,,ii #aafth ,,congress #ast ,session ,s4 #adci ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,may #ad1 #bjai,mr4 ,wicker 7for himself and ,ms4 ,cantwell7 introduced the following bill2 which was read twice and referred to the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation ,a ,,bill ,to reauthorize activities of the ,maritime ,administration1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,maritime ,administration ,authorization and ,enhancement ,act of #bjai4 #b4 ,table of contents ,the table of contents of the ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title4,sec4 #b4 ,table of contents4,,title ,i--,maritime ,administration,sec4 #aja4 ,authorization of the ,maritime ,administration4,sec4 #ajb4 ,maritime ,security ,program4,sec4 #ajc4 ,department of ,transportation ,inspector ,general ,report4,sec4 #ajd4 ,authority for ,,marad to retain foreign student tuition reimbursement4,sec4 #aje4 ,appointment of candidates attending sponsored preparatory school4,sec4 #ajf4 ,independent study on the ,united ,states ,merchant ,marine ,academy4,sec4 #ajg4 ,centers of excellence for domestic maritime workforce training and education4,sec4 #ajh4 ,military to mariner4,sec4 #aji4 ,salvage recoveries of federally owned cargoes4,sec4 #aaj4 ,salvage recoveries for subrogated ownership of vessels and cargoes4,sec4 #aaa4 ,port operations1 research1 and technology4,sec4 #aab4 ,strategic seaports4,sec4 #aac4 ,maritime technical assistance program4,sec4 #aad4 ,requirement for small shipyard grantees4,sec4 #aae4 ,improvement of ,national ,oceanographic ,partnership ,program4,sec4 #aaf4 ,improvements to the maritime guaranteed loan program4,sec4 #aag4 ,technical corrections4,,title ,,ii--,maritime ,,safe ,act,sec4 #bja4 ,short title4,sec4 #bjb4 ,definitions4,sec4 #bjc4 ,findings4,sec4 #bjd4 ,purposes4,sec4 #bje4 ,statement of policy4,subtitle ,a--,programs ,to combat ,,iuu fishing and increase maritime security,sec4 #baa4 ,coordination with international organizations4,sec4 #bab4 ,engagement of diplomatic missions of the ,united ,states4,sec4 #bac4 ,assistance by ,federal agencies to improve law enforcement within priority regions and priority flag states4,sec4 #bad4 ,expansion of existing mechanisms to combat ,,iuu fishing4,sec4 #bae4 ,improvement of transparency and traceability programs4,sec4 #baf4 ,technology programs4,sec4 #bag4 ,information sharing4,subtitle ,b--,establishment of interagency working group on ,,iuu fishing,sec4 #bba4 ,interagency ,working ,group on ,,iuu ,fishing4,sec4 #bbb4 ,strategic plan4,sec4 #bbc4 ,reports4,sec4 #bbd4 ,gulf of ,mexico ,,iuu ,fishing ,subworking ,group4,subtitle ,c--,authorization of appropriations,sec4 #bca4 ,authorization of appropriations4 ,i ,maritime ,administration #aja4 ,authorization of the ,maritime ,administration 7a7 ,in general ,there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,department of ,transportation for fiscal year #bjbj1 to be available without fiscal year limitation if so provided in appropriations ,acts1 for programs associated with maintaining the ,united ,states ,merchant ,marine1 the following amounts3 7#a7 ,for expenses necessary for operations of the ,united ,states ,merchant ,marine ,academy1 #ie1idd1jjj1 of which-- 7,a7 #gg1idd1jjj shall remain available until ,september #cj1 #bjba for ,academy operations2 and 7,b7 #ah1jjj1jjj shall remain available until expended for capital asset management at the ,academy4 7#b7 ,for expenses necessary to support the ,state maritime academies1 #ej1bhj1jjj1 of which-- 7,a7 #b1djj1jjj shall remain available until ,september #cj1 #bjba1 for the ,student ,incentive ,program2 7,b7 #f1jjj1jjj shall remain available until expended for direct payments to such academies2 7,c7 #cj1jhj1jjj shall remain available until expended for maintenance and repair of ,state maritime academy training vessels2 7,d7 #c1hjj1jjj shall remain available until expended for training ship fuel assistance2 and 7,e7 #h1jjj1jjj shall remain available until expended for offsetting the costs of training ship sharing4 7#c7 ,for expenses necessary to support the ,national ,security ,multi-,mission ,vessel ,program1 #cjj1jjj1jjj1 which shall remain available until expended4 7#d7 ,for expenses necessary to support ,maritime ,administration operations and programs1 #fj1ddb1jjj1 of which #e1jjj1jjj shall remain available until expended for activities authorized under section #ejcjg of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#e7 ,for expenses necessary to dispose of vessels in the ,national ,defense ,reserve ,fleet1 #e1jjj1jjj1 which shall remain available until expended4 7#f7 ,for expenses necessary to maintain and preserve a ,united ,states flag ,merchant ,marine to serve the national security needs of the ,united ,states under chapter #eca of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 #cjj1jjj1jjj1 which shall remain available until expended4 7#g7 ,for expenses necessary for the loan guarantee program authorized under chapter #ecg of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 #cc1jjj1jjj1 of which-- 7,a7 #cj1jjj1jjj may be used for the cost 7as defined in section #ejb7e7 of the ,federal ,credit ,reform ,act of #aiij 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #ffa;a7#e77 of loan guarantees under the program1 which shall remain available until expended2 and 7,b7 #c1jjj1jjj may be used for administrative expenses relating to loan guarantee commitments under the program4 7#h7 ,for expenses necessary to provide assistance to small shipyards and for maritime training programs under section #edaja of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 #dj1jjj1jjj1 which shall remain available until expended4 7#i7 ,for expenses necessary to implement the ,port ,operations1 ,research1 and ,technology ,act1 #fjj1jjj1jjj1 except that no funds shall be used for a grant award to purchase fully automated cargo handling equipment that is remotely operated or remotely monitored with or without the exercise of human intervention or control1 if the ,secretary determines such equipment would result in a net loss of jobs that relate to the movement of goods through a port and its intermodal connections4 #ajb4 ,maritime ,security ,program 7a7 ,award of operating agreements ,section #ecajc of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking #bjbe each place it appears and inserting #bjce4 7b7 ,effectiveness of operating agreements ,section #ecajd7;a7 of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking #bjbe and inserting #bjce4 7c7 ,payments ,section #ecajf7;a77#a7 of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in subparagraph 7,b71 by striking and after the semicolon2 7#b7 in subparagraph 7,c71 by striking #c1gjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjbb1 #bjbc1 #bjbd1 and #bjbe4 and inserting #e1bcc1dfc for each of fiscal years #bjbb1 #bjbc1 #bjbd1 and #bjbe2 and2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following3 7,d7 #e1bcc1dfc for each of fiscal years #bjbf through #bjce4 4 7d7 ,authorization of appropriations ,section #ecaaa of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#b71 by striking and after the semicolon2 7#b7 in paragraph 7#c71 by striking #bbb1jjj1jjj for each fiscal year thereafter through fiscal year #bjbe4 and inserting #cad1jjg1ghj for each of fiscal years #bjbb1 #bjbc1 #bjbd1 and #bjbe2 and2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following3 7#d7 #cad1jjg1ghj for each of fiscal years #bjbf through #bjce4 4 #ajc4 ,department of ,transportation ,inspector ,general ,report ,the ,inspector ,general of the ,department of ,transportation shall-- 7#a7 not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 initiate an audit of the ,maritime ,administration's actions to address the #bg recommendations for improvement identified by a ,national ,academy of ,public ,administration panel in a ,november #bjag report2 and 7#b7 submit to the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure of the ,house of ,representatives a report containing the results of that audit once the audit is completed4 #ajd4 ,authority for ,,marad to retain foreign student tuition reimbursement ,section #eacjd of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7e7 ,credit of reimbursement ,reimbursements under this section shall be credited to the ,maritime ,administration's ,operations and ,training appropriation1 to remain available until expended1 for use only for those expenses related to the operations of the ,united ,states ,merchant ,marine ,academy4 4 #aje4 ,appointment of candidates attending sponsored preparatory school ,section #eacjc of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking ,the ,secretary and inserting the following3 7a7 ,in ,general ,the ,secretary 2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following3 7b7 ,appointment of candidates selected for preparatory school sponsorship ,the ,secretary of ,transportation may appoint each year as cadets at the ,united ,states ,merchant ,marine ,academy not more than #dj qualified individuals sponsored by the ,academy to attend preparatory school during the academic year prior to entrance in the ,academy1 and who have successfully met the terms and conditions of sponsorship set by the ,academy4 4 #ajf4 ,independent study on the ,united ,states ,merchant ,marine ,academy 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,transportation shall seek to enter into an agreement with the ,national ,academy of ,public ,administration 7referred to in this section as the ,academy7 to carry out the activities described in this section4 7b7 ,study elements ,in accordance with the agreement described in subsection 7a71 the ,academy shall conduct a study of the ,united ,states ,merchant ,marine ,academy that consists of the following3 7#a7 ,a comprehensive assessment of the ,united ,states ,merchant ,marine ,academy's systems1 training1 facilities1 infrastructure1 information technology1 and stakeholder engagement4 7#b7 ,identification of needs and opportunities for modernization to help the ,united ,states ,merchant ,marine ,academy keep pace with more modern campuses4 7#c7 ,development of an action plan for the ,united ,states ,merchant ,marine ,academy with specific recommendations for-- 7,a7 improvements or updates relating to the opportunities described in paragraph 7#b72 and 7,b7 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 basis4 7c7 ,deadline and report ,not later than #a year after the date of the agreement described in subsection 7a71 the ,academy shall prepare and submit to the ,administrator of the ,maritime ,administration a report containing the action plan described in subsection 7b77#c71 including specific findings and recommendations4 #ajg4 ,centers of excellence for domestic maritime workforce training and education ,section #edajb of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7b71 by inserting or subsection 7d7 after designated under subsection 7a72 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following3 7d7 ,state ,maritime ,academy ,the ,secretary of ,transportation shall designate each ,state maritime academy1 as defined in section #eaajb7d7 of this title1 as a center of excellence under this section4 4 #ajh4 ,military to mariner 7a7 ,credentialing support ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,defense1 the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 the ,secretary of ,commerce1 and the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services1 with respect to the applicable services in their respective departments1 and in coordination with one another and with the ,united ,states ,committee on the ,marine ,transportation ,system1 shall1 consistent with applicable law1 identify all training and experience within the applicable service that may qualify for merchant mariner credentialing1 and submit a list of all identified training and experience to the ,united ,states ,coast ,guard ,national ,maritime ,center for a determination of whether such training and experience counts for credentialing purposes4 7b7 ,review of applicable service ,the ,united ,states ,coast ,guard ,commandant shall make a determination of whether training and experience counts for credentialing purposes1 as described in subsection 7a71 not later than #f months after the date on which the ,united ,states ,coast ,guard ,national ,maritime ,center receives a submission under subsection 7a7 identifying a training or experience and requesting such a determination4 7c7 ,fees and services ,the ,secretary of ,defense1 the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 the ,secretary of ,commerce1 and the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services shall-- 7#a7 take all necessary and appropriate actions to provide for the waiver of fees through the ,national ,maritime ,center license evaluation1 issuance1 and examination for members of the uniformed services on active duty or separated members of the uniformed services1 if a waiver is authorized and appropriate1 and1 if a waiver is not granted1 take all necessary and appropriate actions to provide for the payment of fees for members of the uniformed services on active duty or separated members of the uniformed services by the applicable service to the fullest extent permitted by law2 7#b7 direct the applicable services to take all necessary and appropriate actions to pay for ,transportation ,worker ,identification ,credential cards for members of the uniformed services on active duty or separated members of the uniformed services pursuing or possessing a mariner credential2 7#c7 ensure that members of the applicable services who are to be discharged or released from active duty and who request certification or verification of sea service be provided such certification or verification no later than one month after discharge or release2 7#d7 ensure the applicable services have developed1 or continue to operate1 as appropriate1 the online resource known as ,credentialing ,opportunities ,on-,line to support separating members of the uniformed services who are seeking information and assistance on merchant mariner credentialing2 and 7#e7 not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this section1 take all necessary and appropriate actions to apply service-related medical certifications to merchant mariner credential requirements4 7d7 ,advancing military to mariner within the employer agencies 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,defense1 the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 the ,secretary of ,commerce1 and the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services shall have direct hiring authority to employ separated members of the uniformed services with valid merchant mariner licenses or sea service experience in support of ,united ,states national maritime needs1 including the ,army ,corps of ,engineers1 ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection1 and the ,national ,oceanic and ,atmospheric ,administration4 7e7 ,separated member of the uniformed services ,in this section1 the term separated member of the uniformed services means an individual who-- 7#a7 is retiring or is retired as a member of the uniformed services2 7#b7 is voluntarily separating or voluntarily separated from the uniformed services at the end of enlistment or service obligation2 or 7#c7 is administratively separating or has administratively separated from the uniformed services with an honorable or general discharge characterization4 #aji4 ,salvage recoveries of federally owned cargoes ,section #egajj of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7h7 ,funds transfer authority related to the use of ,national ,defense ,reserve ,fleet vessels and the provision of maritime-,related services 7#a7 ,in ,general ,when the ,secretary of ,transportation provides for the use of its vessels or maritime-related services and goods under a reimbursable agreement with a ,federal entity1 or ,state or local entity1 authorized to receive goods and services from the ,maritime ,administration for programs1 projects1 activities1 and expenses related to the ,national ,defense ,reserve ,fleet or maritime-related services3 7,a7 ,federal entities are authorized to transfer funds to the ,secretary in advance of expenditure or upon providing the goods or services ordered1 as determined by the ,secretary4 7,b7 ,the ,secretary shall determine all other terms and conditions under which such payments should be made and provide such goods and services using its existing or new contracts1 including general agency agreements1 memoranda of understanding1 or similar agreements4 7#b7 ,reimbursable agreement with a ,federal entity 7,a7 ,in ,general ,the ,maritime ,administration is authorized to provide maritime-related services and goods under a reimbursable agreement with a ,federal entity4 7,b7 ,maritime-related services defined ,for the purposes of this subsection1 maritime-related services includes the acquisition1 procurement1 operation1 maintenance1 preservation1 sale1 lease1 charter1 construction1 reconstruction1 or reconditioning 7including outfitting and equipping incidental to construction1 reconstruction1 or reconditioning7 of a merchant vessel or shipyard1 ship site1 terminal1 pier1 dock1 warehouse1 or other installation related to the maritime operations of a ,federal entity4 7#c7 ,salvaging cargoes 7,a7 ,in ,general ,the ,maritime ,administration may provide services and purchase goods relating to the salvaging of cargoes aboard vessels in the custody or control of the ,maritime ,administration or its predecessor agencies and receive and retain reimbursement from ,federal entities for all such costs as it may incur4 7,b7 ,reimbursement ,reimbursement as provided for in subparagraph 7,a7 may come from-- 7i7 the proceeds recovered from such salvage2 or 7ii7 the ,federal entity for which the ,maritime ,administration has or will provide such goods and services1 depending on the agreement of the parties involved4 7#d7 ,amounts received ,amounts received as reimbursements under this subsection shall be credited to the fund or account that was used to cover the costs incurred by the ,secretary or1 if the period of availability of obligations for that appropriation has expired1 to the appropriation of funds that is currently available to the ,secretary for substantially the same purpose4 ,amounts so credited shall be merged with amounts in such fund or account and shall be available for the same purposes1 and subject to the same conditions and limitations1 as amounts in such fund or account4 7#e7 ,advance ,payments ,payments made in advance shall be for any part of the estimated cost as determined by the ,secretary of ,transportation4 ,adjustments to the amounts paid in advance shall be made as agreed to by the ,secretary of ,transportation and the head of the ordering agency or unit based on the actual cost of goods or services provided4 7#f7 ,bill or request for payment ,a bill submitted or a request for payment is not subject to audit or certification in advance of payment4 4 #aaj4 ,salvage recoveries for subrogated ownership of vessels and cargoes ,section #eciji of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7e7 ,salvage agreements ,notwithstanding title ,,xiv of the ,ronald ,w4 ,reagan ,national ,defense ,authorization ,act for ,fiscal ,year #bjje 7#aj ,u4,s4,c4 #aac note71 the ,secretary of ,transportation is authorized to enter into marine salvage agreements for the recoveries1 sale1 and disposal of sunken or damaged vessels1 cargoes1 or properties owned or insured by or on behalf of the ,maritime ,administration1 the ,united ,states ,shipping ,board1 the ,u4,s4 ,shipping ,board ,bureau1 the ,united ,states ,maritime ,commission1 or the ,war ,shipping ,administration4 7f7 ,recoveries ,notwithstanding other provisions of law1 the net proceeds from salvage agreements entered into as authorized in subsection 7e7 shall remain available until expended and be distributed as follows for marine insurance-related salvages3 7#a7 ,fifty percent of the net funds recovered shall be deposited in the war risk revolving fund and shall be available for the purposes of the war risk revolving fund4 7#b7 ,fifty percent of the net funds recovered shall be deposited in the ,vessel ,operations ,revolving ,fund as established by section #ejcja7;a7 of this title and shall be available until expended as follows3 7,a7 ,fifty percent shall be available to the ,administrator of the ,maritime ,administration for such acquisition1 maintenance1 repair1 reconditioning1 or improvement of vessels in the ,national ,defense ,reserve ,fleet as is authorized under other ,federal law4 7,b7 ,twenty-five percent shall be available to the ,administrator of the ,maritime ,administration for the payment or reimbursement of expenses incurred by or on behalf of ,state maritime academies or the ,united ,states ,merchant ,marine ,academy for facility and training ship maintenance1 repair1 and modernization1 and for the purchase of simulators and fuel4 7,c7 ,the remainder shall be distributed for maritime heritage preservation to the ,department of the ,interior for grants as authorized by section #cjhgjc of title #ed4 4 #aaa4 ,port operations1 research1 and technology 7a7 ,short title ,this section may be cited as the ,ports ,improvement ,act4 7b7 ,port and intermodal improvement program ,section #ejcjb of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking subsection 7c7 and inserting the following3 7c7 ,port and intermodal improvement program 7#a7 ,general authority ,subject to the availability of appropriations1 the ,secretary of ,transportation shall make grants1 on a competitive basis1 to eligible applicants to assist in funding eligible projects for the purpose of improving the safety1 efficiency1 or reliability of the movement of goods through ports and intermodal connections to ports4 7#b7 ,eligible applicant ,the ,secretary may make a grant under this subsection to the following3 7,a7 ,a ,state4 7,b7 ,a political subdivision of a ,state or local government4 7,c7 ,a public agency or publicly chartered authority established by #a or more ,states4 7,d7 ,a special purpose district with a transportation function4 7,e7 ,an ,indian ,tribe 7as defined in section #d of the ,indian ,self-,determination and ,education ,assistance ,act 7#be ,u4,s4,c4 #ecjd71 without regard to capitalization71 or a consortium of ,indian ,tribes4 7,f7 ,a multistate or multijurisdictional group of entities described in this subsection4 7,g7 ,a lead entity described in subparagraph 7,a71 7,b71 7,c71 7,d71 7,e71 or 7,f7 jointly with a private entity or group of private entities4 7#c7 ,eligible projects ,the ,secretary may make a grant under this subsection-- 7,a7 for a project that-- 7i7 is either-- 7,i7 within the boundary of a port2 or 7,,ii7 outside the boundary of a port1 but is directly related to port operations or to an intermodal connection to a port2 and 7ii7 will be used to improve the safety1 efficiency1 or reliability of-- 7,i7 the loading and unloading of goods at the port1 such as for marine terminal equipment2 7,,ii7 the movement of goods into1 out of1 around1 or within a port1 such as for highway or rail infrastructure1 intermodal facilities1 freight intelligent transportation systems1 and digital infrastructure systems2 7,,iii7 environmental mitigation measures and operational improvements directly related to enhancing the efficiency of ports and intermodal connections to ports2 or 7,,iv7 the movement of vessels in and out of the port facility by dredging a vessel berthing area or performing construction or maintenance dredging that is not part of a ,federal channel or an access channel associated with a ,federal channel2 or 7,b7 notwithstanding paragraph 7#f77;,a77v71 to provide financial assistance to #a or more projects under subparagraph 7,a7 for development phase activities1 including planning1 feasibility analysis1 revenue forecasting1 environmental review1 permitting1 and preliminary engineering and design work4 7#d7 ,prohibited uses ,a grant award under this subsection may not be used-- 7,a7 to finance or refinance the construction1 reconstruction1 reconditioning1 or purchase of a vessel that is eligible for such assistance under chapter #ecg1 unless the ,secretary determines such vessel-- 7i7 is necessary for a project described in paragraph 7#c77;,a77ii77,,iii7 of this subsection2 and 7ii7 is not receiving assistance under chapter #ecg2 or 7,b7 for any project within a small shipyard 7as defined in section #edaja74 7#e7 ,applications and process 7,a7 ,applications ,to be eligible for a grant under this subsection1 an eligible applicant shall submit to the ,secretary an application in such form1 at such time1 and containing such information as the ,secretary considers appropriate4 7,b7 ,solicitation process ,not later than #fj days after the date that amounts are made available for grants under this subsection for a fiscal year1 the ,secretary shall solicit grant applications for eligible projects in accordance with this subsection4 7#f7 ,project selection criteria 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary may select a project described in paragraph 7#c7 for funding under this subsection if the ,secretary determines that-- 7i7 the project improves the safety1 efficiency1 or reliability of the movement of goods through a port or intermodal connection to a port2 7ii7 the project is cost effective2 7iii7 the eligible applicant has authority to carry out the project2 7iv7 the eligible applicant has sufficient funding available to meet the matching requirements under paragraph 7#h72 7v7 the project will be completed without unreasonable delay2 and 7vi7 the project cannot be easily and efficiently completed without ,federal funding or financial assistance available to the project sponsor4 7,b7 ,additional considerations ,in selecting projects described in paragraph 7#c7 for funding under this subsection1 the ,secretary shall give substantial weight to-- 7i7 the utilization of non-,federal contributions2 and 7ii7 the net benefits of the funds awarded under this subsection1 considering the cost-benefit analysis of the project1 as applicable4 7,c7 ,small projects ,the ,secretary may waive the cost-benefit analysis under subparagraph 7,a77ii71 and establish a simplified1 alternative basis for determining whether a project is cost effective1 for a small project described in paragraph 7#g77;,b74 7#g7 ,allocation of funds 7,a7 ,geographic distribution ,not more than #be percent of the amounts made available for grants under this subsection for a fiscal year may be used to make grants for projects in any #a ,state4 7,b7 ,small projects ,the ,secretary shall reserve #be percent of the amounts made available for grants under this subsection each fiscal year to make grants for eligible projects described in paragraph 7#c77;,a7 that request the lesser of-- 7i7 #aj percent of the amounts made available for grants under this subsection for a fiscal year2 or 7ii7 #aa1jjj1jjj4 7,c7 ,dredging projects ,not more than #be percent of the amounts made available for grants under this subsection for a fiscal year may be used to make grants for projects described in paragraph 7#c77;,a77ii77,,iii74 7,d7 ,development phase activities ,not more than #aj percent of the amounts made available for grants under this subsection for a fiscal year may be used to make grants for development phase activities under paragraph 7#c77;,b74 7,e7 ,research harbors 7i7 ,in ,general ,of the funds that may be used under subparagraph 7,c71 the ,secretary shall consider reserving an amount equal to not more than #e percent of the amounts made available for grants under this subsection to make grants for projects described in paragraph 7#c77;,a77ii77,,iii7 for research harbors4 7ii7 ,applicants ,notwithstanding paragraph 7#b71 the ,secretary may allow entities not described in that paragraph to be eligible applicants for grants under this subparagraph4 7#h7 ,federal share of total project costs 7,a7 ,total project costs ,to be eligible for a grant under this subsection1 an eligible applicant shall submit to the ,secretary an estimate of the total costs of a project under this subsection based on the best available information1 including any available engineering studies1 studies of economic feasibility1 environmental analyses1 and information on the expected use of equipment or facilities4 7,b7 ,federal share 7i7 ,in general ,except as provided in clauses 7ii7 and 7iii71 the ,federal share of the total costs of a project under this subsection shall not exceed #hj percent4 7ii7 ,dredging projects ,the ,federal share of the total costs of a project described in paragraph 7#c77;,a77ii77,,iii7 shall not exceed #ej percent4 7iii7 ,rural areas ,the ,secretary may increase the ,federal share of costs above #hj percent for a project located in a rural area4 7#i7 ,procedural safeguards ,the ,secretary shall issue guidelines to establish appropriate accounting1 reporting1 and review procedures to ensure that-- 7,a7 grant funds are used for the purposes for which those funds were made available2 7,b7 each grantee properly accounts for all expenditures of grant funds2 and 7,c7 grant funds not used for such purposes and amounts not obligated or expended are returned4 7#aj7 ,conditions 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall require as a condition of making a grant under this subsection that a grantee-- 7i7 maintain such records as the ,secretary considers necessary2 7ii7 make the records described in clause 7i7 available for review and audit by the ,secretary2 and 7iii7 periodically report to the ,secretary such information as the ,secretary considers necessary to assess progress4 7,b7 ,labor ,the ,federal wage rate requirements of subchapter ,,iv of chapter #ca of title #dj shall apply1 in the same manner as such requirements apply to contracts subject to such subchapter1 to-- 7i7 each project for which a grant is provided under this subsection2 and 7ii7 all portions of a project described in clause 7i71 regardless of whether such a portion is funded using-- 7,i7 other ,federal funds2 or 7,,ii7 non-,federal funds4 7#aa7 ,congressional notification 7,a7 ,notification ,not less than #fj days before making a grant for a project under this subsection1 the ,secretary shall notify1 in writing1 the appropriate committees of ,congress of the proposed grant4 7,b7 ,contents ,each notification under subparagraph 7,a7 shall include-- 7i7 an evaluation of and justification for the project2 and 7ii7 the amount of the proposed grant award4 7,c7 ,congressional disapproval ,the ,secretary shall not make a grant or any other obligation or commitment to fund a project under this subsection if a joint resolution is enacted disapproving funding for the project before the last day of the #fj-;day period described in subparagraph 7,a74 7#ab7 ,limitation on statutory construction ,nothing in this subsection shall be construed to affect existing authorities to conduct port infrastructure programs in-- 7,a7 ,hawaii1 as authorized by section #ijjh of the ,,safetea-,,lu ,act 7,public ,law #aji-ei2 #aai ,stat4 #aibf72 7,b7 ,alaska1 as authorized by section #ajbje of the ,,safetea-,,lu ,act 7,public ,law #aji-ei2 #aai ,stat4 #aicd72 or 7,c7 ,guam1 as authorized by section #ceab of the ,duncan ,hunter ,national ,defense ,authorization ,act for ,fiscal ,year #bjji 7#dh ,u4,s4,c4 #adbar74 7#ac7 ,reports ,the ,secretary shall make available on the website of the ,department of ,transportation at the end of each fiscal year an annual report that lists each project for which a grant has been provided under this subsection during that fiscal year4 7#ad7 ,administration 7,a7 ,administrative and oversight costs ,the ,secretary may retain not more than #b percent of the amounts appropriated for each fiscal year under this subsection for the administrative and oversight costs incurred by the ,secretary to carry out this subsection4 7,b7 ,availability 7i7 ,in general ,amounts appropriated for carrying out this subsection shall remain available until expended4 7ii7 ,unexpended funds ,amounts awarded as a grant under this subsection that are not expended by the grantee during the #e-year period following the date of the award shall remain available to the ,secretary for use for grants under this subsection in a subsequent fiscal year4 7#ae7 ,definitions ,in this subsection3 7,a7 ,appropriate committees of ,congress ,the term appropriate committees of ,congress means-- 7i7 the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate2 and 7ii7 the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure of the ,house of ,representatives4 7,b7 ,port ,the term port includes-- 7i7 a seaport2 and 7ii7 an inland waterways port4 7,c7 ,project ,the term project includes construction1 reconstruction1 environmental rehabilitation1 acquisition of property1 including land related to the project and improvements to the land1 equipment acquisition1 and operational improvements4 7,d7 ,research harbor ,the term research harbor includes a harbor that supports or will support a federally owned vessel operated by a ,state maritime academy 7as defined in section #eaajb of this title7 or a non-,federal oceanographic research facility4 7,e7 ,rural area ,the term rural area means an area that is outside an urbanized area4 7d7 ,additional authority of the ,secretary ,in carrying out this section1 the ,secretary may-- 7#a7 receive funds from a ,federal or non-,federal entity that has a specific agreement with the ,secretary to further the purposes of this section2 7#b7 coordinate with other ,federal agencies to expedite the process established under the ,national ,environmental ,policy ,act of #aifi 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dcba et seq47 for the improvement of port facilities to improve the efficiency of the transportation system1 to increase port security1 or to provide greater access to port facilities2 7#c7 seek to coordinate all reviews or requirements with appropriate local1 ,state1 and ,federal agencies2 and 7#d7 in addition to any financial assistance provided under subsection 7c71 provide such technical assistance to port authorities or commissions or their subdivisions and agents as needed for project planning1 design1 and construction4 4 7c7 ,savings clause ,a repeal made by subsection 7b7 of this section shall not affect amounts apportioned or allocated before the effective date of the repeal4 ,such apportioned or allocated funds shall continue to be subject to the requirements to which the funds were subject under section #ejcjb7;c7 of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this ,act4 #aab4 ,strategic seaports 7a7 ,in general 7#a7 ,program established ,the ,administrator of the ,maritime ,administration 7referred to in this section as the ,administrator7 and the ,united ,states ,transportation ,command shall establish a strategic seaport infrastructure readiness development program to improve infrastructure at strategic seaports to ensure those strategic seaport facilities are in a state of good repair1 have modern infrastructure1 and have sufficient readiness to support operations on #dh hours notice4 7#b7 ,strategic seaport ,in this section1 the term strategic seaport means a commercial seaport that is designated by the ,commanding ,general of the ,military ,surface ,deployment and ,distribution ,command as a strategic seaport that will support the deployment of ,united ,states forces during a military contingency or national emergency4 7b7 ,authority of the administrator ,in order to carry out any project under the strategic seaport infrastructure readiness development program established under subsection 7a71 the ,administrator may-- 7#a7 receive funds provided for the project from the ,department of ,defense and non-,federal private entities that have a specific agreement or contract with the ,administrator to further the purposes of this section2 7#b7 coordinate with other ,federal agencies to harmonize efforts to comply with requirements and procedures established under the ,national ,environmental ,policy ,act of #aifi 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dcba et seq47 in carrying out projects under the program1 including projects to improve port facilities1 improve the efficiency of the transportation system1 increase port security1 or provide greater access to port facilities2 7#c7 seek to coordinate all reviews or requirements relating to the project with appropriate ,federal1 ,state1 and local agencies2 and 7#d7 provide such technical assistance to port authorities or commissions or their subdivisions and agents as needed for project planning1 design1 and construction4 7c7 ,strategic seaport infrastructure development fund 7#a7 ,establishment ,there is established in the ,treasury of the ,united ,states a fund to be known as the ,strategic ,seaport ,readiness ,infrastructure ,development ,fund1 7referred to in this section as the ,fund7 consisting of such amounts as may be appropriated or credited to such ,fund as provided in this section4 7#b7 ,credits ,there may be deposited into the ,fund-- 7,a7 funds from the ,department of ,defense and funds from non-,federal private entities that have agreements or contracts with the ,administrator1 which shall remain in the ,fund until expended or refunded2 and 7,b7 such amounts as may be appropriated or transferred to the ,fund4 7#c7 ,transfers ,amounts appropriated or otherwise made available for any fiscal year for a strategic seaport may be transferred1 at the option of the recipient of such amounts1 to the ,fund and may be administered by the ,administrator as a component of a project under the program4 7d7 ,use of funds ,the ,administrator1 in conjunction with the ,united ,states ,transportation ,command1 may use funds from the ,fund to-- 7#a7 administer and carry out projects under the strategic seaport infrastructure readiness development program under this section1 including projects to-- 7,a7 upgrade infrastructure resiliency of piers or wharfs or enhancing flexible lay-down areas for heavy lift1 increase efficiency in the handling of ,department of ,defense intermodal cargo movements1 enhance shoreside intermodal transportation infrastructure1 or carry out other similar improvements designed to increase efficiency of ,department of ,defense readiness2 7,b7 facilitate funding for training dedicated to enhancing interoperability between military and port terminal personnel1 and testing and expanding operational areas to maximize strategic seaport capability and assets2 and 7,c7 provide cyber resiliency project funding dedicated to the installation of new cybersecurity infrastructure1 or the enhancement of existing cybersecurity infrastructure1 in order to ensure security of military operations at strategic seaports2 and 7#b7 make refunds for projects under that program that will not be completed4 #aac4 ,maritime technical assistance program ,section #ejcjg of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a71 by striking ,the ,secretary of ,transportation may engage in the environmental study and inserting ,the ,maritime ,administrator1 on behalf of the ,secretary of ,transportation1 shall engage in the study2 7#b7 in subsection 7b7-- 7,a7 in the matter preceding paragraph 7#a71 by striking may and inserting shall2 and 7,b7 in paragraph 7#a7-- 7i7 in the matter preceding subparagraph 7,a71 by striking that are likely to achieve environmental improvements by and inserting to improve2 7ii7 by redesignating subparagraphs 7,a7 through 7,c7 as clauses 7i7 through 7iii71 respectively2 7iii7 by inserting before clause 7i71 the following3 7,a7 performance to meet ,united ,states ,federal and international standards and guidelines1 including-- 2 and 7iv7 in clause 7iii71 as redesignated by clause 7ii71 by striking species2 and and all that follows through the end of the subsection and inserting species1 reducing propeller cavitation2 7,b7 the efficiency and competitiveness of domestic maritime industries2 and 7#b7 coordinate with the ,environmental ,protection ,agency1 the ,coast ,guard1 and other ,federal1 ,state1 local1 or tribal agencies1 as appropriate4 2 7#c7 in subsection 7c77#b71 by striking benefits and inserting or other benefits to domestic maritime industries2 and 7#d7 by adding at the end the following3 7e7 ,limitations on the use of funds ,for the purposes of this program1 no more than #c percent of funds may be used for administrative purposes4 4 #aad4 ,requirement for small shipyard grantees ,section #edaja7;d7 of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking ,grants awarded and inserting the following3 7#a7 ,in general ,grants awarded 2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following3 7#b7 ,buy america 7,a7 ,in general ,subject to subparagraph 7,b71 no funds may be obligated by the ,administrator of the ,maritime ,administration under this section1 unless each product and material purchased with those funds 7including products and materials purchased by a grantee71 and including any commercially available off-the-shelf item1 is-- 7i7 an unmanufactured article1 material1 or supply that has been mined or produced in the ,united ,states2 or 7ii7 a manufactured article1 material1 or supply that has been manufactured in the ,united ,states substantially all from articles1 materials1 or supplies mined1 produced1 or manufactured in the ,united ,states4 7,b7 ,exceptions 7i7 ,in general ,notwithstanding subparagraph 7,a71 the requirements of that subparagraph shall not apply with respect to a particular product or material if the ,administrator determines-- 7,i7 that the application of those requirements would be inconsistent with the public interest2 7,,ii7 that such product or material is not available in the ,united ,states in sufficient and reasonably available quantities1 of a satisfactory quality1 or on a timely basis2 or 7,,iii7 that inclusion of a domestic product or material will increase the cost of that product or material by more than #be percent1 with respect to a certain contract between a grantee and that grantee's supplier4 7ii7 ,federal register ,a determination made by the ,administrator under this subparagraph shall be published in the ,federal ,register4 7,c7 ,definitions ln this paragraph3 7i7 ,the term commercially available off-the-shelf item means-- 7,i7 any item of supply 7including construction material7 that is-- 7aa7 a commercial item1 as defined by section #b4aja of title #dh1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations2 and 7bb7 sold in substantial quantities in the commercial marketplace2 and 7,,ii7 does not include bulk cargo1 as defined in section #djajb7d7 of this title1 such as agricultural products and petroleum products4 7ii7 ,the term product or material means an article1 material1 or supply brought to the site by the recipient for incorporation into the building1 work1 or project4 ,the term also includes an item brought to the site preassembled from articles1 materials1 or supplies4 ,however1 emergency life safety systems1 such as emergency lighting1 fire alarm1 and audio evacuation systems1 that are discrete systems incorporated into a public building or work and that are produced as complete systems1 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 site4 7iii7 ,the term ,united ,states includes the ,district of ,columbia1 the ,commonwealth of ,puerto ,rico1 the ,northern ,mariana ,islands1 ,guam1 ,american ,samoa1 and the ,virgin ,islands4 4 #aae4 ,improvement of ,national ,oceanographic ,partnership ,program 7a7 ,additional means of achievement of goals of ,program through oceanographic efforts ,section #hica7;b77#b7 of title #aj1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in subparagraph 7,a7-- 7,a7 by striking identifying and inserting creating2 and 7,b7 by inserting science1 after areas of2 and 7#b7 by striking subparagraph 7,b7 and inserting the following3 7,b7 soliciting1 accepting1 and executing oceanographic research and observational projects funded by private grants1 contracts1 or cooperative agreements that contribute to such goals4 4 7b7 ,national ,ocean ,research ,leadership ,council membership ,section #hicb of title #aj1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7b7-- 7,a7 by striking paragraph 7#aj72 7,b7 by redesignating paragraphs 7#aa7 through 7#ad7 as paragraphs 7#ab7 through 7#ae71 respectively2 and 7,c7 by inserting after paragraph 7#i7 the following new paragraphs3 7#aj7 ,the ,bureau of ,ocean ,energy ,management of the ,department of the ,interior4 7#aa7 ,the ,bureau of ,safety and ,environmental ,enforcement of the ,department of the ,interior4 2 7#b7 in subsection 7d7-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#b7-- 7i7 in subparagraph 7,b71 by striking broad participation within the oceanographic community and inserting appropriate participation within the oceanographic community1 including public1 academic1 commercial1 and private participation or support2 7ii7 in subparagraph 7,e71 by striking peer2 and 7iii7 by adding at the end the following3 7,f7 ,preexisting facilities1 such as regional data centers operated by the ,integrated ,ocean ,observing system1 and expertise4 2 and 7,b7 by striking paragraph 7#c72 7#c7 in subsection 7e7-- 7,a7 in the subsection heading by striking ,report and inserting ,briefing2 7,b7 in the matter preceding paragraph 7#a71 by striking to ,congress a report and inserting to the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,natural ,resources of the ,house of ,representatives a briefing2 7,c7 by striking report and inserting briefing each place the term appears2 7,d7 by striking paragraph 7#d7 and inserting the following3 7#d7 ,a description of the involvement of ,federal agencies and non-,federal contributors participating in the program4 2 and 7,e7 in paragraph 7#e71 by striking and the estimated expenditures under such programs1 projects1 and activities during such following fiscal year and inserting and the estimated expenditures under such programs1 projects1 and activities of the program during such following fiscal year2 7#d7 in subsection 7f7-- 7,a7 by striking paragraph 7#a7 and inserting the following3 7#a7 ,the ,secretary of the ,navy shall establish an office to support the ,national ,oceanographic ,partnership ,program4 ,the ,council shall use competitive procedures in selecting an operator for the partnership program office4 ,if practicable1 an organization or entity may be selected as operator only if the organization or entity has experience managing interagency programs and programs with participation from other public and private entities4 2 and 7,b7 in paragraph 7#b77;,b71 by inserting 1 where appropriate1 before managing2 and 7#e7 by amending subsection 7g7 to read as follows3 7g7 ,contract and grant authority 7#a7 ,in ,general ,to carry out the purposes of the ,national ,oceanographic ,partnership ,program1 the ,council shall have1 in addition to other powers otherwise given it under this chapter1 the following authorities3 7,a7 ,to authorize one or more of the departments or agencies represented on the ,council to enter into contracts and make grants or cooperative agreements1 and establish and manage new collaborative programs as considered appropriate1 to address emerging science priorities using both donated and appropriated funds4 7,b7 ,to authorize the program office under subsection 7f71 on behalf of the ,council1 to accept funds1 including fines and penalties1 from other ,federal and ,state departments and agencies4 7,c7 ,to authorize the program office1 on behalf of the ,council1 to award grants and enter into contracts for purposes of the ,national ,oceanographic ,partnership ,program4 7,d7 ,to authorize the program office1 on behalf of the ,council1 to solicit1 accept and execute oceanographic research projects for purposes of the ,national ,oceanographic ,partnership ,program that are funded by private grants1 contracts1 and donations4 7,e7 ,to transfer funds to other ,federal and ,state departments and agencies in furtherance of the purposes of the ,national ,oceanographic ,partnership ,program4 7,f7 ,to authorize one or more of the departments or agencies represented on the ,council to enter into contracts and make grants1 for the purpose of implementing the ,national ,oceanographic ,partnership ,program and carrying out the responsibilities of the ,council4 7,g7 ,to use1 with the consent of the head of the agency or entity concerned1 on a non-reimbursable basis1 the land1 services1 equipment1 personnel1 facilities1 advice1 and information provided by a ,federal agency or entity1 ,state1 local government1 ,tribal government1 territory1 or possession1 or any subdivisions thereof1 or the ,district of ,columbia as may be helpful in the performance of the duties of the ,council4 7#b7 ,funds transferred ,funds identified for direct support of ,national ,oceanographic ,partnership ,program grants are authorized for transfer between agencies and are exempt from section #aece of title #ca1 ,united ,states ,code 7commonly known as the ,economy ,act of #aicb74 4 7c7 ,ocean ,research ,advisory ,panel ,section #hicc7;a77#d7 of title #aj1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking ,state governments and inserting ,state and ,tribal governments4 #aaf4 ,improvements to the maritime guaranteed loan program 7a7 ,definitions ,section #ecgja of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking paragraph 7#e72 7#b7 by redesignating paragraphs 7#f7 through 7#ae7 as paragraphs 7#e7 through 7#ad71 respectively2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following3 7#ae7 ,vessel of ,national ,interest ,the term ,vessel of ,national ,interest means a vessel deemed to be of national interest that meets characteristics determined by the ,administrator1 in consultation with the ,secretary of ,defense1 the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 or the heads of other ,federal agencies1 as described in section #ecgjc7;e74 4 7b7 ,preferred lender ,section #ecgjb7;a7 of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking ,the ,secretary or ,administrator1 on terms the ,secretary or ,administrator may prescribe1 and inserting the following3 7#a7 ,guarantee ,the ,secretary1 acting through the ,administrator1 on terms the ,secretary or ,administrator may prescribe1 2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following3 7#b7 ,preferred eligible lender ,the ,federal ,financing ,bank shall be the preferred eligible lender of the principal and interest of the guaranteed obligations issued under this chapter4 4 7c7 ,application and ,administration ,section #ecgjc of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in the section heading1 by striking procedures and inserting and administration2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following3 7c7 ,independent analysis 7#a7 ,in ,general ,to assess and mitigate the risks due to factors associated with markets1 technology1 financial1 or legal structures related to an application or guarantee under this chapter1 the ,secretary or ,administrator may utilize third-party experts1 including legal counsel1 to-- 7,a7 process and review applications under this chapter1 including conducting independent analysis and review of aspects of an application2 7,b7 represent the ,secretary or ,administrator in structuring and documenting the obligation guarantee2 7,c7 analyze and review aspects of1 structure1 and document the obligation guarantee during the term of the guarantee2 7,d7 recommend financial covenants or financial ratios to be met by the applicant during the time a guarantee under this chapter is outstanding that are-- 7i7 based on the financial covenants or financial ratios1 if any1 that are then applicable to the obligor under private sector credit agreements2 and 7ii7 in lieu of other financial covenants applicable to the obligor under this chapter with respect to requirements regarding long-term debt-to-equity1 minimum working capital1 or minimum amount of equity2 and 7,e7 represent the ,secretary or ,administrator to protect the security interests of the ,government relating to an obligation guarantee4 7#b7 ,private sector expert ,independent analysis1 review1 and representation conducted under this subsection shall be performed by a private sector expert in the applicable field who is selected by the ,secretary or ,administrator4 7d7 ,vessels of ,national ,interest 7#a7 ,notice of funding ,the ,secretary or ,administrator may post a notice in the ,federal ,register regarding the availability of funding for obligation guarantees under this chapter for the construction1 reconstruction1 or reconditioning of a ,vessel of ,national ,interest and include a timeline for the submission of applications for such vessels4 7#b7 ,vessel characteristics 7,a7 ,in ,general ,the ,secretary or ,administrator1 in consultation with the ,secretary of ,defense1 the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 or the heads of other ,federal agencies1 shall develop and publish a list of vessel types that would be considered ,vessels of ,national ,interest4 7,b7 ,review ,such list shall be reviewed and revised every #d years or as necessary1 as determined by the ,administrator4 4 7d7 ,funding limits ,section #ecgjd of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a7-- 7,a7 by striking that amount and all the follows through #hej1jjj1jjj and inserting that amount1 #hej1jjj1jjj2 and 7,b7 by striking facilities and all that follows through the end of the subsection and inserting facilities42 and 7#b7 in subsection 7c77#d7-- 7,a7 by striking subparagraph 7,a72 and 7,b7 by redesignating subparagraphs 7,b7 through 7,k71 as subparagraphs 7,a7 through 7,j71 respectively4 7e7 ,eligible purposes of obligations ,section #ecgjf of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a77#a77;,a7-- 7,a7 in the matter preceding clause 7i71 by striking 7including an eligible export vessel72 7,b7 in clause 7iv7 by adding or after the semicolon2 7,c7 in clause 7v71 by striking 2 or and inserting a period2 and 7,d7 by striking clause 7vi72 and 7#b7 in subsection 7c77#a7-- 7,a7 in subparagraph 7,a71 by striking and after the semicolon2 7,b7 in subparagraph 7,b77ii71 by striking the period at the end and inserting 2 and2 and 7,c7 by adding at the end the following3 7,c7 after applying subparagraphs 7,a7 and 7,b71 ,vessels of ,national ,interest4 4 7f7 ,amount of obligations ,section #ecgji7;b7 of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking paragraphs 7#c7 and 7#f72 and 7#b7 by redesignating paragraphs 7#d7 and 7#e7 as paragraphs 7#c7 and 7#d71 respectively4 7g7 ,contents of obligations ,section #ecgaj of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a77#d7-- 7,a7 in subparagraph 7,a7-- 7i7 by striking or1 in the case of and all that follows through party2 and 7ii7 by striking and after the semicolon2 7,b7 in subparagraph 7,b71 by striking the period at the end and inserting 2 and2 and 7,c7 by adding at the end the following3 7,c7 documented under the laws of the ,united ,states for the term of the guarantee of the obligation or until the obligation is paid in full1 whichever is sooner4 2 and 7#b7 in subsection 7c7-- 7,a7 in the subsection heading1 by inserting and ,provide for the ,financial ,stability of the ,obligor after ,interests2 7,b7 by striking provisions for the protection of and inserting provisions1 which shall include-- 7#a7 provisions for the protection of 2 7,c7 by striking 1 and other matters that the ,secretary or ,administrator may prescribe4 and inserting 2 and2 and 7,d7 by adding at the end the following3 7#b7 any other provisions that the ,secretary or ,administrator may prescribe4 4 7h7 ,administrative fees ,section #ecgac of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a7-- 7,a7 in the matter preceding paragraph 7#a7-- 7i7 by striking shall and inserting may2 and 7ii7 by striking reasonable for-- and inserting reasonable for processing the application and monitoring the loan guarantee1 including for--2 7,b7 in paragraph 7#d71 by striking 2 and and inserting or a deposit fund under section #ecgaf of this title22 7,c7 in paragraph 7#e71 by striking the period at the end and inserting 2 and2 and 7,d7 by adding at the end the following3 7#f7 monitoring and providing services related to the obligor's compliance with any terms related to the obligations1 the guarantee1 or maintenance of the ,secretary or ,administrator's security interests under this chapter4 2 and 7#b7 in subsection 7c7-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#a71 by striking under section #ecgjh7;d7 of this title and inserting under section #ecgjc7;d7 of this title2 7,b7 by redesignating paragraphs 7#a7 through 7#c7 as subparagraphs 7,a7 through 7,c71 respectively2 7,c7 by striking ,the ,secretary and inserting the following3 7#a7 ,in ,general ,the ,secretary 2 and 7,d7 by adding at the end the following3 7#b7 ,fee limitation inapplicable ,fees collected under this subsection are not subject to the limitation of subsection 7b74 4 7i7 ,best practices2 eligible export vessels ,chapter #ecg of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is further amended-- 7#a7 in subchapter ,i1 by adding at the end the following new section3 #ecgai4 ,best practices ,the ,secretary or ,administrator shall ensure that all standard documents and agreements that relate to loan guarantees made pursuant to this chapter are reviewed and updated every four years to ensure that such documents and agreements meet the current commercial best practices to the extent permitted by law4 2 and 7#b7 in subchapter ,,iii1 by striking section #ecgcb4 7j7 ,express consideration of low-,risk applications ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator of the ,maritime ,administration shall1 in consultation with affected stakeholders1 create a process for express processing of low-risk maritime guaranteed loan applications under chapter #ecg of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 based on ,federal and industry best practices1 including proposals to better assist applicants to submit complete applications within #f months of the initial application4 7k7 ,congressional notification 7#a7 ,notification ,not less than #fj days before reorganizing or consolidating the activities or personnel covered under chapter #ecg of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 the ,secretary of ,transportation shall notify1 in writing1 the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure of the ,house of ,representatives of the proposed reorganization or consolidation4 7#b7 ,contents ,each notification under paragraph 7#a7 shall include an evaluation of1 and justification for1 the reorganization or consolidation4 7l7 ,clerical amendments 7#a7 ,the table of sections at the beginning of chapter #ecg of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #ecgah the following new item3 #ecgai4 ,best practices4 4 7#b7 ,the table of sections at the beginning of chapter #ecg of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is further amended by striking the item relating to section #ecgcb4 #aag4 ,technical corrections 7a7 ,the ,native ,american ,veterans' ,memorial ,establishment ,act of #aiid ,the ,native ,american ,veterans' ,memorial ,establishment ,act of #aiid 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #hjq-#e note7 is amended-- 7#a7 in section #b1 by striking ,armed ,forces each place the term appears and inserting uniformed services2 and 7#b7 in section #c7;c71 by adding at the end the following3 7#c7 ,any design so selected shall include a representation of all the uniformed services 7as that term is defined in section #aja7;a7 of title #aj1 ,united ,states ,code74 4 7b7 ,office of personnel management guidance ,not later than #abj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,director of the ,office of ,personnel ,management1 in consultation with the ,administrator of the ,maritime ,administration1 shall identify key skills and competencies necessary to maintain a balance of expertise in merchant marine seagoing service and strategic sealift military service in each of the following positions within the ,office of the ,commandant3 7#a7 ,commandant4 7#b7 ,deputy ,commandant4 7#c7 ,tactical company officers4 7#d7 ,regimental officers4 7c7 ,sea ,year compliance ,section #cead7;a77#a77;,a7 of the ,national ,defense ,authorization ,act for ,fiscal ,year #bjag 7,public ,law #aad-cbh2 #df ,u4,s4,c4 #eacah note7 is amended by inserting domestic and international after criteria that4 ,,ii ,maritime ,,safe ,act #bja4 ,short title 7a7 ,short title ,this title may be cited as the ,maritime ,security and ,fisheries ,enforcement ,act or the ,maritime ,,safe ,act4 #bjb4 ,definitions ,in this title3 7#a7 ,,ais ,the term ,,ais means ,automatic ,identification ,system 7as defined in section #afd4df of title #cc1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations1 or a similar successor regulation74 7#b7 ,combined maritime forces ,the term ,combined ,maritime ,forces means the #cc-nation naval partnership1 originally established in ,february #bjjb1 which promotes security1 stability1 and prosperity across approximately #c1bjj1jjj square miles of international waters4 7#c7 ,exclusive economic zone 7,a7 ,in general ,unless otherwise specified by the ,president as being in the public interest in a writing published in the ,federal ,register1 the term exclusive economic zone means-- 7i7 the area within a zone established by a maritime boundary that has been established by a treaty in force or a treaty that is being provisionally applied by the ,united ,states2 or 7ii7 in the absence of a treaty described in clause 7i7-- 7,i7 a zone1 the outer boundary of which is #bjj nautical miles from the baseline from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured2 or 7,,ii7 if the distance between the ,united ,states and another country is less than #djj nautical miles1 a zone1 the outer boundary of which is represented by a line equidistant between the ,united ,states and the other country4 7,b7 ,inner boundary ,without affecting any ,presidential ,proclamation with regard to the establishment of the ,united ,states territorial sea or exclusive economic zone1 the inner boundary of the exclusive economic zone is-- 7i7 in the case of coastal ,states1 a line coterminous with the seaward boundary of each such ,state 7as described in section #d of the ,submerged ,lands ,act 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #acab772 7ii7 in the case of the ,commonwealth of ,puerto ,rico1 a line that is #c marine leagues from the coastline of the ,commonwealth of ,puerto ,rico2 7iii7 in the case of ,american ,samoa1 the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands1 and ,guam1 a line that is #c geographic miles from the coastlines of ,american ,samoa1 the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands1 or ,guam1 respectively2 7iv7 in the case of the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands-- 7,i7 the coastline of the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands1 until the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands is granted authority by the ,united ,states to regulate all fishing to a line seaward of its coastline2 and 7,,ii7 upon the ,united ,states grant of the authority described in subclause 7,i71 the line established by such grant of authority2 or 7v7 for any possession of the ,united ,states not referred to in clause 7ii71 7iii71 or 7iv71 the coastline of such possession4 7,c7 ,rule of construction ,nothing in this paragraph may be construed to diminish the authority of the ,department of ,defense1 the ,department of the ,interior1 or any other ,federal department or agency4 7#d7 ,food security ,the term food security means access to1 and availability1 utilization1 and stability of1 sufficient food to meet caloric and nutritional needs for an active and healthy life4 7#e7 ,global record of fishing vessels1 refrigerated transport vessels1 and supply vessels ,the term global record of fishing vessels1 refrigerated transport vessels1 and supply vessels means the ,food and ,agriculture ,organization of the ,united ,nations' initiative to rapidly make available certified data from state authorities about vessels and vessel related activities4 7#f7 ,,iuu fishing ,the term ,,iuu fishing means illegal fishing1 unreported fishing1 or unregulated fishing 7as such terms are defined in paragraph #c of the ,international ,plan of ,action to ,prevent1 ,deter1 and ,eliminate ,illegal1 ,unreported and ,unregulated ,fishing1 adopted at the #bdth ,session of the ,committee on ,fisheries in ,rome on ,march #b1 #bjja74 7#g7 ,port state measures agreement ,the term ,port ,state ,measures ,agreement means the ,agreement on ,port ,state ,measures to ,prevent1 ,deter1 and ,eliminate ,illegal1 ,unreported1 and ,unregulated ,fishing set forth by the ,food and ,agriculture ,organization of the ,united ,nations1 done at ,rome1 ,italy ,november #bb1 #bjji1 and entered into force ,june #e1 #bjaf1 which offers standards for reporting and inspecting fishing activities of foreign-flagged fishing vessels at port4 7#h7 ,priority flag state ,the term priority flag state means a country selected in accordance with section #bbb7;b77#c7-- 7,a7 whereby the flagged vessels of which actively engage in1 knowingly profit from1 or are complicit in ,,iuu fishing2 and 7,b7 that is willing1 but lacks the capacity1 to monitor or take effective enforcement action against its fleet4 7#i7 ,priority region ,the term priority region means a region selected in accordance with section #bbb7;b77#b7-- 7,a7 that is at high risk for ,,iuu fishing activity or the entry of illegally caught seafood into the markets of countries in the region2 and 7,b7 in which countries lack the capacity to fully address the illegal activity described in subparagraph 7,a74 7#aj7 ,regional fisheries management organization ,the term ,regional ,fisheries ,management ,organization means an intergovernmental fisheries organization or arrangement1 as appropriate1 that has the competence to establish conservation and management measures4 7#aa7 ,seafood ,the term seafood-- 7,a7 means marine finfish1 mollusks1 crustaceans1 and all other forms of marine animal and plant life1 including those grown1 produced1 or reared through marine aquaculture operations or techniques2 and 7,b7 does not include marine mammals or birds4 7#ab7 ,seafood fraud ,the term seafood fraud means the knowing mislabeling or misrepresentation of information regarding seafood or seafood products with the intent to deceive or defraud4 7#ac7 ,seafood traceability program ,the term seafood traceability program means any program implemented by the ,national ,oceanic and ,atmospheric ,administration 7such as the ,seafood ,import ,monitoring ,program7 that requires1 with respect to seafood and seafood products imported into the ,united ,states-- 7,a7 permitting1 data reporting1 and recordkeeping to prevent illegal1 unreported1 unregulated1 or misrepresented seafood from entering ,united ,states commerce2 and 7,b7 verifying the chain of custody of such seafood1 from harvest to point of entry into the ,united ,states4 7#ad7 ,transnational organized illegal activity ,the term transnational organized illegal activity means criminal activity conducted by self-perpetuating associations of individuals who operate transnationally for the purpose of obtaining power1 influence1 or monetary or commercial gains1 wholly or in part by illegal means1 while protecting their activities through a pattern of corruption or violence or through a transnational organizational structure and the exploitation of transnational commerce or communication mechanisms4 7#ae7 ,transshipment ,the term transshipment means the use of refrigerated vessels that-- 7,a7 collect catch from multiple fishing boats2 7,b7 carry the accumulated catches back to port2 and 7,c7 deliver supplies to fishing boats1 which allows fishing vessels to remain at sea for extended periods without coming into port4 #bjc4 ,findings ,congress makes the following findings3 7#a7 ,in a report titled1 ,global ,implications of ,illegal1 ,unreported1 and ,unregulated 7,,iuu7 ,fishing1 the ,office of the ,director of ,national ,intelligence identified ,,iuu fishing as-- 7,a7 a threat to the national security of the ,united ,states2 and 7,b7 a challenge to peace and stability in regions of importance to the ,united ,states4 7#b7 ,executive ,order #acggc 7#hb ,fed4 ,reg4 #ajfia71 issued on ,february #i1 #bjag1 calls for a comprehensive approach by the ,federal ,government to combat crime syndicates1 including transnational organized illegal activities that may be associated with ,,iuu fishing4 7#c7 ,it is estimated that the value of ,,iuu fishing may exceed #a1jjj1jjj1jjj annually in unlawful or undocumented revenue and may sometimes be linked to transnational organized illegal activities1 including weapons1 drug1 and human trafficking4 7#d7 ,,iuu fishing-- 7,a7 undermines the business of legitimate workers in the seafood industry2 and 7,b7 can create inaccurate population estimates for fish and other seafood species4 7#e7 ,marine fisheries employ millions of people worldwide1 the livelihoods of whom can be negatively impacted by ,,iuu fishing and associated transnational organized illegal activities4 7#f7 ,,iuu fishing vessels play a significant role in other forms of trafficking1 particularly drug trafficking4 ,the ,department of ,justice has documented numerous cases of illicit fishing ships involved in trafficking cocaine1 heroin1 and cannabis from ,south ,america to the ,united ,states4 7#g7 ,by introducing cheaper1 illegal products into the global market1 ,,iuu fishing undercuts the business and economic livelihoods of legitimate fishermen in the ,united ,states and around the world4 7#h7 ,in the ,united ,states and around the world1 seafood fraud undermines the economic viability of fisheries and deceives consumers about their purchasing choices4 7#i7 ,competition over seafood resources can lead to heightened tensions1 conflict1 and geostrategic instability in regions of importance to the ,united ,states4 #bjd4 ,purposes ,the purposes of this title are-- 7#a7 to support a whole-of-government approach across the ,federal ,government to counter ,,iuu fishing and related threats to maritime security2 7#b7 to improve data sharing that enhances surveillance1 enforcement1 and prosecution against ,,iuu fishing and related activities at a global level2 7#c7 to support coordination and collaboration to counter ,,iuu fishing and seafood fraud within priority regions2 7#d7 to increase and improve global transparency and traceability across the seafood supply chain as-- 7,a7 a deterrent to ,,iuu fishing and seafood fraud2 and 7,b7 a tool for strengthening fisheries management and food security2 7#e7 to improve global enforcement operations against ,,iuu fishing through a whole-of-government approach by the ,united ,states2 and 7#f7 to prevent the use of ,,iuu fishing as a financing source for transnational organized groups that undermine ,united ,states and global security interests4 #bje4 ,statement of policy ,it is the policy of the ,united ,states-- 7#a7 to take action to curtail the global trade in seafood and seafood products derived from ,,iuu fishing1 including its links to forced labor and transnational organized illegal activity2 7#b7 to develop holistic diplomatic1 military1 law enforcement1 economic1 and capacity-building tools to counter ,,iuu fishing2 7#c7 to provide technical and other forms of assistance to countries in priority regions and priority flag states to combat ,,iuu fishing and seafood fraud1 including assistance-- 7,a7 to increase local1 national1 and regional level capacities to counter ,,iuu fishing through the engagement of law enforcement and security forces2 7,b7 to enhance port capacity and security1 including through support to implement the ,port ,state ,measures ,agreement2 7,c7 to combat corruption and increase transparency and traceability in fisheries management and trade2 7,d7 to enhance information sharing within and across governments and multilateral organizations through the development and use of agreed standards for information sharing2 and 7,e7 to support effective1 science-based fisheries management regimes that promote legal and safe fisheries and act as a deterrent to ,,iuu fishing2 7#d7 to promote global maritime security through improved capacity and technological assistance to support improved maritime domain awareness2 7#e7 to engage with priority flag states to encourage the use of high quality vessel tracking technologies where existing enforcement tools are lacking2 7#f7 to engage with multilateral organizations working on fisheries issues1 including ,regional ,fisheries ,management ,organizations and the ,food and ,agriculture ,organization of the ,united ,nations1 to combat and deter ,,iuu fishing2 7#g7 to advance information sharing across governments and multilateral organizations in areas that cross multiple jurisdictions1 through the development and use of an agreed standard for information sharing2 7#h7 to continue to use existing and future trade agreements to combat ,,iuu fishing2 7#i7 to employ appropriate assets and resources of the ,united ,states ,government in a coordinated manner to disrupt the illicit networks involved in ,,iuu fishing2 7#aj7 to continue to declassify and make available1 as appropriate and practicable1 technologies developed by the ,united ,states ,government that can be used to help counter ,,iuu fishing2 7#aa7 to recognize the ties of ,,iuu fishing to transnational organized illegal activity1 including human trafficking and illegal trade in narcotics and arms1 and as applicable1 to focus on illicit activity in a coordinated1 cross-cutting manner2 7#ab7 to recognize and respond to poor working conditions1 labor abuses1 and other violent crimes in the fishing industry2 7#ac7 to increase and improve global transparency and traceability along the seafood supply chain as-- 7,a7 a deterrent to ,,iuu fishing2 and 7,b7 an approach for strengthening fisheries management and food security2 and 7#ad7 to promote technological investment and innovation to combat ,,iuu fishing4 ,a ,programs ,to combat ,,iuu fishing and increase maritime security #baa4 ,coordination with international organizations ,the ,secretary of ,state1 in conjunction with the ,secretary of ,commerce1 shall coordinate with ,regional ,fisheries ,management ,organizations and the ,food and ,agriculture ,organization of the ,united ,nations1 and may coordinate with other relevant international governmental or nongovernmental organizations1 or the private sector1 as appropriate1 to enhance regional responses to ,,iuu fishing and related transnational organized illegal activities4 #bab4 ,engagement of diplomatic missions of the ,united ,states ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this title1 each chief of mission 7as defined in section #ajb of the ,foreign ,service ,act of #aihj 7#bb ,u4,s4,c4 #cijb77 to a relevant country in a priority region or to a priority flag state may1 if the ,secretary of ,state determines such action is appropriate-- 7#a7 convene a working group1 led by ,department of ,state officials1 to examine ,,iuu fishing1 which may include stakeholders such as-- 7,a7 ,united ,states officials from relevant agencies participating in the interagency working group identified in section #bba1 foreign officials1 nongovernmental organizations1 the private sector1 and representatives of local fishermen in the region2 and 7,b7 experts on ,,iuu fishing1 law enforcement1 criminal justice1 transnational organized illegal activity1 defense1 intelligence1 vessel movement monitoring1 and international development operating in or with knowledge of the region2 and 7#b7 designate a counter-,,iuu ,fishing ,coordinator from among existing personnel at the mission if the chief of mission determines such action is appropriate4 #bac4 ,assistance by ,federal agencies to improve law enforcement within priority regions and priority flag states 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,state1 in collaboration with the ,secretary of ,commerce and the ,secretary of the department in which the ,coast ,guard is operating1 shall provide assistance1 as appropriate1 in accordance with this section4 7b7 ,law enforcement training and coordination activities ,the officials referred to in subsection 7a7 shall evaluate opportunities to provide assistance1 as appropriate1 to countries in priority regions and priority flag states to improve the effectiveness of ,,iuu fishing enforcement1 with clear and measurable targets and indicators of success1 including-- 7#a7 by assessing and using existing resources1 enforcement tools1 and legal authorities to coordinate efforts to combat ,,iuu fishing with efforts to combat other illegal trade1 including weapons1 drugs1 and human trafficking2 7#b7 by expanding existing ,,iuu fishing enforcement training2 7#c7 by providing targeted1 country- and region-specific training on combating ,,iuu fishing2 7#d7 by supporting increased effectiveness and transparency of the fisheries enforcement sectors of the governments of such countries2 and 7#e7 by supporting increased outreach to stakeholders in the affected communities as key partners in combating and prosecuting ,,iuu fishing4 7c7 ,port security assistance ,the officials referred to in subsection 7a7 shall evaluate opportunities to provide assistance1 as appropriate1 to countries in priority regions and priority flag states to help those states implement programs related to port security and capacity for the purposes of preventing ,,iuu fishing products from entering the global seafood market1 including support for implementing the ,port ,state ,measures ,agreement4 7d7 ,capacity building for investigations and prosecutions ,the officials referred to in subsection 7a71 in collaboration with the governments of countries in priority regions and of priority flag states1 shall evaluate opportunities to assist those countries in designing and implementing programs in such countries1 as appropriate1 to increase the capacity of ,,iuu fishing enforcement and customs and border security officers to improve their ability-- 7#a7 to conduct effective investigations1 including using law enforcement techniques such as undercover investigations and the development of informer networks and actionable intelligence2 7#b7 to conduct vessel boardings and inspections at sea and associated enforcement actions2 7#c7 to exercise existing shiprider agreements and to enter into and implement new shiprider agreements1 as appropriate2 7#d7 to conduct vessel inspections at port and associated enforcement actions2 7#e7 to assess technology needs and promote the use of technology to improve monitoring1 enforcement1 and prosecution of ,,iuu fishing2 7#f7 to conduct ,,dna-based and forensic identification of seafood used in trade2 7#g7 to conduct training on techniques1 such as collecting electronic evidence and using computer forensics1 for law enforcement personnel involved in complex investigations related to international matters1 financial issues1 and government corruption that include ,,iuu fishing2 7#h7 to assess financial flows and the use of financial institutions to launder profits related to ,,iuu fishing2 7#i7 to conduct training on the legal mechanisms that can be used to prosecute those identified in the investigations as alleged perpetrators of ,,iuu fishing and other associated crimes such as trafficking and forced labor2 and 7#aj7 to conduct training to raise awareness of the use of whistleblower information and ways to incentivize whistleblowers to come forward with original information related to ,,iuu fishing4 7e7 ,capacity building for information sharing ,the officials referred to in subsection 7a7 shall evaluate opportunities to provide assistance1 as appropriate1 to key countries in priority regions and priority flag states in the form of training1 equipment1 and systems development to build capacity for information sharing related to maritime enforcement and port security4 7f7 ,coordination with other relevant agencies ,the ,secretary of ,state1 in collaboration with the ,secretary of the department in which the ,coast ,guard is operating and the ,secretary of ,commerce1 shall coordinate with other relevant agencies1 as appropriate1 in accordance with this section4 #bad4 ,expansion of existing mechanisms to combat ,,iuu fishing ,the ,secretary of ,state1 the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development1 the ,secretary of the ,department in which the ,coast ,guard is operating1 the ,secretary of ,defense1 the ,secretary of ,commerce1 the ,attorney ,general1 and the heads of other appropriate ,federal agencies shall assess opportunities to combat ,,iuu fishing by expanding1 as appropriate1 the use of the following mechanisms3 7#a7 ,including counter-,,iuu fishing in existing shiprider agreements in which the ,united ,states is a party4 7#b7 ,entering into shiprider agreements that include counter-,,iuu fishing with priority flag states and countries in priority regions with which the ,united ,states does not already have such an agreement4 7#c7 ,including counter-,,iuu fishing as part of the mission of the ,combined ,maritime ,forces4 7#d7 ,including counter-,,iuu fishing exercises in the annual at-sea exercises conducted by the ,department of ,defense1 in coordination with the ,united ,states ,coast ,guard4 7#e7 ,creating partnerships similar to the ,oceania ,maritime ,security ,initiative and the ,africa ,maritime ,law ,enforcement ,partnership in other priority regions4 #bae4 ,improvement of transparency and traceability programs ,the ,secretary of ,state1 the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development1 the ,secretary of the ,department in which the ,coast ,guard is operating1 the ,secretary of ,commerce1 and the heads of other ,federal agencies1 if merited1 shall work1 as appropriate1 with priority flag states and key countries in priority regions-- 7#a7 to increase knowledge within such countries about the ,united ,states transparency and traceability standards for imports of seafood and seafood products2 7#b7 to improve the capacity of seafood industries within such countries through information sharing and training to meet the requirements of transparency and traceability standards for seafood and seafood product imports1 including catch documentation and trade tracking programs adopted by relevant regional fisheries management organizations2 7#c7 to improve the capacities of government1 industry1 and civil society groups to develop and implement comprehensive traceability systems that-- 7,a7 deter ,,iuu fishing2 7,b7 strengthen fisheries management2 and 7,c7 enhance maritime domain awareness2 and 7#d7 to support the implementation of seafood traceability standards in such countries to prevent ,,iuu fishing products from entering the global seafood market and assess capacity and training needs in those countries4 #baf4 ,technology programs ,the ,secretary of ,state1 the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development1 the ,secretary of the ,department in which the ,coast ,guard is operating1 the ,secretary of ,defense1 the ,secretary of ,commerce1 and the heads of other ,federal agencies1 as appropriate1 shall pursue programs to expand the role of technology for combating ,,iuu fishing1 including by-- 7#a7 promoting the use of technology to combat ,,iuu fishing2 7#b7 assessing the technology needs1 including vessel tracking technologies and data sharing1 in priority regions and priority flag states2 7#c7 engaging with priority flag states to encourage the mandated use of vessel tracking technologies1 including vessel monitoring systems1 ,,ais1 or other vessel movement monitoring technologies on fishing vessels and transshipment vessels at all times1 as appropriate1 while at sea as a means to identify ,,iuu fishing activities and the shipment of illegally caught fish products2 and 7#d7 building partnerships with the private sector1 including universities1 nonprofit research organizations1 the seafood industry1 and the technology1 transportation and logistics sectors1 to leverage new and existing technologies and data analytics to address ,,iuu fishing4 #bag4 ,information sharing ,the ,director of ,national ,intelligence1 in conjunction with other agencies1 as appropriate1 shall develop an enterprise approach to appropriately share information and data within the ,united ,states ,government or with other countries or nongovernmental organizations1 or the private sector1 as appropriate1 on ,,iuu fishing and other connected transnational organized illegal activity occurring in priority regions and elsewhere1 including big data analytics and machine learning4 ,b ,establishment of interagency working group on ,,iuu fishing #bba4 ,interagency ,working ,group on ,,iuu ,fishing 7a7 ,in general ,there is established a collaborative interagency working group on maritime security and ,,iuu fishing 7referred to in this title as the ,working ,group74 7b7 ,members ,the members of the ,working ,group shall be composed of-- 7#a7 #a chair1 who shall rotate between the ,coast ,guard1 the ,department of ,state1 and the ,national ,oceanographic and ,atmospheric ,administration on a #c-year term2 7#b7 #b deputy chairs1 who shall be appointed by their respective agency heads and shall be from a different ,department than that of the chair1 from-- 7,a7 the ,coast ,guard2 7,b7 the ,department of ,state2 and 7,c7 the ,national ,oceanic and ,atmospheric ,administration2 7#c7 #ab members1 who shall be appointed by their respective agency heads1 from-- 7,a7 the ,department of ,defense2 7,b7 the ,united ,states ,navy2 7,c7 the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development2 7,d7 the ,united ,states ,fish and ,wildlife ,service2 7,e7 the ,department of ,justice2 7,f7 the ,department of the ,treasury2 7,g7 ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection2 7,h7 ,u4,s4 ,immigration and ,customs ,enforcement2 7,i7 the ,federal ,trade ,commission2 7,j7 the ,national ,institute of ,food and ,agriculture2 7,k7 the ,food and ,drug ,administration2 and 7,l7 the ,department of ,labor2 7#d7 #a or more members from the intelligence community 7as defined in section #c of the ,national ,security ,act of #aidg 7#ej ,u4,s4,c4 #cjjc771 who shall be appointed by the ,director of ,national ,intelligence2 and 7#e7 #e members1 who shall be appointed by the ,president1 from-- 7,a7 the ,national ,security ,council2 7,b7 the ,council on ,environmental ,quality2 7,c7 the ,office of ,management and ,budget2 7,d7 the ,office of ,science and ,technology ,policy2 and 7,e7 the ,office of the ,united ,states ,trade ,representative4 7c7 ,responsibilities ,the ,working ,group shall ensure an integrated1 ,federal ,governmentwide response to ,,iuu fishing globally1 including by-- 7#a7 improving the coordination of ,federal agencies to identify1 interdict1 investigate1 prosecute1 and dismantle ,,iuu fishing operations and organizations perpetrating and knowingly benefiting from ,,iuu fishing2 7#b7 assessing areas for increased interagency information sharing on matters related to ,,iuu fishing and related crimes2 7#c7 establishing standards for information sharing related to maritime enforcement2 7#d7 developing a strategy to determine how military assets and intelligence can contribute to enforcement strategies to combat ,,iuu fishing2 7#e7 increasing maritime domain awareness relating to ,,iuu fishing and related crimes and developing a strategy to leverage awareness for enhanced enforcement and prosecution actions against ,,iuu fishing2 7#f7 supporting the implementation of the ,port ,state ,measures ,agreement in relevant countries and assessing the capacity and training needs in such countries2 7#g7 outlining a strategy to coordinate1 increase1 and use shiprider agreements between the ,department of ,defense or the ,coast ,guard and relevant countries2 7#h7 enhancing cooperation with partner governments to combat ,,iuu fishing2 7#i7 identifying opportunities for increased information sharing between ,federal agencies and partner governments working to combat ,,iuu fishing2 7#aj7 consulting and coordinating with the seafood industry and nongovernmental stakeholders that work to combat ,,iuu fishing2 7#aa7 supporting the work of collaborative international initiatives to make available certified data from state authorities about vessel and vessel-related activities related to ,,iuu fishing2 7#ab7 supporting the identification and certification procedures to address ,,iuu fishing in accordance with the ,high ,seas ,driftnet ,fishing ,moratorium ,protection ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #ahbf;d et seq472 and 7#ac7 developing a strategy for raising domestic awareness of the issues relating to ,,iuu fishing1 including publishing annual reports summarizing nonsensitive information about the ,working ,group's efforts to investigate1 enforce1 and prosecute groups and individuals engaging in ,,iuu fishing4 #bbb4 ,strategic plan 7a7 ,strategic plan ,not later than #b years after the date of the enactment of this title1 the ,working ,group1 after consultation with the relevant stakeholders1 shall submit to ,congress a #e-year integrated strategic plan on combating ,,iuu fishing and enhancing maritime security1 including specific strategies with monitoring benchmarks for addressing ,,iuu fishing in priority regions4 7b7 ,identification of priority regions and priority flag states 7#a7 ,in general ,the strategic plan submitted under subsection 7a7 shall identify priority regions and priority flag states to be the focus of assistance coordinated by the ,working ,group under section #bba4 7#b7 ,priority region selection criteria ,in selecting priority regions under paragraph 7#a71 the ,working ,group shall select regions that-- 7,a7 are at high risk for ,,iuu fishing activity or the entry of illegally caught seafood into their markets2 and 7,b7 lack the capacity to fully address the issues described in subparagraph 7,a74 7#c7 ,priority flag states selection criteria ,in selecting priority flag states under paragraph 7#a71 the ,working ,group shall select countries-- 7,a7 the flagged vessels of which actively engage in1 knowingly profit from1 or are complicit in ,,iuu fishing2 and 7,b7 that lack the capacity to police their fleet4 #bbc4 ,reports ,not later than #e years after the submission of the #e-year integrated strategic plan under section #bbb1 and every #e years thereafter1 the ,working ,group shall submit a report to the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate1 the ,committee on ,foreign ,relations of the ,senate1 the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,senate1 the ,committee on ,natural ,resources of the ,house of ,representatives1 the ,committee on ,foreign ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives1 and the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,house of ,representatives that contains-- 7#a7 a summary of global and regional trends in ,,iuu fishing2 7#b7 an assessment of the extent of the convergence between transnational organized illegal activity1 including human trafficking and forced labor1 and ,,iuu fishing2 7#c7 an assessment of the topics1 data sources1 and strategies that would benefit from increased information sharing and recommendations regarding harmonization of data collection and sharing2 7#d7 an assessment of assets1 including military assets and intelligence1 which can be used for either enforcement operations or strategies to combat ,,iuu fishing2 7#e7 summaries of the situational threats with respect to ,,iuu fishing in priority regions and an assessment of the capacity of countries within such regions to respond to those threats2 7#f7 an assessment of the progress of countries in priority regions in responding to those threats as a result of assistance by the ,united ,states pursuant to the strategic plan developed under section #bbb1 including-- 7,a7 the identification of-- 7i7 relevant supply routes1 ports of call1 methods of landing and entering illegally caught product into legal supply chains1 and financial institutions used in each country by participants engaging in ,,iuu fishing2 and 7ii7 indicators of ,,iuu fishing that are related to money laundering2 7,b7 an assessment of the adherence of countries in priority regions to international treaties related to ,,iuu fishing1 including the ,port ,state ,measures ,agreement2 7,c7 an assessment of the implementation by countries in priority regions of seafood traceability or capacity to apply traceability to verify the legality of catch and strengthen fisheries management2 7,d7 an assessment of the capacity of countries in priority regions to implement shiprider agreements2 7,e7 an assessment of the capacity of countries in priority regions to increase maritime domain awareness2 and 7,f7 an assessment of the capacity of governments of relevant countries in priority regions to sustain the programs for which the ,united ,states has provided assistance under this title2 7#g7 an assessment of the capacity of priority flag states to track the movement of and police their fleet1 prevent their flagged vessels from engaging in ,,iuu fishing1 and enforce applicable laws and regulations2 and 7#h7 an assessment of the extent of involvement in ,,iuu fishing of organizations designated as foreign terrorist organizations under section #bai of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aahi74 #bbd4 ,gulf of ,mexico ,,iuu ,fishing ,subworking ,group 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #ij days after the date of the enactment of this title1 the ,administrator of the ,national ,oceanic and ,atmospheric ,administration1 in coordination with the ,coast ,guard and the ,department of ,state1 shall establish a subworking group to address ,,iuu fishing in the exclusive economic zone of the ,united ,states in the ,gulf of ,mexico4 7b7 ,functions ,the subworking group established under subsection 7a7 shall identify-- 7#a7 ,federal actions taken and policies established during the #e-year period immediately preceding the date of the enactment of this title with respect to ,,iuu fishing in the exclusive economic zone of the ,united ,states in the ,gulf of ,mexico1 including such actions and policies related to-- 7,a7 the surveillance1 interdiction1 and prosecution of any foreign nationals engaged in such fishing2 and 7,b7 the application of the provisions of the ,high ,seas ,driftnet ,fishing ,moratorium ,protection ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #ahbf;d et seq47 to any relevant nation1 including the status of any past or ongoing consultations and certification procedures2 7#b7 actions and policies1 in addition to the actions and policies described in paragraph 7#a71 each of the ,federal agencies described in subsection 7a7 can take1 using existing resources1 to combat ,,iuu fishing in the exclusive economic zone of the ,united ,states in the ,gulf of ,mexico2 and 7#c7 any additional authorities that could assist each such agency in more effectively addressing such ,,iuu fishing4 7c7 ,report ,not later than #a year after the ,,iuu ,fishing ,subworking ,group is established under subsection 7a71 the group shall submit a report to the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,natural ,resources of the ,house of ,representatives that contains-- 7#a7 the findings identified pursuant to subsection 7b72 and 7#b7 a timeline for each of the ,federal agencies described in subsection 7a7 to implement each action or policy identified pursuant to subsection 7b77#b74 ,c ,authorization of appropriations #bca4 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the activities required under this title4