,,ii #aafth ,,congress #ast ,session ,s4 #bbig ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,july #be1 #bjai ,mr4 ,sullivan 7for himself1 ,mr4 ,wicker1 ,ms4 ,cantwell1 and ,mr4 ,markey7 introduced the following bill2 which was read twice and referred to the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation ,a ,,bill ,to authorize appropriations for the ,coast ,guard1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,coast ,guard ,authorization ,act of #bjai4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents for this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents4 ,sec4 #b4 ,definition4 ,,title ,i--,authorizations ,sec4 #aja4 ,authorizations of appropriations4 ,sec4 #ajb4 ,authorized levels of military strength and training4 ,sec4 #ajc4 ,vessel safety standards4 ,sec4 #ajd4 ,availability of amounts for acquisition of additional ,national ,security ,cutter4 ,sec4 #aje4 ,procurement authority for polar security cutters4 ,,title ,,ii--,coast ,guard ,subtitle ,a--,military ,personnel ,matters ,sec4 #bja4 ,authority for officers to opt out of promotion board consideration4 ,sec4 #bjb4 ,temporary promotion authority for officers in certain grades with critical skills4 ,sec4 #bjc4 ,grade on retirement4 ,sec4 #bjd4 ,career intermission program4 ,sec4 #bje4 ,direct commissioning authority for individuals with critical skills4 ,sec4 #bjf4 ,renewal of temporary early retirement authority4 ,sec4 #bjg4 ,strategy on leadership of the ,coast ,guard4 ,sec4 #bjh4 ,support of women serving in the ,coast ,guard4 ,sec4 #bji4 ,policy on expedited transfer of members of the ,coast ,guard in cases of sexual assault of dependents of members4 ,subtitle ,b--,organization and ,management ,matters ,sec4 #bba4 ,continuation of ,coast ,guard pay during lapse in appropriations4 ,sec4 #bbb4 ,authority to enter into agreements with ,national ,coast ,guard ,museum ,association4 ,sec4 #bbc4 ,research projects2 transactions other than contracts and grants4 ,sec4 #bbd4 ,support of elementary and secondary education in science1 mathematics1 and technology4 ,sec4 #bbe4 ,limitations on claims4 ,sec4 #bbf4 ,acquisition workforce authorities4 ,sec4 #bbg4 ,resolution by ,chief ,acquisition ,officer of acquisition disputes elevated to the ,officer4 ,sec4 #bbh4 ,vessel conversion1 alteration1 and repair projects4 ,sec4 #bbi4 ,coast ,guard ,housing ,fund4 ,sec4 #bcj4 ,operation and sustainment costs in major long-term acquisition plans4 ,sec4 #bca4 ,port1 harbor1 and coastal facility security4 ,sec4 #bcb4 ,access to resources during creosote-related building closures at ,coast ,guard ,base ,seattle1 ,washington4 ,sec4 #bcc4 ,southern resident orca conservation and enforcement4 ,sec4 #bcd4 ,briefing on policy on issuance of warrants and subpoenas and whistleblower protections by agents of the ,coast ,guard ,investigative ,service4 ,subtitle ,c--,access to ,child ,care for ,coast ,guard ,families ,sec4 #bda4 ,report on child care and school age care assistance for qualified families4 ,sec4 #bdb4 ,review of family support services website and online tracking system4 ,sec4 #bdc4 ,study and survey on ,coast ,guard child care needs4 ,sec4 #bdd4 ,pilot program to expand access to child care4 ,sec4 #bde4 ,improvements to ,coast ,guard-owned family housing4 ,sec4 #bdf4 ,briefing on transfer of family child care provider qualifications and certifications4 ,sec4 #bdg4 ,employees of ,coast ,guard child development centers4 ,sec4 #bdh4 ,inspections of ,coast ,guard child development centers and family child care providers4 ,sec4 #bdi4 ,expanding opportunities for family child care4 ,sec4 #bej4 ,definitions4 ,subtitle ,d--,reports ,sec4 #bfa4 ,modifications of certain reporting requirements4 ,sec4 #bfb4 ,report on cybersecurity workforce4 ,sec4 #bfc4 ,report on navigation and bridge resource management4 ,sec4 #bfd4 ,report on the ,arctic capabilities of the ,armed ,forces4 ,sec4 #bfe4 ,report on ,arctic search and rescue4 ,sec4 #bff4 ,report on helicopter life cycle support and recapitalization4 ,sec4 #bfg4 ,report on response to racial discrimination at the ,coast ,guard ,academy4 ,sec4 #bfh4 ,report on ,coast ,guard response capabilities for cyber incidents on vessels entering ports or waters of the ,united ,states4 ,sec4 #bfi4 ,study and report on ,coast ,guard interdiction of illicit drugs in the transit zones4 ,sec4 #bgj4 ,report on effects of extreme weather and related events on the ,coast ,guard4 ,sec4 #bga4 ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states report on ,certificate of ,compliance inspection program with respect to vessels that carry bulk liquified gases as cargo and liquefied natural gas tank vessels4 ,sec4 #bgb4 ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states review and report on the ,coast ,guard's ,international ,port ,security ,program4 ,sec4 #bgc4 ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states review and report on the surge capacity of the ,coast ,guard4 ,sec4 #bgd4 ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states review and report on the marine inspections program of the ,coast ,guard4 ,sec4 #bge4 ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states review and report on the information technology program of the ,coast ,guard4 ,sec4 #bgf4 ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states study and report on access to health care by members of the ,coast ,guard and dependents4 ,sec4 #bgg4 ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states study and report on medical staffing standards and needs for the ,coast ,guard4 ,sec4 #bgh4 ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states study and report on vertical evacuation for tsunamis at ,coast ,guard ,station ,grays ,harbor1 ,washington4 ,subtitle ,e--,other ,matters ,sec4 #bia4 ,technical corrections4 ,,title ,,iii--,maritime ,sec4 #cja4 ,electronic charts2 equivalency4 ,sec4 #cjb4 ,common appropriation structure4 ,sec4 #cjc4 ,alternate safety compliance program exception for certain vessels4 ,sec4 #cjd4 ,license exemptions2 repeal of obsolete provisions4 ,sec4 #cje4 ,small passenger vessels and uninspected passenger vessels4 ,sec4 #cjf4 ,national ,offshore ,safety ,advisory ,committee2 representation4 ,sec4 #cjg4 ,national ,maritime ,transportation ,system ,advisory ,committee4 ,sec4 #cjh4 ,security plans2 reviews4 ,sec4 #cji4 ,ice patrol2 payments4 ,sec4 #caj4 ,great ,lakes pilotage advisory committee extension4 ,sec4 #caa4 ,report on liability limits applicable to the ,coast ,guard4 ,sec4 #cab4 ,authority to waive operator of self-propelled uninspected passenger vessel requirements4 ,sec4 #cac4 ,towing vessel inspections2 user fees4 ,,title ,,iv--,miscellaneous ,sec4 #dja4 ,common appropriation structure4 ,sec4 #djb4 ,improved employment assistance4 ,sec4 #djc4 ,unmanned maritime systems4 ,sec4 #djd4 ,unmanned aircraft systems testing4 ,sec4 #dje4 ,report of determination2 technical correction4 ,sec4 #djf4 ,towing vessels operating outside the boundary line4 ,sec4 #djg4 ,repeal of ,caribbean support tender authorization4 ,sec4 #djh4 ,fairways4 ,sec4 #dji4 ,nonoperating individuals4 ,sec4 #daj4 ,abandoned seafarers fund amendments4 ,sec4 #daa4 ,conforming amendments3 training2 public safety personnel4 ,sec4 #dab4 ,accident and incident notification4 ,sec4 #dac4 ,subrogated claims4 ,sec4 #dad4 ,use of engine cut-off switch links4 ,sec4 #dae4 ,equivalency authority4 ,sec4 #daf4 ,arctic ,,pars ,native engagement4 ,sec4 #dag4 ,authorization of use of automatic identification systems devices to mark fishing equipment4 ,sec4 #dah4 ,direct hire authority for certain competitive service positions in the ,department of ,homeland ,security4 ,sec4 #dai4 ,national policy1 performance evaluations1 and research regarding vessel traffic service centers4 ,sec4 #dbj4 ,replacement vessel4 ,sec4 #dba4 ,limited indemnity provisions in standby oil spill response contracts4 ,sec4 #dbb4 ,united ,states commercial space-based radio frequency maritime domain awareness testing and evaluation program4 ,sec4 #dbc4 ,exemption of commercial fishing vessels operating in the ,alaskan ,region from the ,global ,marine ,distress and ,safety ,service requirements of the ,federal ,communications ,commission4 ,sec4 #dbd4 ,educational vessel4 ,sec4 #dbe4 ,conveyance of ,coast ,guard real property at ,point ,spencer1 ,alaska4 ,sec4 #dbf4 ,coast ,guard shore infrastructure improvement4 ,sec4 #dbg4 ,coast ,guard ,arctic prioritization4 ,sec4 #dbh4 ,national ,commercial ,fishing ,safety ,advisory ,committee4 ,sec4 #dbi4 ,oil pollution research and development program4 ,,title ,v--,federal ,maritime ,commission ,sec4 #eja4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #ejb4 ,authorization of appropriations4 #b4 ,definition ,in this ,act1 the term ,commandant means the ,commandant of the ,coast ,guard4 ,i ,authorizations #aja4 ,authorizations of appropriations ,section #dijb of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#a7-- 7,a7 in subparagraph 7,a71 by striking provided for1 #g1iad1aie1jjj for fiscal year #bjai4 and inserting provided for-- 7i7 #h1hja1fbj1hej for fiscal year #bjbj2 and 7ii7 #h1cif1afi1dge for fiscal year #bjba4 2 7,b7 in subparagraph 7,b71 by striking subparagraph 7,a7 in the matter preceding clause 7i7 and inserting subparagraph 7,a77i72 and 7,c7 by adding at the end the following3 7,c7 ,of the amount authorized under subparagraph 7,a77ii7-- 7i7 #ag1aai1jjj shall be for environmental compliance and restoration2 and 7ii7 #bjd1cdd1jjj shall be for the contribution of the ,coast ,guard to the ,department of ,defense ,medicare-,eligible ,retiree ,health care ,fund4 2 7#b7 in paragraph 7#b71 by striking and equipment1 #b1fid1gde1jjj for fiscal year #bjai4 and inserting and equipment-- 7,a7 #b1fid1gde1jjj for fiscal year #bjbj2 and 7,b7 #b1gfb1aad1jjj for fiscal year #bjba4 2 and 7#c7 in paragraph 7#c71 by striking and equipment1 #bi1ada1jjj for fiscal year #bjai4 and inserting and equipment-- 7,a7 #bi1ada1jjj for fiscal year #bjbj2 and 7,b7 #bi1hgj1jjj for fiscal year #bjba4 4 #ajb4 ,authorized levels of military strength and training ,section #dijd of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a71 by striking #dc1jjj for fiscal year #bjah and #dd1ejj for fiscal year #bjai and inserting #dd1ejj for each of fiscal years #bjbj and #bjba2 and 7#b7 in subsection 7b71 by striking fiscal years #bjah and #bjai and inserting fiscal years #bjbj and #bjba4 #ajc4 ,vessel safety standards 7a7 ,fishing ,safety ,training ,grants ,program ,subsection 7i7 of section #dejb of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#c71 by striking #ej percent and inserting #ge percent2 and 7#b7 in paragraph 7#d71 by striking #bjai and inserting #bjba4 7b7 ,fishing ,safety ,research ,grant ,program ,subsection 7j7 of such section is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#c71 by striking #ej percent and inserting #ge percent2 and 7#b7 in paragraph 7#d71 by striking #bjai and inserting #bjba4 #ajd4 ,availability of amounts for acquisition of additional ,national ,security ,cutter 7a7 ,in general ,of the aggregate amount authorized to be appropriated for fiscal years #bjbj and #bjba by section #dijb7b7 of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code1 as amended by section #aja of this ,act1 #fej1jjj1jjj is authorized to be available for the acquisition of a ,national ,security ,cutter4 7b7 ,treatment of acquired ,cutter ,any ,cutter acquired using amounts available pursuant to subsection 7a7 shall be in addition to the ,national ,security ,cutters approved under the existing acquisition baseline in the program of record for the ,national ,security ,cutter4 #aje4 ,procurement authority for polar security cutters 7a7 ,in general ,for fiscal year #bjbj and each fiscal year thereafter1 the ,secretary of the department in which the ,coast ,guard is operating shall enter into one or more contracts for the procurement of not fewer than three heavy polar security cutters and three medium polar security cutters and the associated equipment for such polar security cutters4 7b7 ,funding ,of the amounts made available for fiscal years #bjbj and #bjba by this ,act1 not less than #gde1jjj1jjj shall be available for each heavy polar security cutter authorized to be procured in such fiscal years4 7c7 ,prohibition on contracts or use of funds for development of common hull design ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 the ,secretary of the department in which the ,coast ,guard is operating may not enter into any contract for1 and no funds shall be obligated or expended on1 the development of a common hull design for medium polar security cutters and ,great ,lakes icebreakers4 ,,ii ,coast ,guard ,a ,military ,personnel ,matters #bja4 ,authority for officers to opt out of promotion board consideration 7a7 ,active-,duty list officers ,section #baac of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking he each place it appears and inserting the officer2 7#b7 by striking his each place it appears and inserting the officer's2 7#c7 in subsection 7c71 by striking him and inserting the officer2 and 7#d7 by adding at the end the following3 7g7 7#a7 ,notwithstanding subsection 7a71 the ,commandant may provide that an officer may1 upon the officer's request1 be excluded from consideration by a selection board convened under #bajf of this title to consider officers for promotion to the next higher grade4 7#b7 ,the ,commandant may only approve a request under paragraph 7#a7 if-- 7,a7 the basis for the request is to allow an officer to complete a broadening assignment1 advanced education1 a unique personal or professional goal1 or another assignment of significant value to the ,coast ,guard1 or a career progression requirement delayed by the assignment1 education1 or goal2 7,b7 the ,commandant determines the exclusion from consideration is in the best interest of the ,coast ,guard2 and 7,c7 the officer has not previously failed selection for promotion to the grade for which the officer requests the exclusion from consideration4 4 7b7 ,reserve active-,status list officers ,the text of section #cgdc of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended to read as follows3 7a7 ,in general ,a ,reserve officer is eligible for consideration for promotion and for promotion under this subchapter1 if that officer is in an active status4 7b7 ,ineligibility ,a ,reserve officer who has been considered but not recommended for retention in an active status by a board convened under section #cgeb7;a7 of this title1 is not eligible for consideration for promotion4 7c7 ,authority ,to opt out of promotion board consideration 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,commandant may provide that an officer may1 upon the officer's request1 be excluded from consideration by a selection board convened under section #cgdj7;b7 of this title to consider officers for promotion to the next higher grade4 7#b7 ,requirements ,the ,commandant may only approve a request under paragraph 7#a7 if-- 7,a7 the basis for the request is to allow an officer to complete a broadening assignment1 advanced education1 a unique personal or professional goal1 or another assignment of significant value to the ,coast ,guard1 or a career progression requirement delayed by the assignment1 education1 or goal2 7,b7 the ,commandant determines the exclusion from consideration is in the best interest of the ,coast ,guard2 and 7,c7 the officer has not previously failed of selection for promotion to the grade for which the officer requests the exclusion from consideration4 4 #bjb4 ,temporary promotion authority for officers in certain grades with critical skills 7a7 ,in general ,subchapter ,i of chapter #ba of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #bacj4 ,promotion to certain grades for officers with critical skills2 captain1 commander1 lieutenant commander1 lieutenant 7a7 ,in general ,an officer in the grade of lieutenant 7junior grade71 lieutenant1 lieutenant commander1 or commander1 who is described in subsection 7b7 may be temporarily promoted to the grade of lieutenant1 lieutenant commander1 commander1 or captain under regulations prescribed by the ,secretary4 ,appointments under this section shall be made by the ,president1 by and with the advice and consent of the ,senate4 7b7 ,covered officers ,an officer described in this subsection is any officer in a grade specified in subsection 7a7 who-- 7#a7 has a skill in which the ,coast ,guard has a critical shortage of personnel 7as determined by the ,secretary72 and 7#b7 is serving in a position 7as determined by the ,secretary7 that-- 7,a7 is designated to be held by a lieutenant1 lieutenant commander1 commander1 or captain2 and 7,b7 requires that an officer serving in such position have the skill possessed by such officer4 7c7 ,preservation of position and status of officers appointed 7#a7 ,the temporary positions authorized by this section shall not be counted among or included in the list of positions on the active duty promotion list4 7#b7 ,an appointment under this section does not change the position on the active-duty promotion list or the permanent1 probationary1 or acting status of the officer so appointed1 prejudice the officer in regard to other promotions or appointments1 or abridge the rights or benefits of the officer4 7d7 ,board recommendation required ,a temporary promotion under this section may be made only upon the recommendation of a board of officers convened by the ,secretary for the purpose of recommending officers for such promotions4 7e7 ,acceptance and effective date of appointment ,each appointment under this section1 unless expressly declined1 is1 without formal acceptance1 regarded as accepted on the date such appointment is made1 and a member so appointed is entitled to the pay and allowances of the grade of the temporary promotion under this section from the date the appointment is made4 7f7 ,termination of appointment ,unless sooner terminated1 an appointment under this section terminates-- 7#a7 on the date the officer who received the appointment is promoted to the permanent grade of lieutenant1 lieutenant commander1 commander1 or captain2 7#b7 on the date the officer is detached from a position described in subsection 7b77#b71 unless the officer is on a promotion list to the permanent grade of lieutenant1 lieutenant commander1 commander1 or captain1 in which case the appointment terminates on the date the officer is promoted to that grade2 7#c7 if the officer is determined to have engaged in misconduct or displayed substandard performance in the position concerned2 or 7#d7 when otherwise determined by the ,commandant to be in the best interests of the ,coast ,guard4 7g7 ,limitation on number of eligible positions ,an appointment under this section may only be made for service in a position designated by the ,secretary for the purposes of this section4 ,the number of positions so designated may not exceed the following3 7#a7 ,as lieutenant1 the number equal to #j4b percent of the authorized number of lieutenants in the ,coast ,guard as of the end of the fiscal year in which the appointment is made4 7#b7 ,as lieutenant commander1 the number equal to #j4f percent of the authorized number of lieutenant commanders in the ,coast ,guard as of the end of the fiscal year in which the appointment is made4 7#c7 ,as commander1 the number equal to #j4c percent of the authorized number of commanders in the ,coast ,guard as of the end of the fiscal year in which the appointment is made4 7#d7 ,as captain1 the number equal to #j4ae percent of the authorized number of captains in the ,coast ,guard as of the end of the fiscal year in which the appointment is made4 4 7b7 ,analysis for chapter #ba ,the analysis for chapter #ba of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #babi the following3 #bacj4 ,promotion to certain grades for officers with critical skills2 captain1 commander1 lieutenant commander1 lieutenant4 4 #bjc4 ,grade on retirement 7a7 ,retirement of ,commandant or ,vice ,commandant ,section #cjc of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7d7 ,retirement under this section is subject to section #beja7;a7 of this title4 4 7b7 ,retirement ,section #cjf of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a71 by inserting satisfactorily1 as determined under section #beja of this title before the period2 7#b7 in subsection 7b71 by inserting satisfactorily1 as determined under section #beja of this title before the period2 and 7#c7 in subsection 7c71 by inserting if performance of duties in such grade is determined to have been satisfactory pursuant to section #beja of this title before the period4 7c7 ,grade on retirement ,section #beja of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a7-- 7,a7 by striking ,any commissioned officer1 other than a commissioned warrant officer1 and inserting ,commissioned ,officers4-- 7#a7 ,in general ,a commissioned officer 2 7,b7 by striking him and inserting the commissioned officer2 7,c7 by striking his and inserting the commissioned officer's2 and 7,d7 by adding at the end the following3 7#b7 ,conditional determination ,when a commissioned officer is under investigation for alleged misconduct at the time of retirement-- 7,a7 the ,secretary may conditionally determine the highest grade of satisfactory service of the commissioned officer pending completion of the investigation2 and 7,b7 the grade under subparagraph 7,a7 is subject to resolution under subsection 7c77#b74 2 7#b7 in subsection 7b7-- 7,a7 by inserting ,warrant officers4-- after 7b72 7,b7 by striking him and inserting the warrant officer2 and 7,c7 by striking his and inserting the warrant officer's2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following3 7c7 ,retirement in lower grade 7#a7 ,misconduct in lower grade ,in the case of a commissioned officer whom the ,secretary determines committed misconduct in a lower grade1 the ,secretary may determine the commissioned officer has not served satisfactorily in any grade equal to or higher than that lower grade4 7#b7 ,adverse findings ,a determination of the retired grade of a commissioned officer shall be resolved following a conditional determination under subsection 7a77#b7 if the investigation of or personnel action against the commissioned officer results in adverse findings4 7#c7 ,recalculation of retired pay ,if the retired grade of a commissioned officer is reduced pursuant to this subsection1 the retired pay of the commissioned officer shall be recalculated under chapter #ga of title #aj1 and any modification of the retired pay of the commissioned officer shall go into effect on the effective date of the reduction in retired grade4 7d7 ,finality of retired grade determinations 7#a7 ,in general ,except as provided in paragraph 7#b71 a determination of the retired grade of a commissioned officer under this section is administratively final on the day the commissioned officer is retired1 and may not be reopened4 7#b7 ,reopening determinations ,a determination of the retired grade of a commissioned officer may be reopened if-- 7,a7 the retirement or retired grade of the commissioned officer was procured by fraud2 7,b7 substantial evidence comes to light after the retirement that could have led to a lower retired grade under this section and such evidence was known by competent authority at the time of retirement2 7,c7 a mistake of law or calculation was made in the determination of the retired grade2 7,d7 in the case of a retired grade following a conditional determination under subsection 7a77#b71 the investigation of or personnel action against the commissioned officer results in adverse findings2 or 7,e7 the ,secretary determines1 under regulations prescribed by the ,secretary1 that good cause exists to reopen the determination4 7#c7 ,requirements ,if a determination of the retired grade of a commissioned officer is reopened under paragraph 7#b71 the ,secretary-- 7,a7 shall notify the commissioned officer of the reopening2 and 7,b7 may not make an adverse determination on the retired grade of the commissioned officer until the commissioned officer has had a reasonable opportunity to respond regarding the basis of the reopening4 7#d7 ,recalculation of retired pay ,if the retired grade of a commissioned officer is reduced through the reopening of the commissioned officer's retired grade under paragraph 7#b71 the retired pay of the commissioned officer shall be recalculated under chapter #ga of title #aj1 and any modification of the retired pay of the commissioned officer shall go into effect on the effective date of the reduction in retired grade4 7e7 ,inapplicability to commissioned warrant officers ,this section1 including subsection 7b71 shall not apply to commissioned warrant officers4 4 #bjd4 ,career intermission program 7a7 ,in general ,subchapter ,i of chapter #be of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #bead4 ,career flexibility to enhance retention of members 7a7 ,program authorized ,the ,commandant may carry out a program under which members of the ,coast ,guard may be inactivated from active service to meet personal or professional needs and returned to active service at the end of such period of inactivation from active service4 7b7 ,period of inactivation from active service2 effect of inactivation 7#a7 ,in general ,the period of inactivation from active service under the program under this section of a member participating in the program shall be such period as the ,commandant shall specify in the agreement of the member under subsection 7c71 except that such period may not exceed #c years4 7#b7 ,total years of service ,any service by a ,reserve officer while participating in the program under this section shall be excluded from computation of the total years of service of that officer under section #adgjf7;a7 of title #aj4 7#c7 ,retirement or transfer ,any period of participation of a member in the program under this section shall not count toward-- 7,a7 eligibility for retirement or transfer to the ,ready ,reserve under chapter #hda or #abbc of title #aj2 or 7,b7 computation of retired or retainer pay under chapter #ga or #abbc of title #aj4 7c7 ,agreement ,each member of the ,coast ,guard who participates in the program under this section shall enter into a written agreement with the ,commandant under which agreement that member shall agree as follows3 7#a7 ,to accept an appointment or enlist1 as applicable1 and serve in the ,coast ,guard ,ready ,reserve during the period of the inactivation of the member from active service under the program4 7#b7 ,to undergo during the period of the inactivation of the member from active service under the program such inactive service training as the ,commandant shall require in order to ensure that the member retains proficiency1 at a level determined by the ,commandant to be sufficient1 in the military skills1 professional qualifications1 and physical readiness of the member during the inactivation of the member from active service4 7#c7 ,following completion of the period of the inactivation of the member from active service under the program1 to serve #b months as a member of the ,coast ,guard on active service for each month of the period of the inactivation of the member from active service under the program4 7d7 ,conditions of release ,the ,commandant shall-- 7#a7 prescribe regulations specifying the guidelines regarding the conditions of release that must be considered and addressed in the agreement required by subsection 7c72 and 7#b7 at a minimum1 prescribe the procedures and standards to be used to instruct a member on the obligations to be assumed by the member under subsection 7c77#b7 while the member is released from active service4 7e7 ,order to active service ,under regulations prescribed by the ,commandant1 a member of the ,coast ,guard participating in the program under this section may1 in the discretion of the ,commandant1 be required to terminate participation in the program and be ordered to active service4 7f7 ,pay and allowances 7#a7 ,in general ,during each month of participation in the program under this section1 a member who participates in the program shall be paid basic pay in an amount equal to two-thirtieths of the amount of monthly basic pay to which the member would otherwise be entitled under section #bjd of title #cg as a member of the uniformed services on active service in the grade and years of service of the member when the member commences participation in the program4 7#b7 ,limitations 7,a7 ,special or incentive pay or bonuses ,a member who participates in the program shall not1 while participating in the program1 be paid any special or incentive pay or bonus to which the member is otherwise entitled under an agreement under section #aibe of this title or chapter #e of title #cg that is in force when the member commences participation in the program4 7,b7 ,not treated as failure to perform ,the inactivation from active service of a member participating in the program shall not be treated as a failure of the member to perform any period of service required of the member in connection with an agreement for a special or incentive pay or bonus under section #aibe of this title or chapter #e of title #cg that is in force when the member commences participation in the program4 7#c7 ,return to service 7,a7 ,in general ,subject to subparagraph 7,b71 upon the return of a member to active service after completion by the member of participation in the program-- 7i7 any agreement entered into by the member under section #aibe of this title or chapter #e of title #cg for the payment of a special or incentive pay or bonus that was in force when the member commenced participation in the program shall be revived1 with the term of such agreement after revival being the period of the agreement remaining to run when the member commenced participation in the program2 and 7ii7 any special or incentive pay or bonus shall be payable to the member in accordance with the terms of the agreement concerned for the term specified in clause 7i74 7,b7 ,nonapplicability ,subparagraph 7,a7-- 7i7 shall not apply to any special or incentive pay or bonus otherwise covered by that subparagraph with respect to a member if1 at the time of the return of the member to active service as described in that subparagraph-- 7,i7 such pay or bonus is no longer authorized by law2 or 7,,ii7 the member does not satisfy eligibility criteria for such pay or bonus as in effect at the time of the return of the member to active service2 and 7ii7 shall cease to apply to any special or incentive pay or bonus otherwise covered by that subparagraph with respect to a member if1 during the term of the revived agreement of the member under subparagraph 7,a77i71 such pay or bonus ceases being authorized by law4 7,c7 ,repayment ,a member who is ineligible for payment of a special or incentive pay or bonus otherwise covered by this paragraph by reason of subparagraph 7,b77i77,,ii7 shall be subject to the requirements for repayment of such pay or bonus in accordance with the terms of the applicable agreement of the member under section #aibe of this title or chapter #e of title #cg4 7,d7 ,service in addition to other service ,any service required of a member under an agreement covered by this paragraph after the member returns to active service as described in subparagraph 7,a7 shall be in addition to any service required of the member under an agreement under subsection 7c74 7#d7 ,travel and transportation allowances 7,a7 ,in general ,subject to subparagraph 7,b71 a member who participates in the program is entitled1 while participating in the program1 to the travel and transportation allowances authorized by section #dgd of title #cg for-- 7i7 travel performed from the residence of the member1 at the time of release from active service to participate in the program1 to the location in the ,united ,states designated by the member as his residence during the period of participation in the program2 and 7ii7 travel performed to the residence of the member upon return to active service at the end of the participation of the member in the program4 7,b7 ,limitations ,an allowance is payable under this paragraph only with respect to travel of a member to and from a single residence4 7#e7 ,leave balances ,a member who participates in the program is entitled to carry forward the leave balance existing as of the day on which the member begins participation and accumulated in accordance with section #gja of title #aj1 but not to exceed #fj days4 7g7 ,promotion 7#a7 ,ineligibility 7,a7 ,in general ,an officer participating in the program under this section shall not1 while participating in the program1 be eligible for consideration for promotion under chapter #ba or #cg of this title4 7,b7 ,return to active service ,upon the return of an officer to active service after completion by the officer of participation in the program-- 7i7 the ,commandant may adjust the date of rank of the officer in such manner as the ,commandant may prescribe in regulations for purposes of this section2 and 7ii7 the officer shall be eligible for consideration for promotion when officers of the same grade and seniority are eligible for consideration for promotion4 7#b7 ,period of ineligibility ,an enlisted member participating in the program shall not be eligible for consideration for advancement during the period that-- 7,a7 begins on the date of the inactivation of the member from active service under the program2 and 7,b7 ends at such time after the return of the member to active service under the program that the member is treatable as eligible for advancement by reason of time in grade and such other requirements as the ,commandant may prescribe in regulations for purposes of the program4 7h7 ,continued entitlement ,a member participating in the program under this section shall1 while participating in the program1 be treated as a member of the armed forces on active duty for a period of more than #cj days for purposes of-- 7#a7 the entitlement of the member and of the dependents of the member to medical and dental care under the provisions of chapter #ee of title #aj2 and 7#b7 retirement or separation for physical disability under the provisions of chapter #fa of title #aj and chapters #ba and #bc of this title4 4 7b7 ,analysis for chapter #be ,the analysis for chapter #be of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #beac the following3 #bead4 ,career flexibility to enhance retention of members4 4 #bje4 ,direct commissioning authority for individuals with critical skills 7a7 ,in general ,subchapter ,,ii of chapter #cg of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by inserting after section #cgch the following3 #cgch;a4 ,direct commissioning authority for individuals with critical skills ,an individual with critical skills that the ,commandant consider necessary for the ,coast ,guard to complete its missions who is not currently serving as an officer in the ,coast ,guard1 may be commissioned into the ,coast ,guard at a grade up to1 and including1 commander4 4 7b7 ,analysis for chapter #cg ,the analysis for chapter #cg of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #cgch the following3 #cgch;a4 ,direct commissioning authority for individuals with critical skills4 4 #bjf4 ,renewal of temporary early retirement authority ,section #bai of the ,coast ,guard and ,maritime ,transportation ,act of #bjab 7,public ,law #aab-bac2 #aj ,u4,s4,c4 #abic note7 is amended-- 7#a7 in the matter preceding paragraph 7#a71 by striking ,for fiscal years #bjac through #bjah and inserting ,for fiscal years #bjai through #bjbe2 and 7#b7 in paragraph 7#a71 by striking subsection 7c77#b77;,a7 and inserting subsection 7c77#a74 #bjg4 ,strategy on leadership of the ,coast ,guard 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of the department in which the ,coast ,guard is operating shall develop and make available to the public a strategy to improve leadership development in the ,coast ,guard1 including mechanisms to address toxic leadership in the ,coast ,guard4 7b7 ,elements ,the strategy shall include the following3 7#a7 ,mechanisms to foster positive and productive leadership qualities in emerging ,coast ,guard leaders1 beginning1 at minimum1 members at grade ,o-#b for officers1 members at grade ,e-#f for enlisted members1 and members training to become an officer-in-charge4 7#b7 ,mechanisms for the ongoing evaluation of unit commanders1 including identification of toxic leadership qualities in commanders4 7#c7 ,formal training on the recognition of toxic leadership qualities 7in self and others71 including at leadership seminars and school houses in the ,coast ,guard1 including means to correct such qualities4 7#d7 ,clear and transparent policies on standards for command climate1 leadership qualities1 and inclusion4 7#e7 ,policy to ensure established and emerging leaders have access to hands-on training and tools to improve diversity and inclusion4 7#f7 ,policy and procedures for commanders to identify and hold accountable toxic leaders4 7c7 ,toxic leadership defined ,in this section1 the term toxic leadership has the meaning given that term for purposes of ,army ,doctrine ,publication #f-bb4 #bjh4 ,support of women serving in the ,coast ,guard 7a7 ,consideration of women's issues by ,board of ,visitors of ,coast ,guard ,academy ,section #aijc7;d7 of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#e71 by striking and at the end2 7#b7 by redesignating paragraph 7#f7 as paragraph 7#g72 and 7#c7 by inserting after paragraph 7#e7 the following new paragraph 7#f73 7#f7 women's issues2 and 4 7b7 ,national ,coast ,guard ,women's ,leadership ,committee 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,commandant shall establish within the ,coast ,guard a national advisory board to be known as the ,national ,coast ,guard ,women's ,leadership ,committee 7in this subsection referred to as the ,committee74 7#b7 ,membership ,the ,committee shall be composed of such number of members as the ,commandant considers appropriate1 selected by the ,commandant through a public selection process from among applicants for membership on the ,committee4 ,the members of the ,committee shall1 to the extent practicable1 represent the range and diversity of the ,coast ,guard4 ,the members of the ,committee shall include an equal number of each of the following3 7,a7 ,active duty officers of the ,coast ,guard4 7,b7 ,active duty enlisted members of the ,coast ,guard4 7,c7 ,members of the ,coast ,guard ,reserve4 7,d7 ,retired members of the ,coast ,guard4 7#c7 ,duties ,the ,committee-- 7,a7 shall advise the ,commandant on improvements to the recruitment1 retention1 success1 and well-being of women serving in the ,coast ,guard2 7,b7 may submit to the ,secretary of the department in which the ,coast ,guard is operating1 and to the ,commandant1 recommendations in connection with its duties under this subsection1 including recommendations to implement the advice described in subparagraph 7,a72 and 7,c7 may brief ,congress on its duties under this subsection1 including the advice described in subparagraph 7,a7 and any recommendations described in subparagraph 7,b74 7c7 ,advisory ,committee on ,women's ,leadership at the ,coast ,guard ,academy 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,superintendent of the ,coast ,guard ,academy shall establish at the ,coast ,guard ,academy an advisory committee to be known as the ,advisory ,committee on ,women's ,leadership at the ,coast ,guard ,academy 7in this subsection referred to as the ,advisory ,committee74 7#b7 ,membership ,the ,advisory ,committee shall be composed of not fewer than #ab current cadets of the ,coast ,guard ,academy1 including not fewer than #c cadets from each current class4 7#c7 ,appointment2 term ,cadets shall serve on the ,advisory ,committee pursuant to appointment by the ,superintendent4 ,appointments shall be made not later than #fj days after the swearing in of a new class of cadets at the ,academy4 ,the term of membership of a cadet on the ,advisory ,committee shall be one year4 7#d7 ,meetings ,the ,advisory ,committee shall meet with the ,commandant not less frequently than once each academic year of the ,coast ,guard ,academy on the duties of the ,advisory ,committee4 ,the ,advisory ,committee shall meet in person with the ,superintendent not less frequently than twice each such academic year on the duties of the ,advisory ,committee4 7#e7 ,duties ,the ,advisory ,committee shall identify cultural opportunities and challenges facing women cadets at the ,academy1 including an assessment of culture1 leadership development1 access to health care1 and overall well-being of women cadets at the ,academy4 7#f7 ,advisory groups ,the ,advisory ,committee may establish one or more advisory groups to assist the ,advisory ,committee in carrying out its duties1 including advisory groups composed in part of cadets at the ,academy who are not current members of the ,advisory ,committee4 7#g7 ,reports and briefings ,the ,advisory ,committee shall regularly provide the ,commandant and the ,superintendent reports and briefings on the results of its duties1 including recommendations for actions to be taken in light of such results4 ,such reports and briefings may be provided in writing1 in person1 or both4 7d7 ,curriculum and training on climate and culture concerns ,the ,secretary of the department in which the ,coast ,guard is operating shall periodically update curriculum and training toward inclusive leadership and positive climate in the ,coast ,guard1 and shall develop a plan to synchronize such updates to respond to the findings of the ,,rand gender diversity report1 delivered at each of the following3 7#a7 ,officer accession points1 including the ,coast ,guard ,academy and the ,leadership ,development ,center4 7#b7 ,enlisted member accession at the ,united ,states ,coast ,guard ,training ,center ,cape ,may1 ,new ,jersey4 7#c7 ,the officer1 enlisted member1 and civilian leadership courses managed by the ,leadership ,development ,center4 7e7 ,action plan 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,commandant shall submit to ,congress1 and make available to the public on an internet website of the ,coast ,guard available to the public1 a report on the implementation of the recommendations of the ,,rand gender diversity report4 7#b7 ,elements ,the report shall set forth the following3 7,a7 ,a review and assessment of the status of actions on the recommendations in the ,,rand gender diversity report4 7,b7 ,additional recommendations to improve the recruitment and retention of women in the ,coast ,guard4 7,c7 ,a plan 7including milestones7 for actions being taken by the ,coast ,guard to implement the recommendations in the ,,rand gender diversity report and the additional recommendations described in subparagraph 7,b71 including recommendations for such legislative or administrative action as may be required in order to carry out the plan4 7,d7 ,a plan to launch and maintain an internet website for the sharing of significant policy1 benefits1 services1 and resources1 and relevant announcements1 in order to centralize resources and tools provided by the ,coast ,guard1 and other resources 7as appropriate71 to improve gender diversity and retention of women in the ,coast ,guard4 7#c7 ,consultation ,in preparing the report1 the ,commandant shall consult with the ,national ,coast ,guard ,women's ,leadership ,committee established pursuant to subsection 7b74 7f7 ,,rand gender diversity report defined ,in this section1 the term ,,rand gender diversity report means the #bjai report of the ,homeland ,security ,operational ,analysis ,center of the ,,rand ,corporation entitled ,improving ,gender ,diversity in the ,u4,s4 ,coast ,guard3 ,identifying ,barriers to ,female ,retention4 #bji4 ,policy on expedited transfer of members of the ,coast ,guard in cases of sexual assault of dependents of members ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,commandant shall establish a policy to permit the transfer of a member of the ,coast ,guard whose dependent is the victim of sexual assault committed by a member of the ,armed ,forces who is not related to the victim4 ,b ,organization and ,management ,matters #bba4 ,continuation of ,coast ,guard pay during lapse in appropriations 7a7 ,in general ,chapter #bg of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #bghj4 ,pay2 continuation during lapse in appropriations 7a7 ,in general ,in the case of any period in which there is a ,coast ,guard-specific funding lapse1 there are appropriated such sums as may be necessary-- 7#a7 to provide pay and allowances to military members of the ,coast ,guard1 including the reserve component thereof1 who perform active service or inactive-duty training during such period2 7#b7 to provide pay and benefits to qualified civilian employees of the ,coast ,guard2 7#c7 to provide pay and benefits to qualified contract employees of the ,coast ,guard2 7#d7 to provide for-- 7,a7 the payment of a death gratuity under sections #adge through #adgg and #adhi of title #aj1 with respect to members of the ,coast ,guard2 7,b7 the payment or reimbursement of authorized funeral travel and travel related to the dignified transfer of remains and unit memorial services under section #dha;f of title #cg1 with respect to members of the ,coast ,guard2 and 7,c7 the temporary continuation of a basic allowance of housing for dependents of members of the ,coast ,guard dying on active duty1 as authorized by section #djc7a7 of title #cg2 and 7#e7 to provide for ,coast ,guard retired pay1 including the payment of obligations otherwise chargeable to lapsed appropriations for this purpose1 payments under the ,retired ,serviceman's ,family ,protection and ,survivor ,benefits ,plans1 payment for career status bonuses1 payment of continuation pay under section #cef of title #cg1 concurrent receipts1 combat-related special compensation1 and payments for medical care of retired personnel and their dependents under chapter #ee of title #aj4 7b7 ,coast ,guard-,specific funding lapse ,for purposes of this section1 a ,coast ,guard-specific funding lapse occurs in any case in which-- 7#a7 a general appropriation bill providing appropriations for the ,coast ,guard for a fiscal year is not enacted before the beginning of such fiscal year 7and no joint resolution making continuing appropriations for the ,coast ,guard is in effect72 and 7#b7 a general appropriation bill providing appropriations for the ,department of ,defense for such fiscal year is enacted before the beginning of such fiscal year 7or a joint resolution making continuing appropriations for the ,department of ,defense is in effect74 7c7 ,termination ,appropriations and funds made available and authority granted for any fiscal year for any purpose under subsection 7a7 shall be available until whichever of the following first occurs3 7#a7 ,the enactment into law of an appropriation 7including a continuing appropriation7 for such purpose4 7#b7 ,the enactment into law of an appropriation 7including a continuing appropriation7 for the ,coast ,guard without provision for such purpose4 7#c7 ,the termination of availability of appropriations for the ,department of ,defense4 7#d7 ,the date that is #ahj days after the beginning of the ,coast ,guard-specific funding lapse4 7d7 ,rate for operations2 applicability to appropriation acts ,appropriations made pursuant this section shall be available at a rate for operations and to the extent and in the manner that would be provided by the pertinent appropriations ,act4 7e7 ,charge to future appropriations ,expenditures made pursuant to this section shall be charged to the applicable appropriation1 fund1 or authorization whenever a bill in which such applicable appropriation1 fund1 or authorization is enacted into law4 7f7 ,apportionment ,appropriations and funds made available by or authority granted under this section may be used without regard to the time limitations for submission and approval of apportionments set forth in section #aeac of title #ca1 but nothing in this section may be construed to waive any other provision of law governing the apportionment of funds4 7g7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,the term qualified civilian employee means a civilian employee of the ,coast ,guard whom the ,commandant determines is-- 7,a7 providing support to members of the ,coast ,guard or another ,armed ,force2 or 7,b7 performing work as an excepted employee or an employee performing emergency work1 as those terms are defined by the ,office of ,personnel ,management4 7#b7 ,the term qualified contract employee of the ,coast ,guard means an individual performing work under a contract whom the ,commandant determines is-- 7,a7 providing support to military members or qualified civilian employees of the ,coast ,guard or another ,armed ,force2 or 7,b7 required to perform work during a lapse in appropriations4 4 7b7 ,analysis for chapter #bg ,the analysis for chapter #bg of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #bghj4 ,pay2 continuation during lapse in appropriations4 4 #bbb4 ,authority to enter into agreements with ,national ,coast ,guard ,museum ,association ,section #caf of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating subsection 7d7 as subsection 7e72 and 7#b7 by inserting after subsection 7c7 the following3 7d7 ,agreements with ,national ,coast ,guard ,museum ,association 7#a7 ,the ,commandant may offer to enter into one or more agreements with the ,national ,coast ,guard ,museum ,association 7referred to in this subsection as the ,association7 for any purpose the ,commandant considers beneficial to the ,coast ,guard4 7#b7 ,with respect to the construction of the ,national ,coast ,guard ,museum1 the ,commandant may-- 7,a7 permit the ,association to enter into one or more contracts for the design and construction of the ,national ,coast ,guard ,museum2 and 7,b7 carry out oversight responsibilities that1 among other things1 ensures construction of the museum will comport with future ,coast ,guard operations and sustainment after it is accepted by the ,secretary4 7#c7 7,a7 ,on the satisfactory completion of the ,national ,coast ,guard ,museum and the satisfaction by the ,association of any financial obligations incident to the ,national ,coast ,guard ,museum-- 7i7 the ,commandant may accept the ,national ,coast ,guard ,museum from the ,association2 and 7ii7 all right1 title1 and interest in and to the ,national ,coast ,guard ,museum shall vest in the ,united ,states4 7,b7 ,beginning on the date on which the ,commandant accepts the ,national ,coast ,guard ,museum under subparagraph 7,a71 the ,commandant shall assume administrative jurisdiction over the ,national ,coast ,guard ,museum4 7,c7 ,before the date on which the ,commandant accepts the ,national ,coast ,guard ,museum under subparagraph 7,a71 the ,association may lease the ,national ,coast ,guard ,museum to the ,commandant-- 7i7 under such terms and conditions as the ,commandant considers appropriate2 and 7ii7 for use consistent with the purposes of the ,national ,coast ,guard ,museum4 7,d7 ,after the date on which the ,commandant accepts the ,national ,coast ,guard ,museum under subparagraph 7,a71 the ,commandant may lease #a or more portions of the ,national ,coast ,guard ,museum to the ,association-- 7i7 under such terms and conditions as the ,commandant considers appropriate2 and 7ii7 for use consistent with the purposes of the ,national ,coast ,guard ,museum4 7,e7 ,prior to the acceptance of the ,national ,coast ,guard ,museum by the ,commandant under subparagraph 7,a71 the ,commandant may coordinate with1 and provide advice to1 the ,association for purposes of establishing the ,national ,coast ,guard ,museum4 7#d7 ,the ,commandant may require such additional terms and conditions with respect to an agreement or lease authorized under this subsection as the ,commandant considers appropriate to protect the interests of the ,united ,states4 4 #bbc4 ,research projects2 transactions other than contracts and grants 7a7 ,in general ,chapter #g of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by inserting after section #gag the following3 #gag;a4 ,research projects2 transactions other than contracts and grants 7a7 ,additional forms of transactions authorized ,the ,commandant may enter into transactions 7other than contracts1 cooperative agreements1 and grants7 under the authority of this subsection in carrying out basic1 applied1 and advanced research projects4 ,the authority under this subsection is in addition to the authority provided in section #gag of this title to use contracts1 cooperative agreements1 and grants in carrying out such projects4 7b7 ,advance payments ,the authority provided under subsection 7a7 may be exercised without regard to section #ccbd of title #ca4 7c7 ,recovery of funds 7#a7 ,in general ,a cooperative agreement for performance of basic1 applied1 or advanced research authorized by section #gag of this title and a transaction authorized by subsection 7a7 may include a clause that requires a person or other entity to make payments to the ,coast ,guard or any other department or agency of the ,federal ,government as a condition for receiving support under the agreement or other transaction4 7#b7 ,availability of funds ,the amount of any payment received by the ,federal ,government pursuant to a requirement imposed under paragraph 7#a7 may be credited1 to the extent authorized by the ,commandant1 to an appropriate account4 ,amounts so credited shall be merged with other funds in the account and shall be available for the same purposes and the same period for which other funds in such account are available4 7d7 ,conditions ,the ,commandant shall ensure that1 to the maximum extent practicable1 no cooperative agreement containing a clause under subsection 7c77#a71 and no transaction entered into under subsection 7a71 provides for research that duplicates research being conducted under existing programs carried out by the ,coast ,guard4 7e7 ,education and training ,the ,commandant shall-- 7#a7 ensure that management1 technical1 and contracting personnel of the ,coast ,guard involved in the award or administration of transactions under this section or other innovative forms of contracting are afforded opportunities for adequate education and training on such transactions and forms of contracting2 and 7#b7 establish minimum levels and requirements for continuous and experiential learning on such transactions and forms of contracting for such personnel1 including levels and requirements for acquisition certification programs4 7f7 ,protection of certain information from disclosure 7#a7 ,in general ,disclosure of information described in paragraph 7#b7 is not required1 and may not be compelled under section #eeb of title #e for #e years after the date on which the information is received by the ,coast ,guard4 7#b7 ,information described 7,a7 ,applicability ,paragraph 7#a7 applies to the information described in subparagraph 7,b7 that is in the records of the ,coast ,guard if the information was submitted to the ,coast ,guard in a competitive or noncompetitive process having the potential for resulting in an award1 to the party submitting the information1 of a cooperative agreement for performance of basic1 applied1 or advanced research authorized by section #gag of this title or another transaction authorized by subsection 7a74 7,b7 ,information described ,the information described in this subparagraph is as follows3 7i7 ,a proposal1 proposal abstract1 and supporting documents4 7ii7 ,a business plan submitted on a confidential basis4 7iii7 ,technical information submitted on a confidential basis4 7g7 ,regulations ,the ,commandant shall prescribe regulations1 as necessary1 to carry out this section4 4 7b7 ,analysis for chapter #g ,the analysis for chapter #g of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #gag the following3 #gag;a4 ,research projects2 transactions other than contracts and grants4 4 #bbd4 ,support of elementary and secondary education in science1 mathematics1 and technology 7a7 ,in general ,chapter #g of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #gai4 ,support of elementary and secondary education in science1 mathematics1 and technology 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of the department in which the ,coast ,guard is operating1 in coordination with the ,secretary of ,education1 may establish programs for the purpose of improving the mathematics and scientific knowledge and skills of elementary and secondary school students and faculty members4 7b7 ,cooperation with department of defense ,the ,secretary of the department in which the ,coast ,guard is operating may cooperate and coordinate with the ,secretary of ,defense for the purpose of improving the mathematics and scientific knowledge and skills of elementary school students and faculty members1 including participating in the ,department of ,defense ,,starbase ,program under section #baic;b of title #aj4 7c7 ,areas of focus ,in addition to general mathematics and scientific knowledge1 any program or activity carried out under subsection 7a7 or 7b7 may also focus on areas of specific ,coast ,guard expertise1 including limnology1 marine science1 and oceanography4 4 7b7 ,analysis for chapter #g ,the analysis for chapter #g of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following new item3 #gai4 ,support of elementary and secondary education in science1 mathematics1 and technology4 4 #bbe4 ,limitations on claims 7a7 ,admiralty claims against the ,united ,states ,section #icg7;a7 of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking #ajj1jjj and inserting #dbe1jjj4 7b7 ,claims for damage to property of the ,united ,states ,section #ich of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking #ajj1jjj and inserting #dbe1jjj4 #bbf4 ,acquisition workforce authorities 7a7 ,in general ,subchapter ,i of chapter #aa of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #aaaa4 ,acquisition workforce authorities 7a7 ,expedited hiring authority 7#a7 ,in general ,for purposes of section #ccjd of title #e1 the ,commandant may-- 7,a7 designate any category of acquisition positions within the ,coast ,guard as shortage category positions2 and 7,b7 use the authorities in such section to recruit and appoint highly qualified persons directly to positions so designated4 7#b7 ,reports ,the ,commandant shall include in reports under section #eajc of this title information described in that section regarding positions designated under this subsection4 7b7 ,reemployment authority 7#a7 ,in general ,except as provided in paragraph 7#b71 if an annuitant receiving an annuity from the ,civil ,service ,retirement and ,disability ,fund becomes employed in any category of acquisition positions designated by the ,commandant under subsection 7a71 the annuity of an annuitant so employed shall continue4 ,an annuitant so reemployed shall not be considered an employee for purposes of subchapter ,,iii of chapter #hc or chapter #hd of title #e4 7#b7 ,election 7,a7 ,in general ,an annuitant retired under section #hccf7;d77#a7 or #hdad7;b77#a77;,a7 of title #e1 receiving an annuity from the ,civil ,service ,retirement and ,disability ,fund1 who becomes employed in a position designated by the ,commandant under subsection 7a7 may elect to be subject to section #hcdd or #hdfh of such title 7as the case may be71 respectively4 7,b7 ,deadline ,an election for coverage under this paragraph shall be filed not later than #ij days after the ,commandant takes reasonable actions to notify employees who may file an election4 7,c7 ,coverage ,if an employee files an election under this paragraph1 coverage shall be effective beginning on the first day of the first applicable pay period beginning on or after the date of the filing of the election4 7,d7 ,application ,paragraph 7#a7 shall apply to an individual who is eligible to file an election under such paragraph and does not file a timely election under this paragraph in accordance with subparagraph 7,b74 4 7b7 ,analysis for chapter #aa ,the analysis for chapter #aa of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #aaaj the following3 #aaaa4 ,acquisition workforce authorities4 4 7c7 ,repeal of superseded authority ,section #djd of the ,coast ,guard ,authorization ,act of #bjaj 7,public ,law #aaa-bha7 is repealed4 #bbg4 ,resolution by ,chief ,acquisition ,officer of acquisition disputes elevated to the ,officer 7a7 ,in general ,subchapter ,i of chapter #aa of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code1 as amended by section #bbf1 is further amended by adding at the end the following3 #aaab4 ,resolution by the ,chief ,acquisition ,officer of acquisition disputes elevated to the ,officer ,if1 after #ij days following the elevation to the ,chief ,acquisition ,officer of any design or other dispute regarding ,level #a or ,level #b acquisition1 the dispute remains unresolved1 the ,commandant shall provide to the appropriate congressional committees a detailed description of the issue and the rationale underlying the decision taken by the ,chief ,acquisition ,officer to resolve the issue4 4 7b7 ,analysis for chapter #aa ,the analysis for chapter #aa of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code1 as amended by section #bbf1 is further amended by inserting after the item relating to section #aaaa the following3 #aaab4 ,resolution by the ,chief ,acquisition ,officer of acquisition disputes elevated to the ,officer4 4 7c7 ,repeal of superseded requirement ,section #dja of the ,coast ,guard ,authorization ,act of #bjaj 7,public ,law #aaa-bha7 is amended by striking subsection 7e74 #bbh4 ,vessel conversion1 alteration1 and repair projects ,notwithstanding any provision of the ,small ,business ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #fca et seq47 and any regulation or policy implementing that ,act1 the ,commandant may use full and open competitive procedures1 as prescribed in section #bcjd of title #aj1 ,united ,states ,code1 to acquire maintenance and repair services for vessels with a homeport in ,coast ,guard ,district #ag4 #bbi4 ,coast ,guard ,housing ,fund ,section #bidf7;c7 of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking paragraph 7#b72 7#b7 by redesignating paragraph 7#a7 as paragraph 7#b72 7#c7 in paragraph 7#b71 as so redesignated-- 7,a7 by striking 7#b7 ,in such amounts as provided in appropriations ,acts1 and except and inserting the following3 7#b7 ,permissible uses ,except 2 7,b7 by indenting subparagraphs 7,a71 7,b71 and 7,c7 four ems from the left margin2 7,c7 in subparagraph 7,b71 by striking and at the end2 7,d7 in subparagraph 7,c71 by striking the period at the end and inserting 2 and2 and 7,e7 by adding at the end the following new subparagraph3 7,d7 the construction or recapitalization of existing military family housing and military unaccompanied housing4 2 and 7#d7 by inserting before paragraph 7#b71 as so redesignated1 the following3 7#a7 ,availability ,amounts in the ,fund shall be available to the ,secretary without further appropriation1 and shall remain available until expended4 4 #bcj4 ,operation and sustainment costs in major long-term acquisition plans ,section #eajc7;e77#c7 of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating subparagraphs 7,b7 and 7,c7 as subparagraphs 7,c7 and 7,d71 respectively2 and 7#b7 by inserting after subparagraph 7,a7 the following3 7,b7 operate and sustain the cutters and aircraft identified under paragraph 7#b72 4 #bca4 ,port1 harbor1 and coastal facility security ,section #gjaaf of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a71 by inserting 1 cyber incidents1 transnational organized crime1 and foreign state threats after an act of terrorism2 7#b7 in subsection 7b7-- 7,a7 in paragraphs 7#a7 and 7#b71 by inserting cyber incidents1 transnational organized crime1 and foreign state threats after terrorism each place it appears2 and 7,b7 in paragraph 7#c7-- 7i7 by striking armed and inserting 1 armed 7as needed712 and 7ii7 by striking terrorism or transportation security incidents1 and inserting terrorism1 cyber incidents1 transnational organized crime1 foreign state threats1 or transportation security incidents12 and 7#c7 in subsection 7c7-- 7,a7 by striking #gjjcd1 and inserting #gjjcc12 and 7,b7 by adding at the end the following new sentence3 ,when preventing or responding to acts of terrorism1 cyber incidents1 transnational organized crime1 or foreign state threats1 the ,secretary may carry out this section without regard to chapters #e and #f of title #e or ,executive ,orders #abhff and #acefc44 #bcb4 ,access to resources during creosote-related building closures at ,coast ,guard ,base ,seattle1 ,washington 7a7 ,in general ,with respect to the creosote-related building closures at ,coast ,guard ,base ,seattle1 ,washington1 the ,commandant shall1 to the maximum extent practicable1 enter into one or more agreements or otherwise take actions to secure access to resources1 including a gym1 that are not otherwise available to members of the ,coast ,guard during such closures4 7b7 ,briefing ,not later than #fj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,commandant shall brief ,congress with respect to actions taken by the ,commandant to comply with subsection 7a74 #bcc4 ,southern resident orca conservation and enforcement 7a7 ,report on orca enforcement opportunities ,the ,commandant1 in consultation with the ,under ,secretary of ,commerce for ,oceans and ,atmosphere1 shall submit to ,congress a report on ,coast ,guard efforts to enforce southern resident orca vessel buffer zones and other vessel related regulations in ,puget ,sound in coordination with existing ,coast ,guard fisheries enforcement1 maritime domain awareness1 operation ,be ,whale ,wise1 and other related missions4 7b7 ,action plan ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,commandant shall submit to ,congress a briefing on steps the ,coast ,guard is taking to meet fisheries enforcement boarding and vessel traffic1 including orca buffer zone and other related activities1 enforcement targets in ,district #ac1 as well as recommendations on what resources1 appropriations1 and assets are needed to meet those targets within #a year from enactment of this ,act4 7c7 ,pilot program on reducing disturbance to orcas in puget sound ,the ,commandant1 in consultation with the ,maritime ,administrator1 the ,under ,secretary of ,commerce for ,oceans and ,atmosphere1 and ,state and ,tribal governments1 shall establish a pilot program to assess the feasibility and benefit of implementing a program similar to the ,enhancing ,cetacean ,habitat and ,observation program1 or ,,echo program1 in ,united ,states waters to reduce acoustic disturbance of southern resident orcas in ,puget ,sound and the surrounding waters4 #bcd4 ,briefing on policy on issuance of warrants and subpoenas and whistleblower protections by agents of the ,coast ,guard ,investigative ,service 7a7 ,briefing required ,not later than #cj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,commandant shall provide the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure of the ,house of ,representatives a briefing on the policy of the ,coast ,guard on the issuance of warrants and subpoenas and whistleblower protections by agents of the ,coast ,guard ,investigative ,service4 7b7 ,elements ,the briefing required by subsection 7a7 shall include the following3 7#a7 ,a discussion of current and any new policy of the ,coast ,guard on the issuance of warrants and subpoenas and whistleblower protections by agents of the ,coast ,guard ,investigative ,service1 including ,coast ,guard ,investigative ,service ,criminal ,investigation ,operating ,procedure ,,ciop #bjai-jb1 and the differences between such current policies and new policies4 7#b7 ,a plan 7including milestones7 for the implementation of the following3 7,a7 ,incorporation of ,coast ,guard ,investigative ,service ,criminal ,investigation ,operating ,procedure ,,ciop #bjai-jb into the next revision of the ,administrative ,investigations ,manual of the ,coast ,guard ,investigative ,service4 7,b7 ,training on the policy described in paragraph 7#a7 for the following3 7i7 ,agents and legal counsel of the ,coast ,guard ,investigative ,service4 7ii7 ,personnel of the ,office of ,general ,law4 7iii7 ,coast ,guard headquarters personnel4 7iv7 ,such other ,coast ,guard personnel as the ,commandant considers appropriate4 ,c ,access to ,child ,care for ,coast ,guard ,families #bda4 ,report on child care and school age care assistance for qualified families 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #ah months after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall 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 on child care and school age care options available to qualified families4 7b7 ,elements ,the report required by subsection 7a7 shall include the following3 7#a7 ,financial assistance 7,a7 ,an assessment of-- 7i7 the subsidies and financial assistance for child care and school age care made available by the ,coast ,guard to qualified families2 and 7ii7 the extent to which qualified families have taken advantage of such subsidies and assistance4 7,b7 ,the average number of days between-- 7i7 the date on which an application for a subsidy or other financial assistance for child care or school age care is submitted by a qualified family2 and 7ii7 upon approval of an application1 the date on which such subsidy or assistance is received by the qualified family4 7,c7 ,recommendations for streamlining the payment of such subsidies and financial assistance4 7,d7 ,the amount of funding allocated to such subsidies and financial assistance4 7,e7 ,the remaining costs for child care or school age care to qualified families that are not covered by the ,coast ,guard4 7,f7 ,a description of barriers to access to such subsidies and financial assistance4 7,g7 ,the number of qualified families that do not receive any such subsidies or financial assistance4 7,h7 ,an assessment whether there is a need for increased subsidies and financial assistance for child care or school age care for qualified families in areas with high costs of living4 7#b7 ,regulation of child care services 7,a7 ,an assessment of-- 7i7 the regulations of ,states with respect to child care services 7such as staffing1 space and furnishings1 safety1 and curriculum requirements1 and allowable care hours72 and 7ii7 the effect that differences in such regulations may have on access to child care for qualified families4 7,b7 ,an assessment of-- 7i7 the regulations of the ,coast ,guard and the ,department of ,defense with respect to child development centers and other child care providers 7including school age care providers71 and a comparison of such regulations with similar ,state regulations2 and 7ii7 the effect that such regulations may have on access to child care and school age care for qualified families4 7,c7 ,the number of qualified families1 and children1 that do not have access to a ,coast ,guard child development center for child care4 7#c7 ,parity with ,department of ,defense 7,a7 ,in general ,the differences between child care and school age care services offered by the ,coast ,guard and child care and school age care authorities of the ,coast ,guard and the ,department of ,defense relating to the following3 7i7 ,authorized uses of appropriated funds for child care and school age care services4 7ii7 ,access to1 and total capacity of1 ,coast ,guard child development centers and ,department of ,defense child development centers4 7iii7 ,child care and school age care programs or policy4 7iv7 ,coast ,guard and ,department of ,defense programs to provide additional assistance to members and civilian employees with respect to child care and school age care options4 7v7 ,respite care programs4 7vi7 ,nonappropriated funds4 7vii7 ,coast ,guard and ,department of ,defense support of certified ,family ,child ,care centers4 7viii7 ,coast ,guard and ,department of ,defense publicly available online resources for families seeking military child care and school age care4 7#d7 ,feasibility ,an analysis of the feasibility of the ,commandant entering into agreements with private child care and school age care service providers to provide child care and school age care for qualified families4 7#e7 ,availability ,an analysis of the availability of child care and school age care for qualified families1 including accessibility after normal work hours1 proximity1 and total capacity4 7#f7 ,recommendations ,recommendations-- 7,a7 to improve access to child care and school age care for qualified families2 7,b7 to ensure parity between the ,coast ,guard and the ,department of ,defense with respect to child care and school age care2 7,c7 to expand access to child care and school age care for all qualified families1 including qualified families that have a child with special needs2 and 7,d7 to ensure that regional child care and child development center needs at the unit1 sector1 or district level are identified1 assessed1 and reasonably evaluated by the ,commandant for future infrastructure needs4 7#g7 ,other matters ,a description or analysis of any other matter the ,comptroller ,general considers relevant to the improvement of expanded access to child care and school age care for qualified families4 #bdb4 ,review of family support services website and online tracking system 7a7 ,memorandum of ,understanding 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,commandant shall enter into a memorandum of understanding with the ,secretary of ,defense to enable qualified families to access the website at https3_/_/militarychildcare4com 7or a successor website7 for purposes of ,coast ,guard family access to information with respect to ,state-accredited child development centers and other child care support services as such services become available from the ,department of ,defense through such website4 ,the memorandum shall provide for the expansion of the geographical areas covered by such website1 including regions in which qualified families live that are not yet covered by the program4 7#b7 ,inclusion of child development centers accessible under pilot program ,the information accessible pursuant to the memorandum of understanding required by paragraph 7#a7 shall include information with respect to any child development center accessible pursuant to the pilot program under section #bdd4 7#c7 ,electronic ,registration1 ,payment1 and ,tracking ,system ,not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,commandant shall develop and maintain an internet website of the ,coast ,guard accessible to qualified families to carry out the following activities3 7,a7 ,register children for a ,coast ,guard child development center4 7,b7 ,make online child care payments to a ,coast ,guard child development center4 7,c7 ,track the status of a child on the waitlist of a ,coast ,guard child development center1 including the placement and position of the child on the waitlist4 7b7 ,waitlist 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,commandant shall maintain a record of the waitlist for each ,coast ,guard child development center4 7#b7 ,matters to be included ,each record under paragraph 7#a7 shall include the following3 7,a7 ,the total number of children of qualified families on the waitlist4 7,b7 ,with respect to each child on the waitlist-- 7i7 the age of the child2 7ii7 the number of days the child has been on the waitlist2 7iii7 the position of the child on the waitlist2 7iv7 any special needs consideration2 and 7v7 information on whether a sibling of the child is on the waitlist of1 or currently enrolled in1 the ,coast ,guard child development center concerned4 7#c7 ,requirement to archive ,information placed in the record of a ,coast ,guard child development center under paragraph 7#a7 shall be archived for a period of not less than #aj years after the date of its placement in the record4 #bdc4 ,study and survey on ,coast ,guard child care needs 7a7 ,study 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 and for each of the two fiscal years thereafter1 the ,commandant shall conduct a study on the child care needs of qualified families that incorporates-- 7,a7 the results of the survey under subsection 7b72 and 7,b7 any other information the ,commandant considers appropriate to ensure adequate tracking and future needs-based assessments with respect to adequate access to ,coast ,guard child development centers4 7#b7 ,consultation ,in conducting a study under paragraph 7#a71 the ,commandant may consult a federally funded research and development center4 7#c7 ,scope of data ,the data obtained through each study under paragraph 7#a7 shall be obtained on a regional basis1 including by ,coast ,guard unit1 sector1 and district4 7b7 ,survey 7#a7 ,in general ,together with each study under subsection 7a71 and annually as the ,commandant considers appropriate1 the ,commandant shall carry out a survey of individuals described in paragraph 7#b7 on access to ,coast ,guard child development centers4 7#b7 ,participants 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,commandant shall seek the participation in the survey of the following ,coast ,guard individuals3 7i7 ,commanding officers1 regardless of whether the commanding officers have children4 7ii7 ,regular and reserve personnel4 7iii7 ,spouses of individuals described in clauses 7i7 and 7ii74 7,b7 ,scope of participation ,individuals described in clauses 7i7 through 7iii7 of subparagraph 7,a7 shall be surveyed regardless of whether such individuals use or have access to ,coast ,guard child development centers or other ,federal child care facilities4 7,c7 ,voluntary participation ,participation of any individual described in subparagraph 7,a7 in a survey shall be on a voluntary basis4 7c7 ,availability ,on request1 the ,commandant shall submit to the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure of the ,house of ,representatives the results of a study or survey under this section4 #bdd4 ,pilot program to expand access to child care 7a7 ,in general ,commencing not later than #fj days after the date on which the report under section #bda is submitted1 the ,commandant shall carry out a pilot program1 based on the recommendations provided in such report1 to expand access to public or private child development centers for qualified families4 7b7 ,duration ,the duration of the pilot program under subsection 7a7 shall be not more than three years beginning on the date on which the pilot program is established4 7c7 ,discharge on regional basis ,the ,commandant-- 7#a7 may carry out the pilot program on a regional basis2 and 7#b7 shall include in the pilot program remote and urban locations4 7d7 ,reservation of child care slots ,as part of the pilot program1 the ,commandant shall seek to enter into one or more memoranda of understanding with one or more child development centers to reserve slots for qualified families in locations in which-- 7#a7 the ,coast ,guard lacks a ,coast ,guard child development center2 or 7#b7 the waitlists for the nearest ,coast ,guard child development center or ,department of ,defense child development center1 where applicable1 indicate that qualified families may not be accommodated4 7e7 ,annual assessment of results ,as part of any study conducted pursuant to section #bdc7;a7 after the end of the one-year period beginning with the commencement of the pilot program1 the ,commandant shall also undertake a current assessment of the impact of the pilot program on access to child development centers for qualified families4 ,the ,commandant shall include the results of any such assessment in the results of the most current study or survey submitted pursuant to section #bdc7;b74 #bde4 ,improvements to ,coast ,guard-owned family housing ,the ,commandant may use amounts authorized for operations and support to conduct improvements on ,coast ,guard-owned housing-- 7#a7 to improve or address a housing unit deficiency found during a family child care provider1 health1 fire and safety1 or other home inspection2 7#b7 to ensure a housing unit is maintained at the standard necessary to meet health1 fire and safety1 or other home inspection requirements so as to enable the establishment of a ,coast ,guard family child care center in the housing unit2 and 7#c7 to the maximum extent practicable1 the ,commandant shall ensure that1 in a location in which ,coast ,guard family child care centers are necessary to meet the demand for child care for qualified families1 not fewer than two housing units are maintained in accordance with safety inspection standards so as to accommodate family child care providers4 #bdf4 ,briefing on transfer of family child care provider qualifications and certifications 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,commandant shall brief the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure of the ,house of ,representatives on the feasibility of developing a policy to allow the transfer of a ,coast ,guard-mandated family child care provider qualification or certification between ,coast ,guard-owned housing units if1 as determined by the ,commandant-- 7#a7 the qualification or certification is not expired2 7#b7 the transfer of the qualification or certification would not pose a danger to any child in the care of the family child care provider2 and 7#c7 the transfer would expedite the ability of the family child care provider to establish1 administer1 and provide family home daycare in a ,coast ,guard-owned housing unit4 7b7 ,briefing element ,the briefing required by subsection 7a7 shall include analysis of options for transferring a ,coast ,guard-mandated family child care provider qualification or certification as described in that subsection1 and of any legal challenges associated with such transfer4 7c7 ,rule of construction ,the policy under subsection 7a7 shall not be construed to supersede any other applicable ,federal1 ,state1 or local law 7including regulations7 relating to the provision of child care services4 #bdg4 ,employees of ,coast ,guard child development centers 7a7 ,training and curriculum specialist ,the ,commandant shall require that at least one employee at each ,coast ,guard child development center is a specialist in training and curriculum development4 ,the ,commandant shall ensure that such employees have appropriate credentials and experience4 7b7 ,duties ,an employee described in subsection 7a7 shall-- 7#a7 carry out special teaching activities at the ,coast ,guard child development center concerned2 7#b7 provide-- 7,a7 daily oversight and instruction of other child care employees at such ,coast ,guard child development center2 7,b7 daily assistance in the preparation of lesson plans for such ,coast ,guard child development center2 and 7,c7 assistance in the child abuse prevention and detection program of such ,coast ,guard child development center2 and 7#c7 advise the director of such ,coast ,guard child development center on the performance of other child care employees at such center4 7c7 ,employee status ,each employee referred to in subsection 7a7 shall be an employee of the ,coast ,guard in a competitive service position4 #bdh4 ,inspections of ,coast ,guard child development centers and family child care providers 7a7 ,child development centers 7#a7 ,in general ,not less than twice annually1 the ,commandant shall ensure that each ,coast ,guard child development center is subject to an unannounced inspection4 7#b7 ,responsibility for inspections ,of the annual inspections under paragraph 7#a7-- 7,a7 one shall be carried out by a representative of the ,coast ,guard installation served by the ,coast ,guard child development center concerned2 and 7,b7 one shall be carried out by a representative of the ,coast ,guard ,child ,development ,services ,work ,life ,programs4 7b7 ,family child care providers 7#a7 ,in general ,not less frequently than quarterly1 the ,commandant shall ensure that each family child care provider is subject to inspection4 7#b7 ,responsibility for inspections ,of the quarterly inspections under paragraph 7#a7 each year-- 7,a7 three inspections shall be carried out by a representative of the ,coast ,guard installation served by the family child care provider concerned2 and 7,b7 one inspection shall be carried out by a representative of the ,coast ,guard ,child ,development ,services ,work ,life ,programs4 #bdi4 ,expanding opportunities for family child care ,the ,commandant shall allow family child care programs to occur at off-base housing1 including off-base ,coast ,guard-owned or subsidized housing4 ,the ,commandant shall establish a procedure to ensure that all requirements with respect to such family child care programs are met1 including home inspections4 #bej4 ,definitions ,in this subtitle3 7#a7 ,coast ,guard child development center ,the term ,coast ,guard child development center has the meaning given that term in section #biba7c7 of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#b7 ,coast ,guard family child care center ,the term ,coast ,guard family child care center means a location at which family home daycare is provided4 7#c7 ,family child care provider ,the term family child care provider means an individual who provides family home daycare4 7#d7 ,family home daycare ,the term family home daycare has the meaning given that term in section #biba7e7 of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#e7 ,qualified family ,the term qualified family means any regular1 reserve1 or retired member of the ,coast ,guard1 and any civilian employee of the ,coast ,guard1 with one or more dependents4 ,d ,reports #bfa4 ,modifications of certain reporting requirements 7a7 ,use of certain appropriated funds ,section #ijc of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7d77#a71 by striking reporting and inserting briefing2 and 7#b7 in paragraph 7#b7-- 7,a7 in the paragraph heading1 by striking ,report and inserting ,briefing2 and 7,b7 by striking report each place it appears and inserting brief4 7b7 ,especially hazardous cargo ,subsection 7e7 of section #gjajc of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended to read as follows3 7e7 ,especially hazardous cargo 7#a7 ,enforcement of security zones ,consistent with other provisions of ,federal law1 the ,coast ,guard shall coordinate and be responsible for the enforcement of any ,federal security zone established by the ,coast ,guard around a vessel containing especially hazardous cargo4 ,the ,coast ,guard shall allocate available resources so as to deter and respond to a transportation security incident1 to the maximum extent practicable1 and to protect lives or protect property in danger4 7#b7 ,especially hazardous cargo defined ,in this subsection1 the term especially hazardous cargo means anhydrous ammonia1 ammonium nitrate1 chlorine1 liquefied natural gas1 liquefied petroleum gas1 and any other substance1 material1 or group or class of material1 in a particular amount and form that the ,secretary determines by regulation poses a significant risk of creating a transportation security incident while being transported in maritime commerce4 4 7c7 ,compliance with security standards ,section #hji of the ,coast ,guard and ,maritime ,transportation ,act of #bjjd 7,public ,law #ajh-bic2 #df ,u4,s4,c4 #gjaja note7 is amended by striking subsections 7g7 and 7i74 7d7 ,marine safety long-,term strategy ,section #baaf of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a71 by striking ,the strategy shall include the issuance of a triennial plan and inserting ,the #e-year strategy shall include the issuance of a plan2 7#b7 in subsection 7b7-- 7,a7 in the subsection heading1 by striking ,contents of strategy and triennial plans and inserting #e-,year strategy and plan2 7,b7 in paragraph 7#a71 in the matter preceding subparagraph 7,a71 by striking strategy and triennial plans and inserting #e-year strategy and plan2 and 7,c7 in paragraph 7#b7-- 7i7 in the matter preceding subparagraph 7,a71 by striking strategy and triennial plans and inserting #e-year strategy and plan2 and 7ii7 in subparagraph 7,a71 by striking plans and inserting plan2 7#c7 in subsection 7c7-- 7,a7 by striking ,the ,secretary and inserting ,not later than #e years after the date of the enactment of the ,coast ,guard ,authorization ,act of #bjai1 and every #e years thereafter1 the ,secretary2 and 7,b7 by striking triennial2 and 7#d7 in subsection 7d7-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#a71 by striking ,no less frequently than semiannually and inserting ,in conjunction with the submission of the #e-year strategy and plan2 and 7,b7 in paragraph 7#b7-- 7i7 in the paragraph heading1 by striking ,report to ,congress and inserting ,periodic briefings2 7ii7 in the matter preceding subparagraph 7,a71 by striking report triennially and all that follows through the ,senate and inserting periodically brief the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure of the ,house of ,representatives2 7iii7 in subparagraph 7,a7-- 7,i7 by striking annual2 and 7,,ii7 by striking for the year covered by the report and inserting for the period covered by the briefing2 and 7iv7 in subparagraph 7,b77ii71 by striking plans and inserting plan4 7e7 ,abandoned seafarers fund ,section #aaaac7;a7 of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#d71 by striking ,on the date and inserting ,except as provided in paragraph 7#e71 on the date2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following3 7#e7 ,no report required ,a report under paragraph 7#d7 shall not be required if there were no expenditures from the ,fund in the preceding fiscal year4 ,the ,commandant shall notify ,congress in the event a report is not required under paragraph 7#d7 by reason of this paragraph4 4 7f7 ,major acquisition program risk assessment ,section #eajg of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a71 by striking ,april #ae and ,october #ae and inserting ,october #ae2 and 7#b7 in subsection 7b7-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#b71 by striking the #b fiscal-year quarters preceding such assessment and inserting the previous fiscal year2 7,b7 in paragraph 7#c71 by striking such #b fiscal-year quarters and inserting such fiscal year2 7,c7 in paragraph 7#d71 by striking such #b fiscal-year quarters and inserting such fiscal year2 and 7,d7 in paragraph 7#e71 by striking such #b fiscal-year quarters and inserting such fiscal year4 #bfb4 ,report on cybersecurity workforce 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,commandant shall 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 on how the ,coast ,guard plans to establish a workforce with the cybersecurity expertise to provide prevention assessments and response capacity to ,operational ,technology 7,,ot7 and ,industrial ,control ,systems 7,,ics7 in national port and maritime environments4 7b7 ,contents ,the report under subsection 7a7 shall include the following3 7#a7 ,a description of the number and skills of active duty and reserve ,coast ,guard members expected for initial operating capacity and full operating capacity of the workforce described in subsection 7a74 7#b7 ,a description of the career development path for officers and enlisted members participating in the workforce4 7#c7 ,a determination of how the workforce will fulfill the cybersecurity needs of the ,area ,maritime ,security ,council and ,united ,states port environments4 7#d7 ,a determination of how the workforce will integrate with the ,hunt and ,incident ,response 7,,hirt7 and ,assessment ,teams of the ,cyber and ,infrastructure ,security ,agency 7,,cisa7 of the ,department of ,homeland ,security4 7#e7 ,an assessment of successful models used by other ,armed ,forces1 including ,national ,guard1 to recruit1 maintain and utilize a cyber workforce including the use of ,reserve personnel for that purpose4 #bfc4 ,report on navigation and bridge resource management 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,commandant shall 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 on the training and qualification processes of the ,coast ,guard for deck watch officers1 with a specific focus on basic navigation1 bridge resource management1 crew rest1 and qualification processes4 7b7 ,contents ,the report under subsection 7a7 shall include the following3 7#a7 ,recommendations for improving pipeline training1 if necessary1 and an assessment how commercial industry best practices on pipeline training can be incorporated into military at sea watchkeeping4 7#b7 ,a detailed description of the deck watch officer assessment process of the ,coast ,guard4 7#c7 ,a list of programs that have been approved for credit toward merchant mariner credentials4 7#d7 ,a complete analysis of the gap between the existing curriculum for deck watch officer training and the ,standards of ,training1 ,certification1 and ,watchkeeping 7,,stcw7 for officer in charge of a navigational watch at the operational level1 ,chief level1 and ,master level4 7#e7 ,a complete analysis of the gap between the existing training curriculum for deck watch officers and the licensing requirement for #crd mate unlimited1 ,chief1 and ,master4 7#f7 ,an assessment of deck watch officer options to complete the #crd mate unlimited license and the qualification under the ,standards of ,training1 ,certification1 and ,watchkeeping for officer in charge of a navigational watch4 7#g7 ,an assessment of senior deck watch officer options to complete the ,chief ,mate and ,master unlimited license and the qualification under the ,standards of ,training1 ,certification1 and ,watchkeeping for ,chief ,mate and ,master4 #bfd4 ,report on the ,arctic capabilities of the ,armed ,forces 7a7 ,report required ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 with the concurrence of the ,secretary of ,defense1 shall submit to the appropriate committees of ,congress a report on the ,arctic capabilities of the ,armed ,forces4 7b7 ,elements ,the report required by subsection 7a7 shall include the following3 7#a7 ,a comparison of the capabilities of the ,united ,states1 the ,russian ,federation1 the ,people's ,republic of ,china1 and other countries operating in the ,arctic1 including an assessment of the ability of the navy of each such country to operate in varying sea-ice conditions4 7#b7 ,a description of commercial and foreign military surface forces currently operating in the ,arctic in conditions inaccessible to ,navy surface forces4 7#c7 ,an assessment of the potential security risk posed to ,coast ,guard forces by military forces of other countries operating in the ,arctic in conditions inaccessible to ,navy surface or aviation forces in the manner such forces currently operate4 7#d7 ,a comparison of the domain awareness capabilities of-- 7,a7 ,coast ,guard forces operating alone2 and 7,b7 ,coast ,guard forces operating in tandem with ,navy surface and aviation forces and the surface and aviation forces of other allies4 7#e7 ,a comparison of the defensive capabilities of-- 7,a7 ,coast ,guard forces operating alone2 and 7,b7 ,coast ,guard forces operating in mutual defense with ,navy forces1 other ,armed ,forces1 and the military forces of allies4 7c7 ,form ,the report required under subsection 7a7 shall be submitted in unclassified form1 but may contain a classified annex4 7d7 ,appropriate committees of ,congress defined ,in this section1 the term appropriate committees of ,congress means-- 7#a7 the ,committee on ,armed ,services1 the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation1 and the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,senate2 and 7#b7 the ,committee on ,armed ,services1 the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure1 and the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,house of ,representatives4 #bfe4 ,report on ,arctic search and rescue 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,commandant shall 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 on the search and rescue capabilities of the ,coast ,guard in ,arctic coastal communities4 7b7 ,contents ,the report under subsection 7a7 shall include the following3 7#a7 ,an identification of ways in which the ,coast ,guard can more effectively partner with ,arctic coastal communities to respond to search and rescue incidents through training1 funding1 and deployment of assets4 7#b7 ,an analysis of the costs of forward deploying on a seasonal basis ,coast ,guard assets in support of such communities for responses to such incidents4 #bff4 ,report on helicopter life cycle support and recapitalization 7a7 ,findings ,congress makes the following findings3 7#a7 ,the acquisition strategy of the ,coast ,guard to recapitalize its fleet of ,,mh-#fe helicopters for land-based and sea-based operations is critical to maintaining the various missions of the ,coast ,guard4 7#b7 ,as of ,july #bjai1 the ,commandant intends to leverage the ,department of ,defense future vertical lift acquisition program in the mid-#bjcjs to replace the legacy fleet of the ,coast ,guard1 and in the interim1 continue the service life extension program of the ,,mh-#fe;,d fleet to an upgraded ,echo capability4 7#c7 ,the current ,,mh-#fe sustainment plan may be under resourced and insufficient to accommodate the additional hours required to meet operational demands until recapitalization4 7b7 ,report ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,commandant shall 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 that-- 7#a7 includes an updated fleet life-cycle analysis and service life extension plan that includes dynamic components1 and which clearly demonstrates the mission viability of the ,,mh-#fe through anticipated fleet recapitalization2 7#b7 includes a realistic sustainment budget necessary to achieve the operational availability rates necessary to meet ,,mh-#fe mission requirements through fleet recapitalization2 7#c7 includes an update on the status of the ,coast ,guard ,,mh-#fe helicopter recapitalization2 and 7#d7 includes a description of any alternative1 available1 and cost-effective ,government and civil systems1 or updates1 that the ,coast ,guard is considering for ,,mh-#fe operational missions1 including ,coast ,guard cutter deployability requirements1 in the event of delays to the future vertical lift program of the ,coast ,guard4 #bfg4 ,report on response to racial discrimination at the ,coast ,guard ,academy ,not later than #ahj days after the release of the ,inspector ,general of the ,department of ,homeland ,security report titled ,allegations of ,racial ,discrimination and ,inadequate ,action at the ,united ,states ,coast ,guard ,academy1 the ,commandant shall submit to ,congress a report on the implementation of the recommendations made by the ,inspector ,general4 ,the report of the ,commandant shall include a timeline1 accountability measures1 and metrics for evaluation of the comprehensive implementation of the recommendations in the report of the ,inspector ,general1 and of such other measures in connection with such recommendations as have been specified by the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security4 #bfh4 ,report on ,coast ,guard response capabilities for cyber incidents on vessels entering ports or waters of the ,united ,states 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,commandant shall 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 on the response capabilities of the ,coast ,guard with respect to cyber incidents on vessels entering ports or waters of the ,united ,states4 7b7 ,review ,the report under subsection 7a7 shall include a review of each of the following3 7#a7 ,the number and type of commercial vessels of the ,united ,states subject to regulations under part #ajd of title #cc1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations 7or any corresponding similar regulation or ruling74 7#b7 ,policies and guidance issued by the ,commandant1 in accordance with guidelines on cyber risk management of the ,international ,maritime ,organization1 to vessels of the ,united ,states4 7#c7 ,measures to be taken by owners or operators of commercial vessels of the ,united ,states to increase cybersecurity posture on such vessels4 7#d7 ,responses of the ,commandant to cyber incidents on vessels described in paragraph 7#a7 prior to the date of the enactment of this ,act4 7#e7 ,response protocols followed by personnel of the ,coast ,guard to a cyber incident on any vessel described in paragraph 7#a7 experienced while that vessel is traveling to ports or waters of the ,united ,states4 7#f7 ,oversight by the ,commandant of-- 7,a7 vessel-to-facility interface1 as defined in section #aja4aje of title #cc1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations 7or any corresponding similar regulation or ruling72 and 7,b7 actions taken by the ,coast ,guard in coordination with vessel and facility owners and operators to protect commercial vessels and port facility infrastructure from cyber attacks and proliferation4 7#g7 ,requirements of the ,commandant for the reporting of cyber incidents that occur on the vessels described in paragraph 7#a74 7c7 ,recommendations and appropriations ,the ,commandant shall include in the report under subsection 7a7-- 7#a7 recommendations-- 7,a7 to improve cyber incident response2 and 7,b7 for policies to address gaps identified by the review under subsection 7b72 and 7#b7 a description of authorities and appropriations necessary to improve the preparedness of the ,coast ,guard for cyber incidents on vessels entering ports or waters of the ,united ,states and the ability of the ,coast ,guard to prevent and respond to such incidents4 7d7 ,form ,the report required under subsection 7a7 shall be submitted in unclassified form1 but may contain a classified annex4 7e7 ,vessel of the ,united ,states defined ,in this section1 the term vessel of the ,united ,states has the meaning given such term in section #aaf of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code4 #bfi4 ,study and report on ,coast ,guard interdiction of illicit drugs in the transit zones 7a7 ,findings ,congress makes the following findings3 7#a7 ,the ,coast ,guard seizes an average of #a1bba pounds of cocaine and #he pounds of marijuana each day in the transit zones of the ,eastern ,pacific ,ocean1 ,caribbean ,sea1 and ,southern maritime border approaches4 7#b7 ,the ,joint ,interagency ,task ,force-,south 7,,jiatf-,south7 estimates that it has a spectrum of actionable intelligence on more than #hj percent of drug movements into the ,united ,states from ,central ,america and ,south ,america4 7#c7 ,the ,coast ,guard must balance asset allocation across #aa statutory missions4 ,as such1 the ,coast ,guard interdicts less than #aj percent of maritime noncommercial smuggling of illicit drugs into the ,united ,states from ,central ,america and ,south ,america4 7#d7 ,in #bjag1 the ,government ,accountability ,office recommended that the ,commandant of the ,coast ,guard-- 7,a7 develop new performance goals relating to the interdiction of illicit drugs smuggled into the ,united ,states1 or describe the manner in which existing goals are sufficient2 7,b7 report such goals to the public2 7,c7 assess the extent to which limitations in performance data with respect to such goals are documented2 7,d7 document measurable corrective actions and implementation timeframes with respect to such goals2 and 7,e7 document efforts to monitor implementation of such corrective actions4 7b7 ,study ,the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 in coordination with the ,secretary of ,defense and the heads of other relevant ,federal agencies1 shall conduct a study in order to identify gaps in resources that contribute to low interdiction rates for maritime noncommercial smuggling of illicit drugs into the ,united ,states from ,central ,america and ,south ,america despite having actionable intelligence on more than #hj percent of drug movements in the transit zones of the ,eastern ,pacific ,ocean1 ,caribbean ,sea1 and ,southern maritime border approaches4 7c7 ,report ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security shall 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 on the results of the study under subsection 7b74 7d7 ,form ,the report required under subsection 7a7 shall be submitted in unclassified form1 but may contain a classified annex4 #bgj4 ,report on effects of extreme weather and related events on the ,coast ,guard 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,commandant shall 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 on vulnerabilities of installations of the ,coast ,guard resulting from the current and potential effects of rising temperatures1 rising sea levels1 increased flooding1 drought1 desertification1 wildfires1 thawing permafrost1 changing ice conditions1 and other extreme weather events1 and on requirements for mitigating the effects of such events on the ,coast ,guard1 over the #bj-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this ,act4 7b7 ,elements ,the report required by subsection 7a7 shall include the following3 7#a7 ,a list of the ten most vulnerable installations of the ,coast ,guard based on the current and potential effects of rising temperatures1 rising sea levels1 increased flooding1 drought1 desertification1 wildfires1 thawing permafrost1 changing ice conditions1 other extreme weather events1 and any other effects the ,commandant considers necessary4 7#b7 ,an overview of mitigations that may be necessary to ensure the continued operational viability and to increase the resiliency of the installations listed under paragraph 7#a7 and the cost of such mitigations4 7#c7 ,a discussion of the current and potential effects of rising temperatures1 rising sea levels1 increased flooding1 drought1 desertification1 wildfires1 thawing permafrost1 changing ice conditions1 and other extreme weather events on the ,coast ,guard1 including-- 7,a7 the increase in the frequency of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions2 and 7,b7 the campaign plans1 contingency plans1 and operational posture of the ,coast ,guard4 7#d7 ,an overview of mitigations that may be necessary to ensure mission resiliency and the cost of such mitigations4 7c7 ,form ,the report required by subsection 7a7 shall be submitted in unclassified form1 but may include a classified annex4 #bga4 ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states report on ,certificate of ,compliance inspection program with respect to vessels that carry bulk liquified gases as cargo and liquefied natural gas tank vessels 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall 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 on the resources1 regulations1 policies1 protocols1 and other actions designed to carry out the ,coast ,guard ,certificate of ,compliance program with respect to liquefied natural gas tank vessels 7including examinations under section #aec4hjh of title #df1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations7 and vessels that carry bulk liquified gases as cargo 7including examinations under section #aed of title #df1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations7 for purposes of maintaining the efficiency of examinations under that program4 7b7 ,contents ,the report under subsection 7a7 shall include the following3 7#a7 ,an assessment of the adequacy of current ,coast ,guard resources1 regulations1 policies1 and protocols to maintain vessel examination efficiency while carrying out the program referred to in subsection 7a7 as ,united ,states bulk liquified gases cargo1 liquefied natural gas exports1 and associated vessel traffic at ,united ,states ports increase4 7#b7 ,an evaluation of the constraints and challenges to maintaining examination efficiency under the program as ,united ,states bulk liquified gases cargo1 liquefied natural gas exports1 and associated vessel traffic at ,united ,states ports increase4 7#c7 ,recommendations for changes to resources1 regulations1 policies1 and protocols to maintain the efficiency of the program1 including analysis of the following alternatives3 7,a7 ,establishment of a ,coast ,guard marine examination unit near the ,panama ,canal to conduct inspections under the program on liquefied natural gas tank vessels bound for the ,united ,states1 similar to ,coast ,guard operations carried out by ,coast ,guard ,activities ,europe and ,coast ,guard ,activities ,far ,east1 including the effects of the establishment of such a unit on the domestic aspects of the program4 7,b7 ,management of all marine examiners with gas carrier qualification within each ,coast ,guard ,district by a single ,officer in ,charge1 ,marine ,inspection 7as defined in section #ej4aj-aj of title #df1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations7 to improve the efficiency of their vessel examination assignments4 7,c7 ,extension of the duration of assignment of marine examiners with a gas carrier qualification at ,coast ,guard units that most frequently inspect vessels that carry bulk liquified gases as cargo and liquefied natural gas tank vessels4 7,d7 ,increase in the use of civilians to conduct and support examinations under the program4 7,e7 ,extension of the duration of certificates of compliance under the program for vessels that carry bulk liquified gases as cargo and liquefied natural gas tank vessels that are less than #aj years of age and participate in a ,coast ,guard vessel quality program4 #bgb4 ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states review and report on the ,coast ,guard's ,international ,port ,security ,program 7a7 ,,gao report ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall 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 setting for the results of a comprehensive review1 conducted by the ,comptroller ,general for purposes of the report1 on the ,coast ,guard's ,international ,port ,security ,program1 including the findings1 and any recommendations for improvement of the program1 of the ,comptroller ,general4 7b7 ,required elements of review ,the review required under subsection 7a7 shall include-- 7#a7 review of the actions of the ,coast ,guard under the ,coast ,guard's ,international ,port ,security ,program1 since #bjad1 to enhance foreign port inspections2 7#b7 review of the actions of the ,coast ,guard to recognize and monitor port inspection programs of foreign governments2 7#c7 identification and review of the actions the ,coast ,guard takes to address any deficiencies it observes during visits with foreign ports2 7#d7 identify and review the benchmarks of the ,coast ,guard for measuring the effectiveness of the program2 and 7#e7 review of the extent to which the ,coast ,guard and ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection coordinate efforts to secure cargo at foreign ports4 #bgc4 ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states review and report on the surge capacity of the ,coast ,guard 7a7 ,,gao report ,not later than #fj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall 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 setting for the results of a comprehensive review1 conducted by the ,comptroller ,general for purposes of the report1 on the surge capacity of the ,coast ,guard to respond to a catastrophic incident 7such as a hurricane71 including the findings1 and any recommendations for improvement1 of the ,comptroller ,general4 7b7 ,required elements of review ,the review required under subsection 7a7 shall include-- 7#a7 a description and review of each ,coast ,guard deployment in response to a catastrophic incident after #bjje2 7#b7 identification of best practices informed by the deployments described in paragraph 7#a72 7#c7 a review of the ability of the surge force of the ,coast ,guard to meet the demands of the response roles in which it was serving during each deployment described in paragraph 7#a72 7#d7 identification of any impediments1 such as adaptability1 planning1 training1 mobilization1 or information and resource integration1 to the surge capacity of the ,coast ,guard in response to a catastrophic incident2 7#e7 review of the impacts of a surge of the ,coast ,guard in response to a catastrophic incident on the capacity of the ,coast ,guard to perform its statutory missions2 7#f7 review of the capability of the ,coast ,guard to surge in response to concurrent or subsequent catastrophic incidents2 and 7#g7 review and description of existing voluntary and involuntary deployments of ,coast ,guard personnel and assets in support of ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection response to a national emergency 7as defined in ,presidential ,proclamation #ihdd7 on the surge capacity of the ,coast ,guard in the event of a catastrophic incident4 7c7 ,definitions ,in this section1 the terms catastrophic incident and surge capacity have the meaning given such terms in section #fjb of the ,post-,katrina ,emergency ,management ,reform ,act of #bjjf 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #gja74 #bgd4 ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states review and report on the marine inspections program of the ,coast ,guard 7a7 ,,gao report ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall 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 setting forth the results of a comprehensive review1 conducted by the ,comptroller ,general for purposes of the report1 on the marine inspections program of the ,coast ,guard1 including the findings1 and any recommendations for improvement of the program1 of the ,comptroller ,general4 7b7 ,required elements of review ,the review required under subsection 7a7 shall include-- 7#a7 analysis of the demand for marine inspectors2 7#b7 identification of the number of fully qualified marine inspectors2 7#c7 determination of whether the number of marine inspectors identified in paragraph 7#b7 is sufficient to meet the demand described in paragraph 7#a72 7#d7 review of the enlisted marine inspector workforce compared to the civilian marine inspector workforce and whether there is any discernable distinction or impact between such workforces in the performance of the marine safety mission2 7#e7 evaluation of the training continuum of marine inspectors2 and 7#f7 description and review of what actions1 if any1 the ,coast ,guard is taking to adapt to the current rise in ,united ,states export of crude oil and other fuels1 such as implementing a safety inspection regime for barges4 #bge4 ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states review and report on the information technology program of the ,coast ,guard 7a7 ,,gao report ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall 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 setting forth the results of a comprehensive review1 conducted by the ,comptroller ,general for purposes of the report1 on the information technology program of the ,coast ,guard1 including the findings1 and any recommendations for improvement of the program1 of the ,comptroller ,general4 7b7 ,required elements of review ,the review required under subsection 7a7 shall include-- 7#a7 analysis of how the ,coast ,guard manages its information technology program1 including information technology acquisitions1 to meet its various mission needs and reporting requirements2 7#b7 analysis of whether and1 if so1 how the ,coast ,guard-- 7,a7 identifies and satisfies any knowledge and skill requirements2 and 7,b7 recruits1 trains1 and develops its information technology personnel2 and 7#c7 analysis of whether and1 if so1 how the ,coast ,guard separates information technology from operational technology for cybersecurity purposes4 #bgf4 ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states study and report on access to health care by members of the ,coast ,guard and dependents 7a7 ,study 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall conduct a study that examines access to1 experience with1 and needs under the ,,tricare program of members of the ,coast ,guard and their dependents4 7#b7 ,elements ,the study conducted under paragraph 7#a7 shall analyze the following3 7,a7 ,the record of the ,,tricare program in meeting the standards for care for primary and specialty care for members of the ,coast ,guard and dependents of those members1 including members stationed in remote units4 7,b7 ,the accuracy and update periodicity of lists of providers under the ,,tricare program in areas serving ,coast ,guard families4 7,c7 ,the wait times under the ,,tricare program for appointments1 specialty care1 and referrals for members of the ,coast ,guard and dependents of those members4 7,d7 ,the availability of providers under the ,,tricare program in remote locations1 including providers for mental health1 juvenile specialty care1 dental1 and female health4 7,e7 ,the access of members of the ,coast ,guard and dependents of those members to services under the ,,tricare program in comparison to the access to such services by personnel of the ,department of ,defense and dependents of such personnel4 7,f7 ,the liaison assistance between members of the ,coast ,guard and dependents of those members and the ,,tricare program provided by the ,coast ,guard in comparison to such assistance provided by the ,department of ,defense4 7,g7 ,how delayed access to care1 timeliness of care1 and distance traveled to care may impact personnel readiness of members of the ,coast ,guard4 7,h7 ,the regions particularly impacted by lack of access to care and recommendations to address those access issues4 7b7 ,report ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,comptroller ,general shall 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 findings1 conclusions1 and recommendations to improve access to quality1 timely1 and effective health care for members of the ,coast ,guard and dependents of those members from the study required under subsection 7a74 7c7 ,definitions ,in this section1 the terms dependent and ,,tricare program have the meanings given those terms in section #ajgb of title #aj1 ,united ,states ,code4 #bgg4 ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states study and report on medical staffing standards and needs for the ,coast ,guard 7a7 ,study 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall conduct a study that examines the health care system of the ,coast ,guard4 7#b7 ,elements ,the study conducted under paragraph 7#a7 shall analyze the following3 7,a7 ,the billets in clinics of the ,coast ,guard1 whether for personnel of the ,coast ,guard or otherwise1 including the number of billets1 vacancies1 and length of vacancies4 7,b7 ,the wait times for patients to attain an appointment for urgent care1 routine physician care1 and dental care4 7,c7 ,the impact of billet vacancies on such wait times4 7,d7 ,the ability of the ,coast ,guard to use other medical personnel of the ,department of ,defense1 including physicians and physician assistants1 to fill provider vacancies for the ,coast ,guard4 7,e7 ,the barriers1 if any1 to improving coordination and access to physicians within the health care system of the ,department of ,defense4 7,f7 ,the accessibility and availability of behavioral health medical personnel at clinics of the ,coast ,guard1 including personnel available for family counseling1 therapy1 and other needs4 7,g7 ,the staffing models of clinics of the ,coast ,guard1 including recommendations to modernize those models4 7,h7 ,the locations and needs of ,coast ,guard units with or without clinics4 7,i7 ,how access to care models for members of the ,coast ,guard are managed1 including models with respect to the time and distance traveled to receive care1 the cost of that travel1 and alternate options to secure care quickly and efficiently for members serving in units without a clinic4 7b7 ,report 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,comptroller ,general shall 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 findings1 conclusions1 and recommendations from the study required under subsection 7a74 7#b7 ,elements ,the report submitted under paragraph 7#a7 shall include the following3 7,a7 ,recommendations for medical staffing standards for the ,coast ,guard1 including recommendations for health service technicians1 flight surgeons1 physician assistants1 dentists1 dental hygienists1 family advocate services1 pharmacists1 and administrators4 7,b7 ,an identification of the number of members of the ,coast ,guard and types of units of the ,coast ,guard serviced by the health care system of the ,coast ,guard4 7,c7 ,an assessment of the ability of the ,coast ,guard to conduct medical support at outlying units1 including remote units4 7,d7 ,an assessment of the capacity of the ,coast ,guard to support surge operations using historical data from the #aj-year period preceding the date of the report4 7,e7 ,an assessment of the impact to operations of the ,coast ,guard by extended wait times or travel times to receive care or other issues identified by the report4 #bgh4 ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states study and report on vertical evacuation for tsunamis at ,coast ,guard ,station ,grays ,harbor1 ,washington 7a7 ,study 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall conduct a study that examines the potential use1 in the event of a ,cascadia subduction zone event1 of a vertical evacuation of ,coast ,guard personnel stationed at ,united ,states ,coast ,guard ,station ,grays ,harbor1 ,washington1 and the dependents of such ,coast ,guard personnel housed in ,coast ,guard housing4 7#b7 ,elements ,the study required under paragraph 7#a7 shall analyze the following3 7,a7 ,the number of such personnel and dependents to be evacuated4 7,b7 ,the resources available to conduct an evacuation1 and the feasibility of a successful evacuation in a case in which inundation maps and timelines are available4 7,c7 ,with the resources available1 the amount of time needed to evacuate such personnel and dependents4 7,d7 ,any resource that is otherwise available within a reasonable walking distance to ,station ,grays ,harbor and ,coast ,guard housing for ,station ,grays ,harbor4 7,e7 ,the benefit to the surrounding community of such a vertical evacuation4 7,f7 ,the interoperability of the tsunami warning system with the ,coast ,guard communication systems at ,station ,grays ,harbor and ,coast ,guard housing for ,station ,grays ,harbor4 7,g7 ,current interagency coordination and communication policies in place for emergency responders to address a ,cascadia subduction zone event4 7b7 ,report ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,comptroller ,general shall 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 findings1 conclusions1 and recommendations1 if any1 from the study required under subsection 7a74 ,e ,other ,matters #bia4 ,technical corrections 7a7 ,maritime transportation system ,section #cab7;b77#d7 of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking marine transportation system and inserting maritime transportation system4 7b7 ,common appropriations structure 7#a7 ,prospective payment of funds necessary to provide medical care ,section #ejf of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7,a7 in subsection 7a77#a71 by inserting as established under chapter #ef of title #aj after ,medicare-,eligible ,retiree ,health ,care ,fund2 and 7,b7 in subsection 7b77#a71 by striking operating expenses and inserting operations and support4 7#b7 ,use of certain appropriated funds ,section #ijc of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7,a7 in subsection 7a71 by striking acquisition1 construction1 and improvement of facilities1 for research1 development1 test1 and evaluation2 and for the alteration of bridges over the navigable waters and inserting procurement1 construction1 and improvement of facilities and for research and development2 and 7,b7 in subsection 7d77#a71 amended by section #bda7;b77#a71 by striking operating expenses and inserting operations and support4 7#c7 ,disposition of infrastructure related to e-loran ,section #iad7;c77#b77;,a7 of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking ,environmental ,compliance and ,restoration and inserting ,operations and ,support4 7#d7 ,confidential investigative expenses ,section #idd of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7,a7 by striking necessary expenses for the operation and inserting the operations and support2 and 7,b7 by striking his each place it appears and inserting the ,commandant's4 7#e7 ,procurement of personnel ,section #bgja of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7,a7 by striking operating expenses and inserting operations and support2 7,b7 by striking but not limited to2 and 7,c7 by striking in order4 7#f7 ,requirement for prior authorization of appropriations ,section #dija of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#a71 by striking maintenance and inserting support2 7,b7 in paragraph 7#b71 by striking acquisition and inserting procurement2 7,c7 by striking paragraphs 7#c71 7#d71 and 7#f72 7,d7 by redesignating paragraph 7#e7 as paragraph 7#c72 and 7,e7 in paragraph 7#c71 as redesignated by subparagraph 7,d71 by striking research1 development1 test1 and evaluation and inserting research and development44 7c7 ,mission need statement 7#a7 ,in general ,section #aaaj of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code-- 7,a7 is transferred to appear after section #eajh of such title2 and 7,b7 is redesignated as section #eaji4 7#b7 ,analyses 7,a7 ,analysis for chapter #aa ,the analysis for chapter #aa of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking the item relating to section #aaaj4 7,b7 ,analysis for chapter #ea ,the analysis for chapter #ea of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #eaji4 ,mission need statement4 4 7#c7 ,repeal of superseded requirement ,section #dja of the ,coast ,guard ,authorization ,act of #bjaj 7,public ,law #aaa-bha7 is amended by striking subsection 7e74 ,,iii ,maritime #cja4 ,electronic charts2 equivalency ,section #caje of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7c7 ,equivalency between paper charts and electronic charts 7#a7 ,in general ,until the date that final regulations are published under subsection 7a7-- 7,a7 a covered vessel equipped with and operating electronic navigational charts produced by a government hydrographic office and that conform to a standard acceptable to the ,secretary of the department in which the ,coast ,guard is operating shall be deemed in compliance with any requirement under title #cc or title #df1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations1 to have a chart1 marine chart1 or map on board the covered vessel2 and 7,b7 the ,secretary of the department in which the ,coast ,guard is operating may allow a covered vessel that operates solely within the baseline of the territorial sea of the ,united ,states 7as described in ,presidential ,proclamation ,no4 #eibh of ,december #bg1 #aihh 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #acca note77 to utilize a software-based1 platform-independent electronic chart system that is capable of displaying electronic navigational charts with necessary scale and detail to ensure safe navigation for the intended voyage4 7#b7 ,covered vessel defined ,in this subsection1 the term covered vessel means a vessel described in subparagraph 7,a71 7,b71 7,c71 or 7,d7 of subsection 7a77#a74 4 #cjb4 ,common appropriation structure ,sections #ccag7;b71 #gejd1 #hjcja7;c71 and #hjeje7;b77#c7 of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 are each amended by striking operating expenses and inserting operations and support4 #cjc4 ,alternate safety compliance program exception for certain vessels ,section #dejc;a of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating subsections 7d7 through 7f7 as subsections 7e7 through 7g71 respectively2 and 7#b7 by inserting after subsection 7c7 the following3 7d7 ,subsection 7a7 shall not apply to a vessel that-- 7#a7 is #gi feet or less in length as listed on the vessel's certificate of documentation or certificate of number2 and 7#b7 is examined at dockside by the ,secretary every #b years upon the request of the owner and in accordance with section #dejb7;f77#b7 of this title4 4 #cjd4 ,license exemptions2 repeal of obsolete provisions 7a7 ,service under licenses issued without examination ,section #hcjc of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 and the item relating to that section in the analysis for chapter #hc of such title1 are repealed4 7b7 ,standards for tank vessels of the ,united ,states ,section #iajb of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking subsection 7b72 and 7#b7 by striking 7a7 ,the ,secretary and inserting ,the ,secretary4 7c7 ,conforming amendment ,section #adcje7;a77#aj7 of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking sections #hcjc and #hcjd and inserting section #hcjd4 #cje4 ,small passenger vessels and uninspected passenger vessels ,section #ababa of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a77#a71 by striking subparagraphs 7,a7 and 7,b7 and inserting the following3 7,a7 was built in the ,united ,states2 7,b7 was not built in the ,united ,states and is at least #c years old2 or 7,c7 if rebuilt1 was rebuilt-- 7i7 in the ,united ,states2 or 7ii7 outside the ,united ,states at least #c years before the certificate requested under subsection 7b7 would take effect4 2 and 7#b7 in subsection 7b71 by inserting #abacb1 after #abaac14 #cjf4 ,national ,offshore ,safety ,advisory ,committee2 representation ,section #aeajf7;c77#c7 of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in subparagraph 7,c71 by striking mineral and oil operations1 including geophysical services and inserting operations2 7#b7 in subparagraph 7,d71 by striking exploration and recovery2 7#c7 in subparagraph 7,e71 by striking engaged in diving services related to offshore construction1 inspection1 and maintenance and inserting providing diving services to the offshore industry2 7#d7 in subparagraph 7,f71 by striking engaged in safety and training services related to offshore exploration and construction and inserting providing safety and training services to the offshore industry2 7#e7 in subparagraph 7,g71 by striking engaged in pipelaying services related to offshore construction and inserting providing subsea engineering1 construction1 or remotely operated vehicle support to the offshore industry2 7#f7 in subparagraph 7,h71 by striking mineral and energy2 and 7#g7 in subparagraph 7,j71 by striking deepwater ports and inserting entities engaged in offshore oil exploration and production on the ,outer ,continental ,shelf including adjacent to ,alaska4 #cjg4 ,national ,maritime ,transportation ,system ,advisory ,committee 7a7 ,in general ,chapter #eee of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #eeejb4 ,national ,maritime ,transportation ,system ,advisory ,committee 7a7 ,establishment ,there is established a ,national ,maritime ,transportation ,system ,advisory ,committee 7in this section referred to as the ,committee74 7b7 ,function ,the ,committee shall advise the ,secretary of ,transportation on matters relating to the ,united ,states maritime transportation system and its seamless integration with other segments of the transportation system1 including the viability of the ,united ,states ,merchant ,marine4 7c7 ,membership 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,committee shall consist of #be members appointed by the ,secretary of ,transportation in accordance with this section and section #aeaji 7subject to paragraph 7#d774 7#b7 ,expertise ,each member of the ,committee shall have particular expertise1 knowledge1 and experience in matters relating to the function of the ,committee4 7#c7 ,representation ,members of the ,committee shall be appointed as follows3 7,a7 ,at least #a member shall represent the ,environmental ,protection ,agency4 7,b7 ,at least #a member shall represent the ,department of ,commerce4 7,c7 ,at least #a member shall represent the ,army ,corps of ,engineers4 7,d7 ,at least #a member shall represent the ,coast ,guard4 7,e7 ,at least #a member shall represent ,u4,s4 ,customs and ,border ,protection4 7,f7 ,at least #a member shall represent ,state and local governmental entities4 7,g7 ,additional members shall represent private sector entities that reflect a cross-section of maritime industries1 including port and water stakeholders1 academia1 and labor representatives4 7,h7 ,the ,secretary of ,transportation may appoint additional representatives from other ,federal agencies as the ,secretary considers appropriate4 7#d7 ,administration ,for purposes of section #aeaji1 the ,committee shall be treated as a committee established under chapter #aea1 except that in applying such section to the ,committee any reference in such section to the ,secretary shall be deemed to be a reference to the ,secretary of ,transportation4 4 7b7 ,treatment of existing committee ,notwithstanding any other provision of law-- 7#a7 an advisory committee that is substantially similar to the ,national ,maritime ,transportation ,system ,advisory ,committee established by section #eeejb of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 as added by subsection 7a71 and that was in force or in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of such section1 including the charter1 membership1 and other aspects of such substantially similar advisory committee1 may remain in force or in effect for the #b-year period beginning on the date of enactment of such section2 and 7#b7 during such #b-year period-- 7,a7 any requirement relating to the ,national ,maritime ,transportation ,system ,advisory ,committee established by such section shall be deemed satisfied by the substantially similar advisory committee2 and 7,b7 the enactment of this section1 including the amendment made by subsection 7a71 shall not be the basis-- 7i7 to deem1 find1 or declare such substantially similar advisory committee1 including the charter1 membership1 and other aspects thereof1 void1 not in force1 or not in effect2 7ii7 to suspend the activities of such substantially similar advisory committee2 or 7iii7 to bar the members of such substantially similar advisory committee from a meeting4 7c7 ,analysis for chapter #eee ,the analysis for chapter #eee of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #eeejb4 ,national ,maritime ,transportation ,system ,advisory ,committee4 4 7d7 ,repeal ,section #eefjc of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 and the item relating to that section in the analysis for chapter #eef of such title1 are repealed4 #cjh4 ,security plans2 reviews ,section #gjajc of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7b77#c71 by inserting and updates thereto after ,area ,maritime ,transportation ,security ,plans each place it appears2 and 7#b7 in subsection 7c77#d71 by inserting or update thereto after plan each place it appears4 #cji4 ,ice patrol2 payments ,section #hjcja7;c7 of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 as amended by section #cjb1 is further amended by inserting and shall be available until expended before the period at the end4 #caj4 ,great ,lakes pilotage advisory committee extension ,section #icjg7;f77#a7 of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking #bjbj and inserting #bjbg4 #caa4 ,report on liability limits applicable to the ,coast ,guard ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,commandant shall 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 setting forth the following3 7#a7 ,a list of each liability limit to which the ,coast ,guard is currently subject1 including the statutory or administration authority establishing such limit4 7#b7 ,if the ,commandant determines that any liability limit listed pursuant to paragraph 7#a7 should be modified-- 7,a7 a description of the liability limit1 as so modified2 7,b7 a justification for such modification2 and 7,c7 a recommendation for legislative or administrative action to achieve such modification4 #cab4 ,authority to waive operator of self-propelled uninspected passenger vessel requirements ,section #hije of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7c7 ,after consultation with the ,governor of ,alaska and the ,state boating law administrator of ,alaska1 the ,secretary may exempt an individual operating a self-propelled uninspected passenger vessel from the requirements of section #hijc of this title1 if-- 7#a7 the individual only operates such vessel wholly within waters located in ,alaska2 and 7#b7 such vessel is-- 7,a7 #bf feet or less in length2 and 7,b7 carrying not more than #f passengers4 4 #cac4 ,towing vessel inspections2 user fees 7a7 ,in general ,notwithstanding section #igja of title #ca1 ,united ,states ,code1 and section #baaj of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 the ,commandant of the ,coast ,guard may1 until the date described in subsection 7b71 charge an annual inspection fee to an owner or managing operator of a towing vessel who selects the ,towing ,safety ,management ,system option under subchapter ,m of chapter ,i of title #df1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations 7as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this ,act71 for a towing vessel required to have a ,certificate of ,inspection under such subchapter4 7b7 ,date described ,the date described in this subsection is the first day on which the ,commandant of the ,coast ,guard has-- 7#a7 completed the review of towing safety management system fees required by section #hae of the ,frank ,lo,biondo ,coast ,guard ,authorization ,act of #bjah 7,public ,law #aae-bhb72 and 7#b7 promulgated regulations for annual inspection user fees for towing vessels required to have a ,certificate of ,inspection under subchapter ,m of chapter ,i of title #df1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations 7as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this ,act74 ,,iv ,miscellaneous #dja4 ,common appropriation structure 7a7 ,oil ,spill ,liability ,trust ,fund ,section #ajab7;a77#e77;,a7 of the ,oil ,pollution ,act of #aiij 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #bgab7;a77#e77;,a77 is amended by striking operating expenses incurred by and inserting operations and support of4 7b7 ,historic ,light ,station ,sales ,section #cjeajf7;b7 of title #ed1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#a77;,b77i71 by striking ,operating ,expenses and inserting ,operations and ,support2 and 7#b7 in subsection 7b77#b71 by striking ,operating ,expense and inserting ,operations and ,support4 7c7 ,bridge permits ,section #gab7;a77#b7 of the ,coast ,guard and ,maritime ,transportation ,act of #bjab 7,public ,law #aab-bac2 #cc ,u4,s4,c4 #dia prec4 note7 is amended by striking operating expenses and inserting operations and support4 7d7 ,contracts ,section #eeg7;a7 of the ,consolidated and ,further ,continuing ,appropriations ,act1 #bjac 7,public ,law #aac-f2 #ad ,u4,s4,c4 #egg note7 is amended by striking ,acquisition and inserting ,procurement4 7e7 ,child development services ,section #bad7;d77#a7 of the ,howard ,coble ,coast ,guard and ,maritime ,transportation ,act of #bjad 7,public ,law #aac-bha2 #abh ,stat4 #cjcd7 is amended by striking operating expenses and inserting operations and support4 7f7 ,prospective payment of funds necessary ,to provide medical care ,section #ejf7;b77#a7 of title #ad1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking operating expenses and inserting operations and support4 #djb4 ,improved employment assistance ,section #aadc7;a7 of title #aj1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a7-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#b7-- 7i7 in the matter preceding subparagraph 7,a71 by inserting and the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security with respect to the ,coast ,guard when it is not operating as a service in the ,navy before shall2 and 7ii7 in subparagraph 7,a71 by striking ,army1 ,navy1 ,air ,force1 and ,marine ,corps and inserting armed forces2 and 7,b7 in paragraph 7#c71 by inserting and the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security with respect to the ,coast ,guard when it is not operating as a service in the ,navy before shall2 and 7#b7 in subsection 7c77#b77;,a77ii71 by striking in the case of members of the ,army1 ,navy1 ,air ,force1 and ,marine ,corps1 request the ,department of ,defense and inserting make a request to the applicable ,secretary under subsection 7a77#a74 #djc4 ,unmanned maritime systems 7a7 ,assessment 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,commandant shall regularly assess available unmanned maritime systems for potential use to support missions of the ,coast ,guard4 7#b7 ,consultation ,the ,commandant shall make the assessment required under paragraph 7#a7 after consultation with the ,department of ,defense1 other ,federal agencies1 the academic sector1 and developers and manufacturers of unmanned maritime systems4 7b7 ,report 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 and biennially thereafter1 the ,commandant shall 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 on the actual and potential effects of the use of available unmanned maritime systems on the mission effectiveness of the ,coast ,guard4 7#b7 ,contents ,each report submitted under paragraph 7#a7 shall include the following3 7,a7 ,an inventory of available unmanned maritime systems used by the ,coast ,guard1 an overview of such usage1 and a discussion of the mission effectiveness of such systems1 including any benefits realized or risks or negative aspects of such usage4 7,b7 ,a prioritized list of ,coast ,guard mission requirements that could be met with additional unmanned maritime systems1 and the estimated costs of acquiring and operating such systems4 ,this list should take into consideration interoperability with the current and future fleet of ,national ,security ,cutters1 ,fast ,response ,cutters1 ,offshore ,patrol ,cutters1 ,polar ,security ,cutters1 and in-service legacy cutters such as the #bgj-;foot1 #baj-;foot1 and #bbe-;foot ,buoy ,tenders4 7c7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,unmanned maritime system 7,a7 ,in general ,the term unmanned maritime system means a remotely operated or autonomous vehicle that-- 7i7 is produced by the commercial sector2 7ii7 is designed to travel in the air1 on or under the ocean surface1 on land1 or any combination thereof2 and 7iii7 functions without an on-board human presence4 7,b7 ,inclusions ,the term unmanned maritime system includes-- 7i7 associated components1 such as control and communications1 data transmission1 and processing systems2 7ii7 an unmanned undersea vehicle2 7iii7 an unmanned surface vehicle2 7iv7 an unmanned aerial vehicle2 7v7 an autonomous underwater vehicle2 7vi7 an autonomous surface vehicle2 and 7vii7 an autonomous aerial vehicle4 7#b7 ,available unmanned maritime systems ,the term available unmanned maritime systems includes unmanned maritime systems that can be purchased commercially or are available to the ,coast ,guard in coordination with the ,department of ,defense or other ,federal agency4 #djd4 ,unmanned aircraft systems testing 7a7 ,training area ,the ,commandant shall carry out and update1 as appropriate1 a program for the use of a training area to facilitate the use of unmanned aircraft systems and small unmanned aircraft systems to support missions of the ,coast ,guard4 7b7 ,designation of area 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,commandant shall1 as part of the program under subsection 7a71 designate an area for the training1 testing1 and development of unmanned aircraft systems and small unmanned aircraft systems4 7#b7 ,considerations ,in designating a training area under paragraph 7#a71 the ,commandant shall-- 7,a7 select an area that leverages the capabilities of the common test site for unmanned aircraft systems of the ,department of ,homeland ,security2 and 7,b7 take into consideration all of the following attributes of the training area3 7i7 ,direct over-water maritime access from the site4 7ii7 ,the availability of existing ,coast ,guard support facilities1 including pier and dock space4 7iii7 ,proximity to existing and available offshore ,warning ,area airspace for test and training4 7iv7 ,existing facilities and infrastructure to support unmanned aircraft system-augmented1 and small unmanned aircraft system-augmented1 training1 evaluations1 and exercises4 7v7 ,existing and appropriate ,federal ,aviation ,administration flight authorizations for the area4 7vi7 ,existing facilities with a proven track record of supporting unmanned aircraft systems and small unmanned aircraft systems flight operations4 7c7 ,definitions ,in this section-- 7#a7 the term existing means as of the date of enactment of this ,act2 and 7#b7 the terms small unmanned aircraft and unmanned aircraft system have the meanings given those terms in section #ddhja of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code4 #dje4 ,report of determination2 technical correction ,section #aje7;f77#b7 of the ,pribilof ,islands ,transition ,act 7,public ,law #ajf-efb2 #af ,u4,s4,c4 #aafa note7 is amended by striking subsection 7a7 and inserting paragraph 7#a74 #djf4 ,towing vessels operating outside the boundary line 7a7 ,definitions ,in this section-- 7#a7 the term ,boundary ,line has the meaning given the term in section #ajc of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code2 7#b7 the term ,officer in ,charge1 ,marine ,inspection has the meaning given the term in section #ccje7;d77#d7 of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code2 and 7#c7 the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of the ,department in which the ,coast ,guard is operating4 7b7 ,interim exemption ,a towing vessel described in subsection 7c7 is exempt from any additional requirements of subtitle ,,ii of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 and chapter ,i of title #cc and chapter ,i of title #df1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations 7as in effect on the date of enactment of this ,act71 that would result solely from such vessel operating outside the ,boundary ,line1 if-- 7#a7 the vessel is operating outside the ,boundary ,line solely to perform regular harbor assist operations2 7#b7 the voyage of the vessel occurring outside of the ,boundary ,line-- 7,a7 is less than #ab hours in total duration2 7,b7 originates and ends in the inspection zone of a single ,officer in ,charge1 ,marine ,inspection2 and 7,c7 occurs no further than #aj nautical miles from the ,boundary ,line2 7#c7 the vessel is approved for operations outside the ,boundary ,line by the ,officer in ,charge1 ,marine ,inspection and the ,coast ,guard ,marine ,safety ,center2 and 7#d7 the vessel has sufficient manning and lifesaving equipment for all persons on board1 in accordance with part #ae and section #ada4bbe of title #df1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations 7or any successor regulation74 7c7 ,applicability ,this section applies to a towing vessel-- 7#a7 that is subject to inspection under chapter #cc of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 and subchapter ,m of chapter ,i of title #df1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations 7or any successor regulation72 7#b7 with only ,lakes1 ,bays1 and ,sounds or ,rivers routes recorded on such vessel's certificate of inspection under section #acf4bcj of title #df1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations 7or any successor regulation72 and 7#c7 that is operating as a harbor assist vessel and regularly engaged in harbor assist operations1 including the docking1 undocking1 mooring1 unmooring1 and escorting of vessels with limited maneuverability4 7d7 ,safety 7#a7 ,safety restrictions ,the ,officer in ,charge1 ,marine ,inspection for an inspection zone may restrict operations under the interim exemption provided under subsection 7b7 for safety purposes4 7#b7 ,comprehensive lists ,the ,officer in ,charge1 ,marine ,inspection for an inspection zone shall maintain a comprehensive list1 updated periodically1 of all towing vessels described in subsection 7c7 that operate in the inspection zone4 7#c7 ,notification ,not later than #bd hours prior to intended operations outside of the ,boundary ,line1 a towing vessel exempted under subsection 7b7 shall notify the ,office in ,charge1 ,marine ,inspection for the inspection zone of such operations4 ,such notification shall include-- 7,a7 the date1 time1 and length of voyage2 7,b7 a crew list1 with each crew member's credentials and work hours2 and 7,c7 an attestation from the master of the towing vessel that the vessel has sufficient manning and lifesaving equipment for all persons on board4 7e7 ,briefing ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,commandant of the ,coast ,guard shall brief the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure of the ,house of ,representatives regarding the following3 7#a7 ,the impacts of the interim exemption provided under this section4 7#b7 ,any safety concerns regarding the expiration of such interim exemption4 7#c7 ,whether such interim exemption should be extended4 7f7 ,termination ,the interim exemption provided under subsection 7b7 shall terminate on the date that is #b years after the date of enactment of this ,act4 #djg4 ,repeal of ,caribbean support tender authorization ,section #cdc of the ,maritime ,transportation ,security ,act of #bjjb 7,public ,law #ajg-bie2 #aaf ,stat4 #bajf7 and the item relating to that section in section #a7;b7 of that ,act1 are repealed4 #djh4 ,fairways ,not later than ,may #a1 #bjba1 the ,commandant shall conduct a review of navigation on the ,east ,coast of the ,united ,states and 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 on the findings of the review1 including any recommendations for new fairways on that coast to facilitate commerce4 #dji4 ,nonoperating individuals 7a7 ,definitions 7#a7 ,in general ,section #baja of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7,a7 by redesignating paragraphs 7#bd7 through 7#ed7 as paragraphs 7#be7 through 7#ee71 respectively2 and 7,b7 by inserting after paragraph 7#bc7 the following3 7#bd7 nonoperating individual means an individual on a vessel who-- 7,a7 does not perform-- 7i7 watchstanding1 automated engine room duty watch1 navigation1 or personnel safety functions2 7ii7 cargo handling functions1 including any activity relating to the loading or unloading of cargo1 the operation of cargo-related equipment 7whether or not integral to the vessel71 and the handling of mooring lines on the dock when the vessel is made fast or let go2 7iii7 vessel maintenance1 including any repairs that can be performed by the vessel's crew or a riding gang member2 or 7iv7 safety1 security1 or environmental protection activities directly related to the operation of the vessel and normally conducted by the vessel's crew2 7,b7 does not serve as part of the crew complement required under section #haja of this title2 7,c7 does not serve as a riding gang member2 7,d7 is not a member of the steward's department2 7,e7 is not a citizen or temporary or permanent resident of a country designated by the ,united ,states as a sponsor of terrorism or any other country that the ,secretary1 in consultation with the ,secretary of ,state and the heads of other appropriate ,united ,states agencies1 determines to be a security threat to the ,united ,states2 and 7,f7 is not specifically exempted from the requirement to have a merchant mariner's document under section #hgja7;a7 of this title4 4 7#b7 ,conforming amendments 7,a7 ,section #c7c7 of the ,magnuson-,stevens ,fishery ,conservation and ,management ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #ahjb7c771 is amended by striking section #baja7cj7 and inserting section #baja4 7,b7 ,section #aiib7;d77#g7 of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking section #baja7ca7 and inserting section #baja7cb74 7,c7 ,section #baac7c7 of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking section #baja7ea77;,a7 and inserting section #baja7eb77;,a74 7,d7 ,section #cbjb7;a77#a77;,a7 of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking section #baja7bi77;,a7 and inserting section #baja7cj77;,a74 7,e7 ,section #cejg7k77#a7 of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking section #baja7ca7 and inserting section #baja4 7,f7 ,section #daje of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7i7 in each of subsections 7b77#a7 and 7c71 by striking section #baja7ea7 and inserting section #baja7eb72 and 7ii7 in subsection 7d71 by striking section #baja7ea77;,a7 and inserting section #baja7eb77;,a74 7,g7 ,section #abaai7;a77#c7 of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking section #baja7bf7 and inserting section #baja4 7,h7 ,section #aaca7;a77#a77;,e7 of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking section #baja7df7 of title #df and inserting section #aaf of title #df4 7b7 ,citizenship and navy reserve requirements ,section #hajc7;j7 of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in the subsection heading1 by striking ,riding gang member and inserting ,riding gang member or nonoperating individual2 and 7#b7 by inserting or a nonoperating individual before the period4 7c7 ,nonoperating individuals 7#a7 ,in general ,chapter #ha of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7,a7 by redesignating section #hajg as section #hajh2 and 7,b7 by inserting after section #hajf the following3 #hajg4 ,nonoperating individuals 7a7 ,in general ,the owner or managing operator of a merchant vessel of the ,united ,states of at least #ajj gross tons as measured under section #adejb1 or an alternate tonnage measured under section #adcjb as prescribed by the ,secretary under section #adajd1 shall-- 7#a7 ensure that-- 7,a7 each nonoperating individual on the vessel-- 7i7 is a ,united ,states citizen or an alien lawfully admitted to the ,united ,states for permanent residence2 or 7ii7 possesses-- 7,i7 a ,united ,states nonimmigrant visa for individuals desiring to enter the ,united ,states temporarily for business2 7,,ii7 employment-related and personal identifying information2 and 7,,iii7 any other documentation required by the ,secretary2 7,b7 all required documentation for such individual is kept on the vessel and available for inspection by the ,secretary2 and 7,c7 each nonoperating individual is identified on the vessel's crew list2 7#b7 ensure that-- 7,a7 each nonoperating individual possesses-- 7i7 a merchant mariner's document2 7ii7 a transportation security card issued under section #gjaje2 or 7iii7 a current security clearance issued by a ,federal agency2 or 7,b7 the employer of the nonoperating individual attests in a certificate to the owner or managing operator that-- 7i7 the background of such individual has been examined and found to be free of any credible information indicating a material risk to the security of the vessel1 the cargo of the vessel1 the ports the vessel visits1 or other individuals onboard the vessel2 7ii7 the examination under clause 7i7-- 7,i7 with regard to an individual described in paragraph 7#a77;,a77i71 met the requirements of section #gjaje7;d77#b72 or 7,,ii7 with regard to an individual described in paragraph 7#a77;,a77ii71 consisted of a check of relevant international databases and such other information that the ,secretary considers relevant and reasonably available to the owner or managing operator in the individual's country of citizenship and any other country in which the individual works1 receives employment referrals1 or resides2 and 7iii7 the information derived from the examination under clause 7i7 is made available to the ,secretary upon request2 7#c7 ensure that each nonoperating individual of the vessel1 while on board the vessel1 is subject to the same random chemical testing and reporting regimes as crew members2 7#d7 ensure that each such individual employed on the vessel receives basic safety familiarization and basic safety training approved by the ,coast ,guard as satisfying the requirements for such training under the ,international ,convention on ,standards of ,training1 ,certification and ,watchkeeping for ,seafarers1 done at ,london ,july #g1 #aigh2 7#e7 prevent from boarding the vessel1 or cause the removal from the vessel at the first available port1 and disqualify from future service on board any other vessel owned or operated by that owner or operator1 any nonoperating individual-- 7,a7 who has been convicted in any jurisdiction of an offense described in paragraph 7#b7 or 7#c7 of section #ggjc2 7,b7 whose license1 certificate of registry1 or merchant mariner's document has been suspended or revoked under section #ggjd2 or 7,c7 who otherwise constitutes a threat to the safety of the vessel2 7#f7 ensure and certify to the ,secretary that the vessel is in compliance with section #ccjd and chapter #ce1 to the extent such section or chapter otherwise applies to the vessel2 and 7#g7 ensure that each nonoperating individual on board the vessel is employed under conditions that meet or exceed the minimum international standards of all applicable international labor conventions to which the ,united ,states is a party1 including all of the merchant seamen protection and relief provided under ,united ,states law4 7b7 ,work restrictions ,a nonoperating individual on board a vessel to which subsection 7a7 applies may not perform on board the vessel-- 7#a7 watchstanding1 automated engine room duty watch1 navigational1 or personnel safety functions2 7#b7 cargo handling functions1 including any activity relating to the loading or unloading of cargo1 the operation of cargo-related equipment 7whether or not integral to the vessel71 and the handling of mooring lines on the dock when the vessel is made fast or let go2 7#c7 vessel maintenance1 including any repairs that can be performed by the vessel's crew or a riding gang member2 or 7#d7 safety1 security1 or environmental protection activities directly related to the operation of the vessel and normally conducted by the vessel's crew4 7c7 ,recordkeeping ,in addition to the requirements of subsection 7a71 the owner or managing operator of a vessel to which subsection 7a7 applies shall ensure that all information necessary to ensure compliance with this section1 as determined by the ,secretary1 is entered into the vessel's official logbook required by chapter #aac4 7d7 ,civil penalty ,a person violating this section is liable to the ,united ,states ,government for a civil penalty of #a1bej4 4 7#b7 ,analysis for chapter #ha ,the analysis for chapter #ha of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking the item relating to section #hajg and inserting the following3 #hajg4 ,nonoperating individuals4 #hajh4 ,use of force against piracy4 4 7#c7 ,conforming amendments ,title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7,a7 in section #hgja1 by adding at the end the following3 7e7 ,this section shall not apply to an individual engaged1 employed1 or serving on board a vessel who is a nonoperating individual1 as defined in section #hajg of this title4 2 and 7,b7 in section #eagje7d71 by striking #df ,u4,s4,c4 #hajg note and inserting #df ,u4,s4,c4 #hajh note4 #daj4 ,abandoned seafarers fund amendments ,section #aaaac of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in the matter preceding subparagraph 7,a7 of subsection 7a77#b71 by striking may be appropriated and inserting shall be available without further appropriations and shall remain available until expended2 and 7#b7 in subsection 7c7-- 7,a7 in the matter preceding subparagraph 7,a7 of paragraph 7#a71 by inserting plus a surcharge of #be percent of such total amount1 after seafarer12 and 7,b7 by striking paragraph 7#d74 #daa4 ,conforming amendments3 training2 public safety personnel ,chapter #gja of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in section #gjajg-- 7,a7 in subsection 7a71 by striking law enforcement personnel and inserting public safety personnel2 7,b7 in the matter preceding subparagraph 7,a7 of subsection 7b77#h71 by striking law enforcement personnel-- and inserting public safety personnel--2 and 7,c7 in subsection 7c77#b77;,c71 by striking law enforcement personnel and inserting public safety personnel2 and 7#b7 in section #gjacb-- 7,a7 in the matter preceding paragraph 7#a7 of subsection 7a71 by striking law enforcement personnel-- and inserting public safety personnel--2 7,b7 in subsection 7b71 by striking law enforcement personnel each instance such term appears and inserting public safety personnel2 and 7,c7 by adding at the end the following3 7d7 ,public safety personnel defined ,for the purposes of this section1 the term public safety personnel includes any ,federal1 ,state 7or political subdivision thereof71 territorial1 or ,tribal law enforcement officer1 firefighter1 or emergency response provider4 4 #dab4 ,accident and incident notification ,subsection 7c7 of section #i of the ,pipeline ,safety1 ,regulatory ,certainty1 and ,job ,creation ,act of #bjaa 7,public ,law #aab-ij2 #abe ,stat4 #aiab2 #di ,u4,s4,c4 #fjaag note7 is repealed and shall be deemed not to have been enacted4 #dac4 ,subrogated claims 7a7 ,in general ,section #ajab7;b7 of the ,oil ,pollution ,act of #aiij 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #bgab7;b77 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking ,fund4--,the and inserting the following3 ,fund4-- 7#a7 ,in general ,the 2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following3 7#b7 ,subrogation ,except for a guarantor claim pursuant to a defense under section #ajaf7;f77#a71 ,fund compensation of any claim by an insurer or other indemnifier of a responsible party or injured third party is subject to the subrogated rights of that responsible party or third party to such compensation4 4 7b7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by this section shall take effect #ahj days following the date of enactment of this ,act4 #dad4 ,use of engine cut-off switch links 7a7 ,in general ,chapter #dc of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #dcac4 ,use of engine cut-off switch links 7a7 ,use of engine cut-,off switch links ,a person shall not operate a covered recreational vessel unless-- 7#a7 the person is wearing an engine cut-off switch link while operating above no-wake speed2 and 7#b7 the engine cut-off switch is equipped under the requirements of section #dcab4 7b7 ,penalty ,a person that violates subsection 7a7 shall be subject to a civil penalty under section #dcaa of this title not to exceed-- 7#a7 #ajj for the first offense2 7#b7 #bej for the second offense2 and 7#c7 #ejj for any subsequent offense4 7c7 ,definitions ,in this section-- 7#a7 the term covered recreation vessel means a recreational vessel less than #bf feet overall in length1 except such term shall not include any vessel-- 7,a7 whose main helm is installed within an enclosed cabin that would protect an operator from being thrown overboard should the operator be displaced from the helm2 7,b7 with propulsion machinery developing static thrust of less than #aae pounds or #c horsepower2 or 7,c7 without an engine cut-off switch installed under the requirements of section #dcab2 7#b7 the term engine cut-off switch means a mechanical or electronic device that is connected to propulsion machinery that will stop propulsion if-- 7,a7 the switch is not properly connected2 or 7,b7 the switch components are submerged in water or separated from the switch by a predetermined distance2 and 7#c7 the term engine cut-off switch link means the equipment attached to the recreational vessel operator that activates the engine cut-off switch4 4 7b7 ,analysis for chapter #dc ,the analysis for chapter #dc of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #dcac4 ,use of engine cut-off switch links4 4 #dae4 ,equivalency authority 7a7 ,in general ,section #dcje of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in the section heading1 by adding and ,equivalents after ,exemptions2 7#b7 by striking ,if the ,secretary and inserting the following3 7a7 ,exemptions ,if the ,secretary 2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following3 7b7 ,equivalents ,if the ,secretary considers that recreational vessel safety will not be adversely affected1 the ,secretary may accept a substitution for associated equipment performance or other safety standards for a recreational vessel as required by this chapter1 if the substitution provides an equivalent level of safety4 4 7b7 ,analysis for chapter #dc ,the analysis for chapter #dc of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking the item relating to section #dcje and inserting the following3 #dcje4 ,exemptions and equivalents4 4 #daf4 ,arctic ,,pars ,native engagement ,the ,commandant shall-- 7#a7 engage directly with local coastal whaling and fishing communities in the ,arctic region when conducting the ,alaskan ,arctic ,coast ,port ,access ,route ,study1 in accordance with chapter #gjj of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 and as described in the notice of study published in the ,federal ,register on ,december #ba1 #bjah 7#hc ,fed4 ,reg4 #fegja72 and 7#b7 shall consider the concerns of the ,arctic coastal community regarding any ,alaskan ,arctic ,coast ,port ,access ,route1 including safety needs and concerns4 #dag4 ,authorization of use of automatic identification systems devices to mark fishing equipment 7a7 ,definitions ,in this section-- 7#a7 the term ,automatic ,identification ,system has the meaning given the term in section #afd4df7;a7 of title #cc1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations1 or any successor regulation2 7#b7 the term ,automatic ,identification ,system device means a covered device that operates in radio frequencies assigned to the ,automatic ,identification ,system2 7#c7 the term ,commission means the ,federal ,communications ,commission2 and 7#d7 the term covered device means a device used to mark fishing equipment4 7b7 ,rulemaking required ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,commission1 in consultation with the ,commandant1 shall initiate a rulemaking proceeding to consider whether to authorize covered devices to operate in radio frequencies assigned to the ,automatic ,identification ,system4 7c7 ,considerations ,in conducting the rulemaking under subsection 7b71 the ,commission shall consider whether imposing requirements with respect to the manner in which ,automatic ,identification ,system devices are deployed and used would enable the authorization of covered devices to operate in radio frequencies assigned to the ,automatic ,identification ,system consistent with the core purpose of the ,automatic ,identification ,system to prevent maritime accidents4 #dah4 ,direct hire authority for certain competitive service positions in the ,department of ,homeland ,security 7a7 ,parallel direct hire authority for the ,department of ,homeland ,security ,chapter #ii of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #iije;a4 ,direct hire authority for certain personnel of the ,department of ,homeland ,security 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security may appoint1 without regard to the provisions of subchapter ,i of chapter #cc 7other than sections #ccjc and #ccbh of such chapter71 qualified candidates to any of the following positions in the competitive service in the ,department of ,homeland ,security in support of the ,coast ,guard3 7#a7 ,any position involved with ,department maintenance activities1 including depot-level maintenance and repair4 7#b7 ,any position involved with cybersecurity4 7#c7 ,any individual in the acquisition workforce that manages any services contracts necessary to the operation and maintenance of programs of the ,department4 7#d7 ,any science1 technology1 or engineering position in order to allow development of new systems and provide for the maintenance of legacy systems4 7b7 ,sunset ,effective on ,september #cj1 #bjbe1 the authority provided under subsection 7a7 shall expire4 4 7b7 ,conforming and clerical amendments 7#a7 ,chapter heading ,the heading of chapter #ii of such title is amended to read as follows3 #ii ,personnel authorities for ,department of ,defense and ,department of ,homeland ,security 4 7#b7 ,analysis for chapter #ii ,the analysis for chapter #ii of such title is amended by adding at the end the following new item3 #iije;a4 ,direct hire authority for certain personnel of the ,department of ,homeland ,security4 4 7#c7 ,tables of chapters ,the tables of chapters at the beginning of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 and at the beginning of part ,,iii of such title are each amended by striking the item relating to chapter #ii and inserting the following new item3 #ii4 ,personnel ,authorities for ,department of ,defense and ,department of ,homeland ,security#iija 4 #dai4 ,national policy1 performance evaluations1 and research regarding vessel traffic service centers 7a7 ,in general ,chapter #gjj of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating sections #gjjjd and #gjjje as sections #gjjje and #gjjjf1 respectively2 and 7#b7 by inserting after section #gjjjc the following3 #gjjjd4 ,vessel traffic service system 7a7 ,national policy 7#a7 ,establishment and update of national policy 7,a7 ,establishment of policy ,not later than one year after the date of enactment of this section1 the ,secretary shall establish a national policy to be applied to all vessel traffic service centers and publish such policy in the ,federal ,register4 7,b7 ,update ,the ,secretary shall periodically update the national policy established under subparagraph 7,a7 and publish such update in the ,federal ,register4 7#b7 ,elements ,the national policy established and updated under paragraph 7#a7 shall include1 at a minimum1 the following3 7,a7 ,standardization of titles1 roles1 and responsibilities for all personnel assigned1 working1 or employed in a vessel traffic service center4 7,b7 ,standardization of organizational structure within vessel traffic service centers1 to include supervisory and reporting chain and processes4 7,c7 ,establishment of directives for the application of authority provided to each vessel traffic service center1 specifically with respect to directing or controlling vessel movement when such action is justified in the interest of safety4 7,d7 ,establishment of thresholds and measures for monitoring1 informing1 recommending1 and directing vessel traffic4 7,e7 ,establishment of national procedures and protocols for vessel traffic management4 7,f7 ,standardization of training for all vessel traffic service directors1 operators1 and watchstanders4 7,g7 ,establishment of certification and competency evaluation for all vessel traffic service directors1 operators1 and watchstanders4 7,h7 ,establishment of standard operating language when communicating with vessel traffic users4 7,i7 ,establishment of data collection and archiving processes for vessel incidents and near-miss events4 7#c7 ,regional policies 7,a7 ,development ,the captain of the port covered by a vessel traffic service center may develop and submit to the ,secretary regional policies in addition to the national policy established and updated under paragraph 7#a7 to account for variances from that national policy with respect to local vessel traffic conditions and volume1 geography1 water body characteristics1 waterway usage1 and any additional factors that the captain considers appropriate4 7,b7 ,review and approval by secretary ,not later than #ahj days after receiving regional policies under subparagraph 7,a7-- 7i7 the ,secretary shall review those regional policies2 and 7ii7 the captain of the port concerned shall implement the policies that the ,secretary approves4 7,c7 ,maintenance of policies ,the ,secretary shall maintain a central depository for all regional policies approved under subparagraph 7,b74 7b7 ,performance evaluation 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall develop and implement a standard method for evaluating the performance of vessel traffic service centers4 7#b7 ,elements ,the standard method developed and implemented under paragraph 7#a7 shall include1 at a minimum1 analysis and collection of data with respect to the following within a vessel traffic service area covered by each vessel traffic service center3 7,a7 ,volume of vessel traffic1 categorized by type of vessel4 7,b7 ,total volume of flammable1 combustible1 or hazardous liquid cargo transported1 categorized by vessel type4 7,c7 ,data on near-miss events4 7,d7 ,data on marine casualties4 7,e7 ,application by vessel traffic operators of traffic management authority during near-miss events and marine casualties4 7,f7 ,other additional methods as the ,secretary considers appropriate4 7#c7 ,annual report ,not less frequently than annually1 the ,secretary shall 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 on the evaluation conducted under paragraph 7#a7 of the performance of vessel traffic service centers1 including-- 7,a7 recommendations to improve safety and performance2 and 7,b7 data regarding marine casualties and near-miss events that have occurred during the period covered by the report4 7c7 ,risk assessment program 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall develop a continuous risk assessment program to evaluate and mitigate safety risks for each vessel traffic service area to improve safety and reduce the risks of oil and hazardous material discharge in navigable waters4 7#b7 ,method for assessment ,the ,secretary1 in coordination with ,state and ,tribal governments1 ports1 nongovernmental organizations1 and private citizens1 shall develop a standard method for conducting risk assessments under paragraph 7#a7 that includes the collection and management of all information necessary to identify and analyze potential hazardous navigational trends within a vessel traffic service area4 7#c7 ,information to be assessed 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall ensure that a risk assessment conducted under paragraph 7#a7 includes an assessment of the following3 7i7 ,volume of vessel traffic1 categorized by type of vessel4 7ii7 ,total volume of flammable1 combustible1 or hazardous liquid cargo transported1 categorized by vessel type4 7iii7 ,data on near-miss events4 7iv7 ,data on marine casualties4 7v7 ,geographic locations for near-miss events and marine casualties1 including latitude and longitude4 7vi7 ,cyclical risk factors such as weather1 seasonal water body currents1 tides1 bathymetry1 and topography4 7vii7 ,weather data1 in coordination with the ,national ,oceanic and ,atmospheric ,administration4 7,b7 ,information storage and management policies ,the ,secretary shall retain all information collected under subparagraph 7,a7 and ensure policies and procedures are in place to standardize the format in which that information is retained to facilitate statistical analysis of that information to calculate within a vessel traffic service area1 at a minimum1 the incident rate1 intervention rate1 and accident prevention rate4 7,c7 ,international coordination ,with respect to vessel traffic service areas that cross international boundaries1 the ,secretary may work with international partners that have entered into bilateral or cooperative agreements with vessel traffic service centers to jointly manage those areas to collect1 share1 and analyze1 at a minimum1 information described in subparagraph 7,a7 that is in the possession or control of the international partner4 7#d7 ,public availability 7,a7 ,assessments and information ,in accordance with section #eeb of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 the ,secretary shall make any risk assessments conducted under paragraph 7#a7 and any information collected under paragraph 7#c77;,a7 available to the public4 7,b7 ,information in possession or control of international partners ,the ,secretary shall endeavor to work with international partners described in paragraph 7#c77;,c7 to enter into agreements to make information collected1 shared1 and analyzed under that paragraph available to the public4 7d7 ,vessel traffic service training 7#a7 ,training program 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall develop a comprehensive nationwide training program for all vessel traffic service directors1 operators1 and watchstanders4 7,b7 ,local variances ,the ,secretary shall provide for such local variances to the program developed under subparagraph 7,a7 as the ,secretary considers appropriate4 7,c7 ,elements ,the comprehensive nationwide training program under subparagraph 7,a7 and any variances to that program under subparagraph 7,b7 shall include1 at a minimum1 the following3 7i7 ,realistic vessel traffic scenarios to the maximum extent practicable that integrate-- 7,i7 the national policy developed under subsection 7a72 7,,ii7 international and inland navigation rules of the ,united ,states under the ,international ,navigational ,rules ,act of #aigg 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #afja et seq472 7,,iii7 the application of vessel traffic authority2 and 7,,iv7 communication with vessel traffic service users4 7ii7 ,proficiency training with respect to use1 interpretation1 and integration of available data on vessel traffic service display systems such as radar1 video and vessel automatic identification system feeds4 7iii7 ,practical application of the international and inland navigation rules of the ,united ,states under the ,international ,navigational ,rules ,act of #aigg 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #afja et seq474 7iv7 ,proficiency training with respect to the operation of radio communications equipment and any other applicable systems necessary to execute vessel traffic service authorities4 7v7 ,incorporation of the ,standard ,maritime ,communication ,phrases adopted by the ,international ,maritime ,organization by resolution on ,april #d1 #bjjj1 as amended and consolidated1 or any successor resolution4 7vi7 ,incorporation to the maximum extent possible of guidance and recommendations contained in vessel traffic services operator training1 vessel traffic services supervisor training1 or other relevant training set forth by the ,international ,association of ,marine ,aids to ,navigation and ,lighthouse ,authorities4 7vii7 ,a minimum number of hours of training for an individual to complete before the individual is qualified to fill a vessel traffic services position without supervision4 7viii7 ,local area geographic and operational familiarization4 7ix7 ,such additional components as the ,secretary considers appropriate4 7#b7 ,standard competency qualification process 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall develop a standard competency qualification process to be applied to all personnel assigned1 employed1 or working in a vessel traffic service center4 7,b7 ,application of process ,the competency qualification process developed under subparagraph 7,a7 shall include measurable thresholds for determining proficiency4 7#c7 ,international and inland navigation rules test 7,a7 ,in general ,all personnel assigned1 employed1 or working in a vessel traffic service center with responsibilities that include communicating1 interacting1 or directing vessels within a vessel traffic service area1 as determined under the national policy developed under subsection 7a71 shall be required to pass a ,united ,states international and inland navigation rules test developed by the ,secretary4 7,b7 ,elements of test ,the ,secretary shall determine the content and passing standard for the rules test developed under subparagraph 7,a74 7,c7 ,testing frequency ,the ,secretary shall establish a frequency1 not to exceed once every #e years1 for personnel described in subparagraph 7,a7 to be required to pass the rules test developed under such subparagraph4 7e7 ,research on vessel traffic 7#a7 ,vessel communication ,the ,secretary shall conduct research1 in consultation with subject matter experts identified by the ,secretary1 to develop more effective procedures for monitoring vessel communications on radio frequencies to identify and address unsafe situations in a vessel traffic service area4 ,the ,secretary shall consider data collected under subparagraphs 7,a7 and 7,b7 of subsection 7c77#c74 7#b7 ,professional mariner representation 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall conduct research1 in consultation with local stakeholders and subject matter experts identified by the ,secretary1 to evaluate and determine the feasibility and benefits of representation by professional mariners on the vessel traffic service watchfloor at each vessel traffic service center4 7,b7 ,implementation ,the ,secretary shall implement representation by professional mariners on the vessel traffic service watchfloor at those vessel traffic service centers for which it is determined feasible and beneficial pursuant to research conducted under subparagraph 7,a74 7f7 ,working group 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall establish a working group with regional stakeholders1 industry subject matter experts1 and representatives of the ,radio ,technical ,commission for ,maritime ,services 7or1 if such ,commission does not provide representatives1 representatives of a similar organization selected by the ,secretary7 to carry out the following3 7,a7 ,to evaluate1 and provide recommendations to the ,secretary regarding the implementation of1 regulations1 procedures1 and equipment standards as necessary to improve and ensure broadcasted vessel automatic identification system data is accurate regarding the following1 as applicable3 7i7 ,navigation status4 7ii7 ,radio call sign4 7iii7 ,vessel name4 7iv7 ,vessel type4 7v7 ,vessel cargo4 7vi7 ,vessel dimensions4 7vii7 ,vessel tow size4 7viii7 ,vessel tow configuration4 7,b7 ,to develop recommended industry methods for reporting inaccuracies regarding the information listed in clauses 7i7 through 7viii7 of subparagraph 7,a74 7#b7 ,inclusion of identification system on certain vessels 7,a7 ,in general ,the working group established under paragraph 7#a7 shall evaluate and determine the practicability1 economic cost1 regulatory burden1 and navigational benefit to outfitting vessels lacking independent means of propulsion that carry flammable1 combustible1 or hazardous liquid cargo with vessel automatic identification systems4 7,b7 ,regulations ,based on the evaluation under subparagraph 7,a71 the ,secretary shall prescribe such regulations as the ,secretary considers appropriate to establish requirements relating to the outfitting of vessels described in such subparagraph with vessel automatic identification systems4 7g7 ,periodic review of vessel traffic service needs 7#a7 ,in general ,based on the performance evaluation conducted under subsection 7b71 the ,secretary shall periodically review vessel traffic service areas to determine-- 7,a7 if there are any additional vessel traffic service needs in those areas2 and 7,b7 if a vessel traffic service area should be moved or modified4 7#b7 ,stakeholder input ,in conducting the periodic review under paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary shall seek input from port and waterway stakeholders to identify areas of increased vessel conflicts or accidents that could benefit from the use of routing measures or vessel traffic service special areas to improve safety1 port security1 and environmental protection4 7h7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,hazardous liquid cargo ,the term hazardous liquid cargo has the meaning given that term in regulations prescribed under section #eajc of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#b7 ,marine casualty ,the term marine casualty has the meaning given that term in regulations prescribed under section #faja7;a7 of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#c7 ,vessel traffic service area ,the term vessel traffic service area means an area specified in subpart ,c of part #afa of title #cc1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations1 or any successor regulation4 7#d7 ,vessel traffic service center ,the term vessel traffic service center means a center for the provision of vessel traffic services in a vessel traffic service area4 4 7b7 ,analysis for chapter #gjj ,the analysis for chapter #gjj of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking the items relating to sections #gjjjd and #gjjje and inserting the following3 #gjjjd4 ,vessel traffic service system4#gjjje4 ,considerations by ,secretary4#gjjjf4 ,international agreements4 4 7c7 ,conforming amendments ,chapter #gjj of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 as amended by this section1 is further amended-- 7#a7 in the matter preceding paragraph 7#a7 of section #gjjje1 as redesignated by subsection 7a77#a71 by striking and #gjjjc and inserting #gjjjc1 and #gjjjd2 and 7#b7 in section #gjjcb1 by inserting #gjjje1 after #gjjjd14 #dbj4 ,replacement vessel ,notwithstanding section #bjh7;g77#e7 of the ,american ,fisheries ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #ahea note71 a vessel described in section #bjh7;e77#ba7 of such ,act that is replaced under section #bjh7;g7 of such ,act shall be subject to a sideboard restriction catch limit of zero metric tons in the ,bering ,sea and ,aleutian ,islands and in the ,gulf of ,alaska unless such vessel is also a replacement vessel described in section #fgi4d7o77#d7 of title #ej1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations 7as in effect on the date of enactment of this ,act71 in which case such vessel shall not be eligible to be a catcher_/processor under section #bjf7;b77#b7 of such ,act4 #dba4 ,limited indemnity provisions in standby oil spill response contracts 7a7 ,in general ,subject to subsection 7b71 a contract for the containment or removal of a discharge entered into by the ,president 7or a delegate7 under section #caa7;c7 of the ,federal ,water ,pollution ,control ,act 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #acba7;c77 shall contain a provision to indemnify a contractor for liabilities and expenses incidental to the containment or removal arising out of the performance of the contract that is substantially identical to the terms contained in subsections 7d7 through 7h7 of section ,h4#d of the contract offered by the ,coast ,guard in the solicitation numbered ,,dtcg#hi-ih-;,a-#fh;,f#iec and dated ,november #ag1 #aiih4 7b7 ,source of funds ,the provision required under subsection 7a7 shall include a provision that the obligation to indemnify is limited to funds available in the ,oil ,spill ,liability ,trust ,fund established by section #ieji7;a7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf at the time the claim for indemnity is made4 7c7 ,applicability of exemptions ,except as provided in the indemnity provisions described in subsection 7a71 nothing in a contract described in that subsection may create liability of the ,united ,states to a contractor for any act or omission for which the contractor is exempt from liability under section #caa7;c77#d7 of the ,federal ,water ,pollution ,control ,act 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #acba7;c77#d774 #dbb4 ,united ,states commercial space-based radio frequency maritime domain awareness testing and evaluation program 7a7 ,testing and evaluation program ,the ,secretary of the department in which the ,coast ,guard is operating shall carry out a testing and evaluation program of ,united ,states commercial space-based radio frequency geolocation and maritime domain awareness products and services to support the mission objectives of maritime enforcement by the ,coast ,guard and other components of the ,coast ,guard4 ,the objectives of this testing and evaluation program shall include-- 7#a7 developing an understanding of how ,united ,states commercial space-based radio frequency data products can meet current and future mission requirements2 7#b7 establishing how ,united ,states commercial space-based radio frequency data products should integrate into existing work flows2 and 7#c7 establishing how ,united ,states commercial space-based radio frequency data products could be integrated into analytics platforms4 7b7 ,report ,not later than #bdj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 such ,secretary shall prepare and 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 on the results of the testing and evaluation program under subsection 7a71 including recommendations on how the ,coast ,guard should fully exploit ,united ,states commercial space-based radio frequency data products to meet current and future mission requirements4 #dbc4 ,exemption of commercial fishing vessels operating in the ,alaskan ,region from the ,global ,marine ,distress and ,safety ,service requirements of the ,federal ,communications ,commission 7a7 ,definitions ,in this section-- 7#a7 the term ,alaskan ,region has the meaning given the term by the ,secretary for purposes of this section2 and 7#b7 the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of the ,department in which the ,coast ,guard is operating4 7b7 ,exemption ,subject to subsection 7c71 the ,federal ,communications ,commission shall exempt fishing vessels that primarily operate in the ,alaskan ,region1 including fishing vessels that transit from ,states in the ,pacific ,northwest to conduct fishing operations in the ,alaskan ,region1 from the requirements relating to carriage of ,,vhf-,,dsc and ,,mf-,,dsc equipment under subpart ,w of part #hj of title #dg1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations1 or any successor regulation4 7c7 ,functional requirements ,a fishing vessel exempted under subsection 7b7 shall-- 7#a7 be capable of transmitting ship-to-shore distress alerts using not fewer than #b separate and independent systems1 each using a different radio communication service2 7#b7 be equipped with-- 7,a7 a ,,vhf radiotelephone installation2 7,b7 an ,,mf or ,,hf radiotelephone installation2 7,c7 a ,category #a1 #djf4j-djf4a ,m,hz ,,epirb meeting the requirements of section #hj4ajfa of title #dg1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations1 or any successor regulation2 7,d7 a ,,navtex receiver meeting the requirements of section #hj4aaja7;c77#a7 of title #dg1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations1 or any successor regulation2 7,e7 survival craft equipment meeting the requirements of section #hj4ajie of title #dg1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations1 or any successor regulation2 and 7,f7 a ,search and ,rescue ,transponder meeting the requirements of section #hj4aaja7;c77#f7 of title #dg1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations1 or any successor regulation2 and 7#c7 maintain a continuous watch on ,,vhf ,channel #af4 7d7 ,definition of ,alaskan ,region ,not later than #cj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall define the term ,alaskan ,region for purposes of this section4 #dbd4 ,educational vessel 7a7 ,in general ,notwithstanding section #abaab7;a77#b7 of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 the ,secretary of the department in which the ,coast ,guard is operating may issue a certificate of documentation with a coastwise endorsement for the vessel ,,oliver ,,hazard ,,perry 7,,imo number #hggeefj2 ,united ,states official number #abegbbd74 7b7 ,termination of effectiveness of endorsement ,the coastwise endorsement authorized under subsection 7a7 for the vessel ,,oliver ,,hazard ,,perry 7,,imo number #hggeefj2 ,united ,states official number #abegbbd7 shall expire on the first date on which any of the following apply3 7#a7 ,the vessel is sold to a person1 including an entity1 that is not related by ownership or control to the person1 including an entity1 that owned the vessel on the date of enactment of this ,act4 7#b7 ,the vessel is rebuilt and not rebuilt in the ,united ,states 7as defined in section #abaja7;a7 of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code74 7#c7 ,the vessel is no longer operating in primary service as a sailing school vessel or an educational sailing vessel4 #dbe4 ,conveyance of ,coast ,guard real property at ,point ,spencer1 ,alaska 7a7 ,remedial actions ,section #ecc of the ,coast ,guard ,authorization ,act of #bjaf 7,public ,law #aad-abj2 #acj ,stat4 #gd7 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7f7 ,remedial actions ,for purposes of the transfer of any ,tract under this section-- 7#a7 any remedial actions required under section #abj7;h7 of the ,comprehensive ,environmental ,response1 ,compensation1 and ,liability ,act of #aihj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ifbj7;h77 may be completed by the ,united ,states ,coast ,guard after the date of that transfer2 and 7#b7 a deed entered into for that transfer shall contain a clause granting the ,united ,states ,coast ,guard access to the property in any case in which remedial action or corrective action is found to be necessary after the date of that transfer4 4 7b7 ,effect on environmental compliance ,section #ecd7;a7 of the ,coast ,guard ,authorization ,act of #bjaf 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ifbj note2 ,public ,law #aad-abj7 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking ,nothing and inserting the following3 7#a7 ,in general ,except as provided in paragraph 7#b71 nothing 2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following3 7#b7 ,applicability after conveyance ,prior to the date on which a ,tract is conveyed under section #ecc1 section #abj7;h7 of the ,comprehensive ,environmental ,response1 ,compensation1 and ,liability ,act of #aihj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ifbj7;h77 and any other applicable environmental law shall not apply with respect to any hazardous substance released on the applicable ,tract4 4 #dbf4 ,coast ,guard shore infrastructure improvement 7a7 ,in general ,not later than ,december #ca1 #bjbj1 the ,commandant shall-- 7#a7 develop a plan to standardize ,coast ,guard facility condition assessments2 7#b7 establish shore infrastructure performance goals1 measures1 and baselines to track the effectiveness of maintenance and repair investments and provide feedback on progress made2 7#c7 develop a process to routinely align the ,coast ,guard shore infrastructure portfolio with mission needs1 including disposing of unneeded assets2 7#d7 establish guidance for planning boards to document inputs1 deliberations1 and project prioritization decisions for infrastructure maintenance projects2 7#e7 employ models for ,coast ,guard infrastructure asset lines for-- 7,a7 predicting the outcome of investments in shore infrastructure2 7,b7 analyzing tradeoffs2 and 7,c7 optimizing decisions among competing investments2 7#f7 include in congressional budget requests and related reports supporting details on competing project alternatives and report tradeoffs2 and 7#g7 explore the development of real property management expertise in the ,coast ,guard work force1 including members of the ,senior ,executive ,service4 7b7 ,briefing ,not later than ,january #ca1 #bjba1 the ,commandant shall brief the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure of the ,house of ,representatives with respect to the status of the actions required under subsection 7a74 #dbg4 ,coast ,guard ,arctic prioritization 7a7 ,findings ,congress makes the following findings3 7#a7 ,the strategic importance of the ,arctic continues to increase as the ,united ,states and other countries recognize the military significance of the sea lanes and choke points within the region and understand the potential for power projection from the ,arctic into multiple regions4 7#b7 ,russia and ,china have conducted military exercises together in the ,arctic1 have agreed to connect the ,northern ,sea ,route1 claimed by ,russia1 with ,china's ,maritime ,silk ,road1 and are working together in developing natural gas resources in the ,arctic4 7#c7 ,the economic significance of the ,arctic continues to grow as countries around the globe begin to understand the potential for maritime transportation through1 and economic and trade development in1 the region4 7#d7 ,increases in human1 maritime1 and resource development activity in the ,arctic region may create additional mission requirements for the ,department of ,defense and the ,department of ,homeland ,security4 7#e7 ,the increasing role of the ,united ,states in the ,arctic has been highlighted in each of the last four ,national ,defense ,authorization ,acts4 7#f7 ,the ,united ,states ,coast ,guard ,arctic ,strategic ,outlook released in ,april #bjai states1 ,demonstrating commitment to operational presence1 ,canada1 ,denmark1 and ,norway have made strategic investments in ice-capable patrol ships charged with national or homeland security missions4 ,the ,united ,states is the only ,arctic ,state that has not made similar investments in ice-capable surface maritime security assets4 ,this limits the ability of the ,coast ,guard1 and the ,nation1 to credibly uphold sovereignty or respond to contingencies in the ,arctic44 7b7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 the ,arctic is a region of strategic importance to the national security interests of the ,united ,states1 and the ,coast ,guard must better align its mission prioritization and development of capabilities to meet the growing array of challenges in the region2 7#b7 the increasing freedom of navigation and expansion of activity in the ,arctic must be met with an increasing show of ,coast ,guard forces capable of exerting influence through persistent presence2 7#c7 ,congress fully supports the needed and important re-capitalization of the fleet of cutters and aircraft of the ,coast ,guard1 but1 the ,coast ,guard must avoid overextending operational assets for remote international missions at the cost of dedicated focus on this domestic area of responsibility with significant international interest and activity2 and 7#d7 although some progress has been made to increase awareness of ,arctic issues and to promote increased presence in the region1 additional measures are needed to protect vital economic1 environmental1 and national security interests of the ,united ,states1 and to show the commitment of the ,united ,states to this emerging strategic choke point of increasing great power competition4 7c7 ,arctic defined ,in this section1 the term ,arctic has the meaning given that term in section #aab of the ,arctic ,research and ,policy ,act of #aihd 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #daaa74 #dbh4 ,national ,commercial ,fishing ,safety ,advisory ,committee ,section #aeajb of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7b7-- 7,a7 in the matter preceding paragraph 7#a71 by striking shall2 7,b7 in paragraph 7#a7-- 7i7 by striking advise and inserting shall advise and provide recommendations in writing to2 and 7ii7 in subparagraph 7,e71 by striking and after the semicolon2 7,c7 in paragraph 7#b7-- 7i7 by inserting shall before review2 and 7ii7 by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon2 and 7,d7 by adding at the end the following3 7#c7 shall review marine casualties and investigations of vessels covered by chapter #de of this title and make recommendations to the ,secretary to improve safety and reduce future vessel casualties2 7#d7 shall submit recommendations on matters described in paragraphs 7#a71 7#b71 and 7#c7 to the ,secretary and the ,commandant of the ,coast ,guard in writing1 and make those recommendations available on a publicly accessible website2 7#e7 may submit any recommendations on matters described in paragraphs 7#a71 7#b71 and 7#c7 at any time and frequency as decided appropriate by the ,committee2 7#f7 may make available to ,congress any information1 advice1 and recommendations that the ,committee is authorized to give to the ,secretary2 and 7#g7 shall meet at the call of the ,secretary1 who shall call such a meeting at least twice per year in person1 and additional meetings as appropriate4 2 7#b7 in subsection 7c71 by adding at the end the following3 7#d7 ,service 7,a7 ,terms ,each member of the ,committee-- 7i7 shall serve a term of #c years2 and 7ii7 may serve not more than #c terms4 7,b7 ,continued service after term ,when the term of a member of the ,committee ends1 the member may continue to serve as a member until a successor is appointed1 but not for longer than #a year after the end of the term4 7,c7 ,vacancy ,if a vacancy occurs in the membership of the ,committee1 the ,secretary shall appoint a member to fill the remainder of the vacated term4 7#e7 ,failure to appoint ,the ,secretary shall appoint ,committee members not later than #fj days after the date of the application deadline4 7#f7 ,representative ,the ,commandant of the ,coast ,guard shall1 and the head of any other interested agency may1 designate a representative to participate as an observer with the ,committee4 ,such representatives shall1 as appropriate1 report to and advise the ,committee on matters relating to vessels to which this chapter applies which are under the jurisdiction of their respective agencies4 ,the ,secretary's designated representative shall act as executive secretary for the ,committee and perform the duties set forth in section #aj7;c7 of the ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act 7#e ,app4 ,u4,s4,c474 7#g7 ,committee consultation ,the ,committee shall seek expertise from the fishing industry1 marine safety experts1 the shipbuilding industry1 and others as the ,committee determines appropriate4 7#h7 ,advisory committees ,the ,committee may establish standing or ad hoc committees as needed4 7#i7 ,outreach and recruitment ,at least once each year1 the ,secretary shall publish a notice in the ,federal ,register and in newspapers of general circulation in coastal areas soliciting nominations for membership on the ,committee1 and1 after timely notice is published1 appoint the members of the ,committee4 ,an individual may be appointed to a term as a member of the ,committee more than once4 ,the ,secretary may not seek or use information concerning the political affiliation of individuals in making appointments to the ,committee4 7#aj7 ,technical assistance ,the ,secretary shall provide technical assistance to the ,committee if requested by a ,committee member4 2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following3 7d7 ,meetings 7#a7 ,frequency ,the ,committee shall-- 7,a7 meet in person not less often than twice per year2 and 7,b7 hold additional meetings as needed4 7#b7 ,public notice ,the ,secretary shall provide reasonable public notice of any meeting of the ,committee1 and publish such notice in the ,federal ,register and on a publicly available website4 7#c7 ,quorum ,a quorum of #aj of the #ah members is required to send any written recommendations from the meeting to the ,secretary4 7e7 ,actions of the ,secretary ,the ,secretary shall-- 7#a7 consult with the ,committee before taking any significant action relating to the safe operation of vessels to which this chapter applies2 7#b7 consider the information1 advice1 and recommendations of the ,committee in consulting with other agencies and the public or in formulating policy regarding the safe operation of vessels to which this chapter applies2 7#c7 make all recommendations made by the ,committee under subsection 7b7 public within #cj days of receiving the recommendation from the ,committee2 7#d7 respond in writing to any recommendations made by the ,committee under subsection 7b7 and provide reasoning for acceptance or rejection to all recommendations not later than #cj days after the date of receipt of the recommendation2 and 7#e7 make all responses in paragraph 7#d7 available to the public not later than #cj days after the date of response4 7f7 ,savings clause ,nothing in subsection 7b7 shall preclude the ,secretary from taking emergency action within the existing authorities of the ,secretary to ensure safety and preservation of life at sea4 7g7 ,transparency ,meeting minutes of the ,committee shall be posted on a publicly available website not later than #b weeks after a meeting concludes4 7h7 ,applicability of ,,faca ,section #ad of the ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app47 shall not apply to the ,committee4 4 #dbi4 ,oil pollution research and development program ,section #gjja of the ,oil ,pollution ,act of #aiij 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #bgfa7 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating subsections 7c71 7d71 7e71 and 7f7 as subsections 7e71 7f71 7g71 and 7h71 respectively2 7#b7 by striking subsections 7a7 and 7b7 and inserting the following3 7a7 ,definitions ,in this section-- 7#a7 the term ,chair means the ,chairperson of the ,interagency ,committee designated under subsection 7c77#b72 7#b7 the term ,commandant means the ,commandant of the ,coast ,guard2 7#c7 the term institution of higher education means an institution of higher education1 as defined in section #aja7;a7 of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajja72 7#d7 the term ,interagency ,committee means the ,interagency ,coordinating ,committee on ,oil ,pollution ,research established under subsection 7b72 7#e7 the term ,under ,secretary means the ,under ,secretary of ,commerce for ,oceans and ,atmosphere2 and 7#f7 the term ,vice-,chair means the ,vice-,chairperson of the ,interagency ,committee designated under subsection 7c77#c74 7b7 ,establishment of ,interagency ,coordinating ,committee on ,oil ,pollution ,research 7#a7 ,establishment ,there is established an ,interagency ,coordinating ,committee on ,oil ,pollution ,research4 7#b7 ,purpose ,the ,interagency ,committee shall coordinate a comprehensive program of oil pollution research1 technology development1 and demonstration among the ,federal agencies1 in cooperation and coordination with industry1 #d-year institutions of higher education and research institutions1 ,state governments1 and other nations1 as appropriate1 and shall foster cost-effective research mechanisms1 including the joint funding of research4 7c7 ,membership 7#a7 ,composition ,the ,interagency ,committee shall be composed of-- 7,a7 at least #a representative of the ,coast ,guard2 7,b7 at least #a representative of the ,national ,oceanic and ,atmospheric ,administration2 7,c7 at least #a representative of the ,environmental ,protection ,agency2 7,d7 at least #a representative of the ,department of the ,interior2 7,e7 at least #a representative of the ,bureau of ,safety and ,environmental ,enforcement2 7,f7 at least #a representative of the ,bureau of ,ocean ,energy ,management2 7,g7 at least #a representative of the ,united ,states ,fish and ,wildlife ,service2 7,h7 at least #a representative of the ,department of ,energy2 7,i7 at least #a representative of the ,pipeline and ,hazardous ,materials ,safety ,administration2 7,j7 at least #a representative of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency2 7,k7 at least #a representative of the ,navy2 7,l7 at least #a representative of the ,army ,corps of ,engineers2 7,m7 at least #a representative of the ,united ,states ,arctic ,research ,commission2 and 7,n7 at least #a representative of each of such other ,federal agencies as the ,president considers to be appropriate4 7#b7 ,chairperson ,the ,commandant shall designate a ,chairperson from among members of the ,interagency ,committee selected under paragraph 7#a77;,a74 7#c7 ,vice-chairperson ,the ,under ,secretary shall designate a ,vice-,chairperson from among members of the ,interagency ,committee selected under paragraph 7#a77;,b74 7#d7 ,meetings 7,a7 ,quarterly meetings ,at a minimum1 the members of the ,interagency ,committee shall meet once each quarter4 7,b7 ,public summaries ,after each meeting1 a summary shall be made available by the ,chair or ,vice-,chair1 as appropriate4 7d7 ,duties of the ,interagency ,committee 7#a7 ,research ,the ,interagency ,committee shall-- 7,a7 coordinate a comprehensive program of oil pollution research1 technology development1 and demonstration among the ,federal agencies1 in cooperation and coordination with industry1 #d-year institutions of higher education and research institutions1 ,state and tribal governments1 and other nations1 as appropriate2 and 7,b7 foster cost-effective research mechanisms1 including the joint funding of research and the development of public-private partnerships for the purpose of expanding research4 7#b7 ,oil pollution research and technology plan 7,a7 ,implementation plan ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of the ,coast ,guard ,authorization ,act of #bjai1 the ,interagency ,committee shall submit to ,congress a research plan to report on the state of oil discharge prevention and response capabilities that-- 7i7 identifies current research programs conducted by ,federal agencies1 ,state and tribal governments1 #d-year institutions of higher education1 and corporate entities2 7ii7 assesses the current status of knowledge on oil pollution prevention1 response1 and mitigation technologies and effects of oil pollution on the environment2 7iii7 identifies significant oil pollution research gaps1 including an assessment of major technological deficiencies in responses to past oil discharges 7iv7 establishes national research priorities and goals for oil pollution technology development related to prevention1 response1 mitigation1 and environmental effects2 7v7 assesses the research on the applicability and effectiveness of the prevention1 response1 and mitigation technologies to each class of oil2 7vi7 estimates the resources needed to conduct the oil pollution research and development program established pursuant to subsection 7e71 and timetables for completing research tasks2 7vii7 summarizes research on response equipment in varying environmental conditions1 such as in currents1 ice cover1 and ice floes2 and 7viii7 includes such other information or recommendations as the ,interagency ,committee determines to be appropriate4 7,b7 ,advice and guidance 7i7 ,national ,academy of ,sciences contract ,the ,chair1 through the department in which the ,coast ,guard is operating1 shall contract with the ,national ,academy of ,sciences to-- 7,i7 provide advice and guidance in the preparation and development of the research plan2 7,,ii7 assess the adequacy of the plan as submitted1 and submit a report to ,congress on the conclusions of such assessment2 and 7,,iii7 provide organization guidance regarding the implementation of the research plan1 including delegation of topics and research among ,federal agencies represented on the ,interagency ,committee4 7ii7 ,,nist advice and guidance ,the ,national ,institute of ,standards and ,technology shall provide the ,interagency ,committee with advice and guidance on issues relating to quality assurance and standards measurements relating to its activities under this section4 7,c7 #aj-year updates ,not later than #aj years after the date of enactment of the ,coast ,guard ,authorization ,act of #bjai and every #aj years thereafter1 the ,interagency ,committee shall submit to ,congress a research plan that updates the information contained in the previous research plan submitted under this subsection4 2 7#c7 in subsection 7e71 as redesignated by paragraph 7#a7 of this section-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#a71 by inserting technology after research and2 7,b7 in paragraph 7#b71 in the matter preceding subparagraph 7,a7-- 7i7 by striking this subsection and inserting paragraph 7#a72 and 7ii7 by striking which are effective in preventing or mitigating oil discharges and which and inserting and methods that are effective in preventing1 mitigating1 or restoring damage from oil discharges and that2 7,c7 in paragraph 7#d77;,a7-- 7i7 in the matter preceding clause 7i71 by striking oil discharges4 ,such program shall and inserting acute and chronic oil discharges on coastal and marine resources 7including impacts on protected areas such as sanctuaries7 and protected species1 and such program shall2 7ii7 by redesignating clauses 7iii7 and 7iv7 as clauses 7iv7 and 7v71 respectively2 7iii7 by inserting after clause 7ii7 the following3 7iii7 ,research to understand and quantify the effects of sublethal impacts of oil discharge on living natural marine resources1 including impacts on pelagic fish species1 marine mammals1 and commercially and recreationally targeted fish and shellfish species4 2 and 7iv7 by inserting after clause 7v71 as redesignated by subclause 7,,ii71 the following3 7vi7 ,research to understand the long-term effects of major oil discharges and the long-term effects of smaller endemic oil discharges4 7vii7 ,potential impacts on ecosystems1 habitat1 and wildlife from the additional toxicity1 heavy metal concentrations1 and increased corrosiveness of mixed crude1 such as diluted bitumen crude4 7viii7 ,methods to restore and rehabilitate natural resources and ecosystem functions damaged by oil discharges4 2 7,d7 by striking paragraph 7#g7 and inserting the following3 7#g7 ,simulated environmental testing 7,a7 ,in general ,agencies represented on the ,interagency ,committee shall ensure the long-term use and operation of the ,oil and ,hazardous ,materials ,simulated ,environmental ,test ,tank 7,,ohmsett7 ,research ,center in ,new ,jersey for oil pollution technology testing and evaluations4 7,b7 ,in-kind contributions 7i7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of the ,department in which the ,coast ,guard is operating and the ,administrator of the ,environmental ,protection ,agency may accept donations of crude oil and crude oil product samples in the form of in-kind contributions for use by the ,federal ,government for product testing1 research and development1 and for other purposes as the ,secretary and the ,administrator determine appropriate4 7ii7 ,use of donated oil ,oil accepted under clause 7i7 may be used directly by the ,secretary and shall be provided to other ,federal agencies or departments through interagency agreements to carry out the purposes of this ,act4 2 7,e7 in paragraph 7#h7-- 7i7 in subparagraph 7,a71 by striking subsection 7b7 and inserting subsection 7d72 and 7ii7 in subparagraph 7,d77iii71 by striking subsection 7b77#a77;,f7 and inserting subsection 7d72 and 7,f7 in paragraph 7#aj7-- 7i7 by striking agencies represented on the ,interagency ,committee and inserting ,under ,secretary2 7ii7 by inserting ,states1 tribes1 after research institutions12 and 7iii7 by striking subsection 7b7 and inserting subsection 7d72 7#d7 in subsection 7f71 as redesignated by paragraph 7#a7 of this section1 by striking subsection 7b7 and inserting subsection 7d72 7#e7 in subsection 7g71 as redesignated by paragraph 7#a7 of this section1 by striking ,chairman of the ,interagency ,committee and inserting ,chair2 and 7#f7 in subsection 7h71 as redesignated by paragraph 7#a7 of this section1 by striking subsection 7c77#h7 each place the term appears and inserting subsection 7e77#h74 ,v ,federal ,maritime ,commission #eja4 ,short title ,this title may be cited as the ,federal ,maritime ,commission ,authorization ,act of #bjai4 #ejb4 ,authorization of appropriations ,section #cjh of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking #bh1jab1caj for fiscal year #bjah and #bh1edd1edc for fiscal year #bjai and inserting #bi1jhf1hhh for fiscal year #bjbj and #bi1fci1ech for fiscal year #bjba4