[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 83 (Tuesday, May 14, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H3170-H3187]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
COAST GUARD AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2024
Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and
pass the bill (H.R. 7659) to authorize and amend authorities, programs,
and statutes administered by the Coast Guard, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
H.R. 7659
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Coast
Guard Authorization Act of 2024''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act
is as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Commandant defined.
TITLE I--AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS
Sec. 101. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 102. Shoreside infrastructure and facilities and information
technology.
Sec. 103. Availability of amounts for acquisition of additional vessels
and aircraft.
Sec. 104. Authorization for certain programs and services.
Sec. 105. Authorized levels of military strength and training.
TITLE II--COAST GUARD
Subtitle A--Organization and Authorities
Sec. 201. Prohibition on use of lead systems integrators.
Sec. 202. Minor construction increase.
Sec. 203. Tsunami evacuation plans.
Sec. 204. Service life extension programs.
Sec. 205. Maritime domain awareness in Coast Guard sector for Puerto
Rico and Virgin Islands.
Sec. 206. Public availability of information on monthly drug and
migrant interdictions.
Sec. 207. Report on establishment of unmanned systems capabilities
office.
Sec. 208. Great Lakes icebreaker.
Sec. 209. Consideration of life-cycle cost estimates for acquisition
and procurement.
Sec. 210. Authorization of certain support for Coast Guard Academy
foundations.
Sec. 211. National Coast Guard Museum.
Sec. 212. Regular Polar Security Cutter updates.
Sec. 213. Technology pilot program.
Sec. 214. Report on condition of Missouri River dayboards.
Sec. 215. Delegation of ports and waterways safety authorities in St.
Lawrence seaway.
Sec. 216. Study on Coast Guard missions.
Sec. 217. Additional Pribilof Island transition completion actions.
Subtitle B--Personnel
Sec. 221. Direct hire authority for civilian faculty at the Coast Guard
Academy.
Sec. 222. Temporary exemption from authorized end strength for Coast
Guard enlisted members on active duty.
Sec. 223. Additional available guidance and considerations for reserve
selection boards.
Sec. 224. Parental leave parity for members of certain reserve
components of Coast Guard.
Sec. 225. Authorization for maternity uniform allowance for officers.
Sec. 226. Report on GAO recommendations on housing program.
TITLE III--SHIPPING AND NAVIGATION
Subtitle A--Vessel Operations
Sec. 301. Definitions.
Sec. 302. Notification.
Sec. 303. Publication of fines and penalties.
Subtitle B--Merchant Mariner Credentialing
Sec. 311. Revising merchant mariner deck training requirements.
Sec. 312. Amendments.
Sec. 313. Renewal of merchant mariner licenses and documents.
Sec. 314. Merchant seamen licenses, certificates, and documents;
manning of vessels.
Subtitle C--Vessel Safety
Sec. 321. Grossly negligent operations of a vessel.
Sec. 322. Administrative procedure for security risks.
Sec. 323. Requirements for DUKW amphibious passenger vessels.
Sec. 324. Risk based examination of tank vessels.
Sec. 325. Ports and waterways safety.
Sec. 326. Study on Bering Strait vessel traffic projections and
emergency response posture at the port of Point Spencer,
Alaska.
Sec. 327. Underwater inspections brief.
Sec. 328. St. Lucie River railroad bridge.
Sec. 329. Rulemaking regarding port access routes.
Sec. 330. Articulated tug-barge manning.
Subtitle D--Other Matters
Sec. 341. Anchor handling activities.
Sec. 342. Establishment of National Advisory Committee on Autonomous
Maritime Systems.
[[Page H3171]]
Sec. 343. Controlled substance onboard vessels.
Sec. 344. Nonoperating individual.
Sec. 345. Information on type approval certificates.
Sec. 346. Manning and crewing requirements for certain vessels,
vehicles, and structures.
Sec. 347. Classification societies.
Sec. 348. Authority to establish safety zones for special activities in
exclusive economic zone.
Sec. 349. Fishing vessel and fisherman training safety.
Sec. 350. Authority over Deepwater Port Act of 1974.
Sec. 351. National Offshore Safety Advisory Committee composition.
Sec. 352. Improving Vessel Traffic Service monitoring.
Sec. 353. Abandoned and derelict vessel removals.
Sec. 354. Anchorages.
TITLE IV--OIL POLLUTION INCIDENT LIABILITY
Sec. 401. Vessel response plans.
Sec. 402. Use of marine casualty investigations.
Sec. 403. Timing of review.
Sec. 404. Online incident reporting system.
TITLE V--IMPLEMENTATION OF ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY REVIEW
RECOMMENDATIONS
Sec. 501. Implementation status of directed actions.
Sec. 502. Independent review of Coast Guard reforms.
Sec. 503. Requirement to maintain certain records.
Sec. 504. Study on Coast Guard Academy oversight.
Sec. 505. Providing for the transfer of a cadet who is the victim of a
sexual assault or related offense.
Sec. 506. Designation of officers with particular expertise in military
justice or healthcare.
Sec. 507. Direct hire authority for certain personnel of Coast Guard.
Sec. 508. Safe-to-report policy for Coast Guard.
Sec. 509. Modification of delivery date of Coast Guard sexual assault
report.
Sec. 510. Higher-level review of board of determination decisions.
Sec. 511. Review of discharge or dismissal.
Sec. 512. Convicted sex offender as grounds for denial.
Sec. 513. Coast Guard Academy room reassignment.
TITLE VI--AMENDMENTS
Sec. 601. Amendments.
SEC. 2. COMMANDANT DEFINED.
In this Act, the term ``Commandant'' means the Commandant
of the Coast Guard.
TITLE I--AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS
SEC. 101. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
Section 4902 of title 14, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking
``fiscal years 2022 and 2023'' and inserting ``fiscal years
2025 and 2026'';
(2) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in subparagraph (A) by striking clauses (i) and (ii)
and inserting the following:
``(i) $11,287,500,000 for fiscal year 2025; and
``(ii) $11,851,875,000 for fiscal year 2026.'';
(B) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``$23,456,000'' and
inserting ``$25,570,000''; and
(C) in subparagraph (C) by striking ``$24,353,000'' and
inserting ``$26,848,500'';
(3) in paragraph (2)(A) by striking clauses (i) and (ii)
and inserting the following:
``(i) $3,477,600,000 for fiscal year 2025; and
``(ii) $3,651,480,000 for fiscal year 2026.'';
(4) in paragraph (3) by striking subparagraphs (A) and (B)
and inserting the following:
``(A) $15,415,000 for fiscal year 2025; and
``(B) $16,185,750 for fiscal year 2026.''; and
(5) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following:
``(4) For retired pay, including the payment of obligations
otherwise chargeable to lapsed appropriations for purposes of
retired pay, payments under the Retired Serviceman's Family
Protection Plan and the Survivor Benefit Plan, payment for
career status bonuses, payment of continuation pay under
section 356 of title 37, concurrent receipts, combat-related
special compensation, and payments for medical care of
retired personnel and their dependents under chapter 55 of
title 10, $1,210,840,000 for fiscal year 2025.''.
SEC. 102. SHORESIDE INFRASTRUCTURE AND FACILITIES AND
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY.
(a) Information Technology.--Of the amounts authorized to
be appropriated under section 4902(2)(A) of title 14, United
States Code--
(1) for fiscal year 2025, $36,300,000 is authorized to
modernize the Coast Guard's information technology systems,
of which $11,000,000 is authorized to fund the acquisition,
development, and implementation of a new credentialing system
for the Merchant Mariner credentialing program; and
(2) for fiscal year 2026, $36,300,000 is authorized to
modernize the Coast Guard's information technology systems.
(b) Shoreside Infrastructure.--Of the amounts authorized to
be appropriated under section 4902(2)(A) of title 14, United
States Code--
(1) for fiscal year 2025, $500,000,000 is authorized to
fund maintenance, construction, and repairs for Coast Guard
shoreside infrastructure, of which--
(A) $225,000,000 is authorized for the purposes of
improvements to facilities at the United States Coast Guard
Training Center Cape May in Cape May, New Jersey;
(B) $10,000,000 is authorized to fund the creation of an
infrastructure development plan for the Coast Guard Academy
in New London, Connecticut;
(C) $50,000,000 is authorized to complete repairs and
improvements of Chase Hall at the Coast Guard Academy in New
London, Connecticut, including remediation of asbestos, lead,
and mold and upgrading the electric outlet availability and
storage space in student rooms, and making changes to house
not more than 2 Officer Candidates in a room;
(D) $70,000,000 is authorized for the purposes of planning,
designing, and building a floating drydock at the United
States Coast Guard Yard in Baltimore, Maryland;
(E) $40,000,000 is authorized for the purposes of planning,
designing, and building a hangar to house, at a minimum, 2
HC-130J Super Hercules aircraft at Air Station Barbers Point
in Kapolei, Hawaii; and
(F) $90,000,000 is authorized to fund waterfront
improvements of Coast Guard Base Seattle; and
(2) for fiscal year 2026, $600,000,000 is authorized to
fund maintenance, construction, and repairs for Coast Guard
shoreside infrastructure, of which--
(A) $125,000,000 is authorized for the purposes of
improvements to facilities at the United States Coast Guard
Training Center Cape May in Cape May, New Jersey;
(B) $100,000,000 is authorized to execute the
infrastructure development plan for the Coast Guard Academy
in New London, Connecticut developed in paragraph (1)(C);
(C) $100,000,000 is authorized for the purposes of
planning, designing, and building a floating drydock at the
United States Coast Guard Yard in Baltimore, Maryland;
(D) $40,000,000 is authorized for the purposes of planning,
designing, and building a hangar to house at a minimum 2 HC-
130J Super Hercules aircraft at Air Station Barbers Point in
Kapolei, Hawaii; and
(E) $90,000,000 is authorized to fund waterfront
improvements of Coast Guard Base Seattle.
SEC. 103. AVAILABILITY OF AMOUNTS FOR ACQUISITION OF
ADDITIONAL VESSELS AND AIRCRAFT.
(a) Fiscal Year 2025.--Of the amounts authorized to be
appropriated under section 4902(2)(A) of title 14, United
States Code, for fiscal year 2025--
(1) $138,500,000 is authorized for the acquisition or
procurement of 1 missionized HC-130J Super Hercules aircraft;
(2) $36,000,000 is authorized for the service life
extension program and any necessary upgrades of the 47-foot
Motor Life Boat; and
(3) $216,000,000 is authorized for the acquisition of 2
Fast Response Cutters.
(b) Fiscal Year 2026.--Of the amounts authorized to be
appropriated under section 4902(2)(A) of title 14, United
States Code, for fiscal year 2026--
(1) $1,200,000,000 is authorized for the acquisition of a
Polar Security Cutter;
(2) $1,100,000,000 is authorized for the acquisition of 2
Offshore Patrol Cutters;
(3) $138,500,000 is authorized for the acquisition or
procurement of 1 missionized HC-130J Super Hercules aircraft;
and
(4) $153,500,000 is authorized to outfit and assemble 5 MH-
60T Jayhawk aircrafts.
SEC. 104. AUTHORIZATION FOR CERTAIN PROGRAMS AND SERVICES.
(a) Fiscal Year 2025.--Of the amounts authorized to be
appropriated under section 4902(1)(A) of title 14, United
States Code, for fiscal year 2025--
(1) $11,978,000 is authorized to fund additional recruiting
personnel and offices for the Coast Guard Recruiting Command;
(2) $9,000,000 is authorized to enhance Coast Guard
recruiting capabilities; and
(3) $25,000,000 is authorized for the implementation of
each directed action outlined in enclosure 1 of the
memorandum of the Commandant titled ``Commandant's Directed
Actions-Accountability and Transparency'', dated November 27,
2023.
(b) Fiscal Year 2026.--Of the amounts authorized to be
appropriated under section 4902(1)(A) of title 14, United
States Code, $35,000,000 is authorized for the implementation
of each directed action outlined in enclosure 1 of the
memorandum of the Commandant titled ``Commandant's Directed
Actions-Accountability and Transparency'', dated November 27,
2023.
SEC. 105. 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 2022 and
2023'' and inserting ``fiscal years 2025 and 2026''; and
(2) in subsection (b) by striking ``fiscal years 2022 and
2023'' and inserting ``fiscal years 2025 and 2026''.
TITLE II--COAST GUARD
Subtitle A--Organization and Authorities
SEC. 201. PROHIBITION ON USE OF LEAD SYSTEMS INTEGRATORS.
Section 1105 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(c) Lead Systems Integrator Defined.--In this section,
the term `lead systems integrator' has the meaning given such
term in
[[Page H3172]]
section 805(c) of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2006 (Public Law 109-163).''.
SEC. 202. MINOR CONSTRUCTION INCREASE.
Section 903(d)(1) of title 14, United States Code, is
amended by striking ``$1,500,000'' and inserting
``$2,000,000''.
SEC. 203. TSUNAMI EVACUATION PLANS.
(a) Tsunami Evacuation Plans.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Commandant, in consultation with
the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration and the Administrator of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency, shall establish location specific tsunami
evacuation plans for each unit and sector of the Coast Guard
that has facilities, personnel, or assets located within
areas--
(A) designated by the Administrator of the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration as high risk or very high risk
of a United States tsunami hazard; and
(B) that are located inside a tsunami inundation zone.
(2) Evacuation plans.--In establishing the evacuation plans
under paragraph (1), the Commandant shall ensure that such
plans--
(A) are included in the emergency action plans for each
unit or sector located inside of a tsunami inundation zone;
(B) designate an evacuation route to an assembly area
located outside of a tsunami inundation zone;
(C) include a map or diagram of all tsunami inundation zone
evacuation routes;
(D) include evacuation routes for all Coast Guard personnel
and dependents of such personnel living in Coast Guard
housing;
(E) are feasible for all servicemembers and dependents of
such servicemembers present on Coast Guard property or living
in Coast Guard provided housing;
(F) include procedures to begin evacuations once a major
seismic event is detected;
(G) include evacuation plans for air and water assets that
do not impinge on the safety of human life;
(H) are able to be completely executed within 15 minutes of
detection of a seismic event or, if not possible within 15
minutes, within a reasonable timeframe;
(I) are able to be completely executed by servicemembers on
foot from any location within the tsunami inundation zone;
(J) are exercised biennially by each unit and sector
located in a tsunami inundation zone; and
(K) are evaluated by leadership at each unit and sector
located in a tsunami inundation zone annually.
(3) Consultation.--In establishing the evacuation plans
under paragraph (1), the Commandant shall consult local
governments.
(b) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, 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, and provide a briefing to
each such Committee on, a report on--
(1) the status of the implementation and feasibility of the
plans established under subsection (a)(1);
(2) a risk evaluation and vulnerability assessment of the
infrastructure and assets located within tsunami inundation
zones;
(3) the need for vertical evacuation structures for units
and sectors in which an evacuation of a tsunami inundation
zone cannot be completed on foot within 15 minutes of the
detection of a seismic event; and
(4) whether the plans established under subsection (a)(1)
achieve the purpose to protect human life and ensure the
ability for the Coast Guard to provide search and rescue
operations following a tsunami event in the area.
(c) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Seismic event.--The term ``seismic event'' means an
earthquake, volcanic eruption, submarine landslide, coastal
rockfall, or other event with the magnitude to cause a
tsunami.
(2) Tsunami inundation zone.--The term ``tsunami inundation
zone'' means an area of inland flooding modeled, predicted,
or forecasted as a potential result of a tsunami or seismic
event.
(3) Vertical evacuation structure.--The term ``vertical
evacuation structure'' means an elevated structure above the
tsunami inundation zone designated as a place of refuge from
flood waters.
SEC. 204. SERVICE LIFE EXTENSION PROGRAMS.
(a) In General.--Subchapter II of chapter 11 of title 14,
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``Sec. 1138. Service life extension programs
``(a) In General.--Requirements for a Level 1 or Level 2
acquisition project or program under sections 1131 through
1134 shall not apply to an acquisition by the Coast Guard
that is a service life extension program.
``(b) Service Life Extension Program Defined.--In this
section, the term `service life extension program' means a
capital investment that is solely intended to extend the
service life and address obsolescence of components or
systems of a particular capability or asset.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 11 of
title 14, United States Code, is amended by inserting after
the item relating to section 1137 the following:
``1138. Service life extension programs.''.
SEC. 205. MARITIME DOMAIN AWARENESS IN COAST GUARD SECTOR FOR
PUERTO RICO AND VIRGIN ISLANDS.
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this
Act, 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 containing--
(1) an overview of the maritime domain awareness in the
area of responsibility of the Coast Guard sector responsible
for Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands,
including--
(A) the average volume of known maritime traffic that
transited the area during fiscal years 2020 through 2023;
(B) current sensor platforms deployed by such sector to
monitor illicit activity occurring at sea in such area;
(C) the number of illicit activity incidents at sea in such
area that the sector responded to during fiscal years 2020
through 2023;
(D) an estimate of the volume of traffic engaged in illicit
activity at sea in such area and the type and description of
any vessels used to carry out illicit activities that such
sector responded to during fiscal years 2020 through 2023;
and
(E) the maritime domain awareness requirements to
effectively meet the mission of such sector;
(2) a description of current actions taken by the Coast
Guard to partner with Federal, regional, State, and local
entities to meet the maritime domain awareness needs of such
area;
(3) a description of any gaps in maritime domain awareness
within the area of responsibility of such sector resulting
from an inability to meet the enduring maritime domain
awareness requirements of the sector or adequately respond to
maritime disorder, including illicit drug and migrant
activity;
(4) an identification of current technology and assets the
Coast Guard has to mitigate the gaps identified in paragraph
(3);
(5) an identification of capabilities needed to mitigate
such gaps, including any capabilities the Coast Guard
currently possesses that can be deployed to the sector;
(6) an identification of technology and assets the Coast
Guard does not currently possess and are needed to acquire in
order to address such gaps; and
(7) an identification of any financial obstacles that
prevent the Coast Guard from deploying existing commercially
available sensor technology to address such gaps.
SEC. 206. PUBLIC AVAILABILITY OF INFORMATION ON MONTHLY DRUG
AND MIGRANT INTERDICTIONS.
(a) In General.--Section 11269 of the Don Young Coast Guard
Authorization Act of 2022 (Public Law 117-263) is--
(1) transferred to appear at the end of subchapter II of
chapter 5 of title 14, United States Code;
(2) redesignated as section 529; and
(3) amended--
(A) by striking the section enumerator and heading and
inserting the following:
``Sec. 529. Public availability of information on monthly
drug and migrant interdictions'';
(B) by striking ``Not later than'' and inserting the
following:
``(a) In General.--Not later than'';
(C) by inserting ``drug and'' before ``migrant
interdictions''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(b) Contents.--In making information about interdictions
publicly available under subsection (a), the Commandant shall
include a description of the following:
``(1) The number of incidents in which drugs were
interdicted, the amount and type of drugs interdicted, and
the Coast Guard sectors and geographic areas of
responsibility in which such incidents occurred.
``(2) The number of incidents in which migrants were
interdicted, the number of migrants interdicted, and the
Coast Guard sectors and geographic areas of responsibility in
which such incidents occurred.''.
(b) Clerical Amendments.--
(1) The analysis for chapter 5 of title 14, United States
Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to
section 528 the following:
``529. Public availability of information on monthly drug and migrant
interdictions.''.
(2) The table of sections in section 11001(b) of the Don
Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022 (division K of
Public Law 117-263) is amended by striking the item relating
to section 11269.
SEC. 207. REPORT ON ESTABLISHMENT OF UNMANNED SYSTEMS
CAPABILITIES OFFICE.
(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House
of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science,
and Transportation of the Senate a report that outlines a
plan for establishing an unmanned systems capabilities office
within the Coast Guard responsible for the acquisition and
development of unmanned system and counter-unmanned system
technologies and to expand the capabilities of the Coast
Guard with respect to such technologies.
(b) Contents.--The report required under subsection (a)
shall include the following:
(1) A management strategy for the acquisition, development,
and deployment of unmanned system and counter-unmanned system
technologies.
[[Page H3173]]
(2) A service-wide coordination strategy to synchronize and
integrate efforts across the Coast Guard in order to--
(A) support the primary duties of the Coast Guard pursuant
to section 102 of title 14, United States Code; and
(B) pursue expanded research, development, testing, and
evaluation opportunities and funding to expand and accelerate
identification and transition of unmanned system and counter-
unmanned system technologies.
(3) The identification of contracting and acquisition
authorities needed to expedite the development and deployment
of unmanned system and counter-unmanned system technologies.
(4) A detailed list of commercially available unmanned
system and counter-unmanned system technologies with
capabilities determined to be useful for the Coast Guard.
(5) A cross-agency collaboration plan to engage with the
Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Defense,
and other relevant agencies to identify common requirements
and opportunities to partner in acquiring, contracting, and
sustaining unmanned system and counter-unmanned system
capabilities.
(6) Opportunities to obtain and share unmanned system data
from government and commercial sources to improve maritime
domain awareness.
(7) The development of a concept of operations for a data
ecosystem that supports and integrates unmanned system and
counter-unmanned system technologies with key enablers,
including enterprise communications networks, data storage
and management, artificial intelligence and machine learning
tools, and information sharing and dissemination
capabilities.
(c) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Counter-unmanned system.--The term ``counter-unmanned
system'' means a system or device capable of lawfully and
safely disabling, disrupting, or seizing control of an
unmanned system, including a counter-UAS system (as such term
is defined in section 44801 of title 49, United States Code).
(2) Unmanned system.--The term ``unmanned system'' means an
unmanned surface, undersea, or aircraft and associated
elements (including communication links and the components
that control the unmanned system) that are required for the
operator to operate the system safely and efficiently,
including an unmanned aircraft system (as such term is
defined in section 44801 of title 49, United States Code).
SEC. 208. GREAT LAKES ICEBREAKER.
Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this
Act, 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 strategy detailing how the
Coast Guard will complete design and construction of the
Great Lakes icebreaker at least as capable as the Coast Guard
Cutter Mackinaw (WLBB-30) in not more than 3 years after
funding is provided for such icebreaker.
SEC. 209. CONSIDERATION OF LIFE-CYCLE COST ESTIMATES FOR
ACQUISITION AND PROCUREMENT.
(a) In General.--Subchapter II of chapter 11 of title 14,
United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end
the following:
``Sec. 1139. Consideration of life-cycle cost estimates for
acquisition and procurement
``In carrying out the acquisition and procurement of
vessels and aircraft, the Secretary of the department in
which the Coast Guard is operating, acting through the
Commandant of the Coast Guard, shall consider the life-cycle
cost estimates of vessels and aircraft, as applicable, during
the design and evaluation processes to the maximum extent
practicable.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 11 of
title 14, United States Code, is amended by inserting after
the item relating to section 1138 (as added by this Act) the
following:
``1139. Consideration of life-cycle cost estimates for acquisition and
procurement.''.
SEC. 210. AUTHORIZATION OF CERTAIN SUPPORT FOR COAST GUARD
ACADEMY FOUNDATIONS.
(a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter 19 of title 14,
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``Sec. 1907. Authorization of certain support for Coast Guard
Academy foundations
``(a) Authority.--Subject to subsection (b) and pursuant to
regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the department in
which the Coast Guard is operating, the Superintendent of the
Coast Guard Academy may authorize a covered foundation to
use, on an unreimbursed basis, facilities or equipment of the
Coast Guard Academy.
``(b) Limitations.--Use of facilities or equipment under
subsection (a) may be provided only if such use has been
reviewed and approved by an attorney of the Coast Guard and
only if such use--
``(1) is without any liability of the United States to the
covered foundation;
``(2) does not affect the ability of any official or
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;
``(3) does not compromise the integrity or appearance of
integrity of any program of the Coast Guard, or any
individual involved in such a program;
``(4) does not include the participation of any cadet other
than participation in an honor guard at an event of the
covered foundation; and
``(5) complies with any applicable ethics regulations.
``(c) Briefing.--In any fiscal year during which the
Superintendent of the Coast Guard Academy exercises the
authority under subsection (a), the Commandant of the Coast
Guard shall provide a briefing to the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate not later than the last day of
that fiscal year regarding the number of events or activities
of a covered foundation supported by such exercise during
such fiscal year.
``(d) Covered Foundation Defined.--In this section, the
term `covered foundation' means a charitable, educational, or
civic nonprofit organization under section 501(c)(3) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, that the Secretary concerned
determines operates exclusively to support, with respect to a
Service Academy, any of the following:
``(1) Recruiting.
``(2) Parent or alumni development.
``(3) Academic, leadership, or character development.
``(4) Institutional development.
``(5) Athletics.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 19 of
title 14, United States Code, is amended by inserting after
the item relating to section 1906 the following:
``1907. Authorization of certain support for Coast Guard Academy
foundations.''.
SEC. 211. NATIONAL COAST GUARD MUSEUM.
Section 316 of title 14, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1) by striking ``The Secretary'' and
inserting ``Except as provided in paragraph (2), the
Secretary''; and
(B) in paragraph (2) by striking ``engineering and design
of a Museum'' and inserting ``design of a Museum, and
engineering, construction administration, and quality
assurance services of a Museum'';
(2) by amending subsection (e)(2)(A) to read as follows:
``(A) lease from the Association for Coast Guard operations
the Museum and properties owned by the Association adjacent
to the railroad tracks to which the property on which the
Museum is located are adjacent; and''; and
(3) by amending subsection (g) to read as follows:
``(g) Services.--With respect to the services related to
the construction, maintenance, and operation of the Museum,
the Commandant may--
``(1) solicit and accept services from nonprofit entities,
including the Association; and
``(2) enter into contracts or memorandums of agreement with
or make grants to the Association to acquire such
services.''.
SEC. 212. REGULAR POLAR SECURITY CUTTER UPDATES.
(a) Report.--
(1) Report to congress.--Not later than 60 days after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to
the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the
House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the
status of acquisition of the first Polar Security Cutter.
(2) Elements.--The report under paragraph (1) shall
include--
(A) a detailed timeline for the acquisition process of the
first Polar Security Cutter, including expected milestones
and projected commissioning date;
(B) an accounting of the previously appropriated funds
spent to date on the Polar Security Cutter Program, updated
cost projections for the first Polar Security Cutter, and
projections for when additional funds will be required;
(C) potential factors and risks that could further delay or
imperil the completion of the first Polar Security Cutter;
and
(D) a review of the acquisition of the first Polar Security
Cutter to date, including factors that led to substantial
cost overruns and delivery delays.
(b) Briefings.--
(1) Provision to congress.--Not later than 60 days after
the submission of the report under subsection (a), and not
less frequently than every 60 days thereafter, the Commandant
shall provide to the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the
Senate a briefing on the status of the Polar Security Cutter
acquisition process.
(2) Timeline.--The briefings under paragraph (1) shall
occur after any key milestone in the Polar Security Cutter
acquisition process, but not less frequently than every 60
days.
(3) Elements.--Each briefing under paragraph (1) shall
include--
(A) a summary of acquisition progress since the most recent
previous briefing conducted pursuant to paragraph (1);
(B) an updated timeline and budget estimate for acquisition
and building of pending Polar Security Cutters; and
(C) an explanation of any delays or additional costs
incurred in the acquisition progress.
[[Page H3174]]
(c) Notifications.--In addition to the briefings required
under subsection (b), the Commandant shall notify the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House
of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science,
and Transportation of the Senate within 3 business days of
any significant change to the scope or funding level of the
Polar Security Cutter acquisition strategy of such change.
SEC. 213. TECHNOLOGY PILOT PROGRAM.
Section 319(b)(1) of title 14, United States Code, is
amended by striking ``2'' and inserting ``4''.
SEC. 214. REPORT ON CONDITION OF MISSOURI RIVER DAYBOARDS.
(a) Provision to Congress.--Not later than 180 days after
the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall
submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report
on the condition of dayboards and the placement of buoys on
the Missouri River.
(b) Elements.--The report under paragraph (1) shall
include--
(1) a list of the most recent date on which each dayboard
and buoy was serviced by the Coast Guard;
(2) an overview of the plan of the Coast Guard to
systematically service each dayboard and buoy on the Missouri
River; and
(3) assigned points of contact.
SEC. 215. DELEGATION OF PORTS AND WATERWAYS SAFETY
AUTHORITIES IN ST. LAWRENCE SEAWAY.
Section 70032 of title 46, United States Code, is amended
to read as follows:
``Sec. 70032. Saint Lawrence Seaway
``(a) In General.--Except as provided in subsection (b),
the authority granted to the Secretary under sections 70001,
70002, 70003, 70004, and 70011 may not be delegated with
respect to the Saint Lawrence Seaway to any agency other than
the Great Lakes Saint Lawrence Seaway Development
Corporation. Any other authority granted the Secretary under
subchapters I through III and this subchapter shall be
delegated by the Secretary to the Great Lakes Saint Lawrence
Seaway Development Corporation to the extent the Secretary
determines such delegation is necessary for the proper
operation of the Saint Lawrence Seaway.
``(b) Exception.--The Secretary of the department in which
the Coast Guard is operating, after consultation with the
Secretary of Transportation, or the head of an agency to
which the Secretary has delegated the authorities in
subsection (a), may--
``(1) issue and enforce special orders in accordance with
section 70002;
``(2) establish water or waterfront safety zones, or other
measures, for limited, controlled, or conditional access and
activity when necessary for the protection of any vessel
structure, waters, or shore area, as permitted in section
70011(b)(2); and
``(3) take actions for port, harbor, and coastal facility
security in accordance with section 70116.''.
SEC. 216. STUDY ON COAST GUARD MISSIONS.
(a) Study.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall seek to enter
into an agreement with a federally funded research and
development center with relevant expertise under which such
center shall conduct an assessment of the operational
capabilities and ability of the Coast Guard to conduct the
primary duties of the Coast Guard under section 102 of title
14, United States Code, and missions under section 888 of the
Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 468).
(2) Elements.--In carrying out the assessment required
under paragraph (1), the federally funded research and
development center selected under such subsection shall, with
respect to the primary duties and missions described in
paragraph (1), include the following:
(A) An analysis of the extent to which the Coast Guard is
able to effectively carry out such duties and missions.
(B) Recommendations for the Coast Guard to more effectively
carry out such duties and missions, in light of manpower and
asset constraints.
(C) Recommendations of which such duties and missions
should be transferred to other departments or eliminated in
light of the manpower and asset constraints of the Coast
Guard.
(D) An analysis of the benefits and drawbacks of
transferring the Coast Guard or any of the duties and
missions of the Coast Guard to other appropriate Federal
departments or independent agencies.
(b) Assessment to Commandant.--Not later than 1 year after
the date on which Commandant enters into an agreement under
section (a), the federally funded research and development
center selected under such subsection shall submit to the
Commandant the assessment required under subsection (a).
(c) Report to Congress.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after receipt of
the assessment under subsection (b), the Commandant shall
submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report
that includes recommendations included in the assessment to
strengthen the ability of the Coast Guard to carry out such
duties and missions.
(2) Elements.--The report required under paragraph (1)
shall include the following:
(A) The assessment received by the Commandant under
subsection (b).
(B) For each recommendation included in the such
assessment--
(i) an assessment by the Commandant of the feasibility and
advisability of implementing such recommendation; and
(ii) if the Commandant of the Coast Guard considers the
implementation of such recommendation feasible and advisable,
a description of the actions taken, or to be taken, to
implement such recommendation.
SEC. 217. ADDITIONAL PRIBILOF ISLAND TRANSITION COMPLETION
ACTIONS.
Section 11221 of the Don Young Coast Guard Authorization
Act of 2022 (Public Law 117-263) is amended by adding at the
end the following:
``(e) Additional Reports on Status of Use of Facilities and
Helicopter Basing.--Beginning with the first quarterly report
required under subsection (a) submitted after the date of
enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2024, the
Secretary shall include in each such report--
``(1) the status of the use of recently renovated Coast
Guard housing facilities, food preparation facilities, and
maintenance and repair facilities on St. Paul Island, Alaska,
including a projected date for full use and occupancy of such
facilities in support of Coast Guard missions in the Bering
Sea; and
``(2) a detailed plan for the acquisition and construction
of a hangar in close proximity to existing St. Paul airport
facilities to house 1 or more Coast Guard helicopters for the
prosecution of Coast Guard operational missions, including
plans for the use of land needed for such hangar.''.
Subtitle B--Personnel
SEC. 221. DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY FOR CIVILIAN FACULTY AT THE
COAST GUARD ACADEMY.
Section 1941 of title 14, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (c); and
(2) by inserting after subsection (a) the following:
``(b) The Secretary may, without regard to the appointment
requirements of title 5, United States Code, noncompetitively
appoint a highly qualified candidate to a faculty position in
the excepted service.''.
SEC. 222. TEMPORARY EXEMPTION FROM AUTHORIZED END STRENGTH
FOR COAST GUARD ENLISTED MEMBERS ON ACTIVE
DUTY.
Notwithstanding section 517 of title 10, United States
Code, and until October 1, 2027, the authorized end strength
for enlisted members on active duty (other than for training)
in the Coast Guard in pay grades E-8 and E-9 may be more than
3.0 percent and 1.25 percent respectively of the number of
enlisted members of the Coast Guard who are on active duty
other than for training.
SEC. 223. ADDITIONAL AVAILABLE GUIDANCE AND CONSIDERATIONS
FOR RESERVE SELECTION BOARDS.
Section 3740(f) of title 14, United States Code, is amended
by striking ``section 2117'' and inserting ``sections 2115
and 2117''.
SEC. 224. PARENTAL LEAVE PARITY FOR MEMBERS OF CERTAIN
RESERVE COMPONENTS OF COAST GUARD.
(a) Parental Leave.--
(1) In general.--Subchapter I of chapter 29 of title 14,
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``Sec. 2907. Parental leave for members of certain reserve
components of Coast Guard
``(a)(1) Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, a
member of the reserve component of the Coast Guard described
in subsection (b) is allowed parental leave for a duration of
up to 12 inactive-duty training periods, under section 206 of
title 37, during the one-year period beginning after the
following events:
``(A) the birth or adoption of a child of the member and to
care for such child; or
``(B) the placement of a minor child with the member for
adoption or long-term foster care.
``(2)(A) The Secretary of the department in which the Coast
Guard is operating, may authorize leave described under
subparagraph (A) to be taken after the one-year period
described in subparagraph (A) in the case of a member
described in subsection (b) who, except for this
subparagraph, would lose unused parental leave at the end of
the one-year period described in subparagraph (A) as a result
of--
``(i) operational requirements;
``(ii) professional military education obligations; or
``(iii) other circumstances that the Secretary determines
reasonable and appropriate.
``(B) The regulations prescribed under clause (i) shall
require that any leave authorized to be taken after the one-
year period described in subparagraph (A) shall be taken
within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the
Secretary in which the department is operating, after
cessation of the circumstances warranting the extended
deadline.
``(b) A member described in this subsection is a member of
the Coast Guard who is a member of--
``(1) the selected reserve who is entitled to compensation
under section 206 of title 37; or
``(2) the individual ready reserve who is entitled to
compensation under section 206 of
[[Page H3175]]
title 37 when attending or participating in a sufficient
number of periods of inactive-duty training during a year to
count the year as a qualifying year of creditable service
toward eligibility for retired pay.''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The analysis for chapter 29 of
title 14, United States Code, is amended by inserting after
the item relating to section 2906 the following:
``2907. Parental leave for members of certain reserve components of
Coast Guard.''.
(b) Compensation.--Section 206(a)(4) of title 37, United
States Code, is amended by inserting before the period at the
end ``or parental leave under section 2907 of title 14''.
SEC. 225. AUTHORIZATION FOR MATERNITY UNIFORM ALLOWANCE FOR
OFFICERS.
Section 2708 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(c) The Coast Guard may provide a cash allowance in such
amount as the Secretary of the department in which the Coast
Guard is operating shall determine in regulations to be paid
to pregnant officer personnel for the purchase of maternity-
related uniform items if such uniform items are not so
furnished to the member.''.
SEC. 226. REPORT ON GAO RECOMMENDATIONS ON HOUSING PROGRAM.
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this
Act, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate a report on the status of the
implementation of the recommendations contained in the report
of the Government Accountability Office titled ``Coast Guard:
Better Feedback Collection and Information Could Enhance
Housing Program'', and issued February 5, 2024 (GAO-24-
106388).
TITLE III--SHIPPING AND NAVIGATION
Subtitle A--Vessel Operations
SEC. 301. DEFINITIONS.
In this subtitle:
(1) Outer continental shelf.--The term ``outer Continental
Shelf'' has the meaning given such term in section 2 of the
Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1331).
(2) Ruling letter.--The term ``ruling letter'' means any
ruling letter or headquarters ruling letter relating to the
enforcement of chapters 121 and 551 of title 46, United
States Code (commonly referred to as the ``Jones Act''),
issued by the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border
Protection pursuant to sections 502(a) or 625 of the Tariff
Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1502(a) and 1625).
(3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Homeland Security, acting through the Commissioner of U.S.
Customs and Border Protection.
SEC. 302. NOTIFICATION.
(a) Advance Notification Required.--Prior to engaging in
any activity or operations on the outer Continental Shelf,
the operator of a foreign vessel used in such activity or
operations shall file with the Secretary a notification
describing all activities and operations to be performed on
the outer Continental Shelf and an identification of
applicable ruling letters issued by the Secretary that have
approved the use of a foreign vessel in a substantially
similar activity or operation.
(b) Publication of Notices.--
(1) Publication.--The Secretary shall publish a
notification under subsection (a) in the Customs Bulletin and
Decisions within 14 days of receipt of such notification.
(2) Confidential information.--The Secretary shall redact
any information exempt from disclosure under section 552 of
title 5, United States Code, in a notification published
under paragraph (1).
SEC. 303. PUBLICATION OF FINES AND PENALTIES.
(a) In General.--Section 55102 of title 46, United States
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(d) Publication of Penalty.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 14 days after the
issuance of a pre-penalty notice or a penalty, including a
settlement, under subsection (c), the Secretary of Homeland
Security shall publish such pre-penalty notice or a
notification of such penalty in the Customs Bulletin and
Decisions to the party impacted by the penalty.
``(2) Contents.--A pre-penalty notice or penalty
notification published under paragraph (1) shall include--
``(A) the name and the International Maritime Organization
identification number of the vessel that is the subject of
the penalty;
``(B) the name of the owner of the vessel that is the
subject of the penalty;
``(C) the amount of the fine or value of merchandise
seized; and
``(D) a summary of the alleged misconduct and justification
for imposing a penalty.''.
(b) Rulemaking.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue such
regulations as are necessary to implement the amendments made
by subsection (a), including--
(1) regulations regarding the information to be contained
in a penalty notification under section 55102(d) of title 46,
United States Code (as amended by such subsection); and
(2) any changes to existing regulations relating to
penalties issued by the Secretary.
Subtitle B--Merchant Mariner Credentialing
SEC. 311. REVISING MERCHANT MARINER DECK TRAINING
REQUIREMENTS.
(a) General Definitions.--Section 2101 of title 46, United
States Code, is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (20) through (56) as
paragraphs (21) through (57), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (19) the following:
``(20) `merchant mariner credential' means a merchant
mariner license, certificate, or document that the Secretary
is authorized to issue pursuant to this title.''.
(b) Examinations.--Section 7116 of title 46, United States
Code, is amended by striking subsection (c).
(c) Merchant Mariners Documents.--
(1) General requirements.--Section 7306 of title 46, United
States Code, is amended to read as follows:
``Sec. 7306. General requirements and classifications for
members of deck departments
``(a) In General.--The Secretary may issue a merchant
mariner credential, to members of the deck department in the
following classes:
``(1) Able Seaman-Unlimited.
``(2) Able Seaman-Limited.
``(3) Able Seaman-Special.
``(4) Able Seaman-Offshore Supply Vessels.
``(5) Able Seaman-Sail.
``(6) Able Seaman-Fishing Industry.
``(7) Ordinary Seaman.
``(b) Classification of Credentials.--The Secretary may
classify the merchant mariner credential issued under
subsection (a) based on--
``(1) the tonnage and means of propulsion of vessels;
``(2) the waters on which vessels are to be operated; or
``(3) other appropriate standards.
``(c) Considerations.--In issuing the credential under
subsection (a), the Secretary may consider the following
qualifications of the merchant mariner:
``(1) Age.
``(2) Character.
``(3) Habits of life.
``(4) Experience.
``(5) Professional qualifications demonstrated by
satisfactory completion of applicable examinations or other
educational requirements.
``(6) Physical condition, including sight and hearing.
``(7) Other requirements established by the Secretary,
including career patterns and service appropriate to the
particular service, industry, or job functions the individual
is engaged.''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The analysis for chapter 73 of
title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking the item
relating to section 7306 and inserting the following:
``7306. General requirements and classifications for members of deck
departments.''.
(3) General requirements for members of engine
departments.--Section 7313(b) of title 46, United States
Code, is amended by striking ``and coal passer''.
(4) Training.--Section 7315 of title 46, United States
Code, is amended--
(A) by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:
``(a) Graduation from a nautical school program approved by
the Secretary may be substituted for the service requirements
under sections 7307-7312 and 7314.'';
(B) in subsection (b)--
(i) by striking ``one-third'' and inserting ``one-half'';
and
(ii) by striking ``7307-7311 of this title'' and inserting
``7307-7312 and 7314''; and
(C) by striking subsection (c).
(d) Reduction of Lengths of Certain Periods of Service.--
(1) In general.--Title 46, United States Code, is amended
as follows:
(A) Section 7307 is amended by striking ``3 years'' and
inserting ``18 months''.
(B) Section 7308 is amended by striking ``18 months'' and
inserting ``12 months''.
(C) Section 7309 is amended by striking ``12 months'' and
inserting ``6 months''.
(2) Temporary reduction of lengths of certain periods of
service.--Section 3534(j) of the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118-31) is
repealed.
(e) Merchant Mariner Credentials.--Section 7510 of title
46, United States Code, is amended by striking subsection
(d).
(f) Implementation.--The Secretary of the department in
which the Coast Guard is operating shall implement the
amended requirements under subsections (c)(3), (c)(4), and
(c)(6) of this section without regard to chapters 5 and 6 of
title 5, United States Code, and Executive Orders 12866 and
13563 (5 U.S.C. 601 note).
SEC. 312. AMENDMENTS.
(a) Merchant Mariner Credentials.--The heading for part E
of subtitle II of title 46, United States Code, is amended by
striking ``merchant seamen licenses, certificates, and
documents'' and inserting ``merchant mariner credentials''.
(b) Able Seafarers--Unlimited.--
(1) In general.--The section heading for section 7307 of
title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking
``seamen'' and inserting ``seafarers''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The analysis for chapter 73 of
title 46, United States Code, is further amended in the item
relating to section 7307 by striking ``seamen'' and inserting
``seafarers''.
(c) Able Seamen--Limited.--
(1) In general.--The section heading for section 7308 of
title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking
``seamen'' and inserting ``seafarers''.
[[Page H3176]]
(2) Clerical amendment.--The analysis for chapter 73 of
title 46, United States Code, is further amended in the item
relating to section 7308 by striking ``seamen'' and inserting
``seafarers''.
(d) Able Seafarers--Special.--
(1) In general.--The section heading for section 7309 of
title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking
``seamen'' and inserting ``seafarers''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The analysis for chapter 73 of
title 46, United States Code, is further amended in the item
relating to section 7309 by striking ``seamen'' and inserting
``seafarers''.
(e) Able Seafarers--Offshore Supply Vessels.--
(1) In general.--The section heading for section 7310 of
title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking
``seamen'' and inserting ``seafarers''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The analysis for chapter 73 of
title 46, United States Code, is further amended in the item
relating to section 7310 by striking ``seamen'' and inserting
``seafarers''.
(f) Able Seafarers--Sail.--
(1) In general.--The section heading for section 7311 of
title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking
``seamen'' and inserting ``seafarers''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The analysis for chapter 73 of
title 46, United States Code, is further amended in the item
relating to section 7311 by striking ``seamen'' and inserting
``seafarers''.
(g) Able Seamen--Fishing Industry.--
(1) In general.--The section heading for section 7311a of
title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking
``seamen'' and inserting ``seafarers''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The analysis for chapter 73 of
title 46, United States Code, is further amended in the item
relating to section 7311a by striking ``seamen'' and
inserting ``seafarers''.
(h) Parts E and F.--Parts E and F of subtitle II of title
46, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by striking ``seaman'' and inserting ``seafarer'' each
place it appears; and
(2) by striking ``seamen'' and inserting ``seafarers'' each
place it appears.
(i) Clerical Amendments.--The analysis for subtitle II of
title 46, United States Code, is amended in the item relating
to part E by striking ``MERCHANT SEAMEN LICENSES,
CERTIFICATES, AND DOCUMENTS'' and inserting ``MERCHANT
MARINER CREDENTIALS''.
SEC. 313. RENEWAL OF MERCHANT MARINER LICENSES AND DOCUMENTS.
Section 7507 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(d) Renewal.--With respect to any renewal of an active
merchant mariner credential issued under this part that is
not an extension under subsection (a) or (b), such credential
shall begin the day after the expiration of the active
credential of the credential holder.''.
SEC. 314. MERCHANT SEAMEN LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, AND
DOCUMENTS; MANNING OF VESSELS.
(a) Citizenship or Noncitizen Nationality.--
(1) In general.--Section 7102 of title 46, United States
Code, is amended--
(A) in the section heading by inserting ``or noncitizen
nationality'' after ``Citizenship''; and
(B) by inserting ``or noncitizen nationals (as such term is
described in section 308 of the Immigration and Nationality
Act (8 U.S.C. 1408))'' after ``citizens''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The analysis for chapter 71 of
title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking the item
relating to section 7102 and inserting the following:
``7102. Citizenship or noncitizen nationality.''.
(b) Citizenship or Noncitizen Nationality Notation on
Merchant Mariners' Documents.--
(1) In general.--Section 7304 of title 46, United States
Code, is amended--
(A) in the section heading by inserting ``or noncitizen
nationality'' after ``Citizenship''; and
(B) by inserting ``or noncitizen national (as such term is
described in section 308 of the Immigration and Nationality
Act (8 U.S.C. 1408))'' after ``citizen''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The analysis for chapter 73 of
title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking the item
relating to section 7304 and inserting the following:
``7304. Citizenship or noncitizen nationality notation on merchant
mariners' documents.''.
(c) Citizenship or Noncitizen Nationality.--
(1) In general.--Section 8103 of title 46, United States
Code, is amended--
(A) in the section heading by inserting ``or noncitizen
nationality'' after ``Citizenship'';
(B) in subsection (a) by inserting ``or noncitizen
national'' after ``citizen'';
(C) in subsection (b)--
(i) in paragraph (1)(A)(i) by inserting ``or noncitizen
national'' after ``citizen'';
(ii) in paragraph (3) by inserting ``or noncitizen
nationality'' after ``citizenship''; and
(iii) in paragraph (3)(C) by inserting ``or noncitizen
nationals'' after ``citizens'';
(D) in subsection (c) by inserting ``or noncitizen
nationals'' after ``citizens'';
(E) in subsection (d)--
(i) in paragraph (1) by inserting ``or noncitizen
nationals'' after ``citizens''; and
(ii) in paragraph (2) by inserting ``or noncitizen
national'' after ``citizen'' each place it appears;
(F) in subsection (e) by inserting ``or noncitizen
national'' after ``citizen'' each place it appears;
(G) in subsection (i)(1)(A) by inserting ``or noncitizen
national'' after ``citizen'';
(H) in subsection (k)(1)(A) by inserting ``or noncitizen
national'' after ``citizen''; and
(I) by adding at the end the following:
``(l) Noncitizen National Defined.--In this section, the
term `noncitizen national' means an individual described in
section 308 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.
1408).''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The analysis for chapter 81 of
title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking the item
relating to section 8103 and inserting the following:
``8103. Citizenship or noncitizen nationality and Navy Reserve
requirements.''.
(d) Command of Documented Vessels.--Section 12131(a) of
title 46, United States Code, is amended by inserting ``or
noncitizen national (as such term is described in section 308
of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1408))''
after ``citizen''.
(e) Invalidation of Certificates of Documentation.--Section
12135(2) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by
inserting ``or noncitizen national (as such term is described
in section 308 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8
U.S.C. 1408))'' after ``citizen''.
Subtitle C--Vessel Safety
SEC. 321. GROSSLY NEGLIGENT OPERATIONS OF A VESSEL.
Section 2302(b) of title 46, United States Code, is amended
to read as follows:
``(b) Grossly Negligent Operation.--
``(1) Misdemeanor.--A person operating a vessel in a
grossly negligent manner that endangers the life, limb, or
property of a person commits a class A misdemeanor.
``(2) Felony.--A person operating a vessel in a grossly
negligent manner that results in serious bodily injury, as
defined in section 1365(h)(3) of title 18--
``(A) commits a class E felony; and
``(B) may be assessed a civil penalty of not more than
$35,000.''.
SEC. 322. ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE FOR SECURITY RISKS.
(a) Security Risk.--Section 7702(d)(1) of title 46, United
States Code, is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (B) by redesignating clauses (i)
through (iv) as subclauses (I) through (IV), respectively
(and by conforming the margins accordingly);
(2) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as clauses
(i) and (ii), respectively (and by conforming the margins
accordingly);
(3) by striking ``an individual if--'' and inserting the
following: ``an individual--
``(A) if--'';
(4) in subparagraph (A)(ii)(IV), as so redesignated, by
striking the period at the end and inserting ``; or''; and
(5) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) if there is probable cause to believe that the
individual has violated company policy and is a security risk
that poses a threat to other individuals on the vessel.''.
(b) Technical Amendment.--Section 2101(47)(B) of title 46,
United States Code (as so redesignated), is amended by
striking ``; and'' and inserting ``; or''.
SEC. 323. REQUIREMENTS FOR DUKW AMPHIBIOUS PASSENGER VESSELS.
Section 11502 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117-263)
is amended--
(1) in the section header by striking ``dukw amphibious
passenger vessels'' and inserting ``commercial amphibious
small passenger vessels'';
(2) by striking ``DUKW amphibious passenger vessel'' each
place it appears and inserting ``commercial amphibious small
passenger vessel'';
(3) by striking ``DUKW amphibious passenger vessels'' each
place it appears and inserting ``commercial amphibious small
passenger vessels'';
(4) in subsection (h)--
(A) by striking ``Definitions'' and all that follows
through ``The term `appropriate congressional committees' ''
and inserting ``Appropriate Congressional Committees
Defined.--The term `appropriate congressional committees' '';
and
(B) by striking paragraph (2); and
(5) by adding at the end the following:
``(i) Application.--This section shall apply to amphibious
vessels operating as a small passenger vessel in waters
subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, as such
term is defined in section 2.38 of title 33, Code of Federal
Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of the
Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2024).''.
SEC. 324. RISK BASED EXAMINATION OF TANK VESSELS.
Section 3714 of title 46, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(1), by striking ``The Secretary'' and
inserting ``Except as provided in subsection (c), the
Secretary'';
(2) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); and
(3) by inserting after subsection (b) the following:
``(c) Risk-based Examination.--
``(1) In general.--With respect to examinations of foreign-
flagged vessels to which this chapter applies, the Secretary
may adopt a risk-based examination schedule to which such
vessels shall be examined and the frequency with which the
examinations occur.
[[Page H3177]]
``(2) Restriction.--The Secretary may not adopt a risk-
based examination schedule under paragraph (1) until the
Secretary has--
``(A) received and reviewed the study by the National
Academies required under section 8254(b) of the William M.
(Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116-283);
``(B) conducted the assessment recommended in the report of
the Government Accountability Office submitted under section
8254(a) of such Act;
``(C) concluded through such assessment that a risk-based
examination schedule provides not less than the level of
safety provided by the annual examinations required under
subsection (a)(1); and
``(D) provided the results of such assessment to the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House
of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science,
and Transportation of the Senate.''.
SEC. 325. PORTS AND WATERWAYS SAFETY.
(a) Waterfront Safety.--Section 70011(a) of title 46,
United States Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1) by inserting ``, including damage or
destruction resulting from cyber incidents, transnational
organized crime, or foreign state threats'' after ``adjacent
to such waters''; and
(2) in paragraph (2) by inserting ``or harm resulting from
cyber incidents, transnational organized crime, or foreign
state threats'' after ``loss''.
(b) Regulation of Anchorage and Movement of Vessels During
National Emergency.--Section 70051 of title 46, United States
Code, is amended by inserting ``or cyber incidents, or
transnational organized crime, or foreign state threats,''
after ``threatened war, or invasion, or insurrection, or
subversive activity,''.
(c) Facility Visit by State Sponsor of Terrorism.--Section
70011(b) of title 46, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (3) by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in paragraph (4) by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(5) prohibiting a representative of a government of
country that the Secretary of State has determined has
repeatedly provided support for acts of international
terrorism under section 620A of the Foreign Assistance Act of
1961 (22 U.S.C. 2371) from visiting a facility for which a
facility security plan is required under section 70103(c).''.
SEC. 326. STUDY ON BERING STRAIT VESSEL TRAFFIC PROJECTIONS
AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE POSTURE AT THE PORT OF
POINT SPENCER, ALASKA.
(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall seek to enter
into an agreement with the National Academies of Science,
Engineering, and Medicine, under which the Marine Board of
the Transportation Research Board (in this section referred
to as the ``Board'') shall conduct a study to--
(1) analyze commercial vessel traffic that transits through
the Bering Strait and projections for the growth of such
traffic during the 10-year period beginning after such date
of enactment; and
(2) assess the adequacy of emergency response capabilities
and infrastructure at the Port of Point Spencer, Alaska, to
address navigation safety risks and geographic challenges
necessary to conduct emergency maritime response operations
in the Arctic environment.
(b) Elements.--The study required under subsection (a)
shall include the following:
(1) An analysis of the volume and types of domestic and
international commercial vessel traffic through the Bering
Strait and the projected growth of such traffic, including a
summary of--
(A) the sizes, ages, and flag states of vessels; and
(B) the oil and product tankers that are--
(i) in transit to or from Russia or China; or
(ii) owned or operated by a Russian or Chinese entity.
(2) An assessment of the state and adequacy of vessel
traffic services and oil spill and emergency response
capabilities in the vicinity of the Bering Strait, including
its approaches.
(3) A risk assessment of the projected growth in commercial
vessel traffic in the Bering Strait and higher probability of
increased frequency in the number of maritime accidents,
including spill events, and the potential impacts to the
Arctic maritime environment and Native Alaskan village
communities in the vicinity of the Bering Strait.
(4) An evaluation of the ability of the Port of Point
Spencer, Alaska, to serve as a port of refuge and as a
staging, logistics, and operations center to conduct and
support maritime emergency and spill response activities.
(5) Recommendations for practical actions that can be taken
by the Congress, Federal agencies, the State of Alaska,
vessel carriers and operators, the marine salvage and
emergency response industry, and other relevant stakeholders
to mitigate risks, upgrade infrastructure, and improve the
posture of the Port of Point Spencer, Alaska, to function as
a strategic staging and logistics center for maritime
emergency and spill response operations in the Bering Strait
region.
(c) Consultation.--In conducting the study required under
subsection (a), the Board shall consult with--
(1) the Department of Transportation;
(2) the Corps of Engineers;
(3) the National Transportation Safety Board;
(4) relevant ministries of the government of Canada;
(5) the Port Coordination Council for the Port of Point
Spencer; and
(6) non-government entities with relevant expertise in
monitoring and characterizing vessel traffic in the Arctic.
(d) Report.--Not later than 1 year after initiating the
study under subsection (a), the Board shall submit to the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House
of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science,
and Transportation of the Senate a report containing the
findings and recommendations of the study.
(e) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) 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).
(2) Port coordination council for the port of point
spencer.--The term ``Port Coordination Council for the Port
of Point Spencer'' means the Council established under
section 541 of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015
(Public Law 114-120).
SEC. 327. UNDERWATER INSPECTIONS BRIEF.
Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this
Act, the Commandant, or a designated individual, shall brief
the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the
House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation of the Senate on the underwater
inspection in lieu of drydock program established under
section 176.615 of title 46, Code of Federal Regulations (as
in effect on the date of enactment of this Act).
SEC. 328. ST. LUCIE RIVER RAILROAD BRIDGE.
Regarding Docket Number USCG-2022-0222, before adopting a
final rule, the Commandant shall conduct an independent boat
traffic study at mile 7.4 of the St. Lucie River.
SEC. 329. RULEMAKING REGARDING PORT ACCESS ROUTES.
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 issue a final rule for the Atlantic Coast
Port Route Access Study for which an Advanced Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking titled ``Shipping Safety Fairways Along
the Atlantic Coast'' was issued on June 19, 2020.
SEC. 330. ARTICULATED TUG-BARGE MANNING.
Section 11508 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117-263)
is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 11508. ARTICULATED TUG-BARGE MANNING.
``(a) In General.--Notwithstanding the watch setting
requirements set forth in section 8104 of title 46, United
States Code, or any other provision of law or regulation, an
Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection may authorize a covered
vessel--
``(1) when engaged on a domestic voyage of more than 600
miles, to be manned with a minimum number of 2 licensed
engineers in the engine department; and
``(2) when engaged on a voyage of less than 600 miles, to
be manned with a minimum number of 1 licensed engineer in the
engine department.
``(b) Covered Vessel Defined.--In this section, the term
`covered vessel' means a towing vessel issued a certificate
of inspection under subchapter M of chapter I of title 46,
Code of Federal Regulations, which--
``(1) forms part of an articulated tug-barge unit; and
``(2) is either--
``(A) equipped with engineering control and monitoring
systems of a type accepted by a recognized classification
society for a periodically unmanned machinery space notation
or accepted by the Commandant for a periodically unattended
machinery space endorsement; or
``(B) is a vessel that, prior to July 19, 2022, was issued
a minimum safe manning document or certificate of inspection
that authorized equivalent or less manning levels.''.
Subtitle D--Other Matters
SEC. 341. ANCHOR HANDLING ACTIVITIES.
Section 12111(d) of title 46, United States Code, is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in subparagraph (A) by inserting ``or other energy
production or transmission facility, or vessel engaged in the
launch, recovery, or support of commercial space
transportation or space exploration activities'' after
``drilling unit''; and
(B) in subparagraph (B) by inserting ``or other energy
production or transmission facility, or vessel engaged in the
launch, recovery, or support of commercial space
transportation or space exploration activities'' after
``drilling unit''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Energy production or transmission facility defined.--
In this subsection, the term `energy production or
transmission facility' means a floating offshore facility
that is--
``(A) not a vessel;
``(B) securely and substantially moored to the seabed; and
``(C) equipped with wind turbines which are used for the
generation and transmission of non-mineral energy
resources.''.
SEC. 342. ESTABLISHMENT OF NATIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON
AUTONOMOUS MARITIME SYSTEMS.
(a) In General.--Chapter 151 of title 46, United States
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
[[Page H3178]]
``Sec. 15110. Establishment of National Advisory Committee on
Autonomous Maritime Systems
``(a) Establishment.--There is established a National
Advisory Committee on Autonomous Maritime Systems (in this
section referred to as the `Committee').
``(b) Function.--The Committee shall advise the Secretary
on matters relating to the regulation and use of Autonomous
Systems within the territorial waters of the United States.
``(c) Membership.--
``(1) In general.--The Committee shall consist of 9 members
appointed by the Secretary in accordance with this section
and section 15109.
``(2) Expertise.--Each member of the Committee shall have
particular expertise, knowledge, and experience in matters
relating to the function of the Committee.
``(3) Representation.--Each of the following groups shall
be represented by at least 1 member on the Committee:
``(A) Marine safety or security entities.
``(B) Vessel design and construction entities.
``(C) Entities engaged in the production or research of
unmanned vehicles, including drones, autonomous or semi-
autonomous vehicles, or any other product or service integral
to the provision, maintenance, or management of such products
or services.
``(D) Port districts, authorities, or terminal operators.
``(E) Vessel operators.
``(F) National labor unions representing merchant mariners.
``(G) Maritime pilots.
``(H) Commercial space transportation operators.
``(I) Academic institutions.''.
(b) Clerical Amendments.--The analysis for chapter 151 of
title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end
the following:
``15110. Establishment of National Advisory Committee on Autonomous
Maritime Systems.''.
(c) Establishment.--Not later than 90 days after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the department in
which the Coast Guard is operating shall establish the
Committee under section 15110 of title 46, United States Code
(as added by this section).
SEC. 343. CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE ONBOARD VESSELS.
Section 70503(a) of title 46, United States Code, is
amended--
(1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking
``While on board a covered vessel, an individual'' and
inserting ``An individual'';
(2) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:
``(1) manufacture or distribute, possess with intent to
manufacture or distribute, or place or cause to be placed
with intent to manufacture or distribute a controlled
substance on board a covered vessel;''; and
(3) in paragraph (2) by inserting ``aboard a covered
vessel'' after ``Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and
Control Act of 1970 (21 U.S.C. 881(a))''.
SEC. 344. NONOPERATING INDIVIDUAL.
Section 8313(b) of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law
116- 283) is amended by striking ``2025'' and inserting
``2027''.
SEC. 345. INFORMATION ON TYPE APPROVAL CERTIFICATES.
(a) In General.--Title IX of the Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard
Authorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-282) is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 904. INFORMATION ON TYPE APPROVAL CERTIFICATES.
``The Commandant of the Coast Guard shall, upon request by
any State, the District of Columbia, or any territory of the
United States, provide all data possessed by the Coast Guard
pertaining to challenge water quality characteristics,
challenge water biological organism concentrations, post-
treatment water quality characteristics, and post-treatment
biological organism concentrations data for a ballast water
management system with a type approval certificate approved
by the Coast Guard pursuant to subpart 162.060 of title 46,
Code of Federal Regulations.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents in section 2
of the Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018
(Public Law 115-282) is amended by inserting after the item
relating to section 903 the following:
``Sec. 904. Information on type approval certificates.''.
SEC. 346. MANNING AND CREWING REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTAIN
VESSELS, VEHICLES, AND STRUCTURES.
(a) Authorization of Limited Exemptions From Manning and
Crew Requirement.--Chapter 81 of title 46, United States
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 8109. Exemptions from manning and crew requirements
``(a) In General.--The Secretary may provide an exemption
described in subsection (b) to the owner or operator of a
covered facility if each individual who is manning or crewing
the covered facility is--
``(1) a citizen of the United States;
``(2) an alien lawfully admitted to the United States for
permanent residence; or
``(3) a citizen of the nation under the laws of which the
vessel is documented.
``(b) Requirements for Eligibility for Exemption.--An
exemption under this subsection is an exemption from the
regulations established pursuant to section 302(a)(3) of the
Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1356(a)(3)).
``(c) Limitations.--An exemption under this section--
``(1) shall provide that the number of individuals manning
or crewing the covered facility who are described in
paragraphs (2) and (3) of subsection (a) may not exceed two
and one- half times the number of individuals required to man
or crew the covered facility under the laws of the nation
under the laws of which the covered facility is documented;
and
``(2) shall be effective for not more than 12 months, but
may be renewed by application to and approval by the
Secretary.
``(d) Application.--To be eligible for an exemption or a
renewal of an exemption under this section, the owner or
operator of a covered facility shall apply to the Secretary
with an application that includes a sworn statement by the
applicant of all information required for the issuance of the
exemption.
``(e) Revocation.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary--
``(A) may revoke an exemption for a covered facility under
this section if the Secretary determines that information
provided in the application for the exemption was false or
incomplete, or is no longer true or complete; and
``(B) shall immediately revoke such an exemption if the
Secretary determines that the covered facility, in the
effective period of the exemption, was manned or crewed in a
manner not authorized by the exemption.
``(2) Notice required.--The Secretary shall provides notice
of a determination under subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph
(1) to the owner or operator of the covered facility.
``(f) Review of Compliance.--The Secretary shall
periodically, but not less than once annually, inspect each
covered facility that operates under an exemption under this
section to verify the owner or operator of the covered
facility's compliance with the exemption. During an
inspection under this subsection, the Secretary shall require
all crew members serving under the exemption to hold a valid
transportation security card issued under section 70105.
``(g) Penalty.--In addition to revocation under subsection
(e), the Secretary may impose on the owner or operator of a
covered facility a civil penalty of $10,000 per day for each
day the covered facility--
``(1) is manned or crewed in violation of an exemption
under this subsection; or
``(2) operated under an exemption under this subsection
that the Secretary determines was not validly obtained.
``(h) Notification of Secretary of State.--The Secretary
shall notify the Secretary of State of each exemption issued
under this section, including the effective period of the
exemption.
``(i) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Covered facility.--The term `covered facility' means
any vessel, rig, platform, or other vehicle or structure,
over 50 percent of which is owned by citizens of a foreign
nation or with respect to which the citizens of a foreign
nation have the right effectively to control, except to the
extent and to the degree that the President determines that
the government of such foreign nation or any of its political
subdivisions has implemented, by statute, regulation, policy,
or practice, a national manning requirement for equipment
engaged in the exploring for, developing, or producing
resources, including non-mineral energy resources in its
offshore areas.
``(2) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary
of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating.''.
(b) Annual Report.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary
of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall
submit to Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of
the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report containing
information on each letter of nonapplicability of section
8109 of title 46, United States Code, with respect to a
covered facility that was issued by the Secretary during the
preceding year.
(2) Contents.--The report under paragraph (1) shall
include, for each covered facility--
(A) the name and International Maritime Organization
number;
(B) the nation in which the covered facility is documented;
(C) the nationality of owner or owners; and
(D) for any covered facility that was previously issued a
letter of nonapplicability in a prior year, any changes in
the information described in subparagraphs (A) through (C).
(c) Regulations.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall promulgate
regulations that specify the documentary and other
requirements for the issuance of an exemption under the
amendment made by this section.
(d) Existing Exemptions.--
(1) Effect of amendments; termination.--Each exemption
under section 30(c)(2) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands
Act (43 U.S.C. 1356(c)(2)) issued before the date of the
enactment of this Act--
(A) shall not be affected by the amendments made by this
section during the 120-day period beginning on the date of
the enactment of this Act; and
(B) shall not be effective after such period.
[[Page H3179]]
(2) Notification of holders.--Not later than 60 days after
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall
notify all persons that hold such an exemption that it will
expire as provided in paragraph (1).
(e) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 81 of the
title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end
the following:
``8109. Exemptions from manning and crew requirements.''.
SEC. 347. CLASSIFICATION SOCIETIES.
Section 3316(d) of title 46, United States Code, is
amended--
(1) by amending paragraph (2)(B)(i) to read as follows:
``(i) the government of the foreign country in which the
foreign society is headquartered--
``(I) delegates that authority to the American Bureau of
Shipping; or
``(II) does not delegate that authority to any
classification society; or''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(5) Clarification on authority.--Nothing in this
subsection authorizes the Secretary to make a delegation
under paragraph (2) to a classification society from the
People's Republic of China.''.
SEC. 348. AUTHORITY TO ESTABLISH SAFETY ZONES FOR SPECIAL
ACTIVITIES IN EXCLUSIVE ECONOMIC ZONE.
(a) Repeal.--Section 8343 of the William M. (Mac)
Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2021 (Public Law 116-283) is repealed.
(b) Special Activities in Exclusive Economic Zone.--
Subchapter I of chapter 700 of title 46, United States Code,
is amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 70008. Special activities in exclusive economic zone
``(a) In General.--The Secretary of the department in which
the Coast Guard is operating may establish safety zones to
address special activities in the exclusive economic zone.
``(b) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Safety zone.--The term `safety zone'--
``(A) means a water area, shore area, or water and shore
area to which, for safety or environmental purposes, access
is limited to authorized persons, vehicles, or vessels; and
``(B) may be stationary and described by fixed limits or
may be described as a zone around a vessel in motion.
``(2) Special activities.--The term `special activities'
includes--
``(A) space activities, including launch and reentry (as
such terms are defined in section 50902 of title 51) carried
out by United States citizens; and
``(B) offshore energy development activities, as described
in section 8(p)(1)(C) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands
Act (43 U.S.C. 1337(p)(1)(C)), on or near fixed platforms (as
such term is defined in section 2281(d) of title 18).
``(3) United states citizen.--The term `United States
citizen' has the meaning given the term `eligible owners' in
section 12103 of title 46, United States Code.''.
(c) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 700 of
title 46, United States Code, is amended by inserting after
the item relating to section 70007 the following:
``70008. Special activities in exclusive economic zone.''.
SEC. 349. FISHING VESSEL AND FISHERMAN TRAINING SAFETY.
Section 4502 of title 46, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (i)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in subparagraph (A)(ii) by striking ``; and'' and
inserting a semicolon;
(ii) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C);
and
(iii) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following:
``(B) to conduct safety and prevention training that
addresses behavioral and physical health risks, to include
substance use disorder and worker fatigue, facing fishing
vessel operators and crewmembers; and'';
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by striking ``, in consultation with and based on
criteria established by the Commandant of the Coast Guard'';
and
(ii) by striking ``subsection on a competitive basis'' and
inserting the following: ``subsection--
``(A) on a competitive basis; and
``(B) based on criteria developed in consultation with the
Commandant of the Coast Guard''; and
(C) in paragraph (4) by striking ``$3,000,000 for fiscal
year 2023'' and inserting ``to the Secretary of Health and
Human Services $6,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 and
2026''; and
(2) in subsection (j)--
(A) in paragraph (1) by inserting ``, and understanding and
mitigating behavioral and physical health risks, to include
substance use disorder and worker fatigue, facing members of
the commercial fishing industry'' after ``weather
detection'';
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by striking ``, in consultation with and based on
criteria established by the Commandant of the Coast Guard,'';
and
(ii) by striking ``subsection on a competitive basis'' and
inserting the following: ``subsection--
``(A) on a competitive basis; and
``(B) based on criteria developed in consultation with the
Commandant of the Coast Guard''; and
(C) in paragraph (4) by striking ``$3,000,000 for fiscal
year 2023'' and inserting ``to the Secretary of Health and
Human Services $6,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 and
2026''.
SEC. 350. AUTHORITY OVER DEEPWATER PORT ACT OF 1974.
(a) In General.--Section 5(a) of the Deepwater Port Act of
1974 (33 U.S.C. 1504(a)) is amended by striking the first
sentence and inserting ``Notwithstanding section 888(b) of
the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 468(b)), the
Secretary shall have the authority to issue regulations to
carry out the purposes and provisions of this Act, in
accordance with the provisions of section 553 of title 5,
United States Code, without regard to subsection (a)
thereof.''.
(b) Affirming the Authority of Secretary of Transportation
Over Environmental Reviews.--Section 5(f) of the Deepwater
Port Act of 1974 (33 U.S.C. 1504(f) is amended to read as
follows:
``(f) Compliance.--Notwithstanding section 888(b) of the
Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 468(b)), the
Secretary, in cooperation with other involved Federal
agencies and departments, shall comply with the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and
act as the lead agency under section 4336a of title 42,
United States Code, for all applications under this Act. Such
compliance shall fulfill the requirement of all Federal
agencies in carrying out their responsibilities under the
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 pursuant to this
chapter.''.
(c) Regulations.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 6 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall transfer the
authorities provided to the Coast Guard in part 148 of title
33, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of
the enactment of this Act), except as provided in paragraph
(2), to the Secretary of Transportation.
(2) Retention of authority.--The Commandant shall retain
responsibility for authorities pertaining to design,
construction, equipment, and operation of deepwater ports and
navigational safety.
(3) Updates to authority.--As soon as practicable after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue such
regulations as are necessary to reflect the updates to
authorities prescribed by this subsection.
(d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section, or the
amendments made by this section, may be construed to limit
the authorities of other governmental agencies previously
delegated authorities of the Deepwater Port Act of 1974 (33
U.S.C. 1501 et seq.).
(e) Applications.--Nothing in this section shall apply to
any application submitted before the date of enactment of
this Act.
SEC. 351. NATIONAL OFFSHORE SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
COMPOSITION.
Section 15106(c) of title 46, United States Code, is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (1) by striking ``15 members'' and
inserting ``17 members''; and
(2) in paragraph (3) by adding at the end the following:
``(L) 2 members shall represent entities engaged in non-
mineral energy activities on the Outer Continental Shelf.''.
SEC. 352. IMPROVING VESSEL TRAFFIC SERVICE MONITORING.
(a) Proximity of Anchorages to Pipelines.--
(1) Implementation of restructuring plan.--Not later than 1
year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant
shall implement the November 2021 proposed plan of the Vessel
Traffic Service Los Angeles-Long Beach for restructuring the
Federal anchorages in San Pedro Bay described on page 54 of
the Report of the National Transportation Safety Board titled
``Anchor Strike of Underwater Pipeline and Eventual Crude Oil
Release'' and issued January 2, 2024.
(2) Study.--The Secretary of the department in which the
Coast Guard is operating shall conduct a study to identify
any anchorage grounds other than the San Pedro Bay Federal
anchorages in which the distance between the center of an
approved anchorage ground and a pipeline is less than 1 mile.
(3) Report.--
(A) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House
of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science,
and Transportation of the Senate a report on the results of
the study required under paragraph (2).
(B) Contents.--The report under subparagraph (A) shall
include--
(i) a list of the anchorage grounds described under
paragraph (2);
(ii) whether it is possible to move each such anchorage
ground to provide a minimum distance of 1 mile; and
(iii) a recommendation of whether to move any such
anchorage ground and explanation for the recommendation.
(b) Proximity to Pipeline Alerts.--
(1) Audible and visual alarms.--The Commandant shall
consult with the providers of vessel monitoring systems to
add to the monitoring systems for vessel traffic services
audible and visual alarms that alert the watchstander when an
anchored vessel is encroaching on a pipeline.
(2) Notification procedures.--Not later than 1 year after
the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall
develop procedures for all vessel traffic services to notify
pipeline and utility operators following potential incursions
on submerged pipelines
[[Page H3180]]
within the vessel traffic service area of responsibility.
(3) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the
Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Transportation
and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the
Senate a report on the implementation of paragraphs (1) and
(2).
SEC. 353. ABANDONED AND DERELICT VESSEL REMOVALS.
(a) In General.--Chapter 47 of title 46, United States
Code, is amended--
(1) in the chapter heading by striking ``BARGES'' and
inserting ``VESSELS'';
(2) by inserting before section 4701 the following:
``SUBCHAPTER I--BARGES''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``SUBCHAPTER II--NON-BARGE VESSELS
``Sec. 4710. Definitions
``In this subchapter:
``(1) Abandon.--The term `abandon' means to moor, strand,
wreck, sink, or leave a covered vessel unattended for longer
than 45 days.
``(2) Covered vessel.--The term `covered vessel' means a
vessel that is not a barge to which subchapter I applies.
``(3) Indian tribe.--The term `Indian Tribe' has the
meaning given such term in section 4 of the Indian Self-
Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).
``Sec. 4711. Abandonment of vessels prohibited
``(a) In General.--An owner or operator of a covered vessel
may not abandon such vessel on the navigable waters of the
United States.
``(b) Determination of Abandonment.--
``(1) Notification.--
``(A) In general.--With respect to a covered vessel that
appears to be abandoned, the Commandant of the Coast Guard
shall--
``(i) attempt to identify the owner using the vessel
registration number, hull identification number, or any other
information that can be reasonably inferred or gathered; and
``(ii) notify such owner--
``(I) of the penalty described in subsection (c); and
``(II) that the vessel will be removed at the expense of
the owner if the Commandant determines that the vessel is
abandoned and the owner does not remove or account for the
vessel.
``(B) Form.--The Commandant shall provide the notice
required under subparagraph (A)--
``(i) if the owner can be identified, via certified mail or
other appropriate forms determined by the Commandant; or
``(ii) if the owner cannot be identified, via an
announcement in a local publication and on a website
maintained by the Coast Guard.
``(2) Determination.--The Commandant shall make a
determination not earlier than 45 days after the date on
which the Commandant provides the notification required under
paragraph (1) of whether a covered vessel described in such
paragraph is abandoned.
``(c) Penalty.--
``(1) In general.--The Commandant may assess a civil
penalty of not more than $500 against an owner or operator of
a covered vessel determined to be abandoned under subsection
(b) for a violation of subsection (a).
``(2) Liability in rem.--The owner or operator of a covered
vessel shall also be liable in rem for a penalty imposed
under paragraph (1).
``(d) Vessels Not Abandoned.--The Commandant may not
determine that a covered vessel is abandoned under this
section if--
``(1) such vessel is located at a federally approved or
State approved mooring area;
``(2) such vessel is located on private property with the
permission of the owner of such property;
``(3) the owner or operator of such vessel provides a
notification to the Commandant that--
``(A) indicates the location of the vessel;
``(B) indicates that the vessel is not abandoned; and
``(C) contains documentation proving that the vessel is
allowed to be in such location; or
``(4) the Commandant determines that such an abandonment
determination would not be in the public interest.
``Sec. 4712. Inventory of abandoned vessels
``(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this section, the Commandant, in consultation
with the Administrator of the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration and relevant State agencies, shall
establish and maintain a national inventory of covered
vessels that are abandoned.
``(b) Contents.--The inventory established and maintained
under subsection (a) shall include data on each vessel,
including geographic information system data related to the
location of each such vessel.
``(c) Publication.--The Commandant shall make the inventory
established under subsection (a) publicly available on a
website of the Coast Guard.
``(d) Reporting of Potentially Abandoned Vessels.--In
carrying out this section, the Commandant shall develop a
process by which--
``(1) a State, Indian Tribe, or person may report a covered
vessel that may be abandoned to the Commandant for potential
inclusion in the inventory established under subsection (a);
and
``(2) the Commandant shall review any such report and add
such vessel to the inventory if the Commandant determines
that the reported vessel is abandoned pursuant to section
4711.''.
(b) Rulemaking.--The Secretary of the department in which
the Coast Guard is operating, in consultation with the
Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers,
and the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Under
Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere, shall issue regulations
with respect to the procedures for determining that a vessel
is abandoned for the purposes of subchapter II of chapter 47
of title 46, United States Code (as added by this section).
(c) Conforming Amendments.--Chapter 47 of title 46, United
States Code, is amended--
(1) in section 4701--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking
``chapter'' and inserting ``subchapter''; and
(B) in paragraph (2) by striking ``chapter'' and inserting
``subchapter'';
(2) in section 4703 by striking ``chapter'' and inserting
``subchapter'';
(3) in section 4704 by striking ``chapter'' each place it
appears and inserting ``subchapter''; and
(4) in section 4705 by striking ``chapter'' and inserting
``subchapter''.
(d) Clerical Amendments.--The analysis for chapter 47 of
title 46, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by inserting before the item relating to section 4701
the following:
``subchapter i--barges''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``subchapter ii--non-barge vessels
``4710. Definitions.
``4711. Abandonment of vessels prohibited.
``4712. Inventory of abandoned vessels.''.
SEC. 354. ANCHORAGES.
Section 8437 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law
116-283) is amended--
(1) by striking subsections (d) and (e);
(2) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); and
(3) by inserting after subsection (b) the following:
``(c) Prohibition.--The Commandant shall prohibit any
vessel anchoring on the reach of the Hudson River described
in subsection (a) unless such anchoring is within any
anchorage established before January 1, 2021.''.
TITLE IV--OIL POLLUTION INCIDENT LIABILITY
SEC. 401. VESSEL RESPONSE PLANS.
(a) In General.--Section 311(j)(6) of the Federal Water
Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1321(j)(6)) is amended to
read as follows:
``(6) Equipment requirements, verification, and
inspection.--
``(A) In general.--The President may require--
``(i) periodic inspection of containment booms, skimmers,
vessels, and other major equipment used to remove discharges;
``(ii) periodic inspection of vessels, salvage and marine
firefighting equipment, and other major equipment used to
respond to marine casualties or prevent discharges;
``(iii) periodic verification of capabilities to
appropriately, and in a timely manner, respond to a marine
casualty, a worst case discharge, or a substantial threat of
a discharge, including--
``(I) drills, with or without prior notice;
``(II) review of contracts and relevant third-party
agreements;
``(III) testing of equipment;
``(IV) review of training; and
``(V) other evaluations of response capabilities, as
determined appropriate by the President; and
``(iv) vessels operating on navigable waters and carrying
oil or a hazardous substance in bulk as cargo, and nontank
vessels carrying oil of any kind as fuel for main propulsion,
to carry appropriate removal equipment that employs the best
technology economically feasible and that is compatible with
the safe operation of the vessel.
``(B) Marine casualty.--In this paragraph, the term `marine
casualty' means a marine casualty that is required to be
reported pursuant to section 6101 of title 46, United States
Code.''.
(b) Report to Congress.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United
States shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the
Senate a report on the state of marine firefighting
authorities, jurisdiction, plan review, and other
considerations with respect to vessel fires at waterfront
facilities and within the navigable waters of the United
States up to 3 nautical miles from the shoreline.
(2) Contents.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the
Comptroller General shall--
(A) examine factors that affect Federal and non-Federal
collaboration aimed at reducing vessel and waterfront
facility fire risk to local communities;
(B) focus on the prevalence and frequency of vessel fires
described in paragraph (1); and
(C) make recommendations for preparedness, responses to,
training for, and other items for consideration.
[[Page H3181]]
SEC. 402. USE OF MARINE CASUALTY INVESTIGATIONS.
Section 6308 of title 46, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (a) by striking ``initiated'' and
inserting ``conducted''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(e) For purposes of this section, an administrative
proceeding conducted by the United States includes
proceedings under section 7701 and claims adjudicated under
section 1013 of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (33 U.S.C.
2713).''.
SEC. 403. TIMING OF REVIEW.
Section 1017 of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (33 U.S.C.
2717) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(g) Timing of Review.--Before the date of completion of a
removal action, no person may bring an action under this Act,
section 311 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33
U.S.C. 1321), or chapter 7 of title 5, United States Code,
challenging any decision relating to such removal action that
is made by an on-scene coordinator appointed under the
National Contingency Plan.''.
SEC. 404. ONLINE INCIDENT REPORTING SYSTEM.
(a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the National Response Center shall--
(1) develop an online capacity through a web-based
application to receive a notification of an oil discharge or
release of a hazardous substance; and
(2) allow any such notification to the National Response
Center that is required under Federal law or regulation to be
made online using the application.
(b) Use of Application.--In carrying out subsection (a),
the National Response Center may not require the notification
of an oil discharge or release of a hazardous substance to be
made using the application developed under such subsection.
TITLE V--IMPLEMENTATION OF ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY REVIEW
RECOMMENDATIONS
SEC. 501. IMPLEMENTATION STATUS OF DIRECTED ACTIONS.
(a) In General.--Chapter 51 of title 14, United States
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 5116. Implementation status of directed actions
``(a) In General.--Not later than March 1, 2025, and not
later than March 1 of each of the 3 subsequent years
thereafter, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate a report on the status of the
implementation of each directed action outlined in enclosure
1 of the memorandum of the Commandant titled `Commandant's
Directed Actions--Accountability and Transparency', dated
November 27, 2023.
``(b) Contents.--The report required under section (a)
shall contain the following:
``(1) The status of the implementation of each directed
action from enclosure 1 of the memorandum titled
`Commandant's Directed Actions--Accountability and
Transparency' dated November 27, 2023.
``(2) A plan and timeline for the next steps to be taken to
complete outstanding directed actions in enclosure 1 of the
memorandum titled `Commandant's Directed Actions--
Accountability and Transparency' dated November 27, 2023,
including identifying the individual the Commandant has
selected to ensure the successful completion of each directed
action.
``(3) Metrics to determine the effectiveness of each
directed action in such enclosure.
``(4) Any additional actions the Commandant is taking to
mitigate instances of sexual assault and sexual harassment
within the Coast Guard.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 51 of
title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end
the following:
``5116. Implementation status of directed actions.''.
SEC. 502. INDEPENDENT REVIEW OF COAST GUARD REFORMS.
(a) Government Accountability Office Report.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United
States shall report to the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the
Senate on the efforts of the Coast Guard to mitigate cases of
sexual assault and sexual harassment within the service.
(2) Elements.--The report required under paragraph (1)
shall--
(A) evaluate--
(i) the efforts of the Commandant to implement the directed
actions from enclosure 1 of the memorandum titled
``Commandant's Directed Actions--Accountability and
Transparency'' dated November 27, 2023;
(ii) whether the Commandant met the reporting requirements
under section 5112 of title 14, United States Code; and
(iii) the effectiveness of the actions of the Coast Guard,
including efforts outside of the actions described in the
memorandum titled ``Commandant's Directed Actions--
Accountability and Transparency'' dated November 27, 2023, to
mitigate instances of sexual assault and sexual harassment
and improve the enforcement relating to such instances within
the Coast Guard, and how the Coast Guard is overcoming
challenges in implementing such actions.
(B) make recommendations to the Commandant for improvements
to the efforts of the service to mitigate instances of sexual
assault and sexual harassment and improve the enforcement
relating to such instances within the Coast Guard; and
(C) make recommendations to the Committee on Transportation
and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the
Senate to mitigate instances of sexual assault and sexual
harassment in the Coast Guard and improve the enforcement
relating to such instances within the Coast Guard, including
proposed changes to any legislative authorities.
(b) Report by Commandant.--Not later than 90 days after the
date on which the Comptroller General completes all actions
under subsection (a), the Commandant shall submit to the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House
of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science,
and Transportation of the Senate a report that includes the
following:
(1) A plan for Coast Guard implementation, including
interim milestones and timeframes, of any recommendation made
by the Comptroller General under subsection (a)(2)(B) with
which the Commandant concurs.
(2) With respect to any recommendation made under
subsection (a)(2)(B) with which the Commandant does not
concur, an explanation of the reasons why the Commandant does
not concur.
SEC. 503. REQUIREMENT TO MAINTAIN CERTAIN RECORDS.
(a) In General.--Chapter 9 of title 14, United States Code,
is amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 955. Requirement to maintain certain records
``(a) In General.--The Commandant shall maintain all work
product related to documenting a disposition decision on an
investigation by the Coast Guard Investigative Service or
other law enforcement entity investigating a Coast Guard
member accused of an offense against chapter 47 of title 10.
``(b) Record Retention Period.--Work product documents and
the case action summary described in subsection (c) shall be
maintained for a period of not less than 7 years from date of
the disposition decision.
``(c) Case Action Summary.--Upon a final disposition action
for cases described in subsection (a), except for offenses of
wrongful use or possession of a controlled substance under
section 912a of title 10 (article 112a of the Uniform Code of
Military Justice) where the member accused is an officer of
pay grade O-4 and below or an enlisted member of pay grade E-
7 and below, a convening authority shall sign a case action
summary that includes the following:
``(1) The disposition actions.
``(2) The name and command of the referral authority.
``(3) Records documenting when a referral authority
consulted with a staff judge advocate or special trial
counsel, as applicable, before a disposition action was
taken, to include the recommendation of the staff judge
advocate or special trial counsel.
``(4) A reference section listing the materials reviewed in
making a disposition decision.
``(5) The Coast Guard Investigative Service report of
investigation.
``(6) The completed Coast Guard Investigative Service
report of adjudication included as an enclosure.
``(d) Work Product.--In this section, the term `work
product' includes--
``(1) a prosecution memorandum;
``(2) emails, notes, and other correspondence related to a
disposition decision; and
``(3) the contents described in paragraphs (1) through (6)
of subsection (c).
``(e) Savings Clause.--Nothing in this section authorizes
or requires, or shall be construed to authorize or require,
the discovery, inspection, or production of reports,
memoranda, or other internal documents or work product
generated by counsel, an attorney for the government, or
their assistants or representatives.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 9 of
title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end
the following:
``955. Requirement to maintain certain records.''.
SEC. 504. STUDY ON COAST GUARD ACADEMY OVERSIGHT.
(a) In General.--Not later than 30 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Commandant, in consultation with
relevant stakeholders, shall conduct a study on the
governance of the Coast Guard Academy, including examining
the roles, responsibilities, authorities, advisory functions,
and membership qualifications and expertise of the Board of
Visitors and Board of Trustees of such Academy.
(b) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, 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 written report that
contains--
(1) the results of the study required under subsection (a);
and
(2) recommendations to improve governance at the Coast
Guard Academy.
[[Page H3182]]
SEC. 505. PROVIDING FOR THE TRANSFER OF A CADET WHO IS THE
VICTIM OF A SEXUAL ASSAULT OR RELATED OFFENSE.
Section 1902 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(f) Consideration of Request for Transfer of Cadet Who Is
the Victim of Sexual Assault or Related Offense.--
``(1) In general.--The Commandant shall provide for timely
consideration of and action on a request submitted by a cadet
appointed to the Coast Guard Academy who is the victim of an
alleged sexual assault or other offense covered by section
920, 920c, or 930 of title 10 (article 120, 120c, or 130 of
the Uniform Code of Military Justice) for transfer to a
Service Academy or to enroll in a Senior Reserve Officers'
Training Corps program affiliated with another institution of
higher education.
``(2) Rulemaking.--The Commandant shall prescribe
regulations to carry out this subsection that--
``(A) ensure that any cadet who has been appointed to the
Coast Guard Academy is informed of the right to request a
transfer pursuant to this subsection, and that any formal
request submitted by a cadet is processed as expeditiously as
practicable for review and action by the Superintendent;
``(B) direct the Superintendent of the Coast Guard Academy,
in coordination with the Superintendent of the Service
Academy to which the cadet requests to transfer--
``(i) to act on a request for transfer under this
subsection not later than 72 hours after receiving the formal
request from the cadet;
``(ii) to approve such request for transfer unless there
are exceptional circumstances that require denial of the
request; and
``(iii) upon approval of such request, to take all
necessary and appropriate action to effectuate the transfer
of the cadet to the Service Academy concerned as
expeditiously as possible; and
``(C) direct the Superintendent of the Coast Guard Academy,
in coordination with the Secretary of the military department
that sponsors the Senior Reserve Officers' Training Corps
program at the institution of higher education to which the
cadet requests to transfer--
``(i) to act on a request for transfer under this
subsection not later than 72 hours after receiving the formal
request from the cadet;
``(ii) subject to the cadet's acceptance for admission to
the institution of higher education to which the cadet wishes
to transfer, to approve such request for transfer unless
there are exceptional circumstances that require denial of
the request; and
``(iii) to take all necessary and appropriate action to
effectuate the cadet's enrollment in the institution of
higher education to which the cadet wishes to transfer and to
process the cadet for participation in the relevant Senior
Reserve Officers' Training Corps program as expeditiously as
possible.
``(3) Denial of transfer request.--If the Superintendent of
the Coast Guard Academy denies a request for transfer under
this subsection, the cadet may request review of the denial
by the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard
is operating, who shall act on such request not later than 72
hours after receipt of the formal request for review.
``(4) Confidentiality of records.--The Secretary of the
Department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall ensure
that all records of any request, determination, transfer, or
other action under this subsection remain confidential,
consistent with applicable law and regulation.
``(5) Appointment to service academy.--A cadet who
transfers under this subsection may retain the cadet's
appointment to the Coast Guard Academy or may be appointed to
the Service Academy to which the cadet transfers without
regard to the limitations and requirements described in
sections 7442, 8454, and 9442 of title 10.
``(6) Appointment upon graduation.--
``(A) Preference.--A cadet who transfers under this
subsection to a Service Academy, is entitled, before
graduating from such Academy, to state the preference of the
cadet for appointment, upon graduation, as a commissioned
officer in the Coast Guard.
``(B) Manner of appointment.--Upon graduation, a cadet
described in subparagraph (A) is entitled to be accepted for
appointment as a permanent commissioned officer in the
Regular Coast Guard in the same manner as graduates of the
Coast Guard Academy as described in section 2101.
``(7) Commission into coast guard.--A cadet who transfers
under this subsection to a Senior Reserve Officers' Training
Corps program affiliated with another institution of higher
education is entitled upon graduation from the Senior Reserve
Officers' Training program to commission into the Coast Guard
as described in section 3738a.
``(8) Service academy defined.--In this subsection, the
term `Service Academy' has the meaning given such term in
section 347 of title 10.''.
SEC. 506. DESIGNATION OF OFFICERS WITH PARTICULAR EXPERTISE
IN MILITARY JUSTICE OR HEALTHCARE.
(a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter 21 of title 14,
United States Code is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``Sec. 2132. Designation of officers with particular
expertise in military justice or healthcare
``(a) Secretary Designation.--The Secretary may designate a
limited number of officers of the Coast Guard as having
particular expertise in--
``(1) military justice; or
``(2) healthcare.
``(b) Promotion and Grade.--An individual designated under
this section--
``(1) shall not be included on the active duty promotion
list;
``(2) shall be promoted under section 2126; and
``(3) may not be promoted to a grade higher than
captain.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 21 of
title 14, United States Code, is amended by inserting after
the item relating to section 2131 the following:
``2132. Designation of officers with particular expertise in military
justice or healthcare.''.
(c) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Section 2102(a) of title 14, United States Code, is
amended, in the second sentence, by striking ``and officers
of the permanent commissioned teaching staff of the Coast
Guard Academy'' and inserting ``officers of the permanent
commissioned teaching staff of the Coast Guard Academy, and
officers designated by the Secretary pursuant to section
2132''.
(2) Subsection (e) of section 2103 of title 14, United
States Code, is amended to read as follows:
``(e) Secretary to Prescribe Numbers for Certain
Officers.--The Secretary shall prescribe the number of
officers authorized to be serving on active duty in each
grade of--
``(1) the permanent commissioned teaching staff of the
Coast Guard Academy;
``(2) the officers designated by the Secretary pursuant to
section 2132; and
``(3) the officers of the Reserve serving in connection
with organizing, administering, recruiting, instructing, or
training the reserve components.''.
(3) Section 2126 of title 14, United States Code, is
amended, in the second sentence, by inserting ``and as to
officers designated by the Secretary pursuant to section
2132'' after ``reserve components''.
(4) Section 3736(a) of title 14, United States Code, is
amended--
(A) in the first sentence by striking ``promotion list and
the'' and inserting ``promotion list, officers designated by
the Secretary pursuant to section 2132, and the officers on
the''; and
(B) in the second sentence by striking ``promotion list or
the'' and inserting ``promotion list, officers designated by
the Secretary pursuant to section 2132, or the officers on
the''.
SEC. 507. DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY FOR CERTAIN PERSONNEL OF
COAST GUARD.
(a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter 25 of title 14,
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``Sec. 2517. Direct hire authority for certain personnel of
Coast Guard
``(a) In General.--The Commandant may appoint, without
regard to the provisions of subchapter I of chapter 33 of
title 5 (other than section 3303 and 3328 of such chapter),
qualified candidates to any non-clinical specialist intended
to engage in the integrated primary prevention of harmful
behaviors, including suicide, sexual assault, harassment,
domestic abuse, and child abuse and qualified candidates to
any criminal investigative law enforcement position of the
Coast Guard Criminal Investigative Service intended to engage
in the primary response to such harmful behaviors.
``(b) Sunset.--Effective on September 30, 2034, the
authority provided under subsection (a) shall cease.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 25 of
title 14, United States Code, is amended by inserting after
the item related to section 2516 the following:
``2517. Direct hire authority for certain personnel of United States
Coast Guard.''.
SEC. 508. SAFE-TO-REPORT POLICY FOR COAST GUARD.
(a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter 19 of title 14,
United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end
the following:
``Sec. 1908. Safe-to-report policy for Coast Guard
``(a) In General.--The Secretary of the department in which
the Coast Guard is operating shall, in consultation with the
Secretaries of the military departments, issue such
regulations as are necessary to establish the safe-to-report
policy described in subsection (b) that applies with respect
to all members of the Coast Guard (including members of the
reserve and auxiliary components of the Coast Guard) and
cadets at the Coast Guard Academy.
``(b) Safe-to-report Policy.--The safe-to-report policy
described in this subsection is a policy that prescribes the
handling of minor collateral misconduct involving a member of
the Coast Guard who is the alleged victim or reporting
witness of a sexual assault.
``(c) Mitigating and Aggravating Circumstances.--In issuing
regulations under subsection (a), the Secretary shall specify
mitigating circumstances that decrease the gravity of minor
collateral misconduct or the impact of such misconduct on
good order and discipline and aggravating circumstances that
increase the gravity of minor collateral misconduct or the
impact of such misconduct on good order and discipline for
purposes of the safe-to-report policy.
``(d) Tracking of Collateral Misconduct Incidents.--In
conjunction with the issuance of regulations under subsection
(a), Secretary shall develop and implement a process
[[Page H3183]]
to anonymously track incidents of minor collateral misconduct
that are subject to the safe-to-report policy established
under such regulations.
``(e) Minor Collateral Misconduct Defined.--In this
section, the term `minor collateral misconduct' means any
minor misconduct that is punishable under chapter 47 of title
10 that--
``(1) is committed close in time to or during a sexual
assault and directly related to the incident that formed the
basis of the sexual assault allegation;
``(2) is discovered as a direct result of the report of
sexual assault or the ensuing investigation into such sexual
assault; and
``(3) does not involve aggravating circumstances (as
specified in the regulations issued under subsection (a))
that increase the gravity of the minor misconduct or the
impact of such misconduct on good order and discipline.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 19 of
title 14, United States Code, is further amended by inserting
after the item relating to section 1907 (as added by this
Act) the following:
``1908. Safe-to-report policy for Coast Guard.''.
SEC. 509. MODIFICATION OF DELIVERY DATE OF COAST GUARD SEXUAL
ASSAULT REPORT.
Section 5112(a) of title 14, United States Code, is amended
by striking ``January 15'' and inserting ``March 1''.
SEC. 510. HIGHER-LEVEL REVIEW OF BOARD OF DETERMINATION
DECISIONS.
(a) In General.--Section 2158 of title 14, United States
Code, is amended--
(1) in the first sentence by striking ``The Secretary'' and
inserting the following:
``(a) In General.--The Secretary''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(b) Higher-level Review of Sexual Assault Cases.--
``(1) In general.--If a board convened under this section
determines that the officer should be retained when the
officer's record indicates that the officer has committed a
sexual assault offense, the board shall forward the record of
the proceedings and recommendation of the board for higher-
level review, in accordance with regulations prescribed by
the Secretary.
``(2) Authority.--The official exercising higher-level
review shall have authority to forward the case for
consideration by a Board of Inquiry in accordance with
section 2159.
``(c) Sexual Assault Offense Defined.--In this section, the
term `sexual assault offense' means a violation of section
920 or 920b of title 10, United States Code (article 120 or
120b of the Uniform Code of Military Justice) or attempt to
commit an offense specified under section 920 or 920b as
punishable under section 880 of such title (article 80 of the
Uniform Code of Military Justice).''.
SEC. 511. REVIEW OF DISCHARGE OR DISMISSAL.
(a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter 25 of title 14,
United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end
the following:
``Sec. 2518. Review of discharge or dismissal
``(a) Downgrade.--
``(1) In general.--In addition to the requirements of
section 1553 of title 10, a board of review for a former
member of the Coast Guard established pursuant to such
section may, upon a motion of the board and subject to review
by the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard
is operating, downgrade an honorable discharge or dismissal
to a general (under honorable conditions) discharge or
dismissal upon a finding that a former member of the Coast
Guard, while serving on active duty as a member of the armed
forces, committed sexual assault or sexual harassment in
violation of section 920, 920b, or 934 of this title (article
120, 120b, or 134 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice).
``(2) Evidence.--Any downgrade under paragraph (1) shall be
supported by clear and convincing evidence.
``(3) Limitation.--The review board under paragraph (1) may
not downgrade a discharge or dismissal of a former member of
the Coast Guard if the same action described in paragraph (1)
was considered prior to separation from active duty by an
administrative board in determining the characterization of
discharge as otherwise provided by law and in accordance with
regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Department in
which the Coast Guard is operating.
``(b) Procedural Rights.--
``(1) In general.--A review by a board established under
section 1553 of title 10 shall be based on the records of the
armed forces concerned and such other evidence as may be
presented to the board.
``(2) Evidence by witness.--A witness may present evidence
to the board in person or by affidavit.
``(3) Appearance before board.--A person who requests a
review under this section may appear before the board in
person or by counsel or an accredited representative of an
organization recognized by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs
under chapter 59 of title 38.
``(4) Notification.--A former member of the Coast Guard who
is subject to a downgrade in discharge characterization
review under subsection (b)(3) shall be notified in writing
of such proceedings, afforded the right to obtain copies of
records and documents relevant to the proceedings, and the
right to appear before the board in person or by counsel or
an accredited representative of an organization recognized by
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs under chapter 59 of title
38.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 25 of
title 14, United States Code, is further amended by inserting
after the item relating to section 2517 (as added by this
Act) the following:
``2518. Review of discharge or dismissal.''.
SEC. 512. CONVICTED SEX OFFENDER AS GROUNDS FOR DENIAL.
Section 7511(a) of title 46, United States Code, is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (1) by striking ``or'';
(2) in paragraph (2) by striking ``State, local, or Tribal
law'' and inserting ``Federal, State, local, or Tribal law'';
(3) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and
(4) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
``(2) section 920 or 920b of title 10 (article 120 and 120b
of the Uniform Code of Military Justice); or''.
SEC. 513. COAST GUARD ACADEMY ROOM REASSIGNMENT.
Section 1902 of title 14, United States Code, is further
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(g) Room Reassignment.--Coast Guard Academy Cadets may
request room reassignment if experiencing discomfort due to
Coast Guard Academy rooming assignments.''
TITLE VI--AMENDMENTS
SEC. 601. AMENDMENTS.
(a) Prohibition on Entry and Operation.--Section
70022(b)(1) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by
striking ``Federal Register'' and inserting ``the Federal
Register''.
(b) Port, Harbor, and Coastal Facility Security.--Section
70116(b) of title 46, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1) by striking ``terrorism cyber'' and
inserting ``terrorism, cyber''; and
(2) in paragraph (2) by inserting a comma after ``acts of
terrorism''.
(c) Enforcement by State and Local Officers.--Section
70118(a) of title 46, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by striking ``section 1 of title II of the Act of June
15, 1917 (chapter 30; 50 U.S.C. 191)'' and inserting
``section 70051''; and
(2) by striking ``section 7(b) of the Ports and Waterways
Safety Act (33 U.S.C. 1226(b))'' and inserting ``section
70116(b)''.
(d) Chapter 701 Definitions.--Section 70131(2) of title 46,
United States Code, is amended--
(1) by striking ``section 1 of title II of the Act of June
15, 1917 (50 U.S.C. 191)'' and inserting ``section 70051'';
and
(2) by striking ``section 7(b) of the Ports and Waterways
Safety Act (33 U.S.C. 1226(b))'' and inserting ``section
70116(b)''.
(e) Notice of Arrival Requirements for Vessels on the Outer
Continental Shelf.--
(1) Preparatory conforming amendment.--Section 70001 of
title 46, United States Code, is amended by redesignating
subsections (l) and (m) as subsections (m) and (n),
respectively.
(2) Transfer of provision.--Section 704 of the Coast Guard
and Maritime Transportation Act 2012 (Public Law 112-213; 46
U.S.C. 70001 note) is--
(A) amended by striking ``of title 46, United States
Code,'';
(B) transferred to appear after 70001(k) of title 46,
United States Code; and
(C) redesignated as subsection (l).
(f) Title 46.--Title 46, United States Code, is amended as
follows:
(1) Section 2101(2) is amended by striking ``section 1''
and inserting ``section 101''.
(2) Section 2116(b)(1)(D) is amended by striking ``section
93(c)'' and inserting ``section 504(c)''.
(3) In the analysis for subtitle VII by striking the period
after ``70001'' in the item relating to chapter 700.
(4) In the analysis for chapter 700 by striking the item
relating to section 70006 and inserting the following:
``70006. Establishment by Secretary of the department in which the
Coast Guard is operating of anchorage grounds and
regulations generally.''.
(5) In the heading for subchapter IV in the analysis for
chapter 700 by inserting a comma after ``DEFINITIONS''.
(6) In the heading for subchapter VI in the analysis for
chapter 700 by striking ``OF THE UNITED''and inserting ``OF
UNITED''.
(7) Section 70052(e)(1) is amended by striking ``section
4197 of the Revised Statutes of the United States (46 U.S.C.
App. 91)'' and inserting ``section 60105''.
(g) Oil Pollution Act of 1990.--The Oil Pollution Act of
1990 (33 U.S.C. 2701 et seq.) is amended as follows:
(1) Section 1001(32)(G) (33 U.S.C. 2701(32)(G)) is amended
by striking ``pipeline'' and all that follows through
``offshore facility'' and inserting ``pipeline, offshore
facility''.
(2) Section 1016 (33 U.S.C. 2716) is amended--
(A) by redesignating subsections (e) through (i) as
subsections (d) through (h), respectively; and
(B) in subsection (e)(1)(B), as redesignated by
subparagraph (A), by striking ``subsection (e)'' and
inserting ``subsection (d)''.
(3) Section 1012(b)(2) (33 U.S.C. 2712(b)(2)) is amended by
striking ``section 1016(f)(1)'' and inserting ``section
1016(e)(1)''.
(4) Section 1005(b)(5)(B) (33 U.S.C. 2705(b)(5)(B)) is
amended by striking ``section 1016(g)'' and inserting
``section 1016(f)''.
(5) Section 1018(c) (33 U.S.C. 2718(c)) is amended by
striking ``the Act of March 3, 1851 (46 U.S.C. 183 et seq.)''
and inserting ``chapter 305 of title 46, United States
Code''.
[[Page H3184]]
(6) Section 7001(h)(1) (33 U.S.C. 2761(h)(1)) is amended by
striking ``subsection (c)(4)'' and inserting ``subsection
(e)(4)''.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Missouri (Mr. Graves) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Carbajal)
each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Missouri.
General Leave
Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all
Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their
remarks and insert extraneous material on H.R. 7659.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Missouri?
There was no objection.
Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I
may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 7659, the Coast Guard
Authorization Act of 2024. This bipartisan measure authorizes funding
for the Coast Guard, one of six armed services, for the next 2 fiscal
years.
The men and women of the Coast Guard deserve the support of this
Congress in their efforts to meet the challenges of their ever-growing
mission. Those missions are wide-ranging and include ensuring the
safety of maritime trade, including our vital supply chain; enforcing
United States laws at sea; protecting our Nation's borders; helping
counter undue Chinese influence in the Pacific; helping to develop the
United States' redefined role in the rapidly changing Arctic; and
countering human trafficking and the influx of illicit drugs into this
country.
This bill provides the Coast Guard with the authorities and resources
it needs to carry out its mission.
Mr. Speaker, I commend Ranking Member Larsen and Coast Guard and
Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Chair Webster and Ranking Member
Carbajal for working to reach a bipartisan agreement on this bill.
Mr. Speaker, I urge support of this legislation, and I reserve the
balance of my time.
Mr. CARBAJAL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Coast Guard Authorization Act
of 2024. I am proud to have played a part in its development and
passage out of committee. I appreciate the bipartisan leadership of
Chairman Sam Graves, Ranking Member Larsen, and Coast Guard and
Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Chair Webster. This legislation is
an example of how working together in a bipartisan way can result in
good legislation.
As one of the six branches of the armed services, the U.S. Coast
Guard protects our national security and is an essential asset to DoD
missions overseas. Often facilitating diplomatic relations resulting
from unique authorities, the Coast Guard fosters partnerships with
other countries not easily achieved by other branches. This bill will
renew and enhance support for critical missions of the U.S. Coast
Guard.
Every day, coasties work to safeguard our economic interests and
ensure the fluidity of the marine transportation system. They maintain
our Nation's waterways for the sake of commerce and human and
environmental safety. Time after time, these brave coasties have
demonstrated their resourcefulness, but they need our support.
The increased funding in today's bill signals our confidence in the
Coast Guard and begins down the road to providing the resources
coasties need to successfully complete their missions.
The Coast Guard is facing a precarious future with an aging fleet,
crumbling infrastructure, and a recruiting shortfall.
In order to grow the service, we must ensure servicemembers are safe
from harm, trust their leadership, and receive the benefits they have
earned. That is why H.R. 7659 includes the Coast Guard Protection and
Accountability Act of 2024, which will hold the Coast Guard accountable
and ensure transparency in the wake of Operation Fouled Anchor and
efforts by the service to hide decades' worth of sexual assault and
sexual harassment.
This legislation begins to address the worsening mariner shortage by
authorizing the modernization of the mariner credentialing system and
modernizing mariner eligibility. This bill will provide long-term,
sustainable jobs for American mariners.
I am proud to have worked with my colleagues on this important
legislation, and I look forward to seeing it passed into law.
Mr. Speaker, I urge support for its passage.
Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the
gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Graves).
Mr. GRAVES of Louisiana. Mr. Speaker, in August of this year, we are
going to hit the 234th birthday of the United States Coast Guard. We
have seen profound changes in the Coast Guard's mission.
They perform the jobs of probably a dozen Federal agencies over
water. They do a remarkable job. From drug and alien interdiction to
maritime security and maritime safety, they do absolutely everything. I
will say it again: What a dozen agencies do on land, the Coast Guard is
responsible for over water. It is absolutely remarkable. The brave men
and women that we refer to as the coasties have served our country with
incredible honor and distinction.
Mr. Speaker, we refer to them as the Swiss Army knife of the Federal
Government. They do so much. They conduct search and rescue missions,
support safe navigation in our waterways, and help to defend our
maritime border from nefarious actors.
Now more than ever, the Coast Guard's missions don't go unnoticed,
and it is important that we provide the Coast Guard with the resources
that they need to conduct their operations.
China is maneuvering to overtake the United States' maritime
supremacy. Today, China has the capacity to manufacture 232 times the
shipbuilding capacity of the United States. Let me say that again:
Today, China has 232 times the shipbuilding capacity of the United
States, and these ships aren't being used for honorable activities, Mr.
Speaker. We have seen that China is now fishing approximately 42
percent of its fishing in what is known as distant waters. That means
in someone else's exclusive economic zone. Said another way, they are
illegally fishing in other countries' waters. They are overfishing.
China is the worst IUU--illegal, unreported, and unregulated--fishing
nation in the world.
This isn't limited to just China or Chinese waters. We recently had a
major bust of IUU activities in the Gulf of Mexico on one of my
favorite entrees, the red snapper.
The Coast Guard is vital to protecting our waters and national
security, particularly, here in the United States, in the area that you
and I share, Mr. Speaker, the Gulf of Mexico. The Coast Guard plays a
critical role in protecting our maritime boundary from drugs and
migrants.
While we rightfully focus our attention on the southern land border
with Mexico, we cannot ignore the maritime border. Countless migrants
enter unnoticed via boat, and often they are accompanied--or should I
say they are accompanying dangerous drugs, such as fentanyl.
Louisiana's overdose death rate is nearly double the national
average, largely thanks to massive influxes of fentanyl coming
undetected through the southern border, including the maritime border.
Over the past year, a sheriff's office in my district removed nearly
six times the fentanyl that they recovered in just 2022. Wouldn't it be
amazing if the Coast Guard could help to stop the drug interdictions,
stop these illegal drugs and migrants from coming across our maritime
border?
Our coasties can't be successful in defending our national security
without the proper resources.
As China seeks to insert itself in the Pacific, this bill authorizes
two fast response cutters that will be used to support missions with
partners in the Indo-Pacific. Furthermore, as the world and Russia move
into the Arctic, this bill authorizes the second polar security cutter,
or heavy icebreaker, for the Coast Guard.
It is imperative that we fund the Coast Guard at the levels
authorized in this bill. It will protect our people, environment, and
fisheries and continue to push back on nations such as China and
Russia.
I am proud to have contributed to and supported this bill in
committee,
[[Page H3185]]
and I look forward to voting in favor of this bill on the House floor.
Mr. Speaker, I thank all the Members who have been involved,
especially Ranking Member Webster, and I am thankful for the leadership
of our fearless chairman, Sam Graves, as well as the ranking members
who have worked on this bill for months and months.
Mr. Speaker, I urge support of the bill.
Mr. CARBAJAL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from
Virginia (Mr. Beyer).
Mr. BEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to flag an issue on the Coast Guard
reauthorization. One particular provision in the bill can negatively
impact offshore wind. Installing monopiles for offshore wind requires a
specialized fleet and planning. The U.S. fleet does not currently
include certain offshore wind-specific vessels, which are the linchpins
in construction.
With the current bill language mandating exclusive use of domestic
crews on a few foreign vessels, it could lead the few vessels that can
install offshore wind to exit the U.S. market altogether. Right now,
adding these crewing requirements for certain international vessels
would freeze offshore wind construction.
Offshore wind is essential to achieving our decarbonization goals,
but it is a brand-new industry in the United States. It needs time to
build a supply chain from the ground up.
I have been proud of Dominion Energy's recent announcement that the
first Jones Act-compliant vessel, Charybdis, is on track to be
completed by late 2024.
The offshore wind industry in America is investing in more than 40
American vessels, all of which will be required to have all-American
crews, but until we have these vessels, we will be reliant on foreign
vessels.
The stipulations in this bill would impede the involvement of the
current fleet necessary to kick-start these projects and give the U.S.
any viable alternatives.
The absence of these specialized vessels would mean that numerous
American ships and mariners would lose employment opportunities, and
there would be no offshore wind farms to build or maintain. We can
address this and find a fix that avoids job losses for union workers or
causes significant delays.
While we all champion American jobs in offshore wind, it is important
to recognize that this industry is still in its early stages
domestically.
Mr. Speaker, I urge you to address this issue moving forward as this
legislation moves toward conference. It is imperative that we do not
stumble as we embark on this promising new industry that holds the
potential to enhance our energy security and create thousands of
American jobs.
Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my
time.
Mr. CARBAJAL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I appreciate my colleague's concern about our shared
commitment to rapidly develop clean energy. I also believe that the
American maritime industry should play a meaningful role in the
development and maintenance of offshore energy. If everyone comes
together to negotiate a compromise, I believe everyone's concerns can
be addressed.
Ranking Member Larsen and I are committed to finding that compromise,
but it is important that all stakeholders, including offshore wind
developers, come to the table to accomplish that.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Van Drew).
Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Coast Guard
Authorization Act of 2024.
My district of south Jersey is an official Coast Guard community. We
are deeply proud to be the home of the United States Coast Guard
Training Center Cape May. The vast majority of all recruits are trained
right there.
This legislation includes historic levels of funding for the training
center. It unlocks over $200 million in authorities that will build
Cape May into a world-class facility through new barracks, indoor
training, shooting ranges, and more.
This is a strong bill for south Jersey. It is a strong bill for the
Coast Guard. It is a strong bill for the United States of America.
Mr. Speaker, I urge swift passage of this legislation, and I thank
the committee chairman and ranking member and the subcommittee chairman
and ranking member, as well.
Mr. CARBAJAL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from
Washington (Mr. Larsen).
{time} 1745
Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to speak in
support of H.R. 7659, the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2024.
This bipartisan legislation reauthorizes funding for the U.S. Coast
Guard for fiscal years 2025 and 2026 and updates Coast Guard programs
and policies.
This bill is a result of bipartisan negotiations between Chair
Graves, Chair Webster, myself, and Ranking Member Carbajal and includes
numerous contributions from members on and off the committee.
This bill is the latest example of bipartisanship thriving on the
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
Coast Guard operational readiness is at risk due to years of
underfunding. A lack of investment led to a $3 billion shoreside
infrastructure backlog, a lack of ice-breaking capacity in the Arctic
and Great Lakes, and reduced capacity across several essential missions
such as marine safety and mariner credentialing.
This bill begins to address the shortfall by authorizing $14.78
billion for the Coast Guard for fiscal year 2025 and $15.52 billion for
fiscal year 2026.
These increases over current funding levels will give the Coast Guard
the resources needed to execute its missions and ensure a basic
standard of living for servicemembers.
In addition, this bill authorizes the Procurement, Construction, and
Improvements account at $3.48 billion for fiscal year 2025 and $3.65
billion for fiscal year 2026--well above the President's budget
request.
This level of funding should enable the Coast Guard to maintain its
ongoing recapitalization programs, including the Polar Security Cutter
and the Offshore Patrol Cutters.
Importantly, this bill also includes $180 million for waterfront
improvements to Coast Guard Base Seattle which will ensure homeporting
capacity for Polar Security Cutters.
Last Congress, we enacted substantial improvements to safety for
mariners and passengers aboard vessels. This legislation builds upon
that work by addressing additional safety risks on vessels and
increasing the penalties for bad actors.
In 2022, the Aleutian Isle, a fishing vessel, began taking on water
after running aground in Puget Sound off the coast of San Juan Island
in my district. What should have been a salvaging-firefighting
operation turned into an oil spill response operation.
The salvager listed on the vessel response plan did not have the
capacity to adequately respond and that led to the vessel sinking and
discharging oil.
This bill improves oil spill prevention by bolstering vessel response
plans and ensuring timely, robust salvage firefighting responses when
vessel incidents do occur.
This bill also includes vital provisions to begin addressing the
mariner shortage.
The current mariner credentialing program, which the Coast Guard
oversees, is outdated and relies on paper applications. Processing
delays impact both existing and new mariners looking to enter the
industry.
I appreciate Chair Graves working with me to include an authorization
of $11 million for a new electronic credentialing system. This, coupled
with other provisions, will begin to address the mariner shortage.
Finally, this bill includes the Coast Guard Protection and
Accountability Act of 2024. This legislation was developed because the
Coast Guard deliberately hid Operation Fouled Anchor and decades of
sexual assault and harassment at the Coast Guard Academy.
The commandant is working hard to repair the lost confidence that
resulted from Operation Fouled Anchor, and this legislation provides
the tools to do so while increasing congressional oversight.
[[Page H3186]]
I thank Chair Graves, Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation
Subcommittee Chair Webster, and Ranking Member Carbajal for their
cooperation in crafting this important legislation.
I look forward to our continued collaboration as the legislation
moves forward. I urge all Members to support this bill.
Mr. CARBAJAL. Mr. Speaker, I, again, thank Chairman Graves, Ranking
Member Larsen, and subcommittee Chair Webster.
I would also like to thank our bipartisan staff on the Republican
side John Rayfield, Reed Linsk, Cameron Humphrey, Nicole Bredariol, and
Ian Orr; and on the Democratic side Matt Dwyer, Cheryl Dickson, and
Johanna Montiel of my staff.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hunt).
Mr. HUNT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition not to H.R. 7659 or
the United States Coast Guard but to a provision inside this bill that
will decimate offshore oil and gas production in the United States as
we know it.
Section 346 of this bill will impose such burdensome regulations on
crews of foreign-flagged vessels that they would cease drilling in the
Gulf of Mexico.
Within 90 days of enactment, offshore oil and gas production will
come to an abrupt halt. Let me repeat that. Within 90 days of this
provision's enactment, American oil and gas production will cease in
the Gulf of Mexico.
The vessels and crews used in this industry are highly specialized
and complex and require foreign workers. As it stands, there are not
enough American mariners sufficiently trained to conduct such complex
offshore work.
The systems used on these vessels take years of training and
experience to operate and maintain. Anything short of precision could
result in catastrophic outcomes.
Many of you know that I am America First through and through, I am a
veteran through and through, but I am also realistic.
Foreign-flagged vessels and crews are used because the United States
simply lacks U.S.-flagged vessels or trained crews to work in this
specialized area.
This manning and crewing provision will put the United States at a
competitive disadvantage and will drive up prices for American
families.
I have said it before and I will say it again, American offshore oil
and gas operators produce the world's cleanest barrels of oil and gas.
We should be producing more oil and gas in the Gulf of Mexico, not
less.
This provision will cause the U.S. to produce less energy, allowing
other countries to step into that void.
Let's not cede the advantages that America possesses to other nations
that will produce dirtier barrels of oil and natural gas, increase the
financial burden on Americans, and use the proceeds to undermine our
national security and our way of life.
Mr. CARBAJAL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from
New Jersey (Mr. Menendez).
Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Coast Guard
Authorization Act of 2024, which includes my bill, H.R. 7702, to
prevent tragedies like the Port Newark fire.
This bill is personal to me and to our district.
In July of last year, a fire broke out aboard a vessel docked at Port
Newark. Two firefighters made the ultimate sacrifice while responding,
Augusto ``Augie'' Acabou and Wayne ``Bear'' Brooks, Jr.
Newark and the entire State of New Jersey will always remember these
heroes for their bravery on that day.
They were beloved by their families, communities, and the Newark Fire
Department. While we can't bring them back, we can work to prevent
tragic accidents like this one from happening again.
Responding to vessel fires is incredibly difficult. Each vessel is
unique, and the presence of smoke in extremely tight, unfamiliar spaces
makes them even more difficult to navigate and that much more dangerous
for our firefighters.
Our bill tasks the GAO to study vessel fires, examine non-Federal
collaborations to address vessel fire risk, and make recommendations on
preparedness, responses, and training for fires of this nature.
I am proud this bill was included in the Coast Guard Reauthorization
Act in honor of Augie and Bear.
I urge my colleagues to vote for this important bill.
Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the
gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Graves).
Mr. GRAVES of Louisiana. Mr. Speaker, I just want to quickly respond
to my friend from Texas and the comments about the offshore energy
industry.
I represent south Louisiana. We have six States that produce offshore
energy: Alaska, California, Texas Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.
You can add up the offshore Federal production in those five States
combined, and you would have to multiply it times four to meet the
amount of offshore energy production in Federal waters off the coast of
Louisiana. Yet, our entire delegation, House, Senate, Republican,
Democrat, are fully supportive of the crewing and manning provision in
this bill because it does improve the safety and the security of
operations in the Gulf of Mexico.
Of course, Mr. Speaker, it would not cause the shutdown of oil and
gas or energy operations in the Gulf of Mexico. Let me say it again. On
the contrary, it would actually improve safety and security. There are
waivers and exceptions for foreign vessels that ensure these vessels
operate in a way that is safe and secure for our country.
I urge adoption of this legislation.
Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Webster), who is also the chairman of the
Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee.
Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this
piece of legislation.
This bill recognizes the important work the Coast Guard does to
protect our waters, interdict drugs, stop human trafficking, and
promote maritime safety.
As my State of Florida braces for the influx of Haitian immigrants--
illegal immigrants--this bill authorizes funding through fiscal year
2026 and makes critical investments to enable the service to meet their
current and growing mission demands.
The measure directs much-needed investments in the Coast Guard
shoreside infrastructure and authorizes additional heavy lift aircraft,
helicopters, and vessels that will support the Coast Guard's missions.
As the Coast Guard faces a shortfall of servicemembers and civilians,
this legislation supports the Coast Guard's efforts to address its
recruiting and retention challenges while supporting efforts to boost
the pool of qualified U.S. merchant mariners that can mobilize during
such a time as is needed.
I am pleased the bill also has language to strengthen the Coast
Guard's ability to counter cyber threats that jeopardize the safety of
our supply chain.
The bill incorporates the Coast Guard Protection and Accountability
Act of 2024 that Ranking Member Carbajal and I introduced along with
Chairman Graves and Ranking Member Larsen.
The provisions will strengthen protections for members of the Coast
Guard from sexual assault and harassment and increase transparency
within the service about the manner in which these cases are held.
I appreciate Chairman Graves' work on the Coast Guard Authorization
Act of 2024 along with Ranking Member Larsen and subcommittee Ranking
Member Carbajal.
I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.
Mr. CARBAJAL. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues for this bipartisan
legislation. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my
time.
As Ranking Member Larsen knows well, this important piece of
bipartisan legislation would not be possible without the hard work of
our staff. I want to thank the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation
team led by
Mrs. Gonzalez-Colon. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R.
7659, the
[[Page H3187]]
Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2024. In Puerto Rico, we are the proud
home to Sector San Juan and Air Station Borinquen. We know firsthand
the important role our men and women in the Coast Guard play each day
to save lives, protect our maritime borders, and facilitate commerce.
That is why I was proud to cosponsor this important piece of
legislation, which will provide needed authorities and resources to
support our Coasties and strengthen the Service's critical missions.
I am especially pleased the bill includes two provisions I authored--
Sections 205 and 206--to help improve the Coast Guard's drug and
migrant interdiction activities. Section 205 would direct the Coast
Guard to submit a report to Congress providing an overview of the
maritime domain awareness in Sector San Juan, which is responsible for
Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands and oversees an area of
responsibility spanning 1.3 million square nautical miles in the
Eastern Caribbean.
Over the last few years, we have seen an increase in smuggling events
in the region. In Fiscal Year 2021, the Coast Guard interdicted 758
migrants in the Mona Passage and waters near Puerto Rico. These numbers
increased substantially in Fiscal Years 2022 and 2023, when the Coast
Guard interdicted 2,395 and 2,228 migrants, respectively, in the Sector
San Juan area of responsibility. Through April 30, 2024, the Coast
Guard had already interdicted 1,199 migrants in waters near Puerto
Rico, with five months still remaining to conclude Fiscal Year 2024.
Similarly, according to data shared by the Coast Guard with my
office, from Fiscal Years 2019 to 2022, the known maritime cocaine flow
to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands--either coming directly from
South America or via the Dominican Republic--increased by over 115
percent, from 51 metric tons to 110 metric tons. During the past five
years, Coast Guard narcotics seizures in the Sector San Juan area of
responsibility increased by over 74 percent, from 6.6 metric tons in
Fiscal Year 2019 to 11.5 metric tons in Fiscal Year 2023.
There has also been a rise in violence associated with these events.
In November 2022, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection marine
interdiction agent was shot and killed, and his two partners gravely
injured, when drug smugglers opened fire during an interdiction off the
coast of Cabo Rojo, in southwestern Puerto Rico. Two months later,
another gunfight during a vessel interdiction off the coast of Fajardo
in northeastern Puerto Rico resulted in the death of two drug
smugglers.
The Coast Guard plays a leading role combatting these and other
threats we face from transnational criminal organizations and smugglers
operating in the Caribbean. It is therefore essential we ensure they
have the necessary resources to effectively tackle the rise in illicit
maritime activity around Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Section 205 would help achieve this by directing the Coast Guard to
report on maritime domain awareness gaps in the region and identify
technologies, assets, and capabilities that would help address such
gaps.
The second provision I authored, Section 206, seeks to improve
transparency by requiring the Coast Guard to publish on its website the
number of drug and migrant interdictions carried out by the Service
each month. In the Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022,
Congress included a provision requiring the publication of monthly
migrant interdiction statistics. Section 206 would build on this and
expand the requirement to also include data on drug seizures. It would
also require additional information such as the number of migrants
interdicted, the amount and type of drugs that are seized, and the
geographic location of such interdictions.
I want to conclude by thanking and commending House Transportation
and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves and Ranking Member
Rick Larsen, as well as Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation
Subcommittee Chairman Daniel Webster and Ranking Member Salud Carbajal,
for their leadership on H.R. 7659. I urge my colleagues to support this
important bill and ensure we provide the men and women of the Coast
Guard the support they deserve. subcommittee staff director John
Rayfield. I also thank Reed Linsk, Cameron Humphrey, Nicole Bredariol,
Ian Orr and all of the Transportation and Infrastructure full committee
staff who have worked on getting us here today, including staff
director Jack Ruddy. I also want to thank the Transportation and
Infrastructure minority full committee staff led by Kathy Dedrick and
subcommittee staff led by Matt Dwyer.
This legislation provides the support that the men and women of the
United States Coast Guard need to do their jobs.
It improves maritime safety, will help our Nation confront drug and
human traffickers off our coast, and counter undue Chinese influence in
the Pacific.
Mr. Speaker, I urge support of this bill, and I yield back the
balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Graves) that the House suspend the rules
and pass the bill, H.R. 7659, as amended.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and
nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further
proceedings on this motion will be postponed.
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