(1)

in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking fiscal years 2022 and 2023 and inserting fiscal years 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, and 2029;

(2)

in paragraph (1)—

(3)

in paragraph (2)(A) by striking clauses (i) and (ii) and inserting the following:

(i)

$3,627,600,000 for fiscal year 2025;

(ii)

$3,651,480,000 for fiscal year 2026;

(iii)

$3,700,000,000 for fiscal year 2027;

(iv)

$3,750,000,000 for fiscal year 2028; and

(v)

$3,800,000,000 for fiscal year 2029. ;

(4)

in paragraph (3) by striking subparagraphs (A) and (B) and inserting the following:

(A)

$15,415,000 for fiscal year 2025;

(B)

$67,701,000 for fiscal year 2026;

(C)

$70,000,000 for fiscal year 2027;

(D)

$75,000,000 for fiscal year 2028; and

(E)

$80,000,000 for fiscal year 2029.; 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 and Survivor Benefits Plans, 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—

(A)

$1,147,244,000 for fiscal year 2025;

(B)

$1,057,929,000 for fiscal year 2026;

(C)

$1,215,000,000 for fiscal year 2027;

(D)

$1,380,000,000 for fiscal year 2028; and

(E)

$1,650,000,000 for fiscal year 2029.

(a) In general

Section 4904 of title 14, United States Code, is amended—

(b) Reporting requirement

In any fiscal year in which the submission required under section 1105 of title 31, United States Code, does not include a proportional increase in the Operations and Support funding under section 4902(1)(A) of title 14, United States Code, to support the end strengths authorized under the amendments made by subsection (a)—

(c) Rule of applicability

Section 517(a) of title 10, United States Code, shall not apply with respect to the Coast Guard until October 1, 2027.

(a) In general

Section 5102 of title 14, United States Code, is amended—

(b) Report

(c) Initial report

(d) Subsequent reports

Not later than July 1 of the first calendar year after the year in which the report required under subsection (c)(1) is submitted, and each July 1 thereafter until July 2, 2031, or the date on which all projects described in subsection (c)(1) are completed, the Commandant shall issue an updated report, with respect to each Coast Guard cutter homeporting project described in subsection (b)(1) (including any such project approved on a date after the date of enactment of this Act and before the submission of the applicable report), containing each element described in subsection (b)(2).

(c) Report on capacity of coast guard base ketchikan

(d) Public availability

The Commandant shall publish each report issued under this section on a publicly accessible website of the Coast Guard.

(e) Homeporting project defined

In this section, the term homeporting project—

(a) In general

Section 5103 of title 14, United States Code, is amended—

(b) Major acquisition program risk assessment

Section 5107 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking section 5103(f) and inserting section 1171.

(a) In general

Section 5107 of title 14, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:

5107. Quarterly acquisition reports and major acquisition program risk assessment

(a) In general

Not later than 45 days after the end of each fiscal quarter, 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 all Level 1 and Level 2 acquisition programs, as such terms are defined in section 1171.

(b) Additional briefing

Not later than 1 week before taking procurement actions that will significantly impact the costs or timelines of a Level 1 or Level 2 acquisition program, the Commandant shall brief the committees described in subsection (a).

(c) Elements

Each briefing required under subsection (a) or (b) shall include, for each program—

(1)

a description of the purpose of the program, including the capabilities being acquired;

(2)

the total number of units, as appropriate, to be acquired annually until procurement is complete under the current acquisition program baseline;

(3)

the Acquisition Review Board status, including—

(A)

the current acquisition phase by increment, as applicable;

(B)

the date of the most recent review; and

(C)

whether the program has been paused or is in breach status;

(4)

a comparison between the initial Department-approved acquisition program baseline cost, schedule, and performance thresholds and objectives and the current such thresholds and objectives of the program, if applicable;

(5)

the lifecycle cost estimate, adjusted for comparison to the Future Coast Guard Program, including—

(A)

the confidence level for the estimate;

(B)

the fiscal years included in the estimate;

(C)

a breakout of the estimate for the prior five years, the current year, and the budget year;

(D)

a breakout of the estimate by appropriation account or other funding source; and

(E)

a description of and rationale for any changes to the estimate as compared to the previously approved baseline, as applicable, and during the prior fiscal year;

(6)

a summary of the findings of any independent verification and validation of the items to be acquired or an explanation for why no such verification and validation has been performed;

(7)

a table displaying the obligation of all program funds by prior fiscal year, the estimated obligation of funds for the current fiscal year, and an estimate for the planned carryover of funds into the subsequent fiscal year;

(8)

a listing of prime contractors and major subcontractors; and

(9)

narrative descriptions of risks to cost, schedule, or performance that could result in a program breach if not successfully mitigated, including—

(A)

the current risks to such program;

(B)

any failure of such program to demonstrate a key performance parameter or threshold during operational test and evaluation conducted during the previous fiscal year;

(C)

whether there has been any decision in such fiscal year to order full-rate production before all key performance parameters or thresholds are met;

(D)

whether there has been any breach of major acquisition program cost (as such term is defined in the manual of the Coast Guard titled Major Systems Acquisition Manual (COMDTINST M5000.10C)) in such fiscal year; and

(E)

whether there has been any breach of major acquisition program schedule (as such term is defined in the manual of the Coast Guard titled Major Systems Acquisition Manual (COMDTINST M5000.10C)) during such fiscal year.

(d) Memorandum deadline

Not later than 5 business days after the date on which the Secretary approves an Acquisition Decision Memorandum for programs described in this section, the Commandant shall submit such memorandum to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate.

(b) Clerical amendment

The analysis for chapter 51 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 5107 and inserting the following:

(a) In general

Chapter 51 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

5116. Status of overdue reports

(a) In general

Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this section, and not later than March 1 of each year 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 reports or briefings required under this chapter that have not been delivered to Congress.

(b) Contents

The report required under section (a) shall contain the following:

(1)

The status of each required report or briefing that has not been delivered to Congress, including the date the report or briefing is due, and if applicable, the number of days the Coast Guard has exceeded the required completion date.

(2)

A plan and timeline for the next steps to be taken to complete such outstanding reports or briefings.

(3)

The name of the flag officer responsible for the completion of each report or briefing.

(c) Briefing

(1) In general

If the Commandant fails to submit the report required under this section, the Commandant shall brief the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate on the steps being taken to produce the report not less than once every 30 days until the required report is produced.

(2) Requirements

The briefing under paragraph (1) shall be made in person and may not be delegated by the Commandant.

(b) Clerical amendment

The analysis for chapter 51 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

(a) In general

Not later than 6 months 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 Aircraft Fleet and Aviation Workforce Assessments Needed, and issued April 9, 2024 (GAO–24–106374).

(b) Contents

The report required under section (a) shall contain the following:

(c) Limitation of aircraft expenses

No funds authorized to be appropriated under section 4902(2)(A) of title 14, United States Code (as added by section 101(3)(A)), may be obligated or expended in fiscal years 2027 through 2029 for the procurement or modernization of helicopters until the Commandant submits the report required under this section, unless the Commandant provides a weekly, in-person briefing on the status of the report, which the Commandant may not delegate.

(d) Minimum rotary wing fleet

(a) In general

The Commandant may not expend or obligate funds—

(b) Notification requirement

Not less than 1 week before taking any procurement action impacting estimated costs or timelines for acquisitions or procurements appropriated pursuant to Public Law 119–21, 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 of such action.

(c) Expenditure plan

Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of Public Law 119–21, 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 detailed expenditure plan, including projected project time lines for each acquisition and procurement appropriated under such Act and a list of project locations to be funded under such Act.

(d) Exception

If the President authorizes an exception under section 1151(b) of title 14, United States Code, for any Coast Guard vessel, or the hull or superstructure of such vessel for which funds are appropriated under Public Law 119–21, no such funds shall be obligated until the President submits 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 explanation of the circumstances requiring such an exception in the national security interest, including—

(e) Certifications and classification

Notwithstanding Public Law 119–21, the Commandant shall ensure any cutters or aircraft procured with appropriations made available by such Act meet the requirements of section 1133(c) of title 14, United States Code.

(a) Report

(b) Briefings

(c) Notifications

In addition to the briefings required under subsection (b), the Commandant and the Chief of Naval Operations shall notify the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, and the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives within 3 business days of any significant change to the scope or funding level of the Polar Security Cutter acquisition strategy of such change.

(a) In general

Chapter 51 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

5116. Annual plan for Coast Guard operations in the Pacific

(a) In general

Not later than December 31, 2025, and annually thereafter, the Commandant of the Coast Guard, in consultation with the Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a plan for Coast Guard operations in the Pacific region for the year after the year during which the plan is submitted. Such plan shall include, for the year covered by the plan, each of the following elements:

(1)

A list of objectives for Coast Guard engagement in the Pacific region in support of Department of State and Department of Defense missions.

(2)

An assessment of the capabilities of the Coast Guard to support Department of State and Department of Defense missions in the Pacific region.

(3)

A list of any areas in the Pacific region where an increased Coast Guard presence would better support Department of State and Department of Defense missions.

(4)

The projected demand for Coast Guard engagement in the Pacific region from the Department of State and the Department of Defense for the year covered by the plan and the subsequent 10 years.

(5)

An assessment of whether the Coast Guard will be able to meet such projected demand for the year covered by the plan, including—

(A)

a list of any factors limiting the ability of the Coast Guard to meet such projected demand; and

(B)

an analysis of the location from which any Coast Guard assets used to carry out missions in the Pacific, in addition to assets available in the year prior to the year in which the plan is submitted, will be transferred and any associated gaps in Coast Guard mission coverage any such transfers will create.

(6)

A summary of the resources needed for the Coast Guard to meet such projected demand for the year covered by the plan, including—

(A)

staff;

(B)

infrastructure, including shore infrastructure;

(C)

administrative and logistical support; and

(D)

technology.

(7)

Any other matter as determined relevant by the Commandant.

(b) Form

Each plan under subsection (a) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.

(c) Briefing required

Not later than February 15, 2026, and annually thereafter, the Commandant shall provide to the appropriate congressional committees a briefing on the annual plan required under subsection (a) submitted during the preceding year.

(d) Appropriate congressional committees defined

In this section, the term appropriate congressional committees means—

(1)

the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives;

(2)

the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives;

(3)

the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives;

(4)

the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate;

(5)

the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate; and

(6)

the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate.

5117. Annual budget display for Coast Guard operations in the Pacific

(a) In general

Not later than February 15, 2026, and annually thereafter, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a detailed budget display for Coast Guard operations in the Pacific region for the fiscal year after the fiscal year during which the budget display is submitted. The Commandant shall base such budget display on the projected demand for Coast Guard engagement in the Pacific region as identified in the most recent annual plan developed under section 5116 of this title. Such budget display shall include, for the year covered by the budget display, the following information:

(1)

With respect to procurement accounts, amounts displayed by account, budget activity, line number, line item, and line item title.

(2)

With respect to research, development, test, and evaluation accounts, amounts displayed by account, budget activity, line number, program element, and program element title.

(3)

With respect to operation and maintenance accounts, amounts displayed by account title, budget activity title, line number, and subactivity group title.

(4)

With respect to military personnel accounts, amounts displayed by account, budget activity, budget subactivity, and budget subactivity title.

(b) Form

Each display under subsection (a) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.

(c) Briefing required

Not later than February 15, 2026, and annually thereafter, the Commandant shall provide to the appropriate congressional committees a briefing on the budget display required by subsection (a) for the fiscal year after the fiscal year during which the briefing is provided.

(d) Appropriate congressional committees defined

In this section, the term appropriate congressional committees has the meaning given such term in section 5116.

(b) Clerical amendment

The analysis for chapter 51 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

(a) In general

Section 102 of title 14, United States Code, is repealed.

(b) Transfer

Section 888(a) of Public Law 107–296 is transferred to appear after section 101 of title 14, United States Code, redesignated as section 102, and amended to read as follows:

102. Primary duties

(a) In general

The Coast Guard shall administer laws, promulgate and enforce regulations, and engage in operations and activities, with due regard to the requirements of national defense, in support of the following:

(1) Non-Homeland Security Missions

(A) Marine safety

Engage in oceanographic research, ensure the safe operation of and facilitate the economical movement of goods through the Marine Transportation System, and develop, establish, maintain, and operate rescue facilities for the promotion of safety on, under, and over the high seas and waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States and protect the lives and safety of those on the sea.

(B) Search and rescue

Respond to maritime disasters, natural or man-made, and render aid to people in distress to protect the lives and promote the safety of life and property on, under, and over the high seas and waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, covering all matters not specifically delegated by law to some other executive department.

(C) Aids to navigation

Develop, establish, maintain and operate aids to maritime navigation to promote the safe operation of the Marine Transportation System, pursuant to subchapter III of chapter 5, on, under, and over the high seas and waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.

(D) Living marine resources (fisheries law enforcement)

Safeguard fish and wildlife, including threatened and endangered species, from unlawful acts and environmental degradation under, and over the high seas and waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.

(E) Marine environmental protection

Safeguard United States marine resources and the ocean from unlawful acts and environmental degradation on, under, and over the high seas and waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.

(F) Ice operations

Develop, establish, maintain, and operate icebreaking facilities on, under, and over waters other than the high seas and waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.

(2) Homeland security missions

(A) Ports, waterways and coastal security

Conduct maritime recovery operations in the aftermath of incidents of national significance to ensure the continuity of commerce and critical port and waterway functions, protect the United States maritime domain and the Marine Transportation System, and deny the use and exploitation of the maritime domain as a means for attacks on United States territory, population, vessels, and critical infrastructure.

(B) Drug interdiction

Engage in maritime air surveillance or maritime interdiction to enforce or assist in the enforcement of laws of the United States regarding controlled substances on, under, and over the high seas and waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.

(C) Migrant interdiction

Engage in maritime air surveillance or maritime interdiction of the maritime border and approaches to enforce or assist in the enforcement of laws of the United States, including the immigration laws of the United States on, under, and over the high seas and waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.

(D) Defense readiness

Defend United States national interests in the maritime domain against hostile acts through military action, and maintain a state of readiness to assist in the defense of the United States, including when functioning as a specialized service in the Navy pursuant to section 103.

(E) Other law enforcement

Enforce or assist in the enforcement of all applicable Federal laws on, under, and over the high seas and waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.

(b) Rule of construction

Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the powers authorized in chapter 5.

(c) Section 888

Section 888 of Public Law 107–296 is amended—

(d) Technical amendments

(e) Plan

(f) Review of plan

(g) Secretary of the Coast Guard

Subtitle I of title 14, United States Code, is amended—

(h) Clerical amendment

The analysis for chapter 1 of title 14, United States Code, is amended—

(i) Clarifying amendment

Section 505 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking Secretary and inserting Secretary of the Coast Guard.

(j) Public Law 107–296

Public Law 107–296 is amended—

(k) Chief prosecutor of the Coast Guard; Inspector General of the Coast Guard

(a) Reorganization

Chapter 3 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by redesignating sections 312 through 325 as sections 313 through 326, respectively.

(b) Clerical amendment

The analysis for chapter 3 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by redesignating the items relating to sections 312 through 325 as relating to sections 313 through 326, respectively.

(c) Special Advisor to Commandant for Tribal and Native Hawaiian Affairs

Chapter 3 of title 14, United States Code, is further amended by inserting after section 311 the following:

312. Special Advisor to Commandant for Tribal and Native Hawaiian Affairs

(a) In general

In accordance with Federal trust responsibilities and treaty obligations, laws, and policies relevant to Indian Tribes and in support of the principles of self-determination, self-governance, and co-management with respect to Indian Tribes, and to support engagement with Native Hawaiians, there shall be in the Coast Guard a Special Advisor to the Commandant for Tribal and Native Hawaiian Affairs (in this section referred to as the ‘Special Advisor’), who shall—

(1)

be selected by the Secretary and the Commandant through a competitive search process;

(2)

have expertise in Federal Indian law and policy, including government-to-government consultation;

(3)

to the maximum extent practicable, have expertise in legal and policy issues affecting Native Hawaiians; and

(4)

have an established record of distinguished service and achievement working with Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations.

(b) Career reserved position

The position of Special Advisor shall be a career reserved position at the GS–15 level or greater.

(c) Duties

The Special Advisor shall—

(1)

ensure the Federal government upholds the Federal trust responsibility and conducts consistent, meaningful, and timely government-to-government consultation and engagement with Indian Tribes, which shall meet or exceed the standards of the Federal Government and the Coast Guard;

(2)

ensure meaningful and timely engagement with—

(A)

Native Hawaiian organizations; and

(B)

Tribal organizations;

(3)

advise the Commandant on all policies of the Coast Guard that have Tribal implications in accordance with applicable law and policy, including Executive Orders;

(4)

work to ensure that the policies of the Federal Government regarding consultation and engagement with Indian Tribes and engagement with Native Hawaiian organizations and Tribal organizations are implemented in a meaningful manner, working through Coast Guard leadership and across the Coast Guard, together with—

(A)

liaisons located within Coast Guard districts;

(B)

the Director of Coast Guard Governmental and Public Affairs; and

(C)

other Coast Guard leadership and programs and other Federal partners; and

(5)

support Indian Tribes, Native Hawaiian organizations, and Tribal organizations in all matters under the jurisdiction of the Coast Guard.

(d) Direct access to Secretary and Commandant

No officer or employee of the Coast Guard or the Department of Homeland Security may interfere with the ability of the Special Advisor to give direct and independent advice to the Secretary and the Commandant on matters related to this section.

(e) Definitions

In this section:

(1) 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).

(2) Native hawaiian organization

The term Native Hawaiian organization has the meaning given such term in section 6207 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7517) except the term includes the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

(3) Tribal organization

The term Tribal organization has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).

(d) Clerical amendment

The analysis for chapter 3 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 311 the following:

(e) Briefings

(f) Rule of construction

Nothing in this section, or an amendment made by this section, shall be construed to impact—

(g) Conforming amendments

(a) In general

Section 316 of title 14, United States Code, as so redesignated, is amended to read as follows:

316. Training courses on workings of Congress

(a) In general

(1) Training course

The Commandant, and such other individuals and organizations as the Commandant considers appropriate, shall develop a training course on the workings of Congress and offer such training course at least once each year.

(2) Course subject matter

The training course required by this section shall provide an overview and introduction to Congress and the Federal legislative process, including—

(A)

the history and structure of Congress and the committee systems of the House of Representatives and the Senate, including the functions and responsibilities of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate;

(B)

the documents produced by Congress, including bills, resolutions, committee reports, and conference reports, and the purposes and functions of such documents;

(C)

the legislative processes and rules of the House of Representatives and the Senate, including similarities and differences between the 2 processes and 2 sets of rules, including—

(i)

the congressional budget process;

(ii)

the congressional authorization and appropriation processes;

(iii)

the Senate advice and consent process for Presidential nominees; and

(iv)

the Senate advice and consent process for treaty ratification;

(D)

the roles of Members of Congress and congressional staff in the legislative process; and

(E)

the concept and underlying purposes of congressional oversight within the governance framework of separation of powers.

(3) Lecturers and panelists

(A) Outside experts

The Commandant shall ensure that not less than 60 percent of the lecturers, panelists, and other individuals providing education and instruction as part of the training course required under this section are experts on Congress and the Federal legislative process who are not employed by the executive branch of the Federal Government.

(B) Authority to accept pro bono services

In satisfying the requirement under paragraph (1), the Commandant shall seek, and may accept, educational and instructional services of lecturers, panelists, and other individuals and organizations provided to the Coast Guard on a pro bono basis.

(4) Effect of law

(A) In general

The training required by this section shall replace the substantially similar training that was required by the Commandant on the day before the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025.

(B) Previous training recipients

A Coast Guard flag officer or a Coast Guard Senior Executive Service employee who, not more than 3 years before the date of the enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025, completed the training that was required by the Commandant on the day before such date of enactment, shall not be required to complete the training required by this section.

(b) Training for congressional affairs personnel

(1) In general

The Commandant shall develop a training course, which shall be administered in person, on the workings of Congress for any member of the Coast Guard selected for a position as a fellow, liaison, counsel, or administrative staff for the Coast Guard Office of Congressional and Governmental Affairs or as any Coast Guard district or area governmental affairs officer.

(2) Course subject matter

(A) In general

The training course required under this section shall provide an overview and introduction to Congress and the Federal legislative process, including—

(i)

the congressional budget process;

(ii)

the congressional appropriations process;

(iii)

the congressional authorization process;

(iv)

the Senate advice and consent process for Presidential nominees;

(v)

the Senate advice and consent process for treaty ratification;

(vi)

the roles of Members of Congress and congressional staff in the legislative process;

(vii)

the concept and underlying purposes of congressional oversight within the governance framework of separation of powers;

(viii)

the roles of Coast Guard fellows, liaisons, counsels, governmental affairs officers, the Coast Guard Office of Program Review, the Coast Guard Headquarters program offices, and any other entity the Commandant considers relevant; and

(ix)

the roles and responsibilities of Coast Guard public affairs and external communications personnel with respect to Members of Congress and the staff of such Members necessary to enhance communication between Coast Guard units, sectors, and districts and Member offices and committees of jurisdiction so as to ensure visibility of Coast Guard activities.

(3) Detail within Coast Guard office of budget and programs

(A) In general

At the written request of a receiving congressional office, the training course required under this section shall include a multi-day detail within the Coast Guard Office of Budget and Programs to ensure adequate exposure to Coast Guard policy, oversight, and requests from Congress.

(B) Nonconsecutive detail permitted

A detail under this paragraph is not required to be consecutive with the balance of the training.

(4) Completion of required training

A member of the Coast Guard selected for a position described in subsection (a) shall complete the training required by this section before the date on which such member reports for duty for such position.

(b) Clerical amendment

The analysis for chapter 3 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 316 and inserting the following:

(1)

in subsection (b)—

(2)

in subsection (e), by amending paragraph (2)(A) to read as follows:

(2)

(A)

for the purpose of conducting Coast Guard operations, lease from the Association—

(i)

the Museum; and

(ii)

any property owned by the Association that is adjacent to the railroad tracks that are adjacent to the property on which the Museum is located; 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, from nonprofits entities including the Association,—

(1)

solicit and accept services; and

(2)

enter into contracts or memoranda of agreement to acquire such services.

(a) In general

Section 11269 of the Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022 (Public Law 117–263) is—

(b) Clerical amendments

(a) In general

Chapter 7 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 721 the following:

722. Cyber coordination in foreign territories

(a) In general

The Secretary, acting through the Commandant, may coordinate with a foreign entity to provide cyber prevention and response assistance related to the marine transportation systems and assets located outside the United States that have a nexus to the United States Marine Transportation System or illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.

(b) Types of support

The Commandant may conduct cyber assessments, audits, inspections, operations, or other activities as provided under subsection (a).

(c) Coordination

The Secretary may provide support under subsections (a) and (b) after coordination with the Secretary of State.

(d) Reimbursement authority

The Secretary may require reimbursement from a foreign entity for costs incurred by the Coast Guard for assistance provided under subsection (a).

(e) Definition

In this section, the term foreign entity includes foreign governments and intergovernmental organizations the Secretary considers appropriate.

(b) Clerical amendment

The analysis for chapter 7 of such title is further amended by inserting after the item relating to section 721 the following:

(a) 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 heads of other appropriate Federal agencies, shall develop a location-specific tsunami preparedness plan for each property concerned.

(b) Requirements

In developing each preparedness plan under subsection (a), the Commandant shall ensure that the plan—

(c) Consultation

In developing each preparedness plan under subsection (a), the Commandant shall consult relevant State, Tribal, and local government entities, including emergency management officials.

(d) Briefing

Not later than 14 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall provide a briefing to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives on each plan developed under subsection (a), including the status of implementation and feasibility of each such plan.

(e) Definitions

In this section:

(1)

in subsection (d)—

(2)

in subsection (j) by striking through (c) and inserting and (b).

(a) Inclusion of Coast Guard as Department of the Treasury law enforcement organization

Section 9705 of title 31, United States Code, is amended—

(b) Elimination of separate funds for the coast guard

Section 9705 of title 31, United States Code, is amended—

(c) Technical corrections

Section 9705 of title 31, United States Code, is amended—

(d) Updates to cross-references

(a) In general

Subchapter II of chapter 11 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

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.

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, shall consider the life-cycle cost estimates of vessels and aircraft, as applicable, during the design and evaluation processes to the maximum extent practicable.

1140. Contracts that provide best value for taxpayer

(a) In general

In carrying out a Level 1 or Level 2 acquisition project or program under this subchapter, the Commandant shall publicly announce all construction, design, and engineering requirements and negotiate contracts for construction, design, and engineering services on the basis of demonstrated competence and qualification for the type of professional services required and at fair and reasonable prices.

(b) Selection procedure

The following procedures shall apply to the procurement of Level 1 or Level 2 acquisition project or program under this subchapter:

(1) Statements of qualification and performance

The Commandant shall require prospective contractors to submit a statement of qualifications and performance data.

(2) Evaluation

For each proposed project, the Commandant shall—

(A)

evaluate statements of qualifications and performance submitted by firms regarding the proposed project; and

(B)

conduct discussions with at least 3 firms to consider anticipated concepts and compare alternative methods for furnishing services.

(3) Selection

From the firms with which discussions have been conducted under paragraph (2)(B), the Commandant shall select, in order of preference, at least 3 firms that the Commandant considers most highly qualified to provide the services required, based on criteria established and published by the Commandant.

(c) Negotiation of contract

(1) In general

The Commandant shall negotiate a contract for construction, design, and engineering services under this section at compensation which the Commandant determines is fair and reasonable to the Federal Government.

(2) Fair and reasonable compensation

In determining fair and reasonable compensation, the Commandant shall consider the scope, complexity, professional nature, and estimated value of the services to be rendered.

(3) Negotiation

The Commandant shall attempt to negotiate a contract with the most highly qualified firm selected under subsection (b).

(4) Further negotiation

If the Commandant is unable to negotiate a satisfactory contract with the firm under paragraph (3), the Commandant shall formally terminate negotiations with such firm and undertake negotiations with the next most qualified of the selected firms, continuing the process until an agreement is reached.

(5) Additional firms

If the Commandant is unable to negotiate a satisfactory contract with any of the selected firms, the Commandant shall select additional firms in order of competence and qualification and continue negotiations in accordance with this section until an agreement is reached.

(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:

(a) In general

Section 1151 of title 14, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:

1151. Restriction on acquisition, procurement, or construction of vessels in foreign shipyards

(a) In general

Except as provided in subsection (b), the Commandant may not lease, charter, or otherwise procure a vessel which contains a major component of the hull or superstructure constructed in a foreign shipyard.

(b) Exceptions

(1) In general

The President may authorize exceptions to the prohibition in subsection (a) when the President determines that it is in the national security interest of the United States to address an immediate adverse effect on Coast Guard missions.

(2) Timing

An exception made by the President under paragraph (1) shall not take effect until the President submits 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 explanation of the circumstances requiring such an exception in the national security interest, including—

(A)

a confirmation that there are insufficient qualified shipyards to meet the national security interest without such an exception; and

(B)

actions taken by the President to enable qualified United States shipyards to meet national security requirements prior to the issuance of such an exception

(b) Clerical amendment

The analysis for chapter 11 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 1151 and inserting the following:

(a) Great Lakes icebreaker and icebreaking tugs

(b) Great Lakes icebreaker pilot program

Section 11212(a) of the Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022 (Public Law 117–263) is amended by adding at the end the following:

(4) Pilot program

(A) In general

During the 5 ice seasons beginning after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall conduct a pilot program to determine the extent to which the Coast Guard Great Lakes icebreaking cutter fleet is capable of maintaining tier one and tier two waterways open 95 percent of the time during an ice season.

(B) Report

Not later than 180 days after the end of each of the 5 ice seasons beginning after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report that details—

(i)

the results of the pilot program required under subparagraph (A); and

(ii)

any relevant new performance measures implemented by the Coast Guard, including the measures described in pages 5 through 7 of the report of the Coast Guard titled Domestic Icebreaking Operations and submitted to Congress on July 26, 2024, as required by section 11212(a)(3) of the Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022 (Public Law 117–263), and the results of the implementation of such measures.

(c) Modification to reporting requirement relating to icebreaking operations in Great Lakes

(1)

the Arctic Security Cutters for which funds were appropriated under section 40001 of Public Law 119–21; and

(2)

all other vessels for which funds were appropriated under section 40001 of Public Law 119–21.

(a) In general

Section 2512 of title 14, United States Code, is amended—

(b) Clerical amendment

The analysis for chapter 25 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 2512 and inserting the following:

(c) Compensation

Section 206(a)(4) of title 37, United States Code, is amended by inserting before the period at the end or family leave under section 2512 of title 14.

(1)

in subsection (c)(3) by striking 2 months and inserting 30 days; and

(2)

in subsection (h)—

(a) In general

Subchapter I of chapter 25 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

2517. Direct hire authority for certain personnel

(a) In general

The Commandant may appoint, without regard to the provisions of subchapter I of chapter 33 (other than sections 3303 and 3328 of such chapter) of title 5, qualified candidates to any of the following positions in the competitive service (as defined in section 2102 of title 5) in the Coast Guard:

(1)

Any category of medical or health professional positions within the Coast Guard.

(2)

Any childcare services position.

(3)

Any position in the Coast Guard housing office of a Coast Guard installation, the primary function of which is supervision of Coast Guard housing covered by subchapter III of chapter 29 of this title.

(4)

Any nonclinical specialist position the purpose of which is the integrated primary prevention of harmful behavior, including suicide, sexual assault, harassment, domestic abuse, and child abuse.

(5)

Any special agent position of the Coast Guard Investigative Service.

(6)

The following positions at the Coast Guard Academy:

(A)

Any civilian faculty member appointed under section 1941.

(B)

A position involving the improvement of cadet health or well-being.

(b) Noncompetitive appointment

The Secretary may, without regard to the appointment requirements of title 5, noncompetitively appoint a highly qualified candidate to a faculty position in the excepted service.

(c) Limitation

The Commandant shall only appoint qualified candidates under the authority provided by subsections (a) and (b) if the Commandant determines that there is a shortage of qualified candidates for the positions described in such subsection or a critical hiring need for such positions.

(d) Briefing requirement

Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025, and annually thereafter for the following 5 years, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a written briefing which describes the use of the authority provided under this section on an annual basis, including the following:

(1)

The number of employees hired under the authority provided under this section within the year for which the briefing is provided.

(2)

The positions and grades for which employees were hired.

(3)

A justification for the Commandant’s determination that such positions involved a shortage of qualified candidates or a critical hiring need.

(4)

The number of employees who were hired under the authority provided under this section who have separated from the Coast Guard.

(5)

Steps the Coast Guard has taken to engage with the Office of Personnel Management under subpart B of part 337 of title 5, Code of Federal Regulations, for positions for which the Commandant determines a direct hire authority remains necessary.

(e) Sunset

The authority provided under subsection (a) shall expire on September 30, 2030.

(b) Clerical amendment

The analysis for chapter 25 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to 2516 the following:

(a) In general

Chapter 25 of title 14, United States Code, is further amended by inserting after section 2517 (as added by this Act) the following:

2518. Command sponsorship

On request by a member of the Coast Guard assigned to Unalaska, Alaska, the Commandant shall grant command sponsorship to the dependents of such member.

(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 the following:

(a) In general

Section 3710 of title 14, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:

3710. College student precommissioning initiative

(a) In general

There is authorized within the Coast Guard a college student precommissioning initiative program (in this section referred to as the Program) for eligible undergraduate students to enlist in the Coast Guard Reserve and receive a commission as a Reserve officer.

(b) Criteria for selection

To be eligible for the Program an applicant shall meet the following requirements upon submitting an application:

(1) Age

The applicant shall be not less than 19 years old and not more than 31 years old as of September 30 of the fiscal year in which the Program selection panel selecting such applicant convenes, or an age otherwise determined by the Commandant.

(2) Character

(A) In general

The applicant shall be of outstanding moral character and meet any other character requirement set forth by the Commandant.

(B) Coast guard applicants

Any applicant serving in the Coast Guard may not be commissioned if in the 36 months prior to the first Officer Candidate School class convening date in the selection cycle, such applicant was convicted by a court-martial or assigned nonjudicial punishment, or did not meet performance or character requirements set forth by the Commandant.

(3) Citizenship

The applicant shall be a United States citizen.

(4) Clearance

The applicant shall be eligible for a secret clearance.

(5) Education

The applicant shall be enrolled in a college degree program at—

(A)

an institution of higher education described in section 371(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1067q(a));

(B)

an institution of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)) that, at the time of the application has had for 3 consecutive years an enrollment of undergraduate full-time equivalent students (as defined in section 312(e) of such Act (20 U.S.C. 1058(e))) that is a total of at least 50 percent Black American, Hispanic American, Asian American (as defined in section 371(c) of such Act (20 U.S.C. 1067q(c))), Native American Pacific Islander (as defined in such section), or Native American (as defined in such section), among other criteria, as determined by the Commandant; or

(C)

an institution that meets the eligibility requirements for funding as a rural-serving institution of higher education under section 861 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1161q).

(6) Location

The institution at which the applicant is an undergraduate shall be within 100 miles of a Coast Guard unit or Coast Guard Recruiting Office unless otherwise approved by the Commandant.

(7) Records

The applicant shall meet credit and grade point average requirements set forth by the Commandant.

(8) Medical and administrative

The applicant shall meet other medical and administrative requirements as set forth by the Commandant.

(c) Financial assistance

(1) In general

The Commandant may provide financial assistance to enlisted members of the Coast Guard Reserve on active duty participating in the Program, for expenses of the enlisted member while the enlisted member is enrolled, on a full-time basis, in a college degree program approved by the Commandant at a college, university, or institution of higher education described in subsection (b)(5) that leads to—

(A)

a baccalaureate degree in not more than 5 academic years; or

(B)

a post-baccalaureate degree.

(2) Written agreements

To be eligible for financial assistance under this section, an enlisted member of the Coast Guard Reserve shall enter into a written agreement with the Coast Guard that notifies the Reserve enlisted member of the obligations of that member under this section, and in which the member agrees to the following:

(A)

The member shall complete an approved college degree program at a college, university, or institution of higher education described in subsection (b)(5).

(B)

The member shall satisfactorily complete all required Coast Guard training and participate in monthly military activities of the Program as required by the Commandant.

(C)

Upon graduation from the college, university, or institution of higher education described in subsection (b)(5), the member shall—

(i)

accept an appointment, if tendered, as a commissioned officer in the Coast Guard Reserve; and

(ii)

serve a period of obligated active duty for a minimum of 3 years immediately after such appointment as follows:

(I)

Members participating in the Program shall be obligated to serve on active duty 3 months for each month of instruction for which they receive financial assistance pursuant to this section for the first 12 months and 1 month for each month thereafter, or 3 years, whichever is greater.

(II)

The period of obligated active duty service incurred while participating in the Program shall be in addition to any other obligated service a member may incur due to receiving other bonuses or other benefits as part of any other Coast Guard program.

(III)

If an appointment described in clause (i) is not tendered, the member will remain in the Reserve component until completion of the member’s enlisted service obligation.

(D)

The member shall agree to perform such duties or complete such terms under the conditions of service specified by the Coast Guard.

(3) Expenses

Expenses for which financial assistance may be provided under this section are the following:

(A)

Tuition and fees charged by the college, university, or institution of higher education at which a member is enrolled on a full-time basis.

(B)

The cost of books.

(C)

In the case of a program of education leading to a baccalaureate degree, laboratory expenses.

(D)

Such other expenses as the Commandant considers appropriate, which may not exceed $25,000 for any academic year.

(4) Time limit

Financial assistance may be provided to a member under this section for up to 5 consecutive academic years.

(5) Breach of agreement

(A) In general

The Secretary may retain in the Coast Guard Reserve, and may order to active duty for such period of time as the Secretary prescribes (but not to exceed 4 years), a member who breaches an agreement under paragraph (2). The period of time for which a member is ordered to active duty under this paragraph may be determined without regard to section 651(a) of title 10.

(B) Appropriate enlisted grade or rating

A member who is retained in the Coast Guard Reserve under subparagraph (A) shall be retained in an appropriate enlisted grade or rating, as determined by the Commandant.

(6) Repayment

A member who does not fulfill the terms of the obligation to serve as specified under paragraph (2), or the alternative obligation imposed under paragraph (5), shall be subject to the repayment provisions of section 303a(e) of title 37.

(d) Briefing

(1) In general

Not later than August 15 of each year following the date of the enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 through 2028, the Commandant shall provide a briefing to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives on the Program.

(2) Contents

The briefing required under paragraph (1) shall describe—

(A)

outreach and recruitment efforts over the previous year; and

(B)

demographic information of enrollees.

(b) Repeal

Section 2131 of title 14, United States Code, is repealed.

(c) Clerical amendments

(a) Coast Guard embedded behavioral health technician program

(b) Behavioral health specialist

(a) Establishment

The Commandant shall implement a policy that provides for reimbursement to eligible members of the Coast Guard for the cost of airfare for such members to travel to a place within the United States or the territories of the United States at the request of such member during the period specified in subsection (g).

(b) Eligible members

A member of the Coast Guard is eligible for a reimbursement under subsection (a) if—

(c) Treatment of time as leave

The time during which an eligible member is absent from duty for travel reimbursable under subsection (a) shall be treated as leave for purposes of section 704 of title 10, United States Code.

(d) Restriction

The Commandant shall not deny reimbursement for travel authorized under subsection (b)(2) to the respective member.

(e) Justification

If a member requests to travel to a place that is not the home of record, or state of legal residence, of such member, the approving official under subsection (b)(2) may require a justification of the request by such member and shall not unreasonably deny such request.

(f) Briefing required

Not later than February 1, 2027, the Commandant shall provide to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a briefing on—

(g) Period specified

The period specified in this subsection is the period—

(a) Establishment

Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, acting through the Commandant, shall establish a tuition assistance pilot program for active-duty members of the Coast Guard, to be known as the Tuition Assistance and Advanced Education Assistance Pilot Program for Sea Duty (referred to in this section as the pilot program).

(b) Formal agreement

A member of the Coast Guard participating in the pilot program shall enter into a formal agreement with the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating that provides that, upon the successful completion of a sea duty tour by such member, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall, for a period equal to the length of the sea duty tour, beginning on the date on which the sea duty tour concludes—

(c) Report

Not later than 1 year after the date on which the pilot program is established, and annually thereafter through the date on which the pilot program is terminated under subsection (d), the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report that—

(d) Termination

The pilot program shall terminate on the date that is 6 years after the date on which the pilot program is established.

(a) Identification of remote locations

The Commandant shall identify locations to be considered remote locations for purposes of this section, which shall include, at a minimum, each Coast Guard fire station located in an area in which members of the Coast Guard and the dependents of such members are eligible for the TRICARE Prime Remote program.

(b) Incentive program

(c) Annual report

Not less frequently than annually for the 5-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report that—

(a) In general

The Commandant shall provide to the appropriate committees of Congress notification as described in subsection (b)—

(b) Elements

Notification under subsection (a) shall include—

(c) Appropriate committees of Congress defined

In this section, the term appropriate committees of Congress means—

(1)

by striking subsections (a) through (c) and inserting the following:

(a) In general

The Commandant shall establish a Board of Visitors to the Coast Guard Academy to review and make recommendations on the operation of the Academy.

(b) Membership

(1) In general

The membership of the Board shall consist of the following:

(A)

The chairperson of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, or a member of such Committee designated by such chairperson.

(B)

The chairperson of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, or a member of such Committee designated by such chairperson.

(C)

3 Senators appointed by the Vice President.

(D)

4 Members of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

(E)

2 Senators appointed by the Vice President, each of whom shall be selected from among members of the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate.

(F)

2 Members of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, each of whom shall be selected from among members of the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives.

(G)

6 individuals designated by the President.

(2) Timing of appointments of members

(A)

If any member of the Board described in paragraph (1)(C) is not appointed by the date that is 180 days after the date on which the first session of each Congress convenes, the chair and ranking member of the subcommittee of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate with jurisdiction over the authorization of appropriations of the Coast Guard shall be members of the Board until the date on which the second session of such Congress adjourns sine die.

(B)

If any member of the Board described in paragraph (1)(D) is not appointed by the date that is 180 days after the date on which the first session of each Congress convenes, the chair and ranking member of the subcommittee of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives with jurisdiction over the authorization of appropriations for the Coast Guard shall be members of the Board until the date on which the second session of such Congress adjourns sine die.

(C)

If any member of the Board described in paragraph (1)(E) is not appointed by the date that is 180 days after the date on which the first session of each Congress convenes, the chair and ranking member of the subcommittee of the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate with jurisdiction over appropriations for the Coast Guard shall be members of the Board until the date on which the second session of such Congress adjourns sine die.

(D)

If any member of the Board described in paragraph (1)(F) is not appointed by the date that is 180 days after the date on which the first session of each Congress convenes, the chair and ranking member of the subcommittee of the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives with jurisdiction over appropriations for the Coast Guard shall be members of the Board until the date on which the second session of such Congress adjourns sine die.

(3) Chairperson

(A) In general

On a biennial basis and subject to paragraph (4), the Board shall select from among the members of the Board a Member of Congress to serve as the Chair of the Board.

(B) Rotation

A Member of the House of Representatives and a Member of the Senate shall alternately be selected as the Chair of the Board.

(C) Term

An individual may not serve as Chairperson of the Board for consecutive terms.

(4) Length of service

(A) Members of congress

A Member of Congress designated as a member of the Board under paragraph (1) shall be designated as a member in the first session of the applicable Congress and shall serve for the duration of such Congress.

(B) Individuals designated by the president

Each individual designated by the President under paragraph (1)(G) shall serve as a member of the Board for 3 years, except that any such member whose term of office has expired shall continue to serve until a successor is appointed by the President.

(C) Death or resignation of a member

If a member of the Board dies or resigns, a successor shall be designated for any unexpired portion of the term of the member by the official who designated the member.

(c) Duties

(1) Annual visit

The Commandant shall invite each member of the Board, and any designee of a member of the Board, to visit the Coast Guard Academy at least once annually to review the operation of the Academy.

(2) Additional visits

With the approval of the Secretary, the Board or any members of the Board in connection with the duties of the Board may—

(A)

make visits to the Academy in addition to the visits described in paragraph (1); or

(B)

consult with—

(i)

the Superintendent of the Academy; or

(ii)

the faculty, staff, or cadets of the Academy.

(3) Access

The Commandant shall ensure that the Board or any members of the Board who visits the Academy under this paragraph is provided reasonable access to the grounds, facilities, cadets, faculty, staff, and other personnel of the Academy for the purpose of carrying out the duties of the Board.;

(2)

by striking subsections (e) through (g) and inserting the following:

(e) Administrative matters

(1) Meetings

(A) In general

Not less frequently than annually, the Board shall meet at a location chosen by the Commandant, in consultation with the Board, to conduct the review required by subsection (d).

(B) Chairperson and charter

The Federal officer designated under subsection (g)(1)(B) shall organize a meeting of the Board for the purposes of—

(i)

selecting a Chairperson of the Board under subsection (b)(3);

(ii)

adopting an official charter for the Board, which shall establish the schedule of meetings of the Board; and

(iii)

any other matter such designated Federal officer or the Board considers appropriate.

(C) Scheduling

In scheduling a meeting of the Board, such designated Federal officer shall coordinate, to the greatest extent practicable, with the members of the Board to determine the date and time of the meeting.

(D) Notification

Not less than 30 days before each scheduled meeting of the Board, such designated Federal officer shall notify each member of the Board of the time, date, and location of the meeting.

(2) Staff

(A) Designation

The chairperson and the ranking member of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the chairperson and the ranking member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives may each designate 1 staff member of each such Committees.

(B) Role

Staff designated under subparagraph (A)—

(i)

may attend and participate in visits and carry out consultations described under subsection (c)(1) and attend and participate in meetings described under paragraph (1); and

(ii)

may not otherwise carry out duties or take actions reserved to members of the Board under this section.

(3) Advisors

If approved by the Secretary, the Board may consult with advisors in carrying out the duties of the Board under this section.

(4) Reports

(A) In general

Not later than 60 days after the date on which the Board conducts a meeting of the Board under paragraph (1), the Commandant, in consultation with the Board, shall submit a report on the actions of the Board during the meeting and the recommendations of the Board pertaining to the Academy to—

(i)

the Secretary;

(ii)

the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate; and

(iii)

the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives.

(B) Publication

Each report submitted under this paragraph shall be published on a publicly accessible website of the Coast Guard.

(f) Disclosure

The Commandant and the Superintendent of the Academy shall ensure candid and complete disclosure to the Board, consistent with applicable laws relating to disclosure of information, with respect to—

(1)

each issue described in subsection (d); and

(2)

any other issue the Board or the Commandant considers appropriate.

(g) Coast Guard support

(1) In general

The Commandant shall—

(A)

provide support to the Board, as Board considers necessary for the performance of the duties of the Board;

(B)

designate a Federal officer to support the performance of the duties of the Board; and

(C)

in cooperation with the Superintendent of the Academy, advise the Board of any institutional issues, consistent with applicable laws concerning the disclosure of information.

(2) Reimbursement

Each member of the Board and each advisor consulted by the Board under subsection (e)(3) shall be reimbursed, to the extent permitted by law, by the Coast Guard for actual expenses incurred while engaged in duties as a member or advisor.

(h) Notification

Not later than 30 days after the date on which the first session of each Congress convenes, the Commandant shall provide to the chairperson and ranking member of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the chairperson and ranking member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, and the President notification of the requirements of this section.

(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 Annual Board of Visitors established under section 1903 of title 14, United States Code, and Board of Trustees established under the United States Coast Guard Academy Board of Trustees Charter.

(b) Contents

In conducting the study under subsection (a), the Commandant shall examine—

(c) Report

Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report that contains—

(a) In general

Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant, in consultation with the Superintendent of the Coast Guard Academy (referred to in this section as the Superintendent), shall—

(b) Electronic locking mechanisms

(c) Access policy instruction

Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Superintendent shall promulgate a policy regarding cadet room security policies and procedures, which shall include, at a minimum—

(d) Minimum training requirements

The Superintendent shall ensure that each Coast Guard Academy cadet receives, not later than 1 day after the date of the initial arrival of the cadet at the Coast Guard Academy, an initial training session, and any other training the Superintendent considers necessary, on—

(a) In general

Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant, shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on existing behavioral health and wellness support services facilities at the Coast Guard Academy in which Coast Guard Academy cadets and officer candidates, respectively, may receive timely and independent behavioral health and wellness support services, including via telemedicine.

(b) Elements

The report required under paragraph (1) shall include—

(1)

the methods and means by which a cadet or officer candidate may report a crime, including harassment, sexual assault, sexual harassment, and any other offense;

(2)

the contact information for the Coast Guard Investigative Service;

(3)

external resources for—

(4)

cadet and officer candidate rights with respect to reporting incidents to the Coast Guard Investigative Service, civilian authorities, the Office of the Inspector General of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, and any other applicable entity.

(a) In general

Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall install or construct at the Coast Guard Academy not fewer than 2 rooms to be used for the purpose of providing privacy to cadets and officer candidates seeking medical or other health-related services.

(b) Standards of rooms

Each room installed or constructed under this section shall—

(a) In general

Subchapter I of chapter 19 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

1908. Authorization for use of Coast Guard Academy facilities and equipment by covered foundations

(a) Authority

Subject to subsections (b) and (c), the Secretary, with the concurrence of the Superintendent of the Coast Guard Academy, may authorize a covered foundation to use, on a reimbursable or nonreimbursable basis as determined by the Secretary, facilities or equipment of the Coast Guard Academy.

(b) Prohibition

The Secretary may not authorize any use of facilities or equipment under subsection (a) if such use may jeopardize the health, safety, or well-being of any member of the Coast Guard or cadet of the Coast Guard Academy.

(c) Limitations

The Secretary may only authorize the use of facilities or equipment under subsection (a) if such use—

(1)

is without any liability of the United States to the covered foundation;

(2)

does not—

(A)

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;

(B)

compromise the integrity or appearance of integrity of any program of the Coast Guard, or any individual involved in any such program; or

(C)

include the participation of any cadet of the Coast Guard Academy at an event of the covered foundation, other than participation of such a cadet in an honor guard;

(3)

complies with any applicable ethics regulation; and

(4)

has been reviewed and approved by an attorney of the Coast Guard.

(d) Issuance of policies

The Secretary shall issue Coast Guard policies to carry out this section.

(e) Briefing

For any fiscal year in which the Secretary exercises the authority under subsection (a), not later than the last day of such fiscal year, the Commandant shall provide a briefing to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives on the number of events or activities of a covered foundation supported by such exercise of authority during the fiscal year.

(f) Covered foundation defined

In this section, the term covered foundation means an organization that—

(1)

is a charitable, educational, or civic nonprofit organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; and

(2)

the Secretary determines operates exclusively to support—

(A)

recruiting activities with respect to the Coast Guard Academy;

(B)

parent or alumni development in support of the Coast Guard Academy;

(C)

academic, leadership, or character development of Coast Guard Academy cadets;

(D)

institutional development of the Coast Guard Academy; or

(E)

athletics in support of the Coast Guard Academy.

(b) Clerical amendment

The analysis for chapter 19 of title 14, United States Code, is further amended by inserting after the item relating to item 1907 the following:

(a) Policy

Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall update the policy of the Coast Guard regarding the use of medication to treat drug overdoses, including the use of naloxone or other similar medication to treat opioid, including fentanyl, overdoses.

(b) Availability

The updated policy required under subsection (a) shall require naloxone or other similar medication be available for members of the Coast Guard—

(c) Participation in tracking system

Not later than 1 year after the earlier of the date of enactment of this Act or the date on which the tracking system established under section 706 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (10 U.S.C. 1090 note) is established, the Commandant shall ensure the participation of the Coast Guard in the such tracking system.

(d) Memorandum of understanding

Not later than 1 year after the earlier of the date of enactment of this Act or the date on which the tracking system established under section 706 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (10 U.S.C. 1090 note) is established, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating when not operating as a service in the Navy and the Secretary of Defense shall finalize a memorandum of understanding to facilitate Coast Guard access such tracking system.

(e) Briefing

(f) Privacy

In carrying out the requirements of this section, the Commandant shall ensure compliance with all applicable privacy law, including section 552a of title 5, United States Code (commonly referred to as the Privacy Act), and the privacy regulations promulgated under section 264(c) of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (42 U.S.C. 1320d–2 note).

(g) Rule of construction

For purposes of the availability requirement under subsection (b), with respect to a Coast Guard installation comprised of multiple Coast Guard facilities or units, naloxone or other similar medication available at a single Coast Guard facility within the installation shall be considered to be available to all Coast Guard facilities or units on the installation if appropriate arrangements are in place to ensure access, at all times during operations, to the naloxone or other similar medication contained within such single Coast Guard facility.

(a) In general

Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant, in consultation with the Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Secretary of State, and the Secretary of Defense, shall develop a policy, consistent with the Constitution of the United States, as well as domestic and international law, to address, disincentivize, and interdict illicit trafficking by sea of controlled substances (and precursors of controlled substances) being transported to produce illicit synthetic drugs.

(b) Elements

The policy required under subsection (a) shall—

(c) Briefing

Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall brief the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, the Committee on Foreign Relations, and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives on—

(a) Provision to Congress

Not later than 270 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, the Coast Guard Northeast District, and the Coast Guard Northwest District.

(b) Elements

The report under paragraph (1) shall include—

(c) Limitation

Beginning on the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant may not remove the aids to navigation covered in subsection (a), unless there is an imminent threat to life or safety, until a period of 180 days has elapsed following the date on which the Commandant submits the report required under subsection (a).

(d) Study on reliance on aids to navigation

(1)

complete a study on the feasibility and advisability of supporting additional Coast Guard port visits and deployments, including the homeporting of fast response cutters in the Northern Mariana Islands, in support of Operation Blue Pacific, or any successor operation oriented toward Oceania;

(2)

include, as part of the study under paragraph (1), an analysis of where any Coast Guard assets used for port visits and deployments in support of Operation Blue Pacific, or any successor operation oriented toward Oceania, will be transferred from and any associated gaps in Coast Guard coverage any such transfer will create; and

(3)

submit to the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on the findings of such study.

(a) In general

Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall commence a study and gap analysis with respect to the aviation hangar at Coast Guard Air Station Corpus Christi and the capacity of such hangar to accommodate the aircraft currently assigned to Coast Guard Air Station Corpus Christi and any aircraft anticipated to be so assigned in the future.

(b) Elements

The study and gap analysis required by subsection (a) shall include the following:

(c) Report

Not later than 1 year after the commencement of the study and gap analysis required under subsection (a), the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on the results of the study and gap analysis.

(a) In general

Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant, in coordination with the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the impacts of the Joint Travel Regulations on members of the Coast Guard who are commuting, on permanent change of station travel, or on other official travel to or from locations served by ferry systems.

(b) Elements

The report required under subsection (a) shall include an analysis of the impacts on such members of the Coast Guard of the following policies under the Joint Travel Regulations:

(c) Definitions

In this section:

(a) In general

Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program.

(b) Elements

The report required under subsection (a) shall include the following:

(1)

working with the navies and domestic coast guard of nations located in the Indo-Pacific region on building capacity to protect the territorial waters of such nations from incursions by other nations;

(2)

providing a presence in the Arctic and Antarctic to protect United States sovereign national security interests in the regions; and

(3)

providing law enforcement capabilities which the military departments do not possess for national security, piracy, alien and drug interdiction, and fishery law enforcement on the high seas.

(1)

An analysis of the skills and experience of Coast Guard personnel, particularly such personnel with backgrounds in engineering, navigation, heavy equipment operation, and maintenance, that are directly transferable to the dredging industry.

(2)

A plan for developing and implementing targeted outreach and recruitment strategies to connect separating or retiring Coast Guard personnel with employment opportunities, including registered apprentice programs, in the dredging industry.

(3)

An evaluation of the potential for establishing programs to recognize the skills of Coast Guard personnel for the merchant mariner credentials necessary for employment in the dredging industry.

(4)

A description of any existing or planned coordination with the Corps of Engineers, employers, relevant labor organizations, and other relevant agencies to facilitate the transition of Coast Guard personnel into the dredging industry.

(a) In general

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 detailing the search and rescue operations at impacted Coast Guard facilities that contains the following:

(b) Definition of impacted Coast Guard facility

In this section, the term impacted Coast Guard facility means a facility or station that was designated as a schedule mission station or closed under either the Assignment Year 2024 Force Alignment Initiative or the Assignment Year 2025 Force Alignment Initiative.

(1)

examines alternative sites on St. Thomas, Virgin Island for the location of Station St. Thomas, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands;

(2)

analyzes geographic threats and opportunities on St. Thomas, Virgin Islands to Coast Guard mission objectives; and

(3)

provides a cost estimate on the cost of acquiring an alternative site which meets the mission needs of Station St. Thomas, including the cost of—

(a) In general

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 of the navigable waterway of the East Rockaway Inlet located on Long Island, New York.

(b) Contents

The report under subsection (a) shall include—

(a) Reduction of lengths of certain periods of service

Section 3534 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31) is amended—

(b) Effective date

The amendment made by subsection (a) shall take effect on the date of enactment of this Act.

(a) Amendments

Section 3714 of title 46, United States Code, is amended—

(b) Career incentive pay for marine inspectors

Subsection (a) of section 11237 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (37 U.S.C. 352 note) is amended as follows:

(a) Authority to provide assignment pay or special duty pay

For the purposes of addressing an identified shortage of marine inspectors, the Secretary may provide assignment pay or special duty pay under section 352 of title 37, United States Code, to a member of the Coast Guard serving in a prevention position that—

(1)

is assigned in support of or is serving as a marine inspector pursuant to section 312 of title 14, United States Code; and

(2)

is assigned to a billet that is difficult to fill due to geographic location, requisite experience or certifications, or lack of sufficient candidates, as determined by the Commandant, in an effort to address inspector workforce gaps.

(c) Briefing

Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually for 2 years after the implementation of a performance-driven examination schedule program under section 3714(c) of title 46, United States Code, the Commandant shall brief the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives on—

(1)

in subsection (i)—

(2)

in subsection (j)—

(a) In general

Section 9302(a)(1)(A) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking in waters and inserting in the Straits of Mackinac and in all other waters.

(b) Definition of the Straits of Mackinac

Section 9302 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

(g) Definition of the Straits of Mackinac

In this section, the term Straits of Mackinac includes all of the United States navigable waters bounded by longitudes 84 degrees 20 minutes west and 85 degrees 10 minutes west and latitudes 45 degrees 39 minutes north and 45 degrees 54 minutes north, including Gray’s Reef Passage, the South Channel, and Round Island Passage, and approaches thereto.

(a) In general

The Commandant shall conduct a study to determine the applicability of current safety regulations that apply to commercial amphibious vessels.

(b) Elements

The study required under subsection (a) shall include the following:

(c) 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 report containing the findings, conclusions, and recommendations from the study required under subsection (a).

(d) Definition of amphibious vessel

In this section, the term amphibious vessel means a vessel which is operating as a small passenger vessel in waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, as defined in section 2.38 of title 33, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation) and is operating as a motor vehicle as defined in section 216 of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7550) and that is not a DUKW amphibious passenger vessel as defined in section 11502 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (46 U.S.C. 3306 note).

(a) In general

Section 8343 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (46 U.S.C. 70034 note) is amended—

(b) Waterfront safety

Section 70011(a) of title 46, United States Code, is amended—

(c) Facility visit by state sponsor of terrorism

Section 70011(b) of title 46, United States Code, is amended—

(d) Great Lakes and Saint Lawrence Seaway navigation

Section 70032 of title 46, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:

70032. Delegation of ports and waterways authorities in 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 St. 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 St. 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 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)(3); and

(3)

take actions for port, harbor, and coastal facility security in accordance with section 70116.

(e) 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,.

(f) Great Lakes and Saint Lawrence river cooperative vessel traffic service

Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall issue or amend such regulations as are necessary to address any applicable arrangements with the Canadian Coast Guard regarding vessel traffic services cooperation and vessel traffic management data exchanges within the Saint Lawrence Seaway and the Great Lakes.

(g) Clerical amendment

The analysis for chapter 700 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 70032 and inserting the following:

(a) 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 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—

(b) Elements

The study required under subsection (a) shall include the following:

(c) Consultation

In conducting the study required under subsection (a), the Board shall consult with—

(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:

(a) Proximity of anchorages to pipelines

(b) Proximity to pipeline alerts

(1)

in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking While on board a covered vessel, an and inserting An;

(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;;

(3)

in paragraph (2) by inserting on board a covered vessel before the semicolon; and

(4)

in paragraph (3) by inserting while on board a covered vessel after such individual.

(a) In general

The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall suspend the establishment of new anchorage grounds on the Hudson River between Palisades, New York, and Germantown, New York, under section 7 of the Rivers and Harbors Appropriations Act of 1915 (33 U.S.C. 471) or chapter 700 of title 46, United States Code.

(b) Port of New York boundary points

The boundary points for the Port of New York existing prior to the issuance of Coast Guard Marine Safety Information Bulletin 2023-001 shall remain in place for a period of 20 years.