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119 HR 4275 IH: Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 
 U.S. House of Representatives 
 2025-07-02 
 text/xml 
 EN 
 Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. 
 
 
 
 I 119th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 4275 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES July 2, 2025 Mr. Graves (for himself, Mr. Larsen of Washington , Mr. Ezell , and Mr. Carbajal ) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure A BILL To authorize appropriations for the Coast Guard, to establish the Secretary of the Coast Guard, and for other purposes. 
 1. Short title; table of contents 
 (a) Short title This Act may be cited as the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 . (b) Table of contents The table of contents for this Act is as follows: 
 
 Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. 
 Sec. 2. Commandant defined. 
 Title I—Coast Guard 
 Subtitle A—Authorization of Appropriations 
 Sec. 101. Authorization of appropriations. 
 Sec. 102. Authorized levels of military strength and training. 
 Subtitle B—Accountability 
 Sec. 111. Annual report on progress of certain homeporting projects. 
 Sec. 112. Major acquisitions. 
 Sec. 113. Quarterly acquisition brief requirements. 
 Sec. 114. Overdue reports. 
 Sec. 115. Requirement for Coast Guard to provide analysis of alternatives for aircraft. 
 Sec. 116. Oversight of funds provided pursuant to fiscal year 2025 budget reconciliation legislation. 
 Sec. 117. Regular polar security cutter updates. 
 Title II—Organization, Authorities, Acquisition, and Personnel of the Coast Guard 
 Subtitle A—Organization 
 Sec. 201. Secretary of the Coast Guard. 
 Sec. 202. Reappointment of Commandant. 
 Sec. 203. Special Advisor to Commandant for Tribal and Native Hawaiian Affairs. 
 Sec. 204. Reinstatement of training course on workings of Congress. 
 Sec. 205. Services and use of funds for, and leasing of, the National Coast Guard Museum. 
 Subtitle B—Authorities 
 Sec. 211. Enhanced use property pilot program. 
 Sec. 212. Public availability of information. 
 Sec. 213. Timely reimbursement of damage claims for Coast Guard property. 
 Sec. 214. Uniform funding and management system for morale, well-being, and recreation programs and Coast Guard Exchange. 
 Sec. 215. Coast Guard property. 
 Sec. 216. Cyber coordination and support in foreign territories. 
 Sec. 217. Modification of treatment of minor construction and improvement project management. 
 Sec. 218. Modification of authority for special purpose facilities. 
 Sec. 219. Preparedness plans for Coast Guard properties located in tsunami inundation zones. 
 Sec. 220. Additional Pribilof Island transition completion actions. 
 Sec. 221. Scientific mission for USCGC Storis. 
 Sec. 222. Coast Guard access to Department of the Treasury fund. 
 Subtitle C—Acquisition 
 Sec. 231. Modification of prohibition on use of lead systems integrators. 
 Sec. 232. Acquisition improvements. 
 Sec. 233. Restriction on acquisition, procurement, or construction of vessels in foreign shipyards. 
 Sec. 234. Floating drydock for United States Coast Guard Yard. 
 Sec. 235. Great Lakes icebreaking. 
 Subtitle D—Personnel 
 Sec. 241. Family leave policies for Coast Guard. 
 Sec. 242. Modifications to career flexibility program. 
 Sec. 243. Direct hire authority for certain personnel. 
 Sec. 244. Command sponsorship for dependents of members of Coast Guard assigned to Unalaska, Alaska. 
 Sec. 245. Authorization for maternity uniform allowance for officers. 
 Sec. 246. Consolidation of authorities for college student precommissioning initiative. 
 Sec. 247. Additional available guidance and considerations for reserve selection boards. 
 Sec. 248. Housing. 
 Sec. 249. Behavioral health. 
 Sec. 250. Travel allowance for members of Coast Guard assigned to Alaska. 
 Sec. 251. Tuition Assistance and Advanced Education Assistance Pilot Program. 
 Sec. 252. Recruitment, relocation, and retention incentive program for civilian firefighters employed by Coast Guard in remote locations. 
 Sec. 253. Notification. 
 Subtitle E—Coast Guard Academy 
 Sec. 261. Modification of Board of Visitors. 
 Sec. 262. Study on Coast Guard Academy oversight. 
 Sec. 263. Electronic locking mechanisms to ensure Coast Guard Academy cadet room security. 
 Sec. 264. Report on existing behavioral health and wellness support services facilities at Coast Guard Academy. 
 Sec. 265. Required posting of information. 
 Sec. 266. Installation of multipurpose medical privacy rooms. 
 Sec. 267. Coast Guard Academy room reassignment. 
 Sec. 268. Authorization for use of Coast Guard Academy facilities and equipment by covered foundations. 
 Sec. 269. Concurrent jurisdiction at Coast Guard Academy. 
 Subtitle F—Reports and Policies 
 Sec. 271. Policy and briefing on availability of naloxone to treat opioid, including fentanyl, overdoses. 
 Sec. 272. Policy on methods to reduce incentives for illicit maritime drug trafficking. 
 Sec. 273. Report on condition of aids to navigation. 
 Sec. 274. Feasibility study on supporting additional port visits and deployments in support of Operation Blue Pacific. 
 Sec. 275. Study and gap analysis with respect to Coast Guard Air Station Corpus Christi aviation hangar. 
 Sec. 276. Report on impacts of joint travel regulations on members of Coast Guard who rely on ferry systems. 
 Sec. 277. Report on Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program. 
 Sec. 278. Report and briefings on implementing section 564 of title 14. 
 Sec. 279. Report on role of Coast Guard. 
 Sec. 280. Report on Coast Guard personnel skills. 
 Sec. 281. Report on Coast Guard search and rescue operations. 
 Title III—Shipping and Navigation 
 Subtitle A—Merchant Mariner Credentials 
 Sec. 301. Merchant mariner credentialing. 
 Sec. 302. Nonoperating individual. 
 Subtitle B—Vessel Safety 
 Sec. 311. Grossly negligent operations of a vessel. 
 Sec. 312. Performance driven examination schedule. 
 Sec. 313. Fishing vessel and fisherman training safety. 
 Sec. 314. Designating pilotage waters for the Straits of Mackinac. 
 Sec. 315. Receipts; international agreements for ice patrol services. 
 Sec. 316. Study of amphibious vessels. 
 Sec. 317. St. Lucie River railroad bridge. 
 Subtitle C—Ports 
 Sec. 321. Ports and waterways safety. 
 Sec. 322. Study on Bering Strait vessel traffic projections and emergency response posture at ports of the United States. 
 Sec. 323. Improving Vessel Traffic Service monitoring. 
 Sec. 324. Controlled substance onboard vessels. 
 Sec. 325. Cyber-incident training. 
 Sec. 326. Navigational protocols. 
 Subtitle D—Matters Involving Autonomous Systems 
 Sec. 331. Establishment of National Advisory Committee on Autonomous Maritime Systems. 
 Sec. 332. Pilot program for governance and oversight of small uncrewed maritime systems. 
 Sec. 333. Coast Guard training course. 
 Sec. 334. NOAA membership on Autonomous Vessel Policy Council. 
 Sec. 335. Technology pilot program. 
 Sec. 336. Uncrewed systems capabilities report. 
 Sec. 337. Medium unmanned aircraft systems capabilities study. 
 Sec. 338. Comptroller General report on Coast Guard acquisition and deployment of unmanned systems. 
 Sec. 339. National Academies of Sciences report on unmanned systems and use of data. 
 Sec. 340. Unmanned aircraft systems. 
 Subtitle E—Other Matters 
 Sec. 341. Information on type approval certificates. 
 Sec. 342. Clarification of authorities. 
 Sec. 343. Amendments to passenger vessel security and safety requirements. 
 Sec. 344. Extension of pilot program to establish a cetacean desk for Puget Sound region. 
 Sec. 345. Suspension of enforcement of use of devices broadcasting on AIS for purposes of marking fishing gear. 
 Sec. 346. Classification societies. 
 Sec. 347. Abandoned and derelict vessel removals. 
 Sec. 348. Report on certain Coast Guard requirements. 
 Sec. 349. Offshore operations. 
 Sec. 350. Administrative costs. 
 Subtitle F—American Offshore Workers Fairness 
 Sec. 361. Manning and crewing requirements for certain outer continental shelf vessels, vehicles, and structures. 
 Sec. 362. Outer Continental Shelf. 
 Sec. 363. Foreign vessel notifications. 
 Sec. 364. Effective date. 
 Sec. 365. Anchor handling activities. 
 Sec. 366. Near shore cable laying barges. 
 Title IV—Oil Pollution Response 
 Sec. 401. Vessel response plans. 
 Sec. 402. Use of marine casualty investigations. 
 Sec. 403. Timing of review. 
 Sec. 404. Online incident reporting system. 
 Sec. 405. Investment of Exxon Valdez oil spill court recovery in high yield investments and marine research. 
 Sec. 406. Additional response assets. 
 Sec. 407. International maritime oil spill response. 
 Title V—Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Response 
 Sec. 501. Independent review of Coast Guard reforms. 
 Sec. 502.  Comprehensive policy and procedures on retention and access to evidence and records relating to sexual misconduct and other misconduct. 
 Sec. 503. Consideration of request for transfer of a cadet at the Coast Guard Academy who is the victim of a sexual assault or related offense. 
 Sec. 504. Designation of officers with particular expertise in military justice or healthcare. 
 Sec. 505. Safe-to-Report policy for Coast Guard. 
 Sec. 506. Modification of reporting requirements on covered misconduct in Coast Guard. 
 Sec. 507. Modifications to the officer involuntary separation process. 
 Sec. 508. Review of discharge characterization. 
 Sec. 509. Convicted sex offender as grounds for denial. 
 Sec. 510. Definition of covered misconduct. 
 Sec. 511. Notification of changes to Uniform Code of Military Justice or Manual for Courts Martial relating to covered misconduct. 
 Sec. 512. Complaints of retaliation by victims of sexual assault or sexual harassment and related persons. 
 Sec. 513. Development of policies on military protective orders. 
 Sec. 514. Coast Guard implementation of independent review commission recommendations on addressing sexual assault and sexual harassment in the military. 
 Sec. 515. Policy relating to care and support of victims of covered misconduct. 
 Sec. 516. Establishment of special victim capabilities to respond to allegations of certain special victim offenses. 
 Sec. 517. Members asserting post-traumatic stress disorder, sexual assault, or traumatic brain injury. 
 Sec. 518. Participation in CATCH a Serial Offender program. 
 Sec. 519. Accountability and transparency relating to allegations of misconduct against senior leaders. 
 Sec. 520. Confidential reporting of sexual harassment. 
 Sec. 521. Report on policy on whistleblower protections. 
 Sec. 522. Review and modification of Coast Guard Academy policy on sexual harassment and sexual violence. 
 Sec. 523. Coast Guard and Coast Guard Academy access to defense sexual assault incident database. 
 Sec. 524. Director of Coast Guard Investigative Service. 
 Sec. 525. Modifications and revisions relating to reopening retired grade determinations. 
 Sec. 526. Inclusion and command review of information on covered misconduct in personnel service records. 
 Sec. 527. Flag officer review of, and concurrence in, separation of members who have reported sexual misconduct. 
 Sec. 528. Expedited transfer in cases of sexual misconduct or domestic violence. 
 Sec. 529. Access to temporary separation program for victims of alleged sex-related offenses. 
 Sec. 530. Policy and program to expand prevention of sexual misconduct. 
 Sec. 531. Continuous vetting of security clearances. 
 Sec. 532. Training and education programs for covered misconduct prevention and response. 
 Title VI—Comptroller General Reports 
 Sec. 601. Comptroller General report on Coast Guard research, development, and innovation program. 
 Sec. 602. Comptroller General review of quality and availability of Coast Guard behavioral health care and resources for personnel wellness. 
 Sec. 603. Comptroller General study on Coast Guard efforts to reduce prevalence of missing or incomplete medical records and sharing of medical data with Department of Veterans Affairs and other entities. 
 Sec. 604. Comptroller General study on Coast Guard training facility infrastructure. 
 Sec. 605. Comptroller General study on Coast Guard basic allowance for housing. 
 Sec. 606. Comptroller General report on safety and security infrastructure at Coast Guard Academy. 
 Sec. 607. Comptroller General study and report on permanent change of station process. 
 Title VII—Amendments 
 Sec. 701. Amendments. 
 2. Commandant defined In this Act, the term Commandant means the commandant of the Coast Guard. I Coast Guard A Authorization of Appropriations 101. Authorization of appropriations Section 4902 of title 14, United States Code, is amended— 
 (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking fiscal years 2022 and 2023 and inserting fiscal years 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, and 2029 ; (2) in paragraph (1)— 
 (A) in subparagraph (A) by striking clauses (i) and (ii) and inserting the following: (i) $11,287,500,000 for fiscal year 2025; 
 (ii) $11,851,875,000 for fiscal year 2026; (iii) $12,500,000,000 for fiscal year 2027; 
 (iv) $13,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2028; and (v) $13,500,000,000 for fiscal year 2029. ; 
 (B) in subparagraph (B) by striking $23,456,000 and inserting $25,570,000 ; and (C) in subparagraph (C) by striking subparagraph (A)(ii), $24,353,000 and inserting clauses (ii), (iii), (iv), and (v) of subparagraph (A), respectively, $26,848,500 ; 
 (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) $16,185,750 for fiscal year 2026; (C) $16,500,000 for fiscal year 2027; 
 (D) $17,000,000 for fiscal year 2028; and (E) $17,500,000 for fiscal year 2029. ; and 
 (5) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following: (4) Amounts determined to be necessary by the Coast Guard for retired pay, including the payment of obligations otherwise chargeable to lapsed appropriations for purposes of retired pay, payments under the Retired Serviceman’s Family Protection Plan and the Survivor Benefit Plan, payment for career status bonuses, payment of continuation pay under section 356 of title 37, concurrent receipts, combat-related special compensation, and payments for medical care of retired personnel and their dependents under chapter 55 of title 10, for fiscal year 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, and 2029. . 
 102. Authorized levels of military strength and training 
 (a) In general Section 4904 of title 14, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (a) by striking 44,500 for each of fiscal years 2022 and 2023 and inserting 50,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 and 2026, 55,000 for fiscal year 2027, and 60,000 for each of fiscal years 2028 and 2029 ; and 
 (2) in subsection (b)— (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking for each of fiscal years 2022 and 2023 ; 
 (B) in paragraph (1) by striking 2,500 student years and inserting 4,000 student years for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2029 ; (C) in paragraph (2) by striking 165 student years and inserting 250 student years for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2029 ; 
 (D) in paragraph (3) by striking 385 student years and inserting 700 student years for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2029 ; and (E) in paragraph (4) by striking 1,200 student years and inserting 1,600 student years for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2029 . 
 (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)— (1) the end strengths shall not exceed the levels authorized in fiscal year 2022 and fiscal year 2023; and 
 (2) 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 report on the plan of the Coast Guard to achieve growth in the Coast Guard’s military strength to 60,000, which shall include— (A) proposed missions and purposes for the growth of the Coast Guard in miliary strength; 
 (B) the additional estimated cost of salaries and benefits for each fiscal year from 2027 through 2032; (C) estimated recruiting resources and costs for each fiscal year from 2027 through 2032; and 
 (D) estimated resources and costs required to achieve sufficient training capacity for growth in enlisted and officer corps for each fiscal year from 2027 through 2032. (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. 
 B Accountability 
 111. Annual report on progress of certain homeporting projects 
 (a) In general Section 5102 of title 14, United States Code, is amended— (1) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); and 
 (2) by inserting after subsection (b) the following: (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) Report (1) 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 on the status of shore infrastructure required to homeport or station all surface and aviation assets to be delivered as part of Level 1 or Level 2 acquisitions that have entered the obtain phase as authorized under section 1132(b) of title 14, United States Code. 
 (2) Elements The report required under paragraph (1) shall include— (A) a description of the current homeports and stations to which of Coast Guard cutters and aircraft are assigned; 
 (B) a description of cutters or aircrafts that are able to be located by the homeport or station to which they are assigned; (C) the current number of aircraft and cutters planned for the program of record of the Coast Guard; 
 (D) a description of cutter and aircraft which are scheduled to be decommissioned or put in special commission status; and (E) a description of where new cutters and aircraft being acquired as part of the program of record of the Coast Guard will be assigned, including— 
 (i) an assessment of the shoreside and infrastructure needs for such cutters and aircrafts; and (ii) an assessment of whether existing facilities are adequate to support such cutter and aircraft, and the costs of planning, engineering, design construction, land acquisition, and environmental remediation. 
 (c) Initial report 
 (1) In general Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall issue a report detailing the progress of all approved Coast Guard cutter homeporting projects within Coast Guard District 17 with respect to each of the following: (A) Fast Response Cutters. 
 (B) Offshore Patrol Cutters. (C) The USCGC STORIS procured pursuant to section 11223 of the Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022 ( 14 U.S.C. 561 note). 
 (2) Elements The report required under paragraph (1) shall include, with respect to each homeporting project described in such paragraph, the following: (A) A description of— 
 (i) the status of funds appropriated for the project; (ii) activities carried out toward completion of the project; and 
 (iii) activities anticipated to be carried out during the subsequent 1-year period to advance completion of the project. (B) An updated timeline, including key milestones, for the project. 
 (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 (1) In general Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall complete a report detailing the cost of and time frame for expanding the industrial capacity of Coast Guard Base Ketchikan to do out of water repairs on Fast Response Cutters. 
 (2) Report Not later than 120 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 the report required under paragraph (1). (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 — (1) means the facility infrastructure modifications, upgrades, new construction, and real property and land acquisition associated with homeporting new or modified cutters; and 
 (2) includes shoreside and waterfront facilities, cutter maintenance facilities, housing, child development facilities, and any other associated infrastructure directly required as a result of homeporting new or modified cutters. 112. Major acquisitions (a) In general Section 5103 of title 14, United States Code, is amended— 
 (1) in subsection (a) by striking major acquisition programs and inserting Level 1 acquisitions or Level 2 acquisitions ; (2) in subsection (b) by striking major acquisition program and inserting Level 1 acquisition or Level 2 acquisition ; and 
 (3) by amending subsection (f) to read as follows: (f) Definitions In this section: 
 (1) Level 1 acquisition The term Level 1 acquisition has the meaning given such term in section 1171. (2) Level 2 acquisition The term Level 2 acquisition has the meaning given such term in section 1171. . 
 (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 . 113. Quarterly acquisition brief requirements (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: 5107. Quarterly acquisition reports and major acquisition program risk assessment. . 114. Overdue reports (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: 
 
 
 5116. Status of overdue reports. . 
 115. Requirement for Coast Guard to provide analysis of alternatives for aircraft 
 (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: 
 (1) An assessment of the type of helicopters the Coast Guard requires to meet the mission demands of the Coast Guard. (2) An analysis of alternatives including an analytical study comparing the operational effectiveness, costs, and risks to determine the best suited aircraft to meet mission needs. 
 (3) A fleet mix analysis to identify the necessary number of helicopters to meet the mission needs of the Coast Guard across all districts. (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. 
 (d) Minimum rotary wing fleet 
 (1) In general The Commandant shall maintain an operational, geographically dispersed rotary wing fleet of not less than 140 aircraft for the purpose of meeting minimum operational capabilities until the Commandant submits the report required under this section. (2) Report In the event the operational rotary wing fleet of the Coast Guard falls below the requirements of this subsection, 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 notification not later than 5 business days after the inability of the Commandant to meet the requirement. 
 116. Oversight of funds provided pursuant to fiscal year 2025 budget reconciliation legislation 
 (a) In general The Commandant may not expend or obligate funds— (1) appropriated pursuant to the budget reconciliation Act for fiscal year 2025 during any fiscal year in which the Commandant is not compliant with sections 5102 and 5103 (excluding 5103(e)) of title 14, United States Code; and 
 (2) that are provided in the budget reconciliation Act for fiscal year 2025 until the Commandant provides the report required under section 11217 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 ( Public Law 117–263 ) to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate. (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 the budget reconciliation Act for fiscal year 2025, 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 the budget reconciliation Act for fiscal year 2025, 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 the budget reconciliation Act for fiscal year 2025, 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— 
 (1) a confirmation that there are insufficient qualified United States shipyards to meet the national security interest without such exception; and (2) actions taken by the President to enable qualified United States shipyards to meet national security requirements prior to the issuance of such an exception. 
 (e) Cutter classification Notwithstanding the budget reconciliation Act for fiscal year 2025, the Commandant shall ensure any cutters procured with appropriations made available by such Act meet the requirements of section 1133(c) of title 14, United States Code. 117. Regular polar security cutter updates (a) Report (1) Report to Congress Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant and the Chief of Naval Operations shall submit to 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 a report on the status of acquisition of Polar Security Cutters. 
 (2) Elements The report under paragraph (1) shall include— (A) a detailed timeline for the acquisition process of Polar Security Cutters, including expected milestones and a projected commissioning date for the first 3 Polar Security Cutters; 
 (B) an accounting of the previously appropriated funds spent to date on the Polar Security Cutter Program, updated cost projections for Polar Security Cutters, and projections for when additional funds will be required; (C) potential factors and risks that could further delay or imperil the completion of Polar Security Cutters; and 
 (D) a review of the acquisition of Polar Security Cutters to date, including factors that led to substantial cost overruns and delivery delays. (b) Briefings (1) Provision to Congress Not later than 90 days after the submission of the report under subsection (a), and not less frequently than every 90 days thereafter, the Commandant and the Chief of Naval Operations shall provide to 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 a briefing on the status of the Polar Security Cutter acquisition process until Polar Security Cutter 2 achieves full operational capability. 
 (2) Timeline The briefings under paragraph (1) shall occur after any key milestone in the Polar Security Cutter acquisition process, but not less frequently than every 90 days. (3) Elements Each briefing under paragraph (1) shall include— 
 (A) a summary of acquisition progress since the most recent previous briefing conducted pursuant to paragraph (1); (B) an updated timeline and budget estimate for acquisition and building of pending Polar Security Cutters; and 
 (C) an explanation of any delays or additional costs incurred in the acquisition progress. (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. 
 II Organization, Authorities, Acquisition, and Personnel of the Coast Guard 
 A Organization 
 201. Secretary of the Coast Guard 
 (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 of title 14, United States Code. . (c) Section 888 Section 888 of Public Law 107–296 is amended— 
 (1) in subsection (d)— (A) by striking No mission and inserting No primary duty described in section 102 of title 14, United States Code, ; 
 (B) by inserting , whether requested or tasked by the Department on behalf of another agency or requested by another agency, after Department ; and (C) by striking missions. and inserting such duties. ; and 
 (2) in subsection (e) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following: (1) Prohibition Except as specified in subsequent Acts, the Secretary— 
 (A) may not substantially or significantly reduce— (i) the primary duties of the Coast Guard described in section 102 of title 14, United States Code; or 
 (ii) the capability of the Coast Guard to perform such duties; and (B) shall ensure the preservation and execution of such duties. . 
 (d) Technical amendments 
 (1) Members asserting post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury Section 2516 of title 14, United States Code, is amended— (A) in subsection (a) by inserting described in section 102 after Coast Guard operations ; and 
 (B) by striking subsection (d). (2) Clarification of eligibility of members of Coast Guard for combat-related special compensation Section 221 of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2016 ( 10 U.S.C. 1413a note) is amended by striking section 888(a) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 ( 6 U.S.C. 468(a) ) and inserting section 102 of title 14, United States Code . 
 (e) Plan 
 (1) In general Prior to the President implementing section 201 of title 14, United States Code, as amended by this Act, and appointing a Secretary of the Coast Guard, the Commandant, in coordination with the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating, shall— (A) develop a plan on the structure, feasibility of the Secretary of the Coast Guard position and the reorganization and restructuring of the Coast Guard needed to incorporate the new position; and 
 (B) submit such plan to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee of Commerce, Science and Transportation of the Senate. (2) Contents The plan required under paragraph (1) shall include— 
 (A) a complete organizational chart, to include the creation of the Office of the Secretary of the Coast Guard and the directorates that report to the Commandant of the Coast Guard; (B) a description of each new position created within the Office of the Secretary; 
 (C) a description of the offices and policies which each new position would be responsible for and how those offices would interact with the offices of the Commandant; (D) a delineation of powers reserved for the Commandant, outside of current statutory authorizations, not previously reserved or delegated; 
 (E) a transition plan to ensure the continuity of the execution of all Coast Guard missions; and (F) recommendations for statutory and legislative changes. 
 (f) Review of plan 
 (1) In general The Commandant shall provide the plan developed in subsection (e) to the Comptroller General of the United States. (2) Report (A) In general Not later than 6 months after the transmission of the plan prepared under paragraph (1), the Comptroller General shall review such plan and provide recommendations to the Commandant in a report. 
 (B) Contents The report shall include— (i) a compilation of the responsibilities and duties assigned to the Commandant of the Coast Guard and the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating, and potential responsibilities and duties that can be moved to the Secretary of the Coast Guard; 
 (ii) a detailed list of all responsibilities and duties assigned to the Commandant and the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating, and how those duties overlap or remain distinct; (iii) a detailed analysis of the responsibilities in clause (i) that should be reassigned or delegated to the Secretary of the Coast Guard and the Commandant of the Coast Guard; 
 (iv) a detailed analysis of the proper separation and oversight of duties in the chain of command between the Secretary, the Secretary of the Coast Guard, and the Commandant of the Coast Guard; (v) an analysis of the feasibility of the reorganization of the service in order to preserve the integrity of the military chain of command; 
 (vi) a comparison to the structure and authorities of other service Secretaries, including but not limited to the Secretary of the Navy, and whether the proposed application to the Coast Guard is appropriate; and (vii) other matters deemed relevant by the Comptroller General. 
 (3) Submission The Comptroller General 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 the report developed pursuant to paragraph (2). (4) Responses In addition to the plan and report, the Commandant shall provide responses to the recommendations in the report under paragraph (2) to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate to include— 
 (A) a description of the recommendations that the service intends to implement; (B) a justification for each recommendation that the service does not intend to implement; and 
 (C) an implementation strategy and timeline. (g) Secretary of the Coast Guard Subtitle I of title 14, United States Code, is amended— 
 (1) by redesignating section 106 as section 107; (2) by inserting after section 105 the following: 
 
 106. Secretary of the Coast Guard defined In this title, the term Secretary of the Coast Guard means the Secretary of the Coast Guard established in section 201. ; and (3) by inserting after section 107, as so redesignated, the following: 
 
 2 Secretary of the Coast Guard 
 
 201. Secretary of the Coast Guard. 
 201. Secretary of the Coast Guard 
 (a) Secretary of the Coast Guard 
 (1) In general There is a Secretary of the Coast Guard, appointed from civilian life by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. (2) Not operating as a service in the Navy Subject to section 103(c) of Public Law 107–296 and when the Coast Guard is not operating as a service in the Navy, the Secretary of the Coast Guard shall report directly to the Secretary without being required to report through any other official of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating. The Secretary of the Coast Guard shall not be required to report to any other position in the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, military or civilian, including any other under secretaries, or assistant secretaries. 
 (3) Qualification The Secretary of the Coast Guard shall, to the greatest extent practicable, be appointed from among persons most highly qualified for the position by reason of background and experience, including persons with appropriate management or leadership experience. (4) Disqualification A person may not be appointed as Secretary of the Coast Guard within 7 years after relief from active duty as a commissioned officer of a regular component of an armed force. 
 (b) Powers 
 (1) In general Subject to the authority, direction, and control of the Secretary, the Secretary of the Coast Guard shall exercise the powers of the Secretary in this title, except as may be reserved by the Secretary and reserved for the Commandant pursuant to sections 504 and 505. (2) Authority (A) In general The Secretary of the Coast Guard is responsible for and has the authority necessary to conduct all affairs of the Coast Guard. 
 (B) Authorities and functions Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the authorities and functions prescribed in paragraphs (2) through (5) of section 701(a) of Public Law 107–296 as such authorities and functions pertain to the Coast Guard shall be reserved for the Secretary of the Coast Guard. (3) Responsibilities Subject to the authority, direction, and control of the Secretary, the Secretary of the Coast Guard is also responsible to the Secretary for— 
 (A) the functioning and efficiency of the Coast Guard; (B) the formulation of policies and programs by the Coast Guard that are fully consistent with national security objectives and policies established by the President or the Secretary; 
 (C) the effective and timely implementation of policy, program, and budget

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