(a) Notwithstanding any other law, each contract awarded by the Coast Guard for construction or services to be performed in whole or in part in a State that has an unemployment rate in excess of the national average rate of unemployment (as determined by the Secretary of Labor) shall include a provision requiring the contractor to employ, for the purpose of performing that portion of the contract in that State, individuals who are local residents and who, in the case of any craft or trade, possess or would be able to acquire promptly the necessary skills. The Secretary of Homeland Security may waive the requirements of this subsection in the interest of national security or economic efficiency.

(b)

(Added Pub. L. 101–225, title II, §206(a), Dec. 12, 1989, 103 Stat. 1912; amended Pub. L. 107–296, title XVII, §1704(a), Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2314.)

**2002**—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 107–296 substituted “of Homeland Security” for “of Transportation”.

Amendment by Pub. L. 107–296 effective on the date of transfer of the Coast Guard to the Department of Homeland Security, see section 1704(g) of Pub. L. 107–296, set out as a note under section 101 of Title 10, Armed Forces.