[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 158 (Thursday, September 29, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5947-S5990]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

  SA 6435. Ms. CANTWELL (for herself and Mr. Wicker) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 5499 submitted by Mr. 
Reed (for himself and Mr. Inhofe) and intended to be proposed to the 
bill H.R. 7900, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2023 for 
military activities of the Department of Defense, for military 
construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, 
to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for 
other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

        At the end, add the following:

           DIVISION E--COAST GUARD AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2022

     SEC. 5001. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

       (a) Short Title.--This division may be cited as the ``Coast 
     Guard Authorization Act of 2022''.
       (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this 
     division is as follows:

           DIVISION E--COAST GUARD AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2022

Sec. 5001. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 5002. Definition of Commandant.

                        TITLE LI--AUTHORIZATIONS

Sec. 5101. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 5102. Authorized levels of military strength and training.
Sec. 5103. Authorization for shoreside infrastructure and facilities.
Sec. 5104. Authorization for acquisition of vessels.
Sec. 5105. Authorization for the child care subsidy program.

                         TITLE LII--COAST GUARD

                 Subtitle A--Infrastructure and Assets

Sec. 5201. Report on shoreside infrastructure and facilities needs.
Sec. 5202. Fleet mix analysis and shore infrastructure investment plan.
Sec. 5203. Acquisition life-cycle cost estimates.
Sec. 5204. Report and briefing on resourcing strategy for Western 
              Pacific region.
Sec. 5205. Study and report on national security and drug trafficking 
              threats in the Florida Straits and Caribbean region, 
              including Cuba.
Sec. 5206. Coast Guard Yard.
Sec. 5207. Authority to enter into transactions other than contracts 
              and grants to procure cost-effective technology for 
              mission needs.
Sec. 5208. Improvements to infrastructure and operations planning.
Sec. 5209. Aqua alert notification system pilot program.

                        Subtitle B--Great Lakes

Sec. 5211. Great Lakes winter commerce.
Sec. 5212. Database on icebreaking operations in the Great Lakes.
Sec. 5213. Great Lakes snowmobile acquisition plan.
Sec. 5214. Great Lakes barge inspection exemption.
Sec. 5215. Study on sufficiency of Coast Guard aviation assets to meet 
              mission demands.

                           Subtitle C--Arctic

Sec. 5221. Establishment of the Arctic Security Cutter Program Office.
Sec. 5222. Arctic activities.
Sec. 5223. Study on Arctic operations and infrastructure.

         Subtitle D--Maritime Cyber and Artificial Intelligence

Sec. 5231. Enhancing maritime cybersecurity.
Sec. 5232. Establishment of unmanned system program and autonomous 
              control and computer vision technology project.
Sec. 5233. Artificial intelligence strategy.
Sec. 5234. Review of artificial intelligence applications and 
              establishment of performance metrics.
Sec. 5235. Cyber data management.
Sec. 5236. Data management.
Sec. 5237. Study on cyber threats to the United States marine 
              transportation system.

[[Page S5948]]

                          Subtitle E--Aviation

Sec. 5241. Space-available travel on Coast Guard aircraft: program 
              authorization and eligible recipients.
Sec. 5242. Report on Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point hangar.
Sec. 5243. Study on the operational availability of Coast Guard 
              aircraft and strategy for Coast Guard Aviation.

                    Subtitle F--Workforce Readiness

Sec. 5251. Authorized strength.
Sec. 5252. Number and distribution of officers on active duty promotion 
              list.
Sec. 5253. Continuation on active duty of officers with critical 
              skills.
Sec. 5254. Career incentive pay for marine inspectors.
Sec. 5255. Expansion of the ability for selection board to recommend 
              officers of particular merit for promotion.
Sec. 5256. Pay and allowances for certain members of the Coast Guard 
              during funding gap.
Sec. 5257. Modification to education loan repayment program.
Sec. 5258. Retirement of Vice Commandant.
Sec. 5259. Report on resignation and retirement processing times and 
              denial.
Sec. 5260. Calculation of active service.
Sec. 5261. Physical disability evaluation system procedure review.
Sec. 5262. Expansion of authority for multirater assessments of certain 
              personnel.
Sec. 5263. Promotion parity.
Sec. 5264. Partnership program to diversify the Coast Guard.
Sec. 5265. Expansion of Coast Guard Junior Reserve Officers' Training 
              Corps.
Sec. 5266. Improving representation of women and racial and ethnic 
              minorities among Coast Guard active-duty members.
Sec. 5267. Strategy to enhance diversity through recruitment and 
              accession.
Sec. 5268. Support for Coast Guard Academy.
Sec. 5269. Training for congressional affairs personnel.
Sec. 5270. Strategy for retention of cuttermen.
Sec. 5271. Study on performance of Coast Guard Force Readiness Command.
Sec. 5272. Study on frequency of weapons training for Coast Guard 
              personnel.

                  Subtitle G--Miscellaneous Provisions

Sec. 5281. Budgeting of Coast Guard relating to certain operations.
Sec. 5282. Coast Guard assistance to United States Secret Service.
Sec. 5283. Conveyance of Coast Guard vessels for public purposes.
Sec. 5284. Coast Guard intelligence activities and emergency and 
              extraordinary expenses.
Sec. 5285. Transfer and conveyance.
Sec. 5286. Transparency and oversight.
Sec. 5287. Study on safety inspection program for containers and 
              facilities.
Sec. 5288. Study on maritime law enforcement workload requirements.
Sec. 5289. Feasibility study on construction of Coast Guard station at 
              Port Mansfield.
Sec. 5290. Modification of prohibition on operation or procurement of 
              foreign-made unmanned aircraft systems.
Sec. 5291. Operational data sharing repository.
Sec. 5292. Procurement of tethered aerostat radar system for Coast 
              Guard Station South Padre Island.
Sec. 5293. Assessment of Iran sanctions relief on Coast Guard 
              operations under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.
Sec. 5294. Report on shipyards of Finland and Sweden.
Sec. 5295. Coast Guard spectrum audit.
Sec. 5296. Prohibition on construction contracts with entities 
              associated with the Chinese Communist Party.
Sec. 5297. Review of drug interdiction equipment and standards; testing 
              for fentanyl during interdiction operations.
Sec. 5298. Public availability of information on monthly migrant 
              interdictions.

                        TITLE LIII--ENVIRONMENT

Sec. 5301. Definition of Secretary.

                       Subtitle A--Marine Mammals

Sec. 5311. Definitions.
Sec. 5312. Assistance to ports to reduce the impacts of vessel traffic 
              and port operations on marine mammals.
Sec. 5313. Near real-time monitoring and mitigation program for large 
              cetaceans.
Sec. 5314. Pilot program to establish a Cetacean Desk for Puget Sound 
              region.
Sec. 5315. Monitoring ocean soundscapes.

                         Subtitle B--Oil Spills

Sec. 5321. Improving oil spill preparedness.
Sec. 5322. Western Alaska oil spill planning criteria.
Sec. 5323. Accident and incident notification relating to pipelines.
Sec. 5324. Coast Guard claims processing costs.
Sec. 5325. Calculation of interest on debt owed to the national 
              pollution fund.
Sec. 5326. Per-incident limitation.
Sec. 5327. Access to the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund.
Sec. 5328. Cost-reimbursable agreements.
Sec. 5329. Oil spill response review.
Sec. 5330. Review and report on limited indemnity provisions in standby 
              oil spill response contracts.
Sec. 5331. Additional exceptions to regulations for towing vessels.

                  Subtitle C--Environmental Compliance

Sec. 5341. Review of anchorage regulations.
Sec. 5342. Study on impacts on shipping and commercial, Tribal, and 
              recreational fisheries from the development of renewable 
              energy on the West Coast.

                    Subtitle D--Environmental Issues

Sec. 5351. Modifications to the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating 
              Trust Fund administration.
Sec. 5352. Improvements to Coast Guard communication with North Pacific 
              maritime and fishing industry.
Sec. 5353. Fishing safety training grants program.
Sec. 5354. Load lines.
Sec. 5355. Actions by National Marine Fisheries Service to increase 
              energy production.

        Subtitle E--Illegal Fishing and Forced Labor Prevention

Sec. 5361. Definitions.

     Chapter 1--Combating Human Trafficking Through Seafood Import 
                               Monitoring

Sec. 5362. Enhancement of Seafood Import Monitoring Program Automated 
              Commercial Environment Message Set.
Sec. 5363. Data sharing and aggregation.
Sec. 5364. Import audits.
Sec. 5365. Availability of fisheries information.
Sec. 5366. Report on Seafood Import Monitoring Program.
Sec. 5367. Authorization of appropriations.

 Chapter 2--Strengthening International Fisheries Management to Combat 
                           Human Trafficking

Sec. 5370. Denial of port privileges.
Sec. 5371. Identification and certification criteria.
Sec. 5372. Equivalent conservation measures.
Sec. 5373. Capacity building in foreign fisheries.
Sec. 5374. Training of United States Observers.
Sec. 5375. Regulations.
Sec. 5376. Use of Devices Broadcasting on AIS for Purposes of Marking 
              Fishing Gear.

              TITLE LIV--SUPPORT FOR COAST GUARD WORKFORCE

        Subtitle A--Support for Coast Guard Members and Families

Sec. 5401. Coast Guard child care improvements.
Sec. 5402. Armed Forces access to Coast Guard child care facilities.
Sec. 5403. Cadet pregnancy policy improvements.
Sec. 5404. Pilot program for fertility treatments.
Sec. 5405. Combat-related special compensation.
Sec. 5406. Restoration of amounts improperly withheld for tax purposes 
              from severance payments to veterans of the Coast Guard 
              with combat-related injuries.
Sec. 5407. Modification of basic needs allowance for members of the 
              Coast Guard.
Sec. 5408. Study on food security.

                         Subtitle B--Healthcare

Sec. 5421. Development of medical staffing standards for the Coast 
              Guard.
Sec. 5422. Healthcare system review and strategic plan.
Sec. 5423. Data collection and access to care.
Sec. 5424. Behavioral health policy.
Sec. 5425. Members asserting post-traumatic stress disorder or 
              traumatic brain injury.
Sec. 5426. Improvements to the Physical Disability Evaluation System 
              and transition program.
Sec. 5427. Expansion of access to counseling.
Sec. 5428. Expansion of postgraduate opportunities for members of the 
              Coast Guard in medical and related fields.
Sec. 5429. Study on Coast Guard telemedicine program.
Sec. 5430. Study on Coast Guard medical facilities needs.

                          Subtitle C--Housing

Sec. 5441. Strategy to improve quality of life at remote units.
Sec. 5442. Study on Coast Guard housing access, cost, and challenges.
Sec. 5443. Audit of certain military housing conditions of enlisted 
              members of the Coast Guard in Key West, Florida.
Sec. 5444. Study on Coast Guard housing authorities and privatized 
              housing.

[[Page S5949]]

                       Subtitle D--Other Matters

Sec. 5451. Report on availability of emergency supplies for Coast Guard 
              personnel.

                           TITLE LV--MARITIME

                       Subtitle A--Vessel Safety

Sec. 5501. Abandoned Seafarers Fund amendments.
Sec. 5502. Receipts; international agreements for ice patrol services.
Sec. 5503. Passenger vessel security and safety requirements.
Sec. 5504. At-sea recovery operations pilot program.
Sec. 5505. Exoneration and limitation of liability for small passenger 
              vessels.
Sec. 5506. Moratorium on towing vessel inspection user fees.
Sec. 5507. Certain historic passenger vessels.
Sec. 5508. Coast Guard digital registration.
Sec. 5509. Responses to safety recommendations.
Sec. 5510. Comptroller General of the United States study and report on 
              the Coast Guard's oversight of third party organizations.
Sec. 5511. Articulated tug-barge manning.
Sec. 5512. Alternate safety compliance program exception for certain 
              vessels.

                       Subtitle B--Other Matters

Sec. 5521. Definition of a stateless vessel.
Sec. 5522. Report on enforcement of coastwise laws.
Sec. 5523. Study on multi-level supply chain security strategy of the 
              department of homeland security.
Sec. 5524. Study to modernize the merchant mariner licensing and 
              documentation system.
Sec. 5525. Study and report on development and maintenance of mariner 
              records database.
Sec. 5526. Assessment regarding application process for merchant 
              mariner credentials.
Sec. 5527. Military to Mariners Act of 2022.
Sec. 5528. Floating dry docks.

TITLE LVI--SEXUAL ASSAULT AND SEXUAL HARASSMENT PREVENTION AND RESPONSE

Sec. 5601. Definitions.
Sec. 5602. Convicted sex offender as grounds for denial.
Sec. 5603. Accommodation; notices.
Sec. 5604. Protection against discrimination.
Sec. 5605. Alcohol at sea.
Sec. 5606. Sexual harassment or sexual assault as grounds for 
              suspension and revocation.
Sec. 5607. Surveillance requirements.
Sec. 5608. Master key control.
Sec. 5609. Safety management systems.
Sec. 5610. Requirement to report sexual assault and harassment.
Sec. 5611. Civil actions for personal injury or death of seamen.
Sec. 5612. Access to care and sexual assault forensic examinations.
Sec. 5613. Reports to Congress.
Sec. 5614. Policy on requests for permanent changes of station or unit 
              transfers by persons who report being the victim of 
              sexual assault.
Sec. 5615. Sex offenses and personnel records.
Sec. 5616. Study on Coast Guard oversight and investigations.
Sec. 5617. Study on Special Victims' Counsel program.

      TITLE LVII--NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION

      Subtitle A--National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 
                       Commissioned Officer Corps

Sec. 5701. Definitions.
Sec. 5702. Requirement for appointments.
Sec. 5703. Repeal of requirement to promote ensigns after 3 years of 
              service.
Sec. 5704. Authority to provide awards and decorations.
Sec. 5705. Retirement and separation.
Sec. 5706. Licensure of health-care professionals.
Sec. 5707. Improving professional mariner staffing.
Sec. 5708. Legal assistance.
Sec. 5709. Acquisition of aircraft for extreme weather reconnaissance.
Sec. 5710. Report on professional mariner staffing models.

                       Subtitle B--Other Matters

Sec. 5711. Conveyance of certain property of the National Oceanic and 
              Atmospheric Administration in Juneau, Alaska.

     TITLE LVIII--TECHNICAL, CONFORMING, AND CLARIFYING AMENDMENTS

Sec. 5801. Technical correction.
Sec. 5802. Reinstatement.
Sec. 5803. Terms and vacancies.

                    TITLE LIX--RULE OF CONSTRUCTION

Sec. 5901. Rule of construction.

     SEC. 5002. DEFINITION OF COMMANDANT.

       In this division, the term ``Commandant'' means the 
     Commandant of the Coast Guard.

                        TITLE LI--AUTHORIZATIONS

     SEC. 5101. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       Section 4902 of title 14, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 
     ``fiscal years 2020 and 2021'' and inserting ``fiscal years 
     2022 and 2023'';
       (2) in paragraph (1)--
       (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking clauses (i) and (ii) 
     and inserting the following:
       ``(i) $10,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2022; and
       ``(ii) $10,750,000,000 for fiscal year 2023.'';
       (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``$17,035,000'' and 
     inserting ``$23,456,000''; and
       (C) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``, (A)(ii) 
     $17,376,000'' and inserting ``(A)(ii), $24,353,000'';
       (3) in paragraph (2)--
       (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking clauses (i) and (ii) 
     and inserting the following:
       ``(i) $2,459,100,000 for fiscal year 2022; and
       ``(ii) $3,477,600,000 for fiscal year 2023.''; and
       (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking clauses (i) and (ii) 
     and inserting the following:
       ``(i) $20,400,000 for fiscal year 2022; and
       ``(ii) $20,808,000 for fiscal year 2023.'';
       (4) in paragraph (3), by striking subparagraphs (A) and (B) 
     and inserting the following:
       ``(A) $7,476,000 for fiscal year 2022; and
       ``(B) $14,681,084 for fiscal year 2023.''; and
       (5) in paragraph (4), by striking subparagraphs (A) and (B) 
     and inserting the following:
       ``(A) $240,577,000 for fiscal year 2022; and
       ``(B) $252,887,000 for fiscal year 2023.''.

     SEC. 5102. AUTHORIZED LEVELS OF MILITARY STRENGTH AND 
                   TRAINING.

       Section 4904 of title 14, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``fiscal years 2020 and 
     2021'' and inserting ``fiscal years 2022 and 2023''; and
       (2) in subsection (b), in the matter preceding paragraph 
     (1), by striking ``fiscal years 2020 and 2021'' and inserting 
     ``fiscal years 2022 and 2023''.

     SEC. 5103. AUTHORIZATION FOR SHORESIDE INFRASTRUCTURE AND 
                   FACILITIES.

       (a) In General.--In addition to the amounts authorized to 
     be appropriated under section 4902(2)(A) of title 14, United 
     States Code, as amended by section 5101 of this division, for 
     the period of fiscal years 2023 through 2028--
       (1) $3,000,000,000 is authorized to fund maintenance, new 
     construction, and repairs needed for Coast Guard shoreside 
     infrastructure;
       (2) $160,000,000 is authorized to fund phase two of the 
     recapitalization project at Coast Guard Training Center Cape 
     May in Cape May, New Jersey, to improve recruitment and 
     training of a diverse Coast Guard workforce; and
       (3) $80,000,000 is authorized for the construction of 
     additional new child care development centers not constructed 
     using funds authorized by the Infrastructure Investment and 
     Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58; 135 Stat. 429).
       (b) Coast Guard Yard Resilient Infrastructure and 
     Construction Improvement.--In addition to the amounts 
     authorized to be appropriated under section 4902(2)(A)(ii) of 
     title 14, United States Code, as amended by section 5101 of 
     this division--
       (1) $400,000,000 is authorized for the period of fiscal 
     years 2023 through 2028 for the Secretary of the department 
     in which the Coast Guard is operating for the purposes of 
     improvements to facilities of the Yard; and
       (2) $236,000,000 is authorized for the acquisition of a new 
     floating drydock, to remain available until expended.

     SEC. 5104. AUTHORIZATION FOR ACQUISITION OF VESSELS.

       In addition to the amounts authorized to be appropriated 
     under section 4902(2)(A)(ii) of title 14, United States Code, 
     as amended by section 5101 of this division, for the period 
     of fiscal years 2023 through 2028--
       (1) $350,000,000 is authorized for the acquisition of a 
     Great Lakes icebreaker that is at least as capable as Coast 
     Guard cutter Mackinaw (WLBB-30);
       (2) $172,500,000 is authorized for the program management, 
     design, and acquisition of 12 Pacific Northwest heavy weather 
     boats that are at least as capable as the Coast Guard 52-foot 
     motor surfboat;
       (3) $841,000,000 is authorized for the third Polar Security 
     Cutter;
       (4) $20,000,000 is authorized for initiation of activities 
     to support acquisition of the Arctic Security Cutter class, 
     including program planning and requirements development to 
     include the establishment of an Arctic Security Cutter 
     Program Office;
       (5) $650,000,000 is authorized for the continued 
     acquisition of Offshore Patrol Cutters; and
       (6) $650,000,000 is authorized for a twelfth National 
     Security Cutter.

     SEC. 5105. AUTHORIZATION FOR THE CHILD CARE SUBSIDY PROGRAM.

       In addition to the amounts authorized to be appropriated 
     under section 4902(1)(A) of title 14, United States Code, 
     $25,000,000 is authorized to the Commandant for each of 
     fiscal years 2023 and 2024 for the child care subsidy 
     program.

                         TITLE LII--COAST GUARD

                 Subtitle A--Infrastructure and Assets

     SEC. 5201. REPORT ON SHORESIDE INFRASTRUCTURE AND FACILITIES 
                   NEEDS.

       Not less frequently than annually, the Commandant shall 
     submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives a report that includes--
       (1) a detailed list of shoreside infrastructure needs for 
     all Coast Guard facilities located within each Coast Guard 
     District in the order of priority, including 
     recapitalization, maintenance needs in excess of $25,000, 
     dredging, and other shoreside infrastructure needs of the 
     Coast Guard;
       (2) the estimated cost of projects to fulfill such needs, 
     to the extent available; and

[[Page S5950]]

       (3) a general description of the state of planning for each 
     such project.

     SEC. 5202. FLEET MIX ANALYSIS AND SHORE INFRASTRUCTURE 
                   INVESTMENT PLAN.

       (a) Fleet Mix Analysis.--
       (1) In general.--The Commandant shall conduct an updated 
     fleet mix analysis that provides for a fleet mix sufficient, 
     as determined by the Commandant--
       (A) to carry out--
       (i) the missions of the Coast Guard; and
       (ii) emerging mission requirements; and
       (B) to address--
       (i) national security threats; and
       (ii) the global deployment of the Coast Guard to counter 
     great power competitors.
       (2) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to 
     Congress a report on the results of the updated fleet mix 
     analysis required by paragraph (1).
       (b) Shore Infrastructure Investment Plan.--
       (1) In general.--The Commandant shall develop an updated 
     shore infrastructure investment plan that includes--
       (A) the construction of additional facilities to 
     accommodate the updated fleet mix described in subsection 
     (a)(1);
       (B) improvements necessary to ensure that existing 
     facilities meet requirements and remain operational for the 
     lifespan of such fleet mix, including necessary improvements 
     to information technology infrastructure;
       (C) a timeline for the construction and improvement of the 
     facilities described in subparagraphs (A) and (B); and
       (D) a cost estimate for construction and life-cycle support 
     of such facilities, including for necessary personnel.
       (2) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date on which 
     the report under subsection (a)(2) is submitted, the 
     Commandant shall submit to Congress a report on the plan 
     required by paragraph (1).

     SEC. 5203. ACQUISITION LIFE-CYCLE COST ESTIMATES.

       Section 1132(e) of title 14, United States Code, is amended 
     by striking paragraphs (2) and (3) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(2) Types of estimates.--For each Level 1 or Level 2 
     acquisition project or program, in addition to life-cycle 
     cost estimates developed under paragraph (1), the Commandant 
     shall require--
       ``(A) such life-cycle cost estimates to be updated before--
       ``(i) each milestone decision is concluded; and
       ``(ii) the project or program enters a new acquisition 
     phase; and
       ``(B) an independent cost estimate or independent cost 
     assessment, as appropriate, to be developed to validate such 
     life-cycle cost estimates.''.

     SEC. 5204. REPORT AND BRIEFING ON RESOURCING STRATEGY FOR 
                   WESTERN PACIFIC REGION.

       (a) Report.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Commandant, in consultation 
     with the Coast Guard Commander of the Pacific Area, the 
     Commander of United States Indo-Pacific Command, and the 
     Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, shall 
     submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives a report outlining the Coast Guard's 
     resourcing needs to achieve optimum operations in the Western 
     Pacific region.
       (2) Elements.--The report required under paragraph (1) 
     shall include the following:
       (A) An assessment of the risks and associated needs--
       (i) to United States strategic maritime interests, in 
     particular such interests in areas west of the International 
     Date Line, including risks to bilateral maritime partners of 
     the United States, posed by not fully staffing and equipping 
     Coast Guard operations in the Western Pacific region;
       (ii) to the Coast Guard mission and force posed by not 
     fully staffing and equipping Coast Guard operations in the 
     Western Pacific region; and
       (iii) to support the call of the President, as set forth in 
     the Indo-Pacific Strategy, to expand Coast Guard presence and 
     cooperation in Southeast Asia, South Asia, and the Pacific 
     Islands, with a focus on advising, training, deployment, and 
     capacity building.
       (B) A description of the additional resources, including 
     shoreside resources, required to fully implement the needs 
     described in subparagraph (A), including the United States 
     commitment to bilateral fisheries law enforcement in the 
     Pacific Ocean.
       (C) A description of the operational and personnel assets 
     required and a dispersal plan for available and projected 
     future Coast Guard cutters and aviation forces to conduct 
     optimum operations in the Western Pacific region.
       (D) An analysis with respect to whether a national security 
     cutter or fast response cutter located at a United States 
     military installation in a foreign country in the Western 
     Pacific region would enhance United States national security, 
     partner country capacity building, and prevention and 
     effective response to illegal, unreported, and unregulated 
     fishing.
       (E) An assessment of the benefits and associated costs 
     involved in--
       (i) increasing staffing of Coast Guard personnel within the 
     command elements of United States Indo-Pacific Command or 
     subordinate commands; and
       (ii) designating a Coast Guard patrol force under the 
     direct authority of the Commander of the United States Indo-
     Pacific Command with associated forward-based assets and 
     personnel.
       (F) An identification of any additional authority 
     necessary, including proposals for legislative change, to 
     meet the needs identified in accordance with subparagraphs 
     (A) through (E) and any other mission requirement in the 
     Western Pacific region.
       (3) Form.--The report required under paragraph (1) shall be 
     submitted in unclassified form but may include a classified 
     annex.
       (b) Briefing.--Not later than 60 days after the date on 
     which the Commandant submits the report under subsection (a), 
     the Commandant, or a designated individual, shall provide to 
     the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure 
     of the House of Representatives a briefing on the findings 
     and conclusions of such report.

     SEC. 5205. STUDY AND REPORT ON NATIONAL SECURITY AND DRUG 
                   TRAFFICKING THREATS IN THE FLORIDA STRAITS AND 
                   CARIBBEAN REGION, INCLUDING CUBA.

       (a) In General.--The Commandant shall conduct a study on 
     national security, drug trafficking, and other relevant 
     threats as the Commandant considers appropriate, in the 
     Florida Straits and Caribbean region, including Cuba.
       (b) Elements.--The study required by subsection (a) shall 
     include the following:
       (1) An assessment of--
       (A) new technology and evasive maneuvers used by 
     transnational criminal organizations to evade detection and 
     interdiction by Coast Guard law enforcement units and 
     interagency partners; and
       (B) capability gaps of the Coast Guard with respect to--
       (i) the detection and interdiction of illicit drugs in the 
     Florida Straits and Caribbean region, including Cuba; and
       (ii) the detection of national security threats in such 
     region.
       (2) An identification of--
       (A) the critical technological advancements required for 
     the Coast Guard to meet current and anticipated threats in 
     such region;
       (B) the capabilities required to enhance information 
     sharing and coordination between the Coast Guard and 
     interagency partners, foreign governments, and related 
     civilian entities; and
       (C) any significant new or developing threat to the United 
     States posed by illicit actors in such region.
       (c) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure 
     of the House of Representatives a report on the results of 
     the study under subsection (a).

     SEC. 5206. COAST GUARD YARD.

       (a) In General.--With respect to the Coast Guard Yard, the 
     purposes of the authorization under section 5103(b) are--
       (1) to improve resilience and capacity;
       (2) to maintain and expand Coast Guard organic 
     manufacturing capacity;
       (3) to expand training and recruitment;
       (4) to enhance safety;
       (5) to improve environmental compliance; and
       (6) to ensure that the Coast Guard Yard is prepared to meet 
     the growing needs of the modern Coast Guard fleet.
       (b) Inclusions.--The Secretary of the department in which 
     the Coast Guard is operating shall ensure that the Coast 
     Guard Yard receives improvements that include the following:
       (1) Facilities upgrades needed to improve resilience of the 
     shipyard, its facilities, and associated infrastructure.
       (2) Acquisition of a large-capacity drydock.
       (3) Improvements to piers and wharves, drydocks, and 
     capital equipment utilities.
       (4) Environmental remediation.
       (5) Construction of a new warehouse and paint facility.
       (6) Acquisition of a new travel lift.
       (7) Dredging necessary to facilitate access to the Coast 
     Guard Yard.
       (c) Workforce Development Plan.--Not later than 180 days 
     after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commandant 
     shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives, a workforce development plan that--
       (1) outlines the workforce needs of the Coast Guard Yard 
     with respect to civilian employees and active duty members of 
     the Coast Guard, including engineers, individuals engaged in 
     trades, cyber specialists, and other personnel necessary to 
     meet the evolving mission set of the Coast Guard Yard; and
       (2) includes recommendations for Congress with respect to 
     the authorities, training, funding, and civilian and active-
     duty recruitment, including the recruitment of women and 
     underrepresented minorities, necessary to meet workforce 
     needs of the Coast Guard Yard for the 10-year period 
     beginning on the date of submission of the plan.

     SEC. 5207. AUTHORITY TO ENTER INTO TRANSACTIONS OTHER THAN 
                   CONTRACTS AND GRANTS TO PROCURE COST-EFFECTIVE 
                   TECHNOLOGY FOR MISSION NEEDS.

       (a) In General.--Subchapter III of chapter 11 of title 14, 
     United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:

[[Page S5951]]

  


     ``Sec. 1158. Authority to enter into transactions other than 
       contracts and grants to procure cost-effective, advanced 
       technology for mission-critical needs

       ``(a) In General.--Subject to subsections (b) and (c), the 
     Commandant may enter into transactions (other than contracts, 
     cooperative agreements, and grants) to develop prototypes 
     for, and to operate and procure, cost-effective technology 
     for the purpose of meeting the mission needs of the Coast 
     Guard.
       ``(b) Procurement and Acquisition.--Procurement or 
     acquisition of technologies under subsection (a) shall be--
       ``(1) carried out in accordance with this title and Coast 
     Guard policies and guidance; and
       ``(2) consistent with the operational requirements of the 
     Coast Guard.
       ``(c) Limitations.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Commandant may not enter into a 
     transaction under subsection (a) with respect to a technology 
     that--
       ``(A) does not comply with the cybersecurity standards of 
     the Coast Guard; or
       ``(B) is sourced from an entity domiciled in the People's 
     Republic of China, unless the Commandant determines that the 
     prototype, operation, or procurement of such a technology is 
     for the purpose of--
       ``(i) counter-UAS operations, surrogate testing, or 
     training; or
       ``(ii) intelligence, electronic warfare, and information 
     warfare operations, testing, analysis, and training.
       ``(2) Waiver.--The Commandant may waive the application 
     under paragraph (1) on a case-by-case basis by certifying in 
     writing to the Secretary of Homeland Security and the 
     appropriate committees of Congress that the prototype, 
     operation, or procurement of the applicable technology is in 
     the national interests of the United States.
       ``(d) Education and Training.--The Commandant shall 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 provided opportunities for adequate 
     education and training with respect to the authority under 
     this section.
       ``(e) Report.--
       ``(1) In general.--Not later than 5 years after the date of 
     the enactment of this section, the Commandant shall submit to 
     the appropriate committees of Congress a report that--
       ``(A) describes the use of the authority pursuant to this 
     section; and
       ``(B) assesses the mission and operational benefits of such 
     authority.
       ``(2) Appropriate committees of congress defined.--In this 
     subsection, the term `appropriate committees of Congress' 
     means--
       ``(A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate; and
       ``(B) the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of 
     the House of Representatives.
       ``(f) Regulations.--The Commandant shall prescribe 
     regulations as necessary to carry out this section.
       ``(g) Definitions of Unmanned Aircraft, Unmanned Aircraft 
     System, and Counter-UAS.--In this section, the terms 
     `unmanned aircraft', `unmanned aircraft system', and 
     `counter-UAS' have the meanings given such terms in section 
     44801 of title 49, United States Code.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for subchapter III of 
     chapter 11 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by 
     adding at the end the following:

``1158. Authority to enter into transactions other than contracts and 
              grants to procure cost-effective technology for mission 
              needs.''.

     SEC. 5208. IMPROVEMENTS TO INFRASTRUCTURE AND OPERATIONS 
                   PLANNING.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall incorporate 
     the most recent oceanic and atmospheric data relating to the 
     increasing rates of extreme weather, including flooding, into 
     planning scenarios for Coast Guard infrastructure and mission 
     deployments with respect to all Coast Guard Missions.
       (b) Coordination With National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Administration.--In carrying out subsection (a), the 
     Commandant shall--
       (1) coordinate with the Under Secretary of Commerce for 
     Oceans and Atmosphere to ensure the incorporation of the most 
     recent environmental and climatic data; and
       (2) request technical assistance and advice from the Under 
     Secretary in planning scenarios, as appropriate.
       (c) Briefing.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall provide to the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure 
     of the House of Representatives a briefing on the manner in 
     which the best-available science from the National Oceanic 
     and Atmospheric Administration has been incorporated into at 
     least 1 key mission area of the Coast Guard, and the lessons 
     learned from so doing.

     SEC. 5209. AQUA ALERT NOTIFICATION SYSTEM PILOT PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall, subject to 
     the availability of appropriations, establish a pilot program 
     to improve the issuance of alerts to facilitate cooperation 
     with the public to render aid to distressed individuals under 
     section 521 of title 14, United States Code.
       (b) Pilot Program Contents.--The pilot program established 
     under subsection (a) shall, to the maximum extent possible--
       (1) include a voluntary opt-in program under which members 
     of the public, as appropriate, and the entities described in 
     subsection (c), may receive notifications on cellular devices 
     regarding Coast Guard activities to render aid to distressed 
     individuals under section 521 of title 14, United States 
     Code;
       (2) cover areas located within the area of responsibility 
     of 3 different Coast Guard sectors in diverse geographic 
     regions; and
       (3) provide that the dissemination of an alert shall be 
     limited to the geographic areas most likely to facilitate the 
     rendering of aid to distressed individuals.
       (c) Consultation.--In developing the pilot program under 
     subsection (a), the Commandant shall consult--
       (1) the head of any relevant Federal agency;
       (2) the government of any relevant State;
       (3) any Tribal Government;
       (4) the government of any relevant territory or possession 
     of the United States; and
       (5) any relevant political subdivision of an entity 
     described in paragraph (2), (3), or (4).
       (d) Report to Congress.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter through 
     2026, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on 
     Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the 
     Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House 
     of Representatives a report on the implementation of this 
     section.
       (2) Public availability.--The Commandant shall make the 
     report submitted under paragraph (1) available to the public.
       (e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated to the Commandant to carry out this 
     section $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2023 through 
     2026, to remain available until expended.

                        Subtitle B--Great Lakes

     SEC. 5211. GREAT LAKES WINTER COMMERCE.

       (a) In General.--Subchapter IV of chapter 5 of title 14, 
     United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:

     ``Sec. 564. Great Lakes icebreaking operations

       ``(a) GAO Report.--
       ``(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     the enactment of this section, the Comptroller General of the 
     United States shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee 
     on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives a report on the Coast Guard Great Lakes 
     icebreaking program.
       ``(2) Elements.--The report required under paragraph (1) 
     shall include the following:
       ``(A) An evaluation of the economic impact of vessel delays 
     or cancellations associated with ice coverage on the Great 
     Lakes.
       ``(B) An evaluation of mission needs of the Coast Guard 
     Great Lakes icebreaking program.
       ``(C) An evaluation of the impact that the proposed 
     standards described in subsection (b) would have on--
       ``(i) Coast Guard operations in the Great Lakes;
       ``(ii) Northeast icebreaking missions; and
       ``(iii) inland waterway operations.
       ``(D) A fleet mix analysis for meeting such proposed 
     standards.
       ``(E) A description of the resources necessary to support 
     the fleet mix resulting from such fleet mix analysis, 
     including for crew and operating costs.
       ``(F) Recommendations to the Commandant for improvements to 
     the Great Lakes icebreaking program, including with respect 
     to facilitating commerce and meeting all Coast Guard mission 
     needs.
       ``(b) Proposed Standards for Icebreaking Operations.--The 
     proposed standards described in this subsection are the 
     following:
       ``(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Commandant 
     shall keep ice-covered waterways in the Great Lakes open to 
     navigation during not less than 90 percent of the hours that 
     commercial vessels and ferries attempt to transit such ice-
     covered waterways.
       ``(2) In a year in which the Great Lakes are not open to 
     navigation because of ice of a thickness that occurs on 
     average only once every 10 years, the Commandant shall keep 
     ice-covered waterways in the Great Lakes open to navigation 
     during not less than 70 percent of the hours that commercial 
     vessels and ferries attempt to transit such ice-covered 
     waterways.
       ``(c) Report by Commandant.--Not later than 90 days after 
     the date on which the Comptroller General submits the report 
     under subsection (a), the Commandant shall submit to the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure 
     of the House of Representatives a report that includes the 
     following:
       ``(1) A plan for Coast Guard implementation of any 
     recommendation made by the Comptroller General under 
     subparagraph (F) of subsection (a)(2) the Commandant 
     considers appropriate.
       ``(2) With respect to any recommendation made under such 
     subparagraph that the Commandant declines to implement, a 
     justification for such decision.

[[Page S5952]]

       ``(3) A review of, and a proposed implementation plan for, 
     the results of the fleet mix analysis under subparagraph (D) 
     of that subsection.
       ``(4) Any proposed modifications to the standards for 
     icebreaking operations in the Great Lakes.
       ``(d) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) Commercial vessel.--The term `commercial vessel' 
     means any privately owned cargo vessel operating in the Great 
     Lakes during the winter season of at least 500 tons, as 
     measured under section 14502 of title 46, or an alternate 
     tonnage measured under section 14302 of such title, as 
     prescribed by the Secretary under section 14104 of such 
     title.
       ``(2) Great lakes.--The term `Great Lakes' means the United 
     States waters of Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, 
     Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario, their connecting waterways, and 
     their adjacent harbors.
       ``(3) Ice-covered waterway.--The term `ice-covered 
     waterway' means any portion of the Great Lakes in which 
     commercial vessels or ferries operate that is 70 percent or 
     greater covered by ice, but does not include any waters 
     adjacent to piers or docks for which commercial icebreaking 
     services are available and adequate for the ice conditions.
       ``(4) Open to navigation.--The term `open to navigation' 
     means navigable to the extent necessary, in no particular 
     order of priority--
       ``(A) to extricate vessels and individuals from danger;
       ``(B) to prevent damage due to flooding;
       ``(C) to meet the reasonable demands of commerce;
       ``(D) to minimize delays to passenger ferries; and
       ``(E) to conduct other Coast Guard missions as required.
       ``(5) Reasonable demands of commerce.--The term `reasonable 
     demands of commerce' means the safe movement of commercial 
     vessels and ferries transiting ice-covered waterways in the 
     Great Lakes, regardless of type of cargo, at a speed 
     consistent with the design capability of Coast Guard 
     icebreakers operating in the Great Lakes and appropriate to 
     the ice capability of the commercial vessel.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 5 of 
     title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end 
     the following:

``564. Great Lakes icebreaking operations.''.

     SEC. 5212. DATABASE ON ICEBREAKING OPERATIONS IN THE GREAT 
                   LAKES.

       (a) In General.--The Commandant shall establish and 
     maintain a database for collecting, archiving, and 
     disseminating data on icebreaking operations and commercial 
     vessel and ferry transit in the Great Lakes during ice 
     season.
       (b) Elements.--The database required under subsection (a) 
     shall include the following:
       (1) Attempts by commercial vessels and ferries to transit 
     ice-covered waterways in the Great Lakes that are 
     unsuccessful because of inadequate icebreaking.
       (2) The period of time that each commercial vessel or ferry 
     was unsuccessful at so transiting due to inadequate 
     icebreaking.
       (3) The amount of time elapsed before each such commercial 
     vessel or ferry was successfully broken out of the ice and 
     whether it was accomplished by the Coast Guard or by 
     commercial icebreaking assets.
       (4) Relevant communications of each such commercial vessel 
     or ferry with the Coast Guard and with commercial icebreaking 
     services during such period.
       (5) A description of any mitigating circumstance, such as 
     Coast Guard icebreaker diversions to higher priority 
     missions, that may have contributed to the amount of time 
     described in paragraph (3).
       (c) Voluntary Reporting.--Any reporting by operators of 
     commercial vessels or ferries under this section shall be 
     voluntary.
       (d) Public Availability.--The Commandant shall make the 
     database available to the public on a publicly accessible 
     internet website of the Coast Guard.
       (e) Consultation With Industry.--With respect to the Great 
     Lakes icebreaking operations of the Coast Guard and the 
     development of the database required under subsection (a), 
     the Commandant shall consult operators of commercial vessels 
     and ferries.
       (f) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Commercial vessel.--The term ``commercial vessel'' 
     means any privately owned cargo vessel operating in the Great 
     Lakes during the winter season of at least 500 tons, as 
     measured under section 14502 of title 46, United States Code, 
     or an alternate tonnage measured under section 14302 of such 
     title, as prescribed by the Secretary of the department in 
     which the Coast Guard is operating under section 14104 of 
     such title.
       (2) Great lakes.--The term ``Great Lakes'' means the United 
     States waters of Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, 
     Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario, their connecting waterways, and 
     their adjacent harbors.
       (3) Ice-covered waterway.--The term ``ice-covered 
     waterway'' means any portion of the Great Lakes in which 
     commercial vessels or ferries operate that is 70 percent or 
     greater covered by ice, but does not include any waters 
     adjacent to piers or docks for which commercial icebreaking 
     services are available and adequate for the ice conditions.
       (4) Open to navigation.--The term ``open to navigation'' 
     means navigable to the extent necessary, in no particular 
     order of priority--
       (A) to extricate vessels and individuals from danger;
       (B) to prevent damage due to flooding;
       (C) to meet the reasonable demands of commerce;
       (D) to minimize delays to passenger ferries; and
       (E) to conduct other Coast Guard missions as required.
       (5) Reasonable demands of commerce.--The term ``reasonable 
     demands of commerce'' means the safe movement of commercial 
     vessels and ferries transiting ice-covered waterways in the 
     Great Lakes, regardless of type of cargo, at a speed 
     consistent with the design capability of Coast Guard 
     icebreakers operating in the Great Lakes and appropriate to 
     the ice capability of the commercial vessel.
       (g) Public Report.--Not later than July 1 after the first 
     winter in which the Commandant is subject to the requirements 
     of section 564 of title 14, United States Code, the 
     Commandant shall publish on a publicly accessible internet 
     website of the Coast Guard a report on the cost to the Coast 
     Guard of meeting the requirements of that section.

     SEC. 5213. GREAT LAKES SNOWMOBILE ACQUISITION PLAN.

       (a) In General.--The Commandant shall develop a plan to 
     expand snowmobile procurement for Coast Guard units at which 
     snowmobiles may improve ice rescue response times while 
     maintaining the safety of Coast Guard personnel engaged in 
     search and rescue. The plan must include consideration of 
     input from Officers in Charge, Commanding Officers, and 
     Commanders of impacted units.
       (b) Elements.--The plan required by subsection (a) shall 
     include--
       (1) a consideration of input from officers in charge, 
     commanding officers, and commanders of affected Coast Guard 
     units;
       (2) a detailed description of the estimated costs of 
     procuring, maintaining, and training members of the Coast 
     Guard at affected units to use snowmobiles; and
       (3) an assessment of--
       (A) the degree to which snowmobiles may improve ice rescue 
     response times while maintaining the safety of Coast Guard 
     personnel engaged in search and rescue;
       (B) the operational capabilities of a snowmobile, as 
     compared to an airboat, and a force laydown assessment with 
     respect to the assets needed for effective operations at 
     Coast Guard units conducting ice rescue activities; and
       (C) the potential risks to members of the Coast Guard and 
     members of the public posed by the use of snowmobiles by 
     members of the Coast Guard for ice rescue activities.
       (c) Public Availability.--Not later than 1 year after the 
     date of the enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall 
     finalize the plan required by subsection (a) and make the 
     plan available on a publicly accessible internet website of 
     the Coast Guard.

     SEC. 5214. GREAT LAKES BARGE INSPECTION EXEMPTION.

       Section 3302(m) of title 46, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting 
     ``or a Great Lakes barge'' after ``seagoing barge''; and
       (2) by striking ``section 3301(6) of this title'' and 
     inserting ``paragraph (6) or (13) of section 3301 of this 
     title''.

     SEC. 5215. STUDY ON SUFFICIENCY OF COAST GUARD AVIATION 
                   ASSETS TO MEET MISSION DEMANDS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure 
     of the House of Representatives a report on--
       (1) the force laydown of Coast Guard aviation assets; and
       (2) any geographic gaps in coverage by Coast Guard assets 
     in areas in which the Coast Guard has search and rescue 
     responsibilities.
       (b) Elements.--The report required by subsection (a) shall 
     include the following:
       (1) The distance, time, and weather challenges that MH-65 
     and MH-60 units may face in reaching the outermost limits of 
     the area of operation of Coast Guard District 9 and Coast 
     Guard District 8 for which such units are responsible.
       (2) An assessment of the advantages that Coast Guard fixed-
     wing assets, or an alternate rotary wing asset, would offer 
     to the outermost limits of any area of operation for purposes 
     of search and rescue, law enforcement, ice operations, and 
     logistical missions.
       (3) A comparison of advantages and disadvantages of the 
     manner in which each of the Coast Guard fixed-wing aircraft 
     would operate in the outermost limits of any area of 
     operation.
       (4) A specific assessment of the coverage gaps, including 
     gaps in fixed-wing coverage, and potential solutions to 
     address such gaps in the area of operation of Coast Guard 
     District 9 and Coast Guard District 8, including the eastern 
     region of such area of operation with regard to Coast Guard 
     District 9 and the southern region of such area of operation 
     with regard to Coast Guard District 8.

                           Subtitle C--Arctic

     SEC. 5221. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE ARCTIC SECURITY CUTTER 
                   PROGRAM OFFICE.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall establish a 
     program office for the acquisition of the Arctic Security 
     Cutter to expedite the evaluation of requirements and 
     initiate design of a vessel

[[Page S5953]]

     class critical to the national security of the United States.
       (b) Design Phase.--Not later than 270 days after the date 
     of the enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall initiate 
     the design phase of the Arctic Security Cutter vessel class.
       (c) Quarterly Briefings.--Not less frequently than 
     quarterly until the date on which the contract for 
     acquisition of the Arctic Security Cutter is awarded, the 
     Commandant shall provide a briefing to the Committee on 
     Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the 
     Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House 
     of Representatives on the status of requirements evaluations, 
     design of the vessel, and schedule of the program.

     SEC. 5222. ARCTIC ACTIVITIES.

       (a) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term 
     ``appropriate committees of Congress'' means--
       (A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation 
     of the Senate; and
       (B) the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of 
     the House of Representatives.
       (2) Arctic.--The term ``Arctic'' has the meaning given such 
     term in section 112 of the Arctic Research and Policy Act of 
     1984 (15 U.S.C. 4111).
       (b) Arctic Operational Implementation Report.--Not later 
     than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the 
     Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is 
     operating shall submit a report to the appropriate committees 
     of Congress that describes the ability and timeline to 
     conduct a transit of the Northern Sea Route and periodic 
     transits of the Northwest Passage.

     SEC. 5223. STUDY ON ARCTIC OPERATIONS AND INFRASTRUCTURE.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the 
     United States shall commence a study on the Arctic operations 
     and infrastructure of the Coast Guard.
       (b) Elements.--The study required under subsection (a) 
     shall assess the following:
       (1) The extent of the collaboration between the Coast Guard 
     and the Department of Defense to assess, manage, and mitigate 
     security risks in the Arctic region.
       (2) Actions taken by the Coast Guard to manage risks to 
     Coast Guard operations, infrastructure, and workforce 
     planning in the Arctic.
       (3) The plans the Coast Guard has in place for managing and 
     mitigating the risks to commercial maritime operations and 
     the environment in the Arctic region.
       (c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after commencing the 
     study required under subsection (a), the Comptroller General 
     shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives a report on the findings of the study.

         Subtitle D--Maritime Cyber and Artificial Intelligence

     SEC. 5231. ENHANCING MARITIME CYBERSECURITY.

       (a) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Cyber incident.--The term ``cyber incident''--
       (A) means an event occurring on or conducted through a 
     computer network that actually or imminently jeopardizes the 
     integrity, confidentiality, or availability of computers, 
     information or communications systems or networks, physical 
     or virtual infrastructure controlled by computers or 
     information systems, or information resident thereon; and
       (B) includes a vulnerability in an information system, 
     system security procedures, internal controls, or 
     implementation that could be exploited by a threat source.
       (2) Maritime operators.--The term ``maritime operators'' 
     means the owners or operators of vessels engaged in 
     commercial service, the owners or operators of port 
     facilities, and port authorities.
       (3) Significant cyber incident.--The term ``significant 
     cyber incident'' means a cyber incident that the Secretary of 
     Homeland Security determines is (or group of related cyber 
     incidents that together are) likely to result in demonstrable 
     harm to the national security interests, foreign relations, 
     or economy of the United States or to public confidence, 
     civil liberties, or public health and safety of the people of 
     the United States.
       (4) Port facilities.--The term ``port facilities'' has the 
     meaning given the term ``facility'' in section 70101 of title 
     46.
       (b) Public Availability of Cybersecurity Tools and 
     Resources.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Commandant, in coordination 
     with the Administrator of the Maritime Administration, the 
     Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security 
     Agency, and the Director of the National Institute of 
     Standards and Technology, shall identify and make available 
     to the public a list of tools and resources, including the 
     resources of the Coast Guard and the Cybersecurity and 
     Infrastructure Security Agency, designed to assist maritime 
     operators in identifying, detecting, protecting against, 
     responding to, and recovering from significant cyber 
     incidents.
       (2) Identification.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the 
     Commandant, the Administrator of the Maritime Administration, 
     the Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security 
     Agency, and the Director of the National Institute of 
     Standards and Technology shall identify tools and resources 
     that--
       (A) comply with the cybersecurity framework for improving 
     critical infrastructure established by the National Institute 
     of Standards and Technology; or
       (B) use the guidelines on maritime cyber risk management 
     issued by the International Maritime Organization on July 5, 
     2017 (or successor guidelines).
       (3) Consultation.--
       (A) In general.--The Commandant, the Administrator of the 
     Maritime Administration, the Director of the Cybersecurity 
     and Infrastructure Security Agency, and the Director of the 
     National Institute of Standards and Technology may consult 
     with maritime operators, other Federal agencies, industry 
     stakeholders, and cybersecurity experts to identify tools and 
     resources for purposes of this section.
       (B) Inapplicability of faca.--The Federal Advisory 
     Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the 
     consultation described in subparagraph (A) or to any other 
     action in support of the implementation of this section.

     SEC. 5232. ESTABLISHMENT OF UNMANNED SYSTEM PROGRAM AND 
                   AUTONOMOUS CONTROL AND COMPUTER VISION 
                   TECHNOLOGY PROJECT.

       (a) In General.--Section 319 of title 14, United States 
     Code, is amended to read as follows:

     ``Sec. 319. Unmanned system program and autonomous control 
       and computer vision technology project

       ``(a) Unmanned System Program.--The Secretary shall 
     establish, under the control of the Commandant, an unmanned 
     system program for the use by the Coast Guard of land-based, 
     cutter-based, and aircraft-based unmanned systems for the 
     purpose of increasing effectiveness and efficiency of mission 
     execution.
       ``(b) Autonomous Control and Computer Vision Technology 
     Project.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Commandant shall conduct a project 
     to retrofit 2 or more existing Coast Guard small boats 
     deployed at operational units with--
       ``(A) commercially available autonomous control and 
     computer vision technology; and
       ``(B) such sensors and methods of communication as are 
     necessary to control, and technology to assist in conducting, 
     search and rescue, surveillance, and interdiction missions.
       ``(2) Data collection.--As part of the project required by 
     paragraph (1), the Commandant shall collect and evaluate 
     field-collected operational data from the retrofit described 
     in that paragraph so as to inform future requirements.
       ``(3) Briefing.--Not later than 180 days after the date on 
     which the project required under paragraph (1) is completed, 
     the Commandant shall provide a briefing to the Committee on 
     Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the 
     Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House 
     of Representatives on the project that includes an evaluation 
     of the data collected from the project.
       ``(c) Unmanned System Defined.--In this section, the term 
     `unmanned system' means--
       ``(1) an unmanned aircraft system (as defined in section 
     44801 of title 49, United States Code);
       ``(2) an unmanned marine surface system; and
       ``(3) an unmanned marine subsurface system.
       ``(d) Cost Assessment.--Not later than 1 year after the 
     date of the enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall 
     provide to Congress an estimate of the costs associated with 
     implementing the amendments made by this section.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 3 of 
     title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking the item 
     relating to section 319 and inserting the following:

``319. Unmanned system program and autonomous control and computer 
              vision technology project.''.

     SEC. 5233. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE STRATEGY.

       (a) Establishment of Activities.--
       (1) In general.--The Commandant shall establish a set of 
     activities to coordinate the efforts of the Coast Guard to 
     develop and mature artificial intelligence technologies and 
     transition such technologies into operational use where 
     appropriate.
       (2) Emphasis.--The set of activities established under 
     paragraph (1) shall--
       (A) apply artificial intelligence and machine-learning 
     solutions to operational and mission-support problems; and
       (B) coordinate activities involving artificial intelligence 
     and artificial intelligence-enabled capabilities within the 
     Coast Guard.
       (b) Designated Official.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall designate a 
     senior official of the Coast Guard (referred to in this 
     section as the ``designated official'') with the principal 
     responsibility for the coordination of activities relating to 
     the development and demonstration of artificial intelligence 
     and machine learning for the Coast Guard.
       (2) Duties.--
       (A) Strategic plan.--
       (i) In general.--The designated official shall develop a 
     detailed strategic plan to develop, mature, adopt, and 
     transition artificial intelligence technologies into 
     operational use where appropriate.
       (ii) Elements.--The plan required by clause (i) shall 
     include the following:

[[Page S5954]]

       (I) A strategic roadmap for the identification and 
     coordination of the development and fielding of artificial 
     intelligence technologies and key enabling capabilities.
       (II) The continuous evaluation and adaptation of relevant 
     artificial intelligence capabilities developed by the Coast 
     Guard and by other organizations for military missions and 
     business operations.

       (iii) Coordination.--In developing the plan required by 
     clause (i), the designated official shall coordinate and 
     engage with the Secretary of Defense and the Chief Digital 
     and Artificial Intelligence Office.
       (iv) Submission to commandant.--Not later than 2 years 
     after the date of the enactment of this Act, the designated 
     official shall submit to the Commandant the plan developed 
     under clause (i).
       (B) Governance and oversight of artificial intelligence and 
     machine learning policy.--The designated official shall 
     regularly convene appropriate officials of the Coast Guard--
       (i) to integrate the functional activities of the Coast 
     Guard with respect to artificial intelligence and machine 
     learning;
       (ii) to ensure that there are efficient and effective 
     artificial intelligence and machine-learning capabilities 
     throughout the Coast Guard; and
       (iii) to develop and continuously improve research, 
     innovation, policy, joint processes, and procedures to 
     facilitate the development, acquisition, integration, 
     advancement, oversight, and sustainment of artificial 
     intelligence and machine learning throughout the Coast Guard.
       (c) Acceleration of Development and Fielding of Artificial 
     Intelligence.--To the extent practicable, the Commandant, in 
     conjunction with the Secretary of Defense and the Chief 
     Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office, shall--
       (1) use the flexibility of regulations, personnel, 
     acquisition, partnerships with industry and academia, or 
     other relevant policies of the Coast Guard to accelerate the 
     development and fielding of artificial intelligence 
     capabilities;
       (2) ensure engagement with defense and private industries, 
     research universities, and unaffiliated, nonprofit research 
     institutions;
       (3) provide technical advice and support to entities in the 
     Coast Guard to optimize the use of artificial intelligence 
     and machine-learning technologies to meet Coast Guard 
     missions;
       (4) support the development of requirements for artificial 
     intelligence capabilities that address the highest priority 
     capability gaps of the Coast Guard and technical feasibility;
       (5) develop and support capabilities for technical analysis 
     and assessment of threat capabilities based on artificial 
     intelligence;
       (6) identify the workforce and capabilities needed to 
     support the artificial intelligence capabilities and 
     requirements of the Coast Guard;
       (7) develop classification guidance for all artificial 
     intelligence-related activities of the Coast Guard;
       (8) work with appropriate officials to develop appropriate 
     ethical, legal, and other policies for the Coast Guard 
     governing the development and use of artificial intelligence-
     enabled systems and technologies in operational situations; 
     and
       (9) ensure--
       (A) that artificial intelligence programs of the Coast 
     Guard are consistent with this section; and
       (B) appropriate coordination of artificial intelligence 
     activities of the Coast Guard with interagency, industry, and 
     international efforts relating to artificial intelligence, 
     including relevant participation in standards-setting bodies.
       (d) Interim Strategic Plan.--
       (1) In general.--The Commandant shall develop a strategic 
     plan to develop, mature, adopt, and transition artificial 
     intelligence technologies into operational use where 
     appropriate, that is informed by the plan developed by the 
     designated official under subsection (b)(2)(A).
       (2) Elements.--The plan required by paragraph (1) shall 
     include the following:
       (A) Each element described in clause (ii) of subsection 
     (b)(2)(A).
       (B) A consideration of the identification, adoption, and 
     procurement of artificial intelligence technologies for use 
     in operational and mission support activities.
       (3) Coordination.--In developing the plan required by 
     paragraph (1), the Commandant shall coordinate and engage 
     with the Secretary of Defense, the Chief Digital and 
     Artificial Intelligence Office, defense and private 
     industries, research universities, and unaffiliated, 
     nonprofit research institutions.
       (4) Submission to congress.--Not later than 1 year after 
     the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall 
     submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives the plan developed under paragraph (1).

     SEC. 5234. REVIEW OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE APPLICATIONS AND 
                   ESTABLISHMENT OF PERFORMANCE METRICS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall--
       (1) review the potential applications of artificial 
     intelligence and digital technology to the platforms, 
     processes, and operations of the Coast Guard;
       (2) identify the resources necessary to improve the use of 
     artificial intelligence and digital technology in such 
     platforms, processes, and operations; and
       (3) establish performance objectives and accompanying 
     metrics for the incorporation of artificial intelligence and 
     digital readiness into such platforms, processes, and 
     operations.
       (b) Performance Objectives and Accompanying Metrics.--
       (1) Skill gaps.--In carrying out subsection (a), the 
     Commandant shall--
       (A) conduct a comprehensive review and assessment of--
       (i) skill gaps in the fields of software development, 
     software engineering, data science, and artificial 
     intelligence;
       (ii) the qualifications of civilian personnel needed for 
     both management and specialist tracks in such fields; and
       (iii) the qualifications of military personnel (officer and 
     enlisted) needed for both management and specialist tracks in 
     such fields; and
       (B) establish recruiting, training, and talent management 
     performance objectives and accompanying metrics for achieving 
     and maintaining staffing levels needed to fill identified 
     gaps and meet the needs of the Coast Guard for skilled 
     personnel.
       (2) AI modernization activities.--In carrying out 
     subsection (a), the Commandant, with support from the 
     Director of the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center, shall--
       (A) assess investment by the Coast Guard in artificial 
     intelligence innovation, science and technology, and research 
     and development;
       (B) assess investment by the Coast Guard in test and 
     evaluation of artificial intelligence capabilities;
       (C) assess the integration of, and the resources necessary 
     to better use artificial intelligence in wargames, exercises, 
     and experimentation;
       (D) assess the application of, and the resources necessary 
     to better use, artificial intelligence in logistics and 
     sustainment systems;
       (E) assess the integration of, and the resources necessary 
     to better use, artificial intelligence for administrative 
     functions;
       (F) establish performance objectives and accompanying 
     metrics for artificial intelligence modernization activities 
     of the Coast Guard; and
       (G) identify the resources necessary to effectively use 
     artificial intelligence to carry out the missions of the 
     Coast Guard.
       (c) Report to Congress.--Not later than 180 days after the 
     completion of the review required by subsection (a)(1), the 
     Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation and the Committee on 
     Appropriations of the Senate and the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on 
     Appropriations of the House of Representatives a report on--
       (1) the findings of the Commandant with respect to such 
     review and any action taken or proposed to be taken by the 
     Commandant, and the resources necessary to address such 
     findings;
       (2) the performance objectives and accompanying metrics 
     established under subsections (a)(3) and (b)(1)(B); and
       (3) any recommendation with respect to proposals for 
     legislative change necessary to successfully implement 
     artificial intelligence applications within the Coast Guard.

     SEC. 5235. CYBER DATA MANAGEMENT.

       (a) In General.--The Commandant, in coordination with the 
     Commander of United States Cyber Command, and the Director of 
     the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, shall--
       (1) develop policies, processes, and operating procedures 
     governing--
       (A) access to and the ingestion, structure, storage, and 
     analysis of information and data relevant to the Coast Guard 
     Cyber Mission, including--
       (i) intelligence data relevant to Coast Guard missions;
       (ii) internet traffic, topology, and activity data relevant 
     to such missions; and
       (iii) cyber threat information relevant to such missions; 
     and
       (B) data management and analytic platforms relating to such 
     missions; and
       (2) evaluate data management platforms referred to in 
     paragraph (1)(B) to ensure that such platforms operate 
     consistently with the Coast Guard Data Strategy.
       (b) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure 
     of the House of Representatives a report that includes--
       (1) an assessment of the progress on the activities 
     required by subsection (a); and
       (2) any recommendation with respect to funding or 
     additional authorities necessary, including proposals for 
     legislative change, to improve Coast Guard cyber data 
     management.

     SEC. 5236. DATA MANAGEMENT.

       The Commandant shall develop data workflows and processes 
     for the leveraging of mission-relevant data by the Coast 
     Guard to enhance operational effectiveness and efficiency.

     SEC. 5237. STUDY ON CYBER THREATS TO THE UNITED STATES MARINE 
                   TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act,

[[Page S5955]]

     the Comptroller General of the United States shall commence a 
     study on cyber threats to the United States marine 
     transportation system.
       (b) Elements.--The study required by paragraph (1) shall 
     assess the following:
       (1) The extent to which the Coast Guard, in collaboration 
     with other Federal agencies, sets standards for the 
     cybersecurity of facilities and vessels regulated under parts 
     104, 105, or 106 of title 33 of the Code of Federal 
     Regulations, as in effect on the date of the enactment of 
     this Act.
       (2) The manner in which the Coast Guard ensures 
     cybersecurity standards are followed by port, vessel, and 
     facility owners and operators.
       (3) The extent to which maritime sector-specific planning 
     addresses cybersecurity, particularly for vessels and 
     offshore platforms.
       (4) The manner in which the Coast Guard, other Federal 
     agencies, and vessel and offshore platform operators exchange 
     information regarding cyber risks.
       (5) The extent to which the Coast Guard is developing and 
     deploying cybersecurity specialists in port and vessel 
     systems and collaborating with the private sector to increase 
     the expertise of the Coast Guard with respect to 
     cybersecurity.
       (6) The cyber resource and workforce needs of the Coast 
     Guard necessary to meet future mission demands.
       (c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after commencing the 
     study required by subsection (a), the Comptroller General 
     shall submit a report on the findings of the study to the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure 
     of the House of Representatives.
       (d) Definition of Facility.--In this section the term 
     ``facility'' has the meaning given the term in section 70101 
     of title 46, United States Code.

                          Subtitle E--Aviation

     SEC. 5241. SPACE-AVAILABLE TRAVEL ON COAST GUARD AIRCRAFT: 
                   PROGRAM AUTHORIZATION AND ELIGIBLE RECIPIENTS.

       (a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter 5 of title 14, 
     United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:

     ``Sec. 509. Space-available travel on Coast Guard aircraft

       ``(a)(1) The Coast Guard may establish a program to provide 
     transportation on Coast Guard aircraft on a space-available 
     basis to the categories of eligible individuals described in 
     subsection (c) (in this section referred to as the 
     `program').
       ``(2) Not later than 1 year after the date on which the 
     program is established, the Commandant shall develop a policy 
     for its operation.
       ``(b)(1) The Commandant shall operate the program in a 
     budget-neutral manner.
       ``(2)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), no 
     additional funds may be used, or flight hours performed, for 
     the purpose of providing transportation under the program.
       ``(B) The Commandant may make de minimis expenditures of 
     resources required for the administrative aspects of the 
     program.
       ``(3) Eligible individuals described in subsection (c) 
     shall not be required to reimburse the Coast Guard for travel 
     provided under this section.
       ``(c) Subject to subsection (d), the categories of eligible 
     individuals described in this subsection are the following:
       ``(1) Members of the armed forces on active duty.
       ``(2) Members of the Selected Reserve who hold a valid 
     Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card.
       ``(3) Retired members of a regular or reserve component of 
     the armed forces, including retired members of reserve 
     components who, but for being under the eligibility age 
     applicable under section 12731 of title 10, would be eligible 
     for retired pay under chapter 1223 of title 10.
       ``(4) Subject to subsection (f), veterans with a permanent 
     service-connected disability rated as total.
       ``(5) Such categories of dependents of individuals 
     described in paragraphs (1) through (3) as the Commandant 
     shall specify in the policy under subsection (a)(2), under 
     such conditions and circumstances as the Commandant shall 
     specify in such policy.
       ``(6) Such other categories of individuals as the 
     Commandant, in the discretion of the Commandant, considers 
     appropriate.
       ``(d) In operating the program, the Commandant shall--
       ``(1) in the sole discretion of the Commandant, establish 
     an order of priority for transportation for categories of 
     eligible individuals that is based on considerations of 
     military necessity, humanitarian concerns, and enhancement of 
     morale;
       ``(2) give priority in consideration of transportation to 
     the demands of members of the armed forces in the regular 
     components and in the reserve components on active duty and 
     to the need to provide such members, and their dependents, a 
     means of respite from such demands; and
       ``(3) implement policies aimed at ensuring cost control (as 
     required by subsection (b)) and the safety, security, and 
     efficient processing of travelers, including limiting the 
     benefit under the program to 1 or more categories of 
     otherwise eligible individuals, as the Commandant considers 
     necessary.
       ``(e)(1) Notwithstanding subsection (d)(1), in establishing 
     space-available transportation priorities under the program, 
     the Commandant shall provide transportation for an individual 
     described in paragraph (2), and a single dependent of the 
     individual if needed to accompany the individual, at a 
     priority level in the same category as the priority level for 
     an unaccompanied dependent over the age of 18 years traveling 
     on environmental and morale leave.
       ``(2) Subject to paragraph (3), paragraph (1) applies with 
     respect to an individual described in subsection (c)(3) who--
       ``(A) resides in or is located in a Commonwealth or 
     possession of the United States; and
       ``(B) is referred by a military or civilian primary care 
     provider located in that Commonwealth or possession to a 
     specialty care provider for services to be provided outside 
     of that Commonwealth or possession.
       ``(3) If an individual described in subsection (c)(3) is a 
     retired member of a reserve component who is ineligible for 
     retired pay under chapter 1223 of title 10 by reason of being 
     under the eligibility age applicable under section 12731 of 
     title 10, paragraph (1) applies to the individual only if the 
     individual is also enrolled in the TRICARE program for 
     certain members of the Retired Reserve authorized under 
     section 1076e of title 10.
       ``(4) The priority for space-available transportation 
     required by this subsection applies with respect to--
       ``(A) the travel from the Commonwealth or possession of the 
     United States to receive the specialty care services; and
       ``(B) the return travel.
       ``(5) In this subsection, the terms `primary care provider' 
     and `specialty care provider' refer to a medical or dental 
     professional who provides health care services under chapter 
     55 of title 10.
       ``(f)(1) Travel may not be provided under this section to a 
     veteran eligible for travel pursuant to paragraph (4) of 
     subsection (c) in priority over any member eligible for 
     travel under paragraph (1) of that subsection or any 
     dependent of such a member eligible for travel under this 
     section.
       ``(2) Subsection (c)(4) may not be construed as--
       ``(A) affecting or in any way imposing on the Coast Guard, 
     any armed force, or any commercial entity with which the 
     Coast Guard or an armed force contracts, an obligation or 
     expectation that the Coast Guard or such armed force will 
     retrofit or alter, in any way, military aircraft or 
     commercial aircraft, or related equipment or facilities, used 
     or leased by the Coast Guard or such armed force to 
     accommodate passengers provided travel under such authority 
     on account of disability; or
       ``(B) preempting the authority of an aircraft commander to 
     determine who boards the aircraft and any other matters in 
     connection with safe operation of the aircraft.
       ``(g) The authority to provide transportation under the 
     program is in addition to any other authority under law to 
     provide transportation on Coast Guard aircraft on a space-
     available basis.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for subchapter I of 
     chapter 5 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by 
     adding at the end the following:

``509. Space-available travel on Coast Guard aircraft.''.

     SEC. 5242. REPORT ON COAST GUARD AIR STATION BARBERS POINT 
                   HANGAR.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the 
     Committee on Appropriations of the Senate and the Committee 
     on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on 
     Appropriations of the House of Representatives a report on 
     facilities requirements for constructing a hangar at Coast 
     Guard Air Station Barbers Point at Oahu, Hawaii.
       (b) Elements.--The report required by subsection (a) shall 
     include the following:
       (1) A description of the $45,000,000 phase one design for 
     the hangar at Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point funded by 
     the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (Public Law 116-
     260; 134 Stat. 1132).
       (2) An evaluation of the full facilities requirements for 
     such hangar to house, maintain, and operate the MH-65 and HC-
     130J, including--
       (A) storage and provision of fuel; and
       (B) maintenance and parts storage facilities.
       (3) An evaluation of facilities growth requirements for 
     possible future basing of the MH-60 with the C-130J at Coast 
     Guard Air Station Barbers Point.
       (4) A description of and cost estimate for each project 
     phase for the construction of such hangar.
       (5) A description of the plan for sheltering in the hangar 
     during extreme weather events aircraft of the Coast Guard and 
     partner agencies, such as the National Oceanic and 
     Atmospheric Administration.
       (6) A description of the risks posed to operations at Coast 
     Guard Air Station Barbers Point if future project phases for 
     the construction of such hangar are not funded.

     SEC. 5243. STUDY ON THE OPERATIONAL AVAILABILITY OF COAST 
                   GUARD AIRCRAFT AND STRATEGY FOR COAST GUARD 
                   AVIATION.

       (a) Study.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the 
     United States shall commence a study on the operational 
     availability of Coast Guard aircraft.

[[Page S5956]]

       (2) Elements.--The study required by paragraph (1) shall 
     include the following:
       (A) An assessment of --
       (i) the extent to which the fixed-wing and rotary-wing 
     aircraft of the Coast Guard have met annual operational 
     availability targets in recent years;
       (ii) the challenges the Coast Guard may face with respect 
     to such aircraft meeting operational availability targets, 
     and the effects of such challenges on the Coast Guard's 
     ability to meet mission requirements; and
       (iii) the status of Coast Guard efforts to upgrade or 
     recapitalize its fleet of such aircraft to meet growth in 
     future mission demands globally, such as in the Western 
     Hemisphere, the Arctic region, and the Western Pacific 
     region.
       (B) Any recommendation with respect to the operational 
     availability of Coast Guard aircraft.
       (C) The resource and workforce requirements necessary for 
     Coast Guard Aviation to meet current and future mission 
     demands specific to each rotary-wing and fixed-wing airframe 
     type in the current inventory of the Coast Guard.
       (3) Report.--On completion of the study required by 
     paragraph (1), the Comptroller General shall submit to the 
     Commandant a report on the findings of the study.
       (b) Coast Guard Aviation Strategy.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date on 
     which the study under subsection (a) is completed, the 
     Commandant shall develop a comprehensive strategy for Coast 
     Guard Aviation that is informed by the relevant 
     recommendations and findings of the study.
       (2) Elements.--The strategy required by paragraph (1) shall 
     include the following:
       (A) With respect to aircraft of the Coast Guard--
       (i) an analysis of--

       (I) the current and future operations and future resource 
     needs; and
       (II) the manner in which such future needs are integrated 
     with the Future Vertical Lift initiatives of the Department 
     of Defense; and

       (ii) an estimated timeline with respect to when such future 
     needs will arise.
       (B) The projected number of aviation assets, the locations 
     at which such assets are to be stationed, the cost of 
     operation and maintenance of such assets, and an assessment 
     of the capabilities of such assets as compared to the 
     missions they are expected to execute, at the completion of 
     major procurement and modernization plans.
       (C) A procurement plan, including an estimated timetable 
     and the estimated appropriations necessary for all platforms, 
     including unmanned aircraft.
       (D) A training plan for pilots and aircrew that addresses--
       (i) the use of simulators owned and operated by the Coast 
     Guard, and simulators that are not owned or operated by the 
     Coast Guard, including any such simulators based outside the 
     United States; and
       (ii) the costs associated with attending training courses.
       (E) Current and future requirements for cutter and land-
     based deployment of aviation assets globally, including in 
     the Arctic, the Eastern Pacific, the Western Pacific, the 
     Caribbean, the Atlantic Basin, and any other area the 
     Commandant considers appropriate.
       (F) A description of the feasibility of deploying, and the 
     resource requirements necessary to deploy, rotary-winged 
     assets onboard all future Arctic cutter patrols.
       (G) An evaluation of current and future facilities needs 
     for Coast Guard aviation units.
       (H) An evaluation of pilot and aircrew training and 
     retention needs, including aviation career incentive pay, 
     retention bonuses, and any other workforce tools the 
     Commandant considers necessary.
       (3) Briefing.--Not later than 180 days after the date on 
     which the strategy required by paragraph (1) is completed, 
     the Commandant shall provide to the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee 
     on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives a briefing on the strategy.

                    Subtitle F--Workforce Readiness

     SEC. 5251. AUTHORIZED STRENGTH.

       Section 3702 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by 
     adding at the end the following:
       ``(c) The Secretary may vary the authorized end strength of 
     the Selected Reserve of the Coast Guard Reserve for a fiscal 
     year by a number equal to not more than 3 percent of such end 
     strength upon a determination by the Secretary that such a 
     variation is in the national interest.
       ``(d) The Commandant may increase the authorized end 
     strength of the Selected Reserve of the Coast Guard Reserve 
     by a number equal to not more than 2 percent of such 
     authorized end strength upon a determination by the 
     Commandant that such an increase would enhance manning and 
     readiness in essential units or in critical specialties or 
     ratings.''.

     SEC. 5252. NUMBER AND DISTRIBUTION OF OFFICERS ON ACTIVE DUTY 
                   PROMOTION LIST.

       (a) Maximum Number of Officers.--Section 2103(a) of title 
     14, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
       ``(a) Maximum Total Number.--
       ``(1) In general.--The total number of Coast Guard 
     commissioned officers on the active duty promotion list, 
     excluding warrant officers, shall not exceed 7,400.
       ``(2) Temporary increase.--Notwithstanding paragraph (1), 
     the Commandant may temporarily increase the total number of 
     commissioned officers permitted under that paragraph by up to 
     4 percent for not more than 60 days after the date of the 
     commissioning of a Coast Guard Academy class.
       ``(3) Notification.--If the Commandant increases pursuant 
     to paragraph (2) the total number of commissioned officers 
     permitted under paragraph (1), the Commandant shall notify 
     the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure 
     of the House of Representatives of the number of officers on 
     the active duty promotion list on the last day of the 
     preceding 30-day period--
       ``(A) not later than 30 days after such increase; and
       ``(B) every 30 days thereafter until the total number of 
     commissioned officers no longer exceeds the total number of 
     commissioned officers permitted under paragraph (1).''.
       (b) Officers Not on Active Duty Promotion List.--
       (1) In general.--Chapter 51 of title 14, United States 
     Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

     ``Sec. 5113. Officers not on active duty promotion list

       ``Not later than 60 days after the date on which the 
     President submits to Congress a budget pursuant to section 
     1105(a) of title 31, the Commandant shall submit to the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure 
     of the House of Representatives the number of Coast Guard 
     officers who are serving at other Federal agencies on a 
     reimbursable basis, and the number of Coast Guard officers 
     who are serving at other Federal agencies on a non-
     reimbursable basis but are not on the active duty promotion 
     list.''.
       (2) Clerical amendment.--The analysis for chapter 51 of 
     title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end 
     the following:

``5113. Officers not on active duty promotion list.''.

     SEC. 5253. CONTINUATION ON ACTIVE DUTY OF OFFICERS WITH 
                   CRITICAL SKILLS.

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

     ``Sec. 2166. Continuation on active duty of officers with 
       critical skills

       ``(a) In General.--The Commandant may authorize an officer 
     in any grade above grade O-2 to remain on active duty after 
     the date otherwise provided for the retirement of the officer 
     in section 2154 of this title if the officer possesses a 
     critical skill or specialty or is in a career field 
     designated pursuant to subsection (b).
       ``(b) Critical Skill, Specialty, or Career Field.--The 
     Commandant shall designate 1 or more critical skills, 
     specialties, or career fields for purposes of subsection (a).
       ``(c) Duration of Continuation.--An officer continued on 
     active duty pursuant to this section shall, if not earlier 
     retired, be retired on the first day of the month after the 
     month in which the officer completes 40 years of active 
     service.
       ``(d) Policy.--The Commandant shall carry out this section 
     by prescribing policy that specifies the criteria to be used 
     in designating any critical skill, specialty, or career field 
     for purposes of subsection (b).''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for subchapter II of 
     chapter 21 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by 
     adding at the end the following:

``2166. Continuation on active duty of officers with critical 
              skills.''.

     SEC. 5254. CAREER INCENTIVE PAY FOR MARINE INSPECTORS.

       (a) Authority To Provide Assignment Pay or Special Duty 
     Pay.--The Secretary of the department in which the Coast 
     Guard is operating may provide assignment pay or special duty 
     pay under section 352 of title 37, United States Code, to a 
     member of the Coast Guard serving in a prevention position 
     and assigned as a marine inspector or marine investigator 
     pursuant to section 312 of title 14, United States Code.
       (b) Annual Briefing.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the 
     Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is 
     operating shall provide to the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee 
     on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives a briefing on any uses of the authority under 
     subsection (a) during the preceding year.
       (2) Elements.--Each briefing required by paragraph (1) 
     shall include the following:
       (A) The number of members of the Coast Guard serving as 
     marine inspectors or marine investigators pursuant to section 
     312 of title 14, United States Code, who are receiving 
     assignment pay or special duty pay under section 352 of title 
     37, United States Code.
       (B) An assessment of the impact of the use of the authority 
     under this section on the effectiveness and efficiency of the 
     Coast Guard in administering the laws and regulations for the 
     promotion of safety of life and property on and under the 
     high seas and waters subject to the jurisdiction of the 
     United States.
       (C) An assessment of the effects of assignment pay and 
     special duty pay on retention of marine inspectors and 
     investigators.
       (D) If the authority provided in subsection (a) is not 
     exercised, a detailed justification

[[Page S5957]]

     for not exercising such authority, including an explanation 
     of the efforts the Secretary of the department in which the 
     Coast Guard is operating is taking to ensure that the Coast 
     Guard workforce contains an adequate number of qualified 
     marine inspectors.
       (c) Study.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the department in 
     which the Coast Guard is operating, in coordination with the 
     Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety 
     and Health, shall conduct a study on the health of marine 
     inspectors and marine investigators who have served in such 
     positions for a period of not less than least 10 years.
       (2) Elements.--The study required by paragraph (1) shall 
     include the following:
       (A) An evaluation of--
       (i) the daily vessel inspection duties of marine inspectors 
     and marine investigators, including the examination of 
     internal cargo tanks and voids and new construction 
     activities;
       (ii) major incidents to which marine inspectors and marine 
     investigators have had to respond, and any other significant 
     incident, such as a vessel casualty, that has resulted in the 
     exposure of marine inspectors and marine investigators to 
     hazardous chemicals or substances; and
       (iii) the types of hazardous chemicals or substances to 
     which marine inspectors and marine investigators have been 
     exposed relative to the effects such chemicals or substances 
     have had on marine inspectors and marine investigators.
       (B) A review and analysis of the current Coast Guard health 
     and safety monitoring systems, and recommendations for 
     improving such systems, specifically with respect to the 
     exposure of members of the Coast Guard to hazardous 
     substances while carrying out inspections and investigation 
     duties.
       (C) Any other element the Secretary of the department in 
     which the Coast Guard is operating considers appropriate.
       (3) Report.--On completion of the study required by 
     paragraph (1), the Secretary of the department in which the 
     Coast Guard is operating shall submit to the Committee on 
     Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the 
     Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House 
     of Representatives a report on the findings of the study and 
     recommendations for actions the Commandant should take to 
     improve the health and exposure of marine inspectors and 
     marine investigators.
       (d) Termination.--The authority provided by subsection (a) 
     shall terminate on December 31, 2027, unless the study 
     required by subsection (c) is completed and submitted as 
     required by that subsection.

     SEC. 5255. EXPANSION OF THE ABILITY FOR SELECTION BOARD TO 
                   RECOMMEND OFFICERS OF PARTICULAR MERIT FOR 
                   PROMOTION.

       Section 2116(c)(1) of title 14, United States Code, is 
     amended, in the second sentence, by inserting ``three times'' 
     after ``may not exceed''.

     SEC. 5256. PAY AND ALLOWANCES FOR CERTAIN MEMBERS OF THE 
                   COAST GUARD DURING FUNDING GAP.

       (a) In General.--During a funding gap, the Secretary of the 
     Treasury shall make available to the Secretary of Homeland 
     Security, out of any amounts in the general fund of the 
     Treasury not otherwise appropriated, such amounts as the 
     Secretary of Homeland Security determines to be necessary to 
     continue to provide, without interruption, during the funding 
     gap such sums as are necessary for--
       (1) pay and allowances to members of the Coast Guard, 
     including reserve components thereof, who perform active 
     service;
       (2) the payment of a death gratuity under sections 1475 
     through 1477 and 1489 of title 10, United States Code, with 
     respect to members of the Coast Guard;
       (3) the payment or reimbursement of authorized funeral 
     travel and travel related to the dignified transfer of 
     remains and unit memorial services under section 481f of 
     title 37, United States Code, with respect to members of the 
     Coast Guard; and
       (4) the temporary continuation of a basic allowance for 
     housing for dependents of members of the Coast Guard dying on 
     active duty, as authorized by section 403(l) of title 37, 
     United States Code.
       (b) Funding Gap Defined.--In this section, the term 
     ``funding gap'' means any period after the beginning of a 
     fiscal year for which interim or full-year appropriations for 
     the personnel accounts of the Coast Guard have not been 
     enacted.

     SEC. 5257. MODIFICATION TO EDUCATION LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--Section 2772 of title 14, United States 
     Code, is amended to read as follows:

     ``Sec. 2772. Education loan repayment program: members on 
       active duty in specified military specialties

       ``(a)(1) Subject to the provisions of this section, the 
     Secretary may repay--
       ``(A) any loan made, insured, or guaranteed under part B of 
     title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1071 
     et seq.);
       ``(B) any loan made under part D of such title (the William 
     D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program, 20 U.S.C. 1087a et 
     seq.);
       ``(C) any loan made under part E of such title (20 U.S.C. 
     1087aa et seq.); or
       ``(D) any loan incurred for educational purposes made by a 
     lender that is--
       ``(i) an agency or instrumentality of a State;
       ``(ii) a financial or credit institution (including an 
     insurance company) that is subject to examination and 
     supervision by an agency of the United States or any State;
       ``(iii) a pension fund approved by the Secretary for 
     purposes of this section; or
       ``(iv) a nonprofit private entity designated by a State, 
     regulated by such State, and approved by the Secretary for 
     purposes of this section.
       ``(2) Repayment of any such loan shall be made on the basis 
     of each complete year of service performed by the borrower.
       ``(3) The Secretary may repay loans described in paragraph 
     (1) in the case of any person for service performed on active 
     duty as a member in an officer program or military specialty 
     specified by the Secretary.
       ``(b) The portion or amount of a loan that may be repaid 
     under subsection (a) is 33\1/3\ percent or $1,500, whichever 
     is greater, for each year of service.
       ``(c) If a portion of a loan is repaid under this section 
     for any year, interest on the remainder of such loan shall 
     accrue and be paid in the same manner as is otherwise 
     required.
       ``(d) Nothing in this section shall be construed to 
     authorize refunding any repayment of a loan.
       ``(e) A person who transfers from service making the person 
     eligible for repayment of loans under this section (as 
     described in subsection (a)(3)) to service making the person 
     eligible for repayment of loans under section 16301 of title 
     10 (as described in subsection (a)(2) or (g) of that section) 
     during a year shall be eligible to have repaid a portion of 
     such loan determined by giving appropriate fractional credit 
     for each portion of the year so served, in accordance with 
     regulations of the Secretary concerned.
       ``(f) The Secretary shall prescribe a schedule for the 
     allocation of funds made available to carry out the 
     provisions of this section and section 16301 of title 10 
     during any year for which funds are not sufficient to pay the 
     sum of the amounts eligible for repayment under subsection 
     (a) and section 16301(a) of title 10.
       ``(g) Except a person described in subsection (e) who 
     transfers to service making the person eligible for repayment 
     of loans under section 16301 of title 10, a member of the 
     Coast Guard who fails to complete the period of service 
     required to qualify for loan repayment under this section 
     shall be subject to the repayment provisions of section 
     303a(e) or 373 of title 37.
       ``(h) The Secretary may prescribe procedures for 
     implementing this section, including standards for qualified 
     loans and authorized payees and other terms and conditions 
     for making loan repayments. Such regulations may include 
     exceptions that would allow for the payment as a lump sum of 
     any loan repayment due to a member under a written agreement 
     that existed at the time of a member's death or 
     disability.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for subchapter III of 
     chapter 27 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by 
     striking the item relating to section 2772 and inserting the 
     following:

``2772. Education loan repayment program: members on active duty in 
              specified military specialties.''.

     SEC. 5258. RETIREMENT OF VICE COMMANDANT.

       Section 303 of title 14, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) by amending subsection (a)(2) to read as follows:
       ``(2) A Vice Commandant who is retired while serving as 
     Vice Commandant, after serving not less than 2 years as Vice 
     Commandant, shall be retired with the grade of admiral, 
     except as provided in section 306(d).''; and
       (2) in subsection (c), by striking ``or Vice Commandant'' 
     and inserting ``or as an officer serving as Vice Commandant 
     who has served less than 2 years as Vice Commandant''.

     SEC. 5259. REPORT ON RESIGNATION AND RETIREMENT PROCESSING 
                   TIMES AND DENIAL.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 30 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the 
     Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee 
     on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives, a report that evaluates resignation and 
     retirement processing timelines.
       (b) Elements.--The report required by subsection (a) shall 
     include the following for the preceding calendar year--
       (1) statistics on the number of resignations, retirements, 
     and other separations that occurred;
       (2) the processing time for each action described in 
     paragraph (1);
       (3) the percentage of requests for such actions that had a 
     command endorsement;
       (4) the percentage of requests for such actions that did 
     not have a command endorsement; and
       (5) for each denial of a request for a command endorsement 
     and each failure to take action on such a request, a detailed 
     description of the rationale for such denial or failure to 
     take such action.

     SEC. 5260. CALCULATION OF ACTIVE SERVICE.

       Any service in the Armed Forces described in writing, 
     including by electronic communication, before the date of the 
     enactment of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense 
     Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116-283; 
     134 Stat. 3388), by a representative of the Coast Guard 
     Personnel

[[Page S5958]]

     Service Center, as service that counts toward total active 
     service for the purpose of retirement under section 2152 of 
     title 14, United States Code, shall be considered by the 
     President as active service for purposes of applying such 
     section with respect to the determination of the retirement 
     qualification for any officer to whom a description was 
     provided.

     SEC. 5261. PHYSICAL DISABILITY EVALUATION SYSTEM PROCEDURE 
                   REVIEW.

       (a) Study.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the 
     United States shall complete a study on the Coast Guard 
     Physical Disability Evaluation System and medical retirement 
     procedures.
       (2) Elements.--The study required by paragraph (1) shall 
     review, and provide recommendations to address, the 
     following:
       (A) Coast Guard compliance with all applicable laws, 
     regulations, and policies relating to the Physical Disability 
     Evaluation System and the Medical Evaluation Board.
       (B) Coast Guard compliance with timelines set forth in--
       (i) the instruction of the Commandant entitled ``Physical 
     Disability Evaluation System'' issued on May 19, 2006 
     (COMDTNST M1850.2D); and
       (ii) the Physical Disability Evaluation System Transparency 
     Initiative (ALCGPSC 030/20).
       (C) An evaluation of Coast Guard processes in place to 
     ensure the availability, consistency, and effectiveness of 
     counsel appointed by the Coast Guard Office of the Judge 
     Advocate General to represent members of the Coast Guard 
     undergoing an evaluation under the Physical Disability 
     Evaluation System.
       (D) The extent to which the Coast Guard has and uses 
     processes to ensure that such counsel may perform their 
     functions in a manner that is impartial, including being able 
     to perform their functions without undue pressure or 
     interference by the command of the affected member of the 
     Coast Guard, the Personnel Service Center, and the United 
     States Coast Guard Office of the Judge Advocate General.
       (E) The frequency with which members of the Coast Guard 
     seek private counsel in lieu of counsel appointed by the 
     Coast Guard Office of the Judge Advocate General, and the 
     frequency of so doing at each member pay grade.
       (F) The timeliness of determinations, guidance, and access 
     to medical evaluations necessary for retirement or rating 
     determinations and overall well-being of the affected member 
     of the Coast Guard.
       (G) The guidance, formal or otherwise, provided by the 
     Personnel Service Center and the Coast Guard Office of the 
     Judge Advocate General, other than the counsel directly 
     representing affected members of the Coast Guard, in 
     communication with medical personnel examining members.
       (H) The guidance, formal or otherwise, provided by the 
     medical professionals reviewing cases within the Physical 
     Disability Evaluation System to affected members of the Coast 
     Guard, and the extent to which such guidance is disclosed to 
     the commanders, commanding officers, or other members of the 
     Coast Guard in the chain of command of such affected members.
       (I) The feasibility of establishing a program to allow 
     members of the Coast Guard to select an expedited review to 
     ensure completion of the Medical Evaluation Board report not 
     later than 180 days after the date on which such review was 
     initiated.
       (b) Report.--The Comptroller General shall submit to the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure 
     of the House of Representatives a report on the findings of 
     the study conducted under subsection (a) and recommendations 
     for improving the physical disability evaluation system 
     process.
       (c) Updated Policy Guidance.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date on 
     which the report under subsection (b) is submitted, the 
     Commandant shall issue updated policy guidance in response to 
     the findings and recommendations contained in the report.
       (2) Elements.--The updated policy guidance required by 
     paragraph (1) shall include the following:
       (A) A requirement that a member of the Coast Guard, or the 
     counsel of such a member, shall be informed of the contents 
     of, and afforded the option to be present for, any 
     communication between the member's command and the Personnel 
     Service Center, or other Coast Guard entity, with respect to 
     the duty status of the member.
       (B) An exception to the requirement described in 
     subparagraph (A) that such a member or the counsel of the 
     member is not required to be informed of the contents of such 
     a communication if it is demonstrated that there is a 
     legitimate health and safety need for the member to be 
     excluded from such communications, supported by a medical 
     opinion that such exclusion is necessary for the health or 
     safety of the member, command, or any other individual.
       (C) An option to allow a member of the Coast Guard to 
     initiate an evaluation by a Medical Evaluation Board if a 
     Coast Guard healthcare provider, or other military healthcare 
     provider, has raised a concern about the ability of the 
     member to continue serving in the Coast Guard, in accordance 
     with existing medical and physical disability policy.
       (D) An updated policy to remove the command endorsement 
     requirement for retirement or separation unless absolutely 
     necessary for the benefit of the United States.

     SEC. 5262. EXPANSION OF AUTHORITY FOR MULTIRATER ASSESSMENTS 
                   OF CERTAIN PERSONNEL.

       (a) In General.--Section 2182(a) of title 14, United States 
     Code, is amended by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(2) Officers.--Each officer of the Coast Guard shall 
     undergo a multirater assessment before promotion to--
       ``(A) the grade of O-4;
       ``(B) the grade of O-5; and
       ``(C) the grade of O-6.
       ``(3) Enlisted members.--Each enlisted member of the Coast 
     Guard shall undergo a multirater assessment before 
     advancement to--
       ``(A) the grade of E-7;
       ``(B) the grade of E-8;
       ``(C) the grade of E-9; and
       ``(D) the grade of E-10.
       ``(4) Selection.--A reviewee shall not be permitted to 
     select the peers and subordinates who provide opinions for 
     his or her multirater assessment.
       ``(5) Post-assessment elements.--
       ``(A) In general.--Following an assessment of an individual 
     pursuant to paragraphs (1) through (3), the individual shall 
     be provided appropriate post-assessment counseling and 
     leadership coaching.
       ``(B) Availability of results.--The supervisor of the 
     individual assessed shall be provided with the results of the 
     multirater assessment.''.
       (b) Cost Assessment.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall provide to 
     the appropriate committees of Congress an estimate of the 
     costs associated with implementing the amendment made by this 
     section.
       (2) Appropriate committees of congress defined.--In this 
     subsection, the term ``appropriate committees of Congress'' 
     means--
       (A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation 
     and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate; and
       (B) the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and 
     the Committee on Appropriations of the House of 
     Representatives.

     SEC. 5263. PROMOTION PARITY.

       (a) Information To Be Furnished.--Section 2115(a) of title 
     14, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``; and'' and inserting a 
     semicolon;
       (2) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting ``; and''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(3) in the case of an eligible officer considered for 
     promotion to a rank above lieutenant, any credible 
     information of an adverse nature, including any substantiated 
     adverse finding or conclusion from an officially documented 
     investigation or inquiry and any information placed in the 
     personnel service record of the officer under section 1745(a) 
     of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 
     2014 (Public Law 113-66; 10 U.S.C. 1561 note), shall be 
     furnished to the selection board in accordance with standards 
     and procedures set out in the regulations prescribed by the 
     Secretary.''.
       (b) Special Selection Review Boards.--
       (1) In general.--Subchapter I of chapter 21 of title 14, 
     United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 
     2120 the following:

     ``Sec. 2120a. Special selection review boards

       ``(a) In General.--(1) If the Secretary determines that a 
     person recommended by a promotion board for promotion to a 
     grade at or below the grade of rear admiral is the subject of 
     credible information of an adverse nature, including any 
     substantiated adverse finding or conclusion described in 
     section 2115(a)(3) of this title that was not furnished to 
     the promotion board during its consideration of the person 
     for promotion as otherwise required by such section, the 
     Secretary shall convene a special selection review board 
     under this section to review the person and recommend whether 
     the recommendation for promotion of the person should be 
     sustained.
       ``(2) If a person and the recommendation for promotion of 
     the person is subject to review under this section by a 
     special selection review board convened under this section, 
     the name of the person--
       ``(A) shall not be disseminated or publicly released on the 
     list of officers recommended for promotion by the promotion 
     board recommending the promotion of the person; and
       ``(B) shall not be forwarded to the President or the 
     Senate, as applicable, or included on a promotion list under 
     section 2121 of this title.
       ``(b) Convening.--(1) Any special selection review board 
     convened under this section shall be convened in accordance 
     with the provisions of section 2120(c) of this title.
       ``(2) Any special selection review board convened under 
     this section may review such number of persons, and 
     recommendations for promotion of such persons, as the 
     Secretary shall specify in convening such special selection 
     review board.
       ``(c) Information Considered.--(1) In reviewing a person 
     and recommending whether the recommendation for promotion of 
     the person should be sustained under this section, a special 
     selection review board convened under this section shall be 
     furnished and consider the following:
       ``(A) The record and information concerning the person 
     furnished in accordance with section 2115 of this title to 
     the promotion board that recommended the person for 
     promotion.

[[Page S5959]]

       ``(B) Any credible information of an adverse nature on the 
     person, including any substantiated adverse finding or 
     conclusion from an officially documented investigation or 
     inquiry described in section 2115(a)(3) of this title.
       ``(2) The furnishing of information to a special selection 
     review board under paragraph (1)(B) shall be governed by the 
     standards and procedures referred to in section 2115 of this 
     title.
       ``(3)(A) Before information on a person described in 
     paragraph (1)(B) is furnished to a special selection review 
     board for purposes of this section, the Secretary shall 
     ensure that--
       ``(i) such information is made available to the person; and
       ``(ii) subject to subparagraphs (C) and (D), the person is 
     afforded a reasonable opportunity to submit comments on such 
     information to the special selection review board before its 
     review of the person and the recommendation for promotion of 
     the person under this section.
       ``(B) If information on a person described in paragraph 
     (1)(B) is not made available to the person as otherwise 
     required by subparagraph (A)(i) due to the classification 
     status of such information, the person shall, to the maximum 
     extent practicable, be furnished a summary of such 
     information appropriate to the person's authorization for 
     access to classified information.
       ``(C)(i) An opportunity to submit comments on information 
     is not required for a person under subparagraph (A)(ii) if--
       ``(I) such information was made available to the person in 
     connection with the furnishing of such information under 
     section 2115(a) of this title to the promotion board that 
     recommended the promotion of the person subject to review 
     under this section; and
       ``(II) the person submitted comments on such information to 
     that promotion board.
       ``(ii) The comments on information of a person described in 
     clause (i)(II) shall be furnished to the special selection 
     review board.
       ``(D) A person may waive either or both of the following:
       ``(i) The right to submit comments to a special selection 
     review board under subparagraph (A)(ii).
       ``(ii) The furnishing of comments to a special selection 
     review board under subparagraph (C)(ii).
       ``(d) Consideration.--(1) In considering the record and 
     information on a person under this section, the special 
     selection review board shall compare such record and 
     information with an appropriate sampling of the records of 
     those officers who were recommended for promotion by the 
     promotion board that recommended the person for promotion, 
     and an appropriate sampling of the records of those officers 
     who were considered by and not recommended for promotion by 
     that promotion board.
       ``(2) Records and information shall be presented to a 
     special selection review board for purposes of paragraph (1) 
     in a manner that does not indicate or disclose the person or 
     persons for whom the special selection review board was 
     convened.
       ``(3) In considering whether the recommendation for 
     promotion of a person should be sustained under this section, 
     a special selection review board shall, to the greatest 
     extent practicable, apply standards used by the promotion 
     board that recommended the person for promotion.
       ``(4) The recommendation for promotion of a person may be 
     sustained under this section only if the special selection 
     review board determines that the person--
       ``(A) ranks on an order of merit created by the special 
     selection review board as better qualified for promotion than 
     the sample officer highest on the order of merit list who was 
     considered by and not recommended for promotion by the 
     promotion board concerned; and
       ``(B) is comparable in qualification for promotion to those 
     sample officers who were recommended for promotion by that 
     promotion board.
       ``(5) A recommendation for promotion of a person may be 
     sustained under this section only by a vote of a majority of 
     the members of the special selection review board.
       ``(6) If a special selection review board does not sustain 
     a recommendation for promotion of a person under this 
     section, the person shall be considered to have failed of 
     selection for promotion.
       ``(e) Reports.--(1) Each special selection review board 
     convened under this section shall submit to the Secretary a 
     written report, signed by each member of the board, 
     containing the name of each person whose recommendation for 
     promotion it recommends for sustainment and certifying that 
     the board has carefully considered the record and information 
     of each person whose name was referred to it.
       ``(2) The provisions of section 2117(a) of this title apply 
     to the report and proceedings of a special selection review 
     board convened under this section in the same manner as they 
     apply to the report and proceedings of a promotion board 
     convened under section 2106 of this title.
       ``(f) Appointment of Persons.--(1) If the report of a 
     special selection review board convened under this section 
     recommends the sustainment of the recommendation for 
     promotion to the next higher grade of a person whose name was 
     referred to it for review under this section, and the 
     President approves the report, the person shall, as soon as 
     practicable, be appointed to that grade in accordance with 
     section 2121 of this title.
       ``(2) A person who is appointed to the next higher grade as 
     described in paragraph (1) shall, upon that appointment, have 
     the same date of rank, the same effective date for the pay 
     and allowances of that grade, and the same position on the 
     active-duty list as the person would have had pursuant to the 
     original recommendation for promotion of the promotion board 
     concerned.
       ``(g) Regulations.--The Secretary shall prescribe 
     regulations to carry out this section.
       ``(h) Promotion Board Defined.--In this section, the term 
     `promotion board' means a selection board convened by the 
     Secretary under section 2106 of this title.''.
       (2) Clerical amendment.--The analysis for subchapter I of 
     chapter 21 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by 
     inserting after the item relating to section 2120 the 
     following:

``2120a. Special selection review boards.''.
       (c) Availability of Information.--Section 2118 of title 14, 
     United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(e) If the Secretary makes a recommendation under this 
     section that the name of an officer be removed from a report 
     of a selection board and the recommendation is accompanied by 
     information that was not presented to that selection board, 
     that information shall be made available to that officer. The 
     officer shall then be afforded a reasonable opportunity to 
     submit comments on that information to the officials making 
     the recommendation and the officials reviewing the 
     recommendation. If an eligible officer cannot be given access 
     to such information because of its classification status, the 
     officer shall, to the maximum extent practicable, be provided 
     with an appropriate summary of the information.''.
       (d) Delay of Promotion.--Section 2121(f) of title 14, 
     United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
       ``(f)(1) The promotion of an officer may be delayed without 
     prejudice if any of the following applies:
       ``(A) The officer is under investigation or proceedings of 
     a court-martial or a board of officers are pending against 
     the officer.
       ``(B) A criminal proceeding in a Federal or State court is 
     pending against the officer.
       ``(C) The Secretary determines that credible information of 
     an adverse nature, including a substantiated adverse finding 
     or conclusion described in section 2115(a)(3), with respect 
     to the officer will result in the convening of a special 
     selection review board under section 2120a of this title to 
     review the officer and recommend whether the recommendation 
     for promotion of the officer should be sustained.
       ``(2)(A) Subject to subparagraph (B), a promotion may be 
     delayed under this subsection until, as applicable--
       ``(i) the completion of the investigation or proceedings 
     described in subparagraph (A);
       ``(ii) a final decision in the proceeding described in 
     subparagraph (B) is issued; or
       ``(iii) the special selection review board convened under 
     section 2120a of this title issues recommendations with 
     respect to the officer.
       ``(B) Unless the Secretary determines that a further delay 
     is necessary in the public interest, a promotion may not be 
     delayed under this subsection for more than one year after 
     the date the officer would otherwise have been promoted.
       ``(3) An officer whose promotion is delayed under this 
     subsection and who is subsequently promoted shall be given 
     the date of rank and position on the active duty promotion 
     list in the grade to which promoted that he would have held 
     had his promotion not been so delayed.''.

     SEC. 5264. PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM TO DIVERSIFY THE COAST GUARD.

       (a) Establishment.--The Commandant shall establish a 
     program for the purpose of increasing the number of 
     underrepresented minorities in the enlisted ranks of the 
     Coast Guard.
       (b) Partnerships.--In carrying out the program established 
     under subsection (a), the Commandant shall--
       (1) seek to enter into 1 or more partnerships with eligible 
     entities--
       (A) to increase the visibility of Coast Guard careers;
       (B) to promote curriculum development--
       (i) to enable acceptance into the Coast Guard; and
       (ii) to improve success on relevant exams, such as the 
     Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery; and
       (C) to provide mentoring for students entering and 
     beginning Coast Guard careers; and
       (2) enter into a partnership with an existing Junior 
     Reserve Officers' Training Corps for the purpose of promoting 
     Coast Guard careers.
       (c) Eligible Institution Defined.--In this section, the 
     term ``eligible institution'' means--
       (1) an institution of higher education (as defined in 
     section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
     1001));
       (2) an institution that provides a level of educational 
     attainment that is less than a bachelor's degree;
       (3) a part B institution (as defined in section 322 of the 
     Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1061));
       (4) a Tribal College or University (as defined in section 
     316(b) of that Act (20 U.S.C. 1059c(b)));
       (5) a Hispanic-serving institution (as defined in section 
     502 of that Act (20 U.S.C. 1101a));

[[Page S5960]]

       (6) an Alaska Native-serving institution or a Native 
     Hawaiian-serving institution (as defined in section 317(b) of 
     that Act (20 U.S.C. 1059d(b)));
       (7) a Predominantly Black institution (as defined in 
     section 371(c) of that Act (20 U.S.C. 1071q(c)));
       (8) an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-
     serving institution (as defined in such section); and
       (9) a Native American-serving nontribal institution (as 
     defined in such section).

     SEC. 5265. EXPANSION OF COAST GUARD JUNIOR RESERVE OFFICERS' 
                   TRAINING CORPS.

       (a) In General.--Section 320 of title 14, United States 
     Code, is amended--
       (1) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d);
       (2) in subsection (b), by striking ``subsection (c)'' and 
     inserting ``subsection (d)''; and
       (3) by inserting after subsection (b) the following:
       ``(c) Scope.--Beginning on December 31, 2025, the Secretary 
     of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall 
     maintain at all times a Junior Reserve Officers' Training 
     Corps program with not fewer than 1 such program established 
     in each Coast Guard district.''.
       (b) Cost Assessment.--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 provide to 
     Congress an estimate of the costs associated with 
     implementing the amendments made by this section.

     SEC. 5266. IMPROVING REPRESENTATION OF WOMEN AND RACIAL AND 
                   ETHNIC MINORITIES AMONG COAST GUARD ACTIVE-DUTY 
                   MEMBERS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, in consultation with the Advisory 
     Board on Women at the Coast Guard Academy established under 
     section 1904 of title 14, United States Code, and the 
     minority outreach team program established by section 1905 of 
     such title, the Commandant shall--
       (1) determine which recommendations in the RAND 
     representation report may practicably be implemented to 
     promote improved representation in the Coast Guard of--
       (A) women; and
       (B) racial and ethnic minorities; and
       (2) submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives a report on the actions the Commandant has 
     taken, or plans to take, to implement such recommendations.
       (b) Curriculum and Training.--In the case of any action the 
     Commandant plans to take to implement recommendations 
     described in subsection (a)(1) that relate to modification or 
     development of curriculum and training, such modified 
     curriculum and training shall be provided at officer and 
     accession points and at leadership courses managed by the 
     Coast Guard Leadership Development Center.
       (c) Definition of RAND Representation Report.--In this 
     section, the term ``RAND representation report'' means the 
     report of the Homeland Security Operational Analysis Center 
     of the RAND Corporation entitled ``Improving the 
     Representation of Women and Racial/Ethnic Minorities Among 
     U.S. Coast Guard Active-Duty Members'' issued on August 11, 
     2021.

     SEC. 5267. STRATEGY TO ENHANCE DIVERSITY THROUGH RECRUITMENT 
                   AND ACCESSION.

       (a) In General.--The Commandant shall develop a 10-year 
     strategy to enhance Coast Guard diversity through recruitment 
     and accession--
       (1) at educational institutions at the high school and 
     higher education levels; and
       (2) for the officer and enlisted ranks.
       (b) Report.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure 
     of the House of Representatives a report on the strategy 
     developed under subsection (a).
       (2) Elements.--The report required by paragraph (1) shall 
     include the following:
       (A) A description of existing Coast Guard recruitment and 
     accession programs at educational institutions at the high 
     school and higher education levels.
       (B) An explanation of the manner in which the strategy 
     supports the Coast Guard's overall diversity and inclusion 
     action plan.
       (C) A description of the manner in which existing programs 
     and partnerships will be modified or expanded to enhance 
     diversity in recruiting and accession at the high school and 
     higher education levels.

     SEC. 5268. SUPPORT FOR COAST GUARD ACADEMY.

       (a) In General.--Subchapter II of chapter 9 of title 14, 
     United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:

     ``Sec. 953. Support for Coast Guard Academy

       ``(a) Authority.--
       ``(1) Contracts and cooperative agreements.--(A) The 
     Commandant may enter contract and cooperative agreements with 
     1 or more qualified organizations for the purpose of 
     supporting the athletic programs of the Coast Guard Academy.
       ``(B) Notwithstanding section 2304(k) of title 10, the 
     Commandant may enter into such contracts and cooperative 
     agreements on a sole source basis pursuant to section 
     2304(c)(5) of title 10.
       ``(C) Notwithstanding chapter 63 of title 31, a cooperative 
     agreement under this section may be used to acquire property 
     or services for the direct benefit or use of the Coast Guard 
     Academy.
       ``(2) Financial controls.--(A) Before entering into a 
     contract or cooperative agreement under paragraph (1), the 
     Commandant shall ensure that the contract or agreement 
     includes appropriate financial controls to account for the 
     resources of the Coast Guard Academy and the qualified 
     organization concerned in accordance with accepted accounting 
     principles.
       ``(B) Any such contract or cooperative agreement shall 
     contain a provision that allows the Commandant to review, as 
     the Commandant considers necessary, the financial accounts of 
     the qualified organization to determine whether the 
     operations of the qualified organization--
       ``(i) are consistent with the terms of the contract or 
     cooperative agreement; and
       ``(ii) would compromise the integrity or appearance of 
     integrity of any program of the Department of Homeland 
     Security.
       ``(3) Leases.--For the purpose of supporting the athletic 
     programs of the Coast Guard Academy, the Commandant may, 
     consistent with section 504(a)(13), rent or lease real 
     property located at the Coast Guard Academy to a qualified 
     organization, except that proceeds from such a lease shall be 
     retained and expended in accordance with subsection (f).
       ``(b) Support Services.--
       ``(1) Authority.--To the extent required by a contract or 
     cooperative agreement under subsection (a), the Commandant 
     may provide support services to a qualified organization 
     while the qualified organization conducts its support 
     activities at the Coast Guard Academy only if the Commandant 
     determines that the provision of such services is essential 
     for the support of the athletic programs of the Coast Guard 
     Academy.
       ``(2) No liability of the united states.--Support services 
     may only be provided without any liability of the United 
     States to a qualified organization.
       ``(3) Support services defined.--In this subsection, the 
     term `support services' includes utilities, office 
     furnishings and equipment, communications services, records 
     staging and archiving, audio and video support, and security 
     systems, in conjunction with the leasing or licensing of 
     property.
       ``(c) Transfers From Nonappropriated Fund Operation.--(1) 
     Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Commandant may, 
     subject to the acceptance of the qualified organization 
     concerned, transfer to the qualified organization all title 
     to and ownership of the assets and liabilities of the Coast 
     Guard nonappropriated fund instrumentality, the function of 
     which includes providing support for the athletic programs of 
     the Coast Guard Academy, including bank accounts and 
     financial reserves in the accounts of such fund 
     instrumentality, equipment, supplies, and other personal 
     property.
       ``(2) The Commandant may not transfer under paragraph (1) 
     any interest in real property.
       ``(d) Acceptance of Support From Qualified Organization.--
       ``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding section 1342 of title 
     31, the Commandant may accept from a qualified organization 
     funds, supplies, and services for the support of the athletic 
     programs of the Coast Guard Academy.
       ``(2) Employees of qualified organization.--For purposes of 
     this section, employees or personnel of the qualified 
     organization may not be considered to be employees of the 
     United States.
       ``(3) Funds received from ncaa.--The Commandant may accept 
     funds from the National Collegiate Athletic Association to 
     support the athletic programs of the Coast Guard Academy.
       ``(4) Limitation.--The Commandant shall ensure that 
     contributions under this subsection and expenditure of funds 
     pursuant to subsection (f)--
       ``(A) do not reflect unfavorably on the ability of the 
     Coast Guard, any employee of the Coast Guard, or any member 
     of the armed forces (as defined in section 101(a) of title 
     10) to carry out any responsibility or duty in a fair and 
     objective manner; or
       ``(B) compromise the integrity or appearance of integrity 
     of any program of the Coast Guard, or any individual involved 
     in such a program.
       ``(e) Trademarks and Service Marks.--
       ``(1) Licensing, marketing, and sponsorship agreements.--An 
     agreement under subsection (a) may, consistent with section 
     2260 of title 10 (other than subsection (d) of such section), 
     authorize a qualified organization to enter into licensing, 
     marketing, and sponsorship agreements relating to trademarks 
     and service marks identifying the Coast Guard Academy, 
     subject to the approval of the Commandant.
       ``(2) Limitations.--A licensing, marketing, or sponsorship 
     agreement may not be entered into under paragraph (1) if--
       ``(A) such agreement would reflect unfavorably on the 
     ability of the Coast Guard, any employee of the Coast Guard, 
     or any member of the armed forces to carry out any 
     responsibility or duty in a fair and objective manner; or
       ``(B) the Commandant determines that the use of the 
     trademark or service mark would compromise the integrity or 
     appearance of integrity of any program of the Coast Guard or 
     any individual involved in such a program.

[[Page S5961]]

       ``(f) Retention and Use of Funds.--Funds received by the 
     Commandant under this section may be retained for use to 
     support the athletic programs of the Coast Guard Academy and 
     shall remain available until expended.
       ``(g) Service on Qualified Organization Board of 
     Directors.--A qualified organization is a designated entity 
     for which authorization under sections 1033(a) and 1589(a) of 
     title 10, may be provided.
       ``(h) Conditions.--The authority provided in this section 
     with respect to a qualified organization is available only so 
     long as the qualified organization continues--
       ``(1) to qualify as a nonprofit organization under section 
     501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and operates 
     in accordance with this section, the law of the State of 
     Connecticut, and the constitution and bylaws of the qualified 
     organization; and
       ``(2) to operate exclusively to support the athletic 
     programs of the Coast Guard Academy.
       ``(i) Qualified Organization Defined.--In this section, the 
     term `qualified organization' means an organization--
       ``(1) described in subsection (c)(3) of section 501 of the 
     Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from taxation under 
     subsection (a) of that section; and
       ``(2) established by the Coast Guard Academy Alumni 
     Association solely for the purpose of supporting Coast Guard 
     athletics.

     ``Sec. 954. Mixed-funded athletic and recreational 
       extracurricular programs: authority to manage appropriated 
       funds in same manner as nonappropriated funds

       ``(a) Authority.--In the case of a Coast Guard Academy 
     mixed-funded athletic or recreational extracurricular 
     program, the Commandant may designate funds appropriated to 
     the Coast Guard and available for that program to be treated 
     as nonappropriated funds and expended for that program in 
     accordance with laws applicable to the expenditure of 
     nonappropriated funds. Appropriated funds so designated shall 
     be considered to be nonappropriated funds for all purposes 
     and shall remain available until expended.
       ``(b) Covered Programs.--In this section, the term `Coast 
     Guard Academy mixed-funded athletic or recreational 
     extracurricular program' means an athletic or recreational 
     extracurricular program of the Coast Guard Academy to which 
     each of the following applies:
       ``(1) The program is not considered a morale, welfare, or 
     recreation program.
       ``(2) The program is supported through appropriated funds.
       ``(3) The program is supported by a nonappropriated fund 
     instrumentality.
       ``(4) The program is not a private organization and is not 
     operated by a private organization.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for subchapter II of 
     chapter 9 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by 
     adding at the end the following:

``953. Support for Coast Guard Academy.
``954. Mixed-funded athletic and recreational extracurricular programs: 
              authority to manage appropriated funds in same manner as 
              nonappropriated funds.''.

     SEC. 5269. TRAINING FOR CONGRESSIONAL AFFAIRS PERSONNEL.

       (a) In General.--Section 315 of title 14, United States 
     Code, is amended to read as follows:

     ``Sec. 315. Training for congressional affairs personnel

       ``(a) In General.--The Commandant shall develop a training 
     course, which shall be administered in person, on the 
     workings of Congress for any member of the Coast Guard 
     selected for a position as a fellow, liaison, counsel, 
     administrative staff for the Coast Guard Office of 
     Congressional and Governmental Affairs, or any Coast Guard 
     district or area governmental affairs officer.
       ``(b) Course Subject Matter.--
       ``(1) In general.--The training course required by this 
     section shall provide an overview and introduction to 
     Congress and the Federal legislative process, including--
       ``(A) the congressional budget process;
       ``(B) the congressional appropriations process;
       ``(C) the congressional authorization process;
       ``(D) the Senate advice and consent process for 
     Presidential nominees;
       ``(E) the Senate advice and consent process for treaty 
     ratification;
       ``(F) the roles of Members of Congress and congressional 
     staff in the legislative process;
       ``(G) the concept and underlying purposes of congressional 
     oversight within the governance framework of separation of 
     powers;
       ``(H) the roles of Coast Guard fellows, liaisons, counsels, 
     governmental affairs officers, the Coast Guard Office of 
     Program Review, the Coast Guard Headquarters program offices, 
     and any other entity the Commandant considers relevant; and
       ``(I) the roles and responsibilities of Coast Guard public 
     affairs and external communications personnel with respect to 
     Members of Congress and their staff necessary to enhance 
     communication between Coast Guard units, sectors, and 
     districts and Member offices and committees of jurisdiction 
     so as to ensure visibility of Coast Guard activities.
       ``(2) Detail within coast guard office of budget and 
     programs.--
       ``(A) In general.--At the written request of the receiving 
     congressional office, the training course required by this 
     section shall include a multi-day detail within the Coast 
     Guard Office of Budget and Programs to ensure adequate 
     exposure to Coast Guard policy, oversight, and requests from 
     Congress.
       ``(B) Nonconsecutive detail permitted.--A detail under this 
     paragraph is not required to be consecutive with the balance 
     of the training.
       ``(c) Completion of Required Training.--A member of the 
     Coast Guard selected for a position described in subsection 
     (a) shall complete the training required by this section 
     before the date on which such member reports for duty for 
     such position.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 3 of 
     title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking the item 
     relating to section 315 and inserting the following:

``315. Training for congressional affairs personnel.''.

     SEC. 5270. STRATEGY FOR RETENTION OF CUTTERMEN.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall publish a 
     strategy to improve incentives to attract and retain a 
     diverse workforce serving on Coast Guard cutters.
       (b) Elements.--The strategy required by subsection (a) 
     shall include the following:
       (1) Policies to improve flexibility in the afloat career 
     path, including a policy that enables members of the Coast 
     Guard serving on Coast Guard cutters to transition between 
     operations afloat and operations ashore assignments without 
     detriment to their career progression.
       (2) A review of current officer requirements for afloat 
     positions at each pay grade, and an assessment as to whether 
     such requirements are appropriate or present undue 
     limitations.
       (3) Strategies to improve crew comfort afloat, such as 
     berthing modifications to accommodate all crewmembers.
       (4) Actionable steps to improve access to high-speed 
     internet capable of video conference for the purposes of 
     medical, educational, and personal use by members of the 
     Coast Guard serving on Coast Guard cutters.
       (5) An assessment of the effectiveness of bonuses to 
     attract members to serve at sea and retain talented members 
     of the Coast Guard serving on Coast Guard cutters to serve as 
     leaders in senior enlisted positions, department head 
     positions, and command positions.
       (6) Policies to ensure that high-performing members of the 
     Coast Guard serving on Coast Guard cutters are competitive 
     for special assignments, postgraduate education, senior 
     service schools, and other career-enhancing positions.

     SEC. 5271. STUDY ON PERFORMANCE OF COAST GUARD FORCE 
                   READINESS COMMAND.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the 
     United States shall commence a study on the performance of 
     the Coast Guard Force Readiness Command.
       (b) Elements.--The study required by subsection (a) shall 
     include an assessment of the following:
       (1) The actions the Force Readiness Command has taken to 
     develop and implement training for the Coast Guard workforce.
       (2) The extent to which the Force Readiness Command--
       (A) has assessed performance, policy, and training 
     compliance across Force Readiness Command headquarters and 
     field units, and the results of any such assessment; and
       (B) is modifying and expanding Coast Guard training to 
     match the future demands of the Coast Guard with respect to 
     growth in workforce numbers, modernization of assets and 
     infrastructure, and increased global mission demands relating 
     to the Arctic and Western Pacific regions and cyberspace.
       (c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the study required 
     by subsection (a) commences, the Comptroller General shall 
     submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives a report on the findings of the study.

     SEC. 5272. STUDY ON FREQUENCY OF WEAPONS TRAINING FOR COAST 
                   GUARD PERSONNEL.

       (a) In General.--The Commandant shall conduct a study to 
     assess whether current weapons training required for Coast 
     Guard law enforcement and other relevant personnel is 
     sufficient.
       (b) Elements.--The study required by subsection (a) shall--
       (1) assess whether there is a need to improve weapons 
     training for Coast Guard law enforcement and other relevant 
     personnel; and
       (2) identify--
       (A) the frequency of such training most likely to ensure 
     adequate weapons training, proficiency, and safety among such 
     personnel;
       (B) Coast Guard law enforcement and other applicable 
     personnel who should be prioritized to receive such improved 
     training; and
       (C) any challenge posed by a transition to improving such 
     training and offering such training more frequently, and the 
     resources necessary to address such a challenge.
       (c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation

[[Page S5962]]

     of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on 
     the findings of the study conducted under subsection (a).

                  Subtitle G--Miscellaneous Provisions

     SEC. 5281. BUDGETING OF COAST GUARD RELATING TO CERTAIN 
                   OPERATIONS.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 51 of title 14, United States 
     Code, as amended by section 5252(b), is further amended by 
     adding at the end the following:

     ``Sec. 5114. Expenses of performing and executing defense 
       readiness missions and other activities unrelated to Coast 
       Guard missions

       ``The Commandant shall include in the annual budget 
     submission of the President under section 1105(a) of title 31 
     a dedicated budget line item that adequately represents a 
     calculation of the annual costs and expenditures of 
     performing and executing all defense readiness mission 
     activities, including--
       ``(1) all expenses related to the Coast Guard's 
     coordination, training, and execution of defense readiness 
     mission activities in the Coast Guard's capacity as an armed 
     force (as such term is defined in section 101 of title 10) in 
     support of Department of Defense national security operations 
     and activities or for any other military department or 
     Defense Agency (as such terms are defined in such section);
       ``(2) costs associated with Coast Guard detachments 
     assigned in support of the Coast Guard's defense readiness 
     mission; and
       ``(3) any other related expenses, costs, or matters the 
     Commandant considers appropriate or otherwise of interest to 
     Congress.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 51 of 
     title 14, United States Code, as amended by section 5252(b), 
     is further amended by adding at the end the following:

``5114. Expenses of performing and executing defense readiness missions 
              or other activities unrelated to Coast Guard missions.''.

     SEC. 5282. COAST GUARD ASSISTANCE TO UNITED STATES SECRET 
                   SERVICE.

       Section 6 of the Presidential Protection Assistance Act of 
     1976 (18 U.S.C. 3056 note) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``Executive departments'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(a) Except as provided in subsection (b), Executive 
     departments'';
       (2) by striking ``Director; except that the Department of 
     Defense and the Coast Guard shall provide such assistance'' 
     and inserting the following: ``Director.
       ``(b)(1) Subject to paragraph (2), the Department of 
     Defense and the Coast Guard shall provide assistance 
     described in subsection (a)''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(2)(A) For fiscal year 2022, and each fiscal year 
     thereafter, the total cost of assistance described in 
     subsection (a) provided by the Coast Guard on a 
     nonreimbursable basis shall not exceed $15,000,000.
       ``(B) The Coast Guard may provide assistance described in 
     subsection (a) during a fiscal year in addition to the amount 
     specified in subparagraph (A) on a reimbursable basis.''.

     SEC. 5283. CONVEYANCE OF COAST GUARD VESSELS FOR PUBLIC 
                   PURPOSES.

       (a) Transfer.--Section 914 of the Coast Guard Authorization 
     Act of 2010 (14 U.S.C. 501 note; Public Law 111-281) is--
       (1) transferred to subchapter I of chapter 5 of title 14, 
     United States Code;
       (2) added at the end so as to follow section 509 of such 
     title, as added by section 5241 of this Act;
       (3) redesignated as section 510 of such title; and
       (4) amended so that the enumerator, the section heading, 
     typeface, and typestyle conform to those appearing in other 
     sections of title 14, United States Code.
       (b) Clerical Amendments.--
       (1) Coast guard authorization act of 2010.--The table of 
     contents in section 1(b) of the Coast Guard Authorization Act 
     of 2010 (Public Law 111-281) is amended by striking the item 
     relating to section 914.
       (2) Title 14.--The analysis for subchapter I of chapter 5 
     of title 14, United States Code, as amended by section 5241 
     of this Act, is amended by adding at the end the following:

``510. Conveyance of Coast Guard vessels for public purposes.''.
       (c) Conveyance of Coast Guard Vessels for Public 
     Purposes.--Section 510 of title 14, United States Code, as 
     transferred and redesignated by subsection (a), is amended--
       (1) by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:
       ``(a) In General.--On request by the Commandant, the 
     Administrator of the General Services Administration may 
     transfer ownership of a Coast Guard vessel or aircraft to an 
     eligible entity for educational, cultural, historical, 
     charitable, recreational, or other public purposes if such 
     transfer is authorized by law.''; and
       (2) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) by inserting ``as if the request were being processed'' 
     after ``vessels''; and
       (ii) by inserting ``, as in effect on the date of the 
     enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022'' 
     after ``Code of Federal Regulations'';
       (B) in paragraph (2) by inserting ``, as in effect on the 
     date of the enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 
     2022'' after ``such title''; and
       (C) in paragraph (3), by striking ``of the Coast Guard''.

     SEC. 5284. COAST GUARD INTELLIGENCE ACTIVITIES AND EMERGENCY 
                   AND EXTRAORDINARY EXPENSES.

       (a) In General.--Subject to the limitations of subsection 
     (b) and with sums made available to the Director of the Coast 
     Guard Counterintelligence Service, the Commandant may expend 
     funds for human intelligence and counterintelligence 
     activities of any confidential, emergency, or extraordinary 
     nature that cannot be anticipated or classified. The 
     Commandant shall certify that such expenditure was made for 
     an object of a confidential, emergency, or extraordinary 
     nature and such a certification is final and conclusive upon 
     the accounting officers of the United States. A written 
     certification by the Commandant is sufficient voucher for the 
     expenditure.
       (b) Limitations.--
       (1) Maximum annual amount.--For each fiscal year, the 
     Commandant may not obligate or expend funds under subsection 
     (a) in an amount that exceeds 5 percent of the funds made 
     available to the Director of the Coast Guard 
     Counterintelligence Service for such fiscal year until--
       (A) the Commandant has notified the appropriate committees 
     of Congress of the intent to obligate or expend the funds in 
     excess of such amount; and
       (B) 15 days have elapsed since the date of the notification 
     in accordance with subparagraph (A).
       (2) Requirements for expenditures in excess of $25,000.--
     The Commandant may not obligate or expend funds under 
     subsection (a) for an expenditure in excess of $25,000 
     until--
       (A) the Commandant has notified the appropriate committees 
     of Congress of the intent to obligate or expend the funds; 
     and
       (B) 15 days have elapsed since the date of the notification 
     in accordance with subparagraph (A).
       (c) Waiver.--Notwithstanding subsection (b), the Commandant 
     may waive a requirement under such subsection if the 
     Commandant determines that such a waiver is necessary due to 
     extraordinary circumstances that affect the national security 
     of the United States. If the Commandant issues a waiver under 
     this subsection, the Commandant shall submit to the 
     appropriate committees of Congress, by not later than 48 
     hours after issuing the waiver, written notice of and 
     justification for the waiver.
       (d) Reports.--
       (1) In general.--Not less frequently than semiannually, the 
     Commandant shall--
       (A) submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a 
     report on all expenditures during the preceding semiannual 
     period under subsection (a); and
       (B) provide a briefing to the appropriate committees of 
     Congress on the report submitted under subparagraph (A).
       (2) Contents.--Each report submitted under paragraph (1)(A) 
     shall include, for each individual expenditure covered by 
     such report in an amount in excess of $25,000, the following:
       (A) A detailed description of the purpose of such 
     expenditure.
       (B) The amount of such expenditure.
       (C) An identification of the approving authority for such 
     expenditure.
       (D) A justification of why other authorities available to 
     the Coast Guard could not be used for such expenditure.
       (E) Any other additional information as the Commandant 
     considers appropriate.
       (e) Special Rule.--The authority of this section shall be 
     executed in a manner that does not contravene, and is 
     consistent with, the responsibility and authority of the 
     Director of National Intelligence as described in sections 
     3023 and 3024 of title 50, United States Code.
       (f) Appropriate Committees of Congress.--In this section, 
     the term ``appropriate committees of Congress'' means--
       (1) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation 
     of the Senate; and
       (2) the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of 
     the House of Representatives.

     SEC. 5285. TRANSFER AND CONVEYANCE.

       (a) In General.--
       (1) Requirement.--The Commandant shall, without 
     consideration, transfer in accordance with subsection (b) and 
     convey in accordance with subsection (c) a parcel of the real 
     property described in paragraph (2), including any 
     improvements thereon, to free the Coast Guard of liability 
     for any unforeseen environmental or remediation of substances 
     unknown that may exist on, or emanate from, such parcel.
       (2) Property.--The property described in this paragraph is 
     real property at Dauphin Island, Alabama, located at 100 
     Agassiz Street, and consisting of a total of approximately 
     35.63 acres. The exact acreage and legal description of the 
     parcel of such property to be transferred or conveyed in 
     accordance with subsection (b) or (c), respectively, shall be 
     determined by a survey satisfactory to the Commandant.
       (b) To the Secretary of Health and Human Services.--The 
     Commandant shall transfer, as described in subsection (a), to 
     the Secretary of Health and Human Services (in this section 
     referred to as the ``Secretary''), for use by the Food and 
     Drug Administration, custody and control of a portion, 
     consisting of approximately 4 acres, of the parcel of real 
     property described in such subsection, to be identified by 
     agreement between the Commandant and the Secretary.
       (c) To the State of Alabama.--The Commandant shall convey, 
     as described in subsection (a), to the Marine Environmental

[[Page S5963]]

     Sciences Consortium, a unit of the government of the State of 
     Alabama, located at Dauphin Island, Alabama, all rights, 
     title, and interest of the United States in and to such 
     portion of the parcel described in such subsection that is 
     not transferred to the Secretary under subsection (b).
       (d) Payments and Costs of Transfer and Conveyance.--
       (1) Payments.--
       (A) In general.--The Secretary shall pay costs to be 
     incurred by the Coast Guard, or reimburse the Coast Guard for 
     such costs incurred by the Coast Guard, to carry out the 
     transfer and conveyance required by this section, including 
     survey costs, appraisal costs, costs for environmental 
     documentation related to the transfer and conveyance, and any 
     other necessary administrative costs related to the transfer 
     and conveyance.
       (B) Funds.--Notwithstanding section 780 of division B of 
     the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020 (Public Law 
     116-94), any amounts that are made available to the Secretary 
     under such section and not obligated on the date of enactment 
     of this Act shall be available to the Secretary for the 
     purpose described in subparagraph (A).
       (2) Treatment of amounts received.--Amounts received by the 
     Commandant as reimbursement under paragraph (1) shall be 
     credited to the Coast Guard Housing Fund established under 
     section 2946 of title 14, United States Code, or the account 
     that was used to pay the costs incurred by the Coast Guard in 
     carrying out the transfer or conveyance under this section, 
     as determined by the Commandant, and shall be made available 
     until expended. Amounts so credited shall be merged with 
     amounts in such fund or account and shall be available for 
     the same purposes, and subject to the same conditions and 
     limitations, as amounts in such fund or account.

     SEC. 5286. TRANSPARENCY AND OVERSIGHT.

       (a) Notification.--
       (1) In general.--Subject to subsection (b), the Secretary 
     of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, or 
     the designee of the Secretary, shall notify the appropriate 
     committees of Congress and the Coast Guard Office of 
     Congressional and Governmental Affairs not later than 3 full 
     business days before--
       (A) making or awarding a grant allocation or grant in 
     excess of $1,000,000;
       (B) making or awarding a contract, other transaction 
     agreement, or task or delivery order on a Coast Guard 
     multiple award contract, or issuing a letter of intent 
     totaling more than $4,000,000;
       (C) awarding a task or delivery order requiring an 
     obligation of funds in an amount greater than $10,000,000 
     from multi-year Coast Guard funds;
       (D) making a sole-source grant award; or
       (E) announcing publicly the intention to make or award an 
     item described in subparagraph (A), (B), (C), or (D), 
     including a contract covered by the Federal Acquisition 
     Regulation.
       (2) Element.--A notification under this subsection shall 
     include--
       (A) the amount of the award;
       (B) the fiscal year for which the funds for the award were 
     appropriated;
       (C) the type of contract;
       (D) an identification of the entity awarded the contract, 
     such as the name and location of the entity; and
       (E) the account from which the funds are to be drawn.
       (b) Exception.--If the Secretary of the department in which 
     the Coast Guard is operating determines that compliance with 
     subsection (a) would pose a substantial risk to human life, 
     health, or safety, the Secretary--
       (1) may make an award or issue a letter described in that 
     subsection without the notification required under that 
     subsection; and
       (2) shall notify the appropriate committees of Congress not 
     later than 5 full business days after such an award is made 
     or letter issued.
       (c) Applicability.--Subsection (a) shall not apply to funds 
     that are not available for obligation.
       (d) Appropriate Committees of Congress Defined.--In this 
     section, the term ``appropriate committees of Congress'' 
     means--
       (1) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation 
     and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate; and
       (2) the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and 
     the Committee on Appropriations of the House of 
     Representatives.

     SEC. 5287. STUDY ON SAFETY INSPECTION PROGRAM FOR CONTAINERS 
                   AND FACILITIES.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Commandant, in consultation 
     with the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, 
     shall complete a study on the safety inspection program for 
     containers (as defined in section 80501 of title 46, United 
     States Code) and designated waterfront facilities receiving 
     containers.
       (b) Elements.--The study required by subsection (a) shall 
     include the following:
       (1) An evaluation and review of such safety inspection 
     program.
       (2) A determination of--
       (A) the number of container inspections conducted annually 
     by the Coast Guard during the preceding 10-year period, as 
     compared to the number of containers moved through United 
     States ports annually during such period; and
       (B) the number of qualified Coast Guard container and 
     facility inspectors, and an assessment as to whether, during 
     the preceding 10-year period, there have been a sufficient 
     number of such inspectors to carry out the mission of the 
     Coast Guard.
       (3) An evaluation of the training programs available to 
     such inspectors and the adequacy of such training programs 
     during the preceding 10-year period.
       (4) An assessment as to whether such training programs 
     adequately prepare future leaders for leadership positions in 
     the Coast Guard.
       (5) An identification of areas of improvement for such 
     program in the interest of commerce and national security, 
     and the costs associated with such improvements.
       (c) Report to Congress.--Not later than 180 days after the 
     date of the enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall 
     submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives a report on the findings of the study 
     required by subsection (a), including the personnel and 
     resource requirements necessary for such program.

     SEC. 5288. STUDY ON MARITIME LAW ENFORCEMENT WORKLOAD 
                   REQUIREMENTS.

       (a) Study.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall commence a 
     study that assesses the maritime law enforcement workload 
     requirements of the Coast Guard.
       (2) Elements.--The study required by paragraph (1) shall 
     include the following:
       (A) For each of the 10 years immediately preceding the date 
     of the enactment of this Act, an analysis of--
       (i) the total number of migrant interdictions, and Coast 
     Guard sectors in which such interdictions occurred;
       (ii) the total number of drug interdictions, the amount and 
     type of drugs interdicted, and the Coast Guard sectors in 
     which such interdictions occurred;
       (iii) the physical assets used for drug interdictions, 
     migrant interdictions, and other law enforcement purposes; 
     and
       (iv) the total number of Coast Guard personnel who carried 
     out drug interdictions, migrant interdictions, and other law 
     enforcement activities.
       (B) An assessment of--
       (i) migrant and drug interdictions and other law 
     enforcement activities along the maritime boundaries of the 
     United States, including the maritime boundaries of the 
     northern and southern continental United States and Alaska;
       (ii) Federal policies and procedures related to immigration 
     and asylum, and the associated impact of such policies and 
     procedures on the activities described in clause (i), 
     including--

       (I) public health exclusion policies, such as expulsion 
     pursuant to sections 362 and 365 of the Public Health Service 
     Act (42 U.S.C. 265 and 268); and
       (II) administrative asylum processing policies, such as the 
     remain in Mexico policy and the migrant protection protocols;

       (iii) increases or decreases in physical terrestrial 
     infrastructure in and around the international borders of the 
     United States, and the associated impact of such increases or 
     decreases on the activities described in clause (i); and
       (iv) increases or decreases in physical Coast Guard assets 
     in the areas described in clause (i), the proximity of such 
     assets to such areas, and the associated impact of such 
     increases or decreases on the activities described in clause 
     (i).
       (b) Report.--Not later than 1 year after commencing the 
     study required by subsection (a), the Commandant shall submit 
     to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of 
     the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on 
     the findings of the study.
       (c) Briefing.--Not later than 90 days after the date on 
     which the report required by subsection (b) is submitted, the 
     Commandant shall provide a briefing on the report to the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure 
     of the House of Representatives.

     SEC. 5289. FEASIBILITY STUDY ON CONSTRUCTION OF COAST GUARD 
                   STATION AT PORT MANSFIELD.

       (a) Study.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall commence a 
     feasibility study on construction of a Coast Guard station at 
     Port Mansfield, Texas.
       (2) Elements.--The study required by paragraph (1) shall 
     include the following:
       (A) An assessment of the resources and workforce 
     requirements necessary for a new Coast Guard station at Port 
     Mansfield.
       (B) An identification of the enhancements to the missions 
     and capabilities of the Coast Guard that a new Coast Guard 
     station at Port Mansfield would provide.
       (C) An estimate of the life-cycle costs of such a facility, 
     including the construction, maintenance costs, and staffing 
     costs.
       (D) A cost-benefit analysis of the enhancements and 
     capabilities provided, as compared to the costs of 
     construction, maintenance, and staffing.
       (b) Report.--Not later than 180 days after commencing the 
     study required by subsection (a), the Commandant shall submit 
     to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of 
     the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on 
     the findings of the study.

[[Page S5964]]

  


     SEC. 5290. MODIFICATION OF PROHIBITION ON OPERATION OR 
                   PROCUREMENT OF FOREIGN-MADE UNMANNED AIRCRAFT 
                   SYSTEMS.

       Section 8414 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National 
     Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 
     116-283; 14 U.S.C. 1156 note) is amended--
       (1) by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:
       ``(b) Exemption.--The Commandant is exempt from the 
     restriction under subsection (a) if the operation or 
     procurement is for the purposes of--
       ``(1) counter-UAS system surrogate testing and training; or
       ``(2) intelligence, electronic warfare, and information 
     warfare operations, testing, analysis, and training.'';
       (2) by amending subsection (c) to read as follows:
       ``(c) Waiver.--The Commandant may waive the restriction 
     under subsection (a) on a case-by-case basis by certifying in 
     writing not later than 15 days after exercising such waiver 
     to the Department of Homeland Security, the Committee on 
     Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, and the 
     Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House 
     of Representatives that the operation or procurement of a 
     covered unmanned aircraft system is required in the national 
     interest of the United States.'';
       (3) in subsection (d)--
       (A) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:
       ``(1) Covered foreign country.--The term `covered foreign 
     country' means any of the following:
       ``(A) The People's Republic of China.
       ``(B) The Russian Federation.
       ``(C) The Islamic Republic of Iran.
       ``(D) The Democratic People's Republic of Korea.''; and
       (B) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as paragraphs 
     (3) and (4), respectively;
       (C) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
       ``(2) Covered unmanned aircraft system.--The term `covered 
     unmanned aircraft system' means--
       ``(A) an unmanned aircraft system described in paragraph 
     (1) of subsection (a); and
       ``(B) a system described in paragraph (2) of that 
     subsection.''; and
       (D) in paragraph (4), as redesignated, by inserting ``, and 
     any related services and equipment'' after ``United States 
     Code''; and
       (4) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--
       ``(1) In general.--There is authorized to be appropriated 
     to the Commandant $2,700,000 to replace covered unmanned 
     aircraft systems.
       ``(2) Replacement.--Not later than 90 days after the date 
     of the enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall replace 
     covered unmanned aircraft systems of the Coast Guard with 
     unmanned aircraft systems manufactured in the United States 
     or an allied country (as that term is defined in section 
     2350f(d)(1) of title 10, United States Code).''.

     SEC. 5291. OPERATIONAL DATA SHARING REPOSITORY.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the department in 
     which the Coast Guard is operating (referred to in this 
     section as the ``Secretary'') shall, consistent with the 
     ongoing Integrated Multi-Domain Enterprise joint effort by 
     the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of 
     Defense, establish a secure, centralized, electronic 
     repository to allow real-time, or near real-time, data and 
     information sharing between U.S. Customs and Border 
     Protection and the Coast Guard for purposes of maritime 
     boundary domain awareness and enforcement activities along 
     the maritime boundaries of the United States, including the 
     maritime boundaries in the northern and southern continental 
     United States and Alaska.
       (b) Priority.--In establishing the repository under 
     subsection (a), the Secretary shall prioritize enforcement 
     areas experiencing the highest levels of enforcement 
     activity.
       (c) Requirements.--The repository established under 
     subsection (a) shall be sufficient for the secure sharing of 
     data, information, and surveillance necessary for operational 
     missions, including data from governmental assets, 
     irrespective of whether an asset belongs to the Coast Guard, 
     U.S. Customs and Border Protection, or any other partner 
     agency, located in and around mission operation areas.
       (d) Elements.--The Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border 
     Protection and the Commandant shall jointly--
       (1) assess and delineate the types and quality of data 
     sharing needed to meet the respective operational missions of 
     U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Coast Guard, 
     including video surveillance, seismic sensors, infrared 
     detection, space-based remote sensing, and any other data or 
     information necessary;
       (2) develop appropriate requirements and processes for the 
     credentialing of personnel of U.S. Customs and Border 
     Protection and personnel of the Coast Guard to access and use 
     the repository established under subsection (a); and
       (3) establish a cost-sharing agreement for the long-term 
     operation and maintenance of the repository and the assets 
     that provide data to the repository.
       (e) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section may be 
     construed to authorize the Coast Guard, U.S. Customs and 
     Border Protection, or any other partner agency to acquire, 
     share, or transfer personal information relating to an 
     individual in violation of any Federal or State law or 
     regulation.

     SEC. 5292. PROCUREMENT OF TETHERED AEROSTAT RADAR SYSTEM FOR 
                   COAST GUARD STATION SOUTH PADRE ISLAND.

       Subject to the availability of appropriations, the 
     Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is 
     operating shall procure not fewer than 1 tethered aerostat 
     radar system, or similar technology, for use by the Coast 
     Guard and other partner agencies, including U.S. Customs and 
     Border Protection, at and around Coast Guard Station South 
     Padre Island.

     SEC. 5293. ASSESSMENT OF IRAN SANCTIONS RELIEF ON COAST GUARD 
                   OPERATIONS UNDER THE JOINT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 
                   OF ACTION.

       Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of 
     this Act, the Commandant, in consultation with the Director 
     of the Defense Intelligence Agency and the Commander of 
     United States Central Command, shall provide a briefing to 
     the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure 
     of the House of Representatives, in an unclassified setting 
     with a classified component if necessary, on--
       (1) the extent to which the Commandant assesses Iran would 
     use sanctions relief received by Iran under the Joint 
     Comprehensive Plan of Action to bolster Iran's support for 
     Iranian forces or Iranian-linked groups across the Middle 
     East in a manner that may impact Coast Guard personnel and 
     operations in the Middle East; and
       (2) the Coast Guard requirements for deterring and 
     countering increased malign behavior from such groups with 
     respect to activities under the jurisdiction of the Coast 
     Guard.

     SEC. 5294. REPORT ON SHIPYARDS OF FINLAND AND SWEDEN.

       Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of 
     this Act, the Commandant, in consultation with the 
     Comptroller General of the United States, shall submit to 
     Congress a report that analyzes the shipyards of Finland and 
     Sweden to assess future opportunities for technical 
     assistance related to engineering to aid the Coast Guard in 
     fulfilling its future mission needs.

     SEC. 5295. COAST GUARD SPECTRUM AUDIT.

       (a) Definition.--In this section, the term ``Assistant 
     Secretary'' means the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for 
     Communications and Information.
       (b) Audit and Report.--Not later than 3 years after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, the Assistant Secretary and 
     the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the 
     Commandant, shall jointly--
       (1) conduct an audit of the electromagnetic spectrum that 
     is assigned or otherwise allocated to the Coast Guard as of 
     the date of the audit; and
       (2) submit to Congress, and make available to each Member 
     of Congress upon request, a report containing the results of 
     the audit conducted under paragraph (1).
       (c) Contents of Report.--The Assistant Secretary and the 
     Secretary of Homeland Security shall include in the report 
     submitted under subsection (b)(2), with respect to the 
     electromagnetic spectrum that is assigned or otherwise 
     allocated to the Coast Guard as of the date of the audit--
       (1) each particular band of spectrum being used by the 
     Coast Guard;
       (2) a description of each purpose for which a particular 
     band described in paragraph (1) is being used, and how much 
     of the band is being used for that purpose;
       (3) the State or other geographic area in which a 
     particular band described in paragraph (1) is assigned or 
     allocated for use;
       (4) whether a particular band described in paragraph (1) is 
     used exclusively by the Coast Guard or shared with another 
     Federal entity or a non-Federal entity; and
       (5) any portion of the spectrum that is not being used by 
     the Coast Guard.
       (d) Form of Report.--The report required under subsection 
     (b)(2) shall be submitted in unclassified form but may 
     include a classified annex.

     SEC. 5296. PROHIBITION ON CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS WITH 
                   ENTITIES ASSOCIATED WITH THE CHINESE COMMUNIST 
                   PARTY.

       (a) In General.--The Commandant may not award any contract 
     for new construction until the date on which the Commandant 
     provides to Congress a certification that the other party has 
     not, during the 10-year period preceding the planned date of 
     award, directly or indirectly held an economic interest in an 
     entity that is--
       (1) owned or controlled by the People's Republic of China; 
     and
       (2) part of the defense industry of the Chinese Communist 
     Party.
       (b) Inapplicability to Taiwan.--Subsection (a) shall not 
     apply with respect to an economic interest in an entity owned 
     or controlled by Taiwan.

     SEC. 5297. REVIEW OF DRUG INTERDICTION EQUIPMENT AND 
                   STANDARDS; TESTING FOR FENTANYL DURING 
                   INTERDICTION OPERATIONS.

       (a) Review.--
       (1) In general.--The Commandant, in consultation with the 
     Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the 
     Secretary of Health and Human Services, shall--
       (A) conduct a review of--

[[Page S5965]]

       (i) the equipment, testing kits, and rescue medications 
     used to conduct Coast Guard drug interdiction operations; and
       (ii) the safety and training standards, policies, and 
     procedures with respect to such operations; and
       (B) determine whether the Coast Guard is using the latest 
     equipment and technology and up-to-date training and 
     standards for recognizing, handling, testing, and securing 
     illegal drugs, fentanyl, synthetic opioids, and precursor 
     chemicals during such operations.
       (2) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to the 
     appropriate committees of Congress a report on the results of 
     the review conducted under paragraph (1).
       (3) Appropriate committees of congress defined.--In this 
     subsection, the term ``appropriate committees of Congress'' 
     means--
       (A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation 
     and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate; and
       (B) the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and 
     the Committee on Appropriations of the House of 
     Representatives.
       (b) Requirement.--If, as a result of the review required by 
     subsection (a), the Commandant determines that the Coast 
     Guard is not using the latest equipment and technology and 
     up-to-date training and standards for recognizing, handling, 
     testing, and securing illegal drugs, fentanyl, synthetic 
     opioids, and precursor chemicals during drug interdiction 
     operations, the Commandant shall ensure that the Coast Guard 
     acquires and uses such equipment and technology, carries out 
     such training, and implements such standards.
       (c) Testing for Fentanyl.--The Commandant shall ensure that 
     Coast Guard drug interdiction operations include the testing 
     of substances encountered during such operations for 
     fentanyl, as appropriate.

     SEC. 5298. PUBLIC AVAILABILITY OF INFORMATION ON MONTHLY 
                   MIGRANT INTERDICTIONS.

       Not later than the 15th day of each month, the Commandant 
     shall make available to the public on an internet website of 
     the Coast Guard the number of migrant interdictions carried 
     out by the Coast Guard during the preceding month.

                        TITLE LIII--ENVIRONMENT

     SEC. 5301. DEFINITION OF SECRETARY.

       Except as otherwise specifically provided, in this title, 
     the term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of the department 
     in which the Coast Guard is operating.

                       Subtitle A--Marine Mammals

     SEC. 5311. DEFINITIONS.

       In this subtitle:
       (1) Appropriate congressional committees.--The term 
     ``appropriate congressional committees'' means--
       (A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation 
     of the Senate; and
       (B) the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and 
     the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of 
     Representatives.
       (2) Core foraging habitats.--The term ``core foraging 
     habitats'' means areas--
       (A) with biological and physical oceanographic features 
     that aggregate Calanus finmarchicus; and
       (B) where North Atlantic right whales foraging aggregations 
     have been well documented.
       (3) Exclusive economic zone.--The term ``exclusive economic 
     zone'' has the meaning given that term in section 107 of 
     title 46, United States Code.
       (4) Institution of higher education.--The term 
     ``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given 
     that term in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 
     1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a)).
       (5) Large cetacean.--The term ``large cetacean'' means all 
     endangered or threatened species within--
       (A) the suborder Mysticeti;
       (B) the genera Physeter; or
       (C) the genera Orcinus.
       (6) Near real-time.--The term ``near real-time'', with 
     respect to monitoring of whales, means that visual, acoustic, 
     or other detections of whales are processed, transmitted, and 
     reported as close to the time of detection as is technically 
     feasible.
       (7) Nonprofit organization.--The term ``nonprofit 
     organization'' means an organization that is described in 
     section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and 
     exempt from tax under section 501(a) of such Code.
       (8) Puget sound region.--The term ``Puget Sound region'' 
     means the Vessel Traffic Service Puget Sound area described 
     in section 161.55 of title 33, Code of Federal Regulations 
     (as of the date of the enactment of this Act).
       (9) Tribal government.--The term ``Tribal government'' 
     means the recognized governing body of any Indian or Alaska 
     Native Tribe, band, nation, pueblo, village, community, 
     component band, or component reservation, individually 
     identified (including parenthetically) in the list published 
     most recently as of the date of the enactment of this Act 
     pursuant to section 104 of the Federally Recognized Indian 
     Tribe List Act of 1994 (25 U.S.C. 5131).
       (10) Under secretary.--The term ``Under Secretary'' means 
     the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere.

     SEC. 5312. ASSISTANCE TO PORTS TO REDUCE THE IMPACTS OF 
                   VESSEL TRAFFIC AND PORT OPERATIONS ON MARINE 
                   MAMMALS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary, in 
     consultation with the Director of the United States Fish and 
     Wildlife Service, the Secretary, the Secretary of Defense, 
     and the Administrator of the Maritime Administration, shall 
     establish a grant program to provide assistance to eligible 
     entities to develop and implement mitigation measures that 
     will lead to a quantifiable reduction in threats to marine 
     mammals from vessel traffic, including shipping activities 
     and port operations.
       (b) Eligible Entities.--An entity is an eligible entity for 
     purposes of assistance awarded under subsection (a) if the 
     entity is--
       (1) a port authority for a port;
       (2) a State, regional, local, or Tribal government, or an 
     Alaska Native or Native Hawaiian entity that has jurisdiction 
     over a maritime port authority or a port;
       (3) an academic institution, research institution, or 
     nonprofit organization working in partnership with a port; or
       (4) a consortium of entities described in paragraphs (1), 
     (2), and (3).
       (c) Eligible Uses.--Assistance awarded under subsection (a) 
     may be used to develop, assess, and carry out activities that 
     reduce threats to marine mammals by--
       (1) reducing underwater stressors related to marine 
     traffic;
       (2) reducing mortality and serious injury from vessel 
     strikes and other physical disturbances;
       (3) monitoring sound;
       (4) reducing vessel interactions with marine mammals;
       (5) conducting other types of monitoring that are 
     consistent with reducing the threats to, and enhancing the 
     habitats of, marine mammals; or
       (6) supporting State agencies and Tribal governments in 
     developing the capacity to receive assistance under this 
     section through education, training, information sharing, and 
     collaboration to participate in the grant program under this 
     section.
       (d) Priority.--The Under Secretary shall prioritize 
     assistance under subsection (a) for projects that--
       (1) are based on the best available science with respect to 
     methods to reduce threats to marine mammals;
       (2) collect data on the reduction of such threats and the 
     effects of such methods;
       (3) assist ports that pose a higher relative threat to 
     marine mammals listed as threatened or endangered under the 
     Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.);
       (4) are in close proximity to areas in which threatened or 
     endangered cetaceans are known to experience other stressors; 
     or
       (5) allow eligible entities to conduct risk assessments and 
     to track progress toward threat reduction.
       (e) Outreach.--The Under Secretary, in coordination with 
     the Secretary, the Administrator of the Maritime 
     Administration, and the Director of the United States Fish 
     and Wildlife Service, as appropriate, shall conduct 
     coordinated outreach to ports to provide information with 
     respect to--
       (1) how to apply for assistance under subsection (a);
       (2) the benefits of such assistance; and
       (3) facilitation of best practices and lessons, including 
     the best practices and lessons learned from activities 
     carried out using such assistance.
       (f) Report Required.--Not less frequently than annually, 
     the Under Secretary shall make available to the public on a 
     publicly accessible internet website of the National Oceanic 
     and Atmospheric Administration a report that includes the 
     following information:
       (1) The name and location of each entity to which 
     assistance was awarded under subsection (a) during the year 
     preceding submission of the report.
       (2) The amount of each such award.
       (3) A description of the activities carried out with each 
     such award.
       (4) An estimate of the likely impact of such activities on 
     the reduction of threats to marine mammals.
       (5) An estimate of the likely impact of such activities, 
     including the cost of such activities, on port operations.
       (g) Funding.--From funds otherwise appropriated to the 
     Under Secretary, $10,000,000 is authorized to carry out this 
     section for each of fiscal years 2023 through 2028.
       (h) Savings Clause.--An activity may not be carried out 
     under this section if the Secretary of Defense, in 
     consultation with the Under Secretary, determines that the 
     activity would negatively impact the defense readiness or the 
     national security of the United States.

     SEC. 5313. NEAR REAL-TIME MONITORING AND MITIGATION PROGRAM 
                   FOR LARGE CETACEANS.

       (a) Establishment.--The Under Secretary, in coordination 
     with the heads of other relevant Federal agencies, shall 
     design and deploy a cost-effective, efficient, and results-
     oriented near real-time monitoring and mitigation program for 
     endangered or threatened cetaceans (referred to in this 
     section as the ``Program'').
       (b) Purpose.--The purpose of the Program shall be to reduce 
     the risk to large cetaceans posed by vessel collisions, and 
     to minimize other impacts on large cetaceans, through the use 
     of near real-time location monitoring and location 
     information.
       (c) Requirements.--The Program shall--
       (1) prioritize species of large cetaceans for which impacts 
     from vessel collisions are of particular concern;

[[Page S5966]]

       (2) prioritize areas where such impacts are of particular 
     concern;
       (3) be capable of detecting and alerting ocean users and 
     enforcement agencies of the probable location of large 
     cetaceans on an actionable real-time basis, including through 
     real-time data whenever possible;
       (4) inform sector-specific mitigation protocols to 
     effectively reduce takes (as defined in section 216.3 of 
     title 50, Code of Federal Regulations, or successor 
     regulations) of large cetaceans;
       (5) integrate technology improvements; and
       (6) be informed by technologies, monitoring methods, and 
     mitigation protocols developed under the pilot project 
     required by subsection (d).
       (d) Pilot Project.--
       (1) Establishment.--In carrying out the Program, the Under 
     Secretary shall first establish a pilot monitoring and 
     mitigation project for North Atlantic right whales (referred 
     to in this section as the ``pilot project'') for the purposes 
     of informing the Program.
       (2) Requirements.--In designing and deploying the pilot 
     project, the Under Secretary, in coordination with the heads 
     of other relevant Federal agencies, shall, using the best 
     available scientific information, identify and ensure 
     coverage of--
       (A) core foraging habitats; and
       (B) important feeding, breeding, calving, rearing, or 
     migratory habitats of North Atlantic right whales that co-
     occur with areas of high risk of mortality or serious injury 
     of such whales from vessels, vessel strikes, or disturbance.
       (3) Components.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary, in 
     consultation with relevant Federal agencies and Tribal 
     governments, and with input from affected stakeholders, shall 
     design and deploy a near real-time monitoring system for 
     North Atlantic right whales that--
       (A) comprises the best available detection power, spatial 
     coverage, and survey effort to detect and localize North 
     Atlantic right whales within habitats described in paragraph 
     (2);
       (B) is capable of detecting North Atlantic right whales, 
     including visually and acoustically;
       (C) uses dynamic habitat suitability models to inform the 
     likelihood of North Atlantic right whale occurrence in 
     habitats described in paragraph (2) at any given time;
       (D) coordinates with the Integrated Ocean Observing System 
     of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and 
     Regional Ocean Partnerships to leverage monitoring assets;
       (E) integrates historical data;
       (F) integrates new near real-time monitoring methods and 
     technologies as such methods and technologies become 
     available;
       (G) accurately verifies and rapidly communicates detection 
     data to appropriate ocean users;
       (H) creates standards for contributing, and allows ocean 
     users to contribute, data to the monitoring system using 
     comparable near real-time monitoring methods and 
     technologies;
       (I) communicates the risks of injury to large cetaceans to 
     ocean users in a manner that is most likely to result in 
     informed decision making regarding the mitigation of those 
     risks; and
       (J) minimizes additional stressors to large cetaceans as a 
     result of the information available to ocean users.
       (4) Reports.--
       (A) Preliminary report.--
       (i) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary shall submit 
     to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of 
     the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources of the 
     House of Representatives, and make available to the public, a 
     preliminary report on the pilot project.
       (ii) Elements.--The report required by clause (i) shall 
     include the following:

       (I) A description of the monitoring methods and technology 
     in use or planned for deployment under the pilot project.
       (II) An analysis of the efficacy of the methods and 
     technology in use or planned for deployment for detecting 
     North Atlantic right whales.
       (III) An assessment of the manner in which the monitoring 
     system designed and deployed under paragraph (3) is directly 
     informing and improving the management, health, and survival 
     of North Atlantic right whales.
       (IV) A prioritized identification of technology or research 
     gaps.
       (V) A plan to communicate the risks of injury to large 
     cetaceans to ocean users in a manner that is most likely to 
     result in informed decision making regarding the mitigation 
     of such risks.
       (VI) Any other information on the potential benefits and 
     efficacy of the pilot project the Under Secretary considers 
     appropriate.

       (B) Final report.--
       (i) In general.--Not later than 6 years after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary, in 
     coordination with the heads of other relevant Federal 
     agencies, shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
     and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Natural 
     Resources of the House of Representatives, and make available 
     to the public, a final report on the pilot project.
       (ii) Elements.--The report required by clause (i) shall--

       (I) address the elements under subparagraph (A)(ii); and
       (II) include--

       (aa) an assessment of the benefits and efficacy of the 
     pilot project;
       (bb) a strategic plan to expand the pilot project to 
     provide near real-time monitoring and mitigation measures--
       (AA) to additional large cetaceans of concern for which 
     such measures would reduce risk of serious injury or death; 
     and
       (BB) in important feeding, breeding, calving, rearing, or 
     migratory habitats of large cetaceans that co-occur with 
     areas of high risk of mortality or serious injury from vessel 
     strikes or disturbance;
       (cc) a budget and description of funds necessary to carry 
     out such strategic plan;
       (dd) a prioritized plan for acquisition, deployment, and 
     maintenance of monitoring technologies; and
       (ee) the locations or species to which such plan would 
     apply.
       (e) Mitigation Protocols.--The Under Secretary, in 
     consultation with the Secretary, the Secretary of Defense, 
     the Secretary of Transportation, and the Secretary of the 
     Interior, and with input from affected stakeholders, shall 
     develop and deploy mitigation protocols that make use of the 
     monitoring system designed and deployed under subsection 
     (d)(3) to direct sector-specific mitigation measures that 
     avoid and significantly reduce risk of serious injury and 
     mortality to North Atlantic right whales.
       (f) Access to Data.--The Under Secretary shall provide 
     access to data generated by the monitoring system designed 
     and deployed under subsection (d)(3) for purposes of 
     scientific research and evaluation and public awareness and 
     education, including through the Right Whale Sighting 
     Advisory System of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Administration and WhaleMap or other successor public 
     internet website portals, subject to review for national 
     security considerations.
       (g) Additional Authority.--The Under Secretary may enter 
     into and perform such contracts, leases, grants, or 
     cooperative agreements as may be necessary to carry out the 
     purposes of this section on such terms as the Under Secretary 
     considers appropriate, consistent with the Federal 
     Acquisition Regulation.
       (h) Savings Clause.--An activity may not be carried out 
     under this section if the Secretary of Defense, in 
     consultation with the Under Secretary, determines that the 
     activity would negatively impact the defense readiness or the 
     national security of the United States.
       (i) Funding.--From funds otherwise appropriated to the 
     Under Secretary, $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2023 
     through 2027 is authorized to support the development, 
     deployment, application, and ongoing maintenance of the 
     Program.

     SEC. 5314. PILOT PROGRAM TO ESTABLISH A CETACEAN DESK FOR 
                   PUGET SOUND REGION.

       (a) Establishment.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary, with the 
     concurrence of the Under Secretary, shall establish a pilot 
     program to establish a Cetacean Desk, which shall be--
       (A) located and manned within the Puget Sound Vessel 
     Traffic Service; and
       (B) designed--
       (i) to improve coordination with the maritime industry to 
     reduce the risk of vessel impacts to large cetaceans, 
     including impacts from vessel strikes, disturbances, and 
     other sources; and
       (ii) to monitor the presence and location of large 
     cetaceans during the months during which such large cetaceans 
     are present in Puget Sound, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and 
     the United States portion of the Salish Sea.
       (2) Duration and staffing.--The pilot program required by 
     paragraph (1)--
       (A) shall--
       (i) be for a duration of 4 years; and
       (ii) require not more than 1 full-time equivalent position, 
     who shall also contribute to other necessary Puget Sound 
     Vessel Traffic Service duties and responsibilities as needed; 
     and
       (B) may be supported by other existing Federal employees, 
     as appropriate.
       (b) Engagement With Vessel Operators.--
       (1) In general.--Under the pilot program required by 
     subsection (a), the Secretary shall require personnel of the 
     Cetacean Desk to engage with vessel operators in areas where 
     large cetaceans have been seen or could reasonably be present 
     to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and 
     voluntary guidance, to reduce the impact of vessel traffic on 
     large cetaceans.
       (2) Contents.--In engaging with vessel operators as 
     required by paragraph (1), personnel of the Cetacean Desk 
     shall communicate where and when sightings of large cetaceans 
     have occurred.
       (c) Memorandum of Understanding.--The Secretary and the 
     Under Secretary may enter into a memorandum of understanding 
     to facilitate real-time sharing of data relating to large 
     cetaceans between the Quiet Sound program of the State of 
     Washington, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Administration, and the Puget Sound Vessel Traffic Service, 
     and other relevant entities, as appropriate.
       (d) Data.--The Under Secretary shall leverage existing data 
     collection methods, the Program required by section 313, and 
     public data to ensure accurate and timely information on the 
     sighting of large cetaceans.

[[Page S5967]]

       (e) Consultations.--
       (1) In general.--In carrying out the pilot program required 
     by subsection (a), the Secretary shall consult with Tribal 
     governments, the State of Washington, institutions of higher 
     education, the maritime industry, ports in the Puget Sound 
     region, and nongovernmental organizations.
       (2) Coordination with canada.--When appropriate, the 
     Secretary shall coordinate with the Government of Canada, 
     consistent with policies and agreements relating to 
     management of vessel traffic in Puget Sound.
       (f) Puget Sound Vessel Traffic Service Local Variance and 
     Policy.--The Secretary, with the concurrence of the Under 
     Secretary and in consultation with the Captain of the Port 
     for the Puget Sound region--
       (1) shall implement local variances, as authorized by 
     subsection (c) of section 70001 of title 46, United States 
     Code, to reduce the impact of vessel traffic on large 
     cetaceans; and
       (2) may enter into cooperative agreements, in accordance 
     with subsection (d) of that section, with Federal, State, and 
     local officials to reduce the likelihood of vessel 
     interactions with protected large cetaceans, which may 
     include--
       (A) communicating marine mammal protection guidance to 
     vessels;
       (B) training on requirements imposed by local, State, 
     Tribal, and Federal laws and regulations and guidelines 
     concerning--
       (i) vessel buffer zones;
       (ii) vessel speed;
       (iii) seasonal no-go zones for vessels;
       (iv) protected areas, including areas designated as 
     critical habitat, as applicable to marine operations; and
       (v) any other activities to reduce the direct and indirect 
     impact of vessel traffic on large cetaceans;
       (C) training to understand, utilize, and communicate large 
     cetacean location data; and
       (D) training to understand and communicate basic large 
     cetacean detection, identification, and behavior, including--
       (i) cues of the presence of large cetaceans such as spouts, 
     water disturbances, breaches, or presence of prey;
       (ii) important feeding, breeding, calving, and rearing 
     habitats that co-occur with areas of high risk of vessel 
     strikes;
       (iii) seasonal large cetacean migration routes that co-
     occur with areas of high risk of vessel strikes; and
       (iv) areas designated as critical habitat for large 
     cetaceans.
       (g) Report Required.--Not later than 1 year after the date 
     of the enactment of this Act, and every 2 years thereafter 
     for the duration of the pilot program under this section, the 
     Commandant, in coordination with the Under Secretary and the 
     Administrator of the Maritime Administration, shall submit to 
     the appropriate congressional committees a report that--
       (1) evaluates the functionality, utility, reliability, 
     responsiveness, and operational status of the Cetacean Desk 
     established under the pilot program required by subsection 
     (a), including a quantification of reductions in vessel 
     strikes to large cetaceans as a result of the pilot program;
       (2) assesses the efficacy of communication between the 
     Cetacean Desk and the maritime industry and provides 
     recommendations for improvements;
       (3) evaluates the integration and interoperability of 
     existing data collection methods, as well as public data, 
     into the Cetacean Desk operations;
       (4) assesses the efficacy of collaboration and stakeholder 
     engagement with Tribal governments, the State of Washington, 
     institutions of higher education, the maritime industry, 
     ports in the Puget Sound region, and nongovernmental 
     organizations; and
       (5) evaluates the progress, performance, and implementation 
     of guidance and training procedures for Puget Sound Vessel 
     Traffic Service personnel.

     SEC. 5315. MONITORING OCEAN SOUNDSCAPES.

       (a) In General.--The Under Secretary shall maintain and 
     expand an ocean soundscape development program--
       (1) to award grants to expand the deployment of Federal and 
     non-Federal observing and data management systems capable of 
     collecting measurements of underwater sound for purposes of 
     monitoring and analyzing baselines and trends in the 
     underwater soundscape to protect and manage marine life;
       (2) to continue to develop and apply standardized forms of 
     measurements to assess sounds produced by marine animals, 
     physical processes, and anthropogenic activities; and
       (3) after coordinating with the Secretary of Defense, to 
     coordinate and make accessible to the public the datasets, 
     modeling and analysis, and user-driven products and tools 
     resulting from observations of underwater sound funded 
     through grants awarded under paragraph (1).
       (b) Coordination.--The program described in subsection (a) 
     shall--
       (1) include the Ocean Noise Reference Station Network of 
     the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the 
     National Park Service;
       (2) use and coordinate with the Integrated Ocean Observing 
     System; and
       (3) coordinate with the Regional Ocean Partnerships and the 
     Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, as 
     appropriate.
       (c) Priority.--In awarding grants under subsection (a), the 
     Under Secretary shall consider the geographic diversity of 
     the recipients of such grants.
       (d) Savings Clause.--An activity may not be carried out 
     under this section if the Secretary of Defense, in 
     consultation with the Under Secretary, determines that the 
     activity would negatively impact the defense readiness or the 
     national security of the United States.
       (e) Funding.--From funds otherwise appropriated to the 
     Under Secretary, $1,500,000 is authorized for each of fiscal 
     years 2023 through 2028 to carry out this section.

                         Subtitle B--Oil Spills

     SEC. 5321. IMPROVING OIL SPILL PREPAREDNESS.

       The Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere 
     shall include in the Automated Data Inquiry for Oil Spills 
     database (or a successor database) used by National Oceanic 
     and Atmospheric Administration oil weathering models new 
     data, including peer-reviewed data, on properties of crude 
     and refined oils, including data on diluted bitumen, as such 
     data becomes publicly available.

     SEC. 5322. WESTERN ALASKA OIL SPILL PLANNING CRITERIA.

       (a) Alaska Oil Spill Planning Criteria Program.--
       (1) In general.--Chapter 3 of title 14, United States Code, 
     is amended by adding at the end the following:

     ``Sec. 323. Western Alaska Oil Spill Planning Criteria 
       Program

       ``(a) Establishment.--There is established within the Coast 
     Guard a Western Alaska Oil Spill Planning Criteria Program 
     (referred to in this section as the `Program') to develop and 
     administer the Western Alaska oil spill planning criteria.
       ``(b) Program Manager.--
       ``(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     the enactment of this section, the Commandant shall select a 
     permanent civilian career employee through a competitive 
     search process for a term of not less than 5 years to serve 
     as the Western Alaska Oil Spill Criteria Program Manager 
     (referred to in this section as the `Program Manager')--
       ``(A) the primary duty of whom shall be to administer the 
     Program; and
       ``(B) who shall not be subject to frequent or routine 
     reassignment.
       ``(2) Conflicts of interest.--The individual selected to 
     serve as the Program Manager shall not have conflicts of 
     interest relating to entities regulated by the Coast Guard.
       ``(3) Duties.--
       ``(A) Development of guidance.--The Program Manager shall 
     develop guidance for--
       ``(i) approval, drills, and testing relating to the Western 
     Alaska oil spill planning criteria; and
       ``(ii) gathering input concerning such planning criteria 
     from Federal agencies, State, local, and Tribal governments, 
     and relevant industry and nongovernmental entities.
       ``(B) Assessments.--Not less frequently than once every 5 
     years, the Program Manager shall--
       ``(i) assess whether such existing planning criteria 
     adequately meet the needs of vessels operating in the 
     geographic area; and
       ``(ii) identify methods for advancing response capability 
     so as to achieve, with respect to a vessel, compliance with 
     national planning criteria.
       ``(C) Onsite verifications.--The Program Manager shall 
     address the relatively small number and limited nature of 
     verifications of response capabilities for vessel response 
     plans by increasing, within the Seventeenth Coast Guard 
     District, the quantity and frequency of onsite verifications 
     of the providers identified in vessel response plans.
       ``(c) Training.--The Commandant shall enhance the knowledge 
     and proficiency of Coast Guard personnel with respect to the 
     Program by--
       ``(1) developing formalized training on the Program that, 
     at a minimum--
       ``(A) provides in-depth analysis of--
       ``(i) the national planning criteria described in part 155 
     of title 33, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor 
     regulations);
       ``(ii) alternative planning criteria;
       ``(iii) Western Alaska oil spill planning criteria;
       ``(iv) Captain of the Port and Federal On-Scene Coordinator 
     authorities related to activation of a vessel response plan;
       ``(v) the responsibilities of vessel owners and operators 
     in preparing a vessel response plan for submission; and
       ``(vi) responsibilities of the Area Committee, including 
     risk analysis, response capability, and development of 
     alternative planning criteria;
       ``(B) explains the approval processes of vessel response 
     plans that involve alternative planning criteria or Western 
     Alaska oil spill planning criteria; and
       ``(C) provides instruction on the processes involved in 
     carrying out the actions described in paragraphs (9)(D) and 
     (9)(F) of section 311(j) of the Federal Water Pollution 
     Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1321(j)), including instruction on 
     carrying out such actions--
       ``(i) in any geographic area in the United States; and
       ``(ii) specifically in the Seventeenth Coast Guard 
     District; and
       ``(2) providing such training to all Coast Guard personnel 
     involved in the Program.
       ``(d) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) Alternative planning criteria.--The term `alternative 
     planning criteria' means

[[Page S5968]]

     criteria submitted under section 155.1065 or 155.5067 of 
     title 33, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor 
     regulations), for vessel response plans.
       ``(2) Tribal.--The term `Tribal' means of or pertaining to 
     an Indian Tribe or a Tribal organization (as those terms are 
     defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and 
     Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304)).
       ``(3) Vessel response plan.--The term `vessel response 
     plan' means a plan required to be submitted by the owner or 
     operator of a tank vessel or a nontank vessel under 
     regulations issued by the President under section 311(j)(5) 
     of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 
     1321(j)(5)).
       ``(4) Western alaska oil spill planning criteria.--The term 
     `Western Alaska oil spill planning criteria' means the 
     criteria required under paragraph (9) of section 311(j) of 
     the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 
     1321(j)).''.
       (2) Clerical amendment.--The analysis for chapter 3 of 
     title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end 
     the following:

``323. Western Alaska Oil Spill Planning Criteria Program.''.
       (b) Western Alaska Oil Spill Planning Criteria.--
       (1) Amendment.--Section 311(j) of the Federal Water 
     Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1321(j)) is amended by 
     adding at the end the following:
       ``(9) Alternative planning criteria program.--
       ``(A) Definitions.--In this paragraph:
       ``(i) Alternative planning criteria.--The term `alternative 
     planning criteria' means criteria submitted under section 
     155.1065 or 155.5067 of title 33, Code of Federal Regulations 
     (or successor regulations), for vessel response plans.
       ``(ii) Prince william sound captain of the port zone.--The 
     term `Prince William Sound Captain of the Port Zone' means 
     the area described in section 3.85-15(b) of title 33, Code of 
     Federal Regulations (or successor regulations).
       ``(iii) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the 
     Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is 
     operating.
       ``(iv) Tribal.--The term `Tribal' means of or pertaining to 
     an Indian Tribe or a Tribal organization (as those terms are 
     defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and 
     Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304)).
       ``(v) Vessel response plan.--The term `vessel response 
     plan' means a plan required to be submitted by the owner or 
     operator of a tank vessel or a nontank vessel under 
     regulations issued by the President under paragraph (5).
       ``(vi) Western alaska captain of the port zone.--The term 
     `Western Alaska Captain of the Port Zone' means the area 
     described in section 3.85-15(a) of title 33, Code of Federal 
     Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this 
     paragraph).
       ``(B) Requirement.--Except as provided in subparagraph (I), 
     for any part of the area of responsibility of the Western 
     Alaska Captain of the Port Zone or the Prince William Sound 
     Captain of the Port Zone in which the Secretary has 
     determined that the national planning criteria established 
     pursuant to this subsection are inappropriate for a vessel 
     operating in that area, a response plan required under 
     paragraph (5) with respect to a discharge of oil for such a 
     vessel shall comply with the planning criteria established 
     under subparagraph (D)(i).
       ``(C) Relation to national planning criteria.--The planning 
     criteria established under subparagraph (D)(i) shall, with 
     respect to a discharge of oil from a vessel described in 
     subparagraph (B), apply in lieu of any alternative planning 
     criteria accepted for vessels operating in that area prior to 
     the date on which the planning criteria under subparagraph 
     (D)(i) are established.
       ``(D) Establishment of planning criteria.--The President, 
     acting through the Commandant in consultation with the 
     Western Alaska Oil Spill Criteria Program Manager established 
     under section 323 of title 14, United States Code--
       ``(i) shall establish--

       ``(I) Alaska oil spill planning criteria for a worst case 
     discharge of oil, and a substantial threat of such a 
     discharge, within any part of the area of responsibility of 
     the Western Alaska Captain of the Port Zone or Prince William 
     Sound Captain of the Port Zone in which the Secretary has 
     determined that the national planning criteria established 
     pursuant to this subsection are inappropriate for a vessel 
     operating in that area; and
       ``(II) standardized submission, review, approval, and 
     compliance verification processes for the planning criteria 
     established under clause (i), including the quantity and 
     frequency of drills and on-site verifications of vessel 
     response plans accepted pursuant to those planning criteria; 
     and

       ``(ii) may, as required to develop standards that 
     adequately reflect the needs and capabilities of various 
     locations within the Western Alaska Captain of the Port Zone, 
     develop subregions in which the Alaska oil spill planning 
     criteria referred to in clause (i)(I) may differ from such 
     criteria for other subregions in the Western Alaska Captain 
     of the Port Zone, provided that any such criteria for a 
     subregion is not less stringent than the criteria required 
     for a worst case discharge of oil, and a substantial threat 
     of such a discharge, within any part of the applicable 
     subregion.
       ``(E) Inclusions.--
       ``(i) In general.--The Western Alaska oil spill planning 
     criteria established under subparagraph (D)(i) shall include 
     planning criteria for the following:

       ``(I) Mechanical oil spill response resources that are 
     required to be located within that area.
       ``(II) Response times for mobilization of oil spill 
     response resources and arrival on the scene of a worst case 
     discharge of oil, or substantial threat of such a discharge, 
     occurring within that area.
       ``(III) Pre-identified vessels for oil spill response that 
     are capable of operating in the ocean environment.
       ``(IV) Ensuring the availability of at least 1 oil spill 
     removal organization that is classified by the Coast Guard 
     and that--

       ``(aa) is capable of responding in all operating 
     environments in that area;
       ``(bb) controls oil spill response resources of dedicated 
     and nondedicated resources within that area, through 
     ownership, contracts, agreements, or other means approved by 
     the President, sufficient--
       ``(AA) to mobilize and sustain a response to a worst case 
     discharge of oil; and
       ``(BB) to contain, recover, and temporarily store 
     discharged oil;
       ``(cc) has pre-positioned oil spill response resources in 
     strategic locations throughout that area in a manner that 
     ensures the ability to support response personnel, marine 
     operations, air cargo, or other related logistics 
     infrastructure;
       ``(dd) has temporary storage capability using both 
     dedicated and non-dedicated assets located within that area;
       ``(ee) has non-mechanical oil spill response resources, to 
     be available under contracts, agreements, or other means 
     approved by the President, capable of responding to a 
     discharge of persistent oil and a discharge of nonpersistent 
     oil, whether the discharged oil was carried by a vessel as 
     fuel or cargo; and
       ``(ff) considers availability of wildlife response 
     resources for primary, secondary, and tertiary responses to 
     support carcass collection, sampling, deterrence, rescue, and 
     rehabilitation of birds, sea turtles, marine mammals, fishery 
     resources, and other wildlife.

       ``(V) With respect to tank barges carrying nonpersistent 
     oil in bulk as cargo, oil spill response resources that are 
     required to be carried on board.
       ``(VI) Specifying a minimum length of time that approval of 
     a response plan under this paragraph is valid.
       ``(VII) Managing wildlife protection and rehabilitation, 
     including identified wildlife protection and rehabilitation 
     resources in that area.

       ``(ii) Additional considerations.--The Commandant may 
     consider criteria regarding--

       ``(I) vessel routing measures consistent with international 
     routing measure deviation protocols; and
       ``(II) maintenance of real-time continuous vessel tracking, 
     monitoring, and engagement protocols with the ability to 
     detect and address vessel operation anomalies.

       ``(F) Requirement for approval.--The President may approve 
     a response plan for a vessel under this paragraph only if the 
     owner or operator of the vessel demonstrates the availability 
     of the oil spill response resources required to be included 
     in the response plan under the planning criteria established 
     under subparagraph (D)(i).
       ``(G) Periodic audits.--The Secretary shall conduct 
     periodic audits to ensure compliance of vessel response plans 
     and oil spill removal organizations within the Western Alaska 
     Captain of the Port Zone and the Prince William Sound Captain 
     of the Port Zone with the planning criteria under 
     subparagraph (D)(i).
       ``(H) Review of determination.--Not less frequently than 
     once every 5 years, the Secretary shall review each 
     determination of the Secretary under subparagraph (B) that 
     the national planning criteria are inappropriate for a vessel 
     operating in the area of responsibility of the Western Alaska 
     Captain of the Port Zone and the Prince William Sound Captain 
     of the Port Zone.
       ``(I) Vessels in cook inlet.--Unless otherwise authorized 
     by the Secretary, a vessel may only operate in Cook Inlet, 
     Alaska, under a vessel response plan that meets the 
     requirements of the national planning criteria established 
     pursuant to paragraph (5).
       ``(J) Savings provisions.--Nothing in this paragraph 
     affects--
       ``(i) the requirements under this subsection applicable to 
     vessel response plans for vessels operating within the area 
     of responsibility of the Western Alaska Captain of the Port 
     Zone, within Cook Inlet, Alaska;
       ``(ii) the requirements under this subsection applicable to 
     vessel response plans for vessels operating within the area 
     of responsibility of the Prince William Sound Captain of the 
     Port Zone under section 5005 of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 
     (33 U.S.C. 2735); or
       ``(iii) the authority of a Federal On-Scene Coordinator to 
     use any available resources when responding to an oil 
     spill.''.
       (2) Establishment of alaska oil spill planning criteria.--
       (A) Deadline.--Not later than 2 years after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the President shall establish the 
     planning criteria required to be established under paragraph 
     (9)(D)(i) of section 311(j) of the Federal Water Pollution 
     Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1321(j)).
       (B) Consultation.--In establishing the planning criteria 
     described in subparagraph

[[Page S5969]]

     (B), the President shall consult with the Federal, State, 
     local, and Tribal agencies and the owners and operators that 
     would be subject to those planning criteria, and with oil 
     spill removal organizations, Alaska Native organizations, and 
     environmental nongovernmental organizations located within 
     the State of Alaska.
       (C) Congressional report.--Not later than 2 years after the 
     date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit 
     to Congress a report describing the status of implementation 
     of paragraph (9) of section 311(j) of the Federal Water 
     Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1321(j)).

     SEC. 5323. ACCIDENT AND INCIDENT NOTIFICATION RELATING TO 
                   PIPELINES.

       (a) Repeal.--Subsection (c) of section 9 of the Pipeline 
     Safety, Regulatory Certainty, and Job Creation Act of 2011 
     (49 U.S.C. 60117 note; Public Law 112-90) is repealed.
       (b) Application.--Section 9 of the Pipeline Safety, 
     Regulatory Certainty, and Job Creation Act of 2011 (49 U.S.C. 
     60117 note; Public Law 112-90) shall be applied and 
     administered as if the subsection repealed by subsection (a) 
     had never been enacted.

     SEC. 5324. COAST GUARD CLAIMS PROCESSING COSTS.

       Section 1012(a)(4) of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (33 
     U.S.C. 2712(a)(4)) is amended by striking ``damages;'' and 
     inserting ``damages, including, in the case of a spill of 
     national significance that results in extraordinary Coast 
     Guard claims processing activities, the administrative and 
     personnel costs of the Coast Guard to process those claims 
     (including the costs of commercial claims processing, expert 
     services, training, and technical services), subject to the 
     condition that the Coast Guard shall submit to Congress a 
     report describing the spill of national significance not 
     later than 30 days after the date on which the Coast Guard 
     determines it necessary to process those claims;''.

     SEC. 5325. CALCULATION OF INTEREST ON DEBT OWED TO THE 
                   NATIONAL POLLUTION FUND.

       Section 1005(b)(4) of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (33 
     U.S.C. 2705(b)(4)) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``The interest paid'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(A) In general.--The interest paid for claims, other than 
     Federal Government cost recovery claims,''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(B) Federal cost recovery claims.--The interest paid for 
     Federal Government cost recovery claims under this section 
     shall be calculated in accordance with section 3717 of title 
     31, United States Code.''.

     SEC. 5326. PER-INCIDENT LIMITATION.

       Subparagraph (A) of section 9509(c)(2) of the Internal 
     Revenue Code of 1986 is amended--
       (1) in clause (i), by striking ``$1,000,000,000'' and 
     inserting ``$1,500,000,000'';
       (2) in clause (ii), by striking ``$500,000,000'' and 
     inserting ``$750,000,000''; and
       (3) in the heading, by striking ``$1,000,000,000'' and 
     inserting ``$1,500,000,000''.

     SEC. 5327. ACCESS TO THE OIL SPILL LIABILITY TRUST FUND.

       Section 6002 of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (33 U.S.C. 
     2752) is amended by striking subsection (b) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(b) Exceptions.--
       ``(1) In general.--Subsection (a) shall not apply to--
       ``(A) section 1006(f), 1012(a)(4), or 5006; or
       ``(B) an amount, which may not exceed $50,000,000 in any 
     fiscal year, made available by the President from the Fund--
       ``(i) to carry out section 311(c) of the Federal Water 
     Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1321(c)); and
       ``(ii) to initiate the assessment of natural resources 
     damages required under section 1006.
       ``(2) Fund advances.--
       ``(A) In general.--To the extent that the amount described 
     in subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1) is not adequate to carry 
     out the activities described in that subparagraph, the Coast 
     Guard may obtain 1 or more advances from the Fund as may be 
     necessary, up to a maximum of $100,000,000 for each advance, 
     with the total amount of advances not to exceed the amounts 
     available under section 9509(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue 
     Code of 1986.
       ``(B) Notification to congress.--Not later than 30 days 
     after the date on which the Coast Guard obtains an advance 
     under subparagraph (A), the Coast Guard shall notify Congress 
     of--
       ``(i) the amount advanced; and
       ``(ii) the facts and circumstances that necessitated the 
     advance.
       ``(C) Repayment.--Amounts advanced under this paragraph 
     shall be repaid to the Fund when, and to the extent that, 
     removal costs are recovered by the Coast Guard from 
     responsible parties for the discharge or substantial threat 
     of discharge.
       ``(3) Availability.--Amounts to which this subsection 
     applies shall remain available until expended.''.

     SEC. 5328. COST-REIMBURSABLE AGREEMENTS.

       Section 1012 of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (33 U.S.C. 
     2712) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)(1)(B), by striking ``by a Governor or 
     designated State official'' and inserting ``by a State, a 
     political subdivision of a State, or an Indian tribe, 
     pursuant to a cost-reimbursable agreement'';
       (2) by striking subsections (d) and (e) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(d) Cost-reimbursable Agreement.--
       ``(1) In general.--In carrying out section 311(c) of the 
     Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1321(c)), the 
     President may enter into cost-reimbursable agreements with a 
     State, a political subdivision of a State, or an Indian tribe 
     to obligate the Fund for the payment of removal costs 
     consistent with the National Contingency Plan.
       ``(2) Inapplicability.--Neither section 1535 of title 31, 
     United States Code, nor chapter 63 of that title shall apply 
     to a cost-reimbursable agreement entered into under this 
     subsection.''; and
       (3) by redesignating subsections (f), (h), (i), (j), (k), 
     and (l) as subsections (e), (f), (g), (h), (i), and (j), 
     respectively.

     SEC. 5329. OIL SPILL RESPONSE REVIEW.

       (a) In General.--Subject to the availability of 
     appropriations, the Commandant shall develop and carry out a 
     program--
       (1) to increase collection and improve the quality of 
     incident data on oil spill location and response capability 
     by periodically evaluating the data, documentation, and 
     analysis of--
       (A) Coast Guard-approved vessel response plans, including 
     vessel response plan audits and assessments;
       (B) oil spill response drills conducted under section 
     311(j)(7) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 
     U.S.C. 1321(j)(7)) that occur within the Marine 
     Transportation System; and
       (C) responses to oil spill incidents that require 
     mobilization of contracted response resources;
       (2) to update, not less frequently than annually, 
     information contained in the Coast Guard Response Resource 
     Inventory and other Coast Guard tools used to document the 
     availability and status of oil spill response equipment, so 
     as to ensure that such information remains current; and
       (3) subject to section 552 of title 5, United States Code 
     (commonly known as the ``Freedom of Information Act''), to 
     make data collected under paragraph (1) available to the 
     public.
       (b) Policy.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall issue a policy--
       (1) to establish processes to maintain the program under 
     subsection (a) and support Coast Guard oil spill prevention 
     and response activities, including by incorporating oil spill 
     incident data from after-action oil spill reports and data 
     ascertained from vessel response plan exercises and audits 
     into--
       (A) review and approval process standards and metrics;
       (B) Alternative Planning Criteria (APC) review processes;
       (C) Area Contingency Plan (ACP) development;
       (D) risk assessments developed under section 70001 of title 
     46, United States Code, including lessons learned from 
     reportable marine casualties;
       (E) mitigating the impact of military personnel rotations 
     in Coast Guard field units on knowledge and awareness of 
     vessel response plan requirements, including knowledge 
     relating to the evaluation of proposed alternatives to 
     national planning requirements; and
       (F) evaluating the consequences of reporting inaccurate 
     data in vessel response plans submitted to the Commandant 
     pursuant to part 300 of title 40, Code of Federal 
     Regulations, and submitted for storage in the Marine 
     Information for Safety and Law Enforcement database pursuant 
     to section 300.300 of that title (or any successor 
     regulation);
       (2) to standardize and develop tools, training, and other 
     relevant guidance that may be shared with vessel owners and 
     operators to assist with accurately calculating and measuring 
     the performance and viability of proposed alternatives to 
     national planning criteria requirements and Area Contingency 
     Plans under the jurisdiction of the Coast Guard;
       (3) to improve training of Coast Guard personnel to ensure 
     continuity of planning activities under this section, 
     including by identifying ways in which civilian staffing may 
     improve the continuity of operations; and
       (4) to increase Federal Government engagement with State, 
     local, and Tribal governments and stakeholders so as to 
     strengthen coordination and efficiency of oil spill 
     responses.
       (c) Periodic Updates.--Not less frequently than every 5 
     years, the Commandant shall update the processes established 
     under subsection (b)(1) to incorporate relevant analyses of--
       (1) incident data on oil spill location and response 
     quality;
       (2) oil spill risk assessments;
       (3) oil spill response effectiveness and the effects of 
     such response on the environment;
       (4) oil spill response drills conducted under section 
     311(j)(7) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 
     U.S.C. 1321(j)(7));
       (5) marine casualties reported to the Coast Guard; and
       (6) near miss incidents documented by a Vessel Traffic 
     Service Center (as such terms are defined in section 70001(m) 
     of title 46, United States Code).
       (d) Report.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for 5 
     years, the Commandant shall provide to the Committee on 
     Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the 
     Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House 
     of Representatives a briefing on the status of ongoing and 
     planned efforts to improve the effectiveness and oversight of 
     the vessel response program.
       (2) Public availability.--The Commandant shall publish the 
     report required by

[[Page S5970]]

     subparagraph (A) on a publicly accessible internet website of 
     the Coast Guard.

     SEC. 5330. REVIEW AND REPORT ON LIMITED INDEMNITY PROVISIONS 
                   IN STANDBY OIL SPILL RESPONSE CONTRACTS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United 
     States shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
     and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives a report on the effects of removing limited 
     indemnity provisions from Coast Guard oil spill response 
     contracts entered into by the President (or a delegate) under 
     section 311(c) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 
     U.S.C. 1321(c)).
       (b) Elements.--The report required by subsection (a) shall 
     include the following:
       (1) An assessment of the adequacy of contracts described in 
     that subsection in meeting the needs of the United States to 
     carry out oil spill cleanups under the National Contingency 
     Plan (as defined in section 311(a) of the Federal Water 
     Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1321(a)) during the period 
     beginning in 2009 and ending in 2014 with respect to those 
     contracts that included limited indemnity provisions for oil 
     spill response organizations.
       (2) A review of the costs incurred by the Coast Guard, the 
     Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund established by section 9509(a) 
     of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and the Federal 
     Government to cover the indemnity provisions provided to oil 
     spill response organizations during the period described in 
     paragraph (1).
       (3) An assessment of the adequacy of contracts described in 
     that subsection in meeting the needs of the United States to 
     carry out oil spill cleanups under the National Contingency 
     Plan (as so defined) after limited indemnity provisions for 
     oil spill response organizations were removed from those 
     contracts in 2014.
       (4) An assessment of the impact that the removal of limited 
     indemnity provisions described in paragraph (3) has had on 
     the ability of oil spill response organizations to enter into 
     contracts described in that subsection.
       (5) An assessment of the ability of the Oil Spill Liability 
     Trust Fund established by section 9509(a) of the Internal 
     Revenue Code of 1986, to cover limited indemnity provided to 
     a contractor for liabilities and expenses incidental to the 
     containment or removal of oil arising out of the performance 
     of a contract that is substantially identical to the terms 
     contained in subsections (d)(2) through (h) of section H.4 of 
     the contract offered by the Coast Guard in the solicitation 
     numbered DTCG89-98-A-68F953 and dated November 17, 1998.

     SEC. 5331. ADDITIONAL EXCEPTIONS TO REGULATIONS FOR TOWING 
                   VESSELS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall review existing 
     Coast Guard policies with respect to exceptions to the 
     applicability of subchapter M of chapter I of title 46, Code 
     of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations), for--
       (1) an oil spill response vessel, or a vessel of 
     opportunity, while such vessel is--
       (A) towing boom for oil spill response; or
       (B) participating in an oil response exercise; and
       (2) a fishing vessel while that vessel is operating as a 
     vessel of opportunity.
       (b) Policy.--Not later than 180 days after the conclusion 
     of the review required by subsection (a), the Secretary shall 
     revise or issue any necessary policy to clarify the 
     applicability of subchapter M of chapter I of title 46, Code 
     of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations) to the 
     vessels described in subsection (a). Such a policy shall 
     ensure safe and effective operation of such vessels.
       (c) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Fishing vessel; oil spill response vessel.--The terms 
     ``fishing vessel'' and ``oil spill response vessel'' have the 
     meanings given such terms in section 2101 of title 46, United 
     States Code.
       (2) Vessel of opportunity.--The term ``vessel of 
     opportunity'' means a vessel engaged in spill response 
     activities that is normally and substantially involved in 
     activities other than spill response and not a vessel 
     carrying oil as a primary cargo.

                  Subtitle C--Environmental Compliance

     SEC. 5341. REVIEW OF ANCHORAGE REGULATIONS.

       (a) Regulatory Review.--Not later than 1 year after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall complete a 
     review of existing anchorage regulations or other rules, 
     which review shall include--
       (1) identifying any such regulations or rules that may need 
     modification or repeal in the interest of marine safety, 
     security, environmental, and economic concerns, taking into 
     account undersea pipelines, cables, or other infrastructure; 
     and
       (2) completing a cost-benefit analysis for any modification 
     or repeal identified under paragraph (1).
       (b) Briefing.--Upon completion of the review under 
     subsection (a), but not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall provide a briefing 
     to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of 
     the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure of the House of Representatives that 
     summarizes the review.

     SEC. 5342. STUDY ON IMPACTS ON SHIPPING AND COMMERCIAL, 
                   TRIBAL, AND RECREATIONAL FISHERIES FROM THE 
                   DEVELOPMENT OF RENEWABLE ENERGY ON THE WEST 
                   COAST.

       (a) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Covered waters.--The term ``covered waters'' means 
     Federal or State waters off of the Canadian border and out to 
     the furthest extent of the exclusive economic zone.
       (2) Exclusive economic zone.--The term ``exclusive economic 
     zone'' has the meaning given that term in section 107 of 
     title 46, United States Code.
       (b) Study.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary, the Secretary of the 
     Interior, and the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and 
     Atmosphere, shall enter into an agreement with the National 
     Academy of Sciences under which the National Academy of 
     Sciences shall carry out a study to--
       (1) identify, document, and analyze--
       (A) historic and current, as of the date of the study, 
     Tribal, commercial, and recreational fishing grounds, as well 
     as areas where fish stocks are likely to shift in the future, 
     in all covered waters;
       (B) usual and accustomed fishing areas in all covered 
     waters;
       (C) historic, current, and potential future shipping lanes, 
     based on projected growth in shipping traffic in all covered 
     waters; and
       (D) key data needed to properly site renewable energy sites 
     on the West Coast;
       (2) analyze--
       (A) methods used to manage fishing, shipping, and other 
     maritime activities; and
       (B) how those activities could be impacted by the placement 
     of renewable energy infrastructure and the associated 
     construction, maintenance, and operation of such 
     infrastructure; and
       (3) provide recommendations on appropriate areas for 
     renewable energy sites and outline a comprehensive approach 
     to include all impacted coastal communities, particularly 
     Tribal governments and fisheries communities, in the 
     decision-making process.
       (c) Submission.--Not later than 1 year after commencing the 
     study under subsection (b), the Secretary shall--
       (1) submit the study to the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
     and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives, including all recommendations provided under 
     subsection (b)(3); and
       (2) make the study publicly available.

                    Subtitle D--Environmental Issues

     SEC. 5351. MODIFICATIONS TO THE SPORT FISH RESTORATION AND 
                   BOATING TRUST FUND ADMINISTRATION.

       (a) Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act 
     Amendments.--
       (1) Available amounts.--Section 4(b)(1)(B)(i) of the 
     Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act (16 U.S.C. 
     777c(b)(1)(B)(i)) is amended by striking subclause (I) and 
     inserting the following:

       ``(I) the product obtained by multiplying--

       ``(aa) $12,786,434; and
       ``(bb) the change, relative to the preceding fiscal year, 
     in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers published 
     by the Department of Labor; and''.
       (2) Authorized expenses.--Section 9(a) of the Dingell-
     Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act (16 U.S.C. 777h(a)) is 
     amended--
       (A) in paragraph (7), by striking ``full-time''; and
       (B) in paragraph (9), by striking ``on a full-time basis''.
       (b) Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act 
     Amendments.--
       (1) Available amounts.--Section 4(a)(1)(B)(i) of the 
     Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act (16 U.S.C. 
     669c(a)(1)(B)(i)) is amended by striking subclause (I) and 
     inserting the following:

       ``(I) the product obtained by multiplying--

       ``(aa) $12,786,434; and
       ``(bb) the change, relative to the preceding fiscal year, 
     in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers published 
     by the Department of Labor; and''.
       (2) Authorized expenses.--Section 9(a) of the Pittman-
     Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act (16 U.S.C. 669h(a)) is 
     amended--
       (A) in paragraph (7), by striking ``full-time''; and
       (B) in paragraph (9), by striking ``on a full-time basis''.

     SEC. 5352. IMPROVEMENTS TO COAST GUARD COMMUNICATION WITH 
                   NORTH PACIFIC MARITIME AND FISHING INDUSTRY.

       (a) Rescue 21 System in Alaska.--
       (1) Upgrades.--The Commandant shall ensure the timely 
     upgrade of the Rescue 21 system in Alaska so as to achieve, 
     not later than August 30, 2023, 98 percent operational 
     availability of remote fixed facility sites.
       (2) Plan to reduce outages.--
       (A) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall develop an 
     operations and maintenance plan for the Rescue 21 system in 
     Alaska that anticipates maintenance needs so as to reduce 
     Rescue 21 system outages to the maximum extent practicable.
       (B) Public availability.--The plan required by subparagraph 
     (A) shall be made available to the public on a publicly 
     accessible internet website.
       (3) Report required.--Not later than 180 days after the 
     date of the enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall 
     submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives a report that--

[[Page S5971]]

       (A) contains a plan for the Coast Guard to notify mariners 
     of radio outages for towers owned and operated by the 
     Seventeenth Coast Guard District;
       (B) addresses in such plan how the Seventeenth Coast Guard 
     will--
       (i) disseminate updates regarding outages on social media 
     not less frequently than every 48 hours;
       (ii) provide updates on a publicly accessible website not 
     less frequently than every 48 hours;
       (iii) develop methods for notifying mariners in areas in 
     which cellular connectivity does not exist; and
       (iv) develop and advertise a web-based communications 
     update hub on AM/FM radio for mariners; and
       (C) identifies technology gaps necessary to implement the 
     plan and provides a budgetary assessment necessary to 
     implement the plan.
       (4) Contingency plan.--
       (A) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Commandant, in collaboration 
     with relevant Federal and State entities (including the North 
     Pacific Fishery Management Council, the National Oceanic and 
     Atmospheric Administration Weather Service, the National 
     Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries Service, 
     agencies of the State of Alaska, local radio stations, and 
     stakeholders), shall establish a contingency plan to ensure 
     that notifications of an outage of the Rescue 21 system in 
     Alaska are broadly disseminated in advance of such outage.
       (B) Elements.--The plan required by subparagraph (A) shall 
     require the Coast Guard--
       (i) to disseminate updates regarding outages on social 
     media not less frequently than every 48 hours during an 
     outage;
       (ii) to provide updates on a publicly accessible website 
     not less frequently than every 48 hours during an outage;
       (iii) to notify mariners in areas in which cellular 
     connectivity does not exist;
       (iv) to develop and advertise a web-based communications 
     update hub on AM/FM radio for mariners; and
       (v) to identify technology gaps that need to be addressed 
     in order to implement the plan, and to provide a budgetary 
     assessment necessary to implement the plan.
       (b) Improvements to Communication With the Fishing Industry 
     and Related Stakeholders.--
       (1) In general.--The Commandant, in coordination with the 
     National Commercial Fishing Safety Advisory Committee 
     established by section 15102 of title 46, United States Code, 
     shall develop a publicly accessible internet website that 
     contains all Coast Guard-related information relating to the 
     fishing industry, including safety information, inspection 
     and enforcement requirements, hazards, training, regulations 
     (including proposed regulations), Rescue 21 system outages 
     and similar outages, and any information regarding fishing-
     related activities under the jurisdiction of the Coast Guard.
       (2) Automatic communications.--The Commandant shall provide 
     methods for regular and automatic email communications with 
     stakeholders who elect, through the internet website 
     developed under paragraph (1), to receive such 
     communications.
       (c) Advance Notification of Military or Other Exercises.--
     In consultation with the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary 
     of State, and commercial fishing industry participants, the 
     Commandant shall develop and publish on a publicly available 
     internet website a plan for notifying United States mariners 
     and the operators of United States fishing vessels in advance 
     of--
       (1) military exercises in the exclusive economic zone of 
     the United States (as defined in section 3 of the Magnuson-
     Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 
     1802)); or
       (2) other military activities that will impact recreational 
     or commercial activities.

     SEC. 5353. FISHING SAFETY TRAINING GRANTS PROGRAM.

       Section 4502(i)(4) of title 46, United States Code, is 
     amended by striking ``2018 through 2021'' and inserting 
     ``2023 through 2025''.

     SEC. 5354. LOAD LINES.

       (a) Definition of Covered Fishing Vessel.--In this section, 
     the term ``covered fishing vessel'' means a vessel that 
     operates exclusively in one, or both, of the Thirteenth and 
     Seventeenth Coast Guard Districts and that--
       (1) was constructed, under construction, or under contract 
     to be constructed as a fish tender vessel before January 1, 
     1980;
       (2) was converted for use as a fish tender vessel before 
     January 1, 2022, and--
       (A) the vessel has a current stability letter issued in 
     accordance with regulations prescribed under chapter 51 of 
     title 46, United States Code; and
       (B) the hull and internal structure of the vessel has been 
     verified as suitable for intended service as examined by a 
     marine surveyor of an organization accepted by the Secretary 
     2 times in the 5 years preceding the date of the 
     determination under this subsection, with no interval of more 
     than 3 years between such examinations; or
       (3) operates part-time as a fish tender vessel for a period 
     of less than 180 days.
       (b) Application to Certain Vessels.--During the period 
     beginning on the date of enactment of this Act and ending on 
     the date that is 3 years after the date on which the report 
     required under subsection (c) is submitted, the load line 
     requirements of chapter 51 of title 46, United States Code, 
     shall not apply to covered fishing vessels.
       (c) GAO Report.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 12 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United 
     States shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
     and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives--
       (A) a report on the safety and seaworthiness of vessels 
     referenced in section 5102(b)(5) of title 46, United States 
     Code; and
       (B) recommendations for exempting certain vessels from the 
     load line requirements under chapter 51 of title 46 of such 
     Code.
       (2) Elements.--The report required under paragraph (1) 
     shall include the following:
       (A) An assessment of stability requirements of vessels 
     referenced in section 5102(b)(5) of title 46, United States 
     Code.
       (B) An analysis of vessel casualties, mishaps, or other 
     safety information relevant to load line requirements when a 
     vessel is operating part-time as a fish tender vessel.
       (C) An assessment of any other safety information as the 
     Comptroller General determines appropriate.
       (D) A list of all vessels that, as of the date of the 
     report--
       (i) are covered under section 5102(b)(5) of title 46, 
     United States Code;
       (ii) are acting as part-time fish tender vessels; and
       (iii) are subject to any captain of the port zone subject 
     to the oversight of the Commandant.
       (3) Consultation.--In preparing the report required under 
     paragraph (1), the Comptroller General shall consider 
     consultation with, at a minimum, the maritime industry, 
     including--
       (A) relevant Federal, State, and Tribal maritime 
     associations and groups; and
       (B) relevant federally funded research institutions, 
     nongovernmental organizations, and academia.
       (d) Applicability.--Nothing in this section shall limit any 
     authority available, as of the date of enactment of this Act, 
     to the captain of a port with respect to safety measures or 
     any other authority as necessary for the safety of covered 
     fishing vessels.

     SEC. 5355. ACTIONS BY NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE TO 
                   INCREASE ENERGY PRODUCTION.

       (a) In General.--The National Marine Fisheries Service 
     shall, immediately upon the enactment of this Act, take 
     action to address the outstanding backlog of letters of 
     authorization for the Gulf of Mexico.
       (b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
     the National Marine Fisheries Service should--
       (1) take immediate action to issue a rule that allows the 
     Service to approve outstanding and future applications for 
     letters of authorization consistent with the Service's 
     permitting activities; and
       (2) on or after the effective date of the rule, prioritize 
     the consideration of applications in a manner that is 
     consistent with applicable Federal law.

        Subtitle E--Illegal Fishing and Forced Labor Prevention

     SEC. 5361. DEFINITIONS.

       In this subtitle:
       (1) Forced labor.--The term ``forced labor'' means any 
     labor or service provided for or obtained by any means 
     described in section 1589(a) of title 18, United States Code.
       (2) Human trafficking.--The term ``human trafficking'' has 
     the meaning given the term ``severe forms of trafficking in 
     persons'' in section 103 of the Trafficking Victims 
     Protection Act of 2000 (22 U.S.C. 7102).
       (3) Illegal, unreported, or unregulated fishing.--The term 
     ``illegal, unreported, or unregulated fishing'' has the 
     meaning given such term in the implementing regulations or 
     any subsequent regulations issued pursuant to section 609(e) 
     of the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act 
     (16 U.S.C. 1826j(e)).
       (4) Oppressive child labor.--The term ``oppressive child 
     labor'' has the meaning given such term in section 3 of the 
     Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 203).
       (5) Seafood.--The term ``seafood'' means all marine animal 
     and plant life meant for consumption as food other than 
     marine mammals and birds, including fish, shellfish, 
     shellfish products, and processed fish.
       (6) Seafood import monitoring program.--The term ``Seafood 
     Import Monitoring Program'' means the Seafood Traceability 
     Program established in subpart Q of part 300 of title 50, 
     Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulation).
       (7) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of Commerce, acting through the Administrator of the National 
     Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

     CHAPTER 1--COMBATING HUMAN TRAFFICKING THROUGH SEAFOOD IMPORT 
                               MONITORING

     SEC. 5362. ENHANCEMENT OF SEAFOOD IMPORT MONITORING PROGRAM 
                   AUTOMATED COMMERCIAL ENVIRONMENT MESSAGE SET.

       The Secretary, in coordination with the Commissioner of 
     U.S. Customs and Border Protection, shall, not later than 6 
     months after the date of enactment of this Act, develop a 
     strategy to improve the quality and verifiability of already 
     collected Seafood Import Monitoring Program Message Set data 
     elements in the Automated Commercial Environment system. Such 
     strategy shall

[[Page S5972]]

     prioritize the use of enumerated data types, such as 
     checkboxes, dropdown menus, or radio buttons, and any 
     additional elements the Administrator of the National Oceanic 
     and Atmospheric Administration finds appropriate.

     SEC. 5363. DATA SHARING AND AGGREGATION.

       (a) Interagency Working Group on Illegal, Unreported, or 
     Unregulated Fishing.--Section 3551(c) of the Maritime SAFE 
     Act (16 U.S.C. 8031(c)) is amended--
       (1) by redesignating paragraphs (4) through (13) as 
     paragraphs (5) through (14), respectively; and
       (2) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:
       ``(4) maximizing the utility of the import data collected 
     by the members of the Working Group by harmonizing data 
     standards and entry fields;''.
       (b) Prohibition on Aggregated Catch Data for Certain 
     Species.--Beginning not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, for the purposes of compliance with 
     respect to Northern red snapper under the Seafood Import 
     Monitoring Program, the Secretary may not allow an aggregated 
     harvest report of such species, regardless of vessel size.

     SEC. 5364. IMPORT AUDITS.

       (a) Audit Procedures.--The Secretary shall, not later than 
     1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, implement 
     procedures to audit information and supporting records of 
     sufficient numbers of imports of seafood and seafood products 
     subject to the Seafood Import Monitoring Program to support 
     statistically robust conclusions that the samples audited are 
     representative of all seafood imports covered by the Seafood 
     Import Monitoring Program with respect to a given year.
       (b) Expansion of Marine Forensics Laboratory.--The 
     Secretary shall, not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, begin the process of expanding the 
     National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Marine 
     Forensics Laboratory, including by establishing sufficient 
     capacity for the development and deployment of rapid, and 
     follow-up, analysis of field-based tests focused on 
     identifying Seafood Import Monitoring Program species, and 
     prioritizing such species at high risk of illegal, 
     unreported, or unregulated fishing and seafood fraud.
       (c) Annual Revision.--In developing the procedures required 
     in subsection (a), the Secretary shall use predictive 
     analytics to inform whether to revise such procedures to 
     prioritize for audit those imports originating from nations--
       (1) identified pursuant to section 609(a) or 610(a) of the 
     High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act (16 
     U.S.C. 1826j(a) or 1826k(a)) that have not yet received a 
     subsequent positive certification pursuant to section 609(d) 
     or 610(c) of such Act, respectively;
       (2) identified by an appropriate regional fishery 
     management organization as being the flag state or landing 
     location of vessels identified by other nations or regional 
     fisheries management organizations as engaging in illegal, 
     unreported, or unregulated fishing;
       (3) identified as having human trafficking or forced labor 
     in any part of the seafood supply chain, including on vessels 
     flagged in such nation, and including feed for cultured 
     production, in the most recent Trafficking in Persons Report 
     issued by the Department of State in accordance with the 
     Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (22 U.S.C. 7101 et 
     seq.);
       (4) identified as producing goods that contain seafood 
     using forced labor or oppressive child labor in the most 
     recent List of Goods Produced by Child Labor or Forced Labor 
     in accordance with the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 
     2000 (22 U.S.C. 7101 et seq.); and
       (5) identified as at risk for human trafficking, including 
     forced labor, in their seafood catching and processing 
     industries by the report required under section 3563 of the 
     Maritime SAFE Act (Public Law 116-92).

     SEC. 5365. AVAILABILITY OF FISHERIES INFORMATION.

       Section 402(b)(1) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 
     Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1881a(b)(1)) is 
     amended--
       (1) in subparagraph (G), by striking ``or'' after the 
     semicolon;
       (2) in subparagraph (H), by striking the period and 
     inserting ``; or''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(I) to Federal agencies, to the extent necessary and 
     appropriate, to administer Federal programs established to 
     combat illegal, unreported, or unregulated fishing (as 
     defined in section 5361 of the Coast Guard Authorization Act 
     of 2022) or forced labor (as defined in section 5361 of the 
     Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022), which shall not 
     include an authorization for such agencies to release data to 
     the public unless such release is related to enforcement.''.

     SEC. 5366. REPORT ON SEAFOOD IMPORT MONITORING PROGRAM.

       (a) Report to Congress and Public Availability of 
     Reports.--The Secretary shall, not later than 120 days after 
     the end of each fiscal year, submit to the Committee on 
     Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the 
     Committee on Natural Resources of the House of 
     Representatives a report that summarizes the National Marine 
     Fisheries Service's efforts to prevent the importation of 
     seafood harvested through illegal, unreported, or unregulated 
     fishing, particularly with respect to seafood harvested, 
     produced, processed, or manufactured by forced labor. Each 
     such report shall be made publicly available on the website 
     of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
       (b) Contents.--Each report submitted under subsection (a) 
     shall include--
       (1) the volume and value of seafood species subject to the 
     Seafood Import Monitoring Program, reported by 10-digit 
     Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States codes, 
     imported during the previous fiscal year;
       (2) the enforcement activities and priorities of the 
     National Marine Fisheries Service with respect to 
     implementing the requirements under the Seafood Import 
     Monitoring Program;
       (3) the percentage of import shipments subject to the 
     Seafood Import Monitoring Program selected for inspection or 
     the information or records supporting entry selected for 
     audit, as described in section 300.324(d) of title 50, Code 
     of Federal Regulations;
       (4) the number and types of instances of noncompliance with 
     the requirements of the Seafood Import Monitoring Program;
       (5) the number and types of instances of violations of 
     State or Federal law discovered through the Seafood Import 
     Monitoring Program;
       (6) the seafood species with respect to which violations 
     described in paragraphs (4) and (5) were most prevalent;
       (7) the location of catch or harvest with respect to which 
     violations described in paragraphs (4) and (5) were most 
     prevalent;
       (8) the additional tools, such as high performance 
     computing and associated costs, that the Secretary needs to 
     improve the efficacy of the Seafood Import Monitoring 
     Program; and
       (9) such other information as the Secretary considers 
     appropriate with respect to monitoring and enforcing 
     compliance with the Seafood Import Monitoring Program.

     SEC. 5367. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       There is authorized to be appropriated to the Commissioner 
     of U.S. Customs and Border Protection to carry out 
     enforcement actions pursuant to section 307 of the Tariff Act 
     of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1307) $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 
     2023 through 2027.

 CHAPTER 2--STRENGTHENING INTERNATIONAL FISHERIES MANAGEMENT TO COMBAT 
                           HUMAN TRAFFICKING

     SEC. 5370. DENIAL OF PORT PRIVILEGES.

       Section 101(a)(2) of the High Seas Driftnet Fisheries 
     Enforcement Act (16 U.S.C. 1826a(a)(2)) is amended to read as 
     follows:
       ``(2) Denial of port privileges.--The Secretary of Homeland 
     Security shall--
       ``(A) withhold or revoke the clearance required by section 
     60105 of title 46, United States Code, for any large-scale 
     driftnet fishing vessel of a nation that receives a negative 
     certification under section 609(d) or 610(c) of the High Seas 
     Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 
     1826j(d) or 1826k(c)), or fishing vessels of a nation that 
     has been listed pursuant to section 609(b) or section 610(a) 
     of such Act (16 U.S.C. 1826j(b) or 1826k(a)) in 2 or more 
     consecutive reports for the same type of fisheries activity, 
     as described under section 607 of such Act (16 U.S.C. 1826h), 
     until a positive certification has been received;
       ``(B) withhold or revoke the clearance required by section 
     60105 of title 46, United States Code, for fishing vessels of 
     a nation that has been listed pursuant to section 609(a) or 
     610(a) of the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium 
     Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 1826j(a) or 1826k(a)) in 2 or more 
     consecutive reports as described under section 607 of such 
     Act (16 U.S.C. 1826h); and
       ``(C) deny entry of that vessel to any place in the United 
     States and to the navigable waters of the United States, 
     except for the purposes of inspecting such vessel, conducting 
     an investigation, or taking other appropriate enforcement 
     action.''.

     SEC. 5371. IDENTIFICATION AND CERTIFICATION CRITERIA.

       (a) Denial of Port Privileges.--Section 609(a) of the High 
     Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 
     1826j(a)) is amended--
       (1) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
       ``(2) For actions of a nation.--The Secretary shall 
     identify, and list in such report, a nation engaging in or 
     endorsing illegal, unreported, or unregulated fishing. In 
     determining which nations to list in such report, the 
     Secretary shall consider the following:
       ``(A) Any nation that is violating, or has violated at any 
     point during the 3 years preceding the date of the 
     determination, conservation and management measures, 
     including catch and other data reporting obligations and 
     requirements, required under an international fishery 
     management agreement to which the United States is a party.
       ``(B) Any nation that is failing, or has failed in the 3-
     year period preceding the date of the determination, to 
     effectively address or regulate illegal, unreported, or 
     unregulated fishing within its fleets in any areas where its 
     vessels are fishing.
       ``(C) Any nation that fails to discharge duties incumbent 
     upon it to which legally obligated as a flag, port, or 
     coastal state to take action to prevent, deter, and eliminate 
     illegal, unreported, or unregulated fishing.
       ``(D) Any nation that has been identified as producing for 
     export to the United States seafood-related goods through 
     forced labor or oppressive child labor (as those terms are 
     defined in section 5361 of the Coast Guard Authorization Act 
     of 2022) in the most recent List of Goods Produced by Child 
     Labor or

[[Page S5973]]

     Forced Labor in accordance with the Trafficking Victims 
     Protection Act of 2000 (22 U.S.C. 7101 et seq.).''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(4) Timing.--The Secretary shall make an identification 
     under paragraph (1) or (2) at any time that the Secretary has 
     sufficient information to make such identification.''.
       (b) Illegal, Unreported, or Unregulated Certification 
     Determination.--Section 609 of the High Seas Driftnet Fishing 
     Moratorium Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 1826j) is amended in 
     subsection (d), by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(3) Effect of certification determination.--
       ``(A) Effect of negative certification.--The provisions of 
     subsection (a), and paragraphs (3) and (4) of subsection (b), 
     of section 101 of the High Seas Driftnet Fisheries 
     Enforcement Act (16 U.S.C. 1826a(a) and (b)(3) and (4)) shall 
     apply to any nation that, after being identified and notified 
     under subsection (b), has failed to take the appropriate 
     corrective actions for which the Secretary has issued a 
     negative certification under this subsection.
       ``(B) Effect of positive certification.--The provisions of 
     subsection (a), and paragraphs (3) and (4) of subsection (b), 
     of section 101 of the High Seas Driftnet Fisheries 
     Enforcement Act (16 U.S.C. 1826a(a) and (b)(3) and (4)) shall 
     not apply to any nation identified under subsection (a) for 
     which the Secretary has issued a positive certification under 
     this subsection.''.

     SEC. 5372. EQUIVALENT CONSERVATION MEASURES.

       (a) Identification.--Section 610(a) of the High Seas 
     Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 
     1826k(a)) is amended to read as follows:
       ``(a) Identification.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall identify and list in 
     the report under section 607--
       ``(A) a nation if--
       ``(i) any fishing vessel of that nation is engaged, or has 
     been engaged during the 3 years preceding the date of the 
     determination, in fishing activities or practices on the high 
     seas or within the exclusive economic zone of any nation, 
     that have resulted in bycatch of a protected living marine 
     resource; and
       ``(ii) the vessel's flag state has not adopted, 
     implemented, and enforced a regulatory program governing such 
     fishing designed to end or reduce such bycatch that is 
     comparable in effectiveness to the regulatory program of the 
     United States, taking into account differing conditions; and
       ``(B) a nation if--
       ``(i) any fishing vessel of that nation is engaged, or has 
     engaged during the 3 years preceding the date of the 
     determination, in fishing activities on the high seas or 
     within the exclusive economic zone of another nation that 
     target or incidentally catch sharks; and
       ``(ii) the vessel's flag state has not adopted, 
     implemented, and enforced a regulatory program to provide for 
     the conservation of sharks, including measures to prohibit 
     removal of any of the fins of a shark, including the tail, 
     before landing the shark in port, that is comparable to that 
     of the United States.
       ``(2) Timing.--The Secretary shall make an identification 
     under paragraph (1) at any time that the Secretary has 
     sufficient information to make such identification.''.
       (b) Consultation and Negotiation.--Section 610(b) of the 
     High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act (16 
     U.S.C. 1826k(b)) is amended to read as follows:
       ``(b) Consultation and Negotiation.--The Secretary of 
     State, acting in conjunction with the Secretary, shall--
       ``(1) notify, as soon as practicable, the President and 
     nations that are engaged in, or that have any fishing vessels 
     engaged in, fishing activities or practices described in 
     subsection (a), about the provisions of this Act;
       ``(2) initiate discussions as soon as practicable with all 
     foreign nations that are engaged in, or a fishing vessel of 
     which has engaged in, fishing activities described in 
     subsection (a), for the purpose of entering into bilateral 
     and multilateral treaties with such nations to protect such 
     species and to address any underlying failings or gaps that 
     may have contributed to identification under this Act; and
       ``(3) initiate the amendment of any existing international 
     treaty for the protection and conservation of such species to 
     which the United States is a party in order to make such 
     treaty consistent with the purposes and policies of this 
     section.''.
       (c) Conservation Certification Procedure.--Section 610(c) 
     of the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act 
     (16 U.S.C. 1826k(c)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``the public and'' after 
     ``comment by''; and
       (2) in paragraph (5), by striking ``(except to the extent 
     that such provisions apply to sport fishing equipment or fish 
     or fish products not caught by the vessels engaged in 
     illegal, unreported, or unregulated fishing)''.
       (d) Definition of Protected Living Marine Resource.--
     Section 610(e) of the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium 
     Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 1826k(e)) is amended by striking 
     paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
       ``(1) except as provided in paragraph (2), means nontarget 
     fish, sea turtles, or marine mammals that are protected under 
     United States law or international agreement, including--
       ``(A) the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 
     1361 et seq.);
       ``(B) the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et 
     seq.);
       ``(C) the Shark Finning Prohibition Act (16 U.S.C. 1822 
     note); and
       ``(D) the Convention on International Trade in Endangered 
     Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, done at Washington March 3, 
     1973 (27 UST 1087; TIAS 8249); but''.

     SEC. 5373. CAPACITY BUILDING IN FOREIGN FISHERIES.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary of Commerce, in consultation 
     with the heads of other Federal agencies, as appropriate, 
     shall develop and carry out with partner governments and 
     civil society--
       (1) multi-year coastal and marine resource related 
     international cooperation agreements and projects; and
       (2) multi-year capacity-building projects for implementing 
     measures to address illegal, unreported, or unregulated 
     fishing, fraud, forced labor, bycatch, and other conservation 
     measures.
       (b) Capacity Building.--Section 3543(d) of the Maritime 
     SAFE Act (16 U.S.C. 8013(d)) is amended--
       (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ``as 
     appropriate,''; and
       (2) in paragraph (3), by striking ``as appropriate'' and 
     inserting ``for all priority regions identified by the 
     Working Group''.
       (c) Reports.--Section 3553 of the Maritime SAFE Act (16 
     U.S.C. 8033) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (7), by striking ``and'' after the 
     semicolon;
       (2) in paragraph (8), by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting ``; and''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(9) the status of work with global enforcement 
     partners.''.

     SEC. 5374. TRAINING OF UNITED STATES OBSERVERS.

       Section 403(b) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation 
     and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1881b(b)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (3), by striking ``and'' after the 
     semicolon;
       (2) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (5); and
       (3) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:
       ``(4) ensure that each observer has received training to 
     identify indicators of forced labor (as defined in section 
     5361 of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022) and human 
     trafficking (as defined in section 5361 of the Coast Guard 
     Authorization Act of 2022) and refer this information to 
     appropriate authorities; and''.

     SEC. 5375. REGULATIONS.

       Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the Secretary shall promulgate such regulations as may 
     be necessary to carry out this title.

     SEC. 5376. USE OF DEVICES BROADCASTING ON AIS FOR PURPOSES OF 
                   MARKING FISHING GEAR.

       The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is 
     operating shall, within the Eleventh Coast Guard District. 
     Thirteenth Coast Guard District, Fourteenth Coast Guard 
     District, and Seventeenth Coast Guard District, suspend 
     enforcement of individuals using automatic identification 
     systems devices to mark fishing equipment during the period 
     beginning on the date of enactment of this Act and ending on 
     the earlier of--
       (1) the date that is 2 years after such date of enactment; 
     and
       (2) the date the Federal Communications Commission 
     promulgates a final rule to authorize a device used to mark 
     fishing equipment to operate in radio frequencies assigned 
     for Automatic Identification System stations.

              TITLE LIV--SUPPORT FOR COAST GUARD WORKFORCE

        Subtitle A--Support for Coast Guard Members and Families

     SEC. 5401. COAST GUARD CHILD CARE IMPROVEMENTS.

       (a) Family Discount for Child Development Services.--
     Section 2922(b)(2) of title 14, United States Code, is 
     amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(D) In the case of an active duty member with two or more 
     children attending a Coast Guard child development center, 
     the Commandant may modify the fees to be charged for 
     attendance for the second and any subsequent child of such 
     member by an amount that is 15 percent less than the amount 
     of the fee otherwise chargeable for the attendance of the 
     first such child enrolled at the center, or another fee as 
     the Commandant determines appropriate, consistent with 
     multiple children.''.
       (b) Child Development Center Standards and Inspections.--
     Section 2923(a) of title 14, United States Code, is amended 
     to read as follows:
       ``(a) Standards.--The Commandant shall require each Coast 
     Guard child development center to meet standards of 
     operation--
       ``(1) that the Commandant considers appropriate to ensure 
     the health, safety, and welfare of the children and employees 
     at the center; and
       ``(2) necessary for accreditation by an appropriate 
     national early childhood programs accrediting entity.''.
       (c) Child Care Subsidy Program.--
       (1) Authorization.--
       (A) In general.--Subchapter II of chapter 29 of title 14, 
     United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:

[[Page S5974]]

  


     ``Sec. 2927. Child care subsidy program

       ``(a) Authority.--The Commandant may operate a child care 
     subsidy program to provide financial assistance to eligible 
     providers that provide child care services or youth program 
     services to members of the Coast Guard, members of the Coast 
     Guard with dependents who are participating in the child care 
     subsidy program, and any other individual the Commandant 
     considers appropriate, if--
       ``(1) providing such financial assistance--
       ``(A) is in the best interests of the Coast Guard; and
       ``(B) enables supplementation or expansion of the provision 
     of Coast Guard child care services, while not supplanting or 
     replacing Coast Guard child care services; and
       ``(2) the Commandant ensures, to the extent practicable, 
     that the eligible provider is able to comply, and does 
     comply, with the regulations, policies, and standards 
     applicable to Coast Guard child care services.
       ``(b) Eligible Providers.--A provider of child care 
     services or youth program services is eligible for financial 
     assistance under this section if the provider--
       ``(1) is licensed to provide such services under applicable 
     State and local law;
       ``(2) is registered in an au pair program of the Department 
     of State;
       ``(3) is a family home daycare; or
       ``(4) is a provider of family child care services that--
       ``(A) otherwise provides federally funded or federally 
     sponsored child development services;
       ``(B) provides such services in a child development center 
     owned and operated by a private, not-for-profit organization;
       ``(C) provides a before-school or after-school child care 
     program in a public school facility;
       ``(D) conducts an otherwise federally funded or federally 
     sponsored school-age child care or youth services program;
       ``(E) conducts a school-age child care or youth services 
     program operated by a not-for-profit organization;
       ``(F) provides in-home child care, such as a nanny or an au 
     pair; or
       ``(G) is a provider of another category of child care 
     services or youth program services the Commandant considers 
     appropriate for meeting the needs of members or civilian 
     employees of the Coast Guard.
       ``(c) Funding.--To provide financial assistance under this 
     subsection, the Commandant may use any funds appropriated for 
     the Coast Guard for operation and maintenance.
       ``(d) Direct Payment.--
       ``(1) In general.--In carrying out a child care subsidy 
     program under subsection (a), subject to paragraph (3), the 
     Commandant shall provide financial assistance under the 
     program to an eligible member or individual the Commandant 
     considers appropriate by direct payment to such eligible 
     member or individual through monthly pay, direct deposit, or 
     other direct form of payment.
       ``(2) Policy.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall establish a 
     policy to provide direct payment as described in paragraph 
     (1).
       ``(3) Eligible provider funding continuation.--With the 
     approval of an eligible member or an individual the 
     Commandant considers appropriate, which shall include the 
     written consent of such member or individual, the Commandant 
     may continue to provide financial assistance under the child 
     care subsidy program directly to an eligible provider on 
     behalf of such member or individual.
       ``(4) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this subsection may 
     be construed to affect any preexisting reimbursement 
     arrangement between the Coast Guard and a qualified 
     provider.''.
       (B) Clerical amendment.--The analysis for chapter 29 of 
     title 14, United States Code, is amended by inserting after 
     the item relating to section 2926 the following:

``2927. Child care subsidy program.''.
       (2) Expansion of child care subsidy program.--
       (A) In general.--The Commandant shall--
       (i) evaluate potential eligible uses for the child care 
     subsidy program established under section 2927 of title 14, 
     United States Code (referred to in this paragraph as the 
     ``program''); and
       (ii) expand the eligible uses of funds for the program to 
     accommodate the child care needs of members of the Coast 
     Guard (including such members with nonstandard work hours or 
     surge or other deployment cycles), including by providing 
     funds directly to such members instead of care providers.
       (B) Considerations.--In evaluating potential eligible uses 
     under subparagraph (A), the Commandant shall consider au 
     pairs, nanny services, nanny shares, in-home child care 
     services, care services such as supplemental care for 
     children with disabilities, and any other child care delivery 
     method the Commandant considers appropriate.
       (C) Requirements.--In establishing expanded eligible uses 
     of funds for the program, the Commandant shall ensure that 
     such uses--
       (i) are in the best interests of the Coast Guard;
       (ii) provide flexibility for eligible members and 
     individuals the Commandant considers appropriate, including 
     such members and individuals with nonstandard work hours; and
       (iii) ensure a safe environment for dependents of such 
     members and individuals.
       (D) Publication.--Not later than 18 months after the date 
     of the enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall publish an 
     updated Commandant Instruction Manual (referred to in this 
     paragraph as the ``manual'') that describes the expanded 
     eligible uses of the program.
       (E) Report.--
       (i) In general.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure 
     of the House of Representatives a report outlining the 
     expansion of the program.
       (ii) Elements.--The report required by clause (i) shall 
     include the following:

       (I) An analysis of the considerations described in 
     subparagraph (B).
       (II) A description of the analysis used to identify 
     eligible uses that were evaluated and incorporated into the 
     manual under subparagraph (D).
       (III) A full analysis and justification with respect to the 
     forms of care that were ultimately not included in the 
     manual.
       (IV) Any recommendation with respect to funding or 
     additional authorities necessary, including proposals for 
     legislative change, to meet the current and anticipated 
     future child care subsidy demands of the Coast Guard.

     SEC. 5402. ARMED FORCES ACCESS TO COAST GUARD CHILD CARE 
                   FACILITIES.

       Section 2922(a) of title 14, United States Code, is amended 
     to read as follows:
       ``(a)(1) The Commandant may make child development services 
     available, in such priority as the Commandant considers to be 
     appropriate and consistent with readiness and resources and 
     in the best interests of dependents of members and civilian 
     employees of the Coast Guard, for--
       ``(A) members and civilian employees of the Coast Guard;
       ``(B) surviving dependents of members of the Coast Guard 
     who have died on active duty, if such dependents were 
     beneficiaries of a Coast Guard child development service at 
     the time of the death of such members;
       ``(C) members of the armed forces (as defined in section 
     101 of title 10, United States Code); and
       ``(D) Federal civilian employees.
       ``(2) Child development service benefits provided under the 
     authority of this section shall be in addition to benefits 
     provided under other laws.''.

     SEC. 5403. CADET PREGNANCY POLICY IMPROVEMENTS.

       (a) Regulations Required.--Not later than 18 months after 
     the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the 
     department in which the Coast Guard is operating, in 
     consultation with the Secretary of Defense, shall prescribe 
     regulations that--
       (1) preserve parental guardianship rights of cadets who 
     become pregnant or father a child while attending the Coast 
     Guard Academy; and
       (2) maintain military and academic requirements for 
     graduation and commissioning.
       (b) Briefing.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the department in 
     which the Coast Guard is operating shall provide to the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure 
     of the House of Representatives a briefing on the development 
     of the regulations required by subsection (a).

     SEC. 5404. PILOT PROGRAM FOR FERTILITY TREATMENTS.

       (a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
       (1) Members of the Coast Guard face unique challenges in 
     addressing infertility issues.
       (2) Frequent deployments, dislocation, transfers, and 
     operational tempo impart unique stresses to members of the 
     Coast Guard and their families. The same stressors often 
     disrupt or make fertility treatments impractical or cost 
     prohibitive.
       (3) Only 6 military treatment facilities in the United 
     States offer fertility treatments to members of the Armed 
     Forces.
       (b) Authorization.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall establish a 
     pilot program for all qualified members of the Coast Guard 
     for the purpose of expanding access to fertility treatment 
     centers.
       (2) Inclusions.--The pilot program required by paragraph 
     (1) may expand access to and availability of fertility-
     related medical care and treatments, as determined by the 
     Commandant.
       (3) Consideration of methods to expand access.--As part of 
     the pilot program under this section, the Commandant shall 
     consider methods to expand access to fertility treatments for 
     members of the Coast Guard, including by--
       (A) examining support to improve access to fertility 
     services traditionally considered nonessential and not 
     covered by the TRICARE program (as defined in section 1072(7) 
     of title 10, United States Code), such as medications, 
     reproductive counseling, and other treatments;
       (B) exploring ways to increase access to military treatment 
     facilities that offer assistive reproductive technology 
     services, consistent with--
       (i) the Department of Defense Joint Travel Regulations 
     issued on June 1, 2022; and

[[Page S5975]]

       (ii) the Coast Guard Supplement to the Joint Travel 
     Regulations issued on June 28, 2019;
       (C) developing a process to allow assignment or 
     reassignment of members of the Coast Guard requesting 
     fertility treatments to a location conducive to receiving 
     treatments; and
       (D) in a case in which use of military treatment facilities 
     is not available or practicable, entering into partnerships 
     with private-sector fertility treatment providers; and
       (E) providing flexible working hours, duty schedules, and 
     administrative leave to allow for necessary treatments, 
     appointments, and other services associated with receipt of 
     fertility treatments and associated care.
       (c) Duration.--The duration of the pilot program under 
     subsection (b) shall be not less than 5 years beginning on 
     the date on which the pilot program is established.
       (d) Discharge on District Basis.--The Commandant--
       (1) may carry out the pilot program on a district basis; 
     and
       (2) shall include remote and urban units in the pilot 
     program.

     SEC. 5405. COMBAT-RELATED SPECIAL COMPENSATION.

       (a) Report and Briefing.--Not later than 90 days after the 
     date of the enactment of this Act, and every 180 days 
     thereafter until the date that is 5 years after the date on 
     which the initial report is submitted under this subsection, 
     the Commandant shall submit a report and provide an in-person 
     briefing to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives on the implementation of section 221 of the 
     Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015 (Public Law 114-120; 10 
     U.S.C. 1413a note).
       (b) Elements.--Each report and briefing required by 
     subsection (a) shall include the following:
       (1) A description of methods to educate members and 
     retirees on the combat-related special compensation program.
       (2) Statistics regarding enrollment in such program for 
     members of the Coast Guard and Coast Guard retirees.
       (3) A summary of each of the following:
       (A) Activities carried out relating to the education of 
     members of the Coast Guard participating in the Transition 
     Assistance Program with respect to the combat-related special 
     compensation program.
       (B) Activities carried out relating to the education of 
     members of the Coast Guard who are engaged in missions in 
     which they are susceptible to injuries that may result in 
     qualification for combat-related special compensation, 
     including flight school, the National Motor Lifeboat School, 
     deployable specialized forces, and other training programs as 
     the Commandant considers appropriate.
       (C) Activities carried out relating to training physicians 
     and physician assistants employed by the Coast Guard, or 
     otherwise stationed in Coast Guard clinics, sickbays, or 
     other locations at which medical care is provided to members 
     of the Coast Guard, for the purpose of ensuring, during 
     medical examinations, appropriate counseling and 
     documentation of symptoms, injuries, and the associated 
     incident that resulted in such injuries.
       (D) Activities relating to the notification of heath 
     service officers with respect to the combat-related special 
     compensation program.
       (4) The written guidance provided to members of the Coast 
     Guard regarding necessary recordkeeping to ensure eligibility 
     for benefits under such program.
       (5) Any other matter relating to combat-related special 
     compensation the Commandant considers appropriate.
       (c) Disability Due to Chemical or Hazardous Material 
     Exposure.--Section 221(a)(2) of the Coast Guard 
     Reauthorization Act of 2015 (Public Law 114-120; 10 U.S.C. 
     1413a note) is amended, in the matter preceding subparagraph 
     (A)--
       (1) by striking ``and hazardous'' and inserting 
     ``hazardous''; and
       (2) by inserting ``, or a duty in which chemical or other 
     hazardous material exposure has occurred (such as during 
     marine inspections or pollution response activities)'' after 
     ``surfman)''.

     SEC. 5406. RESTORATION OF AMOUNTS IMPROPERLY WITHHELD FOR TAX 
                   PURPOSES FROM SEVERANCE PAYMENTS TO VETERANS OF 
                   THE COAST GUARD WITH COMBAT-RELATED INJURIES.

       (a) Application to Members of the Coast Guard When the 
     Coast Guard Is Not Operating as a Service in the Department 
     of the Navy.--The Combat-Injured Veterans Tax Fairness Act of 
     2016 (Public Law 114-292; 10 U.S.C. 1212 note) is amended--
       (1) in section 3--
       (A) in subsection (a)--
       (i) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting 
     ``(and the Secretary of Homeland Security, with respect to 
     the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the 
     Department of the Navy, and the Secretary of Transportation, 
     with respect to the Coast Guard during the period in which it 
     was operating as a service in the Department of 
     Transportation), in coordination with the Secretary of the 
     Treasury,'' after ``the Secretary of Defense'';
       (ii) in paragraph (1)(A)--

       (I) in clause (i), by striking ``the Secretary'' and 
     inserting ``the Secretary of Defense (or the Secretary of 
     Homeland Security or the Secretary of Transportation, with 
     respect to the Coast Guard, as applicable)'';
       (II) in clause (ii), by striking ``the Secretary'' and 
     inserting ``the Secretary of Defense (or the Secretary of 
     Homeland Security or the Secretary of Transportation, with 
     respect to the Coast Guard, as applicable)''; and
       (III) in clause (iv), by striking ``the Secretary'' and 
     inserting ``the Secretary of Defense (or the Secretary of 
     Homeland Security or the Secretary of Transportation, with 
     respect to the Coast Guard, as applicable)''; and

       (iii) in paragraph (2), by amending subparagraph (B) to 
     read as follows:
       ``(B) instructions for--
       ``(i) filing amended tax returns to recover the amounts 
     improperly withheld for tax purposes; and
       ``(ii) requesting standard refund amounts described in 
     subsection (b).'';
       (B) by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (c); and
       (C) by inserting after subsection (a) the following:
       ``(b) Standard Refund Amounts Described.--The standard 
     refund amounts described in this subsection are--
       ``(1) $1,750 for tax years 1991 through 2005;
       ``(2) $2,400 for tax years 2006 through 2010; and
       ``(3) $3,200 for tax years 2011 through 2016.'';
       (2) in section 4--
       (A) in the section heading, by inserting ``and the 
     secretary of the department in which the coast guard is 
     operating'' after ``secretary of defense'';
       (B) by inserting ``(and the Secretary of the Department in 
     which the Coast Guard is operating when it is not operating 
     as a service in the Department of the Navy), in coordination 
     with the Secretary of the Treasury,'' after ``The Secretary 
     of Defense''; and
       (C) by striking ``made by the Secretary'' and inserting 
     ``made by the Secretary of Defense (and the Secretary of the 
     Department in which the Coast Guard is operating with respect 
     to the Coast Guard)''; and
       (3) in section 5--
       (A) in subsection (a)--
       (i) by inserting ``(and the Secretary of the Department in 
     which the Coast Guard is operating, with respect to the Coast 
     Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Department 
     of the Navy, and the Secretary of Transportation, with 
     respect to the Coast Guard during the period in which it was 
     operating as a service in the Department of Transportation)'' 
     after ``the Secretary of Defense''; and
       (ii) by striking ``the Secretary to'' and inserting ``the 
     Secretary of Defense (or the Secretary of Homeland Security 
     or the Secretary of Transportation, with respect to the Coast 
     Guard, as applicable) to''; and
       (B) in subsection (b)--
       (i) in paragraph (2), by striking ``the Secretary'' and 
     inserting ``the Secretary of Defense (or the Secretary of 
     Homeland Security or the Secretary of Transportation, with 
     respect to the Coast Guard, as applicable)''; and
       (ii) in paragraph (3), by striking ``the Secretary'' and 
     inserting ``the Secretary of Defense (or the Secretary of 
     Homeland Security, with respect to the Coast Guard when it is 
     not operating as a service in the Department of the Navy)''.
       (b) Deadlines.--
       (1) Identification of amounts improperly withheld and 
     reporting.--The Secretary of Homeland Security and the 
     Secretary of Transportation, in coordination with the 
     Secretary of the Treasury, shall carry out the requirements 
     under--
       (A) section 3(a) of the Combat-Injured Veterans Tax 
     Fairness Act of 2016 (Public Law 114-292; 10 U.S.C. 1212 
     note), as amended by subsection (a)(1)(A), not later than 1 
     year after the date of the enactment of this Act; and
       (B) section 5 of that Act, as amended by subsection (a)(3), 
     not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.
       (2) Ensuring amounts are not improperly withheld.--The 
     Secretary of Homeland Security shall carry out the 
     requirements under section 4 of the Combat-Injured Veterans 
     Tax Fairness Act of 2016 (Public Law 114-292; 10 U.S.C. 1212 
     note), as amended by subsection (a)(2), beginning on the date 
     of the enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 5407. MODIFICATION OF BASIC NEEDS ALLOWANCE FOR MEMBERS 
                   OF THE COAST GUARD.

       (a) In General.--Section 402b of title 37, United States 
     Code, is amended--
       (1) by redesignating subsections (h) through (k) as 
     subsections (i) through (l), respectively; and
       (2) by inserting after subsection (g) the following:
       ``(h) Special Rule for Members of Coast Guard.--
       ``(1) In general.--In the case of a member of the Coast 
     Guard, the Secretary concerned shall--
       ``(A) determine under subsection (f) whether the member is 
     eligible under subsection (b) for the allowance under 
     subsection (a); and
       ``(B) if the Secretary concerned determines a member is 
     eligible for the allowance, pay the allowance to the member 
     unless the member elects not to receive the allowance.
       ``(2) Attestation of income.--A member of the Coast Guard 
     is not required to submit an application under subsection (e) 
     to receive the allowance under subsection (a), but not less 
     frequently than biennially, the member shall submit to the 
     Secretary concerned an

[[Page S5976]]

     attestation that the gross household income of the member 
     does not exceed the amount described in subsection (b)(2).
       ``(3) Electronic process.--The Secretary concerned shall 
     establish an electronic process pursuant to which a member of 
     the Coast Guard may--
       ``(A) elect under paragraph (1)(B) not to receive the 
     allowance; or
       ``(B) submit an attestation under paragraph (2).''.
       (b) Conforming Amendments.--Such section is further 
     amended--
       (1) in subsection (e)--
       (A) in paragraphs (1) and (2), by striking ``A member'' 
     both places it appears and inserting ``Except as provided by 
     subsection (h), a member''; and
       (B) in paragraph (4)(B)--
       (i) by striking ``that the member'' and inserting the 
     following: ``that--
       ``(i) the member'';
       (ii) by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; 
     or''; and
       (iii) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(ii) in the case of a member of the Coast Guard, that the 
     member may receive the allowance as provided by subsection 
     (h).''; and
       (2) in subsection (g)(2), by striking ``A member'' and 
     inserting ``Except as provided by subsection (h), a member''.

     SEC. 5408. STUDY ON FOOD SECURITY.

       (a) Study.--
       (1) In general.--The Commandant shall conduct a study on 
     food insecurity among members of the Coast Guard.
       (2) Elements.--The study required by paragraph (1) shall 
     include the following:
       (A) An analysis of the impact of food deserts on members of 
     the Coast Guard and their dependents who live in areas with 
     high costs of living, including areas with high-density 
     populations and rural areas.
       (B) A comparison of--
       (i) the current method used by the Commandant to determine 
     which areas are considered to be high cost-of-living areas;
       (ii) local-level indicators used by the Bureau of Labor 
     Statistics to determine cost of living that indicate buying 
     power and consumer spending in specific geographic areas; and
       (iii) indicators of cost of living used by the Department 
     of Agriculture in market basket analyses, and other measures 
     of local and regional food costs.
       (C) An assessment of the accuracy of the method and 
     indicators described in subparagraph (B) in quantifying high 
     cost of living in low-data and remote areas.
       (D) An assessment of the manner in which data accuracy and 
     availability affect the accuracy of cost-of-living allowance 
     calculations and other benefits, as the Commandant considers 
     appropriate.
       (E) Recommendations--
       (i) to improve access to high-quality, affordable food 
     within a reasonable distance of Coast Guard units located in 
     areas identified as food deserts;
       (ii) to reduce transit costs for members of the Coast Guard 
     and their dependents who are required to travel to access 
     high-quality, affordable food; and
       (iii) for improving the accuracy of the calculations 
     referred to in subparagraph (D).
       (F) The estimated costs of implementing each recommendation 
     made under subparagraph (E).
       (b) Plan.--
       (1) In general.--The Commandant shall develop a detailed 
     plan to implement the recommendations of the study conducted 
     under subsection (a).
       (2) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall provide to the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure 
     of the House of Representatives a briefing on the plan 
     required by paragraph (1), including the cost of 
     implementation, proposals for legislative change, and any 
     other result of the study the Commandant considers 
     appropriate.
       (c) Food Desert Defined.--In this section, the term ``food 
     desert'' means an area, as determined by the Commandant, in 
     which it is difficult, even with a vehicle or an otherwise-
     available mode of transportation, to obtain affordable, high-
     quality fresh food in the immediate area in which members of 
     the Coast Guard serve and reside.

                         Subtitle B--Healthcare

     SEC. 5421. DEVELOPMENT OF MEDICAL STAFFING STANDARDS FOR THE 
                   COAST GUARD.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Commandant, in consultation 
     with the Defense Health Agency and any healthcare expert the 
     Commandant considers appropriate, shall develop medical 
     staffing standards for the Coast Guard consistent with the 
     recommendations of the Comptroller General of the United 
     States set forth in the report entitled ``Coast Guard Health 
     Care: Improvements Needed for Determining Staffing Needs and 
     Monitoring Access to Care'' published in February 2022.
       (b) Inclusions.--The standards required by subsection (a) 
     shall address and take into consideration the following:
       (1) Current and future operations of healthcare personnel 
     in support of Department of Homeland Security missions, 
     including surge deployments for incident response.
       (2) Staffing standards for specialized providers, such as 
     flight surgeons, dentists, behavioral health specialists, and 
     physical therapists.
       (3) Staffing levels of medical, dental, and behavioral 
     health providers for the Coast Guard who are--
       (A) members of the Coast Guard;
       (B) assigned to the Coast Guard from the Public Health 
     Service;
       (C) Federal civilian employees; or
       (D) contractors hired by the Coast Guard to fill vacancies.
       (4) Staffing levels at medical facilities for Coast Guard 
     units in remote locations.
       (5) Any discrepancy between medical staffing standards of 
     the Department of Defense and medical staffing standards of 
     the Coast Guard.
       (c) Review.--Not later than 90 days after the staffing 
     standards required by subsection (a) are completed, the 
     Commandant shall submit the standards to the Comptroller 
     General, who shall review the standards and provide 
     recommendations to the Commandant.
       (d) Report to Congress.--Not later than 180 days after 
     developing such standards, the Commandant shall submit to the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure 
     of the House of Representatives a report on the standards 
     developed under subsection (a) that includes a plan and a 
     description of the resources and budgetary needs required to 
     implement the standards.
       (e) Modification, Implementation, and Periodic Updates.--
     The Commandant shall--
       (1) modify such standards as necessary based on the 
     recommendations provided under subsection (c);
       (2) implement the standards;
       (3) review and update the standards not less frequently 
     than every 4 years.

     SEC. 5422. HEALTHCARE SYSTEM REVIEW AND STRATEGIC PLAN.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 270 days after the 
     completion of the studies conducted by the Comptroller 
     General of the United States under sections 8259 and 8260 of 
     the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense 
     Authorization Act of Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116-283; 
     134 Stat. 4679), the Commandant shall--
       (1) conduct a comprehensive review of the Coast Guard 
     healthcare system; and
       (2) develop a strategic plan for improvements to, and 
     modernization of, such system to ensure access to high-
     quality, timely healthcare for members of the Coast Guard, 
     their dependents, and applicable Coast Guard retirees.
       (b) Plan.--
       (1) In general.--The strategic plan developed under 
     subsection (a) shall seek--
       (A) to maximize the medical readiness of members of the 
     Coast Guard;
       (B) to optimize delivery of healthcare benefits;
       (C) to ensure high-quality training of Coast Guard medical 
     personnel; and
       (D) to prepare for the future needs of the Coast Guard.
       (2) Elements.--The plan shall address, at a minimum, the 
     following:
       (A) Improving access to healthcare for members of the Coast 
     Guard, their dependents, and applicable Coast Guard retirees.
       (B) Quality of care.
       (C) The experience and satisfaction of members of the Coast 
     Guard and their dependents with the Coast Guard healthcare 
     system.
       (D) The readiness of members of the Coast Guard and Coast 
     Guard medical personnel.
       (c) Advisory Committee.--
       (1) Establishment.--The Commandant shall establish an 
     advisory committee to conduct a comprehensive review of the 
     Coast Guard healthcare system (referred to in this section as 
     the ``Advisory Committee'').
       (2) Membership.--
       (A) Composition.--The Advisory Committee shall be composed 
     of members selected by the Commandant, including--
       (i) 1 or more members of the uniformed services (as defined 
     in section 101 of title 10, United States Code) or Federal 
     employees with expertise in--

       (I) the medical, dental, pharmacy, behavioral health, or 
     reproductive health fields; or
       (II) any other field the Commandant considers appropriate;

       (ii) a representative of the Defense Health Agency; and
       (iii) a medical representative from each Coast Guard 
     district.
       (3) Chairperson.--The chairperson of the Advisory Committee 
     shall be the Director of the Health, Safety, and Work Life 
     Directorate of the Coast Guard.
       (4) Staff.--The Advisory Committee shall be staffed by 
     employees of the Coast Guard.
       (5) Report to commandant.--Not later than 1 year after the 
     Advisory Committee is established, the Advisory Committee 
     shall submit to the Commandant a report that--
       (A) takes into consideration the medical staffing standards 
     developed under section 5421, assesses the recommended 
     medical staffing standards set forth in the Comptroller 
     General study required by section 8260 of the William M. 
     (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for 
     Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116-283; 134 Stat. 4679), and 
     compares such standards to the medical staffing standards of 
     the Department of Defense and the private sector;
       (B) addresses improvements needed to ensure continuity of 
     care for members of the Coast Guard, including by evaluating 
     the feasibility of having a dedicated primary

[[Page S5977]]

     care manager for each such member while the member is 
     stationed at a duty station;
       (C) evaluates the effects of increased surge deployments of 
     medical personnel on staffing needs at Coast Guard clinics;
       (D) identifies ways to improve access to care for members 
     of the Coast Guard and their dependents who are stationed in 
     remote areas, including methods to expand access to providers 
     in the available network;
       (E) identifies ways the Coast Guard may better use 
     Department of Defense Medical Health System resources for 
     members of the Coast Guard, their dependents, and applicable 
     Coast Guard retirees;
       (F) identifies barriers to participation in the Coast Guard 
     healthcare system and ways the Coast Guard may better use 
     patient feedback to improve quality of care at Coast Guard-
     owned facilities, military treatment facilities, and 
     specialist referrals;
       (G) includes recommendations to improve the Coast Guard 
     healthcare system; and
       (H) any other matter the Commandant or the Advisory 
     Committee considers appropriate.
       (d) Report to Congress.--Not later than 2 years after the 
     date of the enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall 
     submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives--
       (1) the strategic plan for the Coast Guard medical system 
     required by subsection (a);
       (2) the report of the Advisory Committee submitted to the 
     Commandant under subsection (c)(5); and
       (3) a description of the manner in which the Commandant 
     plans to implement the recommendations of the Advisory 
     Committee.

     SEC. 5423. DATA COLLECTION AND ACCESS TO CARE.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Commandant, in consultation 
     with the Defense Health Agency and any healthcare expert the 
     Commandant considers appropriate, shall develop a policy to 
     require the collection of data regarding access by members of 
     the Coast Guard and their dependents to medical, dental, and 
     behavioral health care as recommended by the Comptroller 
     General of the United States in the report entitled ``Coast 
     Guard Health Care: Improvements Needed for Determining 
     Staffing Needs and Monitoring Access to Care'' published in 
     February 2022.
       (b) Elements.--The policy required by subsection (a) shall 
     address the following:
       (1) Methods to collect data on access to care for--
       (A) routine annual physical health assessments;
       (B) flight physicals for aviators and prospective aviators;
       (C) sick call;
       (D) injuries;
       (E) dental health; and
       (F) behavioral health conditions.
       (2) Collection of data on access to care for referrals.
       (3) Collection of data on access to care for members of the 
     Coast Guard stationed at remote units, aboard Coast Guard 
     cutters, and on deployments.
       (4) Use of the electronic health record system to improve 
     data collection on access to care.
       (5) Use of data for addressing the standards of care, 
     including time between requests for appointments and actual 
     appointments, including appointments made with referral 
     services.
       (c) Review by Comptroller General.--
       (1) Submission.--Not later than 15 days after the policy is 
     developed under subsection (a), the Commandant shall submit 
     the policy to the Comptroller General of the United States.
       (2) Review.--Not later than 180 days after receiving the 
     policy, the Comptroller General shall review the policy and 
     provide recommendations to the Commandant.
       (3) Modification.--Not later than 60 days after receiving 
     the recommendations of the Comptroller General, the 
     Commandant shall modify the policy as necessary based on such 
     recommendations.
       (d) Publication and Report to Congress.--Not later than 90 
     days after the policy is modified under subsection (c)(3), 
     the Commandant shall--
       (1) publish the policy on a publicly accessible internet 
     website of the Coast Guard; and
       (2) submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives a report on the policy and the manner in 
     which the Commandant plans to address access-to-care 
     deficiencies.
       (e) Periodic Updates.--Not less frequently than every 5 
     years, the Commandant shall review and update the policy.

     SEC. 5424. BEHAVIORAL HEALTH POLICY.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) members of the Coast Guard--
       (A) are exposed to high-risk and often stressful duties; 
     and
       (B) should be encouraged to seek appropriate medical 
     treatment and professional guidance; and
       (2) after treatment for behavioral health conditions, many 
     members of the Coast Guard should be allowed to resume 
     service in the Coast Guard if they--
       (A) are able to do so without persistent duty 
     modifications; and
       (B) do not pose a risk to themselves or other members of 
     the Coast Guard.
       (b) Interim Behavioral Health Policy.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall establish an 
     interim behavioral health policy for members of the Coast 
     Guard that is in parity with section 5.28 (relating to 
     behavioral health) of Department of Defense Instruction 
     6130.03, volume 2, ``Medical Standards for Military Service: 
     Retention''.
       (2) Termination.--The interim policy established under 
     paragraph (1) shall remain in effect until the date on which 
     the Commandant issues a permanent behavioral health policy 
     for members of the Coast Guard.
       (c) Permanent Policy.--In developing a permanent policy 
     with respect to retention and behavioral health, the 
     Commandant shall ensure that, to the extent practicable, the 
     policy of the Coast Guard is in parity with section 5.28 
     (relating to behavioral health) of Department of Defense 
     Instruction 6130.03, volume 2, ``Medical Standards for 
     Military Service: Retention''.

     SEC. 5425. MEMBERS ASSERTING POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER 
                   OR TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY.

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

     ``Sec. 2515. Members asserting post-traumatic stress disorder 
       or traumatic brain injury

       ``(a) Medical Examination Required.--(1) The Secretary 
     shall ensure that a member of the Coast Guard who has 
     performed Coast Guard operations or has been sexually 
     assaulted during the preceding 2-year period, and who is 
     diagnosed by an appropriate licensed or certified healthcare 
     professional as experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder 
     or traumatic brain injury or who otherwise alleges, based on 
     the service of the member or based on such sexual assault, 
     the influence of such a condition, receives a medical 
     examination to evaluate a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress 
     disorder or traumatic brain injury.
       ``(2) A member described in paragraph (1) shall not be 
     administratively separated under conditions other than 
     honorable, including an administrative separation in lieu of 
     court-martial, until the results of the medical examination 
     have been reviewed by appropriate authorities responsible for 
     evaluating, reviewing, and approving the separation case, as 
     determined by the Secretary.
       ``(3)(A) In a case involving post-traumatic stress 
     disorder, the medical examination shall be--
       ``(i) performed by--
       ``(I) a board-certified or board-eligible psychiatrist; or
       ``(II) a licensed doctorate-level psychologist; or
       ``(ii) performed under the close supervision of--
       ``(I) a board-certified or board-eligible psychiatrist; or
       ``(II) a licensed doctorate-level psychologist, a 
     doctorate-level mental health provider, a psychiatry 
     resident, or a clinical or counseling psychologist who has 
     completed a 1-year internship or residency.
       ``(B) In a case involving traumatic brain injury, the 
     medical examination shall be performed by a physiatrist, 
     psychiatrist, neurosurgeon, or neurologist.
       ``(b) Purpose of Medical Examination.--The medical 
     examination required by subsection (a) shall assess whether 
     the effects of mental or neurocognitive disorders, including 
     post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury, 
     constitute matters in extenuation that relate to the basis 
     for administrative separation under conditions other than 
     honorable or the overall characterization of the service of 
     the member as other than honorable.
       ``(c) Inapplicability to Proceedings Under Uniform Code of 
     Military Justice.--The medical examination and procedures 
     required by this section do not apply to courts-martial or 
     other proceedings conducted pursuant to the Uniform Code of 
     Military Justice.
       ``(d) Coast Guard Operations Defined.--In this section, the 
     term `Coast Guard operations' has the meaning given that term 
     in section 888(a) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 
     U.S.C. 468(a)).''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for subchapter I of 
     chapter 25 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by 
     adding at the end the following:

``2515. Members asserting post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic 
              brain injury.''.

     SEC. 5426. IMPROVEMENTS TO THE PHYSICAL DISABILITY EVALUATION 
                   SYSTEM AND TRANSITION PROGRAM.

       (a) Temporary Policy.--Not later than 60 days after the 
     date of the enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall 
     develop a temporary policy that--
       (1) improves timeliness, communication, and outcomes for 
     members of the Coast Guard undergoing the Physical Disability 
     Evaluation System, or a related formal or informal process;
       (2) affords maximum career transition benefits to members 
     of the Coast Guard determined by a Medical Evaluation Board 
     to be unfit for retention in the Coast Guard; and
       (3) maximizes the potential separation and career 
     transition benefits for members of the Coast Guard undergoing 
     the Physical Disability Evaluation System, or a related 
     formal or informal process.

[[Page S5978]]

       (b) Elements.--The policy required by subsection (a) shall 
     include the following:
       (1) A requirement that any member of the Coast Guard who is 
     undergoing the Physical Disability Evaluation System, or a 
     related formal or informal process, shall be placed in a duty 
     status that allows the member the opportunity to attend 
     necessary medical appointments and other activities relating 
     to the Physical Disability Evaluation System, including 
     completion of any application of the Department of Veterans 
     Affairs and career transition planning.
       (2) In the case of a Medical Evaluation Board report that 
     is not completed within 120 days after the date on which an 
     evaluation by the Medical Evaluation Board was initiated, the 
     option for such a member to enter permissive duty status.
       (3) A requirement that the date of initiation of an 
     evaluation by a Medical Evaluation Board shall include the 
     date on which any verbal or written affirmation is made to 
     the member, command, or medical staff that the evaluation by 
     the Medical Evaluation Board has been initiated.
       (4) An option for such member to seek an internship under 
     the SkillBridge program established under section 1143(e) of 
     title 10, United States Code, and outside employment aimed at 
     improving the transition of the member to civilian life, only 
     if such an internship or employment does not interfere with 
     necessary medical appointments required for the member's 
     physical disability evaluation.
       (5) A requirement that not less than 21 days notice shall 
     be provided to such a member for any such medical 
     appointment, to the maximum extent practicable, to ensure 
     that the appointment timeline is in the best interests of the 
     immediate health of the member.
       (6) A requirement that the Coast Guard shall provide such a 
     member with a written separation date upon the completion of 
     a Medical Evaluation Board report that finds the member unfit 
     to continue active duty.
       (7) To provide certainty to such a member with respect to a 
     separation date, a policy that ensures--
       (A) that accountability measures are in place with respect 
     to Coast Guard delays throughout the Physical Disability 
     Evaluation System, including--
       (i) placement of the member in an excess leave status after 
     270 days have elapsed since the date of initiation of an 
     evaluation by a Medical Evaluation Board by any competent 
     authority; and
       (ii) a calculation of the costs to retain the member on 
     active duty, including the pay, allowances, and other 
     associated benefits of the member, for the period beginning 
     on the date that is 90 days after the date of initiation of 
     an evaluation by a Medical Evaluation Board by any competent 
     authority and ending on the date on which the member is 
     separated from the Coast Guard; and
       (B) the availability of administrative solutions to any 
     such delay.
       (8) With respect to a member of the Coast Guard on 
     temporary limited duty status, an option to remain in the 
     member's current billet, to the maximum extent practicable, 
     or to be transferred to a different active-duty billet, so as 
     to minimize any negative impact on the member's career 
     trajectory.
       (9) A requirement that each respective command shall report 
     to the Coast Guard Personnel Service Center any delay of more 
     than 21 days between each stage of the Physical Disability 
     Evaluation System for any such member, including between 
     stages of the processes, the Medical Evaluation Board, the 
     Informal Physical Evaluation Board, and the Formal Physical 
     Evaluation Board.
       (10) A requirement that, not later than 7 days after 
     receipt of a report of a delay described in paragraph (9), 
     the Personnel Service Center shall take corrective action, 
     which shall ensure that the Coast Guard exercises maximum 
     discretion to continue the Physical Disability Evaluation 
     System of such a member in a timely manner, unless such delay 
     is caused by the member.
       (11) A requirement that--
       (A) a member of the Coast Guard shall be allowed to make a 
     request for a reasonable delay in the Physical Disability 
     Evaluation System to obtain additional input and consultation 
     from a medical or legal professional; and
       (B) any such request for delay shall be approved by the 
     Commandant based on a showing of good cause by the member.
       (c) Report on Temporary Policy.--Not later than 60 days 
     after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commandant 
     shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives a copy of the policy developed under 
     subsection (a).
       (d) Permanent Policy.--Not later than 180 days after the 
     date of the enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall 
     publish a Commandant Instruction making the policy developed 
     under subsection (a) a permanent policy of the Coast Guard.
       (e) Briefing.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall provide to the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure 
     of the House of Representatives a briefing on, and a copy of, 
     the permanent policy.
       (f) Annual Report on Costs.--
       (1) In general.--Not less frequently than annually, the 
     Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee 
     on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives a report that, for the preceding fiscal 
     year--
       (A) details the total aggregate service-wide costs 
     described in subsection (b)(7)(A)(ii) for members of the 
     Coast Guard whose Physical Disability Evaluation System 
     process has exceeded 90 days; and
       (B) includes for each such member--
       (i) an accounting of such costs; and
       (ii) the number of days that elapsed between the initiation 
     and completion of the Physical Disability Evaluation System 
     process.
       (2) Personally identifiable information.--A report under 
     paragraph (1) shall not include the personally identifiable 
     information of any member of the Coast Guard.

     SEC. 5427. EXPANSION OF ACCESS TO COUNSELING.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall hire, train, 
     and deploy not fewer than an additional 5 behavioral health 
     specialists.
       (b) Requirement.--Through the hiring process required by 
     subsection (a), the Commandant shall ensure that at least 35 
     percent of behavioral health specialists employed by the 
     Coast Guard have experience in behavioral healthcare for the 
     purpose of supporting members of the Coast Guard with 
     fertility, infertility, pregnancy, miscarriage, child loss, 
     postpartum depression, and related counseling needs.
       (c) Accessibility.--The support provided by the behavioral 
     health specialists described in subsection (a)--
       (1) may include care delivered via telemedicine; and
       (2) shall be made widely available to members of the Coast 
     Guard.
       (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--Of the amounts 
     authorized to be appropriated under section 4902(1)(A) of 
     title 14, United States Code, as amended by section 5101 of 
     this Act, $2,000,000 shall be made available to the 
     Commandant for each of fiscal years 2023 and 2024 to carry 
     out this section.

     SEC. 5428. EXPANSION OF POSTGRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR 
                   MEMBERS OF THE COAST GUARD IN MEDICAL AND 
                   RELATED FIELDS.

       (a) In General.--The Commandant shall expand opportunities 
     for members of the Coast Guard to secure postgraduate degrees 
     in medical and related professional disciplines for the 
     purpose of supporting Coast Guard clinics and operations.
       (b) Military Training Student Loads.--Section 4904(b)(3) of 
     title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking ``350'' 
     and inserting ``385''.

     SEC. 5429. STUDY ON COAST GUARD TELEMEDICINE PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the 
     United States shall commence a study on the Coast Guard 
     telemedicine program.
       (b) Elements.--The study required by subsection (a) shall 
     include the following:
       (1) An assessment of--
       (A) the current capabilities and limitations of the Coast 
     Guard telemedicine program;
       (B) the degree of integration of such program with existing 
     electronic health records;
       (C) the capability and accessibility of such program, as 
     compared to the capability and accessibility of the 
     telemedicine programs of the Department of Defense and 
     commercial medical providers;
       (D) the manner in which the Coast Guard telemedicine 
     program may be expanded to provide better clinical and 
     behavioral medical services to members of the Coast Guard, 
     including such members stationed at remote units or onboard 
     Coast Guard cutters at sea; and
       (E) the costs savings associated with the provision of--
       (i) care through telemedicine; and
       (ii) preventative care.
       (2) An identification of barriers to full use or expansion 
     of such program.
       (3) A description of the resources necessary to expand such 
     program to its full capability.
       (c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after commencing the 
     study required by subsection (a), the Comptroller General 
     shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives a report on the findings of the study.

     SEC. 5430. STUDY ON COAST GUARD MEDICAL FACILITIES NEEDS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 270 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the 
     United States shall commence a study on Coast Guard medical 
     facilities needs.
       (b) Elements.--The study required by subsection (a) shall 
     include the following:
       (1) A current list of Coast Guard medical facilities, 
     including clinics, sickbays, and shipboard facilities.
       (2) A summary of capital needs for Coast Guard medical 
     facilities, including construction and repair.
       (3) A summary of equipment upgrade backlogs of Coast Guard 
     medical facilities.
       (4) An assessment of improvements to Coast Guard medical 
     facilities, including improvements to IT infrastructure, 
     required to enable the Coast Guard to fully use telemedicine 
     and implement other modernization initiatives.

[[Page S5979]]

       (5) An evaluation of the process used by the Coast Guard to 
     identify, monitor, and construct Coast Guard medical 
     facilities.
       (6) A description of the resources necessary to fully 
     address all Coast Guard medical facilities needs.
       (c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after commencing the 
     study required by subsection (a), the Comptroller General 
     shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives a report on the findings of the study.

                          Subtitle C--Housing

     SEC. 5441. STRATEGY TO IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE AT REMOTE 
                   UNITS.

       (a) In General.--Not more than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall develop a 
     strategy to improve the quality of life for members of the 
     Coast Guard and their dependents who are stationed in remote 
     units.
       (b) Elements.--The strategy required by subsection (a) 
     shall address the following:
       (1) Methods to improve the availability or affordability of 
     housing options for members of the Coast Guard and their 
     dependents through--
       (A) Coast Guard-owned housing;
       (B) Coast Guard-facilitated housing; or
       (C) basic allowance for housing adjustments to rates that 
     are more competitive for members of the Coast Guard seeking 
     privately owned or privately rented housing.
       (2) Methods to improve access by members of the Coast Guard 
     and their dependents to--
       (A) medical, dental, and pediatric care;
       (B) healthcare specific to women; and
       (C) behavioral health care.
       (3) Methods to increase access to child care services, 
     including recommendations for increasing child care capacity 
     and opportunities for care within the Coast Guard and in the 
     private sector.
       (4) Methods to improve non-Coast Guard network internet 
     access at remote units--
       (A) to improve communications between families and members 
     of the Coast Guard on active duty; and
       (B) for other purposes such as education and training.
       (5) Methods to support spouses and dependents who face 
     challenges specific to remote locations.
       (6) Any other matter the Commandant considers appropriate.
       (c) Briefing.--Not later than 180 days after the strategy 
     required by subsection (a) is completed, the Commandant shall 
     provide to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives a briefing on the strategy.
       (d) Remote Unit Defined.--In this section, the term 
     ``remote unit'' means a unit located in an area in which 
     members of the Coast Guard and their dependents are eligible 
     for TRICARE Prime Remote.

     SEC. 5442. STUDY ON COAST GUARD HOUSING ACCESS, COST, AND 
                   CHALLENGES.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the 
     United States shall commence a study on housing access, cost, 
     and associated challenges facing members of the Coast Guard.
       (b) Elements.--The study required by subsection (a) shall 
     include the following:
       (1) An assessment of--
       (A) the extent to which--
       (i) the Commandant has evaluated the sufficiency, 
     availability, and affordability of housing options for 
     members of the Coast Guard and their dependents; and
       (ii) the Coast Guard owns and leases housing for members of 
     the Coast Guard and their dependents;
       (B) the methods used by the Commandant to manage housing 
     data, and the manner in which the Commandant uses such data--
       (i) to inform Coast Guard housing policy; and
       (ii) to guide investments in Coast Guard-owned housing 
     capacity and other investments in housing, such as long-term 
     leases and other options; and
       (C) the process used by the Commandant to gather and 
     provide information used to calculate housing allowances for 
     members of the Coast Guard and their dependents, including 
     whether the Commandant has established best practices to 
     manage low-data areas.
       (2) An assessment as to whether it is advantageous for the 
     Coast Guard to continue to use the Department of Defense 
     basic allowance for housing system.
       (3) Recommendations for actions the Commandant should take 
     to improve the availability and affordability of housing for 
     members of the Coast Guard and their dependents who are 
     stationed in--
       (A) remote units located in areas in which members of the 
     Coast Guard and their dependents are eligible for TRICARE 
     Prime Remote; or
       (B) units located in areas with a high number of vacation 
     rental properties.
       (c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after commencing the 
     study required by subsection (a), the Comptroller General 
     shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives a report on the findings of the study.
       (d) Strategy.--Not later than 180 days after the submission 
     of the report required by subsection (c), the Commandant 
     shall publish a Coast Guard housing strategy that addresses 
     the findings set forth in the report, which shall, at a 
     minimum--
       (1) address housing inventory shortages and affordability; 
     and
       (2) include a Coast Guard-owned housing infrastructure 
     investment prioritization plan.

     SEC. 5443. AUDIT OF CERTAIN MILITARY HOUSING CONDITIONS OF 
                   ENLISTED MEMBERS OF THE COAST GUARD IN KEY 
                   WEST, FLORIDA.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 30 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Commandant, in coordination 
     with the Secretary of the Navy, shall commence the conduct of 
     an audit to assess--
       (1) the conditions of housing units of enlisted members of 
     the Coast Guard located at Naval Air Station Key West Sigsbee 
     Park Annex;
       (2) the percentage of those units that are considered 
     unsafe or unhealthy housing units for enlisted members of the 
     Coast Guard and their families;
       (3) the process used by enlisted members of the Coast Guard 
     and their families to report housing concerns;
       (4) the extent to which enlisted members of the Coast Guard 
     and their families who experience unsafe or unhealthy housing 
     units incur relocation, per diem, or similar expenses as a 
     direct result of displacement that are not covered by a 
     landlord, insurance, or claims process and the feasibility of 
     providing reimbursement for uncovered expenses; and
       (5) what is needed to provide appropriate and safe living 
     quarters for enlisted members of the Coast Guard and their 
     families in Key West, Florida.
       (b) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the commencement 
     of the audit under subsection (a), the Commandant shall 
     submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on 
     the results of the audit.
       (c) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term 
     ``appropriate committees of Congress'' means--
       (A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation 
     and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental 
     Affairs of the Senate; and
       (B) the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and 
     the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of 
     Representatives.
       (2) Privatized military housing.--The term ``privatized 
     military housing'' means military housing provided under 
     subchapter IV of chapter 169 of title 10, United States Code.
       (3) Unsafe or unhealthy housing unit.--The term ``unsafe or 
     unhealthy housing unit'' means a unit of privatized military 
     housing in which is present, at levels exceeding national 
     standards or guidelines, at least one of the following 
     hazards:
       (A) Physiological hazards, including the following:
       (i) Dampness or microbial growth.
       (ii) Lead-based paint.
       (iii) Asbestos or manmade fibers.
       (iv) Ionizing radiation.
       (v) Biocides.
       (vi) Carbon monoxide.
       (vii) Volatile organic compounds.
       (viii) Infectious agents.
       (ix) Fine particulate matter.
       (B) Psychological hazards, including the following:
       (i) Ease of access by unlawful intruders.
       (ii) Lighting issues.
       (iii) Poor ventilation.
       (iv) Safety hazards.
       (v) Other hazards similar to the hazards specified in 
     clauses (i) through (iv).

     SEC. 5444. STUDY ON COAST GUARD HOUSING AUTHORITIES AND 
                   PRIVATIZED HOUSING.

       (a) Study.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the 
     United States shall commence a study--
       (A) to evaluate the authorities of the Coast Guard relating 
     to construction, operation, and maintenance of housing 
     provided to members of the Coast Guard and their dependents; 
     and
       (B) to assess other options to meet Coast Guard housing 
     needs in rural and urban housing markets, including public-
     private partnerships, long-term lease agreements, privately 
     owned housing, and any other housing option the Comptroller 
     General identifies.
       (2) Elements.--The study required by paragraph (1) shall 
     include the following:
       (A) A review of authorities, regulations, and policies 
     available to the Secretary of the department in which the 
     Coast Guard is operating (referred to in this section as the 
     ``Secretary'') with respect to construction, maintenance, and 
     operation of housing for members of the Coast Guard and their 
     dependents, including unaccompanied member housing, that 
     considers--
       (i) housing that is owned and operated by the Coast Guard;
       (ii) long-term leasing or extended-rental housing;
       (iii) public-private partnerships or other privatized 
     housing options for which the Secretary may enter into 1 or 
     more contracts with a private entity to build, maintain, and 
     operate privatized housing for members of the Coast Guard and 
     their dependents;

[[Page S5980]]

       (iv) on-installation and off-installation housing options, 
     and the availability of, and authorities relating to, such 
     options; and
       (v) housing availability near Coast Guard units, readiness 
     needs, and safety.
       (B) A review of the housing-related authorities, 
     regulations, and policies available to the Secretary of 
     Defense, and an identification of the differences between 
     such authorities afforded to the Secretary of Defense and the 
     housing-related authorities, regulations, and policies 
     afforded to the Secretary.
       (C) A description of lessons learned or recommendations for 
     the Coast Guard based on the use by the Department of Defense 
     of privatized housing, including the recommendations set 
     forth in the report of the Government Accountability Office 
     entitled ``Privatized Military Housing: Update on DOD's 
     Efforts to Address Oversight Challenges'' (GAO-22-105866), 
     issued in March 2022.
       (D) An assessment of the extent to which the Secretary has 
     used the authorities provided in subchapter IV of chapter 169 
     of title 10, United States Code.
       (E) An analysis of immediate and long-term costs associated 
     with housing owned and operated by the Coast Guard, as 
     compared to opportunities for long-term leases, private 
     housing, and other public-private partnerships in urban and 
     remote locations.
       (b) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit 
     to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the 
     results of the study conducted under subsection (a).
       (c) Briefing.--Not later than 180 days after the date on 
     which the report required by subsection (b) is submitted, the 
     Commandant or the Secretary shall provide a briefing to the 
     appropriate committees of Congress on--
       (1) the actions the Commandant has, or has not, taken with 
     respect to the results of the study;
       (2) a plan for addressing areas identified in the report 
     that present opportunities for improving the housing options 
     available to members of the Coast Guard and their dependents; 
     and
       (3) the need for, or potential manner of use of, any 
     authorities the Coast Guard does not have with respect to 
     housing, as compared to the Department of Defense.
       (d) Appropriate Committees of Congress.--In this section, 
     the term ``appropriate committees of Congress'' means the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure 
     of the House of Representatives.

                       Subtitle D--Other Matters

     SEC. 5451. REPORT ON AVAILABILITY OF EMERGENCY SUPPLIES FOR 
                   COAST GUARD PERSONNEL.

       (a) In General.--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 Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee 
     on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives a report on the availability of appropriate 
     emergency supplies at Coast Guard units.
       (b) Elements.--The report required by subsection (a) shall 
     include the following:
       (1) An assessment of the extent to which--
       (A) the Commandant ensures that Coast Guard units assess 
     risks and plan accordingly to obtain and maintain appropriate 
     emergency supplies; and
       (B) Coast Guard units have emergency food and water 
     supplies available according to local emergency preparedness 
     needs.
       (2) A description of any challenge the Commandant faces in 
     planning for and maintaining adequate emergency supplies for 
     Coast Guard personnel.
       (c) Publication.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
     submission of the report required by subsection (a), the 
     Commandant shall publish a strategy and recommendations in 
     response to the report that includes--
       (1) a plan for improving emergency preparedness and 
     emergency supplies for Coast Guard units; and
       (2) a process for periodic review and engagement with Coast 
     Guard units to ensure emerging emergency response supply 
     needs are achieved and maintained.

                           TITLE LV--MARITIME

                       Subtitle A--Vessel Safety

     SEC. 5501. ABANDONED SEAFARERS FUND AMENDMENTS.

       Section 11113(c) of title 46, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) of paragraph 
     (1), by inserting ``plus a surcharge of 25 percent of such 
     total amount'' after ``seafarer''; and
       (2) by striking paragraph (4).

     SEC. 5502. RECEIPTS; INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS FOR ICE PATROL 
                   SERVICES.

       Section 80301(c) of title 46, United States Code, is 
     amended by striking the period at the end and inserting ``and 
     subject to appropriations shall be available until expended 
     for the purpose of the Coast Guard international ice patrol 
     program.''.

     SEC. 5503. PASSENGER VESSEL SECURITY AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS.

       Notwithstanding any other provision of law, requirements 
     authorized under sections 3509 of title 46, United States 
     Code, shall not apply to any passenger vessel, as defined in 
     section 2101 of such title, that--
       (1) carries in excess of 250 passengers; and
       (2) is, or was, in operation in the internal waters of the 
     United States on voyages inside the Boundary Line, as defined 
     in section 103 of such title, on or before July 27, 2030.

     SEC. 5504. AT-SEA RECOVERY OPERATIONS PILOT PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary shall conduct a pilot 
     program to evaluate the potential use of remotely controlled 
     or autonomous operation and monitoring of certain vessels for 
     the purposes of--
       (1) better understanding the complexities of such at-sea 
     operations and potential risks to navigation safety, vessel 
     security, maritime workers, the public, and the environment;
       (2) gathering observational and performance data from 
     monitoring the use of remotely-controlled or autonomous 
     vessels; and
       (3) assessing and evaluating regulatory requirements 
     necessary to guide the development of future occurrences of 
     such operations and monitoring activities.
       (b) Duration and Effective Date.--The duration of the pilot 
     program established under this section shall be not more than 
     5 years beginning on the date on which the pilot program is 
     established, which shall be not later than 180 days after the 
     date of enactment of this Act.
       (c) Authorized Activities.--The activities authorized under 
     this section include--
       (1) remote over-the-horizon monitoring operations related 
     to the active at-sea recovery of spaceflight components on an 
     unmanned vessel or platform;
       (2) procedures for the unaccompanied operation and 
     monitoring of an unmanned spaceflight recovery vessel or 
     platform; and
       (3) unmanned vessel transits and testing operations without 
     a physical tow line related to space launch and recovery 
     operations, except within 12 nautical miles of a port.
       (d) Interim Authority.--In recognition of potential risks 
     to navigation safety, vessel security, maritime workers, the 
     public, and the environment, and the unique circumstances 
     requiring the use of remotely operated or autonomous vessels, 
     the Secretary, in the pilot program established under 
     subsection (a), may--
       (1) allow remotely controlled or autonomous vessel 
     operations to proceed consistent to the extent practicable 
     under titles 33 and 46 of the United States Code, including 
     navigation and manning laws and regulations;
       (2) modify or waive applicable regulations and guidance as 
     the Secretary considers appropriate to--
       (A) allow remote and autonomous vessel at-sea operations 
     and activities to occur while ensuring navigation safety; and
       (B) ensure the reliable, safe, and secure operation of 
     remotely-controlled or autonomous vessels; and
       (3) require each remotely operated or autonomous vessel to 
     be at all times under the supervision of 1 or more 
     individuals--
       (A) holding a merchant mariner credential which is suitable 
     to the satisfaction of the Coast Guard; and
       (B) who shall practice due regard for the safety of 
     navigation of the autonomous vessel, to include collision 
     avoidance.
       (e) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
     construed to authorize the Secretary to--
       (1) permit foreign vessels to participate in the pilot 
     program established under subsection (a);
       (2) waive or modify applicable laws and regulations under 
     titles 33 and 46 of the United States Code, except to the 
     extent authorized under subsection (d)(2); or
       (3) waive or modify any regulations arising under 
     international conventions.
       (f) Savings Provision.--Nothing in this section may be 
     construed to authorize the employment in the coastwise trade 
     of a vessel or platform that does not meet the requirements 
     of sections 12112, 55102, 55103, and 55111 of title 46, 
     United States Code.
       (g) Briefings.--The Secretary or the designee of the 
     Secretary shall brief the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives on the program established under subsection 
     (a) on a quarterly basis.
       (h) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the expiration 
     of the pilot program established under subsection (a), the 
     Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
     and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives a final report regarding an assessment of the 
     execution of the pilot program and implications for 
     maintaining navigation safety, the safety of maritime 
     workers, and the preservation of the environment.
       (i) GAO Report.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
     enactment of this section, the Comptroller General of the 
     United States shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee 
     on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives a report on the state of autonomous and 
     remote technologies in the operation of shipboard equipment 
     and the safe and secure navigation of vessels in Federal 
     waters of the United States.
       (2) Elements.--The report required under paragraph (1) 
     shall include the following:
       (A) An assessment of commercially available autonomous and 
     remote technologies in

[[Page S5981]]

     the operation of shipboard equipment and the safe and secure 
     navigation of vessels during the 10 years immediately 
     preceding the date of the report.
       (B) An analysis of the safety, physical security, 
     cybersecurity, and collision avoidance risks and benefits 
     associated with autonomous and remote technologies in the 
     operation of shipboard equipment and the safe and secure 
     navigation of vessels, including environmental 
     considerations.
       (C) An assessment of the impact of such autonomous and 
     remote technologies, and all associated technologies, on 
     labor, including--
       (i) roles for credentialed and noncredentialed workers 
     regarding such autonomous, remote, and associated 
     technologies; and
       (ii) training and workforce development needs associated 
     with such technologies.
       (D) An assessment and evaluation of regulatory requirements 
     necessary to guide the development of future autonomous, 
     remote, and associated technologies in the operation of 
     shipboard equipment and safe and secure navigation of 
     vessels.
       (E) An assessment of the extent to which such technologies 
     are being used in other countries and how such countries have 
     regulated such technologies.
       (F) Recommendations regarding authorization, 
     infrastructure, and other requirements necessary for the 
     implementation of such technologies in the United States.
       (3) Consultation.--The report required under paragraph (1) 
     shall include, at a minimum, consultation with the maritime 
     industry including--
       (A) vessel operators, including commercial carriers, 
     entities engaged in exploring for, developing, or producing 
     resources, including non-mineral energy resources in its 
     offshore areas, and supporting entities in the maritime 
     industry;
       (B) shipboard personnel impacted by any change to 
     autonomous vessel operations, in order to assess the various 
     benefits and risks associated with the implementation of 
     autonomous, remote, and associated technologies in the 
     operation of shipboard equipment and safe and secure 
     navigation of vessels and the impact such technologies would 
     have on maritime jobs and maritime manpower; and
       (C) relevant federally funded research institutions, non-
     governmental organizations, and academia.
       (j) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Merchant mariner credential.--The term ``merchant 
     mariner credential'' means a merchant mariner license, 
     certificate, or document that the Secretary is authorized to 
     issue pursuant to title 46, United States Code.
       (2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating.

     SEC. 5505. EXONERATION AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR SMALL 
                   PASSENGER VESSELS.

       (a) Restructuring.--Chapter 305 of title 46, United States 
     Code, is amended--
       (1) by inserting before section 30501 the following:

                 ``Subchapter I--General Provisions'';

       (2) by inserting before section 30503 the following:

      ``Subchapter II--Exoneration and Limitation of Liability'';

     and
       (3) by redesignating sections 30503 through 30512 as 
     sections 30521 through 30530, respectively.
       (b) Definitions.--Section 30501 of title 46, United States 
     Code, is amended to read as follows:

     ``Sec. 30501. Definitions

       ``In this chapter:
       ``(1) Covered small passenger vessel.--The term `covered 
     small passenger vessel'--
       ``(A) means a small passenger vessel, as defined in section 
     2101, that is--
       ``(i) not a wing-in-ground craft; and
       ``(ii) carrying--

       ``(I) not more than 49 passengers on an overnight domestic 
     voyage; and
       ``(II) not more than 150 passengers on any voyage that is 
     not an overnight domestic voyage; and

       ``(B) includes any wooden vessel constructed prior to March 
     11, 1996, carrying at least 1 passenger for hire.
       ``(2) Owner.--The term `owner' includes a charterer that 
     mans, supplies, and navigates a vessel at the charterer's own 
     expense or by the charterer's own procurement.''.
       (c) Applicability.--Section 30502 of title 46, United 
     States Code, is amended--
       (1) by striking ``Except as otherwise provided'' and 
     inserting the following: ``(a) In General.--Except as to 
     covered small passenger vessels and as otherwise provided'';
       (2) by striking ``section 30503'' and inserting ``section 
     30521''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(b) Application.--Notwithstanding subsection (a), the 
     requirements of section 30526 of this title shall apply to 
     covered small passenger vessels.''.
       (d) Provisions Requiring Notice of Claim or Limiting Time 
     for Bringing Action.--Section 30526 of title 46, United 
     States Code, as redesignated by subsection (a), is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a), by inserting ``and covered small 
     passenger vessels'' after ``seagoing vessels''; and
       (2) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``6 months'' and 
     inserting ``2 years''; and
       (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``one year'' and 
     inserting ``2 years''.
       (e) Chapter Analysis.--The analysis for chapter 305 of 
     title 46, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) by inserting before the item relating to section 30501 
     the following:

                 ``subchapter i--general provisions'';

       (2) by inserting after the item relating to section 30502 
     the following:

      ``subchapter ii--exoneration and limitation of liability'';

       (3) by striking the item relating to section 30501 and 
     inserting the following:

``30501. Definitions.'';
     and
       (4) by redesignating the items relating to sections 30503 
     through 30512 as items relating to sections 30521 through 
     30530, respectively.
       (f) Conforming Amendments.--Title 46, United States Code, 
     is further amended--
       (1) in section 14305(a)(5), by striking ``section 30506'' 
     and inserting ``section 30524'';
       (2) in section 30523(a), as redesignated by subsection (a), 
     by striking ``section 30506'' and inserting ``section 
     30524'';
       (3) in section 30524(b), as redesignated by subsection (a), 
     by striking ``section 30505'' and inserting ``section 
     30523''; and
       (4) in section 30525, as redesignated by subsection (a)--
       (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 
     ``sections 30505 and 30506'' and inserting ``sections 30523 
     and 30524'';
       (B) in paragraph (1), by striking ``section 30505'' and 
     inserting ``section 30523''; and
       (C) in paragraph (2), by striking ``section 30506(b)'' and 
     inserting ``section 30524(b)''.

     SEC. 5506. MORATORIUM ON TOWING VESSEL INSPECTION USER FEES.

       Notwithstanding section 9701 of title 31, United States 
     Code, and section 2110 of title 46 of such Code, the 
     Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is 
     operating may not charge an inspection fee for a towing 
     vessel that has a certificate of inspection issued under 
     subchapter M of chapter I of title 46, Code of Federal 
     Regulations (or any successor regulation), and that uses the 
     Towing Safety Management System option for compliance with 
     such subchapter, until--
       (1) the completion of the review required under section 815 
     of the Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018 
     (14 U.S.C. 946 note; Public Law 115-282); and
       (2) the promulgation of regulations to establish specific 
     inspection fees for such vessels.

     SEC. 5507. CERTAIN HISTORIC PASSENGER VESSELS.

       (a) Report on Covered Historic Vessels.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United 
     States shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
     and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives a report evaluating the practicability of the 
     application of section 3306(n)(3)(A)(v) of title 46, United 
     States Code, to covered historic vessels.
       (2) Elements.--The report required under paragraph (1) 
     shall include the following:
       (A) An assessment of the compliance, as of the date on 
     which the report is submitted in accordance with paragraph 
     (1), of covered historic vessels with section 
     3306(n)(3)(A)(v) of title 46, United States Code.
       (B) An assessment of the safety record of covered historic 
     vessels.
       (C) An assessment of the risk, if any, that modifying the 
     requirements under section 3306(n)(3)(A)(v) of title 46, 
     United States Code, would have on the safety of passengers 
     and crew of covered historic vessels.
       (D) An evaluation of the economic practicability of the 
     compliance of covered historic vessels with such section 
     3306(n)(3)(A)(v) and whether that compliance would 
     meaningfully improve safety of passengers and crew in a 
     manner that is both feasible and economically practicable.
       (E) Any recommendations to improve safety in addition to, 
     or in lieu of, such section 3306(n)(3)(A)(v).
       (F) Any other recommendations as the Comptroller General 
     determines are appropriate with respect to the applicability 
     of such section 3306(n)(3)(A)(v) to covered historic vessels.
       (G) An assessment to determine if covered historic vessels 
     could be provided an exemption to such section 
     3306(n)(3)(A)(v) and what changes to legislative or 
     rulemaking requirements, including modifications to section 
     177.500(q) of title 46, Code of Federal Regulations (as in 
     effect on the date of enactment of this Act), are necessary 
     to provide the Commandant the authority to make such 
     exemption or to otherwise provide for such exemption.
       (b) Consultation.--In completing the report required under 
     subsection (a)(1), the Comptroller General may consult with--
       (1) the National Transportation Safety Board;
       (2) the Coast Guard; and
       (3) the maritime industry, including relevant federally 
     funded research institutions, nongovernmental organizations, 
     and academia.
       (c) Extension for Covered Historic Vessels.--The captain of 
     a port may waive the requirements of section 3306(n)(3)(A)(v) 
     of title 46, United States Code, with respect to covered 
     historic vessels for not more than 2

[[Page S5982]]

     years after the date of submission of the report required by 
     subsection (a) to Congress in accordance with such 
     subsection.
       (d) Savings Clause.--Nothing in this section shall limit 
     any authority available, as of the date of enactment of this 
     Act, to the captain of a port with respect to safety measures 
     or any other authority as necessary for the safety of covered 
     historic vessels.
       (e) Notice to Passengers.--A covered historic vessel that 
     receives a waiver under subsection (c) shall, beginning on 
     the date on which the requirements under section 
     3306(n)(3)(A)(v) of title 46, United States Code, take 
     effect, provide a prominently displayed notice on its 
     website, ticket counter, and each ticket for passengers that 
     the vessel is exempt from meeting the Coast Guard safety 
     compliance standards concerning egress as provided for under 
     such section 3306(n)(3)(A)(v).
       (f) Definition of Covered Historic Vessels.--In this 
     section, the term ``covered historic vessels'' means the 
     following:
       (1) American Eagle (Official Number 229913).
       (2) Angelique (Official Number 623562).
       (3) Heritage (Official Number 649561).
       (4) J & E Riggin (Official Number 226422).
       (5) Ladona (Official Number 222228).
       (6) Lewis R. French (Official Number 015801).
       (7) Mary Day (Official Number 288714).
       (8) Stephen Taber (Official Number 115409).
       (9) Victory Chimes (Official Number 136784).
       (10) Grace Bailey (Official Number 085754).
       (11) Mercantile (Official Number 214388).
       (12) Mistress (Official Number 509004).

     SEC. 5508. COAST GUARD DIGITAL REGISTRATION.

       Section 12304(a) of title 46, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (1) by striking ``shall be pocketsized,''; and
       (2) by striking ``, and may be valid'' and inserting ``and 
     may be in hard copy or digital form. The certificate shall be 
     valid''.

     SEC. 5509. RESPONSES TO SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS.

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

     ``Sec. 721. Responses to safety recommendations

       ``(a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the 
     submission to the Commandant of a recommendation and 
     supporting justification by the National Transportation 
     Safety Board relating to transportation safety, the 
     Commandant shall submit to the National Transportation Safety 
     Board a written response to the recommendation, which shall 
     include whether the Commandant--
       ``(1) concurs with the recommendation;
       ``(2) partially concurs with the recommendation; or
       ``(3) does not concur with the recommendation.
       ``(b) Explanation of Concurrence.--A response under 
     subsection (a) shall include--
       ``(1) with respect to a recommendation with which the 
     Commandant concurs, an explanation of the actions the 
     Commandant intends to take to implement such recommendation;
       ``(2) with respect to a recommendation with which the 
     Commandant partially concurs, an explanation of the actions 
     the Commandant intends to take to implement the portion of 
     such recommendation with which the Commandant partially 
     concurs; and
       ``(3) with respect to a recommendation with which the 
     Commandant does not concur, the reasons the Commandant does 
     not concur.
       ``(c) Failure To Respond.--If the National Transportation 
     Safety Board has not received the written response required 
     under subsection (a) by the end of the time period described 
     in that subsection, the National Transportation Safety Board 
     shall notify the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives that such response has not been received.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 7 of 
     title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end 
     the following:

``721. Responses to safety recommendations.''.

     SEC. 5510. COMPTROLLER GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES STUDY AND 
                   REPORT ON THE COAST GUARD'S OVERSIGHT OF THIRD 
                   PARTY ORGANIZATIONS.

       (a) In General.--The Comptroller General of the United 
     States shall initiate a review, not later than 1 year after 
     the date of enactment of this Act, that assesses the Coast 
     Guard's oversight of third party organizations.
       (b) Elements.--The study required under subsection (a) 
     shall analyze the following:
       (1) Coast Guard utilization of third party organizations in 
     its prevention mission, and the extent the Coast Guard plans 
     to increase such use to enhance prevention mission 
     performance, including resource utilization and specialized 
     expertise.
       (2) The extent the Coast Guard has assessed the potential 
     risks and benefits of using third party organizations to 
     support prevention mission activities.
       (3) The extent the Coast Guard provides oversight of third 
     party organizations authorized to support prevention mission 
     activities.
       (c) Report.--The Comptroller General shall submit the 
     results from this study not later than 1 year after 
     initiating the review to the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
     and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives.

     SEC. 5511. ARTICULATED TUG-BARGE MANNING.

       (a) In General.--Notwithstanding the watch setting 
     requirements set forth in section 8104 of title 46, United 
     States Code, the Secretary of the department in which the 
     Coast Guard is operating shall authorize an Officer in 
     Charge, Marine Inspection to issue an amended certificate of 
     inspection that does not require engine room watch setting to 
     inspected towing vessels certificated prior to July 19, 2022, 
     forming part of an articulated tug-barge unit, provided that 
     such vessels are equipped with engineering control and 
     monitoring systems of a type accepted for no engine room 
     watch setting under a previously approved Minimum Safe 
     Manning Document or certificate of inspection for articulated 
     tug-barge units.
       (b) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Certificate of inspection.--The term ``certificate of 
     inspection'' means a certificate of inspection under 
     subchapter M of chapter I of title 46, Code of Federal 
     Regulations.
       (2) Inspected towing vessel.--The term ``inspected towing 
     vessel'' means a vessel issued a Certificate of Inspection.

     SEC. 5512. ALTERNATE SAFETY COMPLIANCE PROGRAM EXCEPTION FOR 
                   CERTAIN VESSELS.

       Section 4503a of title 46, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) by redesignating subsections (d) through (f) as 
     subsections (e) through (g), respectively; and
       (2) by inserting after subsection (c) the following:
       ``(d) Subsection (a) shall not apply to a vessel that--
       ``(1) is 79 feet or less in length as listed on the 
     vessel's certificate of documentation or certificate of 
     number; and
       ``(2)(A) successfully completes a dockside examination by 
     the Secretary every 2 years in accordance with section 
     4502(f)(2) of this title; and
       ``(B) visibly displays a current decal demonstrating 
     examination compliance in the pilothouse or equivalent 
     space.''.

                       Subtitle B--Other Matters

     SEC. 5521. DEFINITION OF A STATELESS VESSEL.

       Section 70502(d)(1) of title 46, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (1) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``and'' after the 
     semicolon;
       (2) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at the end 
     and inserting ``; and''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
       ``(D) a vessel aboard which no individual, on request of an 
     officer of the United States authorized to enforce applicable 
     provisions of United States law, claims to be the master or 
     is identified as the individual in charge and that has no 
     other claim of nationality or registry under paragraph (1) or 
     (2) of subsection (e).''.

     SEC. 5522. REPORT ON ENFORCEMENT OF COASTWISE LAWS.

       Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the Commandant shall submit to Congress a report 
     describing any changes to the enforcement of chapters 121 and 
     551 of title 46, United States Code, as a result of the 
     amendments to section 4(a)(1) of the Outer Continental Shelf 
     Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1333(a)(1)) made by section 9503 of the 
     William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization 
     Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116-283).

     SEC. 5523. STUDY ON MULTI-LEVEL SUPPLY CHAIN SECURITY 
                   STRATEGY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND 
                   SECURITY.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United 
     States shall initiate a study that assesses the efforts of 
     the Department of Homeland Security with respect to securing 
     vessels and maritime cargo bound for the United States from 
     national security related risks and threats.
       (b) Elements.--The study required under subsection (a) 
     shall assess the following:
       (1) Programs that comprise the maritime strategy of the 
     Department of Homeland Security for securing vessels and 
     maritime cargo bound for the United States, and the extent 
     that such programs cover the critical components of the 
     global supply chain.
       (2) The extent to which the components of the Department of 
     Homeland Security responsible for maritime security issues 
     have implemented leading practices in collaboration.
       (3) The extent to which the Department of Homeland Security 
     has assessed the effectiveness of its maritime security 
     strategy.
       (c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after initiating the 
     study under subsection (a), the Comptroller General of the 
     United States shall submit the results from the study to the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure 
     of the House of Representatives.

     SEC. 5524. STUDY TO MODERNIZE THE MERCHANT MARINER LICENSING 
                   AND DOCUMENTATION SYSTEM.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the 
     Committee on Appropriations of the Senate, and the Committee 
     on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee

[[Page S5983]]

     on Appropriations of the House of Representatives, a report 
     on the financial, human, and information technology 
     infrastructure resources needed to establish an electronic 
     merchant mariner licensing and documentation system.
       (b) Legislative and Regulatory Suggestions.--The report 
     described in subsection (a) shall include recommendations for 
     such legislative or administrative actions as the Commandant 
     determines necessary to establish the electronic merchant 
     mariner licensing and documentation system described in 
     subsection (a) as soon as possible.
       (c) GAO Report.--
       (1) In general.--By not later than 180 days after the date 
     of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the 
     United States, in consultation with the Commandant, shall 
     prepare and submit a report to Congress that evaluates the 
     current processes, as of the date of enactment of this Act, 
     of the National Maritime Center for processing and approving 
     merchant mariner credentials.
       (2) Contents of evaluation.--The evaluation conducted under 
     paragraph (1) shall include--
       (A) an analysis of the effectiveness of the current 
     merchant mariner credentialing process, as of the date of 
     enactment of this Act;
       (B) an analysis of the backlogs relating to the merchant 
     mariner credentialing process and the reasons for such 
     backlogs; and
       (C) recommendations for improving and expediting the 
     merchant mariner credentialing process.
       (3) Definition of merchant mariner credential.--In this 
     subsection, the term ``merchant mariner credential'' means a 
     merchant mariner license, certificate, or document that the 
     Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is 
     operating is authorized to issue pursuant to title 46, United 
     States Code.

     SEC. 5525. STUDY AND REPORT ON DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF 
                   MARINER RECORDS DATABASE.

       (a) Study.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary, in coordination with the 
     Commandant and the Administrator of the Maritime 
     Administration and the Commander of the United States 
     Transportation Command, shall conduct a study on the 
     potential benefits and feasibility of developing and 
     maintaining a Coast Guard database that--
       (A) contains records with respect to each credentialed 
     mariner, including credential validity, drug and alcohol 
     testing results, and information on any final adjudicated 
     agency action involving a credentialed mariner or regarding 
     any involvement in a marine casualty; and
       (B) maintains such records in a manner such that data can 
     be readily accessed by the Federal Government for the purpose 
     of assessing workforce needs and for the purpose of the 
     economic and national security of the United States.
       (2) Elements.--The study required under paragraph (1) 
     shall--
       (A) include an assessment of the resources, including 
     information technology, and authorities necessary to develop 
     and maintain the database described in such paragraph; and
       (B) specifically address the protection of the privacy 
     interests of any individuals whose information may be 
     contained within the database, which shall include limiting 
     access to the database or having access to the database be 
     monitored by, or accessed through, a member of the Coast 
     Guard.
       (b) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure 
     of the House of Representatives a report on the results of 
     the study under subsection (a), including findings, 
     conclusions, and recommendations.
       (c) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Credentialed mariner.--The term ``credentialed 
     mariner'' means an individual with a merchant mariner 
     license, certificate, or document that the Secretary is 
     authorized to issue pursuant to title 46, United States Code.
       (2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating.

     SEC. 5526. ASSESSMENT REGARDING APPLICATION PROCESS FOR 
                   MERCHANT MARINER CREDENTIALS.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary of the department in which 
     the Coast Guard is operating shall conduct an assessment to 
     determine the resources, including personnel and computing 
     resources, required to--
       (1) reduce the amount of time necessary to process merchant 
     mariner credentialing applications to not more than 2 weeks 
     after the date of receipt; and
       (2) develop and maintain an electronic merchant mariner 
     credentialing application.
       (b) Briefing Required.--Not later than 180 days after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the 
     department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall 
     provide a briefing to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives with the results of the assessment required 
     under subsection (a).
       (c) Definition.--In this section, the term ``merchant 
     mariner credentialing application'' means a credentialing 
     application for a merchant mariner license, certificate, or 
     document that the Secretary is authorized to issue pursuant 
     to title 46, United States Code.

     SEC. 5527. MILITARY TO MARINERS ACT OF 2022.

       (a) Short Title.--This section may be cited as the 
     ``Military to Mariners Act of 2022''.
       (b) Findings; Sense of Congress.--
       (1) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
       (A) The United States Uniformed Services are composed of 
     the world's most highly trained and professional 
     servicemembers.
       (B) A robust Merchant Marine and ensuring United States 
     mariners can compete in the global workforce are vital to 
     economic and national security.
       (C) Attracting additional trained and credentialed 
     mariners, particularly from active duty servicemembers and 
     military veterans, will support United States national 
     security requirements and provide meaningful, well-paying 
     jobs to United States veterans.
       (D) There is a need to ensure that the Federal Government 
     has a robust, state of the art, and efficient merchant 
     mariner credentialing system to support economic and national 
     security.
       (2) Sense of congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
       (A) veterans and members of the Uniformed Services who 
     pursue credentialing to join the United States Merchant 
     Marine should receive vigorous support; and
       (B) it is incumbent upon the regulatory bodies of the 
     United States to streamline regulations to facilitate 
     transition of veterans and members of the Uniformed Services 
     into the United States Merchant Marine to maintain a strong 
     maritime presence in the United States and worldwide.
       (c) Modification of Sea Service Requirements for Merchant 
     Mariner Credentials for Veterans and Members of the Uniformed 
     Services.--
       (1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
       (A) Merchant mariner credential.--The term ``merchant 
     mariner credential'' has the meaning given the term in 
     section 7510 of title 46, United States Code.
       (B) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating.
       (C) Uniformed services.--The term ``Uniformed Services'' 
     has the meaning given the term ``uniformed services'' in 
     section 2101 of title 5, United States Code.
       (2) Review and regulations.--Notwithstanding any other 
     provision of law, not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall--
       (A) review and examine--
       (i) the requirements and procedures for veterans and 
     members of the Uniformed Services to receive a merchant 
     mariner credential;
       (ii) the classifications of sea service acquired through 
     training and service as a member of the Uniformed Services 
     and level of equivalence to sea service on merchant vessels;
       (iii) the amount of sea service, including percent of the 
     total time onboard for purposes of equivalent underway 
     service, that will be accepted as required experience for all 
     endorsements for applicants for a merchant mariner credential 
     who are veterans or members of the Uniformed Services;
       (B) provide the availability for a fully internet-based 
     application process for a merchant mariner credential, to the 
     maximum extent practicable; and
       (C) issue new regulations to--
       (i) reduce paperwork, delay, and other burdens for 
     applicants for a merchant mariner credential who are veterans 
     and members of the Uniformed Services, and, if determined to 
     be appropriate, increase the acceptable percentages of time 
     equivalent to sea service for such applicants; and
       (ii) reduce burdens and create a means of alternative 
     compliance to demonstrate instructor competency for Standards 
     of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers 
     courses.
       (3) Consultation.--In carrying out paragraph (2), the 
     Secretary shall consult with the National Merchant Marine 
     Personnel Advisory Committee taking into account the present 
     and future needs of the United States Merchant Marine labor 
     workforce.
       (4) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Committee on the Marine 
     Transportation System shall submit to the Committee on 
     Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, the 
     Committee on Armed Services of the Senate, the Committee on 
     Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives, and the 
     Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives, 
     a report that contains an update on the activities carried 
     out to implement--
       (A) the July 2020 report by the Committee on the Marine 
     Transportation System to the White House Office of Trade and 
     Manufacturing Policy on the implementation of Executive Order 
     13860 (84 Fed. Reg. 8407; relating to supporting the 
     transition of active duty servicemembers and military 
     veterans into the Merchant Marine); and
       (B) section 3511 of the National Defense Authorization Act 
     of 2020 (Public Law 116-92; 133 Stat. 1978).
       (d) Assessment of Skillbridge for Employment as a Merchant 
     Mariner.--The Secretary of the department in which the Coast 
     Guard is operating, in collaboration with the Secretary of 
     Defense, shall assess the use of the SkillBridge program of 
     the Department of Defense as a means for

[[Page S5984]]

     transitioning active duty sea service personnel toward 
     employment as a merchant mariner.

     SEC. 5528. FLOATING DRY DOCKS.

       Section 55122(a) of title 46, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1)(C)--
       (A) by striking ``(C)'' and inserting ``(C)(i)'';
       (B) by striking ``2015; and'' and inserting ``2015; or''; 
     and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(ii) had a letter of intent for purchase by such shipyard 
     or affiliate signed prior to such date of enactment; and''; 
     and
       (2) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``or occurs between 
     Honolulu, Hawaii, and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii'' before the 
     period at the end.

TITLE LVI--SEXUAL ASSAULT AND SEXUAL HARASSMENT PREVENTION AND RESPONSE

     SEC. 5601. DEFINITIONS.

       (a) In General.--Section 2101 of title 46, United States 
     Code, is amended--
       (1) by redesignating paragraphs (45) through (54) as 
     paragraphs (47) through (56), respectively; and
       (2) by inserting after paragraph (44) the following:
       ``(45) `sexual assault' means any form of abuse or contact 
     as defined in chapter 109A of title 18, or a substantially 
     similar offense under a State, local, or Tribal law.
       ``(46) `sexual harassment' means any of the following:
       ``(A) Conduct towards an individual (which may have been by 
     the individual's supervisor, a supervisor in another area, a 
     coworker, or another credentialed mariner) that--
       ``(i) involves unwelcome sexual advances, requests for 
     sexual favors, or deliberate or repeated offensive comments 
     or gestures of a sexual nature, when--

       ``(I) submission to such conduct is made either explicitly 
     or implicitly a term or condition of employment, pay, career, 
     benefits, or entitlements of the individual;
       ``(II) any submission to, or rejection of, such conduct by 
     the individual is used as a basis for decisions affecting the 
     individual's job, pay, career, benefits, or entitlements; or
       ``(III) such conduct has the purpose or effect of 
     unreasonably interfering with the individual's work 
     performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive 
     working environment; and

       ``(ii) is so severe or pervasive that a reasonable person 
     would perceive, and the individual does perceive, the 
     environment as hostile or offensive.
       ``(B) Any use or condonation by any person in a supervisory 
     or command position of any form of sexual behavior to 
     control, influence, or affect the career, pay, or job of an 
     individual who is a subordinate to the person.
       ``(C) Any intentional or repeated unwelcome verbal comment 
     or gesture of a sexual nature towards or about an individual 
     by the individual's supervisor, a supervisor in another area, 
     a coworker, or another credentialed mariner.''.
       (b) Report.--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 describing any changes 
     the Commandant may propose to the definitions added by the 
     amendments in subsection (a).
       (c) Conforming Amendments.--
       (1) Section 2113(3) of title 46, United States Code, is 
     amended by striking ``section 2101(51)(A)'' and inserting 
     ``section 2101(53)(A)''.
       (2) Section 4105 of title 46, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (A) in subsections (b)(1) and (c), by striking ``section 
     2101(51)'' each place it appears and inserting ``section 
     2101(53)''; and
       (B) in subsection (d), by striking ``section 2101(51)(A)'' 
     and inserting ``section 2101(53)(A)''.
       (3) Section 1131(a)(1)(E) of title 49, United States Code, 
     is amended by striking ``section 2101(46)'' and inserting 
     ``116''.

     SEC. 5602. CONVICTED SEX OFFENDER AS GROUNDS FOR DENIAL.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 75 of title 46, United States 
     Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

     ``Sec. 7511. Convicted sex offender as grounds for denial

       ``(a) Sexual Abuse.--A license, certificate of registry, or 
     merchant mariner's document authorized to be issued under 
     this part shall be denied to an individual who has been 
     convicted of a sexual offense prohibited under--
       ``(1) chapter 109A of title 18, except for subsection (b) 
     of section 2244 of title 18; or
       ``(2) a substantially similar offense under a State, local, 
     or Tribal law.
       ``(b) Abusive Sexual Contact.--A license, certificate of 
     registry, or merchant mariner's document authorized to be 
     issued under this part may be denied to an individual who 
     within 5 years before applying for the license, certificate, 
     or document, has been convicted of a sexual offense 
     prohibited under subsection (b) of section 2244 of title 18, 
     or a substantially similar offense under a State, local, or 
     Tribal law.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 75 of 
     title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end 
     the following:

``7511. Convicted sex offender as grounds for denial.''.

     SEC. 5603. ACCOMMODATION; NOTICES.

       Section 11101 of title 46, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in paragraph (3), by striking ``; and'' and inserting a 
     semicolon;
       (B) in paragraph (4), by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting ``; and''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(5) each crew berthing area shall be equipped with 
     information regarding--
       ``(A) vessel owner or company policies prohibiting sexual 
     assault, sexual harassment, retaliation, and drug and alcohol 
     use; and
       ``(B) procedures and resources to report allegations of 
     sexual assault and sexual harassment, including information--
       ``(i) on the contact information, website address, and 
     mobile application of the Coast Guard Investigative Services 
     and the Coast Guard National Command Center, in order to 
     report allegations of sexual assault or sexual harassment;
       ``(ii) on vessel owner or company procedures to report 
     violations of company policy and access resources;
       ``(iii) on resources provided by outside organizations such 
     as sexual assault hotlines and counseling;
       ``(iv) on the retention period for surveillance video 
     recording after an incident of sexual harassment or sexual 
     assault is reported; and
       ``(v) on additional items specified in regulations issued 
     by, and at the discretion of, the Secretary.''; and
       (2) in subsection (d), by adding at the end the following: 
     ``In each washing place in a visible location, there shall be 
     information regarding procedures and resources to report 
     alleged sexual assault and sexual harassment upon the vessel, 
     and vessel owner or company policies prohibiting sexual 
     assault and sexual harassment, retaliation, and drug and 
     alcohol use.''.

     SEC. 5604. PROTECTION AGAINST DISCRIMINATION.

       Section 2114(a) of title 46, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1)--
       (A) by redesignating subparagraphs (B) through (G) as 
     subparagraphs (C) through (H), respectively; and
       (B) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following:
       ``(B) the seaman in good faith has reported or is about to 
     report to the vessel owner, Coast Guard, or other appropriate 
     Federal agency or department sexual harassment or sexual 
     assault against the seaman or knowledge of sexual harassment 
     or sexual assault against another seaman;''; and
       (2) in paragraphs (2) and (3), by striking ``paragraph 
     (1)(B)'' each place it appears and inserting ``paragraph 
     (1)(C)''.

     SEC. 5605. ALCOHOL AT SEA.

       (a) In General.--The Commandant shall seek to enter into an 
     agreement with the National Academy of Sciences not later 
     than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act under 
     which the National Academy of Sciences shall prepare an 
     assessment to determine safe levels of alcohol consumption 
     and possession by crew members aboard vessels of the United 
     States engaged in commercial service, except when such 
     possession is associated with the commercial sale to 
     individuals aboard the vessel who are not crew members.
       (b) Assessment.--The assessment under this section shall--
       (1) take into account the safety and security of every 
     individual on the vessel;
       (2) take into account reported incidences of sexual 
     harassment or sexual assault, as defined in section 2101 of 
     title 46, United States Code; and
       (3) provide any appropriate recommendations for any changes 
     to laws, including regulations, or employer policies.
       (c) Submission.--Upon completion of the assessment under 
     this section, the National Academy of Sciences shall submit 
     the assessment to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate, the Committee on Transportation 
     and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, the 
     Commandant, and the Secretary of the department in which the 
     Coast Guard is operating.
       (d) Regulations.--The Commandant--
       (1) shall review the findings and recommendations of the 
     assessment under this section by not later than 180 days 
     after receiving the assessment under subsection (c); and
       (2) taking into account the safety and security of every 
     individual on vessels of the United States engaged in 
     commercial service, may issue regulations relating to alcohol 
     consumption on such vessels.
       (e) Report Required.--If, by the date that is 2 years after 
     the receipt of the assessment under subsection (c), the 
     Commandant does not issue regulations under subsection (d), 
     the Commandant shall provide a report by such date to the 
     appropriate committees of Congress--
       (1) regarding the rationale for not issuing such 
     regulations; and
       (2) providing other recommendations as necessary to ensure 
     safety at sea.

     SEC. 5606. SEXUAL HARASSMENT OR SEXUAL ASSAULT AS GROUNDS FOR 
                   SUSPENSION AND REVOCATION.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 77 of title 46, United States 
     Code, is amended by inserting after section 7704 the 
     following:

     ``Sec. 7704a. Sexual harassment or sexual assault as grounds 
       for suspension and revocation

       ``(a) Sexual Harassment.--If it is shown at a hearing under 
     this chapter that a holder

[[Page S5985]]

     of a license, certificate of registry, or merchant mariner's 
     document issued under this part, within 10 years before the 
     beginning of the suspension and revocation proceedings, is 
     the subject of a substantiated claim of sexual harassment, 
     then the license, certificate of registry, or merchant 
     mariner's document shall be suspended or revoked.
       ``(b) Sexual Assault.--If it is shown at a hearing under 
     this chapter that a holder of a license, certificate of 
     registry, or merchant mariner's document issued under this 
     part, within 20 years before the beginning of the suspension 
     and revocation proceedings, is the subject of a substantiated 
     claim of sexual assault, then the license, certificate of 
     registry, or merchant mariner's document shall be revoked.
       ``(c) Substantiated Claim.--
       ``(1) In general.--In this section, the term `substantiated 
     claim' means--
       ``(A) a legal proceeding or agency action in any 
     administrative proceeding that determines the individual 
     committed sexual harassment or sexual assault in violation of 
     any Federal, State, local, or Tribal law or regulation and 
     for which all appeals have been exhausted, as applicable; or
       ``(B) a determination after an investigation by the Coast 
     Guard that it is more likely than not that the individual 
     committed sexual harassment or sexual assault as defined in 
     section 2101, if the determination affords appropriate due 
     process rights to the subject of the investigation.
       ``(2) Investigation by the coast guard.--An investigation 
     by the Coast Guard under paragraph (1)(B) shall include 
     evaluation of the following materials that shall be provided 
     to the Coast Guard:
       ``(A) Any inquiry or determination made by the employer of 
     the individual as to whether the individual committed sexual 
     harassment or sexual assault.
       ``(B) Upon request from the Coast Guard, any investigative 
     materials, documents, records, or files in the possession of 
     an employer or former employer of the individual that are 
     related to the claim of sexual harassment or sexual assault 
     by the individual.
       ``(3) Additional review.--A license, certificate of 
     registry, or merchant mariner's document shall not be 
     suspended or revoked under subsection (a) or (b), unless the 
     substantiated claim is reviewed and affirmed, in accordance 
     with the applicable definition in section 2101, by an 
     administrative law judge at the same suspension or revocation 
     hearing under this chapter described in subsection (a) or 
     (b), as applicable.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 77 of 
     title 46, United States Code, is amended by inserting after 
     the item relating to section 7704 the following:

``7704a. Sexual harassment or sexual assault as grounds for suspension 
              or revocation.''.

     SEC. 5607. SURVEILLANCE REQUIREMENTS.

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

        ``CHAPTER 49--OCEANGOING NONPASSENGER COMMERCIAL VESSELS

     ``Sec. 4901. Surveillance requirements

       ``(a) Applicability.--
       ``(1) In general.--The requirements in this section shall 
     apply to vessels engaged in commercial service that do not 
     carry passengers and are any of the following:
       ``(A) A documented vessel with overnight accommodations for 
     at least 10 persons on board that--
       ``(i) is on a voyage of at least 600 miles and crosses 
     seaward of the boundary line; or
       ``(ii) is at least 24 meters (79 feet) in overall length 
     and required to have a load line under chapter 51.
       ``(B) A documented vessel on an international voyage that 
     is of--
       ``(i) at least 500 gross tons as measured under section 
     14502; or
       ``(ii) an alternate tonnage measured under section 14302 as 
     prescribed by the Secretary under section 14104.
       ``(C) A vessel with overnight accommodations for at least 
     10 persons on board that are operating for no less than 72 
     hours on waters superjacent to the outer Continental Shelf 
     (as defined in section 2(a) of the Outer Continental Shelf 
     Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1331(a)).
       ``(2) Exception.--Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the 
     requirements in this section shall not apply to any fishing 
     vessel, fish processing vessel, or fish tender vessel.
       ``(b) Requirement for Maintenance of Video Surveillance 
     System.--Each vessel to which this section applies shall 
     maintain a video surveillance system in accordance with this 
     section.
       ``(c) Placement of Video and Audio Surveillance 
     Equipment.--
       ``(1) In general.--The owner of a vessel to which this 
     section applies shall install video and audio surveillance 
     equipment aboard the vessel not later than 2 years after the 
     date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 
     2022, or during the next scheduled drydock, whichever is 
     later.
       ``(2) Locations.--Video and audio surveillance equipment 
     shall be placed in passageways onto which doors from 
     staterooms open. Such equipment shall be placed in a manner 
     ensuring the visibility of every door in each such 
     passageway.
       ``(d) Notice of Video and Audio Surveillance.--The owner of 
     a vessel to which this section applies shall provide clear 
     and conspicuous signs on board the vessel notifying the crew 
     of the presence of video and audio surveillance equipment.
       ``(e) Access to Video and Audio Records.--
       ``(1) In general.--The owner of a vessel to which this 
     section applies shall provide to any Federal, State, or other 
     law enforcement official performing official duties in the 
     course and scope of a criminal or marine safety 
     investigation, upon request, a copy of all records of video 
     and audio surveillance that the official believes may provide 
     evidence of a crime reported to law enforcement officials.
       ``(2) Civil actions.--Except as proscribed by law 
     enforcement authorities or court order, the owner of a vessel 
     to which this section applies shall, upon written request, 
     provide to any individual or the individual's legal 
     representative a copy of all records of video and audio 
     surveillance--
       ``(A) in which the individual is a subject of the video and 
     audio surveillance;
       ``(B) if the request is in conjunction with a legal 
     proceeding or investigation; and
       ``(C) that may provide evidence of any sexual harassment or 
     sexual assault incident in a civil action.
       ``(3) Limited access.--The owner of a vessel to which this 
     section applies shall ensure that access to records of video 
     and audio surveillance is limited to the purposes described 
     in this section and not used as part of a labor action 
     against a crew member or employment dispute unless used in a 
     criminal or civil action.
       ``(f) Retention Requirements.--The owner of a vessel to 
     which this section applies shall retain all records of audio 
     and video surveillance for not less than 4 years after the 
     footage is obtained. Any video and audio surveillance found 
     to be associated with an alleged incident of sexual 
     harassment or sexual assault shall be retained by such owner 
     for not less than 10 years from the date of the alleged 
     incident. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Coast 
     Guard are authorized access to all records of video and audio 
     surveillance relevant to an investigation into criminal 
     conduct.
       ``(g) Personnel Training.--A vessel owner, managing 
     operator, or employer of a seafarer (in this subsection 
     referred to as the `company') shall provide training for all 
     individuals employed by the company for the purpose of 
     responding to incidents of sexual assault or sexual 
     harassment, including--
       ``(1) such training to ensure the individuals--
       ``(A) retain audio and visual records and other evidence 
     objectively; and
       ``(B) act impartially without influence from the company or 
     others; and
       ``(2) training on applicable Federal, State, Tribal, and 
     local laws and regulations regarding sexual assault and 
     sexual harassment investigations and reporting requirements.
       ``(h) Definition of Owner.--In this section, the term 
     `owner' means the owner, charterer, managing operator, 
     master, or other individual in charge of a vessel.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis of subtitle II at the 
     beginning of title 46, United States Code, is amended by 
     adding after the item relating to chapter 47 the following:

      ``Chapter 49--Oceangoing Nonpassenger Commercial Vessels''.

     SEC. 5608. MASTER KEY CONTROL.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 31 of title 46, United States 
     Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

     ``Sec. 3106. Master key control system

       ``(a) In General.--The owner of a vessel subject to 
     inspection under section 3301 shall--
       ``(1) ensure that such vessel is equipped with a vessel 
     master key control system, manual or electronic, which 
     provides controlled access to all copies of the vessel's 
     master key of which access shall only be available to the 
     individuals described in paragraph (2);
       ``(2)(A) establish a list of all crew members, identified 
     by position, allowed to access and use the master key; and
       ``(B) maintain such list upon the vessel within owner 
     records and include such list in the vessel safety management 
     system under section 3203(a)(6);
       ``(3) record in a log book, which may be electronic and 
     shall be included in the safety management system under 
     section 3203(a)(6), information on all access and use of the 
     vessel's master key, including--
       ``(A) dates and times of access;
       ``(B) the room or location accessed; and
       ``(C) the name and rank of the crew member that used the 
     master key; and
       ``(4) make the list under paragraph (2) and the log book 
     under paragraph (3) available upon request to any agent of 
     the Federal Bureau of Investigation, any member of the Coast 
     Guard, and any law enforcement officer performing official 
     duties in the course and scope of an investigation.
       ``(b) Prohibited Use.--A crew member not included on the 
     list described in subsection (a)(2) shall not have access to 
     or use the master key unless in an emergency and shall 
     immediately notify the master and owner of the vessel 
     following access to or use of such key.
       ``(c) Penalty.--Any crew member who violates subsection (b) 
     shall be liable to the United States Government for a civil 
     penalty of not more than $1,000, and may be subject to 
     suspension or revocation under section 7703.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 31 of 
     title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end 
     the following:

``3106. Master key control system.''.

[[Page S5986]]

  


     SEC. 5609. SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS.

       Section 3203 of title 46, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by redesignating paragraphs (5) and (6) as paragraphs 
     (7) and (8), respectively; and
       (B) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following:
       ``(5) with respect to sexual harassment and sexual assault, 
     procedures and annual training requirements for all 
     responsible persons and vessels to which this chapter applies 
     on--
       ``(A) prevention;
       ``(B) bystander intervention;
       ``(C) reporting;
       ``(D) response; and
       ``(E) investigation;
       ``(6) the list required under section 3106(a)(2) and the 
     log book required under section 3106(a)(3);'';
       (2) by redesignating subsections (b) and (c) as subsections 
     (d) and (e), respectively; and
       (3) by inserting after subsection (a) the following:
       ``(b) Procedures and Training Requirements.--In prescribing 
     regulations for the procedures and training requirements 
     described in subsection (a)(5), such procedures and 
     requirements shall be consistent with the requirements to 
     report sexual harassment or sexual assault under section 
     10104.
       ``(c) Audits.--
       ``(1) In general.--Upon discovery of a failure of a 
     responsible person or vessel to comply with a requirement 
     under section 10104 during an audit of a safety management 
     system or from other sources of information acquired by the 
     Coast Guard (including an audit or systematic review under 
     section 10104(g)), the Secretary shall audit the safety 
     management system of a vessel under this section to determine 
     if there is a failure to comply with any other requirement 
     under section 10104.
       ``(2) Certificates.--
       ``(A) Suspension.--During an audit of a safety management 
     system of a vessel required under paragraph (1), the 
     Secretary may suspend the Safety Management Certificate 
     issued for the vessel under section 3205 and issue a separate 
     Safety Management Certificate for the vessel to be in effect 
     for a 3-month period beginning on the date of the issuance of 
     such separate certificate.
       ``(B) Revocation.--At the conclusion of an audit of a 
     safety management system required under paragraph (1), the 
     Secretary shall revoke the Safety Management Certificate 
     issued for the vessel under section 3205 if the Secretary 
     determines--
       ``(i) that the holder of the Safety Management Certificate 
     knowingly, or repeatedly, failed to comply with section 
     10104; or
       ``(ii) other failure of the safety management system 
     resulted in the failure to comply with such section.
       ``(3) Documents of compliance.--
       ``(A) In general.--Following an audit of the safety 
     management system of a vessel required under paragraph (1), 
     the Secretary may audit the safety management system of the 
     responsible person for the vessel.
       ``(B) Suspension.--During an audit under subparagraph (A), 
     the Secretary may suspend the Document of Compliance issued 
     to the responsible person under section 3205 and issue a 
     separate Document of Compliance to such person to be in 
     effect for a 3-month period beginning on the date of the 
     issuance of such separate document.
       ``(C) Revocation.--At the conclusion of an assessment or an 
     audit of a safety management system under subparagraph (A), 
     the Secretary shall revoke the Document of Compliance issued 
     to the responsible person if the Secretary determines--
       ``(i) that the holder of the Document of Compliance 
     knowingly, or repeatedly, failed to comply with section 
     10104; or
       ``(ii) that other failure of the safety management system 
     resulted in the failure to comply with such section.''.

     SEC. 5610. REQUIREMENT TO REPORT SEXUAL ASSAULT AND 
                   HARASSMENT.

       Section 10104 of title 46, United States Code, is amended 
     by striking subsections (a) and (b) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(a) Mandatory Reporting by Crew Members.--
       ``(1) In general.--A crew member of a documented vessel 
     shall report to the Commandant in accordance with subsection 
     (c) any complaint or incident of sexual harassment or sexual 
     assault of which the crew member has firsthand or personal 
     knowledge.
       ``(2) Penalty.--Except as provided in paragraph (3), a crew 
     member with firsthand or personal knowledge of a sexual 
     assault or sexual harassment incident on a documented vessel 
     who knowingly fails to report in compliance with paragraph 
     (1) is liable to the United States Government for a civil 
     penalty of not more than $25,000.
       ``(3) Amnesty.--A crew member who knowingly fails to make 
     the required reporting under paragraph (1) shall not be 
     subject to the penalty described in paragraph (2) if the 
     complaint is shared in confidence with the crew member 
     directly from the individual who experienced the sexual 
     harassment or sexual assault or the crew member is a victim 
     advocate as defined in section 40002(a) of the Violence 
     Against Women Act of 1994 (34 U.S.C. 12291(a)).
       ``(b) Mandatory Reporting by Vessel Owner, Master, Managing 
     Operator, or Employer.--
       ``(1) In general.--A vessel owner, master, or managing 
     operator of a documented vessel or the employer of a seafarer 
     on that vessel shall report to the Commandant in accordance 
     with subsection (c) any complaint or incident of sexual 
     harassment or sexual assault involving a crew member in 
     violation of employer policy or law of which such vessel 
     owner, master, managing operator, or employer of the seafarer 
     is made aware. Such reporting shall include results of any 
     investigation into the incident, if applicable, and any 
     action taken against the offending crew member.
       ``(2) Penalty.--A vessel owner, master, or managing 
     operator of a documented vessel or the employer of a seafarer 
     on that vessel who knowingly fails to report in compliance 
     with paragraph (1) is liable to the United States Government 
     for a civil penalty of not more than $50,000.
       ``(c) Reporting Procedures.--
       ``(1) Timing.--
       ``(A) Reports by crew members.--A report required under 
     subsection (a) shall be made as soon as practicable, but not 
     later than 10 days after the individual develops firsthand or 
     personal knowledge of the sexual assault or sexual harassment 
     incident, to the Commandant by the fastest telecommunications 
     channel available.
       ``(B) Reports by vessel owners, masters, managing 
     operators, or employers.--A report required under subsection 
     (b) shall be made immediately after the vessel owner, master, 
     managing operator, or employer of the seafarer gains 
     knowledge of a sexual assault or sexual harassment incident 
     by the fastest telecommunications channel available. Such 
     report shall be made to the Commandant and the appropriate 
     officer or agency of the government of the country in whose 
     waters the incident occurs.
       ``(2) Contents.--A report required under subsection (a) or 
     (b) shall include, to the best of the knowledge of the 
     individual making the report--
       ``(A) the name, official position or role in relation to 
     the vessel, and contact information of the individual making 
     the report;
       ``(B) the name and official number of the documented 
     vessel;
       ``(C) the time and date of the incident;
       ``(D) the geographic position or location of the vessel 
     when the incident occurred; and
       ``(E) a brief description of the alleged sexual harassment 
     or sexual assault being reported.
       ``(3) Receiving reports and collection of information.--
       ``(A) Receiving reports.--With respect to reports submitted 
     under this subsection to the Coast Guard, the Commandant--
       ``(i) may establish additional reporting procedures, 
     including procedures for receiving reports through--

       ``(I) a telephone number that is continuously manned at all 
     times; and
       ``(II) an email address that is continuously monitored; and

       ``(ii) shall use procedures that include preserving 
     evidence in such reports and providing emergency service 
     referrals.
       ``(B) Collection of information.--After receiving a report 
     under this subsection, the Commandant shall collect 
     information related to the identity of each alleged victim, 
     alleged perpetrator, and witness identified in the report 
     through a means designed to protect, to the extent 
     practicable, the personal identifiable information of such 
     individuals.
       ``(d) Subpoena Authority.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Commandant may compel the testimony 
     of witnesses and the production of any evidence by subpoena 
     to determine compliance with this section.
       ``(2) Jurisdictional limits.--The jurisdictional limits of 
     a subpoena issued under this section are the same as, and are 
     enforceable in the same manner as, subpoenas issued under 
     chapter 63 of this title.
       ``(e) Company After-action Summary.--A vessel owner, 
     master, managing operator, or employer of a seafarer that 
     makes a report under subsection (b), or becomes aware of a 
     report made under subsection (a) that involves an individual 
     employed by the owner, master, operator, or employer at the 
     time of the sexual assault or sexual harassment incident, 
     shall--
       ``(1) submit to the Commandant a document with detailed 
     information to describe the actions taken by the vessel 
     owner, master, managing operator, or employer of a seafarer 
     after it became aware of the sexual assault or sexual 
     harassment incident; and
       ``(2) make such submission not later than 10 days after the 
     vessel owner, master, managing operator, or employer of a 
     seafarer made the report under subsection (b), or became 
     aware of a report made under subsection (a) that involves an 
     individual employed by the owner, master, operator, or 
     employer at the time of the sexual assault or sexual 
     harassment incident.
       ``(f) Required Company Records.--A vessel owner, master, 
     managing operator, or employer of a seafarer shall--
       ``(1) submit to the Commandant copies of all records, 
     including documents, files, recordings, statements, reports, 
     investigatory materials, findings, and any other materials 
     requested by the Commandant related to the claim of sexual 
     assault or sexual harassment; and
       ``(2) make such submission not later than 14 days after--
       ``(A) the vessel owner, master, managing operator, or 
     employer of a seafarer submitted a report under subsection 
     (b); or
       ``(B) the vessel owner, master, managing operator, or 
     employer of a seafarer acquired knowledge of a report made 
     under subsection

[[Page S5987]]

     (a) that involved individuals employed by the vessel owner, 
     master, managing operator, or employer of a seafarer.
       ``(g) Investigatory Audit.--The Commandant shall 
     periodically perform an audit or other systematic review of 
     the submissions made under this section to determine if there 
     were any failures to comply with the requirements of this 
     section.
       ``(h) Civil Penalty.--A vessel owner, master, managing 
     operator, or employer of a seafarer that fails to comply with 
     subsections (e) or (f) is liable to the United States 
     Government for a civil penalty of $50,000 for each day a 
     failure continues.
       ``(i) Applicability; Regulations.--
       ``(1) Effective date.--The requirements of this section 
     take effect on the date of enactment of the Coast Guard 
     Authorization Act of 2022.
       ``(2) Regulations.--The Commandant may issue regulations to 
     implement the requirements of this section.
       ``(3) Reports.--Any report required to be made to the 
     Commandant under this section shall be made to the Coast 
     Guard National Command Center, until regulations establishing 
     other reporting procedures are issued.''.

     SEC. 5611. CIVIL ACTIONS FOR PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH OF 
                   SEAMEN.

       (a) Personal Injury to or Death of Seamen.--Section 30104 
     of title 46, United States Code, is amended by inserting ``, 
     including an injury resulting from sexual assault or sexual 
     harassment (as such terms are defined in section 2101),'' 
     after ``in the course of employment''.
       (b) Time Limit on Bringing Maritime Action.--Section 30106 
     of title 46, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in the section heading, by striking ``for personal 
     injury or death'';
       (2) by striking ``Except as otherwise'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(a) In General.--Except as otherwise''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(b) Extension for Sexual Offense.--A civil action under 
     subsection (a) arising out of a maritime tort for a claim of 
     sexual harassment or sexual assault, as such terms are 
     defined in section 2101, shall be brought not later than 5 
     years after the cause of action for a claim of sexual 
     harassment or sexual assault arose.''.
       (c) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 301 of 
     title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking the item 
     relating to section 30106 and inserting the following:

``30106. Time limit on bringing maritime action.''.

     SEC. 5612. ACCESS TO CARE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT FORENSIC 
                   EXAMINATIONS.

       (a) In General.--Subchapter IV of chapter 5 of title 14, 
     United States Code, as amended by section 5211, is further 
     amended by adding at the end the following:

     ``Sec. 565. Access to care and sexual assault forensic 
       examinations

       ``(a) In General.--Before embarking on any prescheduled 
     voyage, a Coast Guard vessel shall have in place a written 
     operating procedure that ensures that an embarked victim of 
     sexual assault shall have access to a sexual assault forensic 
     examination--
       ``(1) as soon as possible after the victim requests an 
     examination; and
       ``(2) that is treated with the same level of urgency as 
     emergency medical care.
       ``(b) Requirements.--The written operating procedure 
     required by subsection (a), shall, at a minimum, account 
     for--
       ``(1) the health, safety, and privacy of a victim of sexual 
     assault;
       ``(2) the proximity of ashore or afloat medical facilities, 
     including coordination as necessary with the Department of 
     Defense, including other military departments (as defined in 
     section 101 of title 10, United States Code);
       ``(3) the availability of aeromedical evacuation;
       ``(4) the operational capabilities of the vessel concerned;
       ``(5) the qualifications of medical personnel onboard;
       ``(6) coordination with law enforcement and the 
     preservation of evidence;
       ``(7) the means of accessing a sexual assault forensic 
     examination and medical care with a restricted report of 
     sexual assault;
       ``(8) the availability of nonprescription pregnancy 
     prophylactics; and
       ``(9) other unique military considerations.''.
       (b) Study.--
       (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 seek to enter into 
     an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences under 
     which the National Academy of Sciences shall conduct a study 
     to assess the feasibility of the development of a self-
     administered sexual assault forensic examination for use by 
     victims of sexual assault onboard a vessel at sea.
       (2) Elements.--The study under paragraph (1) shall--
       (A) take into account--
       (i) the safety and security of the alleged victim of sexual 
     assault;
       (ii) the ability to properly identify, document, and 
     preserve any evidence relevant to the allegation of sexual 
     assault; and
       (iii) the applicable criminal procedural laws relating to 
     authenticity, relevance, preservation of evidence, chain of 
     custody, and any other matter relating to evidentiary 
     admissibility; and
       (B) provide any appropriate recommendation for changes to 
     existing laws, regulations, or employer policies.
       (3) Report.--Upon completion of the study under paragraph 
     (1), the National Academy of Sciences shall submit to the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of 
     the House of Representatives, and the Secretary of the 
     department in which the Coast Guard is operating a report on 
     the findings of the study.
       (c) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for subchapter IV of 
     chapter 5 of title 14, United States Code, as amended by 
     section 5211, is further amended by adding at the end the 
     following:

``565. Access to care and sexual assault forensic examinations.''.

     SEC. 5613. REPORTS TO CONGRESS.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 101 of title 46, United States 
     Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

     ``Sec. 10105. Reports to Congress

       ``Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the 
     Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022, and on an annual basis 
     thereafter, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on 
     Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the 
     Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House 
     of Representatives a report to include--
       ``(1) the number of reports received under section 10104;
       ``(2) the number of penalties issued under such section;
       ``(3) the number of open investigations under such section, 
     completed investigations under such section, and the outcomes 
     of such open or completed investigations;
       ``(4) the number of assessments or audits conducted under 
     section 3203 and the outcome of those assessments or audits;
       ``(5) a statistical analysis of compliance with the safety 
     management system criteria under section 3203;
       ``(6) the number of credentials denied or revoked due to 
     sexual harassment, sexual assault, or related offenses; and
       ``(7) recommendations to support efforts of the Coast Guard 
     to improve investigations and oversight of sexual harassment 
     and sexual assault in the maritime sector, including funding 
     requirements and legislative change proposals necessary to 
     ensure compliance with title LVI of the Coast Guard 
     Authorization Act of 2022 and the amendments made by such 
     title.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 101 of 
     title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end 
     the following:

``10105. Reports to Congress.''.

     SEC. 5614. POLICY ON REQUESTS FOR PERMANENT CHANGES OF 
                   STATION OR UNIT TRANSFERS BY PERSONS WHO REPORT 
                   BEING THE VICTIM OF SEXUAL ASSAULT.

       Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of 
     this Act, the Commandant, in consultation with the Director 
     of the Health, Safety, and Work Life Directorate, shall issue 
     an interim update to Coast Guard policy guidance to allow a 
     member of the Coast Guard who has reported being the victim 
     of a sexual assault or any other offense covered by section 
     920, 920c, or 930 of title 10, United States Code (article 
     120, 120c, or 130 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice) to 
     request an immediate change of station or a unit transfer. 
     The final policy shall be updated not later than 1 year after 
     the date of the enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 5615. SEX OFFENSES AND PERSONNEL RECORDS.

       Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of 
     this Act, the Commandant shall issue final regulations or 
     policy guidance required to fully implement section 1745 of 
     the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 
     (Public Law 113-66; 10 U.S.C. 1561 note).

     SEC. 5616. STUDY ON COAST GUARD OVERSIGHT AND INVESTIGATIONS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the 
     United States shall commence a study to assess the oversight 
     over Coast Guard activities, including investigations, 
     personnel management, whistleblower protection, and other 
     activities carried out by the Department of Homeland Security 
     Office of Inspector General.
       (b) Elements.--The study required by subsection (a) shall 
     include the following:
       (1) An analysis of the ability of the Department of 
     Homeland Security Office of Inspector General to ensure 
     timely, thorough, complete, and appropriate oversight over 
     the Coast Guard, including oversight over both civilian and 
     military activities.
       (2) An assessment of--
       (A) the best practices with respect to such oversight; and
       (B) the ability of the Department of Homeland Security 
     Office of Inspector General and the Commandant to identify 
     and achieve such best practices.
       (3) An analysis of the methods, standards, and processes 
     employed by the Department of Defense Office of Inspector 
     General and the inspectors generals of the armed forces (as 
     defined in section 101 of title 10, United States Code), 
     other than the Coast Guard, to conduct oversight and 
     investigation activities.
       (4) An analysis of the methods, standards, and processes of 
     the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector 
     General with respect to oversight over the civilian

[[Page S5988]]

     and military activities of the Coast Guard, as compared to 
     the methods, standards, and processes described in paragraph 
     (3).
       (5) An assessment of the extent to which the Coast Guard 
     Investigative Service completes investigations or other 
     disciplinary measures after referral of complaints from the 
     Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General.
       (6) A description of the staffing, expertise, training, and 
     other resources of the Department of Homeland Security Office 
     of Inspector General, and an assessment as to whether such 
     staffing, expertise, training, and other resources meet the 
     requirements necessary for meaningful, timely, and effective 
     oversight over the activities of the Coast Guard.
       (c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after commencing the 
     study required by subsection (a), the Comptroller General 
     shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives a report on the findings of the study, 
     including recommendations with respect to oversight over 
     Coast Guard activities.

     SEC. 5617. STUDY ON SPECIAL VICTIMS' COUNSEL PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 30 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the department in 
     which the Coast Guard is operating shall enter into an 
     agreement with a federally funded research and development 
     center for the conduct of a study on--
       (1) the Special Victims' Counsel program of the Coast 
     Guard;
       (2) Coast Guard investigations of sexual assault offenses 
     for cases in which the subject of the investigation is no 
     longer under jeopardy for the alleged misconduct for reasons 
     including the death of the accused, a lapse in the statute of 
     limitations for the alleged offense, and a fully adjudicated 
     criminal trial of the alleged offense in which all appeals 
     have been exhausted; and
       (3) legal support and representation provided to members of 
     the Coast Guard who are victims of sexual assault, including 
     in instances in which the accused is a member of the Army, 
     Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force.
       (b) Elements.--The study required by subsection (a) shall 
     assess the following:
       (1) The Special Victims' Counsel program of the Coast 
     Guard, including training, effectiveness, capacity to handle 
     the number of cases referred, and experience with cases 
     involving members of the Coast Guard and members of another 
     armed force (as defined in section 101 of title 10, United 
     States Code).
       (2) The experience of Special Victims' Counsels in 
     representing members of the Coast Guard during a court-
     martial.
       (3) Policies concerning the availability and detailing of 
     Special Victims' Counsels for sexual assault allegations, in 
     particular such allegations in which the accused is a member 
     of another armed force (as defined in section 101 of title 
     10, United States Code), and the impact that the cross-
     service relationship had on--
       (A) the competence and sufficiency of services provided to 
     the alleged victim; and
       (B) the interaction between--
       (i) the investigating agency and the Special Victims' 
     Counsels; and
       (ii) the prosecuting entity and the Special Victims' 
     Counsels.
       (4) Training provided to, or made available for, Special 
     Victims' Counsels and paralegals with respect to Department 
     of Defense processes for conducting sexual assault 
     investigations and Special Victims' Counsel representation of 
     sexual assault victims.
       (5) The ability of Special Victims' Counsels to operate 
     independently without undue influence from third parties, 
     including the command of the accused, the command of the 
     victim, the Judge Advocate General of the Coast Guard, and 
     the Deputy Judge Advocate General of the Coast Guard.
       (6) The skill level and experience of Special Victims' 
     Counsels, as compared to special victims' counsels available 
     to members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and 
     Space Force.
       (7) Policies regarding access to an alternate Special 
     Victims' Counsel, if requested by the member of the Coast 
     Guard concerned, and potential improvements for such 
     policies.
       (c) Report.--Not later than 180 days after entering into an 
     agreement under subsection (a), the federally funded research 
     and development center shall submit to the Committee on 
     Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the 
     Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House 
     of Representatives a report that includes--
       (1) the findings of the study required by that subsection;
       (2) recommendations to improve the coordination, training, 
     and experience of Special Victims' Counsels of the Coast 
     Guard so as to improve outcomes for members of the Coast 
     Guard who have reported sexual assault; and
       (3) any other recommendation the federally funded research 
     and development center considers appropriate.

      TITLE LVII--NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION

      Subtitle A--National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 
                       Commissioned Officer Corps

     SEC. 5701. DEFINITIONS.

       Section 212(b) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Act of 2002 (33 
     U.S.C. 3002(b)) is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(8) Under secretary.--The term `Under Secretary' means 
     the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere.''.

     SEC. 5702. REQUIREMENT FOR APPOINTMENTS.

       Section 221(c) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Act of 2002 (33 
     U.S.C. 3021(c)) is amended by striking ``may not be given'' 
     and inserting the following: ``may--
       ``(1) be given only to an individual who is a citizen of 
     the United States; and
       ``(2) not be given''.

     SEC. 5703. REPEAL OF REQUIREMENT TO PROMOTE ENSIGNS AFTER 3 
                   YEARS OF SERVICE.

       (a) In General.--Section 223 of the National Oceanic and 
     Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Act of 
     2002 (33 U.S.C. 3023) is amended to read as follows:

     ``SEC. 223. SEPARATION OF ENSIGNS FOUND NOT FULLY QUALIFIED.

       ``If an officer in the permanent grade of ensign is at any 
     time found not fully qualified, the officer's commission 
     shall be revoked and the officer shall be separated from the 
     commissioned service.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents in section 1 
     of the Act entitled ``An Act to reauthorize the Hydrographic 
     Services Improvement Act of 1998, and for other purposes'' 
     (Public Law 107-372) is amended by striking the item relating 
     to section 223 and inserting the following:

``Sec. 223. Separation of ensigns found not fully qualified.''.

     SEC. 5704. AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE AWARDS AND DECORATIONS.

       (a) In General.--Subtitle A of the National Oceanic and 
     Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Act of 
     2002 (33 U.S.C. 3001 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end 
     the following:

     ``SEC. 220. AWARDS AND DECORATIONS.

       ``The Under Secretary may provide ribbons, medals, badges, 
     trophies, and similar devices to members of the commissioned 
     officer corps of the Administration and to members of other 
     uniformed services for service and achievement in support of 
     the missions of the Administration.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents in section 1 
     of the Act entitled ``An Act to reauthorize the Hydrographic 
     Services Improvement Act of 1998, and for other purposes'' 
     (Public Law 107-372) is amended by inserting after the item 
     relating to section 219 the following:

``Sec. 220. Awards and decorations.''.

     SEC. 5705. RETIREMENT AND SEPARATION.

       (a) Involuntary Retirement or Separation.--Section 
     241(a)(1) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Act of 2002 (33 
     U.S.C. 3041(a)(1)) is amended to read as follows:
       ``(1) an officer in the permanent grade of captain or 
     commander may--
       ``(A) except as provided by subparagraph (B), be 
     transferred to the retired list; or
       ``(B) if the officer is not qualified for retirement, be 
     separated from service; and''.
       (b) Retirement for Age.--Section 243(a) of that Act (33 
     U.S.C. 3043(a)) is amended by striking ``be retired'' and 
     inserting ``be retired or separated (as specified in section 
     1251(e) of title 10, United States Code)''.
       (c) Retirement or Separation Based on Years of Creditable 
     Service.--Section 261(a) of that Act (33 U.S.C. 3071(a)) is 
     amended--
       (1) by redesignating paragraphs (17) through (26) as 
     paragraphs (18) through (27), respectively; and
       (2) by inserting after paragraph (16) the following:
       ``(17) Section 1251(e), relating to retirement or 
     separation based on years of creditable service.''.

     SEC. 5706. LICENSURE OF HEALTH-CARE PROFESSIONALS.

       Section 263 of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Act of 2002 (33 
     U.S.C. 3073) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``The Secretary'' and inserting ``(a) In 
     General.--The Secretary''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(b) Licensure of Health-care Professionals.--
       ``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
     law regarding the licensure of health-care providers, a 
     health-care professional described in paragraph (2) may 
     practice the health profession or professions of the health-
     care professional at any location in any State, the District 
     of Columbia, or a Commonwealth, territory, or possession of 
     the United States, or in any other area within or beyond the 
     jurisdiction of the United States, regardless of where the 
     health-care professional or the patient of the health-care 
     professional is located, if the practice is within the scope 
     of the authorized Federal duties of the health-care 
     professional.
       ``(2) Health-care professional described.--A health-care 
     professional described in this paragraph is a health-care 
     professional--
       ``(A) who is--
       ``(i) a member of the commissioned officer corps of the 
     Administration;
       ``(ii) a civilian employee of the Administration;
       ``(iii) an officer or employee of the Public Health Service 
     who is assigned or detailed to the Administration; or
       ``(iv) any other health-care professional credentialed and 
     privileged at a Federal health-care institution or location 
     specially designated by the Secretary; and

[[Page S5989]]

       ``(B) who--
       ``(i) has a current license to practice medicine, 
     osteopathic medicine, dentistry, or another health 
     profession; and
       ``(ii) is performing authorized duties for the 
     Administration.
       ``(3) Definitions.--In this subsection:
       ``(A) Health-care professional.--The term `health-care 
     professional' has the meaning given that term in section 
     1094(e) of title 10, United States Code, except that such 
     section shall be applied and administered by substituting 
     `Secretary of Commerce' for `Secretary of Defense' each place 
     it appears.
       ``(B) License.--The term `license' has the meaning given 
     that term in such section.''.

     SEC. 5707. IMPROVING PROFESSIONAL MARINER STAFFING.

       (a) In General.--Subtitle E of the National Oceanic and 
     Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Act of 
     2002 (33 U.S.C. 3071 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end 
     the following:

     ``SEC. 269B. SHORE LEAVE FOR PROFESSIONAL MARINERS.

       ``(a) In General.--The Under Secretary may prescribe 
     regulations relating to shore leave for professional mariners 
     without regard to the requirements of section 6305 of title 
     5, United States Code.
       ``(b) Requirements.--The regulations prescribed under 
     subsection (a) shall--
       ``(1) require that a professional mariner serving aboard an 
     ocean-going vessel be granted a leave of absence of four days 
     per pay period; and
       ``(2) provide that a professional mariner serving in a 
     temporary promotion position aboard a vessel may be paid the 
     difference between the mariner's temporary and permanent 
     rates of pay for leave accrued while serving in the temporary 
     promotion position.
       ``(c) Professional Mariner Defined.--In this section, the 
     term `professional mariner' means an individual employed on a 
     vessel of the Administration who has the necessary expertise 
     to serve in the engineering, deck, steward, electronic 
     technician, or survey department.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents in section 1 
     of the Act entitled ``An Act to reauthorize the Hydrographic 
     Services Improvement Act of 1998, and for other purposes'' 
     (Public Law 107-372) is amended by inserting after the item 
     relating to section 269A the following:

``Sec. 269B. Shore leave for professional mariners.''.

     SEC. 5708. LEGAL ASSISTANCE.

       Section 1044(a)(3) of title 10, United States Code, is 
     amended by inserting ``or the commissioned officer corps of 
     the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration'' after 
     ``Public Health Service''.

     SEC. 5709. ACQUISITION OF AIRCRAFT FOR EXTREME WEATHER 
                   RECONNAISSANCE.

       (a) Increased Fleet Capacity.--
       (1) In general.--The Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans 
     and Atmosphere shall acquire adequate aircraft platforms with 
     the necessary observation and modification requirements--
       (A) to meet agency-wide air reconnaissance and research 
     mission requirements, particularly with respect to hurricanes 
     and tropical cyclones, and also for atmospheric chemistry, 
     climate, air quality for public health, full-season fire 
     weather research and operations, full-season atmospheric 
     river air reconnaissance observations, and other mission 
     areas; and
       (B) to ensure data and information collected by the 
     aircraft are made available to all users for research and 
     operations purposes.
       (2) Contracts.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the Under 
     Secretary shall negotiate and enter into 1 or more contracts 
     or other agreements, to the extent practicable and necessary, 
     with 1 or more governmental, commercial, or nongovernmental 
     entities.
       (3) Derivation of funds.--For each of fiscal years 2023 
     through 2026, amounts to support the implementation of 
     paragraphs (1) and (2) shall be derived--
       (A) from amounts appropriated to the Office of Marine and 
     Aviation Operations of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Administration and available for the purpose of atmospheric 
     river reconnaissance; and
       (B) if amounts described in subparagraph (A) are 
     insufficient to support the implementation of paragraphs (1) 
     and (2), from amounts appropriated to that Office and 
     available for purposes other than atmospheric river 
     reconnaissance.
       (b) Acquisition of Aircraft to Replace the WP-3D 
     Aircraft.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than September 30, 2023, the 
     Under Secretary shall enter into a contract for the 
     acquisition of 6 aircraft to replace the WP-3D aircraft that 
     provides for--
       (A) the first newly acquired aircraft to be fully 
     operational before the retirement of the last WP-3D aircraft 
     operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Administration; and
       (B) the second newly acquired aircraft to be fully 
     operational not later than 1 year after the first such 
     aircraft is required to be fully operational under 
     subparagraph (A).
       (2) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated to the Under Secretary $1,800,000,000, 
     without fiscal year limitation, for the acquisition of the 
     aircraft under paragraph (1).

     SEC. 5710. REPORT ON PROFESSIONAL MARINER STAFFING MODELS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the 
     United States shall submit to the committees specified in 
     subsection (c) a report on staffing issues relating to 
     professional mariners within the Office of Marine and 
     Aviation Operations of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Administration.
       (b) Elements.--The report required by subsection (a) shall 
     include consideration of--
       (1) the challenges the Office of Marine and Aviation 
     Operations faces in recruiting and retaining qualified 
     professional mariners;
       (2) workforce planning efforts to address those challenges; 
     and
       (3) other models or approaches that exist, or are under 
     consideration, to provide incentives for the retention of 
     qualified professional mariners.
       (c) Committees Specified.--The committees specified in this 
     subsection are--
       (1) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation 
     of the Senate; and
       (2) the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and 
     the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of 
     Representatives.
       (d) Professional Mariner Defined.--In this section, the 
     term ``professional mariner'' means an individual employed on 
     a vessel of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Administration who has the necessary expertise to serve in 
     the engineering, deck, steward, or survey department.

                       Subtitle B--Other Matters

     SEC. 5711. CONVEYANCE OF CERTAIN PROPERTY OF THE NATIONAL 
                   OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION IN 
                   JUNEAU, ALASKA.

       (a) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) City.--The term ``City'' means the City and Borough of 
     Juneau, Alaska.
       (2) Master plan.--The term ``Master Plan'' means the Juneau 
     Small Cruise Ship Infrastructure Master Plan released by the 
     Docks and Harbors Board and Port of Juneau for the City and 
     dated March 2021.
       (3) Property.--The term ``Property'' means the parcel of 
     real property consisting of approximately 2.4 acres, 
     including tidelands, owned by the United States and under 
     administrative custody and control of the National Oceanic 
     and Atmospheric Administration and located at 250 Egan Drive, 
     Juneau, Alaska, including any improvements thereon that are 
     not authorized or required by another provision of law to be 
     conveyed to a specific individual or entity.
       (4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary of Commerce 
     for Oceans and Atmosphere and the Administrator of the 
     National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
       (b) Conveyance Authorized.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary may convey, at fair market 
     value, all right, title, and interest of the United States in 
     and to the Property, subject to subsection (c) and the 
     requirements of this section.
       (2) Termination of authority.--The authority provided by 
     paragraph (1) shall terminate on the date that is 3 years 
     after the date of the enactment of this Act.
       (c) Right of First Refusal.--The City shall have the right 
     of first refusal with respect to the purchase, at fair market 
     value, of the Property.
       (d) Survey.--The exact acreage and legal description of the 
     Property shall be determined by a survey satisfactory to the 
     Secretary.
       (e) Condition; Quitclaim Deed.--If the Property is conveyed 
     under this section, the Property shall be conveyed--
       (1) in an ``as is, where is'' condition; and
       (2) via a quitclaim deed.
       (f) Fair Market Value.--
       (1) In general.--The fair market value of the Property 
     shall be--
       (A) determined by an appraisal that--
       (i) is conducted by an independent appraiser selected by 
     the Secretary; and
       (ii) meets the requirements of paragraph (2); and
       (B) adjusted, at the Secretary's discretion, based on the 
     factors described in paragraph (3).
       (2) Appraisal requirements.--An appraisal conducted under 
     paragraph (1)(A) shall be conducted in accordance with 
     nationally recognized appraisal standards, including--
       (A) the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land 
     Acquisitions; and
       (B) the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal 
     Practice.
       (3) Factors.--The factors described in this paragraph are--
       (A) matters of equity and fairness;
       (B) actions taken by the City regarding the Property, if 
     the City exercises its right of first refusal under 
     subsection (c), including--
       (i) comprehensive waterfront planning, site development, 
     and other redevelopment activities supported by the City in 
     proximity to the Property in furtherance of the Master Plan;
       (ii) in-kind contributions made to facilitate and support 
     use of the Property by governmental agencies; and
       (iii) any maintenance expenses, capital improvement, or 
     emergency expenditures made necessary to ensure public safety 
     and access to and from the Property; and
       (C) such other factors as the Secretary considers 
     appropriate.
       (g) Costs of Conveyance.--If the City exercises its right 
     of first refusal under subsection (c), all reasonable and 
     necessary

[[Page S5990]]

     costs, including real estate transaction and environmental 
     documentation costs, associated with the conveyance of the 
     Property to the City under this section may be shared 
     equitably by the Secretary and the City, as determined by the 
     Secretary, including with the City providing in-kind 
     contributions for any or all of such costs.
       (h) Proceeds.--Notwithstanding section 3302 of title 31, 
     United States Code, or any other provision of law, any 
     proceeds from a conveyance of the Property under this section 
     shall--
       (1) be deposited in an account or accounts of the National 
     Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration that exists as of the 
     date of the enactment of this Act;
       (2) used to cover costs associated with the conveyance, 
     related relocation efforts, and other facility and 
     infrastructure projects in Alaska; and
       (3) remain available until expended, without further 
     appropriation.
       (i) Memorandum of Agreement.--If the City exercises its 
     right of first refusal under subsection (c), before 
     finalizing a conveyance to the City under this section, the 
     Secretary and the City shall enter into a memorandum of 
     agreement to establish the terms under which the Secretary 
     shall have future access to, and use of, the Property to 
     accommodate the reasonable expectations of the Secretary for 
     future operational and logistical needs in southeast Alaska.
       (j) Reservation or Easement for Access and Use.--The 
     conveyance authorized under this section shall be subject to 
     a reservation providing, or an easement granting, the 
     Secretary, at no cost to the United States, a right to access 
     and use the Property that--
       (1) is compatible with the Master Plan; and
       (2) authorizes future operational access and use by other 
     Federal, State, and local government agencies that have 
     customarily used the Property.
       (k) Liability.--
       (1) After conveyance.--An individual or entity to which a 
     conveyance is made under this section shall hold the United 
     States harmless from any liability with respect to activities 
     carried out on or after the date and time of the conveyance 
     of the Property.
       (2) Before conveyance.--The United States shall remain 
     responsible for any liability the United States incurred with 
     respect to activities the United States carried out on the 
     Property before the date and time of the conveyance of the 
     Property.
       (l) Additional Terms and Conditions.--The Secretary may 
     require such additional terms and conditions in connection 
     with a conveyance under this section as the Secretary 
     considers appropriate and reasonable to protect the interests 
     of the United States.
       (m) Environmental Compliance.--Nothing in this section may 
     be construed to affect or limit the application of or 
     obligation to comply with any applicable environmental law, 
     including--
       (1) the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 
     U.S.C. 4321 et seq.); or
       (2) section 120(h) of the Comprehensive Environmental 
     Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 
     9620(h)).
       (n) Conveyance Not a Major Federal Action.--A conveyance 
     under this section shall not be considered a major Federal 
     action for purposes of section 102(2) of the National 
     Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332(2)).

     TITLE LVIII--TECHNICAL, CONFORMING, AND CLARIFYING AMENDMENTS

     SEC. 5801. TECHNICAL CORRECTION.

       Section 319(b) of title 14, United States Code, is amended 
     by striking ``section 331 of the FAA Modernization and Reform 
     Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note)'' and inserting ``section 
     44801 of title 49''.

     SEC. 5802. REINSTATEMENT.

       (a) Reinstatement.--The text of section 12(a) of the Act of 
     June 21, 1940 (33 U.S.C. 522(a)), popularly known as the 
     ``Truman-Hobbs Act'', is--
       (1) reinstated as it appeared on the day before the date of 
     the enactment of section 8507(b) of the William M. (Mac) 
     Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 
     2021 (Public Law 116-283; 134 Stat. 4754); and
       (2) redesignated as the sole text of section 12 of the Act 
     of June 21, 1940 (33 U.S.C. 522).
       (b) Effective Date.--The provision reinstated by subsection 
     (a) shall be treated as if such section 8507(b) had never 
     taken effect.
       (c) Conforming Amendment.--The provision reinstated under 
     subsection (a) is amended by striking ``, except to the 
     extent provided in this section''.

     SEC. 5803. TERMS AND VACANCIES.

       Section 46101(b) of title 46, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (1) in paragraph (2)--
       (A) by striking ``one year'' and inserting ``2 years''; and
       (B) by striking ``2 terms'' and inserting ``3 terms''; and
       (2) in paragraph (3)--
       (A) by striking ``of the individual being succeeded'' and 
     inserting ``to which such individual is appointed'';
       (B) by striking ``2 terms'' and inserting ``3 terms''; and
       (C) by striking ``the predecessor of that'' and inserting 
     ``such''.

                    TITLE LIX--RULE OF CONSTRUCTION

     SEC. 5901. RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.

       Nothing in this divisions may be construed--
       (1) to satisfy any requirement for government-to-government 
     consultation with Tribal governments; or
       (2) to affect or modify any treaty or other right of any 
     Tribal government.
                                 ______