[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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