July 24, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 125 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session
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COAST GUARD AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2019; Congressional Record Vol. 165, No. 125
(House of Representatives - July 24, 2019)
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[Pages H7263-H7287] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] COAST GUARD AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2019 Mr. DeFAZIO. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3409) to authorize appropriations for the Coast Guard, and for other purposes, as amended. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 3409 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2019''. SEC. 2. TABLE OF CONTENTS. The table of contents for this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title. Sec. 2. Table of contents. TITLE I--AUTHORIZATIONS Sec. 101. Authorizations of appropriations. Sec. 102. Authorized levels of military strength and training. Sec. 103. Determination of budgetary effects. TITLE II--COAST GUARD Sec. 201. Grade on retirement. Sec. 202. Congressional affairs; Director. Sec. 203. Limitations on claims. Sec. 204. Authority for officers to opt out of promotion board consideration. Sec. 205. Temporary promotion authority for officers in certain grades with critical skills. Sec. 206. Career intermission program. Sec. 207. Major acquisitions; operation and sustainment costs. Sec. 208. Employment assistance. Sec. 209. Reports on gender diversity in the Coast Guard. Sec. 210. Disposition of infrastructure related to E-LORAN. Sec. 211. Positions of importance and responsibility. Sec. 212. Research projects; transactions other than contracts and grants. Sec. 213. Acquisition workforce authorities. Sec. 214. Report on Coast Guard defense readiness resources allocation. Sec. 215. Report on the feasibility of liquefied natural gas fueled vessels. TITLE III--SHIPPING Sec. 301. Electronic charts; equivalency. Sec. 302. Passenger vessel security and safety requirements; application. Sec. 303. Non-operating individual. Sec. 304. Small passenger vessels and uninspected passenger vessels. Sec. 305. Installation vessels. Sec. 306. Advisory committees. Sec. 307. Expired maritime liens. Sec. 308. Training; emergency response providers. Sec. 309. Aiming a laser pointer at a vessel. Sec. 310. Maritime transportation assessment. Sec. 311. Safety of special activities. Sec. 312. Engine cut-off switches; use requirement. Sec. 313. Exemptions and equivalents. Sec. 314. Security plans; reviews. Sec. 315. Waiver of navigation and vessel inspection laws. Sec. 316. Requirement for small shipyard grantees. Sec. 317. Independent study on the United States Merchant Marine Academy. Sec. 318. Centers of excellence for domestic maritime workforce training and education. Sec. 319. Renewal of merchant mariner licenses and documents. TITLE IV--MISCELLANEOUS Sec. 401. Coastwise trade. Sec. 402. Unmanned maritime systems and satellite vessel tracking technologies. Sec. 403. Expedited transfer in cases of sexual assault; dependents of members of the Coast Guard. Sec. 404. Towing vessels; operation outside the boundary line. Sec. 405. Coast Guard authorities study. Sec. 406. Cloud computing strategy. Sec. 407. Report on effects of climate change on Coast Guard. Sec. 408. Shore infrastructure. Sec. 409. Physical access control system report. Sec. 410. Coastwise endorsements. Sec. 411. Polar security cutter acquisition report. Sec. 412. Sense of the Congress on the need for a new Great Lakes icebreaker. Sec. 413. Cargo preference study. Sec. 414. Insider Threat program. Sec. 415. Fishing safety grants. Sec. 416. Plans for demonstration programs. Sec. 417. Waters deemed not navigable waters of the United States for certain purposes. Sec. 418. Coast Guard housing; status and authorities briefing. [[Page H7264]] Sec. 419. Conveyance of Coast Guard property at Point Spencer, Alaska. Sec. 420. Prohibition. Sec. 421. Certificate extensions. Sec. 422. Homeland security rotational cybersecurity research program at the Coast Guard Academy. Sec. 423. Towing vessel inspection fees. Sec. 424. Subrogated claims. Sec. 425. Loan provisions under Oil Pollution Act of 1990. Sec. 426. Liability limits. Sec. 427. Report on drug interdiction in the Caribbean basin. Sec. 428. Voting Requirement. Sec. 429. Transportation work identification card pilot program. Sec. 430. Plan for wing-in-ground demonstration plan. TITLE V--REORGANIZATION Sec. 501. Uninspected commercial fishing industry vessels. Sec. 502. Transfers. Sec. 503. Repeals. TITLE VI--TECHNICAL, CONFORMING, AND CLARIFYING AMENDMENTS Sec. 601. Maritime transportation system. Sec. 602. References to ``persons'' and ``seamen''. Sec. 603. Common appropriation structure. Sec. 604. References to ``himself'' and ``his''. Sec. 605. References to ``motorboats'' and ``yachts''. Sec. 606. Miscellaneous technical corrections. Sec. 607. Technical corrections relating to codification of Ports and Waterways Safety Act. TITLE VII--FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION Sec. 701. Short title. Sec. 702. Authorization of appropriations. TITLE VIII--COAST GUARD ACADEMY IMPROVEMENT ACT Sec. 801. Short title. Sec. 802. Coast Guard Academy study. Sec. 803. Annual report. Sec. 804. Assessment of Coast Guard Academy admission processes. Sec. 805. Coast Guard Academy minority outreach team program. Sec. 806. Coast Guard college student pre-commissioning initiative. Sec. 807. Annual board of visitors. TITLE I--AUTHORIZATIONS SEC. 101. AUTHORIZATIONS OF APPROPRIATIONS. Section 4902 of title 14, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ``year 2019'' and inserting ``years 2020 and 2021''; (2) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking ``provided for, $7,914,195,000 for fiscal year 2019.'' and inserting ``provided for-- ``(i) $8,122,912,000 for fiscal year 2020; and ``(ii) $8,538,324,000 for fiscal year 2021.''; (3) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking ``subparagraph (A)--'' and inserting ``subparagraph (A)(i), $17,035,000 shall be for environmental compliance and restoration.''; (4) by striking paragraphs (1)(B)(i) and (1)(B)(ii); (5) in paragraph (1), by adding at the end the following: ``(C) Of the amount authorized under subparagraph (A)(ii) $17,376,000 shall be for environmental compliance and restoration.''; (6) in paragraph (2)-- (A) by striking ``For the procurement'' and inserting ``(A) For the procurement''; (B) by striking ``and equipment, $2,694,745,000 for fiscal year 2019.'' and inserting ``and equipment-- ``(i) $2,748,640,000 for fiscal year 2020; and ``(ii) $2,803,613,000 for fiscal year 2021.''; and (C) by adding at the end the following: ``(B) Of the amounts authorized under subparagraph (A), the following amounts shall be for the alteration of bridges: ``(i) $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2020; and ``(ii) $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2021.''; (7) in paragraph (3), by striking ``and equipment, $29,141,000 for fiscal year 2019.'' and inserting ``and equipment-- ``(A) $13,834,000 for fiscal year 2020; and ``(B) $14,111,000 for fiscal year 2021.''; and (8) by adding at the end the following: ``(4) For the Coast Guard's Medicare-eligible retiree health care fund contribution to the Department of Defense-- ``(A) $205,107,000 for fiscal year 2020; and ``(B) $209,209,000 for fiscal year 2021.''. SEC. 102. AUTHORIZED LEVELS OF MILITARY STRENGTH AND TRAINING. Section 4904 of title 14, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``43,000 for fiscal year 2018 and 44,500 for fiscal year 2019'' and inserting ``44,500 for each of fiscal years 2020 and 2021''; and (2) in subsection (b), by striking ``fiscal years 2018 and 2019'' and inserting ``fiscal years 2020 and 2021''. SEC. 103. DETERMINATION OF BUDGETARY EFFECTS. The budgetary effects of this Act, for the purpose of complying with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, shall be determined by reference to the latest statement titled ``Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation'' for this Act, submitted for printing in the Congressional Record by the Chairman of the House Budget Committee, provided that such statement has been submitted prior to the vote on passage. TITLE II--COAST GUARD SEC. 201. GRADE ON RETIREMENT. (a) Commandant or Vice Commandant.--Section 303 of title 14, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in subsections (a) and (b), by striking ``A'' each place it appears and inserting ``Subject to section 2501, a''; and (2) in subsection (c), by striking ``An'' and inserting ``Subject to section 2501, an''. (b) Other Officers.--Section 306 of title 14, United States Code, is amended-- (1) by striking ``An officer'' each place it appears and inserting ``Subject to section 2501, an officer''; and (2) in subsection (c), by striking ``his'' and inserting ``the officer's''. (c) Commissioned or Warrant Officer.--Section 2501 of title 14, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in subsection (a)-- (A) by striking ``Any'' and inserting ``Commissioned Officer.-- ``(1) In general.--Any''; (B) by striking ``him'' and inserting ``such officer''; (C) by striking ``his'' and inserting ``the officer's''; and (D) by adding at the end the following: ``(2) Conditional determination.--When an officer is under investigation for alleged misconduct at the time of retirement, the Secretary may conditionally determine the highest grade of satisfactory service of the officer pending completion of the investigation. Such grade is subject to resolution under subsection (c)(2).''; (2) in subsection (b)-- (A) by striking ``Any'' and inserting ``Warrant Officer.-- Any''; (B) by striking ``him'' and inserting ``such warrant officer''; and (C) by striking ``his'' and inserting ``the warrant officer's''; and (3) by adding at the end the following: ``(c) Retirement in Lower Grade.-- ``(1) Misconduct in lower grade.--In the case of an officer whom the Secretary determines committed misconduct in a lower grade, the Secretary may determine the officer has not served satisfactorily in any grade equal to or higher than that lower grade. ``(2) Conditional determination.--A determination of the retired grade of an officer shall be resolved following a conditional determination under subsection (a)(2) or (b)(2) if the investigation of or personnel action against the officer or warrant officer, as applicable, results in adverse findings. ``(3) Retired pay; recalculation.--If the retired grade of an officer is reduced, the retired pay of the officer under chapter 71 of title 10 shall be recalculated, and any modification of the retired pay of the officer shall go into effect on the effective date of the reduction in retired grade. ``(d) Finality of Retired Grade Determinations.-- ``(1) Administrative finality.--Except as otherwise provided by law, a determination of the retired grade of an officer pursuant to this section is administratively final on the day the officer is retired, and may not be reopened. ``(2) Reopening determination.--A determination of the retired grade of an officer may be reopened as follows: ``(A) If the retirement or retired grade of the officer was procured by fraud. ``(B) If substantial evidence comes to light after the retirement that could have led to a lower retired grade under this section if known by competent authority at the time of retirement. ``(C) If a mistake of law or calculation was made in the determination of the retired grade. ``(D) In the case of a retired grade following a conditional determination under subsection (a)(2) or (b)(2), if the investigation of or personnel action against the officer, as applicable, results in an adverse finding. ``(E) If the Secretary determines, pursuant to regulations prescribed by the Secretary, that good cause exists to reopen the determination or certification. ``(3) Notification of reopening.--If a determination or certification of the retired grade of an officer is reopened, the Secretary-- ``(A) shall notify the officer of the reopening; and ``(B) may not make an adverse determination on the retired grade of the officer until the officer has had a reasonable opportunity to respond regarding the basis of the reopening. ``(4) Retired pay; recalculation.--If the retired grade of an officer is reduced through the reopening of the officer's or warrant officer's retired grade, the retired pay of the officer under chapter 71 of title 10 shall be recalculated, and any modification of the retired pay of the officer shall go into effect on the effective date of the reduction of the officer's retired grade.''. SEC. 202. CONGRESSIONAL AFFAIRS; DIRECTOR. (a) In General.--Chapter 3 of title 14, United States Code, as amended by this Act, is further amended by adding at the end the following: ``Sec. 320. Congressional affairs; Director ``The Commandant of the Coast Guard shall appoint a Director of Congressional Affairs from among officers of the Coast Guard who are in a grade above captain.''. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 3 of title 14, United States Code, as amended by this Act, is further amended by adding at the end the following: ``320. Congressional affairs; Director.''. [[Page H7265]] SEC. 203. LIMITATIONS ON CLAIMS. (a) Admiralty Claims.--Section 937 of title 14, United States Code, is amended in subsection (a) by striking ``$100,000'' and inserting ``$425,000''. (b) Claims for Damage to Property of the United States.-- Section 938 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking ``$100,000'' and inserting ``$425,000''. SEC. 204. AUTHORITY FOR OFFICERS TO OPT OUT OF PROMOTION BOARD CONSIDERATION. (a) Eligibility of Officers for Consideration for Promotion.--Section 2113 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(g)(1) Notwithstanding subsection (a), the Commandant may provide that an officer may, upon the officer's request and with the approval of the Commandant, be excluded from consideration by a selection board convened under section 2106(a). ``(2) The Commandant shall approve a request under paragraph (1) only if-- ``(A) the basis for the request is to allow the officer to complete a broadening assignment, advanced education, another assignment of significant value to the Coast Guard, a career progression requirement delayed by the assignment or education, or a qualifying personal or professional circumstance, as determined by the Commandant; ``(B) the Commandant determines the exclusion from consideration is in the best interest of the Coast Guard; and ``(C) the officer has not previously failed of selection for promotion to the grade for which the officer requests the exclusion from consideration.''. (b) Eligibility of Reserve Officer for Promotion.--Section 3743 of title 14, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: ``Sec. 3743. Eligibility for promotion ``(a) In General.--Except as provided in subsection (b), a Reserve officer is eligible for consideration for promotion and for promotion under this subchapter, if that officer is in an active status. ``(b) Exception.--A Reserve officer who has been considered but not recommended for retention in an active status by a board convened under subsection 3752(a) of this title, is not eligible for consideration for promotion. ``(c) Request for Exclusion.-- ``(1) In general.--The Commandant may provide that an officer may, upon the officer's request and with the approval of the Commandant, be excluded from consideration by a selection board convened under section 3740(b) of this title to consider officers for promotion to the next higher grade. ``(2) Approval of request.--The Commandant shall approve a request under paragraph (1) only if-- ``(A) the basis for the request is to allow an officer to complete a broadening assignment, advanced education, another assignment of significant value to the Coast Guard, a career progression requirement delayed by the assignment or education, or a qualifying personal or professional circumstance, as determined by the Commandant; ``(B) the Commandant determines the exclusion from consideration is in the best interest of the Coast Guard; and ``(C) the officer has not previously failed of selection for promotion to the grade for which the officer requests the exclusion from consideration.''. SEC. 205. TEMPORARY PROMOTION AUTHORITY FOR OFFICERS IN CERTAIN GRADES WITH CRITICAL SKILLS. (a) In General.--Subchapter I of Chapter 21 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``Sec. 2130. Promotion to certain grades for officers with critical skills: captain, commander, lieutenant commander, lieutenant ``(a) In General.--An officer in the grade of lieutenant (junior grade), lieutenant, lieutenant commander, or commander, who is described in subsection (b) may be temporarily promoted to the grade of lieutenant, lieutenant commander, commander, or captain under regulations prescribed by the Secretary. Appointments under this section shall be made by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. ``(b) Covered Officers.--An officer described in this subsection is any officer in a grade specified in subsection (a) who-- ``(1) has a skill in which the Coast Guard has a critical shortage of personnel (as determined by the Secretary); and ``(2) is serving in a position (as determined by the Secretary) that-- ``(A) is designated to be held by a lieutenant, lieutenant commander, commander, or captain; and ``(B) requires that an officer serving in such position have the skill possessed by such officer. ``(c) Preservation of Position and Status of Officers Appointed.-- ``(1) The temporary positions authorized under this section shall not be counted among or included in the list of positions on the active duty promotion list. ``(2) An appointment under this section does not change the position on the active-duty list or the permanent, probationary, or acting status of the officer so appointed, prejudice the officer in regard to other promotions or appointments, or abridge the rights or benefits of the officer. ``(d) Board Recommendation Required.--A temporary promotion under this section may be made only upon the recommendation of a board of officers convened by the Secretary for the purpose of recommending officers for such promotions. ``(e) Acceptance and Effective Date of Appointment.--Each appointment under this section, unless expressly declined, is, without formal acceptance, regarded as accepted on the date such appointment is made, and a member so appointed is entitled to the pay and allowances of the grade of the temporary promotion under this section beginning on the date the appointment is made. ``(f) Termination of Appointment.--Unless sooner terminated, an appointment under this section terminates-- ``(1) on the date the officer who received the appointment is promoted to the permanent grade of lieutenant, lieutenant commander, commander, or captain; ``(2) on the date the officer is detached from a position described in subsection (b)(2), unless the officer is on a promotion list to the permanent grade of lieutenant, lieutenant commander, commander, or captain, in which case the appointment terminates on the date the officer is promoted to that grade; or ``(3) when the appointment officer determines that the officer who received the appointment has engaged in misconduct or has displayed substandard performance. ``(g) Limitation on Number of Eligible Positions.--An appointment under this section may only be made for service in a position designated by the Secretary for the purposes of this section. The number of positions so designated may not exceed the following percentages of the respective grades: ``(1) As lieutenant, 0.5 percent. ``(2) As lieutenant commander, 3.0 percent. ``(3) As commander, 2.6 percent. ``(4) As captain, 2.6 percent.''. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for such subchapter is amended by adding at the end the following: ``2130. Promotion to certain grades for officers with critical skills: captain, commander, lieutenant commander, lieutenant.''. SEC. 206. CAREER INTERMISSION PROGRAM. (a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter 25 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``Sec. 2514. Career flexibility to enhance retention of members ``(a) Programs Authorized.--The Commandant may carry out a program under which members of the Coast Guard may be inactivated from active service in order to meet personal or professional needs and returned to active service at the end of such period of inactivation from active service. ``(b) Period of Inactivation From Active Service; Effect of Inactivation.-- ``(1) In general.--The period of inactivation from active service under a program under this section of a member participating in the program shall be such period as the Commandant shall specify in the agreement of the member under subsection (c), except that such period may not exceed three years. ``(2) Exclusion from years of service.--Any service by a Reserve officer while participating in a program under this section shall be excluded from computation of the total years of service of that officer pursuant to section 14706(a) of title 10. ``(3) Exclusion from retirement.--Any period of participation of a member in a program under this section shall not count toward-- ``(A) eligibility for retirement or transfer to the Ready Reserve under either chapter 571 or 1223 of title 10; or ``(B) computation of retired or retainer pay under chapter 71 or 1223 of title 10. ``(c) Agreement.--Each member of the Coast Guard who participates in a program under this section shall enter into a written agreement with the Commandant under which that member shall agree as follows: ``(1) To accept an appointment or enlist, as applicable, and serve in the Coast Guard Ready Reserve during the period of the inactivation of the member from active service under the program. ``(2) To undergo during the period of the inactivation of the member from active service under the program such inactive service training as the Commandant shall require in order to ensure that the member retains proficiency, at a level determined by the Commandant to be sufficient, in the military skills, professional qualifications, and physical readiness of the member during the inactivation of the member from active service. ``(3) Following completion of the period of the inactivation of the member from active service under the program, to serve two months as a member of the Coast Guard on active service for each month of the period of the inactivation of the member from active service under the program. ``(d) Conditions of Release.--The Commandant shall prescribe regulations specifying the guidelines regarding the conditions of release that must be considered and addressed in the agreement required by subsection (c). At a minimum, the Commandant shall prescribe the procedures and standards to be used to instruct a member on the obligations to be assumed by the member under paragraph (2) of such subsection while the member is released from active service. ``(e) Order to Active Service.--Under regulations prescribed by the Commandant, a member of the Coast Guard participating in a program under this section may, in the discretion of the Commandant, be required to terminate participation in the program and be ordered to active service. [[Page H7266]] ``(f) Pay and Allowances.-- ``(1) Basic pay.--During each month of participation in a program under this section, a member who participates in the program shall be paid basic pay in an amount equal to two- thirtieths of the amount of monthly basic pay to which the member would otherwise be entitled under section 204 of title 37 as a member of the uniformed services on active service in the grade and years of service of the member when the member commences participation in the program. ``(2) Special or incentive pay or bonus.-- ``(A) Prohibition.--A member who participates in such a program shall not, while participating in the program, be paid any special or incentive pay or bonus to which the member is otherwise entitled under an agreement under chapter 5 of title 37 or section 1925 of this title that is in force when the member commences participation in the program. ``(B) Not treated as failure to perform services.--The inactivation from active service of a member participating in a program shall not be treated as a failure of the member to perform any period of service required of the member in connection with an agreement for a special or incentive pay or bonus under chapter 5 of title 37 that is in force when the member commences participation in the program. ``(3) Return to active service.-- ``(A) Special or incentive pay or bonus.--Subject to subparagraph (B), upon the return of a member to active service after completion by the member of participation in a program-- ``(i) any agreement entered into by the member under chapter 5 of title 37 for the payment of a special or incentive pay or bonus that was in force when the member commenced participation in the program shall be revived, with the term of such agreement after revival being the period of the agreement remaining to run when the member commenced participation in the program; and ``(ii) any special or incentive pay or bonus shall be payable to the member in accordance with the terms of the agreement concerned for the term specified in clause (i). ``(B) Limitation.-- ``(i) In general.--Subparagraph (A) shall not apply to any special or incentive pay or bonus otherwise covered by that subparagraph with respect to a member if, at the time of the return of the member to active service as described in that subparagraph-- ``(I) such pay or bonus is no longer authorized by law; or ``(II) the member does not satisfy eligibility criteria for such pay or bonus as in effect at the time of the return of the member to active service. ``(ii) Pay or bonus ceases being authorized.--Subparagraph (A) shall cease to apply to any special or incentive pay or bonus otherwise covered by that subparagraph with respect to a member if, during the term of the revived agreement of the member under subparagraph (A)(i), such pay or bonus ceases being authorized by law. ``(C) Repayment.--A member who is ineligible for payment of a special or incentive pay or bonus otherwise covered by this paragraph by reason of subparagraph (B)(i)(II) shall be subject to the requirements for repayment of such pay or bonus in accordance with the terms of the applicable agreement of the member under chapter 5 of title 37. ``(D) Required service is additional.--Any service required of a member under an agreement covered by this paragraph after the member returns to active service as described in subparagraph (A) shall be in addition to any service required of the member under an agreement under subsection (c). ``(4) Travel and transportation allowance.-- ``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), a member who participates in a program is entitled, while participating in the program, to the travel and transportation allowances authorized by section 474 of title 37 for-- ``(i) travel performed from the residence of the member, at the time of release from active service to participate in the program, to the location in the United States designated by the member as the member's residence during the period of participation in the program; and ``(ii) travel performed to the residence of the member upon return to active service at the end of the participation of the member in the program. ``(B) Single residence.--An allowance is payable under this paragraph only with respect to travel of a member to and from a single residence. ``(5) Leave balance.--A member who participates in a program is entitled to carry forward the leave balance existing as of the day on which the member begins participation and accumulated in accordance with section 701 of title 10, but not to exceed 60 days. ``(g) Promotion.-- ``(1) Officers.-- ``(A) In general.--An officer participating in a program under this section shall not, while participating in the program, be eligible for consideration for promotion under chapter 21 or 37 of this title. ``(B) Return to service.--Upon the return of an officer to active service after completion by the officer of participation in a program-- ``(i) the Commandant may adjust the date of rank of the officer in such manner as the Commandant shall prescribe in regulations for purposes of this section; and ``(ii) the officer shall be eligible for consideration for promotion when officers of the same competitive category, grade, and seniority are eligible for consideration for promotion. ``(2) Enlisted members.--An enlisted member participating in a program shall not be eligible for consideration for advancement during the period that-- ``(A) begins on the date of the inactivation of the member from active service under the program; and ``(B) ends at such time after the return of the member to active service under the program that the member is treatable as eligible for promotion by reason of time in grade and such other requirements as the Commandant shall prescribe in regulations for purposes of the program. ``(h) Continued Entitlements.--A member participating in a program under this section shall, while participating in the program, be treated as a member of the Armed Forces on active duty for a period of more than 30 days for purposes of-- ``(1) the entitlement of the member and of the dependents of the member to medical and dental care under the provisions of chapter 55 of this title; and ``(2) retirement or separation for physical disability under the provisions of chapter 61 of title 10 and chapters 21 and 23 of this title.''. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 2513 the following: ``2514. Career flexibility to enhance retention of members.''. SEC. 207. MAJOR ACQUISITIONS; OPERATION AND SUSTAINMENT COSTS. Section 5103(e)(3) of title 14, United States Code, is amended-- (1) by redesignating subparagraphs (B) and (C) as subparagraphs (C) and (D) respectively; and (2) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following: ``(B) operate and sustain the cutters and aircraft described under paragraph (2);''. SEC. 208. EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE. (a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter 27 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``Sec. 2713. Employment assistance ``(a) In General.--In order to improve the accuracy and completeness of a certification or verification of job skills and experience required by section 1143(a)(1) of title 10, the Secretary shall-- ``(1) establish a database to record all training performed by members of the Coast Guard that may have application to employment in the civilian sector; and ``(2) make unclassified information regarding such information available to States and other potential employers referred to in section 1143(c) of title 10 so that State and other entities may allow military training to satisfy licensing or certification requirements to engage in a civilian profession. ``(b) Form of Certification or Verification.--The Secretary shall ensure that a certification or verification of job skills and experience required by section 1143(a)(1) of title 10 is rendered in such a way that States and other potential employers can confirm the accuracy and authenticity of the certification or verification. ``(c) Requests by States.--A State may request that the Secretary confirm the accuracy and authenticity of a certification or verification of jobs skills and experience provided under section 1143(c) of title 10.''. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 2712 the following: ``2713. Employment assistance.''. SEC. 209. REPORTS ON GENDER DIVERSITY IN THE COAST GUARD. (a) Action Plan.-- (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall-- (A) determine which recommendations in the RAND gender diversity report can practicably be implemented to promote gender diversity in the Coast Guard; and (B) submit a report to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate on the actions the Coast Guard has taken or plans to take to implement such recommendations. (2) Definition.--In this subsection, the term ``RAND diversity report'' means the RAND Corporation's Homeland Security Operational Analysis Center 2019 report entitled ``Improving Gender Diversity in the U.S. Coast Guard: Identifying Barriers to Female Retention''. (b) Recurring Report.--Chapter 51 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``Sec. 5109. Report on gender diversity in the Coast Guard ``(a) In General.--Not later than January 15, 2022, and biennially thereafter, the Commandant shall submit a report on gender diversity in the Coast Guard to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate. ``(b) Contents.--The report required under subsection (a) shall contain the following: [[Page H7267]] ``(1) Gender diversity overview.--An overview of Coast Guard active duty and Reserve members, including the number of officers and enlisted members and the percentages of men and women in each. ``(2) Recruitment and retention.--(A) An analysis of the changes in the recruitment and retention of women over the previous two years. ``(B) A discussion of any changes to Coast Guard recruitment and retention over the previous two years that were aimed at increasing the recruitment and retention of female members. ``(3) Parental leave.--(A) The number of men and women who took parental leave during each year covered by the report, including the average length of such leave periods. ``(B) A discussion of the ways in which the Coast Guard worked to mitigate the impacts of parental leave on Coast Guard operations and on the careers of the members taking such leave. ``(4) Limitations.--An analysis of current gender-based limitations on Coast Guard career opportunities, including discussion of-- ``(A) shipboard opportunities; ``(B) opportunities to serve at remote units; and ``(C) any other limitations on the opportunities of female members. ``(5) Progress update.--An update on the Coast Guard's progress on the implementation of the action plan required under section 209 of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2019.''. (c) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following: ``5109. Report on gender diversity in the Coast Guard.''. SEC. 210. DISPOSITION OF INFRASTRUCTURE RELATED TO E-LORAN. Section 914 of title 14, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in subsection (a)-- (A) by striking ``date'' and inserting ``later of the date of the conveyance of the properties directed under section 533(a) of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2016 (Public Law 114-120) or the date''; and (B) by striking ``determination by the Secretary'' and inserting ``determination by the Secretary of Transportation under section 312(d) of title 49''; and (2) in subsection (c), by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following: ``(2) Availability of proceeds.--The proceeds of such sales, less the costs of sale incurred by the General Services Administration, shall be deposited into the Coast Guard Housing Fund for uses authorized under section 2946 of this title.''. SEC. 211. POSITIONS OF IMPORTANCE AND RESPONSIBILITY. Section 2103(c)(3) of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking ``rear admiral (lower half)'' and inserting ``vice admiral''. SEC. 212. RESEARCH PROJECTS; TRANSACTIONS OTHER THAN CONTRACTS AND GRANTS. (a) In General.--Chapter 7 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``Sec. 720. Research projects; transactions other than contracts and grants ``(a) Additional Forms of Transactions Authorized.--The Commandant may enter into transactions (other than contracts, cooperative agreements, and grants) in carrying out basic, applied, and advanced research projects. The authority under this subsection is in addition to the authority provided in section 717 to use contracts, cooperative agreements, and grants in carrying out such projects. ``(b) Advance Payments.--The authority under subsection (a) may be exercised without regard to section 3324 of title 31. ``(c) Recovery of Funds.-- ``(1) In general.--Subject to subsection (d), a cooperative agreement for performance of basic, applied, or advanced research authorized by section 717, and a transaction authorized by subsection (a), may include a clause that requires a person or other entity to make payments to the Coast Guard or any other department or agency of the Federal Government as a condition for receiving support under the agreement or transaction, respectively. ``(2) Availability of funds.--The amount of any payment received by the Federal Government pursuant to a requirement imposed under paragraph (1) may be credited, to the extent authorized by the Commandant, to an appropriate appropriations account. Amounts so credited shall be merged with other funds in the account and shall be available for the same purposes and the same period for which other funds in such account are available. ``(d) Conditions.-- ``(1) In general.--The Commandant shall ensure that-- ``(A) to the extent that the Commandant determines practicable, no cooperative agreement containing a clause described in subsection (c)(1), and no transaction entered into under subsection (a), provides for research that duplicates research being conducted under existing programs carried out by the Coast Guard; and ``(B) to the extent that the Commandant determines practicable, the funds provided by the Federal Government under a cooperative agreement containing a clause described in subsection (c)(1), or under a transaction authorized by subsection (a), do not exceed the total amount provided by other parties to the cooperative agreement or other transaction, respectively. ``(2) Other agreements not feasible.--A cooperative agreement containing a clause described in subsection (c)(1), or under a transaction authorized by subsection (a), may be used for a research project only if the use of a standard contract, grant, or cooperative agreement for such project is not feasible or appropriate. ``(e) Education and Training.--The Commandant shall-- ``(1) ensure that management, technical, and contracting personnel of the Coast Guard involved in the award or administration of transactions under this section or other innovative forms of contracting are afforded opportunities for adequate education and training; and ``(2) establish minimum levels and requirements for continuous and experiential learning for such personnel, including levels and requirements for acquisition certification programs. ``(f) Regulations.--The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall prescribe regulations, as necessary, to carry out this section. ``(g) Protection of Certain Information From Disclosure.-- ``(1) In general.--Disclosure of information described in paragraph (2) is not required, and may not be compelled, under section 552 of title 5 for five years after the date on which the information is received by the Coast Guard. ``(2) Limitation.-- ``(A) In general.--Paragraph (1) applies to information described in subparagraph (B) that is in the records of the Coast Guard only if the information was submitted to the Coast Guard in a competitive or noncompetitive process having the potential for resulting in an award, to the party submitting the information, of a cooperative agreement for performance of basic, applied, or advanced research authorized by section 717 or another transaction authorized by subsection (a). ``(B) Information described.--The information referred to in subparagraph (A) is the following: ``(i) A proposal, proposal abstract, and supporting documents. ``(ii) A business plan submitted on a confidential basis. ``(iii) Technical information submitted on a confidential basis. ``(h) Annual Report.--On the date on which the President submits to Congress a budget pursuant to section 1105 of title 31, the Commandant shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations and Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committees on Appropriations and Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report describing each use of the authority provided under this section during the most recently completed fiscal year, including details of each use consisting of-- ``(1) the amount of each transaction; ``(2) the entities or organizations involved; ``(3) the product or service received; and ``(4) the research project for which the product or service was required.''. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 7 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``720. Research projects; transactions other than contracts and grants.''. SEC. 213. ACQUISITION WORKFORCE AUTHORITIES. (a) In General.--Chapter 11 of title 14, United States Code, as amended by this Act, is further amended by inserting after section 1110 the following: ``Sec. 1111. Acquisition workforce authorities ``(a) Expedited Hiring Authority.-- ``(1) In general.--For the purposes of section 3304 of title 5, the Commandant may-- ``(A) designate any category of acquisition positions within the Coast Guard as shortage category positions; and ``(B) use the authorities in such section to recruit and appoint highly qualified persons directly to positions so designated. ``(2) Reports.--The Commandant shall include in reports under section 1102 information described in that section regarding positions designated under this subsection. ``(b) Reemployment Authority.-- ``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), if an annuitant receiving an annuity from the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund becomes employed in any category of acquisition positions designated by the Commandant under subsection (a), the annuity of the annuitant so employed shall continue. The annuitant so reemployed shall not be considered an employee for purposes of subchapter III of chapter 83 or chapter 84 of title 5. ``(2)(A) Election.--An annuitant retired under section 8336(d)(1) or 8414(b)(1)(A) of title 5, receiving an annuity from the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund, who becomes employed in any category of acquisition positions designated by the Commandant under subsection (a) after date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2019, may elect to be subject to section 8344 or 8468 of such title (as the case may be). ``(i) Deadline.--An election for coverage under this subsection shall be filed not later than 90 days after the Commandant takes reasonable actions to notify an employee who may file an election. ``(ii) Coverage.--If an employee files an election under this subsection, coverage [[Page H7268]] shall be effective beginning on the first day of the first applicable pay period beginning on or after the date of the filing of the election. ``(B) Application.--Paragraph (1) shall apply to an individual who is eligible to file an election under such subparagraph and does not file a timely election under clause (i).''. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents of chapter 11 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 1110 the following: ``1111. Acquisition workforce authorities.''. SEC. 214. REPORT ON COAST GUARD DEFENSE READINESS RESOURCES ALLOCATION. (a) Report Required.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, a report on the allocation of resources by the Coast Guard to support its defense readiness mission. (b) Contents.--The report required by subsection (a) shall include the following elements: (1) Funding levels allocated by the Coast Guard to support defense readiness missions for each of the past ten fiscal years. (2) Funding levels transferred or otherwise provided by the Department of Defense to the Coast Guard in support of the Coast Guard's defense readiness missions for each of the past ten fiscal years. (3) The number of Coast Guard detachments assigned in support of the Coast Guard's defense readiness mission for each of the past ten fiscal years. (c) Assessment.--In addition to the elements detailed in subsection (b), the report shall include an assessment of the impacts on the Coast Guard's non-defense mission readiness and operational capabilities due to the annual levels of reimbursement provided by the Department of Defense to compensate the Coast Guard for its expenses to fulfill its defense readiness mission. SEC. 215. REPORT ON THE FEASIBILITY OF LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS FUELED VESSELS. Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall submit a report to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate on the following: (1) The feasibility, safety, and cost effectiveness of using liquefied natural gas to fuel new Coast Guard vessels. (2) The feasibility, safety, and cost effectiveness of converting existing vessels to run on liquefied natural gas fuels. (3) The operational benefits of using liquefied natural gas to fuel Coast Guard vessels. TITLE III--SHIPPING SEC. 301. ELECTRONIC CHARTS; EQUIVALENCY. (a) Requirements.--Section 3105(a)(1) of title 46, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: ``(1) Electronic charts in lieu of marine charts, charts, and maps.--Subject to paragraph (2), the following vessels, while operating on the navigable waters of the United States, shall be equipped with and operate electronic navigational charts conforming to a standard acceptable to the Secretary in lieu of any marine charts, charts, and maps required by titles 33 and 46, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on the date of the enactment of this paragraph: ``(A) A self-propelled commercial vessel of at least 65 feet overall length. ``(B) A vessel carrying more than a number of passengers for hire determined by the Secretary. ``(C) A towing vessel of more than 26 feet in overall length and 600 horsepower. ``(D) Any other vessel for which the Secretary decides that electronic charts are necessary for the safe navigation of the vessel.''. (b) Exemptions and Waivers.--Section 3105(a)(2) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by-- (1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``operates; and'' and inserting ``operates;''; (2) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``those waters.'' and inserting ``those waters; and''; and (3) by adding at the end the following: ``(C) permit vessels that operate solely landward of the baseline from which the territorial sea of the United States is measured to utilize software-based, platform-independent electronic chart systems that the Secretary determines are capable of displaying electronic navigational charts with necessary scale and detail to ensure safe navigation for the intended voyage.''. SEC. 302. PASSENGER VESSEL SECURITY AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS; APPLICATION. Section 3507(k)(1) of title 46, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in subparagraph (B), by adding ``and'' after the semicolon at the end; (2) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``; and'' and inserting a period; and (3) by striking subparagraph (D). SEC. 303. NON-OPERATING INDIVIDUAL. (a) Definition.--Section 2101 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by inserting after paragraph (23) the following: ``(23a) `non-operating individual' means an individual who-- ``(A) does not perform-- ``(i) with respect to the operation of a vessel, watchstanding, automated engine room duty watch, navigation, or personnel safety functions; ``(ii) with respect to the loading and unloading of merchandise, cargo handling functions, including any activity relating to the loading or unloading of cargo, the operation of cargo-related equipment (whether or not integral to the vessel), and the handling of mooring lines on the dock when the vessel is made fast or let go; ``(iii) vessel maintenance, including any repairs that can be performed by the vessel's crew or a riding gang; or ``(iv) safety, security, or environmental protection activities directly related to the operation of the vessel and normally conducted by the vessel's crew; ``(B) does not serve as part of the crew complement required under section 8101; ``(C) does not serve as a riding gang member; ``(D) is not a member of the steward's department; ``(E) is not a citizen or temporary or permanent resident of a country designated by the United States as a sponsor of terrorism or any other country that the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the heads of other appropriate United States agencies, determines to be a security threat to the United States; ``(F) is not specifically exempted from the requirement to have a merchant mariner's document under section 8701(a); ``(G) has not been convicted in any jurisdiction of an offense described in paragraph (2) or (3) of section 7703; ``(H) whose license, certificate of registry, or merchant mariner's document has not been suspended or revoked under section 7704; and ``(I) who does not otherwise constitute a threat to the safety of the vessel.''. (b) Citizenship and Navy Reserve Requirements.--Section 8103(j) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by-- (1) striking ``Riding Gang Member'' and inserting ``Riding Gang Member or Non-Operating Individual''; and (2) inserting ``or a non-operating individual'' before the period. (c) Requirements Relating to Non-Operating Individuals.-- (1) In general.--Chapter 81 of title 46, United States Code, is amended-- (A) by redesignating section 8107 as section 8108; and (B) by inserting after section 8106 the following: ``Sec. 8107. Requirements relating to non-operating individuals ``(a) In General.--The owner or managing operator of a merchant vessel of the United States of at least 100 gross tons as measured under section 14502, or an alternate tonnage measured under section 14302 as prescribed by the Secretary under section 14104, shall-- ``(1) ensure that-- ``(A) each non-operating individual on the vessel-- ``(i) is a United States citizen or an alien lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence; or ``(ii) possesses a United States non-immigrant visa for individuals desiring to enter the United States temporarily for business, employment-related and personal identifying information, and any other documentation required by the Secretary; ``(B) all required documentation for such individual is kept on the vessel and available for inspection by the Secretary; and ``(C) each non-operating individual is identified on the manifest; ``(2) ensure that-- ``(A) each non-operating individual possesses-- ``(i) a merchant mariner's document; ``(ii) a transportation worker identification credential under section 70105; or ``(iii) a current security clearance issued by a Federal agency; or ``(B) the employer of such an individual attests in a certificate to the owner or managing operator that-- ``(i) the background of such individual has been examined and found to be free of any credible information indicating a material risk to the security of the vessel, the vessel's cargo, the ports the vessel visits, or other individuals onboard the vessel;; ``(ii) such examination-- ``(I) met the requirements of section 70105(d)(2), for persons described in paragraph (1)(A)(i) of this subsection; or ``(II) consisted of a search of all information reasonably available to the owner or managing operator in the individual's country of citizenship and any other country in which the individual works, receives employment referrals, or resides, for persons described in paragraph (1)(A)(ii) of this subsection; and ``(iii) the information derived from any such examination is made available to the Secretary upon request; ``(3) ensure that each non-operating individual of the vessel, while on board the vessel, is subject to the same random chemical testing and reporting regimes as crew members; ``(4) ensure that each such individual employed on the vessel receives basic safety familiarization and basic safety training approved by the Coast Guard; and ``(5) ensure that every non-operating individual of the vessel is employed on board the vessel under conditions that meet or exceed [[Page H7269]] the minimum international standards of all applicable international labor conventions to which the United States is a party, including all of the merchant seamen protection and relief provided under United States law. ``(b) Recordkeeping.--In addition to the requirements of subsection (a), the owner or managing operator of a vessel to which subsection (a) applies shall ensure that all information necessary to ensure compliance with this section, as determined by the Secretary, is entered into the vessel's official logbook required by chapter 113. ``(c) Civil Penalty.--A person (including an individual) violating this section is liable to the United States Government for a civil penalty of $1,250.''. (2) Clerical amendments.--The analysis for chapter 81 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 8107 and inserting the following: ``8107. Requirements relating to non-operating individuals. ``8108. Use of force against piracy.''. (3) Conforming amendments.-- (A) Merchant mariners' documents required.--Section 8701 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(e) This section does not apply to non-operating individuals.''. (B) Training for use of force against piracy.--Section 51705(4) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking ``46 U.S.C. 8107 note'' and inserting ``46 U.S.C. 8108 note''. SEC. 304. SMALL PASSENGER VESSELS AND UNINSPECTED PASSENGER VESSELS. Section 12121 of title 46, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in subsection (a)(1), by striking subparagraphs (A) and (B) and inserting the following: ``(A) was built in the United States; ``(B) was not built in the United States and is at least 3 years old; or ``(C) if rebuilt, was rebuilt-- ``(i) in the United States; or ``(ii) outside the United States at least 3 years before the certificate requested under subsection (b) would take effect.''; and (2) in subsection (b), by inserting ``12132,'' after ``12113,''. SEC. 305. INSTALLATION VESSELS. (a) In General.--Chapter 551 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: ``Sec. 55123. Installation vessels ``(a) Initial Determination of Coastwise Qualified Vessel.--No later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary of Transportation shall determine whether an installation vessel exists for which a coastwise endorsement has been issued under section 12112. ``(b) Application.--If the Secretary of Transportation determines under subsection (a) that no such coastwise qualified vessel exists, then, after the date on which such determination is made, lifting operations between a vessel for which a coastwise endorsement has been issued under section 12112 and an installation vessel for which no such endorsement has been issued is not transportation of merchandise for the purposes of section 55102. ``(c) Requests for Determinations of Coastwise Qualified Vessels.-- ``(1) In general.--After the date on which the determination is made under subsection (a), an installation vessel for which a coastwise endorsement has been issued under section 12112, the owner or operator of such installation vessel may seek a new determination from the Secretary of Transportation that an installation vessel for which a coastwise endorsement has been issued under section 12112 exists. ``(2) Application to non-qualified vessels.--If the Secretary of Transportation makes a determination under paragraph (1) that a coastwise qualified vessel exists, then-- ``(A) the owner or operator of an installation vessel for which no coastwise endorsement has been issued under section 12112 shall seek a determination of the availability of a coastwise qualified vessel under paragraph (3) before using such non-coastwise qualified vessel for the transportation of a platform jacket; and ``(B) after the date on which such determination is made, the owner or operator of an installation vessel for which no coastwise endorsement has been issued under section 12112 shall not use such non-coastwise qualified vessel for the transportation of a platform jacket unless the Secretary of Transportation determines a coastwise qualified is not available under paragraph (4). ``(3) Criteria for determination of availability.--The Secretary of Transportation shall determine a coastwise qualified vessel is not available if-- ``(A) the owner or operator of a non-coastwise qualified vessel submits to the Secretary of Transportation an application for the use of a non-coastwise qualified installation vessel for transportation of a platform jacket under this section that includes all relevant information, including engineering details and timing requirements, and such application is submitted not less than 1 year before the date such vessel is required for such use; ``(B) the Secretary provides the application made under subparagraph (A) to the owner of each coastwise qualified vessel listed as an installation vessel in the inventory under section 12138(c) and promptly publishes in the Federal Register a notice-- ``(i) describing the project and the platform jacket involved; ``(ii) advising that all relevant information reasonably needed to assess the transportation and installation requirements for the platform jacket will be made available to an interested person on request; and ``(iii) requesting that information on the availability of coastwise qualified vessels be submitted within a 45-day period beginning on the date of such publication; and ``(C)(i) within such 45-day period no information is submitted to the Secretary from owners or operators of coastwise qualified installation vessels to meet the requirements of the application required under paragraph (A); or ``(ii) the owner or operator of a coastwise qualified installation vessel submits information to the Secretary asserting that the owner or operator has a suitable coastwise qualified installation vessel available to meet the requirements of the application required under paragraph (A), but the Secretary determines, within 90 days after the notice is first published, that the coastwise qualified installation vessel is not suitable or reasonably available for the transportation. ``(d) Definitions.--In this section: ``(1) Installation vessel.--The term `installation vessel' means a vessel using a crane suitable for offshore use that-- ``(A) is used to install platform jackets; ``(B) has a slewing or luffing capability; ``(C) has a lifting capacity of at least 1,000 metric tons; and ``(D) conducts lifting operations to construct or remove offshore facilities or subsea infrastructure or to install and uninstall component parts or materials from offshore facilities or subsea infrastructure. ``(2) Lifting operations.--The term `lifting operations' means the lifting of platform jackets by crane from the time that the lifting activity begins when unlading from a vessel or removing offshore facilities or subsea infrastructure until the time that the lifting activities are terminated for a particular unlading, installation, or removal of offshore facilities or subsea infrastructure. ``(3) Platform jacket.--The term `platform jacket' has the meaning given such term in section 55108(a).''. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 551 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``55123. Installation vessels.''. (c) Inventory.--Section 12138(b) of title 46, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in the heading, by striking the period and inserting ``, and Installation.''; (2) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows: ``(1) In general.--The Secretary of Transportation shall develop, maintain, and periodically update an inventory of vessels that are-- ``(A) documented under this chapter; ``(B) at least 200 feet in length; ``(C) have the capability to lay, maintain, or repair a submarine cable, without regard to whether a particular vessel is classed as a cable ship or cable vessel; and ``(D) installation vessels within the meaning of such term in section 55123.''; and (3) by amending paragraph (2)(B) to read as follows: ``(B) the abilities and limitations of the vessel with respect to-- ``(i) in the case of a vessel required to be inventoried under paragraph (1)(A), laying, maintaining, and repairing a submarine cable; and ``(ii) in the case of a vessel required to be inventoried under paragraph (1)(B), installing platform jackets; and''. (d) Notice of Modification or Revocation.--No later than 30 days after the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the Commissioner of Customs and Border Protection, shall issue a notice, including an opportunity for public comment, on the modification or revocation of Letter Rulings 101925, 108442, 113841, 114435, 115185, 115218, 115311, 115487, 115522, 115771, 115938, 116078, H004242 with respect to the application of the section 55102 of title 46, Shipping, United States Code, to certain offshore operations. SEC. 306. ADVISORY COMMITTEES. (a) National Offshore Safety Advisory Committee; Representation.--Section 15106(c)(3) of title 46, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``mineral and oil operations, including geophysical services'' and inserting ``operations''; (2) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``exploration and recovery''; (3) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``engaged in diving services related to offshore construction, inspection, and maintenance'' and inserting ``providing diving services to the offshore industry''; (4) in subparagraph (F), by striking ``engaged in safety and training services related to offshore exploration and construction'' and inserting ``providing safety and training services to the offshore industry''; (5) in subparagraph (G), by striking ``engaged in pipelaying services related to offshore construction'' and inserting ``providing subsea engineering, construction, or remotely operated vehicle support to the offshore industry''; (6) in subparagraph (H), by striking ``mineral and energy''; [[Page H7270]] (7) in subparagraph (I), by striking ``national environmental entities'' and inserting ``entities providing environmental protection, compliance, or response services to the offshore industry''; and (8) in subparagraph (J), by striking ``deepwater ports'' and inserting ``entities engaged in offshore oil exploration and production on the Outer Continental Shelf adjacent to Alaska''. (b) Advisory Committees; Testimony.--Section 15109(j)(4) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(C) Testimony.--The members of a committee shall be available to testify before appropriate committees of the Congress with respect to the advice, reports, and recommendations submitted under paragraph (2).''. (c) Maritime Transportation System National Advisory Committee.-- (1) In general.--Chapter 555 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``Sec. 55502. Maritime Transportation System National Advisory Committee ``(a) Establishment.--There is established a Maritime Transportation System National Advisory Committee (in this section referred to as the `Committee'). ``(b) Function.--The Committee shall advise the Secretary of Transportation on matters relating to the United States maritime transportation system and its seamless integration with other segments of the transportation system, including the viability of the United States Merchant Marine. ``(c) Membership.-- ``(1) In general.--The Committee shall consist of 27 members appointed by the Secretary of Transportation in accordance with this section and section 15109. ``(2) Expertise.--Each member of the Committee shall have particular expertise, knowledge, and experience in matters relating to the function of the Committee. ``(3) Representation.--Members of the Committee shall be appointed as follows: ``(A) At least 1 member shall represent the Environmental Protection Agency. ``(B) At least 1 member shall represent the Department of Commerce. ``(C) At least 1 member shall represent the Army Corps of Engineers. ``(D) At least 1 member shall represent the Coast Guard. ``(E) At least 1 member shall represent Customs and Border Protection. ``(F) At least 1 member shall represent State and local governmental entities. ``(G) Additional members shall represent private sector entities that reflect a cross-section of maritime industries, including port and water stakeholders, academia, and labor. ``(H) The Secretary may appoint additional representatives from other Federal agencies as the Secretary considers appropriate. ``(4) Administration.--For purposes of section 15109-- ``(A) the Committee shall be treated as a committee established under chapter 151; and ``(B) the Secretary of Transportation shall fulfill all duties and responsibilities and have all authorities of the Secretary of Homeland Security with regard to the Committee.''. (2) Treatment of existing committee.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law-- (A) an advisory committee substantially similar to the Committee established by section 55502 of title 46, United States Code, and that was in force or in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act, including the charter, membership, and other aspects of such committee, may remain in force or in effect for the 2-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this section; and (B) during such 2-year period-- (i) requirements relating the Maritime Transportation System National Advisory Committee established by such section shall be treated as satisfied by such substantially similar advisory committee; and (ii) the enactment of this section shall not be the basis-- (I) to deem, find, or declare such committee, including the charter, membership, and other aspects thereof, void, not in force, or not in effect; (II) to suspend the activities of such committee; or (III) to bar the members of such committee from a meeting. (3) Clerical amendment.--The analysis for chapter 555 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``55502. Maritime Transportation System National Advisory Committee.''. (4) Repeal.--Section 55603 of title 46, United States Code, and the item relating to that section in the analysis for chapter 556 of that title, are repealed. (d) Great Lakes Pilotage Advisory Committee.-- (1) In general.--Title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking section 9307 and inserting the following: ``Sec. 9307. Great Lakes Pilotage Advisory Committee ``(a) Establishment.--There is established a Great Lakes Pilotage Advisory Committee (in this section referred to as the `Committee'). ``(b) Function.--The Committee-- ``(1) may review proposed Great Lakes pilotage regulations and policies and make recommendations to the Secretary that the Committee considers appropriate; ``(2) may advise, consult with, report to, and make recommendations to the Secretary on matters relating to Great Lakes pilotage; and ``(3) may only make recommendations to the Secretary under paragraph (2) if such recommendations have been approved by all but one of the members then serving on such Committee. ``(c) Membership.-- ``(1) In general.--The Committee shall consist of 7 members appointed by the Secretary in accordance with this section and section 15109. ``(2) Expertise.--Each member of the Committee shall have particular expertise, knowledge, and experience in matters relating to the function of the Committee. ``(3) Representation.--Members of the Committee shall be appointed as follows: ``(A) The President of each of the 3 Great Lakes pilotage districts, or the President's representative. ``(B) At least 1 member shall represent the interests of vessel operators that contract for Great Lakes pilotage services. ``(C) At least 1 member shall represent the interests of Great Lakes ports. ``(D) At least 1 member shall represent the interests of shippers whose cargoes are transported through Great Lakes ports. ``(E) At least 1 member shall have a background in finance or accounting and must have been recommended to the Secretary by a unanimous vote of the other members of the Committee. ``(4) Administration.--For purposes of section 15109, the Committee shall be treated as a committee established under chapter 151.''. (2) Treatment of existing committee.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law-- (A) an advisory committee substantially similar to the Great Lakes Pilotage Advisory Committee established by section 9307 of title 46, United States Code, as amended by this section, and that was in force or in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act, including the charter, membership, and other aspects of the committee, may remain in force or in effect for a period of 2 years from the date of enactment of this Act; and (B) during such 2-year period-- (i) requirements relating to the Great Lakes Pilotage Advisory Committee established by section 9307 of title 46, United States Code, as amended by this section, shall be treated as satisfied by the substantially similar advisory committee; and (ii) the enactment of this section and the amendments made by this section shall not be the basis-- (I) to deem, find, or declare such committee, including the charter, membership, and other aspects thereof, void, not in force, or not in effect; (II) to suspend the activities of such committee; or (III) to bar the members of such committee from a meeting. (e) Technical Corrections.--Section 15109 of title 46 is amended by inserting ``or to which this chapter applies'' after ``committee established under this chapter'' each place it appears. SEC. 307. EXPIRED MARITIME LIENS. Section 31343(e) of title 46, United States Code, is amended-- (1) by inserting ``(1)'' before ``A notice''; and (2) by inserting after paragraph (1), as so designated by this section, the following: ``(2) On expiration of a notice of claim of lien under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall remove such expired notice.''. SEC. 308. TRAINING; EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROVIDERS. (a) Security Plan Implementation Grants.--Section 70107 of title 46, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``law enforcement personnel'' and inserting ``emergency response providers''; (2) in subsection (b)(8), by striking ``law enforcement personnel--'' and inserting ``emergency response providers-- ''; and (3) in subsection (c)(2)(C), by striking ``law enforcement agency personnel'' and inserting ``emergency response providers''. (b) Credentialing for State and Local Support.--Section 70132 of title 46, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``law enforcement personnel--'' and inserting ``emergency response providers-- ''; (2) in subsection (b), by striking ``law enforcement personnel'' each place it appears and inserting ``emergency response providers''; and (3) by adding at the end the following: ``(d) Definition.--For the purposes of this section, the term `emergency response providers' has the meaning given that term in section 2 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 101).''. SEC. 309. AIMING A LASER POINTER AT A VESSEL. (a) In General.--Subchapter II of chapter 700 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``Sec. 70014. Aiming a laser pointer at a vessel ``(a) Prohibition.--It shall be unlawful to cause the beam of a laser pointer to strike a vessel operating on the navigable waters of the United States. ``(b) Exceptions.--This section shall not apply to a member or element of the Department of Defense or Department of Homeland Security acting in an official capacity for [[Page H7271]] the purpose of research, development, operations, testing, or training. ``(c) Laser Pointer Defined.--In this section the term `laser pointer' means any device designed or used to amplify electromagnetic radiation by stimulated emission that emits a beam designed to be used by the operator as a pointer or highlighter to indicate, mark, or identify a specific position, place, item, or object.''. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for such chapter is amended by adding at the end of the items relating to such subchapter the following: ``70014. Aiming a laser pointer at a vessel.''. SEC. 310. MARITIME TRANSPORTATION ASSESSMENT. Section 55501(e) of title 46, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in paragraph (2), by striking ``an assessment of the condition'' and inserting ``a conditions and performance analysis''; (2) in paragraph (4), by striking ``; and'' and inserting a semicolon; (3) in paragraph (5) by striking the period and inserting ``; and''; and (4) by adding at the end the following: ``(6) a compendium of the Federal programs engaged in the maritime transportation system.''. SEC. 311. SAFETY OF SPECIAL ACTIVITIES. (a) In General.--Title 46, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 70005 the following: ``Sec. 70006. Safety of special activities ``(a) In General.--The Secretary may establish a safety zone to address special activities in the exclusive economic zone. ``(b) Definitions.--In this section: ``(1) The term `safety zone' has the meaning provided in section 165.20 of title 33, Code of Federal Regulations. ``(2) The term `special activities' includes-- ``(A) space activities, including launch and reentry, as those terms are defined in section 50902 of title 51, carried out by United States citizens; and ``(B) offshore energy development activities, as described in section 8(p)(1)(C) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1337(p)(1)(C)), on or near a fixed platform. ``(3) The term `United States citizen' has the meaning given the term `eligible owners' in section 12103. ``(4) The term `fixed platform' means an artificial island, installation, or structure permanently attached to the sea- bed for the purpose of exploration or exploitation of resources or for other economic purposes.''. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 700 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 70005 the following: ``70006. Safety of special activities.''. (c) Regulations.-- (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall establish regulations to implement this section. (2) Alignment with other regulations.--Such regulations shall align with subchapter C of chapter III of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations. SEC. 312. ENGINE CUT-OFF SWITCHES; USE REQUIREMENT. (a) In General.--Section 4312 of title 46, United States Code, is amended-- (1) by redesignating subsections (b), (c), and (d) as subsections (c), (d), and (e), respectively; and (2) by inserting after subsection (a) the following: ``(b) Use Requirement.-- ``(1) In general.--An individual operating a covered recreational vessel shall use an engine cut-off switch link while operating on plane or above displacement speed. ``(2) Exceptions.--The requirement under paragraph (1) shall not apply if-- ``(A) the main helm of the covered vessel is installed within an enclosed cabin; or ``(B) the vessel does not have an engine cut-off switch and is not required to have one under subsection (a).''. (b) Civil Penalty.--Section 4311 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by-- (1) redesignating subsections (c), (d), (e), (f), and (g) as subsections (d), (e), (f), (g), and (h), respectively; and (2) inserting after subsection (b) the following: ``(c) A person violating section 4312(b) of this title is liable to the United States Government for a civil penalty of not more than-- ``(1) $100 for the first offense; ``(2) $250 for the second offense; and ``(3) $500 for any subsequent offense.''. (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made in subsections (a) and (b) shall take effect 90 days after the date of the enactment of this section, unless the Commandant of the Coast Guard, prior to the date that is 90 days after the date of the enactment of this section, determines that the use requirement enacted in subsection (a) would not promote recreational boating safety. SEC. 313. EXEMPTIONS AND EQUIVALENTS. (a) In General.--Section 4305 of title 46, United States Code, is amended-- (1) by striking the heading and inserting the following: ``Sec. 4305. Exemptions and equivalents''; (2) by striking ``If the Secretary'' and inserting the following: ``(a) Exemptions.--If the Secretary''; and (3) by adding at the end the following: ``(b) Equivalents.--The Secretary may accept a substitution for associated equipment performance or other safety standards for a recreational vessel if the substitution provides an equivalent level of safety.''. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 43 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 4305 and inserting the following: ``4305. Exemptions and equivalents.''. SEC. 314. SECURITY PLANS; REVIEWS. Section 70103 of title 46, United States Code, is amended-- (1) by amending subsection (b)(3) to read as follows: ``(3) The Secretary shall review and approve Area Maritime Transportation Security Plans and updates under this subsection.''; and (2) in subsection (c)(4), by inserting ``or update'' after ``plan'' each place it appears. SEC. 315. WAIVER OF NAVIGATION AND VESSEL INSPECTION LAWS. Section 501(a) of title 46, United States Code, is amended-- (1) by striking ``On request'' and inserting the following: ``(1) In general.--On request''; and (2) by adding at the end the following: ``(2) Explanation.--Not later than 24 hours after making a request under paragraph (1), the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure and Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Committees on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and Armed Services of the Senate a written explanation of the circumstances requiring such a waiver in the interest of national defense, including a confirmation that there are insufficient qualified vessels to meet the needs of national defense without such a waiver.''. SEC. 316. REQUIREMENT FOR SMALL SHIPYARD GRANTEES. Section 54101(d) of title 46, United States Code, is amended-- (1) by striking ``Grants awarded'' and inserting the following: ``(1) In general.--Grants awarded''; and (2) by adding at the end the following: ``(2) Buy america.-- ``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), no funds may be obligated by the Administrator of the Maritime Administration under this section, unless each product and material purchased with those funds (including products and materials purchased by a grantee), and including any commercially available off-the-shelf item, is-- ``(i) an unmanufactured article, material, or supply that has been mined or produced in the United States; or ``(ii) a manufactured article, material, or supply that has been manufactured in the United States substantially all from articles, materials, or supplies mined, produced, or manufactured in the United States. ``(B) Exceptions.-- ``(i) In general.--Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), the requirements of that subparagraph shall not apply with respect to a particular product or material if such Administrator determines-- ``(I) that the application of those requirements would be inconsistent with the public interest; ``(II) that such product or material is not available in the United States in sufficient and reasonably available quantities, of a satisfactory quality, or on a timely basis; or ``(III) that inclusion of a domestic product or material will increase the cost of that product or material by more than 25 percent, with respect to a certain contract between a grantee and that grantee's supplier. ``(ii) Federal register.--A determination made by such Administrator under this subparagraph shall be published in the Federal Register. ``(C) Definitions.--In this paragraph: ``(i) Commercially available off-the-shelf item.--The term `commercially available off-the-shelf item' means-- ``(I) any item of supply (including construction material) that is-- ``(aa) a commercial item, as defined by section 2.101 of title 48, Code of Federal Regulations; and ``(bb) sold in substantial quantities in the commercial marketplace; and ``(II) does not include bulk cargo, as that term is defined in section 40102(4) of this title, such as agricultural products and petroleum products. ``(ii) Product or material.--The term `product or material' means an article, material, or supply brought to the site by the recipient for incorporation into the building, work, or project. The term also includes an item brought to the site preassembled from articles, materials, or supplies. However, emergency life safety systems, such as emergency lighting, fire alarm, and audio evacuation systems, that are discrete systems incorporated into a public building or work and that are produced as complete systems, are evaluated as a single and distinct construction material regardless of when or how the individual parts or components of those systems are delivered to the construction site. ``(iii) United states.--The term `United States' includes the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Virgin Islands.''. [[Page H7272]] SEC. 317. INDEPENDENT STUDY ON THE UNITED STATES MERCHANT MARINE ACADEMY. (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall seek to enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Public Administration (referred to in this section as the ``Academy'') to carry out the activities described in this section. (b) Study Elements.--In accordance with the agreement described in subsection (a), the Academy shall conduct a study of the United States Merchant Marine Academy that consists of the following: (1) A comprehensive assessment of the United States Merchant Marine Academy's systems, training, facilities, infrastructure, information technology, and stakeholder engagement. (2) Identification of needs and opportunities for modernization to help the United States Merchant Marine Academy keep pace with more modern campuses. (3) Development of an action plan for the United States Merchant Marine Academy with specific recommendations for-- (A) improvements or updates relating to the opportunities described in paragraph (2); and (B) systemic changes needed to help the United States Merchant Marine Academy achieve its mission of inspiring and educating the next generation of the mariner workforce on a long-term basis. (c) Deadline and Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the agreement described in subsection (a), the Academy shall prepare and submit to the Administrator of the Maritime Administration a report containing the action plan described in subsection (b)(3), including specific findings and recommendations. SEC. 318. CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE FOR DOMESTIC MARITIME WORKFORCE TRAINING AND EDUCATION. Section 54102 of title 46, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in subsection (b), by inserting ``or subsection (d)'' after ``designated under subsection (a)''; and (2) by adding at the end the following: ``(d) State Maritime Academy.--The Secretary of Transportation shall designate each State maritime academy, as defined in section 51102(4) of this title, as a center of excellence under this section.''. SEC. 319. RENEWAL OF MERCHANT MARINER LICENSES AND DOCUMENTS. Section 7507 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(d) Renewal.--With respect to any renewal of an existing merchant mariner credential that is not an extension under subsection (a) or (b), such credential shall begin the day after the expiration of the credential holder's existing credential.''. TITLE IV--MISCELLANEOUS SEC. 401. COASTWISE TRADE. (a) In General.--The Commandant of the Coast Guard shall review the adequacy of and continuing need for provisions in title 46, Code of Federal Regulations, that require a United States vessel documented under chapter 121 of title 46, United States Code, possessing a coastwise endorsement under that chapter, and engaged in coastwise trade, to comply with regulations for vessels engaged in an international voyage. (b) Briefing.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall provide to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a briefing on the findings of the review required under subsection (a) and a discussion of how existing laws and regulations could be amended to ensure the safety of vessels described in subsection (a) while infringing as little as possible on commerce. SEC. 402. UNMANNED MARITIME SYSTEMS AND SATELLITE VESSEL TRACKING TECHNOLOGIES. (a) Assessment.-- (1) In general.--The Commandant of the Coast Guard, acting through the Blue Technology Center of Expertise, shall regularly assess available unmanned maritime systems and satellite vessel tracking technologies for potential use to support missions of the Coast Guard. (2) Consultation.--The Commandant shall make the assessment required under paragraph (1) after consultation with the Department of Defense, other Federal agencies, the academic sector, and developers and manufacturers of unmanned maritime systems and satellite vessel tracking technologies. (b) Report.-- (1) In general.--Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and biennially 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 actual and potential effects of the use of then-existing unmanned maritime systems and satellite vessel tracking technologies on the mission effectiveness of the Coast Guard. (2) Contents.--Each report submitted under paragraph (1) shall include the following: (A) An inventory of current unmanned maritime systems used by the Coast Guard, an overview of such usage, and a discussion of the mission effectiveness of such systems, including any benefits realized or risks or negative aspects of such usage. (B) An inventory of satellite vessel tracking technologies, and a discussion of the potential mission effectiveness of such technologies, including any benefits or risks or negative aspects of such usage. (C) A prioritized list of Coast Guard mission requirements that could be met with additional unmanned maritime systems, or with satellite vessel tracking technologies, and the estimated costs of accessing, acquiring, or operating such systems. (c) Definitions.--In this section: (1) Unmanned maritime systems.-- (A) In general.--The term ``unmanned maritime systems'' means remotely operated or autonomous vehicles produced by the commercial sector designed to travel in the air, on or under the ocean surface, on land, or any combination thereof, and that function without an on-board human presence. (B) Examples.--Such term includes the following: (i) Unmanned undersea vehicles. (ii) Unmanned surface vehicles. (iii) Unmanned aerial vehicles. (iv) Autonomous underwater vehicles. (v) Autonomous surface vehicles. (vi) Autonomous aerial vehicles. (2) Available unmanned maritime systems.--The term ``available unmanned maritime systems'' includes systems that can be purchased commercially or are in use by the Department of Defense or other Federal agencies. (3) Satellite vessel tracking technologies.--The term ``satellite vessel tracking technologies'' means shipboard broadcast systems that use satellites and terrestrial receivers to continually track vessels. SEC. 403. EXPEDITED TRANSFER IN CASES OF SEXUAL ASSAULT; DEPENDENTS OF MEMBERS OF THE COAST GUARD. Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall establish a policy to allow the transfer of a member of the Coast Guard whose dependent is the victim of sexual assault perpetrated by a member of the Armed Forces who is not related to the victim. SEC. 404. TOWING VESSELS; OPERATION OUTSIDE THE BOUNDARY LINE. (a) Interim Exemption.--A towing vessel to which this section applies is exempt from any additional requirements of subtitle II of title 46, United States Code, and chapter I of title 33 and chapter I of title 46, Code of Federal Regulations, that would result solely from such vessel operating outside the Boundary Line (as such term is defined in section 103 of title 46, United States Code) if such vessel-- (1) is listed as a response vessel on a vessel response plan and is operating outside the Boundary Line solely to perform duties of a response vessel; or (2) is operating outside the Boundary Line solely to perform operations necessary to escort a vessel with limited maneuverability. (b) Applicability.--This section applies to a towing vessel-- (1) that is subject to inspection under chapter 33 of title 46, United States Code, and subchapter M of title 46, Code of Federal Regulations; (2) with only ``Lakes, Bays, and Sounds'' or ``Rivers'' routes recorded on such vessel's certificate of inspection under section 136.230 of title 46, Code of Federal Regulations; and (3)(A) that, with respect to a vessel that is described in subsection (a)(1), is listed-- (i) on a vessel response plan under part 155 of title 33, Code of Federal Regulations, on the date of approval of the vessel response plan; or (ii) by name or reference in the vessel response plan's geographic-specific appendix on the date of approval of the vessel response plan; or (B) that, with respect to a vessel described in subsection (a)(2), is regularly engaged in harbor assist operations, including the docking, undocking, mooring, unmooring, and escorting of vessels with limited maneuverability. (c) Limitations.--A vessel exempted under subsection (a) is subject to the following operating limitations: (1) Response vessels.--The voyage of a vessel exempted under subsection (a)(1) shall-- (A) be less than 12 hours, or in the case of a voyage in the territorial waters of Alaska, Guam, Hawaii, and American Samoa, have sufficient manning as determined by the Secretary; and (B) originate and end in the inspection zone of a single Officer In-Charge, Marine Inspection, as defined in section 3305(d)(4) of title 46, United States Code. (2) Escort vessels.--The voyage of a vessel exempted under subsection (a)(2) shall-- (A) be less than 12 hours in total duration; (B) originate and end in the inspection zone of a single Officer In-Charge, Marine Inspection, as such term is defined in section 3305(d)(4) of title 46, United States Code; and (C) occur no further than 10 nautical miles from the Boundary Line. (d) Termination.--The interim exemption provided under subsection (a) shall terminate on July 22, 2023. (e) Restriction.--The Officer In-Charge, Marine Inspection, as defined in section 3305(d)(4) of title 46, United States Code, for an inspection zone may restrict operations under the exemptions provided under subsection (a) for safety purposes. [[Page H7273]] (f) Briefing.--Not later than July 22, 2022, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall brief the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate regarding the following: (1) The impacts of the interim exemptions provided under this section. (2) Any safety concerns regarding the expiration of such interim exemptions. (3) Whether such interim exemptions should be extended or made permanent in the interests of safety. SEC. 405. COAST GUARD AUTHORITIES STUDY. (a) In General.--The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall seek to enter into an arrangement with the National Academy of Sciences not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act under which the Academy shall prepare an assessment of Coast Guard authorities. (b) Assessment.--The assessment under subsection (a) shall provide-- (1) an examination of emerging issues that may require Coast Guard oversight, regulation, or action; (2) a description of potential limitations and shortcomings of relying on current Coast Guard authorities to address emerging issues; and (3) an overview of adjustments and additions that could be made to existing Coast Guard authorities to fully address emerging issues. (c) Report to the Congress.--Not later than 1 year after entering into an arrangement with the Secretary under subsection (a), the National Academy of Sciences shall submit the assessment under this section to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate. (d) Emerging Issues.--In this section, the term ``emerging issues'' means changes in the maritime industry and environment that in the determination of the National Academy of Sciences are reasonably likely to occur within 10 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, including-- (1) the introduction of new technologies in the maritime domain; (2) the advent of new processes or operational activities in the maritime domain; and (3) changes in the use of navigable waterways. SEC. 406. CLOUD COMPUTING STRATEGY. Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commandant of the Coast Guard 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 description of the Coast Guard's strategy to implement cloud computing for the entire Coast Guard, including-- (1) the goals and acquisition strategies for all proposed enterprise-wide cloud computing service procurements; (2) a strategy to sustain competition and innovation throughout the period of performance of each contract for procurement of cloud-computing goods and services for the Coast Guard, including defining opportunities for multiple cloud-service providers and insertion of new technologies; (3) an assessment of potential threats and security vulnerabilities of the strategy, and plans to mitigate such risks; and (4) an estimate of the cost and timeline to implement cloud computing service for all Coast Guard computing. SEC. 407. REPORT ON EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON COAST GUARD. (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commandant of the Coast Guard 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 vulnerabilities of Coast Guard installations and requirements resulting from climate change over the next 20 years. (b) Elements.--The report under subsection (a) shall include the following: (1) A list of the 10 most vulnerable Coast Guard installations based on the effects of climate change, including rising sea tides, increased flooding, drought, desertification, wildfires, thawing permafrost, or any other categories the Commandant determines necessary. (2) An overview of-- (A) mitigations that may be necessary to ensure the continued operational viability and to increase the resiliency of the identified vulnerable installations; and (B) the cost of such mitigations. (3) A discussion of the climate-change-related effects on the Coast Guard, including-- (A) the increase in the frequency of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions; and (B) campaign plans, contingency plans, and operational posture of the Coast Guard. (4) An overview of mitigations that may be necessary to ensure mission resiliency and the cost of such mitigations. (c) Form.--The report required under subsection (a) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may contain a classified annex. SEC. 408. SHORE INFRASTRUCTURE. (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall-- (1) develop a plan to standardize Coast Guard facility condition assessments; (2) establish shore infrastructure performance goals, measures, and baselines to track the effectiveness of maintenance and repair investments and provide feedback on progress made; (3) develop a process to routinely align the Coast Guard shore infrastructure portfolio with mission needs, including disposing of unneeded assets; (4) establish guidance for planning boards to document inputs, deliberations, and project prioritization decisions for infrastructure maintenance projects; (5) employ models for Coast Guard infrastructure asset lines for-- (A) predicting the outcome of investments in shore infrastructure; (B) analyzing tradeoffs; and (C) optimizing decisions among competing investments; (6) include supporting details about competing project alternatives and report tradeoffs in congressional budget requests and related reports; and (7) explore the development of real property management expertise within the Coast Guard workforce, including members of the Senior Executive Service. (b) Briefing.--Not later than December 31, 2020, the Commandant of the Coast Guard 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 status of the actions required under subsection (a). SEC. 409. PHYSICAL ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEM REPORT. Not later 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act and annually for each of the 4 years thereafter, the Commandant of the Coast Guard 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 regarding the status of the Coast Guard's compliance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Federal Information Processing Standard 201 (FIPS-201), including-- (1) the status of Coast Guard efforts to field a comprehensive Physical Access Control System at Coast Guard installations and locations necessary to bring the Service into compliance with HSPD-12 and FIPS-201B; (2) the status of the selection of a technological solution; (3) the estimated phases and timeframe to complete the implementation of such a system; and (4) the estimated cost for each phase of the project. SEC. 410. COASTWISE ENDORSEMENTS. (a) ``Safari Voyager''.-- (1) In general.--Notwithstanding sections 12112 and 12132 of title 46, United States Code, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall issue a certificate of documentation with a coastwise endorsement for the vessel Safari Voyager (International Maritime Organization number 8963753). (2) Revocation of effectiveness of certificate.--A certificate of documentation issued under paragraph (1) is revoked on the date of the sale of the vessel or the entity that owns the vessel. (b) ``Pacific Provider''.-- (1) In general.--Notwithstanding sections 12112 and 12132 of title 46, United States Code, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating may issue a certificate of documentation with a coastwise endorsement for the vessel Pacific Provider (United States official number 597967). (2) Revocation of effectiveness of certificate.--A certificate of documentation issued under paragraph (1) is revoked on the date of the sale of the vessel or the entity that owns the vessel. (c) Documentation of LNG Tankers.--Section 7(b)(3) of the America's Cup Act of 2011 (Public Law 112-61) is amended by-- (1) striking ``The coastwise endorsement issued'' and inserting ``No coastwise endorsement shall be issued''; and (2) striking ``shall expire on'' and inserting ``after''. (d) Replacement Vessel.--Notwithstanding section 208(g)(5) of the American Fisheries Act (Public Law 105-277; 16 U.S.C. 1851 note), a vessel eligible under section 208(e)(21) of such Act that is replaced under section 208(g) of such Act shall be subject to a sideboard restriction catch limit of zero metric tons in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands and in the Gulf of Alaska unless that vessel is also a replacement vessel under section 679.4(o)(4) of title 50, Code of Federal Regulations, in which case such vessel shall not be eligible to be a catcher/processor under section 206(b)(2) of such Act. SEC. 411. POLAR SECURITY CUTTER ACQUISITION REPORT. Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall submit a report to the Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure and Armed Services of the House of Representatives, and the Committees on Commerce, Science and Transportation and Armed Services of the Senate on-- (1) the extent to which specifications, key drawings, and detail design for the Polar Security Cutter are complete before the start of construction; [[Page H7274]] (2) the extent to which Polar Security Cutter hulls numbers one, two, and three are science ready; and (3) what actions will be taken to ensure that Polar Security Cutter hull number four is science capable, as described in the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine's Committee on Polar Icebreaker Cost Assessment letter report entitled ``Acquisition and Operation of Polar Icebreakers: Fulfilling the Nation's Needs'' and dated July 11, 2017. SEC. 412. SENSE OF THE CONGRESS ON THE NEED FOR A NEW GREAT LAKES ICEBREAKER. (a) Findings.--The Congress finds the following: (1) The Great Lakes shipping industry is crucial to the American economy, including the U.S. manufacturing base, providing important economic and national security benefits. (2) A recent study found that the Great Lakes shipping industry supports 237,000 jobs and tens of billions of dollars in economic activity. (3) United States Coast Guard icebreaking capacity is crucial to full utilization of the Great Lakes shipping system, as during the winter icebreaking season up to 15 percent of annual cargo loads are delivered and many industries would have to reduce their production if Coast Guard icebreaking services were not provided. (4) Six of the Coast Guard's nine icebreaking cutters in the Great Lakes are more than 30 years old and are frequently inoperable during the winter icebreaking season, including those that have completed a recent service life extension program. (5) During the previous 10 winters, Coast Guard Great Lakes icebreaking cutters have been inoperable for an average of 65 cutter-days during the winter icebreaking season, with this annual lost capability exceeding 100 cutter-days, with a high of 246 cutter-days during the winter of 2017-2018. (6) The 2019 ice season provides further proof that current Coast Guard icebreaking capacity is inadequate for the needs of the Great Lakes shipping industry, as only six of the nine icebreaking cutters are operational and millions of tons of cargo was not loaded or was delayed due to inadequate Coast Guard icebreaking assets during a historically average winter for Great Lakes ice coverage. (7) The Congress has authorized the Coast Guard to acquire a new Great Lakes icebreaker as capable as Coast Guard Cutter MACKINAW (WLBB-30), the most capable Great Lakes icebreaker, and $10 million has been appropriated to fund the design and initial acquisition work for this icebreaker. (8) The Coast Guard has not initiated a new acquisition program for this Great Lakes icebreaker. (b) Sense of the Congress.--It is the sense of the Congress of the United States that a new Coast Guard icebreaker as capable as Coast Guard Cutter MACKINAW (WLBB-30) is needed on the Great Lakes and the Coast Guard should acquire this icebreaker as soon as possible. SEC. 413. CARGO PREFERENCE STUDY. (a) In General.--The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct an audit regarding the enforcement of the United States Cargo Preference Laws set forth in sections 55302, 55303, 55304, and 55305 of title 46, United States Code, and section 2631 of title 10, United States Code (hereinafter in this section referred to as the ``United States Cargo Preference Laws''). (b) Scope.--The audit conducted under subsection (a) shall include, for the period from October 14, 2008, until the date of the enactment of this Act-- (1) a listing of the agencies and organizations required to comply with the United States Cargo Preference Laws; (2) an analysis of the compliance or noncompliance of such agencies and organizations with such laws, including-- (A) the total amount of oceangoing cargo that each such agency, organization, or contractor procured for its own account or for which financing was in any way provided with Federal funds, including loan guarantees; (B) the percentage of such cargo shipped on privately owned commercial vessels of the United States; (C) an assessment of internal programs and controls used by each such agency or organization to monitor and ensure compliance with the United States Cargo Preference Laws, to include education, training, and supervision of its contracting personnel, and the procedures and controls used to monitor compliance with cargo preference requirements by contractors and subcontractors; and (D) instances in which cargoes are shipped on foreign-flag vessels under non-availability determinations but not counted as such for purposes of calculating cargo preference compliance; and (3) an overview of enforcement activities undertaken by the Maritime Administration from October 14, 2008, until the date of the enactment of this Act, including a listing of all bills of lading collected by the Maritime Administration during that period. (c) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General 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 results of the audit and providing recommendations related to such results, to include-- (1) actions that should be taken by agencies and organizations to fully comply with the United States Cargo Preference Laws; and (2) Other measures that may compel agencies and organizations, and their contractors and subcontractors, to use United States flag vessels in the international transportation of ocean cargoes as mandated by the United States Cargo Preference Laws. SEC. 414. INSIDER THREAT PROGRAM. Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commandant of the Coast Guard 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 a plan to expand the Coast Guard Insider Threat program to include the monitoring of all Coast Guard devices, including mobile devices. SEC. 415. FISHING SAFETY GRANTS. The cap on the Federal share of the cost of any activity carried out with a grant under subsections (i) and (j) of section 4502 of title 46, United States Code, as in effect prior to the date of enactment of the Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018, shall apply to any funds appropriated under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2017 (Public Law 115-31) for the purpose of making such grants. SEC. 416. PLANS FOR DEMONSTRATION PROGRAMS. (a) In General.--The Commandant of the Coast Guard shall develop plans for demonstration programs that will assess the feasibility of using unmanned maritime systems for surveillance of marine protected areas, the transit zone, and the Arctic to-- (1) gather regular maritime domain awareness of marine protected areas, the transit zone, and the Arctic; and (2) ensure sufficient response to illegal activities in marine protected areas, the transit zone, and the Arctic. (b) Collaboration With Local Authorities.--The Commandant of the Coast Guard shall collaborate with local, State, and Tribal authorities and international partners for surveillance permissions over their waters in conducting any demonstration program under subsection (a). (c) Requirements.--The plans required under subsection (a) shall include-- (1) discussion of the feasibility, safety, and cost effectiveness of using unmanned maritime systems for the purposes of enhancing maritime domain awareness in marine protected areas, the transit zone, and the Arctic; (2) coordination and communication plans to facilitate coordination with other relevant Federal, State, Tribal, and local agencies, and international partners; (3) consideration of the potential impacts of such a demonstration program on the Coast Guard's existing unmanned vehicle programs; (4) an overview of areas that could be surveilled under such program; (5) a timeline and technical milestones for the implementation of such a program; (6) resource requirements to implement and sustain such a program; and (7) the operational benefits of such a program. (d) Consultation With Stakeholders.--The Commandant of the Coast Guard shall consult with relevant stakeholders including the Department of Defense, other agencies, the academic sector, and developers and manufacturers of unmanned maritime systems on the appropriate technologies for successful implementation of any demonstration program under subsection (a). (e) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, 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 plans required under subsection (a). (f) Definitions.--In this section: (1) Arctic.--The term ``Arctic'' has the meaning given that term in section 112 of the Arctic Research and Policy Act of 1984 (15 U.S.C. 4111). (2) Marine protected area.--The term ``marine protected area'' means any discrete area of the marine environment under a Federal statute. (3) Transit zone.--The term ``transit zone'' has the meaning given that term in section 1092(a)(8) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (6 U.S.C. 223(a)(8)). (4) Unmanned maritime systems.--The term ``unmanned maritime systems'' has the meaning given such term in section 402(c)(1). SEC. 417. WATERS DEEMED NOT NAVIGABLE WATERS OF THE UNITED STATES FOR CERTAIN PURPOSES. The Coalbank Slough in Coos Bay, Oregon, is deemed to not be navigable waters of the United States for all purposes of subchapter J of Chapter I of title 33, Code of Federal Regulations. SEC. 418. COAST GUARD HOUSING; STATUS AND AUTHORITIES BRIEFING. Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commandant of the Coast Guard 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 Coast Guard housing, including-- [[Page H7275]] (1) a description of the material condition of Coast Guard housing facilities; (2) the amount of current Coast Guard housing construction and deferred maintenance backlogs; (3) an overview of the manner in which the Coast Guard manages and maintains housing facilities; (4) a discussion of whether reauthorizing housing authorities for the Coast Guard similar to those provided in section 208 of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-324); and (5) recommendations regarding how the Congress could adjust those authorities to prevent mismanagement of Coast Guard housing facilities. SEC. 419. CONVEYANCE OF COAST GUARD PROPERTY AT POINT SPENCER, ALASKA. (1) Section 533 of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2016 (Public Law 114-120) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(f) Remedial Actions.--For purposes of the transfers under this section, the remedial actions required under section 120(h) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9620(h)) may be completed by the United States Coast Guard after the date of such transfer and a deed entered into for such transfer shall include a clause granting the United States Coast Guard access to the property in any case in which remedial action or corrective action is found to be necessary after the date of such transfer.''. (2) Section 534(a) of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2016 (Public Law 114-120) is amended by-- (A) striking ``Nothing'' and inserting ``After the date on which the Secretary of the Interior conveys land under section 533 of this Act, nothing''; and (B) by inserting ``, with respect to contaminants on such land prior to the date on which the land is conveyed'' before the period. SEC. 420. PROHIBITION. (a) In General.--The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall not establish anchorage grounds on the Hudson River between Yonkers, New York, and Kingston, 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, in addition to any anchorage grounds in effect in such area on the date of the enactment of this Act. (b) Restriction.--The Commandant may not establish or expand any anchorage grounds outside of the reach on the Hudson River described in subsection (a) without first providing notice to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate not later than 180 days prior to the establishment or expansion of any such anchorage grounds. (c) Savings Clause.--Nothing in this section-- (1) prevents the master or pilot of a vessel operating on the reach of the Hudson River described in subsection (a) from taking emergency actions necessary to maintain the safety of the vessel or to prevent the loss of life or property; or (2) shall be construed as limiting the authority of the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to exercise authority over the movement of a vessel under section 70002 of title 46, United States Code, or any other applicable laws or regulations governing the safe navigation of a vessel. (d) Study.--The Commandant of the Coast Guard, in consultation with the Hudson River Safety, Navigation, and Operations Committee, shall conduct a study of the Hudson River north of Tarrytown, New York to examine-- (1) the nature of vessel traffic including vessel types, sizes, cargoes, and frequency of transits; (2) the risks and benefits of historic practices for commercial vessels anchoring; and (3) the risks and benefits of establishing anchorage grounds on the Hudson River. (e) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commandant of the Coast Guard 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 (b). SEC. 421. CERTIFICATE EXTENSIONS. (a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter 121 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``Sec. 12108. Authority to extend the duration of vessel certificates ``(a) Certificates.--Provided a vessel is in compliance with inspection requirements in section 3313, the Secretary of the Department in which in the Coast Guard is operating may, if he makes the determination described in subsection (b), extend for a period of not more than one year an expiring--- ``(1) certificate of documentation issued for a vessel under chapter 121; or ``(2) certificate of financial responsibility required for a vessel by section 1016(a) of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (33 U.S.C. 2716(a)) or Section 108 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9608). ``(b) Determination.--The determination referred to in subsection (a) is a determination that such extension is required to enable the Coast Guard to-- ``(1) eliminate a backlog in processing applications for such certificates; or ``(2) act in response to a national emergency or natural disaster. ``(c) Manner of Extension.--Any extension granted under this section may be granted to individual vessels or to a specifically identified group of vessels.''. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for such subchapter is amended by adding at the end the following: ``12108. Authority to extend the duration of vessel certificates.''. SEC. 422. HOMELAND SECURITY ROTATIONAL CYBERSECURITY RESEARCH PROGRAM AT THE COAST GUARD ACADEMY. (a) In General.--Subtitle E of title VIII of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 411 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``SEC. 846. ROTATIONAL CYBERSECURITY RESEARCH PROGRAM. ``To enhance the Department's cybersecurity capacity, the Secretary may establish a rotational research, development, and training program for-- ``(1) detail to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (including the national cybersecurity and communications integration center authorized by section 2209) of Coast Guard Academy graduates and faculty; and ``(2) detail to the Coast Guard Academy, as faculty, of individuals with expertise and experience in cybersecurity who are employed by-- ``(A) the Agency (including the center); ``(B) the Directorate of Science and Technology; or ``(C) institutions that have been designated by the Department as a Center of Excellence for Cyber Defense, or the equivalent.''. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents in section 1(b) of such Act is amended by adding at the end of the items relating to such subtitle the following: ``Sec. 846. Rotational cybersecurity research program.''. SEC. 423. TOWING VESSEL INSPECTION FEES. Notwithstanding section 9701 of title 31, United States Code, and section 2110 of title 46, United States Code, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating may not charge an inspection fee for towing vessels required to have a Certificate of Inspection under subchapter M of title 46, Code of Federal Regulations, until-- (1) the completion of the review required under section 815 of the Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-282); and (2) the promulgation of regulations to establish specific inspection fees for such vessels. SEC. 424. SUBROGATED CLAIMS. (a) In General.--Section 1012(b) of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (33 U.S.C. 2712(b)) is amended-- (1) by striking ``The'' and inserting the following: ``(1) In general.--The''; and (2) by adding at the end the following: ``(2) Subrogated rights.--Except for a guarantor claim pursuant to a defense under section 1016(f)(1), Fund compensation of any claim by an insurer or other indemnifier of a responsible party or injured third party is subject to the subrogated rights of that responsible party or injured third party to such compensation.''. (b) Effective Date.--This section and the amendments made by this section shall take effect 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act. SEC. 425. LOAN PROVISIONS UNDER OIL POLLUTION ACT OF 1990. (a) In General.--Section 1013 of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (33 U.S.C. 2713) is amended by striking subsection (f). (b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 1012(a) of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (33 U.S.C. 2712(a)) is amended-- (1) in paragraph (4), by adding ``and'' after the semicolon at the end; (2) in paragraph (5)(D), by striking ``; and'' and inserting a period; and (3) by striking paragraph (6). SEC. 426. LIABILITY LIMITS. Section 1004(d)(2) of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (33 U.S.C. 2704(d)(2)) is amended to read as follows: ``(2) Deepwater ports and associated vessels.-- ``(A) In general.--If the Secretary determines that the design and operation of a deepwater port results in a lower risk of oil pollution than the design and operation of such deepwater ports as existed on the date of the enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2019, the Secretary may initiate a rulemaking proceeding to lower the limitation of liability under subsection (a)(4) for such deepwater port and each other deepwater port which achieves such lower risk level through such port's design and operation. ``(B) Risk determination.--In determining the risk of oil pollution, the Secretary shall take into account, as applicable-- ``(i) the size of the deepwater ports and associated vessels; ``(ii) oil storage capacity of the deepwater ports and associated vessels; ``(iii) oil handling capacity of the deepwater ports and associated vessels; ``(iv) oil throughput; ``(v) proximity to sensitive areas; ``(vi) type of oil handled; ``(vii) history of oil discharges; and [[Page H7276]] ``(viii) such other factors relevant to the oil pollution risks posed by the class or category of deepwater port and associated vessels as the Secretary determines appropriate. ``(C) Limit of liability; transportation of oil.--For deepwater ports used in connection with the transportation of oil, the Secretary may establish a limitation of liability under subparagraph (A) of not more than $350,000,000 and not less than $50,000,000. ``(D) Limit of liability; transportation of natural gas.-- For deepwater ports used in connection with the transportation of natural gas, the Secretary may establish a limitation of liability under subparagraph (A) of not more than $350,000,000 and not less than $1,000,000.''. SEC. 427. REPORT ON DRUG INTERDICTION IN THE CARIBBEAN BASIN. (a) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant of the Coast Guard 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 drug interdiction in the Caribbean basin. (b) Content.--Such report shall include-- (1) a statement of the Coast Guard mission requirements for drug interdiction in the Caribbean basin; (2) the number of maritime surveillance hours and Coast Guard assets used in each of fiscal years 2017 through 2019 to counter the illicit trafficking of drugs and other related threats throughout the Caribbean basin; and (3) a determination of whether such hours and assets satisfied the Coast Guard mission requirements for drug interdiction in the Caribbean basin. SEC. 428. VOTING REQUIREMENT. Section 305(i)(1)(G)(iv) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1855(i)(1)(G)(iv)) is amended to read as follows: ``(iv) Voting requirement.--The panel may act only by the affirmative vote of at least five of its members.''. SEC. 429. TRANSPORTATION WORK IDENTIFICATION CARD PILOT PROGRAM. Section 70105(g) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking ``shall concurrently'' and all that follows and inserting the following: ``shall-- ``(1) develop and, no later than one year after the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2019, implement a joint application for merchant mariner's documents under chapter 73 of title 46, United States Code, and for a transportation security card issued under this section; and ``(2) upon receipt of a joint application developed under paragraph (1) concurrently process an application from an individual for merchant mariner's documents under chapter 73 of title 46, United States Code, and an application from such individual for a transportation security card under this section.''. SEC. 430. PLAN FOR WING-IN-GROUND DEMONSTRATION PLAN. (a) In General.--(1) The Commandant of the Coast Guard, in coordination with the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration with regard to any regulatory or safety matter regarding airspace, air space authorization, or aviation, shall develop plans for a demonstration program that will determine whether wing-in-ground craft, as that term is defined in section 2101 of title 46, United States Code, that is capable of carrying at least one individual, can-- (A) provide transportation in areas in which energy exploration, development or production activity takes place on the Outer Continental Shelf; and (B) under the craft's own power, safely reach helidecks or platforms located on offshore energy facilities. (2) Requirements.--The plans required under paragraph (1) shall-- (A) examine and explain any safety issues with regard to the operation of the such craft as a vessel, or as an aircraft, or both; (B) include a timeline and technical milestones for the implementation of such a demonstration program; (C) outline resource requirements needed to undertake such a demonstration program; (D) describe specific operational circumstances under which the craft may be used, including distance from United States land, altitude, number of individuals, amount of cargo, and speed and weight of vessel; (E) describe the operations under which Federal Aviation Administration statutes, regulations, circulars, or orders apply; and (F) describe the certifications, permits, or authorizations required to perform any operations. (b) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commandant, along with the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration with regard to any regulatory or safety matter regarding airspace, air space authorization, or aviation, 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 plan developed under subsection (a), including-- (1) any regulatory changes needed regarding inspections and manning, to allow such craft to operate between onshore facilities and offshore energy facilities when such craft is operating as a vessel; (2) any regulatory changes that would be necessary to address potential impacts to air traffic control, the National Airspace System, and other aircraft operations, and to ensure safe operations on or near helidecks and platforms located on offshore energy facilities when such craft are operating as aircraft; and (3) any other statutory or regulatory changes related to authority of the Federal Aviation Administration over operations of the craft. TITLE V--REORGANIZATION SEC. 501. UNINSPECTED COMMERCIAL FISHING INDUSTRY VESSELS. (a) In General.--Subtitle II of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking chapter 45 and inserting the following: ``CHAPTER 45--UNINSPECTED COMMERCIAL INDUSTRY VESSELS ``Sec. ``4501. Application. ``4502. Definitions. ``4503. Safety standards. ``4504. Vessel construction. ``4505. Operating stability. ``4506. Training. ``4507. Vessel certification. ``4508. Alternate safety compliance program. ``4509. Substitute safety compliance program. ``4510. Enhanced substitute safety compliance program. ``4511. Prohibited acts. ``4512. Termination of unsafe operations. ``4513. Penalties. ``4514. Compliance; Secretary actions. ``4515. Exemptions. ``4516. Regulations; considerations and limitations. ``4517. Fishing safety grants. ``Sec. 4501. Application ``(a) In General.--Except as provided in subsection (b), this chapter applies to an uninspected vessel that is a fishing vessel, fish processing vessel, or fish tender vessel. ``(b) Carriage of Bulk Dangerous Cargoes.--This chapter does not apply to the carriage of bulk dangerous cargoes regulated under chapter 37. ``Sec. 4502. Definitions ``In this chapter: ``(1) The term `accountable vessel' means a vessel to which this chapter applies that-- ``(A)(i) was built after December 31, 1988, or undergoes a major conversion completed after that date; and ``(ii) operates with more than 16 individuals on board; or ``(B) in the case of a fish tender vessel, engages in the Aleutian trade. ``(2) The term `auxiliary craft' means a vessel that is carried onboard a fishing vessel and is normally used to support fishing operations. ``(3)(A) The term `built' means, with respect to a vessel, that the vessel's construction has reached any of the following stages: ``(i) The vessel's keel is laid. ``(ii) Construction identifiable with the vessel has begun and assembly of that vessel has commenced comprising of at least 50 metric tons or one percent of the estimated mass of all structural material, whichever is less. ``(B) In the case of a vessel greater than 79 feet in overall length, for purposes of subparagraph (A)(i), a keel is deemed to be laid when a marine surveyor affirms that a structure adequate for serving as a keel for such vessel is in place and identified for use in the construction of such vessel. ``(4) The term `subject vessel' means a vessel to which this chapter applies that-- ``(A) operates beyond 3 nautical miles from the baseline from which the territorial sea of the United States is measured or beyond 3 nautical miles from the coastline of the Great Lakes; ``(B) operates with more than 16 individuals on board; or ``(C) in the case of a fish tender vessel, engages in the Aleutian trade. ``(5) The term `substitute-eligible vessel' means a fishing vessel or fish tender vessel that is-- ``(A) a subject vessel; ``(B) at least 50 feet overall in length, and not more than 180 feet overall in length as listed on the vessel's certificate of documentation or certificate of number; and ``(C) built after February 8, 2016. ``Sec. 4503. Safety standards ``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall prescribe regulations that require that each vessel to which this chapter applies shall be equipped with-- ``(1) readily accessible fire extinguishers capable of promptly and effectively extinguishing a flammable or combustible liquid fuel fire; ``(2) at least one readily accessible life preserver or other lifesaving device for each individual on board; ``(3) an efficient flame arrestor, backfire trap, or other similar device on the carburetors of each inboard engine that uses gasoline as fuel; ``(4) the means to properly and efficiently ventilate enclosed spaces, including engine and fuel tank compartments, so as to remove explosive or flammable gases; ``(5) visual distress signals; ``(6) other equipment required to minimize the risk of injury to the crew during vessel operations, if the Secretary determines that a risk of serious injury exists that can be eliminated or mitigated by that equipment; and ``(7) a placard as required by regulations prescribed under section 10603(b). ``(b) Subject Vessels.--In addition to the requirements of subsection (a), the Secretary shall prescribe regulations requiring that [[Page H7277]] subject vessels install, maintain, and use the following equipment: ``(1) Alerting and locating equipment, including emergency position indicating radio beacons. ``(2)(A) Subject to subparagraph (B), a survival craft that-- ``(i) ensures that no part of an individual is immersed in water; and ``(ii) is sufficient to accommodate all individuals on board. ``(B) Except for a nonapplicable vessel, an auxiliary craft shall satisfy the equipment requirement under paragraph (2)(B) if such craft is-- ``(i) necessary for normal fishing operations; ``(ii) readily accessible during an emergency; and ``(iii) capable, in accordance with the Coast Guard capacity rating, when applicable, of safely holding all individuals on board the vessel to which the craft functions as an auxiliary. ``(3) At least one readily accessible immersion suit for each individual on board the vessel when operating on the waters described in section 3102. ``(4) Marine radio communications equipment sufficient to effectively communicate with a land-based search and rescue facility. ``(5) Navigation equipment, including compasses, nautical charts, and publications. ``(6) First aid equipment and medical supplies sufficient for the size and area of operation of the vessel. ``(7) Ground tackle sufficient for the vessel. ``(c) Accountable Vessels.--In addition to the requirements described in subsections (a) and (b), the Secretary may prescribe regulations establishing minimum safety standards for accountable vessels, including standards relating to-- ``(1) navigation equipment, including radars and fathometers; ``(2) lifesaving equipment, immersion suits, signaling devices, bilge pumps, bilge alarms, life rails, and grab rails; ``(3) fire protection and firefighting equipment, including fire alarms and portable and semiportable fire extinguishing equipment; ``(4) use and installation of insulation material; ``(5) storage methods for flammable or combustible material; and ``(6) fuel, ventilation, and electrical systems. ``Sec. 4504. Vessel construction ``A vessel to which this chapter applies shall be constructed in a manner that provides a level of safety equivalent to the minimum safety standards the Secretary may establish for recreational vessels under section 4302, if the vessel is-- ``(1) a subject vessel; ``(2) less than 50 feet overall in length; and ``(3) built after January 1, 2010. ``Sec. 4505. Operating stability ``(a) Regulations.--The Secretary shall prescribe regulations for the operating stability of a vessel to which this chapter applies-- ``(1) that was built after December 31, 1989; or ``(2) the physical characteristics of which are substantially altered after December 31, 1989, in a manner that affects the vessel's operating stability. ``(b) Evidence of Compliance.--The Secretary may accept, as evidence of compliance with this section, a certification of compliance issued by the person providing insurance for the vessel or by another qualified person approved by the Secretary. ``Sec. 4506. Training ``(a) In General.--The individual in charge of a subject vessel must pass a training program approved by the Secretary that meets the requirements of subsection (b) and hold a valid certificate issued under that program. ``(b) Training Program Requirements.--The training program shall-- ``(1) be based on professional knowledge and skill obtained through sea service and hands-on training, including training in seamanship, stability, collision prevention, navigation, firefighting and prevention, damage control, personal survival, emergency medical care, emergency drills, and weather; ``(2) require an individual to demonstrate ability to communicate in an emergency situation and understand information found in navigation publications; ``(3) recognize and give credit for recent past experience in fishing vessel operation; and ``(4) provide for issuance of a certificate to an individual who has successfully completed the program. ``(c) Regulations.--The Secretary shall prescribe regulations implementing this section. The regulations shall require that an individual who is issued a certificate under subsection (b)(4) must complete refresher training at least once every 5 years as a condition of maintaining the validity of the certificate. ``(d) Electronic Database.--The Secretary shall establish an electronic database listing the names of individuals who have participated in and received a certificate confirming successful completion of a training program approved by the Secretary under this section. ``Sec. 4507. Vessel certification ``(a) In General.--A vessel to which this section applies may not be operated unless the vessel-- ``(1) meets all survey and classification requirements prescribed by the American Bureau of Shipping or another similarly qualified organization approved by the Secretary; and ``(2) has on board a certificate issued by the American Bureau of Shipping or such other organization evidencing compliance with this subsection. ``(b) Application.-- ``(1) Except as provided in section 4509, this section applies to a fish processing vessel to which this chapter applies that-- ``(A) is built after July 27, 1990; or ``(B) undergoes a major conversion completed after that date. ``(2)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), this section applies to a subject vessel that is at least 50 feet overall in length and is built after July 1, 2013. ``(B) This section does not apply to a substitute-eligible vessel if such vessel complies with-- ``(i) the substitute safety compliance program established under section 4509; or ``(ii) the enhanced substitute safety compliance program established by the Secretary under section 4510. ``Sec. 4508. Alternate safety compliance program ``(a) In General.-- ``(1) The Secretary shall establish an alternate safety compliance program developed in coordination with the commercial fishing industry. ``(2) The program established under paragraph (1) may include requirements for-- ``(A) a specific region or fishery (or both); and ``(B) any combination of regions or fisheries (or both). ``(b) Vessels Required To Comply.--Beginning on the date that is 3 years after the date the Secretary prescribes an alternate safety compliance program, the following vessels shall comply with such program: ``(1) A subject vessel that is-- ``(A) at least 50 feet overall in length; ``(B) built before July 1, 2013; and ``(C) 25 years of age or older. ``(2) A fishing vessel, fish processing vessel, or fish tender vessel built before July 1, 2013, that undergoes a major conversion completed after the date the Secretary prescribes an alternate safety compliance program. ``(c) Exempt Vessels.-- ``(1) Notwithstanding subsection (b), vessels owned by a person that owns more than 30 vessels subject to that subsection are not required to comply with alternate safety compliance program requirements until January 1, 2030, if that owner-- ``(A) enters into a compliance agreement with the Secretary that provides for a fixed schedule for all such vessels owned by that person to meet requirements of such paragraph by such date; and ``(B) is meeting such schedule. ``(2) A subject vessel that was classed before July 1, 2012, is exempt from the requirements of this section if such vessel-- ``(A) remains subject to the requirements of a classification society approved by the Secretary; and ``(B) has on board a certificate from that society. ``Sec. 4509. Substitute safety compliance program ``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish a substitute safety compliance program for substitute-eligible vessels that includes the following requirements: ``(1) A substitute-eligible vessel shall be designed by an individual licensed by a State as a naval architect or marine engineer, and the design shall incorporate standards equivalent to those prescribed by a classification society to which the Secretary has delegated authority under section 3316 or another qualified organization approved by the Secretary for purposes of this paragraph. ``(2) Construction of a substitute-eligible vessel shall be overseen and certified as being in accordance with its design by a marine surveyor of an organization accepted by the Secretary. ``(3) A substitute-eligible vessel shall-- ``(A) complete a stability test performed by a qualified individual; ``(B) have written stability and loading instructions from a qualified individual that are provided to the owner or operator; and ``(C) have an assigned loading mark. ``(4) A substitute-eligible vessel shall not be substantially altered without the review and approval of an individual licensed by a State as a naval architect or marine engineer before the beginning of such substantial alteration. ``(5) A substitute-eligible vessel shall undergo a condition survey at least twice in 5 years, with not more than 3 years between surveys, to the satisfaction of a marine surveyor of an organization accepted by the Secretary. ``(6) A substitute-eligible vessel shall undergo an out-of- water survey at least once every 5 years to the satisfaction of a certified marine surveyor of an organization accepted by the Secretary. ``(7) Once every 5 years, and at the time of a substantial alteration to a substitute-eligible vessel, compliance of the vessel with the requirements of paragraph (3) is reviewed and updated as necessary. ``(8) For the life of a substitute-eligible vessel, the owner of the vessel shall maintain records to demonstrate compliance with this subsection and make such records readily available for inspection by an official authorized to enforce this chapter. ``(b) Compliance.--Section 4507 of this title shall not apply to a substitute-eligible vessel [[Page H7278]] that complies with the requirements of the program established under this section. ``(c) Report.--Not later than February 8, 2026, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report that provides an analysis of the adequacy of the substitute safety compliance program requirements established under subsection (a) in maintaining the safety of substitute-eligible fishing vessels and fish tender vessels and that comply with such requirements. ``Sec. 4510. Enhanced substitute safety compliance program ``(a) In General.--If the report required under section 4509(c) includes a determination that the substitute safety compliance program established under section 4509(a) is not adequate or that additional safety measures are necessary, then the Secretary may establish an enhanced substitute safety compliance program for fishing vessels or fish tender vessels (or both) that are substitute-eligible vessels and that comply with the requirements of section 4509. ``(b) Requirements.--The enhanced substitute safety compliance program established under this subsection shall include requirements for-- ``(1) vessel construction; ``(2) a vessel stability test; ``(3) vessel stability and loading instructions; ``(4) an assigned vessel loading mark; ``(5) a vessel condition survey at least twice in 5 years, not more than 3 years apart; ``(6) an out-of-water vessel survey at least once every 5 years; ``(7) maintenance of records to demonstrate compliance with the program, and the availability of such records for inspection; and ``(8) such other aspects of vessel safety as the Secretary considers appropriate. ``(c) Compliance.--Section 4507 shall not apply to a substitute-eligible vessel that complies with the requirements of the program established under this section. ``Sec. 4511. Prohibited acts ``A person may not operate a vessel in violation of this chapter or a regulation prescribed under this chapter. ``Sec. 4512. Termination of unsafe operations ``An official authorized to enforce this chapter-- ``(1) may direct the individual in charge of a vessel to which this chapter applies to immediately take reasonable steps necessary for the safety of individuals on board the vessel if the official observes the vessel being operated in an unsafe condition that the official believes creates an especially hazardous condition, including ordering the individual in charge to return the vessel to a mooring and to remain there until the situation creating the hazard is corrected or ended; and ``(2) may order the individual in charge of an uninspected fish processing vessel that does not have on board the certificate required under section 4507 to return the vessel to a mooring and to remain there until the vessel is in compliance with such section, unless the vessel is required to comply with section 4508. ``Sec. 4513. Penalties ``(a) Civil Penalty.--The owner, charterer, managing operator, agent, master, and individual in charge of a vessel to which this chapter applies that is operated in violation of this chapter or a regulation prescribed under this chapter may each be assessed a civil penalty by the Secretary of not more than $10,260. Any vessel with respect to which a penalty is assessed under this subsection is liable in rem for the penalty. ``(b) Criminal Penalties.--An individual willfully violating this chapter or a regulation prescribed under this chapter shall be fined not more than $5,000, imprisoned for not more than one year, or both. ``Sec. 4514. Compliance; Secretary actions ``To ensure compliance with the requirements of this chapter, the Secretary-- ``(1) shall require the individual in charge of a subject vessel to keep a record of equipment maintenance and required instruction and drills; ``(2) shall examine at dockside a subject vessel at least once every 5 years, but may require an exam at dockside every 2 years for certain subject vessels if requested by the owner or operator; and ``(3) shall issue a certificate of compliance to a vessel meeting the requirements of this chapter and satisfying the requirements of paragraph (2). ``Sec. 4515. Exemptions ``The Secretary may exempt a vessel from any part of this chapter if, under regulations prescribed by the Secretary (including regulations on special operating conditions), the Secretary finds that-- ``(1) good cause exists for granting an exemption; and ``(2) the safety of the vessel and those on board will not be adversely affected. ``Sec. 4516. Regulations; considerations and limitations ``In prescribing a regulation under this chapter, the Secretary-- ``(1) shall consider the specialized nature and economics of the operations and the character, design, and construction of the vessel; and ``(2) may not require the alteration of a vessel or associated equipment that was constructed or manufactured before the effective date of such regulation. ``Sec. 4517. Fishing safety grants ``(a) Safety Training Grants.-- ``(1) Establishment.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall establish a Fishing Safety Training Grant Program to provide funding to municipalities, port authorities, other appropriate public entities, not-for- profit organizations, and other qualified persons that provide commercial fishing safety training. ``(2) Use of funds.--Entities receiving funds under this section may use such funds-- ``(A) to conduct fishing vessel safety training for vessel operators and crewmembers that-- ``(i) in the case of vessel operators, meets the requirements of section 4506; and ``(ii) in the case of crewmembers, meets the requirements of sections 4506(b)(1), 4506(b)(4), 4506(c), and 4506(d), and such requirements of section 4506(b)(2) as are appropriate for crewmembers; and ``(B) for purchase of safety equipment and training aids for use in such fishing vessel safety training programs. ``(3) Award criteria.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with and based on criteria established by the Commandant of the Coast Guard, shall award grants under this subsection on a competitive basis. ``(4) Limitation on federal share of cost.--The Federal share of the cost of any activity carried out with a grant under this subsection shall not exceed 50 percent. ``(5) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2020 and 2021 for grants under this subsection. ``(b) Research Grant Program.-- ``(1) Establishment.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall establish a Fishing Safety Research Grant Program to provide funding to individuals in academia, not- for-profit organizations, businesses involved in fishing and maritime matters, and other persons with expertise in fishing safety, to conduct research on methods of improving the safety of the commercial fishing industry, including vessel design, emergency and survival equipment, enhancement of vessel monitoring systems, communications devices, de-icing technology, and severe weather detection. ``(2) Award criteria.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with and based on criteria established by the Commandant of the Coast Guard, shall award grants under this subsection on a competitive basis. ``(3) Limitation on federal share of cost.--The Federal share of the cost of any activity carried out with a grant under this subsection shall not exceed 50 percent. ``(4) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated $3,000,000 for each fiscal year 2020 and 2021 for activities under this subsection.''. (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 3104(d) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking ``under section 4503(d)'' and inserting ``under section 4502(3)''. (c) Safety Standards.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and without regard to the provisions of chapters 5 and 6 of title 5, United States Code, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall promulgate the regulations required by section 4503(b) of title 46, United States Code, as amended by this section. SEC. 502. TRANSFERS. (a) Transfers of Provisions.-- (1) In general.-- (A) Section 215 of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2004 (Public Law 108-293; 14 U.S.C. 504 note) is redesignated as section 321 of title 14, United States Code, transferred to appear after section 320 of that title, and amended so that the enumerator, section heading, typeface, and typestyle conform to those appearing in other sections in title 14, United States Code. (B) Section 406 of the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (Public Law (107-295; 14 U.S.C. 501 note) is redesignated as section 719 of title 14, United States Code, transferred to appear after section 718 of that title, and amended so that the enumerator, section heading, typeface, and typestyle conform to those appearing in other sections in title 14, United States Code. (C) Section 1110 of title 14, United States Code, is redesignated as section 5110 of that title, and transferred to appear after section 5109 of that title. (D) Elevation of disputes to the chief acquisition officer.-- (i) Section 401 of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-281) is amended by striking subsection (e). (ii) Subchapter I of chapter 11 of title 14, United States Code, as amended by this Act, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``Sec. 1110. Elevation of Disputes to the Chief Acquisition Officer ``If, after 90 days following the elevation to the Chief Acquisition Officer of any design or other dispute regarding level 1 or level 2 acquisition, the dispute remains unresolved, the Commandant shall provide to the appropriate congressional committees a detailed description of the issue and the rationale underlying the decision taken by the Chief Acquisition Officer to resolve the issue.''. [[Page H7279]] (E) Section 217 of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-281; 14 U.S.C. 504 note)-- (i) is redesignated as section 5111 of title 14, United States Code, transferred to appear after section 5110 of that title, and amended so that the enumerator, section heading, typeface, and typestyle conform to those appearing in other sections in title 14, United States Code; and (ii) is amended-- (I) by striking the heading and inserting the following: ``Sec. 5111. Sexual assault and sexual harassment in the Coast Guard''; and (II) in subsection (b), by adding at the end the following: ``(5)(A) The number of instances in which a covered individual was accused of misconduct or crimes considered collateral to the investigation of a sexual assault committed against the individual. ``(B) The number of instances in which adverse action was taken against a covered individual who was accused of collateral misconduct or crimes as described in subparagraph (A). ``(C) The percentage of investigations of sexual assaults that involved an accusation or adverse action against a covered individual as described in subparagraphs (A) and (B). ``(D) In this paragraph, the term `covered individual' means an individual who is identified as a victim of a sexual assault in the case files of a military criminal investigative organization.''. (F) Section 305 of title 46, United States Code, is amended-- (i) by striking ``The Federal'' and inserting ``(a) In General.--The Federal''; and (ii) by inserting after section (a) the following: ``(b) Transparency.-- ``(1) In general.--In conjunction with the transmittal by the President to the Congress of the Budget of the United States for fiscal year 2021 and biennially there-after, the Federal Maritime Commission 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 reports that describe the Commission's progress toward addressing the issues raised in each unfinished regulatory proceeding, regardless of whether the proceeding if subject to a statutory or regulatory deadline. ``(2) Format of reports.--Each report under paragraph (1) shall, among other things, clearly identify for each unfinished regulatory proceeding-- ``(A) the popular title; ``(B) the current stage of the proceeding; ``(C) an abstract of the proceeding; ``(D) what prompted the action in question; ``(E) any applicable statutory, regulatory, or judicial deadline; ``(F) the associated docket number; ``(G) the date the rulemaking was initiated; ``(H) a date for the next action; and ``(I) if a date for the next action identified in the previous report is not met, the reason for the delay.''. (G) Section 7 of the Rivers and Harbors Appropriations Act of 1915 (33 U.S.C. 471) is amended-- (i) by transferring such section to appear after section 70006 of title 46, United States Code; (ii) by striking ``Sec. 7.'' and inserting ``Sec. 70007. Establishment by Secretary of Homeland Security of anchorage grounds and regulations generally''; and (iii) by adjusting the margins with respect to subsections (a) and (b) for the presence of a section heading accordingly. (2) Clerical amendments.-- (A) The analysis for chapter 3 of title 14, United States Code, as amended by this Act, is further amended by adding at the end the following: ``321. Redistricting notification requirement.''. (B) The analysis for chapter 7 of title 14, United States Code, as amended by this Act, is further amended by adding at the end the following: ``719. VHF communication services.''. (C) The analysis for chapter 11 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 1110 and inserting the following: ``1110. Elevation of disputes to the Chief Acquisition Officer.''. (D) The analysis for chapter 51 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``5110. Mission need statement. ``5111. Sexual assault and sexual harassment in the Coast Guard.''. (E) The analysis for chapter 700 of title 46, United States Code, as amended by section 311(b), is further amended by inserting after the item relating to section 70006 the following: ``70007. Establishment by the Secretary of Homeland Security of anchorage grounds and regulations generally.''. (b) Transfers.-- (1) Section 204 of the marine transportation security act.-- (A) The Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 is amended by striking section 204 (33 U.S.C. 1902a). (B) Section 3 of the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (33 U.S.C. 1902)-- (i) is amended by redesignating subsections (e) through (i) as subsections (f) through (j) respectively; and (ii) by inserting after subsection (d) the following: ``(e) Discharge of Agricultural Cargo Residue.-- Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the discharge from a vessel of any agricultural cargo residue material in the form of hold washings shall be governed exclusively by the provisions of the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (33 U.S.C. 1901 et seq.) that implement Annex V to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships.''. (2) LNG tankers.-- (A) The Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2006 is amended by striking section 304 (Public Law 109-241; 120 Stat. 527). (B) Section 5 of the Deepwater Port Act of 1974 (33 U.S.C. 1504) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(j) LNG Tankers.-- ``(1) Program.--The Secretary of Transportation shall develop and implement a program to promote the transportation of liquefied natural gas to and from the United States on United States flag vessels. ``(2) Information to be provided.--When the Coast Guard is operating as a contributing agency in the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's shoreside licensing process for a liquefied natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas terminal located on shore or within State seaward boundaries, the Coast Guard shall provide to the Commission the information described in section 5(c)(2)(K) of the Deepwater Port Act of 1974 (33 U.S.C. 1504(c)(2)(K)) with respect to vessels reasonably anticipated to be servicing that port.''. SEC. 503. REPEALS. (a) License Exemptions; Repeal of Obsolete Provisions.-- (1) Service under licenses issued without examination.-- (A) Repeal.--Section 8303 of title 46, United States Code, and the item relating to that section in the analysis for chapter 83 of that title, are repealed. (B) Conforming amendment.--Section 14305(a)(10) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking ``sections 8303 and 8304'' and inserting ``section 8304''. (2) Standards for tank vessels of the united states.-- Section 9102 of title 46, United States Code, is amended-- (A) by striking ``(a)'' before the first sentence; and (B) by striking subsection (b). (b) Repeal.--Section 343 of the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (Public Law 107-295; 116 Stat. 2106) is repealed. (c) Accident and Incident Notification.--Subsection (c) of section 9 of the Pipeline Safety, Regulatory Certainty, and Job Creation Act of 2011 (Public Law 112-90; 125 Stat 1912)) is repealed and is deemed not to have been enacted. TITLE VI--TECHNICAL, CONFORMING, AND CLARIFYING AMENDMENTS SEC. 601. MARITIME TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM. (a) Maritime Transportation System.--Section 312(b)(4) of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking ``marine transportation system'' and inserting ``maritime transportation system''. (b) Clarification of Reference to Marine Transportation System Programs.--Section 50307(a) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking ``marine transportation'' and inserting ``maritime transportation''. SEC. 602. REFERENCES TO ``PERSONS'' AND ``SEAMEN''. (a) Technical Correction of References to ``Persons''.-- Title 14, United States Code, is amended as follows: (1) In section 312(d), by striking ``persons'' and inserting ``individuals''. (2) In section 313(d)(2)(B), by striking ``person'' and inserting ``individual''. (3) In section 504-- (A) in subsection (a)(19)(B), by striking ``a person'' and inserting ``an individual''; and (B) in subsection (c)(4), by striking ``seamen;'' and inserting ``mariners;''. (4) In section 521, by striking ``persons'' each place it appears and inserting ``individuals''. (5) In section 522-- (A) by striking ``a person'' and inserting ``an individual''; and (B) by striking ``person'' the second and third place it appears and inserting ``individual''. (6) In section 525(a)(1)(C)(ii), by striking ``person'' and inserting ``individual''. (7) In section 526-- (A) by striking ``person'' each place it appears and inserting ``individual''; (B) by striking ``persons'' each place it appears and inserting ``individuals''; and (C) in subsection (b), by striking ``person's'' and inserting ``individual's''. (8) In section 709-- (A) by striking ``persons'' and inserting ``individuals''; and (B) by striking ``person'' and inserting ``individual''. (9) In section 933(b), by striking ``Every person'' and inserting ``An individual''. (10) In section 1102(d), by striking ``persons'' and inserting ``individuals''. (11) In section 1902(b)(3)-- (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``person or persons'' and inserting ``individual or individuals''; and (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``person'' and inserting ``individual''. (12) In section 1941(b), by striking ``persons'' and inserting ``individuals''. (13) In section 2101(b), by striking ``person'' and inserting ``individual''. [[Page H7280]] (14) In section 2102(c), by striking ``A person'' and inserting ``An individual''. (15) In section 2104(b)-- (A) by striking ``persons'' and inserting ``individuals''; and (B) by striking ``A person'' and inserting ``An individual''. (16) In section 2118(d), by striking ``person'' and inserting ``individual who is''. (17) In section 2147(d), by striking ``a person'' and inserting ``an individual''. (18) In section 2150(f), by striking ``person'' and inserting ``individual who is''. (19) In section 2161(b), by striking ``person'' and inserting ``individual''. (20) In section 2317-- (A) by striking ``persons'' and inserting ``individuals''; (B) by striking ``person'' each place it appears and inserting ``individual''; and (C) in subsection (c)(2), by striking ``person's'' and inserting ``individual's''. (21) In section 2531-- (A) by striking ``person'' each place it appears and inserting ``individual''; and (B) by striking ``persons'' each place it appears and inserting ``individuals''. (22) In section 2709, by striking ``persons'' and inserting ``individuals''. (23) In section 2710-- (A) by striking ``persons'' and inserting ``individuals''; and (B) by striking ``person'' each place it appears and inserting ``individual''. (24) In section 2711(b), by striking ``person'' and inserting ``individual''. (25) In section 2732, by striking ``a person'' and inserting ``an individual''. (26) In section 2733-- (A) by striking ``A person'' and inserting ``An individual''; and (B) by striking ``that person'' and inserting ``that individual''. (27) In section 2734, by striking ``person'' each place it appears and inserting ``individual''. (28) In section 2735, by striking ``a person'' and inserting ``an individual''. (29) In section 2736, by striking ``person'' and inserting ``individual''. (30) In section 2737, by striking ``a person'' and inserting ``an individual''. (31) In section 2738, by striking ``person'' and inserting ``individual''. (32) In section 2739, by striking ``person'' and inserting ``individual''. (33) In section 2740-- (A) by striking ``person'' and inserting ``individual''; and (B) by striking ``one'' the second place it appears. (34) In section 2741-- (A) in subsection (a), by striking ``a person'' and inserting ``an individual''; (B) in subsection (b)(1), by striking ``person's'' and inserting ``individual's''; and (C) in subsection (b)(2), by striking ``person'' and inserting ``individual''. (35) In section 2743, by striking ``person'' each place it appears and inserting ``individual''. (36) In section 2744-- (A) in subsection (b), by striking ``a person'' and inserting ``an individual''; and (B) in subsections (a) and (c), by striking ``person'' each place it appears and inserting ``individual''. (37) In section 2745, by striking ``person'' and inserting ``individual''. (38)(A) In section 2761-- (i) in the section heading, by striking ``Persons'' and inserting ``Individuals''; (ii) by striking ``persons'' and inserting ``individuals''; and (iii) by striking ``person'' and inserting ``individual''. (B) In the analysis for chapter 27, by striking the item relating to section 2761 and inserting the following: ``2761. Individuals discharged as result of court-martial; allowances to.''. (39)(A) In the heading for section 2767, by striking ``persons'' and inserting ``individuals''. (B) In the analysis for chapter 27, by striking the item relating to section 2767 and inserting the following: ``2767. Reimbursement for medical-related travel expenses for certain individuals residing on islands in the continental United States.''. (40) In section 2769-- (A) by striking ``a person's'' and inserting ``an individual's''; and (B) in paragraph (1), by striking ``person'' and inserting ``individual''. (41) In section 2772(a)(2), by striking ``person'' and inserting ``individual''. (42) In section 2773-- (A) in subsection (b), by striking ``persons'' each place it appears and inserting ``individuals''; and (B) in subsection (d), by striking ``a person'' and inserting ``an individual''. (43) In section 2775, by striking ``person'' each place it appears and inserting ``individual''. (44) In section 2776, by striking ``person'' and inserting ``individual''. (45)(A) In section 2777-- (i) in the heading, by striking ``persons'' and inserting ``individuals''; and (ii) by striking ``persons'' each place it appears and inserting ``individuals''. (B) In the analysis for chapter 27, by striking the item relating to in section 2777 and inserting the following: ``2777. Clothing for destitute shipwrecked individuals.''. (46) In section 2779, by striking ``persons'' each place it appears and inserting ``individuals''. (47) In section 2902(c), by striking ``person'' and inserting ``individual''. (48) In section 2903(b), by striking ``person'' and inserting ``individual''. (49) In section 2904(b)(1)(B), by striking ``a person'' and inserting ``an individual''. (50) In section 3706-- (A) by striking ``a person'' and inserting ``an individual''; and (B) by striking ``person's'' and inserting ``individual's''. (51) In section 3707-- (A) in subsection (c)-- (i) by striking ``person'' and inserting ``individual''; and (ii) by striking ``person's'' and inserting ``individual's''; and (B) in subsection (e), by striking ``a person'' and inserting ``an individual''. (52) In section 3708, by striking ``person'' each place it appears and inserting ``individual''. (53) In section 3738-- (A) by striking ``a person'' each place it appears and inserting ``an individual''; (B) by striking ``person's'' and inserting ``individual's''; and (C) by striking ``A person'' and inserting ``An individual''. (b) Correction of References to Persons and Seamen.-- (1) Section 2303a(a) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking ``persons'' and inserting ``individuals''. (2) Section 2306(a)(3) of title 46, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: ``(3) An owner, charterer, managing operator, or agent of a vessel of the United States notifying the Coast Guard under paragraph (1) or (2) shall-- ``(A) provide the name and identification number of the vessel, the names of individuals on board, and other information that may be requested by the Coast Guard; and ``(B) submit written confirmation to the Coast Guard within 24 hours after nonwritten notification to the Coast Guard under such paragraphs.''. (3) Section 7303 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking ``seaman'' each place it appears and inserting ``individual''. (4) Section 7319 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking ``seaman'' each place it appears and inserting ``individual''. (5) Section 7501(b) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking ``seaman'' and inserting ``holder''. (6) Section 7508(b) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking ``individual seamen or a specifically identified group of seamen'' and inserting ``an individual or a specifically identified group of individuals''. (7) Section 7510 of title 46, United States Code, is amended-- (A) in subsection (c)(8)(B), by striking ``merchant seamen'' and inserting ``merchant mariner''; and (B) in subsection (d), by striking ``merchant seaman'' and inserting ``merchant mariner''. (8) Section 8103 of title 46, United States Code, is amended-- (A) by striking ``seaman'' each place it appears and inserting ``individual''; (B) by striking ``seamen'' each place it appears and inserting ``individuals''; (C) in the headings for paragraphs (2) and (3) of subsection (k), by striking ``seamen'' each place it appears and inserting ``individuals''; (D) in subsection (k)(3)(A)(iv)(II), by striking ``seaman's'' and inserting ``individual's''; and (E) in subsection (k)(3)(C), by striking ``merchant mariners'' each place it appears and inserting ``merchant mariner's''. (9) Section 8104 of title 46, United States Code, is amended-- (A) in subsection (c), by striking ``a licensed individual or seaman'' and inserting ``an individual''; (B) in subsection (d), by striking ``A licensed individual or seaman'' and inserting ``An individual''; (C) in subsection (e), by striking ``a seaman'' each place it appears and inserting ``an individual''; and (D) in subsection (j), by striking ``seaman'' and inserting ``individual''. (10) Section 8302(d) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking ``3 persons'' and inserting ``3 individuals''. (11) Section 11201 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking ``a person'' each place it appears and inserting ``an individual''. (12) Section 11202 of title 46, United States Code, is amended-- (A) by striking ``a person'' and inserting ``an individual''; and (B) by striking ``the person'' each place it appears and inserting ``the individual''. (13) Section 11203 of title 46, United States Code, is amended-- (A) by striking ``a person'' each place it appears and inserting ``an individual''; and (B) in subsection (a)(2), by striking ``that person'' and inserting ``that individual''. (14) Section 15109(i)(2) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking ``additional persons'' and inserting ``additional individuals''. SEC. 603. COMMON APPROPRIATION STRUCTURE. (a) Amendments To Conform to Common Appropriations Structure.-- (1) Prospective payment of funds necessary to provide medical care.--Section [[Page H7281]] 506 of title 14, United States Code, is amended-- (A) in subsection (a)(1), by inserting ``established under chapter 56 of title 10'' after ``Medicare-Eligible Retiree Health Care Fund''; and (B) in subsection (b)(1), by striking ``operating expenses'' and inserting ``operations and support''. (2) Use of certain appropriated funds.--Section 903 of title 14, United States Code, is amended-- (A) in subsection (a), by striking ``acquisition, construction, and improvement of facilities, for research, development, test, and evaluation;'' and inserting ``procurement, construction, and improvement of facilities and for research and development''; and (B) in subsection (d)(1), by striking ``operating expenses'' and inserting ``operations and support''. (3) Confidential investigative expenses.--Section 944 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking ``necessary expenses for the operation'' and inserting ``operations and support''. (4) Procurement of personnel.--Section 2701 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking ``operating expense'' and inserting ``operations and support''. (5) Coast guard housing fund.--Section 2946(b)(2) of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking ``acquisition'' and inserting ``procurement''. (6) Requirement for prior authorization of appropriations.--Section 4901 of title 14, United States Code, is amended-- (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``maintenance'' and inserting ``support''; (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``acquisition'' and inserting ``procurement''; (C) by striking paragraphs (3), (4), and (6); (D) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (3); and (E) in paragraph (3), as so redesignated, by striking ``research, development, test, and evaluation'' and inserting ``research and development''. (b) Common Appropriation Structure.--Sections 3317(b), 7504, and 80505(b)(3) of title 46, United States Code, are each amended by striking ``operating expenses'' and inserting ``operations and support''. (c) Common Appropriation Structure.-- (1) Oil spill liability trust fund.--Section 1012(a)(5)(A) of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (33 U.S.C. 2712(a)(5)(A)) is amended by striking ``operating expenses'' and inserting ``operations and support''. (2) Historic light station sales.--Section 305106 of title 54, United States Code, is amended-- (A) in subsection (b)(1)(B)(i) by striking ``Operating Expenses'' and inserting ``Operations and Support''; and (B) in subsection (b)(2) by striking ``Operating Expense'' and inserting ``Operations and Support''; (3) Bridge permits.--Section 712(a)(2) of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2012 (Public Law 112-213; 126 Stat. 1582) is amended by striking ``operating expenses'' and inserting ``operations and support''. (4) Contracts.--Section 557(a) of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2013 (Public Law 113- 6; 127 Stat. 377) is amended by striking ``Acquisition'' and inserting ``Procurement''. (5) Child development services.--Section 214(d)(1) of the Howard Coble Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-281; 128 Stat. 3034) is amended by striking ``operating expenses'' and inserting ``operations and support''. SEC. 604. REFERENCES TO ``HIMSELF'' AND ``HIS''. (a) Section 1927 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by-- (1) striking ``of his initial'' and inserting ``of an initial''; and (2) striking ``from his pay'' and inserting ``from the pay of such cadet''. (b) Section 2108(b) of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking ``himself'' and inserting ``such officer''. (c) Section 2732 of title 14, United States Code, as amended by this Act, is further amended-- (1) by striking ``distinguishes himself conspicuously by'' and inserting ``displays conspicuous''; and (2) by striking ``his'' and inserting ``such individual's''. (d) Section 2736 of title 14, United States Code, as amended by this Act, is further amended by striking ``distinguishes himself by'' and inserting ``performs''. (e) Section 2738 of title 14, United States Code, as amended by this Act is further amended by striking ``distinguishes himself by'' and inserting ``displays''. (f) Section 2739 of title 14, United States Code, as amended by this Act, is further amended by striking ``distinguishes himself by'' and inserting ``displays''. (g) Section 2742 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking ``he distinguished himself'' and inserting ``of the acts resulting in the consideration of such award''. (h) Section 2743 of title 14, United States Code, as amended by this Act, is further amended-- (1) by striking ``distinguishes himself''; and (2) by striking ``he'' and inserting ``such individual''. SEC. 605. REFERENCES TO ``MOTORBOATS'' AND ``YACHTS''. (a) Correction of References to Motorboats and Yachts.-- (1) Section 3901(d)(4) of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking ``motor boats, yachts,'' and inserting ``vessels,''. (2) Section 3903(1)(A) of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking ``motorboats, yachts'' and inserting ``vessels,''. (3) Section 3907(a) of title 14, United States Code, is amended-- (A) in the heading, by striking ``Motor Boats, Yachts,'' and inserting ``Vessels,''; and (B) by striking ``motorboat, yacht,'' and inserting ``vessels,''. (4) Section 3908 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking ``motorboat or yacht'' and inserting ``vessel''. (5) Section 3911(a) of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking ``motorboat, yacht,'' each place it appears and inserting ``vessel,''. (6) Section 3912 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking ``motorboat, yacht,'' and inserting ``vessel,''. (7) Section 4101 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking ``motorboats, yachts,'' and inserting ``vessels,''. (8) Section 4102 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking ``motorboat, yacht, or any other vessel,'' and inserting ``or vessel,''. (b) Conforming References to Yachts.--Title 46, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in parts F and G of subtitle II, by striking ``yacht'' each place it appears and inserting ``recreational vessel''; (2) in subtitle III-- (A) in section 30506(a), by striking ``pleasure yachts'' and inserting ``recreational vessels''; and (B) in section 30508(a), by striking ``pleasure yachts'' and inserting ``recreational vessels''; and (3) in section 60504-- (A) by striking ``yachts'' each place it appears and inserting ``recreational vessels''; and (B) by striking ``yacht'' and inserting ``recreational vessel''. (c) Vessels.--Section 352(a)(4) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 352(a)(4)) is amended by striking ``Yachts'' and inserting ``Recreational vessels, as defined in section 2101(46) of title 46, United States Code,''. SEC. 606. MISCELLANEOUS TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS. (a) Miscellaneous Technical Corrections.-- (1) Section 3305(d)(3)(B) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking ``Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2017'' and inserting ``Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018''. (2) Section 4312 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking ``Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2017'' each place it appears and inserting ``Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-282)''. (3) The analysis for chapter 700 of title 46, United States Code, is amended-- (A) by striking the item relating to the heading for the first subchapter and inserting the following: ``subchapter i--vessel operations''; (B) by striking the item relating to the heading for the second subchapter and inserting the following: ``subchapter ii--ports and waterways safety''; (C) by striking the items relating to the heading for the third subchapter and inserting the following: ``subchapter iii--condition for entry into ports in the united states ``70021. Conditions for Entry Into Ports in the United States.''; (D) by striking the item relating to the heading for the fourth subchapter and inserting the following: ``subchapter iv--definitions regulations, enforcement, investigatory powers, applicability''; (E) by striking the item relating to the heading for the fifth subchapter and inserting the following: ``subchapter v--regattas and marine parades''; and (F) by striking the item relating to the heading for the sixth subchapter and inserting the following: ``subchapter vi--regulation of vessels in territorial waters of the united states''. (4) Section 70031 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking ``A through C'' and inserting ``I through III''. (5) Section 70032 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking ``A through C'' and inserting ``I through III''. (6) Section 70033 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking ``A through C'' and inserting ``I through III''. (7) Section 70034 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking ``A through C'' each place it appears and inserting ``I through III''. (8) Section 70035(a) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking ``A through C'' and inserting ``I through III''. (9) Section 70036 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by-- (A) striking ``A through C'' each place it appears and inserting ``I through III''; and (B) striking ``A, B, or C'' each place it appears and inserting ``I, II, or III''. (b) Alteration of Bridges; Technical Changes.--The Act of June 21, 1940 (33 U.S.C. 511 et seq.), popularly known as the Truman-Hobbs Act, is amended by striking section 12 (33 U.S.C. 522). (c) Report of Determination; Technical Correction.--Section 105(f)(2) of the Pribilof [[Page H7282]] Islands Transition Act (16 U.S.C. 1161 note; Public Law 106- 562) is amended by striking ``subsection (a),'' and inserting ``paragraph (1),''. (d) Technical Corrections to Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018.-- (1) Section 408 of the Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-282) and the item relating to such section in section 2 of such Act are repealed, and the provisions of law redesignated, transferred, or otherwise amended by section 408 are amended to read as if such section were not enacted. (2) Section 514(b) of the Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-282) is amended by striking ``Chapter 30'' and inserting ``Chapter 3''. (3) Section 810(d) of the Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-282) is amended by striking ``within 30 days after receiving the notice under subsection (a)(1), the Secretary shall, by not later than 60 days after transmitting such notice,'' and inserting ``in accordance within subsection (a)(2), the Secretary shall''. (4) Section 820(a) of the Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-282) is amended by striking ``years 2018 and'' and inserting ``year''. (5) Section 820(b)(2) of the Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-282) is amended by inserting ``and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (Public Law 115-141)'' after ``(Public Law 115-31)''. (6) Section 821(a)(2) of the Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-282) is amended by striking ``Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2017'' and inserting ``Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018''. (7) This section shall take effect on the date of the enactment of the Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-282) and apply as if included therein. (e) Technical Correction.--Section 533(d)(2)(A) of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2016 (Public Law 114-120) is amended by striking ``Tract 6'' and inserting ``such Tract''. (f) Distant Water Tuna Fleet; Technical Corrections.-- Section 421 of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-241) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a)-- (A) by striking ``Notwithstanding'' and inserting the following: ``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding''; and (B) by adding at the end the following: ``(2) Definition.--In this subsection, the term `treaty area' has the meaning given the term in the Treaty on Fisheries Between the Governments of Certain Pacific Island States and the Government of the United States of America as in effect on the date of the enactment of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-241).''; and (2) in subsection (c)-- (A) by striking ``12.6 or 12.7'' and inserting ``13.6''; and (B) by striking ``and Maritime Transportation Act of 2012'' and inserting ``Authorization Act of 2019''. SEC. 607. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS RELATING TO CODIFICATION OF PORTS AND WATERWAYS SAFETY ACT. Effective upon the enactment of section 401 of the Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-282), and notwithstanding section 402(e) of such Act-- (1) section 16 of the Ports and Waterways Safety Act, as added by section 315 of the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (Public Law 115-44; 131 Stat. 947)-- (A) is redesignated as section 70022 of title 46, United States Code, transferred to appear after section 70021 of that title, and amended so that the enumerator, section heading, typeface, and typestyle conform to those appearing in other sections in title 46, United States Code; and (B) as so redesignated and transferred, is amended-- (i) in subsections (b) and (e), by striking ``section 4(a)(5)'' each place it appears and inserting ``section 70001(a)(5)''; (ii) in subsection (c)(2), by striking ``not later than'' and all that follows through ``thereafter,'' and inserting ``periodically''; and (iii) by striking subsection (h); and (2) chapter 700 of title 46, United States Code, is amended-- (A) in section 70002(2), by inserting ``or 70022'' after ``section 70021''; (B) in section 70036(e), by inserting ``or 70022'' after ``section 70021''; and (C) in the analysis for such chapter-- (i) by inserting ``Sec.'' above the section items, in accordance with the style and form of such an entry in other chapter analyses of such title; and (ii) by striking the item relating to section 70021 and inserting the following: ``70021. Conditions for entry to ports in the United States ``70022. Prohibition on entry and operation''. TITLE VII--FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION SEC. 701. SHORT TITLE. This title may be cited as the ``Federal Maritime Commission Authorization Act of 2019''. SEC. 702. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. Section 308 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking ``$28,012,310 for fiscal year 2018 and $28,544,543 for fiscal year 2019'' and inserting ``$29,086,888 for fiscal year 2020 and $29,639,538 for fiscal year 2021''. TITLE VIII--COAST GUARD ACADEMY IMPROVEMENT ACT SEC. 801. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Coast Guard Academy Improvement Act''. SEC. 802. COAST GUARD ACADEMY STUDY. (a) In General.--The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall seek to enter into an arrangement with the National Academy of Public Administration not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of the this Act under which the National Academy of Public Administration shall-- (1) conduct an assessment of the cultural competence of the Coast Guard Academy as an organization and of individuals at the Coast Guard Academy to carry out effectively the primary duties of the United States Coast Guard listed in section 102 of title 14, United States Code, when interacting with individuals of different races, ethnicities, genders, religions, sexual orientations, socioeconomic backgrounds, or from different geographic origins; and (2) issue recommendations based upon the findings in such assessment. (b) Assessment of Cultural Competence.-- (1) Cultural competence of the coast guard academy.--The arrangement described in subsection (a) shall require the National Academy of Public Administration to, not later than 1 year after entering into an arrangement with the Secretary under subsection (a), 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 assessment described under subsection (a)(1). (2) Assessment scope.--The assessment described under subsection (a)(1) shall-- (A) describe the level of cultural competence described in subsection (a)(1) based on the National Academy of Public Administration's assessment of the Coast Guard Academy's relevant practices, policies, and structures, including an overview of discussions with faculty, staff, students, and relevant Coast Guard Academy affiliated organizations; (B) examine potential changes which could be used to further enhance such cultural competence by-- (i) modifying institutional practices, policies, and structures; and (ii) any other changes deemed appropriate by the National Academy of Public Administration; and (C) make recommendations to enhance the cultural competence of the Coast Guard Academy described in subparagraph (A), including any specific plans, policies, milestones, performance measures, or other information necessary to implement such recommendations. (c) Final Action Memorandum.--Not later than three months after submission of the assessment under section 802(b)(1), the Commandant of the Coast Guard 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 final action memorandum in response to all recommendations contained in the assessment. The Final Action Memorandum shall include the rationale for accepting, accepting in part, or rejecting each recommendation, and shall specify, where applicable, actions to be taken to implement such recommendations, including an explanation of how each action enhances the ability of the Coast Guard to carry out the primary duties of the United States Coast Guard listed in section 102 of title 14, United States Code. (d) Plan.-- (1) In general.--Not later than six months after the date of the submission of the final action memorandum required under subsection (c), the Commandant of the Coast Guard, in coordination with the Chief Human Capital Officer of the Department of Homeland Security, shall submit a plan to carry out the recommendations or the parts of the recommendations accepted in the Final Action Memorandum to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate. (2) Strategy with milestones.--If any recommendation or parts of recommendations accepted in the Final Action Memorandum address any of the following actions, then the plan required in paragraph (1) shall include a strategy with appropriate milestones to carry out such recommendations or parts of recommendations: (A) Improve outreach and recruitment of a more diverse Coast Guard Academy cadet candidate pool based on race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and geographic origin. (B) Modify institutional structures, practices, and policies to foster a more diverse cadet corps body, faculty, and staff workforce based on race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and geographic origin. (C) Modify existing or establish new policies and safeguards to foster the retention of cadets, faculty, and staff of different races, ethnicities, genders, religions, sexual orientations, socioeconomic backgrounds, and [[Page H7283]] geographic origins at the Coast Guard Academy. (D) Restructure the admissions office of the Coast Guard Academy to be headed by a civilian with significant relevant higher education recruitment experience. (3) Implementation.--Unless otherwise directed by an Act of Congress, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall begin implementation of the plan developed under this subsection not later than 180 days after the submission of such plan to Congress. (4) Update.--The Commandant of the Coast Guard shall include in the first annual report required under chapter 51 of title 14, United States Code, as amended by this Act, submitted after the date of enactment of this section, the strategy with milestones required in paragraph (2) and shall report annually thereafter on actions taken and progress made in the implementation of such plan. SEC. 803. ANNUAL REPORT. (a) In General.--Chapter 51 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``Sec. 5112. Report on diversity at the Coast Guard Academy ``(a) In General.--Not later than January 15, 2021, and annually thereafter, the Commandant shall submit a report on diversity at the Coast Guard Academy to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate. ``(b) Contents.--The report required under subsection (a) shall include-- ``(1) the status of the implementation of the plan required section 802 of the Coast Guard Academy Improvement Act; ``(2) specific information on outreach and recruitment activities for the preceding year, including the effectiveness of the Coast Guard Academy Minority Outreach Team Program described under section 1905 and of outreach and recruitment activities in the territories and other possessions of the United States; ``(3) enrollment information about the incoming class, including the gender, race, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic background, and State of residence of Coast Guard Academy cadets; ``(4) information on class retention, outcomes, and graduation rates, including the race, gender, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic background, and State of residence of Coast Guard Academy cadets; and ``(5) information on efforts to retain diverse cadets, including through professional development and professional advancement programs for staff and faculty.''. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 51 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``5112. Report on diversity at the Coast Guard Academy.''. SEC. 804. ASSESSMENT OF COAST GUARD ACADEMY ADMISSION PROCESSES. (a) In General.--The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall seek to enter into an arrangement with the National Academy of Public Administration under which the National Academy of Public Administration shall, not later than 1 year after submitting an assessment under section 802(a), submit an assessment of the Coast Guard Academy admissions process to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate. (b) Assessment Scope.--The assessment required to be sought under subsection (a) shall, at a minimum, include-- (1) a study, or an audit if appropriate, of the process the Coast Guard Academy uses to-- (A) identify candidates for recruitment; (B) recruit applicants; (C) assist applicants in the application process; (D) evaluate applications; and (E) make admissions decisions; (2) discussion of the consideration during the admissions process of diversity, including-- (A) race; (B) ethnicity; (C) gender; (D) religion; (E) sexual orientation; (F) socioeconomic background; and (G) geographic origin; (3) an overview of the admissions processes at other Federal service academies, including-- (A) discussion of consideration of diversity, including any efforts to attract a diverse pool of applicants, in those processes; and (B) an analysis of how the congressional nominations requirement in current law related to military service academies and the Merchant Marine Academy impacts those processes and the overall demographics of the student bodies at those academies; (4) a determination regarding how a congressional nominations requirement for Coast Guard Academy admissions could impact diversity among the student body and the ability of the Coast Guard to carry out effectively the Service's primary duties described in section 102 of title 14, United States Code; and (5) recommendations for improving Coast Guard Academy admissions processes, including whether a congressional nominations process should be integrated into such processes. SEC. 805. COAST GUARD ACADEMY MINORITY OUTREACH TEAM PROGRAM. (a) In General.--Chapter 19 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 1904 the following: ``Sec. 1905. Coast Guard Academy minority outreach program ``(a) In General.--There is established within the Coast Guard Academy a minority outreach team program (in this section referred to as the `Program' ) under which officers, including minority officers and officers from territories and other possessions of the United States, who are Academy graduates may volunteer their time to recruit minority students and strengthen cadet retention through mentorship of cadets. ``(b) Administration.--Not later than July 15, 2020, the Commandant, in consultation with Program volunteers and Academy alumni that participated in prior programs at the Academy similar to the Program, shall appoint a permanent civilian position at the Academy to administer the Program by, among other things-- ``(1) overseeing administration of the Program; ``(2) serving as a resource to volunteers and outside stakeholders; ``(3) advising Academy leadership on recruitment and retention efforts based on recommendations from volunteers and outside stakeholders; ``(4) establishing strategic goals and performance metrics for the Program with input from active volunteers and Academy leadership; and ``(5) reporting annually to the Commandant on academic year and performance outcomes of the goals for the Program before the end of each academic year.''. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 19 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 1904 the following: ``1905. Coast Guard Academy minority outreach team program.''. SEC. 806. COAST GUARD COLLEGE STUDENT PRE-COMMISSIONING INITIATIVE. (a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter 21 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``Sec. 2131. College student pre-commissioning initiative ``(a) In General.--There is authorized within the Coast Guard the College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative program (in this section referred to as the `program') for eligible undergraduate students to enlist and receive a guaranteed commission as an officer in the Coast Guard. ``(b) Criteria for Selection.--To be eligible for the program a student must meet the following requirements upon submitting an application: ``(1) Age.--A student must be not less than 19 years old and not more than 27 years old as of September 30 of the fiscal year in which the program selection panel selecting such student convenes. ``(2) Character.-- ``(A) All applicants.--All applicants must be of outstanding moral character and meet other character requirements as set forth by the Commandant. ``(B) Coast guard applicants.--An 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 awarded non-judicial punishment, or did not meet performance or character requirements set forth by the Commandant. ``(3) Citizenship.--A student must be a United States citizen. ``(4) Clearance.--A student must be eligible for a secret clearance. ``(5) Dependency.-- ``(A) A student may not have more than 2 dependents; and ``(B) A student who is single may not have sole or primary custody of dependents. ``(6) Education.-- ``(A) Institution.--A student must be an undergraduate sophomore or junior-- ``(i) at a historically Black college or university described in section 322(2) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1061(2)) or an institution of higher education described in section 371(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1067q(a)); or ``(ii) who is active in minority-serving organizations and pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics at an institution of higher education described in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001) that is not a historically Black college or university or institution of higher education referred to in clause (i) of this subparagraph. ``(B) Location.--The institution at which such student is an undergraduate must be within 100 miles of a Coast guard unit or Coast Guard Recruiting Office unless otherwise approved by the Commandant. ``(C) Records.--A student must meet credit and grade point average requirements set forth by the Commandant. ``(7) Medical and administrative.--A student must meet other medical and administrative requirements as set forth by the Commandant. ``(c) Enlistment and Obligation.--Individuals selected and accept to participate in the program shall enlist in the Coast Guard in pay grade E-3 with a four year duty obligation and four year inactive Reserve obligation. ``(d) Military Activities Prior to Officer Candidate School.--Individuals enrolled in [[Page H7284]] the program shall participate in military activities each month, as required by the Commandant, prior to attending Officer Candidate School. ``(e) Participation in Officer Candidate School.--Each graduate of the program shall attend the first enrollment of Officer Candidate School that commences after the date of such graduate's graduation. ``(f) Commissioning.--Upon graduation from Officer Candidate School, program graduates shall be discharged from enlisted status and commissioned as an O-1 with an initial three-year duty obligation. ``(g) Briefing.-- ``(1) In general.--Not later than August 15 of each year, the Commandant shall provide a briefing to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate on the College Student Pre- Commissioning Initiative. ``(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 including-- ``(i) race; ``(ii) ethnicity; ``(iii) gender; ``(iv) geographic origin; and ``(v) educational institution.''. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for subchapter I of chapter 21 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``2131. College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative.''. SEC. 807. ANNUAL BOARD OF VISITORS. Section 1903(d) of title 14, United States Code, is amended-- (1) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (6) as paragraphs (3) through (7), respectively; and (2) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following: ``(2) recruitment and retention;''. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. DeFazio) and the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Gibbs) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Oregon. General Leave Mr. DeFAZIO. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on H.R. 3409, as amended. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Oregon? There was no objection. Mr. DeFAZIO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today and speak in strong support of H.R. 3409, the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act of 2019. This is genuinely bipartisan legislation which will reauthorize funding for the United States Coast Guard Federal Maritime Commission for fiscal years 2020 and 2021. The bill also advances other important provisions to help both the economic competitiveness and effective regulation of the U.S. maritime industry. It is the latest in a long line of major legislation from this committee, reported to the House on a bipartisan basis and underpinning essential functions of government such as, in this case, the United States Coast Guard and the Federal Maritime Commission. I couldn't have better partners than I had: my ranking member, Sam Graves; the chair of the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, Sean Patrick Maloney; and the ranking subcommittee member, Representative Bob Gibbs. They worked hard on this legislation, and many of their concerns were included in the final product. Each of them has joined as an original cosponsor, which I appreciate. We have also worked with other members of the committee on both sides of the aisle and the House to include provisions that address concerns raised by them or their constituents. We all know that, over the last few years, the Coast Guard budgets have been inadequate, mostly a byproduct of mandatory cuts imposed by the so-called Budget Control Act. This inadequate funding has left the Coast Guard, as Admiral Schultz has said, at a tipping point. This legislation, at long last, begins to reverse that downward spiral. Mr. Speaker, there is $11 billion for the Coast Guard's discretionary budget for fiscal years 2020 and 2021. This tracks the recently increased appropriations of the last 2 fiscal years and builds in a 2 percent inflation adjustment to arrive at the highest authorized funding levels for the Coast Guard in recent memory. Is that totally adequate? No, it isn't. But it is at least incremental progress in a time where we aren't seeing a lot of progress on a lot of things these days. I am particularly please that the top-line numbers for procurement, acquisitions, and improvement have been pushed up to $2.7 billion and $2.8 billion. That means the Coast Guard should be able to maintain its ongoing recapitalization programs, including the critically important offshore patrol cutter; the new fleet of polar security cutters, which will be absolutely vital to deal particularly with the opening of the Northwest Passage; and, also, to continue critical support for our assets and activities in Antarctica. It wasn't a great year for the Coast Guard when we had the stupid government shutdown. They were continuing to carry out their critical homeland security duties in addition to their daily lifesaving duties and their drug interdiction duties, many in a high-risk profession, and yet they weren't being paid. They were escorting the subs out of Bremerton. The sailors were being paid on the subs. The Coast Guard, which was providing critical surface support and protection, was not being paid. I had originally included in this legislation provisions to assure that the Coast Guard would be paid in case of another government shutdown. Unfortunately, the very stupid budget rules we have around here say that we will pretend that they will never be paid--and if that is the case, then we won't have a Coast Guard anymore--therefore, to mandatorily pay them during a shutdown would count as new deficit, like we are never going to pay them. It is a pretty dumb rule, but those concerns were raised by people above my pay grade, and I reluctantly removed the provision from the bill. I am going to continue to push for that provision as we move forward through the appropriations process and elsewhere. I will look for any opportunity I can to recognize the service of the Coast Guard. There is also, in this bill, a modest $1.4 million increase in the budget of the Federal Maritime Commission. This will help them implement the most extensive package of amendments to the Ocean Shipping Reform Act since 1998, particularly looking at antitrust oversight of foreign-flag commercial carrier alliances that transport nearly 98 percent of U.S. foreign commerce. Our overreliance on foreign-flag carriers to move the commerce of the United States is a growing liability and, yet, unintended consequence of our trade policies. Only now are we beginning to recognize and grapple with the implications of this dependence on our national and economic security. The increased authorized funding of $29 million for the operating budget should provide them with the additional resources they need to actually be a cop on the beat and ensure foreign carriers abide by fair shipping practices and compliance with all U.S. antitrust requirements. I am also pleased with provisions that would boost coastwise trades and, potentially, our shipbuilding industry. We are reaffirming, yet again, long-term support for the Jones Act, including clarifications as to how the Jones Act applies to maritime transportation and heavy-lift activities that occur offshore. I believe the language in this bill strikes a sensible path forward. I look forward to resolving any outstanding questions and concerns in conference with the United States Senate. Just as important, the bill provides new authorities to address new or emerging ocean technologies, including unmanned systems, to ensure Coast Guard has enough competence to either use, or regulate the use of, said systems; amendments to build on progress made last Congress to improve maritime safety requirements; and it strengthens standards to prevent discrimination, sexual assault and harassment and promote gender equity in the Coast Guard at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and across the U.S. maritime industry. This is vital legislation to the Coast Guard, and the maritime shipyard workers across this country. Again, I want to thank my colleagues. [[Page H7285]] Mr. Speaker, I urge an ``aye'' vote, and I reserve the balance of my time. House of Representatives, Committee on Homeland Security, Washington, DC, July 16, 2019. Hon. Peter DeFazio, Chairman, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Defazio: I write to you regarding H.R. 3409, the ``Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2019.'' H.R. 3409 contains provisions that fall within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Homeland Security. I recognize and appreciate your desire to bring this legislation before the House in an expeditious manner and, accordingly, I will not seek a sequential referral of the bill. However, agreeing to waive consideration of this bill should not be construed as the Committee on Homeland Security waiving, altering, or otherwise affecting its jurisdiction over subject matters contained in the bill which fall within its Rule X jurisdiction. Further, I request your support for the appointment of Homeland Security conferees during any House-Senate conference convened on this or similar legislation. I also ask that a copy of this letter and your response be included in the legislative report on H.R. 3409 and in the Congressional Record during floor consideration of this bill. I look forward to working with you as we prepare to pass this important legislation. Sincerely, Bennie G. Thompson, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Washington, DC, July 17, 2019. Hon. Bennie G. Thompson, Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security, U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Thompson: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 3409, the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act of 2019, which was ordered to be reported out of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on June 26, 2019. I appreciate your willingness to work cooperatively on this legislation. I acknowledge that by foregoing a sequential referral on H.R. 3409, the Committee on Homeland Security does not waive any future jurisdictional claims to provisions in this or similar legislation. In addition, should a conference on the bill be necessary, I would support your effort to seek appointment of an appropriate number of conferees to any House-Senate conference involving provisions within this legislation on which the Committee on Homeland Security has a valid jurisdictional claim. I appreciate your cooperation regarding this legislation, and I will ensure that our exchange of letters is included in the Congressional Record during floor consideration of H.R. 3409. Sincerely, Peter A. DeFazio, Chair. {time} 1330 Mr. GIBBS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3409 represents the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure's commitment to the men and women serving in the Coast Guard and lays the groundwork for maintaining their mission capability in the future. It also represents the bipartisan spirit that so often falls below the radar on Capitol Hill. At a time when the issues dominating the headlines fuel political fighting, it is refreshing to work with colleagues from both sides of the aisle. H.R. 3409 recognizes that port and coastal security, drug interdiction, and maritime safety are commonsense issues, not Republican or Democrat issues. This Coast Guard authorization addresses priorities important to both East and West Coasts, the inland river system, and the Great Lakes. All these regions are well-represented by the chairs and ranking members of the committee and subcommittee. The Coast Guard plays an important and unique role in national security and maritime safety. It is a critical component in carrying out drug interdiction efforts, keeping our ports and coasts safe, and conducting icebreaking operations. H.R. 3409, the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2019, helps the Coast Guard better perform their missions and encourages the use of cutting-edge technology to improve operations. Utilizing drone technology and upgrading computer systems will help the Coast Guard personnel complete their missions. I am also proud of the commitment made to the Great Lakes in this bill. Working with Congressman Mike Gallagher from Wisconsin, we emphasized the economic importance of the Great Lakes and the necessity for new, dedicated icebreakers on the lakes to keep commerce moving. It is unfortunate that the provisions in the bill to ensure the Coastguardsmen were paid during lapses in appropriations were stripped from the bill. Nonetheless, I commend Chairman DeFazio and the 186 cosponsors of the Pay Our Coast Guard Act for pursuing this important initiative. I thank Chairman DeFazio, Ranking Member Graves, and Subcommittee Chairman Maloney for working in a bipartisan fashion to give the Coast Guard the resources it needs to accomplish its missions. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. DeFAZIO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Mucarsel-Powell). Ms. MUCARSEL-POWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bill which incorporates the Coast Guard Shore Infrastructure Improvement Act that I introduced with Representative Garret Graves of Louisiana. It directs the Commandant of the Coast Guard to tackle the maintenance backlog of its shore infrastructure. The Coast Guard currently has a $2.6 billion project backlog, and 25 percent of its assets have exceeded their service lives. We must rebuild our Coast Guard in a strategic way, one that accounts for stronger storms that will only worsen with climate change. This bill will ensure that the Coast Guard has the processes in place to carry out crucial shore infrastructure repairs. Coasties often spend their personal time working on infrastructure improvements. It is unacceptable that they have to sacrifice their rest time and family time to repair crumbling buildings. Passing this bill will ensure America's security, the success of our Coast Guard, and the well-being of our servicemembers. Mr. GIBBS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Graves), who is the ranking member of the full Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, the Coast Guard is one of the Nation's five armed services, and this bipartisan bill is going to provide the resources to help them carry out their vital missions more effectively. These missions are critical to ensuring maritime safety, stopping the flow of illegal drugs and migrants into the country, enforcing U.S. laws at sea, and protecting our Nation's borders. In order to carry out the tens of thousands of operations each year, the Coast Guard must also replace and modernize their assets--from cutters to icebreakers to helicopters. This bill is going to help them do that. This legislation also takes steps necessary to provide the men and women of the Coast Guard, as has been pointed out, parity with other servicemembers in the Department of Defense. The Coast Guard is the only one of the armed services that is not in the Department of Defense, and the only armed service with law enforcement authority. I agree with the chairman on the bipartisan nature of this bill and how it was put together. I commend Chairman DeFazio and Subcommittee Chairman Maloney, and Subcommittee Ranking Member Gibbs for working diligently and coming up with a very good piece of legislation and a very good bipartisan agreement that we have here today. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. Mr. DeFAZIO. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Thompson), who is the chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security. Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Oregon for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3409. I am glad to have worked with Chairman DeFazio to integrate major provisions from legislation I authored to drive long overdue reforms at the Coast Guard Academy. Our armed services should reflect the diverse fabric of this Nation. Unfortunately, the Coast Guard Academy has struggled to attract and retain a diverse student body and faculty. The absence of diverse voices at the Coast Guard Academy has contributed to what many acknowledge as a hostile [[Page H7286]] environment for cadets and faculty with diverse backgrounds punctuated by hateful incidents. I have engaged with the Commandant regarding conditions at the academy and, to his credit, he is open to change. To that end, H.R. 3409 directs the Commandant to secure the services of outside experts to carry out an independent, top-to-bottom review of conditions at the academy with an eye to issuing recommendations to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment. Additionally, the independent body would be directed to assess the academy's admissions processes and consider the potential benefits of congressional nominations to increase diversity. The true test for the Coast Guard will come when recommendations are issued. At that point it will be clear if, as an organization, the Coast Guard is willing to abandon its historically insular ways and embrace real reform. Other noteworthy provisions of my legislation that are reflected here include requiring a Coast Guard strategy to increase the representation of cadets, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds, and authorizing both the Academy Minority Outreach Team Program and the College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative. I am pleased that the bill also includes language authored by Congressman Richmond to enhance the Coast Guard's capacity to combat and defend against cyber threats. Before I close, I would like to thank Chairman DeFazio, Chairman Cummings and their staffs, particularly Dave Jansen on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee staff, for partnering with me and my staff to put the academy on a positive trajectory. Mr. GIBBS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Puerto Rico (Miss Gonzalez-Colon). Miss GONZALEZ-COLON of Puerto Rico. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman DeFazio and Ranking Member Graves for working on these bills. This is an important one in Puerto Rico. I am really proud about the work the Coast Guard did during both Hurricanes Irma and Maria. I am proud to be a cosponsor of this bill, the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2019, which authorizes the service for the next 2 years, gives the Coast Guard parity with the other military branches in the Department of Defense, addresses a backlog of shore-side infrastructure, and reauthorizes the Federal Maritime Commission. I worked with Delegate Plaskett from the Virgin Islands to get on board to help determine if the Coast Guard's maritime surveillance hours used for drug interdictions in the Caribbean Basin meet mission requirements. The U.S. Coast Guard has been vital in addressing these threats and securing our maritime region as well. For example, during the first half of fiscal year 2019, the Coast Guard removed over 9 metric tons of cocaine and interdicted 722 migrants around the Puerto Rico area of operations. That is the reason I also was able to include a provision in this bill which ensures recruitment activities in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and all the territories as well. We are proud to answer the call to serve in our Nation's service branches, and the Coast Guard is no exception. Mr. Speaker, I support this bill. Mr. DeFAZIO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Van Drew). Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Oregon and chairman of the illustrious Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3409, the Coast Guard Authorization Act--bipartisan legislation that authorizes programs and funding of over $11 billion for the United States Coast Guard through fiscal year 2021. I am proud to represent New Jersey's Second Congressional District, home to the United States Coast Guard Training Center in Cape May, Air Station Atlantic City, and thousands more of our brave men and brave women who protect our shores and our coastal communities. This comprehensive bill authorizes critical funding to upgrade and modernize our fleets and improve offshore navigation safety. It requires a report on the effects of climate change and the vulnerabilities of our Coast Guard installations, directs the use of drone technology for potential use to support missions and operations, and orders the Commandant of the Coast Guard to brief Congress on the conditions and need for Coast Guard housing. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman DeFazio and Ranking Member Graves for bringing this important bill to the floor, and I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3409, the Coast Guard Authorization Act. These are our brave men and women who protect our seas. Mr. GIBBS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Graves). Mr. GRAVES of Louisiana. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Ohio, our ranking member of the subcommittee, for all of his work on this. I want to thank Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney from New York, our chairman; Chairman DeFazio and the ranking member of the full committee, Sam Graves, for all their work on this. Mr. Speaker, this is a bill that is a bipartisan bill, and I do appreciate everyone working together to make sure that we are doing the right thing. The Coast Guard, in many cases, is not held to the level of regard and respect that they deserve. Let's think about all of the things that the Coast Guard is responsible for: They are in charge of drug interdiction on our seas; they are in charge of alien interdiction on our seas; they are in charge of enforcing all U.S. laws on our waterways; securing our maritime borders; defense readiness; port and coastal security issues; search and rescue; marine safety; maintaining aids to navigation; icebreaking; marine environmental protection; oil spill prevention and response; and many other things. Mr. Speaker, I often refer to them as the Swiss Army knife of the Federal Government. They have an incredibly broad jurisdiction. These are men and women who are serving their Nation on a daily basis. I want to thank all of the leaders of this committee for the work in the committee, where we took the Coast Guard Parity Act and added it to this bill. The Coast Guard Parity Act recognized that the men and women of the Coast Guard were treated differently from all of the other armed services whenever the Federal Government goes into a shutdown. Mr. Speaker, when the government shuts down, it is because Congress failed to do its job together with an administration. The men and women in the Coast Guard do not deserve to be punished. There is something that is really important to point out: the men and women of the Coast Guard can't just go say: Hey, I am going to go work for another job. I am going to leave this one because I am not being paid because the government is shut down. I am going to go work and do this other job. They are contractually obligated to continue doing their work and their service for our Nation. So the Coast Guard Parity Act was added to this bill in committee, and I am very disappointed that it was pulled out. I know the chairman and the ranking member were both very supportive of this. We need to address this issue. Let me say it again: the men and women of the Coast Guard are not responsible for when the government shuts down, and they should not be penalized for it either. I hope that we can continue to work together to solve this. But going back, Mr. Speaker, the Coast Guard does an incredible job in an incredibly broad mission. This bill helps to recapitalize an antiquated network or system of equipment, antiquated vessels that have lasted well beyond their intended service life. It helps to ensure that we can authorize the appropriate vessels, whether it is the national security cutter, the offshore patrol cutter, the fast response cutter, and the helos and winged aircraft that the men and women of the Coast Guard depend on on a daily basis. We know that the other side--the drug traffickers and the alien smugglers and others--are using new and updated technology. We need to make sure that we continue to provide the men and women of the Coast Guard with the upper hand with the best technology and with the best equipment to deal with their daily mission of protecting our Nation and enforcing all laws on the seas of the United States. [[Page H7287]] Mr. Speaker, again, I want to thank Mr. DeFazio, Mr. Graves, Mr. Gibbs, and Mr. Maloney for all of the work that they have done to ensure this bill moves forward. It is a bipartisan bill, and I urge adoption. {time} 1345 Mr. DeFAZIO. Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close. I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. GIBBS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, this is a very strong bipartisan bill. We need to support the efforts of our men and women out there who are doing the daily work to protect this country, the Coast Guard. I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. DeFAZIO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, just expanding a little bit on the former speaker, Representative Graves of Louisiana, I would recommend to people the video that became available last week of the Coast Guard boarding a semisubmersible smuggling drugs. It is an extraordinary video and extraordinary and precarious undertaking by the Coast Guard, jumping from a Zodiac onto the top of this vessel, pounding on the hatch to get the people to open the hatch and surrender. Again, just reiterating what I said earlier, what they do with drug interdiction far exceeds all of the other Federal agencies combined, and yet they weren't paid during the shutdown doing these dangerous activities, and what they do for Homeland Security, what they do on a daily basis to provide search and rescue activities, keep our mariners safe and maritime safety inspections. So again, I regret that the technicalities around here didn't allow us to move forward at this time, but I am determined that we will do that. Mr. Speaker, I also want to raise another issue, and I would hope that the Coast Guard is listening. I am very concerned. The largest acquisition program--I mentioned earlier about the acquisition budget for recapitalization--is the Offshore Patrol Cutter. Twice now, Representatives and Senators from Florida have attempted to end-run the contracting process. They have a shipyard that claims, that because of the hurricane, they didn't underbid the contract. No, no, no. They didn't. They didn't. But they need hundreds of millions of dollars more to do the contract without going through a bidding process, without any scrutiny, and without any information being provided to this committee justifying those increases. In fact, they are saying: Well, we can't get workers because of the hurricane; it is just impossible. Well, we are rebuilding Tyndall Air Force Base. Armed Services hasn't heard anything about that. And then, also, they say: Well, it is going to take 1.3 million more man-hours. Well, what does that have to do with not being able to get skilled labor? The allegations by some others in the industry are that they underbid the contract, and now they are trying to come up with a rationale. It is further disturbing that a former Commandant of the Coast Guard runs this organization. And I am very concerned that the Coast Guard is now contemplating asking Homeland Security to invoke a law they have never used before, claiming national security to renegotiate between the current Commandant of the Coast Guard and the past Commandant of the Coast Guard running this shipyard the terms of this contract. That is not right. It doesn't protect the taxpayers. It doesn't protect the contracting process. I am going to be pushing very, very hard on this issue. That said, there are many meritorious things in this bill, and I will yield back the balance of my time after recommending a unanimous vote by the House of Representatives. Hopefully, the Senate won't take 1\1/ 2\ years to get the bill done this time, so actually it will be a 2- year authorization instead of a 2-year/1-year authorization. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time. Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, as a senior member of the House Committees on the Judiciary, Homeland Security, and Budget, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3409, the ``Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2019.'' H.R. 3409 is bipartisan legislation that reauthorizes appropriations for the Coast Guard and Federal Maritime Commission through the 2021 Fiscal Year. This legislation contains improvements to promote the U.S. maritime industry and offshore renewable energy development, authorization of funding for new heavy ice breakers, and provisions to increase diversity at the United States Coast Guard Academy. Additionally, this legislation will enhance recruitment and retention of merchant vessels, along with advancing new opportunities to strengthen the competitiveness of the U.S. maritime and shipbuilding industries. Earlier this year the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees the United States Coast Guard, was adversely affected by the Trump Administration's government shutdown. The shutdown affected the pay of over 40,000 active duty Coast Guard members, 6,000 reservists, and 8,500 civilian employees. It took 35 days for Congress and the White House to agree on a FY 2019 funding bill. During this time the brave men and women of the Coast Guard endured the cold winter weather while conducting life-saving rescues, drug interdiction operations, environmental protection missions, and costal security operations. This bill will guarantee that the Coast Guard's active duty and civilian personnel are paid in the event of another federal government shutdown. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 1649 ``Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2019'' in order to ensure that the Coast Guard has all of the resources required to carry out their missions and maintain safety along our coastal borders. Mr. SEAN PATRICK MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my support for the Coast Guard Authorization Act and the inclusive and bipartisan agreement that the Members of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee have reached. The robust funding for the Coast Guard in this 2-year authorization is indicative of this body's strong support for the men and women serving in the Coast Guard and the important mission they undertake. I recently visited our Coasties in District 7 to see their professionalism and skills on full display--they make the impossible look routine on a daily basis. From drug interdictions to search and rescue, the Coast Guard continues to prove its effectiveness while operating with limited resources. The passage of this bill sends the message that every dollar is a dollar well spent with respect to the U.S. Coast Guard. This important legislation includes provisions that will further strengthen the Coast Guard by expanding the use of unmanned systems and fully integrating new and existing technologies developed both inside and outside of the service. I am pleased that the bill contains a number of provisions aimed at increasing cultural competence in the Coast Guard and at the Coast Guard Academy. The service will only realize its full potential once it instills a culture that welcomes all people regardless of gender, race, or sexual orientation. The bill also includes several provisions aimed to bolster the U.S. maritime industry. By clarifying certain requirements on domestic vessels, it sends a strong signal of support for the Jones Act and our coastwise maritime industry. By clarifying cargo preference requirements, we begin to address losses in the internationally trading U.S. fleet and rebuild the American mariner base. The bill also contains important protections for the Hudson River in my district and will ensure this natural treasure is preserved for future generations to come. I am proud to be one of the original sponsors of this important legislation and I look forward to ensuring that this important legislation is signed into law. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. DeFazio) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 3409, as amended. The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table. ____________________
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