (B) by striking ``persons'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``individuals''.
       (22) In section 2709, by striking ``persons'' and inserting 
     ``individuals''.
       (23) In section 2710--
       (A) by striking ``persons'' and inserting ``individuals''; 
     and
       (B) by striking ``person'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``individual''.
       (24) In section 2711(b), by striking ``person'' and 
     inserting ``individual''.
       (25) In section 2732, by striking ``a person'' and 
     inserting ``an individual''.
       (26) In section 2733--
       (A) by striking ``A person'' and inserting ``An 
     individual''; and
       (B) by striking ``that person'' and inserting ``that 
     individual''.
       (27) In section 2734, by striking ``person'' each place it 
     appears and inserting ``individual''.
       (28) In section 2735, by striking ``a person'' and 
     inserting ``an individual''.
       (29) In section 2736, by striking ``person'' and inserting 
     ``individual''.
       (30) In section 2737, by striking ``a person'' and 
     inserting ``an individual''.
       (31) In section 2738, by striking ``person'' and inserting 
     ``individual''.
       (32) In section 2739, by striking ``person'' and inserting 
     ``individual''.
       (33) In section 2740--
       (A) by striking ``person'' and inserting ``individual''; 
     and
       (B) by striking ``one'' the second place it appears.
       (34) In section 2741--
       (A) in subsection (a), by striking ``a person'' and 
     inserting ``an individual'';
       (B) in subsection (b)(1), by striking ``person's'' and 
     inserting ``individual's''; and
       (C) in subsection (b)(2), by striking ``person'' and 
     inserting ``individual''.
       (35) In section 2743, by striking ``person'' each place it 
     appears and inserting ``individual''.
       (36) In section 2744--
       (A) in subsection (b), by striking ``a person'' and 
     inserting ``an individual''; and
       (B) in subsections (a) and (c), by striking ``person'' each 
     place it appears and inserting ``individual''.
       (37) In section 2745, by striking ``person'' and inserting 
     ``individual''.
       (38)(A) In section 2761--
       (i) in the section heading, by striking ``Persons'' and 
     inserting ``Individuals'';
       (ii) by striking ``persons'' and inserting ``individuals''; 
     and
       (iii) by striking ``person'' and inserting ``individual''.
       (B) In the analysis for chapter 27, by striking the item 
     relating to section 2761 and inserting the following:

``2761. Individuals discharged as result of court-martial; allowances 
              to.''.
       (39)(A) In the heading for section 2767, by striking 
     ``persons'' and inserting ``individuals''.
       (B) In the analysis for chapter 27, by striking the item 
     relating to section 2767 and inserting the following:

``2767. Reimbursement for medical-related travel expenses for certain 
              individuals residing on islands in the continental United 
              States.''.
       (40) In section 2769--
       (A) by striking ``a person's'' and inserting ``an 
     individual's''; and
       (B) in paragraph (1), by striking ``person'' and inserting 
     ``individual''.
       (41) In section 2772(a)(2), by striking ``person'' and 
     inserting ``individual''.
       (42) In section 2773--
       (A) in subsection (b), by striking ``persons'' each place 
     it appears and inserting ``individuals''; and
       (B) in subsection (d), by striking ``a person'' and 
     inserting ``an individual''.
       (43) In section 2775, by striking ``person'' each place it 
     appears and inserting ``individual''.
       (44) In section 2776, by striking ``person'' and inserting 
     ``individual''.
       (45)(A) In section 2777--
       (i) in the heading, by striking ``persons'' and inserting 
     ``individuals''; and
       (ii) by striking ``persons'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``individuals''.
       (B) In the analysis for chapter 27, by striking the item 
     relating to in section 2777 and inserting the following:

``2777. Clothing for destitute shipwrecked individuals.''.
       (46) In section 2779, by striking ``persons'' each place it 
     appears and inserting ``individuals''.
       (47) In section 2902(c), by striking ``person'' and 
     inserting ``individual''.
       (48) In section 2903(b), by striking ``person'' and 
     inserting ``individual''.
       (49) In section 2904(b)(1)(B), by striking ``a person'' and 
     inserting ``an individual''.
       (50) In section 3706--
       (A) by striking ``a person'' and inserting ``an 
     individual''; and
       (B) by striking ``person's'' and inserting 
     ``individual's''.
       (51) In section 3707--
       (A) in subsection (c)--
       (i) by striking ``person'' and inserting ``individual''; 
     and
       (ii) by striking ``person's'' and inserting 
     ``individual's''; and
       (B) in subsection (e), by striking ``a person'' and 
     inserting ``an individual''.
       (52) In section 3708, by striking ``person'' each place it 
     appears and inserting ``individual''.
       (53) In section 3738--
       (A) by striking ``a person'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``an individual'';
       (B) by striking ``person's'' and inserting 
     ``individual's''; and
       (C) by striking ``A person'' and inserting ``An 
     individual''.
       (b) Correction of References to Persons and Seamen.--
       (1) Section 2303a(a) of title 46, United States Code, is 
     amended by striking ``persons'' and inserting 
     ``individuals''.
       (2) Section 2306(a)(3) of title 46, United States Code, is 
     amended to read as follows:
       ``(3) An owner, charterer, managing operator, or agent of a 
     vessel of the United States notifying the Coast Guard under 
     paragraph (1) or (2) shall--
       ``(A) provide the name and identification number of the 
     vessel, the names of individuals on board, and other 
     information that may be requested by the Coast Guard; and
       ``(B) submit written confirmation to the Coast Guard within 
     24 hours after nonwritten notification to the Coast Guard 
     under such paragraphs.''.
       (3) Section 7303 of title 46, United States Code, is 
     amended by striking ``seaman'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``individual''.
       (4) Section 7319 of title 46, United States Code, is 
     amended by striking ``seaman'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``individual''.
       (5) Section 7501(b) of title 46, United States Code, is 
     amended by striking ``seaman'' and inserting ``holder''.
       (6) Section 7508(b) of title 46, United States Code, is 
     amended by striking ``individual seamen or a specifically 
     identified group of seamen'' and inserting ``an individual or 
     a specifically identified group of individuals''.
       (7) Section 7510 of title 46, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (A) in subsection (c)(8)(B), by striking ``merchant 
     seamen'' and inserting ``merchant mariner''; and
       (B) in subsection (d), by striking ``merchant seaman'' and 
     inserting ``merchant mariner''.
       (8) Section 8103 of title 46, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (A) by striking ``seaman'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``individual'';
       (B) by striking ``seamen'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``individuals'';
       (C) in the headings for paragraphs (2) and (3) of 
     subsection (k), by striking ``seamen'' each place it appears 
     and inserting ``individuals'';
       (D) in subsection (k)(3)(A)(iv)(II), by striking 
     ``seaman's'' and inserting ``individual's''; and
       (E) in subsection (k)(3)(C), by striking ``merchant 
     mariners'' each place it appears and inserting ``merchant 
     mariner's''.
       (9) Section 8104 of title 46, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (A) in subsection (c), by striking ``a licensed individual 
     or seaman'' and inserting ``an individual'';
       (B) in subsection (d), by striking ``A licensed individual 
     or seaman'' and inserting ``An individual'';
       (C) in subsection (e), by striking ``a seaman'' each place 
     it appears and inserting ``an individual''; and
       (D) in subsection (j), by striking ``seaman'' and inserting 
     ``individual''.
       (10) Section 8302(d) of title 46, United States Code, is 
     amended by striking ``3 persons'' and inserting ``3 
     individuals''.
       (11) Section 11201 of title 46, United States Code, is 
     amended by striking ``a person'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``an individual''.
       (12) Section 11202 of title 46, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (A) by striking ``a person'' and inserting ``an 
     individual''; and
       (B) by striking ``the person'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``the individual''.
       (13) Section 11203 of title 46, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (A) by striking ``a person'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``an individual''; and
       (B) in subsection (a)(2), by striking ``that person'' and 
     inserting ``that individual''.
       (14) Section 15109(i)(2) of title 46, United States Code, 
     is amended by striking ``additional persons'' and inserting 
     ``additional individuals''.

     SEC. 603. COMMON APPROPRIATION STRUCTURE.

       (a) Amendments To Conform to Common Appropriations 
     Structure.--
       (1) Prospective payment of funds necessary to provide 
     medical care.--Section

[[Page H7281]]

     506 of title 14, United States Code, is amended--
       (A) in subsection (a)(1), by inserting ``established under 
     chapter 56 of title 10'' after ``Medicare-Eligible Retiree 
     Health Care Fund''; and
       (B) in subsection (b)(1), by striking ``operating 
     expenses'' and inserting ``operations and support''.
       (2) Use of certain appropriated funds.--Section 903 of 
     title 14, United States Code, is amended--
       (A) in subsection (a), by striking ``acquisition, 
     construction, and improvement of facilities, for research, 
     development, test, and evaluation;'' and inserting 
     ``procurement, construction, and improvement of facilities 
     and for research and development''; and
       (B) in subsection (d)(1), by striking ``operating 
     expenses'' and inserting ``operations and support''.
       (3) Confidential investigative expenses.--Section 944 of 
     title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking 
     ``necessary expenses for the operation'' and inserting 
     ``operations and support''.
       (4) Procurement of personnel.--Section 2701 of title 14, 
     United States Code, is amended by striking ``operating 
     expense'' and inserting ``operations and support''.
       (5) Coast guard housing fund.--Section 2946(b)(2) of title 
     14, United States Code, is amended by striking 
     ``acquisition'' and inserting ``procurement''.
       (6) Requirement for prior authorization of 
     appropriations.--Section 4901 of title 14, United States 
     Code, is amended--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``maintenance'' and 
     inserting ``support'';
       (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``acquisition'' and 
     inserting ``procurement'';
       (C) by striking paragraphs (3), (4), and (6);
       (D) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (3); and
       (E) in paragraph (3), as so redesignated, by striking 
     ``research, development, test, and evaluation'' and inserting 
     ``research and development''.
       (b) Common Appropriation Structure.--Sections 3317(b), 
     7504, and 80505(b)(3) of title 46, United States Code, are 
     each amended by striking ``operating expenses'' and inserting 
     ``operations and support''.
       (c) Common Appropriation Structure.--
       (1) Oil spill liability trust fund.--Section 1012(a)(5)(A) 
     of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (33 U.S.C. 2712(a)(5)(A)) is 
     amended by striking ``operating expenses'' and inserting 
     ``operations and support''.
       (2) Historic light station sales.--Section 305106 of title 
     54, United States Code, is amended--
       (A) in subsection (b)(1)(B)(i) by striking ``Operating 
     Expenses'' and inserting ``Operations and Support''; and
       (B) in subsection (b)(2) by striking ``Operating Expense'' 
     and inserting ``Operations and Support'';
       (3) Bridge permits.--Section 712(a)(2) of the Coast Guard 
     and Maritime Transportation Act of 2012 (Public Law 112-213; 
     126 Stat. 1582) is amended by striking ``operating expenses'' 
     and inserting ``operations and support''.
       (4) Contracts.--Section 557(a) of the Consolidated and 
     Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2013 (Public Law 113-
     6; 127 Stat. 377) is amended by striking ``Acquisition'' and 
     inserting ``Procurement''.
       (5) Child development services.--Section 214(d)(1) of the 
     Howard Coble Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 
     2014 (Public Law 113-281; 128 Stat. 3034) is amended by 
     striking ``operating expenses'' and inserting ``operations 
     and support''.

     SEC. 604. REFERENCES TO ``HIMSELF'' AND ``HIS''.

       (a) Section 1927 of title 14, United States Code, is 
     amended by--
       (1) striking ``of his initial'' and inserting ``of an 
     initial''; and
       (2) striking ``from his pay'' and inserting ``from the pay 
     of such cadet''.
       (b) Section 2108(b) of title 14, United States Code, is 
     amended by striking ``himself'' and inserting ``such 
     officer''.
       (c) Section 2732 of title 14, United States Code, as 
     amended by this Act, is further amended--
       (1) by striking ``distinguishes himself conspicuously by'' 
     and inserting ``displays conspicuous''; and
       (2) by striking ``his'' and inserting ``such 
     individual's''.
       (d) Section 2736 of title 14, United States Code, as 
     amended by this Act, is further amended by striking 
     ``distinguishes himself by'' and inserting ``performs''.
       (e) Section 2738 of title 14, United States Code, as 
     amended by this Act is further amended by striking 
     ``distinguishes himself by'' and inserting ``displays''.
       (f) Section 2739 of title 14, United States Code, as 
     amended by this Act, is further amended by striking 
     ``distinguishes himself by'' and inserting ``displays''.
       (g) Section 2742 of title 14, United States Code, is 
     amended by striking ``he distinguished himself'' and 
     inserting ``of the acts resulting in the consideration of 
     such award''.
       (h) Section 2743 of title 14, United States Code, as 
     amended by this Act, is further amended--
       (1) by striking ``distinguishes himself''; and
       (2) by striking ``he'' and inserting ``such individual''.

     SEC. 605. REFERENCES TO ``MOTORBOATS'' AND ``YACHTS''.

       (a) Correction of References to Motorboats and Yachts.--
       (1) Section 3901(d)(4) of title 14, United States Code, is 
     amended by striking ``motor boats, yachts,'' and inserting 
     ``vessels,''.
       (2) Section 3903(1)(A) of title 14, United States Code, is 
     amended by striking ``motorboats, yachts'' and inserting 
     ``vessels,''.
       (3) Section 3907(a) of title 14, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (A) in the heading, by striking ``Motor Boats, Yachts,'' 
     and inserting ``Vessels,''; and
       (B) by striking ``motorboat, yacht,'' and inserting 
     ``vessels,''.
       (4) Section 3908 of title 14, United States Code, is 
     amended by striking ``motorboat or yacht'' and inserting 
     ``vessel''.
       (5) Section 3911(a) of title 14, United States Code, is 
     amended by striking ``motorboat, yacht,'' each place it 
     appears and inserting ``vessel,''.
       (6) Section 3912 of title 14, United States Code, is 
     amended by striking ``motorboat, yacht,'' and inserting 
     ``vessel,''.
       (7) Section 4101 of title 14, United States Code, is 
     amended by striking ``motorboats, yachts,'' and inserting 
     ``vessels,''.
       (8) Section 4102 of title 14, United States Code, is 
     amended by striking ``motorboat, yacht, or any other 
     vessel,'' and inserting ``or vessel,''.
       (b) Conforming References to Yachts.--Title 46, United 
     States Code, is amended--
       (1) in parts F and G of subtitle II, by striking ``yacht'' 
     each place it appears and inserting ``recreational vessel'';
       (2) in subtitle III--
       (A) in section 30506(a), by striking ``pleasure yachts'' 
     and inserting ``recreational vessels''; and
       (B) in section 30508(a), by striking ``pleasure yachts'' 
     and inserting ``recreational vessels''; and
       (3) in section 60504--
       (A) by striking ``yachts'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``recreational vessels''; and
       (B) by striking ``yacht'' and inserting ``recreational 
     vessel''.
       (c) Vessels.--Section 352(a)(4) of the Communications Act 
     of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 352(a)(4)) is amended by striking 
     ``Yachts'' and inserting ``Recreational vessels, as defined 
     in section 2101(46) of title 46, United States Code,''.

     SEC. 606. MISCELLANEOUS TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.

       (a) Miscellaneous Technical Corrections.--
       (1) Section 3305(d)(3)(B) of title 46, United States Code, 
     is amended by striking ``Coast Guard Authorization Act of 
     2017'' and inserting ``Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard 
     Authorization Act of 2018''.
       (2) Section 4312 of title 46, United States Code, is 
     amended by striking ``Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2017'' 
     each place it appears and inserting ``Frank LoBiondo Coast 
     Guard Authorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-282)''.
       (3) The analysis for chapter 700 of title 46, United States 
     Code, is amended--
       (A) by striking the item relating to the heading for the 
     first subchapter and inserting the following:

                  ``subchapter i--vessel operations'';

       (B) by striking the item relating to the heading for the 
     second subchapter and inserting the following:

             ``subchapter ii--ports and waterways safety'';

       (C) by striking the items relating to the heading for the 
     third subchapter and inserting the following:

  ``subchapter iii--condition for entry into ports in the united states

``70021. Conditions for Entry Into Ports in the United States.'';
       (D) by striking the item relating to the heading for the 
     fourth subchapter and inserting the following:

  ``subchapter iv--definitions regulations, enforcement, investigatory 
                        powers, applicability'';

       (E) by striking the item relating to the heading for the 
     fifth subchapter and inserting the following:

             ``subchapter v--regattas and marine parades'';

     and
       (F) by striking the item relating to the heading for the 
     sixth subchapter and inserting the following:

  ``subchapter vi--regulation of vessels in territorial waters of the 
                            united states''.

       (4) Section 70031 of title 46, United States Code, is 
     amended by striking ``A through C'' and inserting ``I through 
     III''.
       (5) Section 70032 of title 46, United States Code, is 
     amended by striking ``A through C'' and inserting ``I through 
     III''.
       (6) Section 70033 of title 46, United States Code, is 
     amended by striking ``A through C'' and inserting ``I through 
     III''.
       (7) Section 70034 of title 46, United States Code, is 
     amended by striking ``A through C'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``I through III''.
       (8) Section 70035(a) of title 46, United States Code, is 
     amended by striking ``A through C'' and inserting ``I through 
     III''.
       (9) Section 70036 of title 46, United States Code, is 
     amended by--
       (A) striking ``A through C'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``I through III''; and
       (B) striking ``A, B, or C'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``I, II, or III''.
       (b) Alteration of Bridges; Technical Changes.--The Act of 
     June 21, 1940 (33 U.S.C. 511 et seq.), popularly known as the 
     Truman-Hobbs Act, is amended by striking section 12 (33 
     U.S.C. 522).
       (c) Report of Determination; Technical Correction.--Section 
     105(f)(2) of the Pribilof

[[Page H7282]]

     Islands Transition Act (16 U.S.C. 1161 note; Public Law 106-
     562) is amended by striking ``subsection (a),'' and inserting 
     ``paragraph (1),''.
       (d) Technical Corrections to Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard 
     Authorization Act of 2018.--
       (1) Section 408 of the Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard 
     Authorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-282) and the item 
     relating to such section in section 2 of such Act are 
     repealed, and the provisions of law redesignated, 
     transferred, or otherwise amended by section 408 are amended 
     to read as if such section were not enacted.
       (2) Section 514(b) of the Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard 
     Authorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-282) is amended by 
     striking ``Chapter 30'' and inserting ``Chapter 3''.
       (3) Section 810(d) of the Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard 
     Authorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-282) is amended by 
     striking ``within 30 days after receiving the notice under 
     subsection (a)(1), the Secretary shall, by not later than 60 
     days after transmitting such notice,'' and inserting ``in 
     accordance within subsection (a)(2), the Secretary shall''.
       (4) Section 820(a) of the Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard 
     Authorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-282) is amended by 
     striking ``years 2018 and'' and inserting ``year''.
       (5) Section 820(b)(2) of the Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard 
     Authorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-282) is amended by 
     inserting ``and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 
     (Public Law 115-141)'' after ``(Public Law 115-31)''.
       (6) Section 821(a)(2) of the Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard 
     Authorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-282) is amended by 
     striking ``Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2017'' and 
     inserting ``Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act of 
     2018''.
       (7) This section shall take effect on the date of the 
     enactment of the Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act 
     of 2018 (Public Law 115-282) and apply as if included 
     therein.
       (e) Technical Correction.--Section 533(d)(2)(A) of the 
     Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2016 (Public Law 114-120) is 
     amended by striking ``Tract 6'' and inserting ``such Tract''.
       (f) Distant Water Tuna Fleet; Technical Corrections.--
     Section 421 of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation 
     Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-241) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by striking ``Notwithstanding'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding''; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(2) Definition.--In this subsection, the term `treaty 
     area' has the meaning given the term in the Treaty on 
     Fisheries Between the Governments of Certain Pacific Island 
     States and the Government of the United States of America as 
     in effect on the date of the enactment of the Coast Guard and 
     Maritime Transportation Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-241).''; 
     and
       (2) in subsection (c)--
       (A) by striking ``12.6 or 12.7'' and inserting ``13.6''; 
     and
       (B) by striking ``and Maritime Transportation Act of 2012'' 
     and inserting ``Authorization Act of 2019''.

     SEC. 607. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS RELATING TO CODIFICATION OF 
                   PORTS AND WATERWAYS SAFETY ACT.

       Effective upon the enactment of section 401 of the Frank 
     LoBiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 
     115-282), and notwithstanding section 402(e) of such Act--
       (1) section 16 of the Ports and Waterways Safety Act, as 
     added by section 315 of the Countering America's Adversaries 
     Through Sanctions Act (Public Law 115-44; 131 Stat. 947)--
       (A) is redesignated as section 70022 of title 46, United 
     States Code, transferred to appear after section 70021 of 
     that title, and amended so that the enumerator, section 
     heading, typeface, and typestyle conform to those appearing 
     in other sections in title 46, United States Code; and
       (B) as so redesignated and transferred, is amended--
       (i) in subsections (b) and (e), by striking ``section 
     4(a)(5)'' each place it appears and inserting ``section 
     70001(a)(5)'';
       (ii) in subsection (c)(2), by striking ``not later than'' 
     and all that follows through ``thereafter,'' and inserting 
     ``periodically''; and
       (iii) by striking subsection (h); and
       (2) chapter 700 of title 46, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (A) in section 70002(2), by inserting ``or 70022'' after 
     ``section 70021'';
       (B) in section 70036(e), by inserting ``or 70022'' after 
     ``section 70021''; and
       (C) in the analysis for such chapter--
       (i) by inserting ``Sec.'' above the section items, in 
     accordance with the style and form of such an entry in other 
     chapter analyses of such title; and
       (ii) by striking the item relating to section 70021 and 
     inserting the following:

``70021. Conditions for entry to ports in the United States
``70022. Prohibition on entry and operation''.

                 TITLE VII--FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION

     SEC. 701. SHORT TITLE.

       This title may be cited as the ``Federal Maritime 
     Commission Authorization Act of 2019''.

     SEC. 702. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       Section 308 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by 
     striking ``$28,012,310 for fiscal year 2018 and $28,544,543 
     for fiscal year 2019'' and inserting ``$29,086,888 for fiscal 
     year 2020 and $29,639,538 for fiscal year 2021''.

            TITLE VIII--COAST GUARD ACADEMY IMPROVEMENT ACT

     SEC. 801. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Coast Guard Academy 
     Improvement Act''.

     SEC. 802. COAST GUARD ACADEMY STUDY.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary of the department in which 
     the Coast Guard is operating shall seek to enter into an 
     arrangement with the National Academy of Public 
     Administration not later than 60 days after the date of the 
     enactment of the this Act under which the National Academy of 
     Public Administration shall--
       (1) conduct an assessment of the cultural competence of the 
     Coast Guard Academy as an organization and of individuals at 
     the Coast Guard Academy to carry out effectively the primary 
     duties of the United States Coast Guard listed in section 102 
     of title 14, United States Code, when interacting with 
     individuals of different races, ethnicities, genders, 
     religions, sexual orientations, socioeconomic backgrounds, or 
     from different geographic origins; and
       (2) issue recommendations based upon the findings in such 
     assessment.
       (b) Assessment of Cultural Competence.--
       (1) Cultural competence of the coast guard academy.--The 
     arrangement described in subsection (a) shall require the 
     National Academy of Public Administration to, not later than 
     1 year after entering into an arrangement with the Secretary 
     under subsection (a), submit to the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate the assessment described under 
     subsection (a)(1).
       (2) Assessment scope.--The assessment described under 
     subsection (a)(1) shall--
       (A) describe the level of cultural competence described in 
     subsection (a)(1) based on the National Academy of Public 
     Administration's assessment of the Coast Guard Academy's 
     relevant practices, policies, and structures, including an 
     overview of discussions with faculty, staff, students, and 
     relevant Coast Guard Academy affiliated organizations;
       (B) examine potential changes which could be used to 
     further enhance such cultural competence by--
       (i) modifying institutional practices, policies, and 
     structures; and
       (ii) any other changes deemed appropriate by the National 
     Academy of Public Administration; and
       (C) make recommendations to enhance the cultural competence 
     of the Coast Guard Academy described in subparagraph (A), 
     including any specific plans, policies, milestones, 
     performance measures, or other information necessary to 
     implement such recommendations.
       (c) Final Action Memorandum.--Not later than three months 
     after submission of the assessment under section 802(b)(1), 
     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 final action memorandum 
     in response to all recommendations contained in the 
     assessment. The Final Action Memorandum shall include the 
     rationale for accepting, accepting in part, or rejecting each 
     recommendation, and shall specify, where applicable, actions 
     to be taken to implement such recommendations, including an 
     explanation of how each action enhances the ability of the 
     Coast Guard to carry out the primary duties of the United 
     States Coast Guard listed in section 102 of title 14, United 
     States Code.
       (d) Plan.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than six months after the date 
     of the submission of the final action memorandum required 
     under subsection (c), the Commandant of the Coast Guard, in 
     coordination with the Chief Human Capital Officer of the 
     Department of Homeland Security, shall submit a plan to carry 
     out the recommendations or the parts of the recommendations 
     accepted in the Final Action Memorandum to the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate.
       (2) Strategy with milestones.--If any recommendation or 
     parts of recommendations accepted in the Final Action 
     Memorandum address any of the following actions, then the 
     plan required in paragraph (1) shall include a strategy with 
     appropriate milestones to carry out such recommendations or 
     parts of recommendations:
       (A) Improve outreach and recruitment of a more diverse 
     Coast Guard Academy cadet candidate pool based on race, 
     ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, 
     socioeconomic background, and geographic origin.
       (B) Modify institutional structures, practices, and 
     policies to foster a more diverse cadet corps body, faculty, 
     and staff workforce based on race, ethnicity, gender, 
     religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and 
     geographic origin.
       (C) Modify existing or establish new policies and 
     safeguards to foster the retention of cadets, faculty, and 
     staff of different races, ethnicities, genders, religions, 
     sexual orientations, socioeconomic backgrounds, and

[[Page H7283]]

     geographic origins at the Coast Guard Academy.
       (D) Restructure the admissions office of the Coast Guard 
     Academy to be headed by a civilian with significant relevant 
     higher education recruitment experience.
       (3) Implementation.--Unless otherwise directed by an Act of 
     Congress, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall begin 
     implementation of the plan developed under this subsection 
     not later than 180 days after the submission of such plan to 
     Congress.
       (4) Update.--The Commandant of the Coast Guard shall 
     include in the first annual report required under chapter 51 
     of title 14, United States Code, as amended by this Act, 
     submitted after the date of enactment of this section, the 
     strategy with milestones required in paragraph (2) and shall 
     report annually thereafter on actions taken and progress made 
     in the implementation of such plan.

     SEC. 803. ANNUAL REPORT.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 51 of title 14, United States 
     Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

     ``Sec. 5112. Report on diversity at the Coast Guard Academy

       ``(a) In General.--Not later than January 15, 2021, and 
     annually thereafter, the Commandant shall submit a report on 
     diversity at the Coast Guard Academy to the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate.
       ``(b) Contents.--The report required under subsection (a) 
     shall include--
       ``(1) the status of the implementation of the plan required 
     section 802 of the Coast Guard Academy Improvement Act;
       ``(2) specific information on outreach and recruitment 
     activities for the preceding year, including the 
     effectiveness of the Coast Guard Academy Minority Outreach 
     Team Program described under section 1905 and of outreach and 
     recruitment activities in the territories and other 
     possessions of the United States;
       ``(3) enrollment information about the incoming class, 
     including the gender, race, ethnicity, religion, 
     socioeconomic background, and State of residence of Coast 
     Guard Academy cadets;
       ``(4) information on class retention, outcomes, and 
     graduation rates, including the race, gender, ethnicity, 
     religion, socioeconomic background, and State of residence of 
     Coast Guard Academy cadets; and
       ``(5) information on efforts to retain diverse cadets, 
     including through professional development and professional 
     advancement programs for staff and faculty.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 51 of 
     title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end 
     the following:

``5112. Report on diversity at the Coast Guard Academy.''.

     SEC. 804. ASSESSMENT OF COAST GUARD ACADEMY ADMISSION 
                   PROCESSES.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary of the department in which 
     the Coast Guard is operating shall seek to enter into an 
     arrangement with the National Academy of Public 
     Administration under which the National Academy of Public 
     Administration shall, not later than 1 year after submitting 
     an assessment under section 802(a), submit an assessment of 
     the Coast Guard Academy admissions process to the Committee 
     on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate.
       (b) Assessment Scope.--The assessment required to be sought 
     under subsection (a) shall, at a minimum, include--
       (1) a study, or an audit if appropriate, of the process the 
     Coast Guard Academy uses to--
       (A) identify candidates for recruitment;
       (B) recruit applicants;
       (C) assist applicants in the application process;
       (D) evaluate applications; and
       (E) make admissions decisions;
       (2) discussion of the consideration during the admissions 
     process of diversity, including--
       (A) race;
       (B) ethnicity;
       (C) gender;
       (D) religion;
       (E) sexual orientation;
       (F) socioeconomic background; and
       (G) geographic origin;
       (3) an overview of the admissions processes at other 
     Federal service academies, including--
       (A) discussion of consideration of diversity, including any 
     efforts to attract a diverse pool of applicants, in those 
     processes; and
       (B) an analysis of how the congressional nominations 
     requirement in current law related to military service 
     academies and the Merchant Marine Academy impacts those 
     processes and the overall demographics of the student bodies 
     at those academies;
       (4) a determination regarding how a congressional 
     nominations requirement for Coast Guard Academy admissions 
     could impact diversity among the student body and the ability 
     of the Coast Guard to carry out effectively the Service's 
     primary duties described in section 102 of title 14, United 
     States Code; and
       (5) recommendations for improving Coast Guard Academy 
     admissions processes, including whether a congressional 
     nominations process should be integrated into such processes.

     SEC. 805. COAST GUARD ACADEMY MINORITY OUTREACH TEAM PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 19 of title 14, United States 
     Code, is amended by inserting after section 1904 the 
     following:

     ``Sec. 1905. Coast Guard Academy minority outreach program

       ``(a) In General.--There is established within the Coast 
     Guard Academy a minority outreach team program (in this 
     section referred to as the `Program' ) under which officers, 
     including minority officers and officers from territories and 
     other possessions of the United States, who are Academy 
     graduates may volunteer their time to recruit minority 
     students and strengthen cadet retention through mentorship of 
     cadets.
       ``(b) Administration.--Not later than July 15, 2020, the 
     Commandant, in consultation with Program volunteers and 
     Academy alumni that participated in prior programs at the 
     Academy similar to the Program, shall appoint a permanent 
     civilian position at the Academy to administer the Program 
     by, among other things--
       ``(1) overseeing administration of the Program;
       ``(2) serving as a resource to volunteers and outside 
     stakeholders;
       ``(3) advising Academy leadership on recruitment and 
     retention efforts based on recommendations from volunteers 
     and outside stakeholders;
       ``(4) establishing strategic goals and performance metrics 
     for the Program with input from active volunteers and Academy 
     leadership; and
       ``(5) reporting annually to the Commandant on academic year 
     and performance outcomes of the goals for the Program before 
     the end of each academic year.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 19 of 
     title 14, United States Code, is amended by inserting after 
     the item relating to section 1904 the following:

``1905. Coast Guard Academy minority outreach team program.''.

     SEC. 806. COAST GUARD COLLEGE STUDENT PRE-COMMISSIONING 
                   INITIATIVE.

       (a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter 21 of title 14, 
     United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:

     ``Sec. 2131. College student pre-commissioning initiative

       ``(a) In General.--There is authorized within the Coast 
     Guard the College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative 
     program (in this section referred to as the `program') for 
     eligible undergraduate students to enlist and receive a 
     guaranteed commission as an officer in the Coast Guard.
       ``(b) Criteria for Selection.--To be eligible for the 
     program a student must meet the following requirements upon 
     submitting an application:
       ``(1) Age.--A student must be not less than 19 years old 
     and not more than 27 years old as of September 30 of the 
     fiscal year in which the program selection panel selecting 
     such student convenes.
       ``(2) Character.--
       ``(A) All applicants.--All applicants must be of 
     outstanding moral character and meet other character 
     requirements as set forth by the Commandant.
       ``(B) Coast guard applicants.--An applicant serving in the 
     Coast Guard may not be commissioned if in the 36 months prior 
     to the first Officer Candidate School class convening date in 
     the selection cycle, such applicant was convicted by a court-
     martial or awarded non-judicial punishment, or did not meet 
     performance or character requirements set forth by the 
     Commandant.
       ``(3) Citizenship.--A student must be a United States 
     citizen.
       ``(4) Clearance.--A student must be eligible for a secret 
     clearance.
       ``(5) Dependency.--
       ``(A) A student may not have more than 2 dependents; and
       ``(B) A student who is single may not have sole or primary 
     custody of dependents.
       ``(6) Education.--
       ``(A) Institution.--A student must be an undergraduate 
     sophomore or junior--
       ``(i) at a historically Black college or university 
     described in section 322(2) of the Higher Education Act of 
     1965 (20 U.S.C. 1061(2)) or an institution of higher 
     education described in section 371(a) of the Higher Education 
     Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1067q(a)); or
       ``(ii) who is active in minority-serving organizations and 
     pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering, or 
     mathematics at an institution of higher education described 
     in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
     1001) that is not a historically Black college or university 
     or institution of higher education referred to in clause (i) 
     of this subparagraph.
       ``(B) Location.--The institution at which such student is 
     an undergraduate must be within 100 miles of a Coast guard 
     unit or Coast Guard Recruiting Office unless otherwise 
     approved by the Commandant.
       ``(C) Records.--A student must meet credit and grade point 
     average requirements set forth by the Commandant.
       ``(7) Medical and administrative.--A student must meet 
     other medical and administrative requirements as set forth by 
     the Commandant.
       ``(c) Enlistment and Obligation.--Individuals selected and 
     accept to participate in the program shall enlist in the 
     Coast Guard in pay grade E-3 with a four year duty obligation 
     and four year inactive Reserve obligation.
       ``(d) Military Activities Prior to Officer Candidate 
     School.--Individuals enrolled in

[[Page H7284]]

     the program shall participate in military activities each 
     month, as required by the Commandant, prior to attending 
     Officer Candidate School.
       ``(e) Participation in Officer Candidate School.--Each 
     graduate of the program shall attend the first enrollment of 
     Officer Candidate School that commences after the date of 
     such graduate's graduation.
       ``(f) Commissioning.--Upon graduation from Officer 
     Candidate School, program graduates shall be discharged from 
     enlisted status and commissioned as an O-1 with an initial 
     three-year duty obligation.
       ``(g) Briefing.--
       ``(1) In general.--Not later than August 15 of each year, 
     the Commandant shall provide a briefing to the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate on the College Student Pre-
     Commissioning Initiative.
       ``(2) Contents.--The briefing required under paragraph (1) 
     shall describe--
       ``(A) outreach and recruitment efforts over the previous 
     year; and
       ``(B) demographic information of enrollees including--
       ``(i) race;
       ``(ii) ethnicity;
       ``(iii) gender;
       ``(iv) geographic origin; and
       ``(v) educational institution.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for subchapter I of 
     chapter 21 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by 
     adding at the end the following:

``2131. College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative.''.

     SEC. 807. ANNUAL BOARD OF VISITORS.

       Section 1903(d) of title 14, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (1) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (6) as 
     paragraphs (3) through (7), respectively; and
       (2) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
       ``(2) recruitment and retention;''.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Oregon (Mr. DeFazio) and the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Gibbs) each will 
control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Oregon.


                             General Leave

  Mr. DeFAZIO. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include 
extraneous materials on H.R. 3409, as amended.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Oregon?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. DeFAZIO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today and speak in strong support 
of H.R. 3409, the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act of 2019. This is 
genuinely bipartisan legislation which will reauthorize funding for the 
United States Coast Guard Federal Maritime Commission for fiscal years 
2020 and 2021.
  The bill also advances other important provisions to help both the 
economic competitiveness and effective regulation of the U.S. maritime 
industry.
  It is the latest in a long line of major legislation from this 
committee, reported to the House on a bipartisan basis and underpinning 
essential functions of government such as, in this case, the United 
States Coast Guard and the Federal Maritime Commission.
  I couldn't have better partners than I had: my ranking member, Sam 
Graves; the chair of the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime 
Transportation, Sean Patrick Maloney; and the ranking subcommittee 
member, Representative   Bob Gibbs. They worked hard on this 
legislation, and many of their concerns were included in the final 
product. Each of them has joined as an original cosponsor, which I 
appreciate.
  We have also worked with other members of the committee on both sides 
of the aisle and the House to include provisions that address concerns 
raised by them or their constituents.
  We all know that, over the last few years, the Coast Guard budgets 
have been inadequate, mostly a byproduct of mandatory cuts imposed by 
the so-called Budget Control Act. This inadequate funding has left the 
Coast Guard, as Admiral Schultz has said, at a tipping point. This 
legislation, at long last, begins to reverse that downward spiral.
  Mr. Speaker, there is $11 billion for the Coast Guard's discretionary 
budget for fiscal years 2020 and 2021. This tracks the recently 
increased appropriations of the last 2 fiscal years and builds in a 2 
percent inflation adjustment to arrive at the highest authorized 
funding levels for the Coast Guard in recent memory.
  Is that totally adequate? No, it isn't. But it is at least 
incremental progress in a time where we aren't seeing a lot of progress 
on a lot of things these days.
  I am particularly please that the top-line numbers for procurement, 
acquisitions, and improvement have been pushed up to $2.7 billion and 
$2.8 billion. That means the Coast Guard should be able to maintain its 
ongoing recapitalization programs, including the critically important 
offshore patrol cutter; the new fleet of polar security cutters, which 
will be absolutely vital to deal particularly with the opening of the 
Northwest Passage; and, also, to continue critical support for our 
assets and activities in Antarctica.
  It wasn't a great year for the Coast Guard when we had the stupid 
government shutdown. They were continuing to carry out their critical 
homeland security duties in addition to their daily lifesaving duties 
and their drug interdiction duties, many in a high-risk profession, and 
yet they weren't being paid.
  They were escorting the subs out of Bremerton. The sailors were being 
paid on the subs. The Coast Guard, which was providing critical surface 
support and protection, was not being paid.
  I had originally included in this legislation provisions to assure 
that the Coast Guard would be paid in case of another government 
shutdown. Unfortunately, the very stupid budget rules we have around 
here say that we will pretend that they will never be paid--and if that 
is the case, then we won't have a Coast Guard anymore--therefore, to 
mandatorily pay them during a shutdown would count as new deficit, like 
we are never going to pay them.
  It is a pretty dumb rule, but those concerns were raised by people 
above my pay grade, and I reluctantly removed the provision from the 
bill. I am going to continue to push for that provision as we move 
forward through the appropriations process and elsewhere. I will look 
for any opportunity I can to recognize the service of the Coast Guard.
  There is also, in this bill, a modest $1.4 million increase in the 
budget of the Federal Maritime Commission. This will help them 
implement the most extensive package of amendments to the Ocean 
Shipping Reform Act since 1998, particularly looking at antitrust 
oversight of foreign-flag commercial carrier alliances that transport 
nearly 98 percent of U.S. foreign commerce.

  Our overreliance on foreign-flag carriers to move the commerce of the 
United States is a growing liability and, yet, unintended consequence 
of our trade policies. Only now are we beginning to recognize and 
grapple with the implications of this dependence on our national and 
economic security.
  The increased authorized funding of $29 million for the operating 
budget should provide them with the additional resources they need to 
actually be a cop on the beat and ensure foreign carriers abide by fair 
shipping practices and compliance with all U.S. antitrust requirements.
  I am also pleased with provisions that would boost coastwise trades 
and, potentially, our shipbuilding industry.
  We are reaffirming, yet again, long-term support for the Jones Act, 
including clarifications as to how the Jones Act applies to maritime 
transportation and heavy-lift activities that occur offshore.
  I believe the language in this bill strikes a sensible path forward. 
I look forward to resolving any outstanding questions and concerns in 
conference with the United States Senate.
  Just as important, the bill provides new authorities to address new 
or emerging ocean technologies, including unmanned systems, to ensure 
Coast Guard has enough competence to either use, or regulate the use 
of, said systems; amendments to build on progress made last Congress to 
improve maritime safety requirements; and it strengthens standards to 
prevent discrimination, sexual assault and harassment and promote 
gender equity in the Coast Guard at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy 
and across the U.S. maritime industry.
  This is vital legislation to the Coast Guard, and the maritime 
shipyard workers across this country.
  Again, I want to thank my colleagues.

[[Page H7285]]

  Mr. Speaker, I urge an ``aye'' vote, and I reserve the balance of my 
time.

                                         House of Representatives,


                               Committee on Homeland Security,

                                    Washington, DC, July 16, 2019.
     Hon. Peter DeFazio,
     Chairman, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, 
         House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Defazio: I write to you regarding H.R. 3409, 
     the ``Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2019.''
       H.R. 3409 contains provisions that fall within the 
     jurisdiction of the Committee on Homeland Security. I 
     recognize and appreciate your desire to bring this 
     legislation before the House in an expeditious manner and, 
     accordingly, I will not seek a sequential referral of the 
     bill. However, agreeing to waive consideration of this bill 
     should not be construed as the Committee on Homeland Security 
     waiving, altering, or otherwise affecting its jurisdiction 
     over subject matters contained in the bill which fall within 
     its Rule X jurisdiction.
       Further, I request your support for the appointment of 
     Homeland Security conferees during any House-Senate 
     conference convened on this or similar legislation. I also 
     ask that a copy of this letter and your response be included 
     in the legislative report on H.R. 3409 and in the 
     Congressional Record during floor consideration of this bill.
       I look forward to working with you as we prepare to pass 
     this important legislation.
           Sincerely,
                                               Bennie G. Thompson,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

         House of Representatives, Committee on Transportation and 
           Infrastructure,
                                    Washington, DC, July 17, 2019.
     Hon. Bennie G. Thompson,
     Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security, U.S. House of 
         Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Thompson: Thank you for your letter regarding 
     H.R. 3409, the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act of 2019, which 
     was ordered to be reported out of the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure on June 26, 2019. I 
     appreciate your willingness to work cooperatively on this 
     legislation.
       I acknowledge that by foregoing a sequential referral on 
     H.R. 3409, the Committee on Homeland Security does not waive 
     any future jurisdictional claims to provisions in this or 
     similar legislation. 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 within this 
     legislation on which the Committee on Homeland Security has a 
     valid jurisdictional claim.
       I appreciate your cooperation regarding this legislation, 
     and I will ensure that our exchange of letters is included in 
     the Congressional Record during floor consideration of H.R. 
     3409.
           Sincerely,
                                                 Peter A. DeFazio,
                                                            Chair.

                              {time}  1330

  Mr. GIBBS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3409 represents the Committee on Transportation and 
Infrastructure's commitment to the men and women serving in the Coast 
Guard and lays the groundwork for maintaining their mission capability 
in the future.
  It also represents the bipartisan spirit that so often falls below 
the radar on Capitol Hill. At a time when the issues dominating the 
headlines fuel political fighting, it is refreshing to work with 
colleagues from both sides of the aisle.
  H.R. 3409 recognizes that port and coastal security, drug 
interdiction, and maritime safety are commonsense issues, not 
Republican or Democrat issues. This Coast Guard authorization addresses 
priorities important to both East and West Coasts, the inland river 
system, and the Great Lakes. All these regions are well-represented by 
the chairs and ranking members of the committee and subcommittee.
  The Coast Guard plays an important and unique role in national 
security and maritime safety. It is a critical component in carrying 
out drug interdiction efforts, keeping our ports and coasts safe, and 
conducting icebreaking operations. H.R. 3409, the Coast Guard 
Authorization Act of 2019, helps the Coast Guard better perform their 
missions and encourages the use of cutting-edge technology to improve 
operations. Utilizing drone technology and upgrading computer systems 
will help the Coast Guard personnel complete their missions.
  I am also proud of the commitment made to the Great Lakes in this 
bill. Working with Congressman   Mike Gallagher from Wisconsin, we 
emphasized the economic importance of the Great Lakes and the necessity 
for new, dedicated icebreakers on the lakes to keep commerce moving.
  It is unfortunate that the provisions in the bill to ensure the 
Coastguardsmen were paid during lapses in appropriations were stripped 
from the bill. Nonetheless, I commend Chairman DeFazio and the 186 
cosponsors of the Pay Our Coast Guard Act for pursuing this important 
initiative.
  I thank Chairman DeFazio, Ranking Member Graves, and Subcommittee 
Chairman Maloney for working in a bipartisan fashion to give the Coast 
Guard the resources it needs to accomplish its missions.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve 
the balance of my time.
  Mr. DeFAZIO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from 
Florida (Ms. Mucarsel-Powell).
  Ms. MUCARSEL-POWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bill 
which incorporates the Coast Guard Shore Infrastructure Improvement Act 
that I introduced with Representative Garret Graves of Louisiana. It 
directs the Commandant of the Coast Guard to tackle the maintenance 
backlog of its shore infrastructure.
  The Coast Guard currently has a $2.6 billion project backlog, and 25 
percent of its assets have exceeded their service lives.
  We must rebuild our Coast Guard in a strategic way, one that accounts 
for stronger storms that will only worsen with climate change.
  This bill will ensure that the Coast Guard has the processes in place 
to carry out crucial shore infrastructure repairs. Coasties often spend 
their personal time working on infrastructure improvements. It is 
unacceptable that they have to sacrifice their rest time and family 
time to repair crumbling buildings.
  Passing this bill will ensure America's security, the success of our 
Coast Guard, and the well-being of our servicemembers.
  Mr. GIBBS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Graves), who is the ranking member of the 
full Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
  Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, the Coast Guard is one of the 
Nation's five armed services, and this bipartisan bill is going to 
provide the resources to help them carry out their vital missions more 
effectively. These missions are critical to ensuring maritime safety, 
stopping the flow of illegal drugs and migrants into the country, 
enforcing U.S. laws at sea, and protecting our Nation's borders.
  In order to carry out the tens of thousands of operations each year, 
the Coast Guard must also replace and modernize their assets--from 
cutters to icebreakers to helicopters. This bill is going to help them 
do that.
  This legislation also takes steps necessary to provide the men and 
women of the Coast Guard, as has been pointed out, parity with other 
servicemembers in the Department of Defense. The Coast Guard is the 
only one of the armed services that is not in the Department of 
Defense, and the only armed service with law enforcement authority.
  I agree with the chairman on the bipartisan nature of this bill and 
how it was put together. I commend Chairman DeFazio and Subcommittee 
Chairman Maloney, and Subcommittee Ranking Member Gibbs for working 
diligently and coming up with a very good piece of legislation and a 
very good bipartisan agreement that we have here today.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.
  Mr. DeFAZIO. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Thompson), who is the chairman of the 
Committee on Homeland Security.
  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from 
Oregon for yielding me time.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3409. I am glad 
to have worked with Chairman DeFazio to integrate major provisions from 
legislation I authored to drive long overdue reforms at the Coast Guard 
Academy.
  Our armed services should reflect the diverse fabric of this Nation. 
Unfortunately, the Coast Guard Academy has struggled to attract and 
retain a diverse student body and faculty. The absence of diverse 
voices at the Coast Guard Academy has contributed to what many 
acknowledge as a hostile

[[Page H7286]]

environment for cadets and faculty with diverse backgrounds punctuated 
by hateful incidents. I have engaged with the Commandant regarding 
conditions at the academy and, to his credit, he is open to change. To 
that end, H.R. 3409 directs the Commandant to secure the services of 
outside experts to carry out an independent, top-to-bottom review of 
conditions at the academy with an eye to issuing recommendations to 
foster a more inclusive and supportive environment.

  Additionally, the independent body would be directed to assess the 
academy's admissions processes and consider the potential benefits of 
congressional nominations to increase diversity. The true test for the 
Coast Guard will come when recommendations are issued. At that point it 
will be clear if, as an organization, the Coast Guard is willing to 
abandon its historically insular ways and embrace real reform.
  Other noteworthy provisions of my legislation that are reflected here 
include requiring a Coast Guard strategy to increase the representation 
of cadets, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds, and authorizing 
both the Academy Minority Outreach Team Program and the College Student 
Pre-Commissioning Initiative.
  I am pleased that the bill also includes language authored by 
Congressman Richmond to enhance the Coast Guard's capacity to combat 
and defend against cyber threats.
  Before I close, I would like to thank Chairman DeFazio, Chairman 
Cummings and their staffs, particularly Dave Jansen on the 
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee staff, for partnering with 
me and my staff to put the academy on a positive trajectory.
  Mr. GIBBS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from 
Puerto Rico (Miss Gonzalez-Colon).
  Miss GONZALEZ-COLON of Puerto Rico. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman 
DeFazio and Ranking Member Graves for working on these bills. This is 
an important one in Puerto Rico.
  I am really proud about the work the Coast Guard did during both 
Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
  I am proud to be a cosponsor of this bill, the Coast Guard 
Authorization Act of 2019, which authorizes the service for the next 2 
years, gives the Coast Guard parity with the other military branches in 
the Department of Defense, addresses a backlog of shore-side 
infrastructure, and reauthorizes the Federal Maritime Commission.
  I worked with Delegate Plaskett from the Virgin Islands to get on 
board to help determine if the Coast Guard's maritime surveillance 
hours used for drug interdictions in the Caribbean Basin meet mission 
requirements. The U.S. Coast Guard has been vital in addressing these 
threats and securing our maritime region as well.
  For example, during the first half of fiscal year 2019, the Coast 
Guard removed over 9 metric tons of cocaine and interdicted 722 
migrants around the Puerto Rico area of operations. That is the reason 
I also was able to include a provision in this bill which ensures 
recruitment activities in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and all 
the territories as well. We are proud to answer the call to serve in 
our Nation's service branches, and the Coast Guard is no exception.
  Mr. Speaker, I support this bill.
  Mr. DeFAZIO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New 
Jersey (Mr. Van Drew).
  Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Oregon and 
chairman of the illustrious Transportation and Infrastructure 
Committee.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3409, the Coast 
Guard Authorization Act--bipartisan legislation that authorizes 
programs and funding of over $11 billion for the United States Coast 
Guard through fiscal year 2021.
  I am proud to represent New Jersey's Second Congressional District, 
home to the United States Coast Guard Training Center in Cape May, Air 
Station Atlantic City, and thousands more of our brave men and brave 
women who protect our shores and our coastal communities.
  This comprehensive bill authorizes critical funding to upgrade and 
modernize our fleets and improve offshore navigation safety. It 
requires a report on the effects of climate change and the 
vulnerabilities of our Coast Guard installations, directs the use of 
drone technology for potential use to support missions and operations, 
and orders the Commandant of the Coast Guard to brief Congress on the 
conditions and need for Coast Guard housing.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman DeFazio and Ranking Member Graves for 
bringing this important bill to the floor, and I urge my colleagues to 
support H.R. 3409, the Coast Guard Authorization Act. These are our 
brave men and women who protect our seas.
  Mr. GIBBS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Graves).
  Mr. GRAVES of Louisiana. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman 
from Ohio, our ranking member of the subcommittee, for all of his work 
on this. I want to thank Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney from New 
York, our chairman; Chairman DeFazio and the ranking member of the full 
committee, Sam Graves, for all their work on this.
  Mr. Speaker, this is a bill that is a bipartisan bill, and I do 
appreciate everyone working together to make sure that we are doing the 
right thing.
  The Coast Guard, in many cases, is not held to the level of regard 
and respect that they deserve.
  Let's think about all of the things that the Coast Guard is 
responsible for:
  They are in charge of drug interdiction on our seas; they are in 
charge of alien interdiction on our seas; they are in charge of 
enforcing all U.S. laws on our waterways; securing our maritime 
borders; defense readiness; port and coastal security issues; search 
and rescue; marine safety; maintaining aids to navigation; icebreaking; 
marine environmental protection; oil spill prevention and response; and 
many other things.
  Mr. Speaker, I often refer to them as the Swiss Army knife of the 
Federal Government. They have an incredibly broad jurisdiction. These 
are men and women who are serving their Nation on a daily basis.
  I want to thank all of the leaders of this committee for the work in 
the committee, where we took the Coast Guard Parity Act and added it to 
this bill. The Coast Guard Parity Act recognized that the men and women 
of the Coast Guard were treated differently from all of the other armed 
services whenever the Federal Government goes into a shutdown.
  Mr. Speaker, when the government shuts down, it is because Congress 
failed to do its job together with an administration. The men and women 
in the Coast Guard do not deserve to be punished.
  There is something that is really important to point out: the men and 
women of the Coast Guard can't just go say: Hey, I am going to go work 
for another job. I am going to leave this one because I am not being 
paid because the government is shut down. I am going to go work and do 
this other job.
  They are contractually obligated to continue doing their work and 
their service for our Nation. So the Coast Guard Parity Act was added 
to this bill in committee, and I am very disappointed that it was 
pulled out. I know the chairman and the ranking member were both very 
supportive of this.
  We need to address this issue. Let me say it again: the men and women 
of the Coast Guard are not responsible for when the government shuts 
down, and they should not be penalized for it either. I hope that we 
can continue to work together to solve this.
  But going back, Mr. Speaker, the Coast Guard does an incredible job 
in an incredibly broad mission. This bill helps to recapitalize an 
antiquated network or system of equipment, antiquated vessels that have 
lasted well beyond their intended service life. It helps to ensure that 
we can authorize the appropriate vessels, whether it is the national 
security cutter, the offshore patrol cutter, the fast response cutter, 
and the helos and winged aircraft that the men and women of the Coast 
Guard depend on on a daily basis.
  We know that the other side--the drug traffickers and the alien 
smugglers and others--are using new and updated technology. We need to 
make sure that we continue to provide the men and women of the Coast 
Guard with the upper hand with the best technology and with the best 
equipment to deal with their daily mission of protecting our Nation and 
enforcing all laws on the seas of the United States.

[[Page H7287]]

  Mr. Speaker, again, I want to thank Mr. DeFazio, Mr. Graves, Mr. 
Gibbs, and Mr. Maloney for all of the work that they have done to 
ensure this bill moves forward. It is a bipartisan bill, and I urge 
adoption.

                              {time}  1345

  Mr. DeFAZIO. Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close. I reserve the 
balance of my time.
  Mr. GIBBS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
  Mr. Speaker, this is a very strong bipartisan bill. We need to 
support the efforts of our men and women out there who are doing the 
daily work to protect this country, the Coast Guard.
  I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the 
balance of my time.
  Mr. DeFAZIO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, just expanding a little bit on the former speaker, 
Representative Graves of Louisiana, I would recommend to people the 
video that became available last week of the Coast Guard boarding a 
semisubmersible smuggling drugs. It is an extraordinary video and 
extraordinary and precarious undertaking by the Coast Guard, jumping 
from a Zodiac onto the top of this vessel, pounding on the hatch to get 
the people to open the hatch and surrender.
  Again, just reiterating what I said earlier, what they do with drug 
interdiction far exceeds all of the other Federal agencies combined, 
and yet they weren't paid during the shutdown doing these dangerous 
activities, and what they do for Homeland Security, what they do on a 
daily basis to provide search and rescue activities, keep our mariners 
safe and maritime safety inspections.
  So again, I regret that the technicalities around here didn't allow 
us to move forward at this time, but I am determined that we will do 
that.
  Mr. Speaker, I also want to raise another issue, and I would hope 
that the Coast Guard is listening.
  I am very concerned. The largest acquisition program--I mentioned 
earlier about the acquisition budget for recapitalization--is the 
Offshore Patrol Cutter. Twice now, Representatives and Senators from 
Florida have attempted to end-run the contracting process. They have a 
shipyard that claims, that because of the hurricane, they didn't 
underbid the contract.
  No, no, no. They didn't. They didn't. But they need hundreds of 
millions of dollars more to do the contract without going through a 
bidding process, without any scrutiny, and without any information 
being provided to this committee justifying those increases.
  In fact, they are saying: Well, we can't get workers because of the 
hurricane; it is just impossible. Well, we are rebuilding Tyndall Air 
Force Base. Armed Services hasn't heard anything about that.
  And then, also, they say: Well, it is going to take 1.3 million more 
man-hours.
  Well, what does that have to do with not being able to get skilled 
labor? The allegations by some others in the industry are that they 
underbid the contract, and now they are trying to come up with a 
rationale.
  It is further disturbing that a former Commandant of the Coast Guard 
runs this organization. And I am very concerned that the Coast Guard is 
now contemplating asking Homeland Security to invoke a law they have 
never used before, claiming national security to renegotiate between 
the current Commandant of the Coast Guard and the past Commandant of 
the Coast Guard running this shipyard the terms of this contract.
  That is not right. It doesn't protect the taxpayers. It doesn't 
protect the contracting process. I am going to be pushing very, very 
hard on this issue.
  That said, there are many meritorious things in this bill, and I will 
yield back the balance of my time after recommending a unanimous vote 
by the House of Representatives. Hopefully, the Senate won't take 1\1/
2\ years to get the bill done this time, so actually it will be a 2-
year authorization instead of a 2-year/1-year authorization.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, as a senior member of the House 
Committees on the Judiciary, Homeland Security, and Budget, I rise in 
strong support of H.R. 3409, the ``Coast Guard Authorization Act of 
2019.''
  H.R. 3409 is bipartisan legislation that reauthorizes appropriations 
for the Coast Guard and Federal Maritime Commission through the 2021 
Fiscal Year.
  This legislation contains improvements to promote the U.S. maritime 
industry and offshore renewable energy development, authorization of 
funding for new heavy ice breakers, and provisions to increase 
diversity at the United States Coast Guard Academy.
  Additionally, this legislation will enhance recruitment and retention 
of merchant vessels, along with advancing new opportunities to 
strengthen the competitiveness of the U.S. maritime and shipbuilding 
industries.
  Earlier this year the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees 
the United States Coast Guard, was adversely affected by the Trump 
Administration's government shutdown.
  The shutdown affected the pay of over 40,000 active duty Coast Guard 
members, 6,000 reservists, and 8,500 civilian employees.
  It took 35 days for Congress and the White House to agree on a FY 
2019 funding bill.
  During this time the brave men and women of the Coast Guard endured 
the cold winter weather while conducting life-saving rescues, drug 
interdiction operations, environmental protection missions, and costal 
security operations.
  This bill will guarantee that the Coast Guard's active duty and 
civilian personnel are paid in the event of another federal government 
shutdown.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 1649 
``Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2019'' in order to ensure that the 
Coast Guard has all of the resources required to carry out their 
missions and maintain safety along our coastal borders.
  Mr. SEAN PATRICK MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I would like to 
express my support for the Coast Guard Authorization Act and the 
inclusive and bipartisan agreement that the Members of the 
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee have reached.
  The robust funding for the Coast Guard in this 2-year authorization 
is indicative of this body's strong support for the men and women 
serving in the Coast Guard and the important mission they undertake. I 
recently visited our Coasties in District 7 to see their 
professionalism and skills on full display--they make the impossible 
look routine on a daily basis.
  From drug interdictions to search and rescue, the Coast Guard 
continues to prove its effectiveness while operating with limited 
resources. The passage of this bill sends the message that every dollar 
is a dollar well spent with respect to the U.S. Coast Guard.
  This important legislation includes provisions that will further 
strengthen the Coast Guard by expanding the use of unmanned systems and 
fully integrating new and existing technologies developed both inside 
and outside of the service.
  I am pleased that the bill contains a number of provisions aimed at 
increasing cultural competence in the Coast Guard and at the Coast 
Guard Academy. The service will only realize its full potential once it 
instills a culture that welcomes all people regardless of gender, race, 
or sexual orientation.
  The bill also includes several provisions aimed to bolster the U.S. 
maritime industry. By clarifying certain requirements on domestic 
vessels, it sends a strong signal of support for the Jones Act and our 
coastwise maritime industry. By clarifying cargo preference 
requirements, we begin to address losses in the internationally trading 
U.S. fleet and rebuild the American mariner base.
  The bill also contains important protections for the Hudson River in 
my district and will ensure this natural treasure is preserved for 
future generations to come.
  I am proud to be one of the original sponsors of this important 
legislation and I look forward to ensuring that this important 
legislation is signed into law.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Oregon (Mr. DeFazio) that the House suspend the rules 
and pass the bill, H.R. 3409, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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