,,ii #aagth ,,congress #b;d ,session ,s4 #dceg ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,june #h 7legislative day1 ,june #g71 #bjbb,ms4 ,cantwell 7for herself and ,mr4 ,wicker7 introduced the following bill2 which was read twice and referred to the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation ,a ,,bill ,to reauthorize the ,maritime ,administration1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,maritime ,administration ,authorization ,act for ,fiscal ,year #bjbc4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents for this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title4,sec4 #b4 ,authorization of appropriations for the ,maritime ,administration4,,title ,i--,general provisions,sec4 #aja4 ,study to inform a national maritime strategy4,sec4 #ajb4 ,national maritime strategy4,sec4 #ajc4 ,modification of cargo preference #c-year eligibility rule4,,title ,,ii--,maritime infrastructure,sec4 #bja4 ,marine highways4,sec4 #bjb4 ,,gao review of efforts to support and grow the ,united ,states ,merchant ,fleet4,sec4 #bjc4 ,,gao review of ,federal efforts to enhance port infrastructure resiliency and disaster preparedness4,sec4 #bjd4 ,study on foreign investment in shipping4,sec4 #bje4 ,report regarding alternate marine fuel bunkering facilities at ports4,,title ,,iii--,maritime workforce,sec4 #cja4 ,sense of ,congress on ,merchant ,marine4,sec4 #cjb4 ,ensuring diverse mariner recruitment4,sec4 #cjc4 ,low emissions vessels training4,sec4 #cjd4 ,improving ,protections for ,midshipmen ,act4,sec4 #cje4 ,board of ,visitors4,sec4 #cjf4 ,maritime ,technical ,advancement ,act4,sec4 #cjg4 ,study on ,,cip program at the ,,usmma4,sec4 #cjh4 ,implementation of recommendations from the ,national ,academy of ,public ,administration4,sec4 #cji4 ,service ,academy faculty parity4,sec4 #caj4 ,updated ,requirements for ,fishing ,crew ,agreements4,,title ,,iv--,technology innovation and resilience,sec4 #dja4 ,maritime ,environmental and ,technical ,assistance ,program4,sec4 #djb4 ,quieting ,federal non-combative vessels4,sec4 #djc4 ,study on stormwater impacts on salmon4 #b4 ,authorization of appropriations for the ,maritime ,administration 7a7 ,maritime administration ,there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,department of ,transportation for fiscal year #bjbc1 for programs associated with maintaining the ,united ,states ,merchant ,marine1 the following amounts3 7#a7 ,for expenses necessary to support the ,united ,states ,merchant ,marine ,academy1 #aab1hdh1jjj1 of which-- 7,a7 #hg1hdh1jjj shall be for ,academy operations2 7,b7 #bb1jjj1jjj shall be for facilities maintenance and repair and equipment2 and 7,c7 #c1jjj1jjj shall be for training1 staffing1 retention1 recruiting1 and contract management for ,united ,states ,merchant ,marine ,academy capital improvement projects4 7#b7 ,for expenses necessary to support the ,state maritime academies1 #hj1gjj1jjj1 of which-- 7,a7 #b1djj1jjj shall be for the ,student ,incentive ,program2 7,b7 #f1jjj1jjj shall be for direct payments for ,state maritime academies2 7,c7 #f1hjj1jjj shall be for training ship fuel assistance2 7,d7 #h1jhj1jjj shall be for offsetting the costs of training ship sharing2 and 7,e7 #cj1ejj1jjj shall be for maintenance and repair of ,state maritime academy training vessels4 7#c7 ,for expenses necessary to support the ,national ,security ,multi-,mission ,vessel ,program and to meet requirements for shore-side infrastructure improvements1 #ge1jjj1jjj4 7#d7 ,for expenses necessary to support ,maritime ,administration operations and programs1 #aja1bej1jjj1 of which-- 7,a7 #ae1jjj1jjj shall be for the ,maritime ,environmental and ,technical ,assistance program authorized under section #ejcjg of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code2 7,b7 #ad1hai1jjj shall be for the ,marine ,highways ,program1 including to make grants as authorized under section #eefja of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code2 and 7,c7 #fg1dcc1jjj shall be for headquarters operations expenses4 7#e7 ,for expenses necessary for the disposal of obsolete vessels in the ,national ,defense ,reserve ,fleet of the ,maritime ,administration1 #f1jjj1jjj4 7#f7 ,for expenses necessary to maintain and preserve a fleet of merchant vessels documented under chapter #aba of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 to serve the national security needs of the ,united ,states1 as authorized under chapter #eca of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 #cah1jjj1jjj4 7#g7 ,for expenses necessary for the loan guarantee program authorized under chapter #ecg of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 #cc1jjj1jjj1 of which-- 7,a7 #cj1jjj1jjj may be for the cost 7as defined in section #ejb7e7 of the ,federal ,credit ,reform ,act of #aiij 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #ffa;a7#e777 of loan guarantees under the program2 and 7,b7 #c1jjj1jjj1 may be used for administrative expenses relating to loan guarantee commitments under the program4 7#h7 ,for expenses necessary to provide assistance to small shipyards and for maritime training programs authorized under section #edaja of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 #dj1jjj1jjj4 7#i7 ,for expenses necessary to implement the ,port ,infrastructure ,development ,program1 as authorized under section #edcja of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 #gej1jjj1jjj1 to remain available until expended1 except that no such funds authorized under this ,act for this program may be used to provide a grant to purchase fully automated cargo handling equipment that is remotely operated or remotely monitored with or without the exercise of human intervention or control1 if the ,secretary of ,transportation determines such equipment would result in a net loss of jobs within a port or port terminal4 ,if such a determination is made1 the data and analysis for such determination shall be reported to the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure of the ,house of ,representatives not later than #c days after the date of the determination4 7b7 ,availability of amounts ,amounts appropriated-- 7#a7 pursuant to the authority provided in paragraphs 7#a77;,a71 7#b77;,a71 and 7#d77;,a7 of subsection 7a7 shall remain available through ,september #cj1 #bjbc2 and 7#b7 pursuant to the authority provided in paragraphs 7#a77;,b71 7#a77;,c71 7#b77;,b71 7#b77;,c71 7#b77;,d71 7#b77;,e71 7#c71 7#d77;,b71 7#d77;,c71 7#e71 7#f71 7#g77;,a71 7#g77;,b71 7#h71 and 7#i7 of subsection 7a7 shall remain available without fiscal year limitation4 7c7 ,tanker security fleet ,section #ecdaa of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking #fj1jjj1jjj and inserting #abj1jjj1jjj4 ,i ,general provisions #aja4 ,study to inform a national maritime strategy 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,transportation and the ,secretary of the department in which the ,coast ,guard is operating shall enter into an agreement with a federally funded research and development center under which such federally funded research and development center shall conduct a study of the key elements and objectives needed for a national maritime strategy4 ,the strategy shall address national objectives1 as described in section #ejaja of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 to ensure-- 7#a7 a capable1 commercially viable1 militarily useful fleet of merchant vessels documented under chapter #aba of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code2 7#b7 a robust ,united ,states mariner workforce1 as described in section #ejaja of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code2 7#c7 strong ,united ,states domestic shipbuilding infrastructure1 and related shipbuilding trades amongst skilled workers in the ,united ,states2 and 7#d7 that the ,navy ,fleet ,auxiliary ,force1 the ,national ,defense ,reserve ,fleet1 the ,military ,sealift ,command1 the ,maritime ,security ,program under chapter #eca of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 the ,tanker ,security ,program under chapter #ecd of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 and the ,cable ,security ,program under chapter #ecb of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 currently meet the economic and national security needs of the ,united ,states and would reliably continue to meet those needs under future economic or national security emergencies4 7b7 ,input ,in carrying out the study1 the federally funded research and development center shall solicit input from-- 7#a7 relevant ,federal departments and agencies2 7#b7 nongovernmental organizations2 7#c7 ,united ,states companies2 7#d7 maritime labor organizations2 7#e7 commercial industries that depend on ,united ,states mariners2 7#f7 domestic shipyards regarding shipbuilding and repair capacity1 and the associated skilled workforce1 such as the workforce required for transportation1 offshore wind1 fishing1 and aquaculture2 7#g7 providers of maritime workforce training2 and 7#h7 any other relevant organizations4 7c7 ,elements of the ,study ,the study conducted under subsection 7a7 shall include consultation with the ,department of ,transportation1 the ,department of ,defense1 the ,department of ,homeland ,security1 the ,national ,oceanic and ,atmospheric ,administration1 and other relevant ,federal agencies1 in the identification and evaluation of-- 7#a7 incentives needed to continue to meet the shipbuilding and ship maintenance needs of the ,united ,states for commercial and national security purposes1 including through a review of-- 7,a7 the loans and guarantees program carried out under chapter #ecg of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 and how the development of new offshore commercial industries1 such as wind1 could be supported through modification of such program or other ,federal programs1 and thus also support the ,united ,states sealift in the future2 7,b7 the barriers to participation in the loans and guarantees program carried out under chapter #ecg of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 and how the program may be improved to facilitate additional shipbuilding activities in the ,united ,states2 and 7,c7 the needed resources1 human and financial1 for such incentives2 7#b7 incentives needed to maintain a commercially viable ,united ,states-documented fleet1 which shall include-- 7,a7 an examination of how the preferences under section #bfca of title #aj1 ,united ,states ,code1 and chapter #eec of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 the ,maritime ,security ,program under chapter #eca of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 the ,tanker ,security ,program under chapter #ecd of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 and the ,cable ,security ,program under chapter #ecb of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 should be used to further maintain and grow a ,united ,states-documented fleet and the identification of other incentives that could be used that may not be authorized at the time of the study2 and 7,b7 estimates of the needed human and financial resources for such incentives2 7#c7 the availability of ,united ,states mariners1 and future needs1 including-- 7,a7 the number of mariners needed for the ,united ,states commercial and national security needs over the next #cj years2 7,b7 the policies and programs 7at the time of the study7 to recruit1 train1 and retain ,united ,states mariners to support the ,united ,states maritime workforce needs during peace time and at war2 7,c7 how those programs could be improved to grow the number of maritime workers trained each year1 including potential collaboration between the uniformed services1 the ,united ,states ,merchant ,marine ,academy1 ,state maritime academies1 maritime labor training centers1 and the ,centers of ,excellence for ,domestic ,maritime ,workforce ,training under section #eagjf of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 could be used most effectively2 and 7,d7 estimates of the necessary resources1 human and financial1 to implement such programs in each relevant ,federal agency over the next #cj years2 and 7#d7 the interaction among the elements described under paragraphs 7#a7 through 7#c74 7d7 ,public availability ,the study conducted under subsection 7a7 shall be made publicly available on a website of the ,department of ,transportation4 #ajb4 ,national maritime strategy 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #fj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,transportation1 in consultation with the ,secretary of the department in which the ,coast ,guard is operating1 and every #e years thereafter1 shall submit to the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate a national maritime strategy4 7b7 ,contents ,the strategy required under subsection 7a7 shall-- 7#a7 identify-- 7,a7 international policies and ,federal regulations and policies that reduce the competitiveness of ,united ,states-documented vessels with foreign vessels in domestic and international transportation markets2 and 7,b7 the impact of reduced cargo flow due to reductions in the number of members of the ,united ,states ,armed ,forces stationed or deployed outside of the ,united ,states2 and 7#b7 include recommendations to-- 7,a7 make ,united ,states-documented vessels more competitive in shipping routes between ,united ,states and foreign ports2 7,b7 increase the use of ,united ,states-documented vessels to carry cargo imported to and exported from the ,united ,states2 7,c7 ensure compliance by ,federal agencies with chapter #eec of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code2 7,d7 increase the use of short sea transportation routes1 including routes designated under section #eefja7;c7 of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 to enhance intermodal freight movements2 7,e7 enhance ,united ,states shipbuilding capability2 7,f7 invest in1 and identify gaps in1 infrastructure needed to facilitate the movement of goods at ports and throughout the transportation system1 including innovative physical and information technologies2 7,g7 enhance workforce training and recruitment for the maritime workforce1 including training on innovative physical and information technologies2 7,h7 increase the resilience of ports and the marine transportation system2 and 7,i7 increase the carriage of government-impelled cargo on ,united ,states-documented vessels pursuant to chapter #eec of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 section #bfca of title #aj1 ,united ,states ,code1 or otherwise4 7c7 ,update ,not later than #f months after the date of receipt of the study conducted under section #aja1 the ,secretary of ,transportation1 in consultation with the ,secretary of the department in which the ,coast ,guard is operating and the ,secretary of ,defense1 shall-- 7#a7 update the national maritime strategy required by section #fjc of the ,howard ,coble ,coast ,guard and ,maritime ,transportation ,act of #bjad 7,public ,law #aac-bha72 7#b7 submit a report to ,congress containing the updated national maritime strategy2 and 7#c7 make the updated national maritime strategy publicly available on the website of the ,department of ,transportation4 7d7 ,implementation plan ,not later than #f months after completion of the updated national maritime strategy under subsection 7c71 and after the completion of each strategy thereafter1 the ,secretary of ,transportation1 in consultation with the ,secretary of the department in which the ,coast ,guard is operating and the ,secretary of ,defense1 shall publish on a publicly available website an implementation plan for the most recent national maritime strategy4 #ajc4 ,modification of cargo preference #c-year eligibility rule ,section #eecje of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking subsection 7a72 7#b7 by redesignating-- 7,a7 subsection 7b7 as subsection 7a72 and 7,b7 subsections 7c71 7d71 and 7e71 as subsections 7d71 7e71 and 7f71 respectively2 7#c7 in subsection 7a71 as redesignated by paragraph 7#a71 by striking privately-owned commercial vessels of the ,united ,states1 and inserting privately-owned commercial vessels of the ,united ,states1 as provided under subsection 7b712 and 7#d7 by inserting after subsection 7a71 as redesignated by paragraph 7#a71 the following3 7b7 ,eligible vessels ,to be eligible to carry cargo as provided under subsection 7a71 a privately-owned commercial vessel shall be documented under the laws of the ,united ,states-- 7#a7 for not less than #c years2 or 7#b7 for less than #c years if the vessel owner signs an agreement with the ,secretary providing that-- 7,a7 the vessel shall remain documented under the laws of the ,united ,states for not less than #c years2 and 7,b7 the vessel owner shall1 upon request of the ,secretary1 agree to enroll the vessel in an emergency preparedness agreement or voluntary agreement authorized under section #gjh of the ,defense ,production ,act of #aiej 7#ej ,u4,s4,c4 #deeh7 and shall remain so enrolled until the vessel ceases to be documented under the laws of the ,united ,states4 7c7 ,violation of agreement ,a vessel under an agreement executed pursuant to subsection 7b77#b7 may be seized by and forfeited to the ,united ,states if1 in violation of that agreement-- 7#a7 the vessel owner places the vessel under foreign registry2 or 7#b7 a person operates the vessel under the authority of a foreign country4 4 ,,ii ,maritime infrastructure #bja4 ,marine highways 7a7 ,short title ,this section may be cited as the ,marine ,highway ,promotion ,act4 7b7 ,findings ,congress finds the following3 7#a7 ,our ,nation's waterways are an integral part of the transportation network of the ,united ,states4 7#b7 ,using the ,nation's coastal1 inland1 and other waterways can support commercial transportation1 and alleviates surface transportation congestion and burdensome road and bridge repair costs4 7#c7 ,marine highways are serviced by documented ,united ,states ,flag vessels and manned by ,united ,states citizens1 providing added resources for national security and to aid in times of crisis4 7#d7 ,according to the ,united ,states ,army ,corps of ,engineers1 inland navigation is a key element of economics development and is essential in maintaining economic competitiveness and national security4 7c7 ,united ,states marine highway program 7#a7 ,in general ,section #eefja of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended to read as follows3 #eefja4 ,united ,states ,marine ,highway ,program 7a7 ,program 7#a7 ,establishment ,the ,maritime ,administrator shall establish a ,marine ,highway ,program to be known as the ,united ,states ,marine ,highway ,program4 ,under such program1 the ,maritime ,administrator shall-- 7,a7 designate marine highway routes as extensions of the surface transportation system under subsection 7b72 and 7,b7 subject to the availability of appropriations1 make grants or enter into contracts or cooperative agreements under subsection 7c74 7#b7 ,program activities ,in carrying out the ,marine ,highway ,program established under paragraph 7#a71 the ,maritime ,administrator may-- 7,a7 coordinate with ports1 ,state departments of transportation1 localities1 other public agencies1 and the private sector on the development of landside facilities and infrastructure to support marine highway transportation2 7,b7 develop performance measures for such ,marine ,highway ,program2 7,c7 collect and disseminate data for the designation and delineation of marine highway routes under subsection 7b72 and 7,d7 conduct research on solutions to impediments to marine highway services eligible for assistance under subsection 7c77#a74 7b7 ,designation of marine highway routes 7#a7 ,authority ,the ,maritime ,administrator may designate or modify a marine highway route as an extension of the surface transportation system if-- 7,a7 such a designation or modification is requested by-- 7i7 the government of a ,state or territory2 7ii7 a metropolitan planning organization2 7iii7 a port authority2 7iv7 a non-,federal navigation district2 or 7v7 a ,tribal government2 and 7,b7 the ,maritime ,administrator determines such marine highway route satisfies at least one covered function under subsection 7d74 7#b7 ,determination ,not later than #ahj days after the date on which the ,maritime ,administrator receives a request for designation or modification of a marine highway route under paragraph 7#a71 the ,maritime ,administrator shall make a determination of whether to make the requested designation or modification4 7#c7 ,notification ,not later than #ad days after the date on which the ,maritime ,administrator makes the determination whether to make the requested designation or modification1 the ,maritime ,administrator shall send the requester a notification of the determination4 7#d7 ,map 7,a7 ,in ,general ,not later than #abj days after the date of enactment of the ,marine ,highway ,promotion ,act1 and thereafter each time a marine highway route is designated or modified1 the ,administrator shall make publicly available a map showing the location of marine highway routes1 including such routes along the coasts1 in the inland waterways1 and at sea4 7,b7 ,coordination ,the ,administrator shall coordinate with the ,national ,oceanic and ,atmospheric ,administration to incorporate the map into the ,marine ,cadastre4 7c7 ,assistance for marine highway services 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,maritime ,administrator may make grants to1 or enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with an eligible entity to implement a marine highway service or component of a marine highway service1 if the ,administrator determines the service-- 7,a7 satisfies at least one covered function under subsection 7d72 7,b7 uses vessels documented under chapter #aba of this title2 and 7,c7 7i7 implements strategies developed under section #eefjc2 or 7ii7 develops1 expands1 or promotes-- 7,i7 marine highway transportation services2 or 7,,ii7 shipper utilization of marine highway transportation4 7#b7 ,eligible entity ,in this subsection1 the term eligible entity means-- 7,a7 a ,state1 a political subdivision of a ,state1 or a local government2 7,b7 a ,united ,states metropolitan planning organization2 7,c7 a ,united ,states port authority2 7,d7 a ,tribal government in the ,united ,states2 or 7,e7 a ,united ,states private sector operator of marine highway services or private sector owners of facilities with an endorsement letter from the marine highway route sponsor described in subsection 7b77#a77;,a74 7#c7 ,application 7,a7 ,in ,general ,to be eligible to receive a grant or enter into a contract or cooperative agreement under this subsection to implement a marine highway service1 an eligible entity shall submit an application in such form and manner1 at such time1 and containing such information as the ,maritime ,administrator may require1 including-- 7i7 a comprehensive description of-- 7,i7 the regions to be served by the marine highway service2 7,,ii7 the marine highway route that the service will use1 which may include connection to existing or planned transportation infrastructure and intermodal facilities1 key navigational factors such as available draft1 channel width1 bridge air draft1 or lock clearance1 and any foreseeable impacts on navigation or commerce1 and a map of the proposed route2 7,,iii7 the marine highway service supporters1 which may include business affiliations1 private sector stakeholders1 ,state departments of transportation1 metropolitan planning organizations1 municipalities1 or other governmental entities 7including ,tribal governments71 as applicable2 7,,iv7 the estimated volume of passengers1 if applicable1 or cargo using the service1 and predicted changes in such volume during the #e-year period following the date of the application2 7,v7 the need for the service2 7,,vi7 the definition of the success goal for the service1 such as volumes of cargo or passengers moved1 or contribution to environmental mitigation1 safety1 reduced vehicle miles traveled1 or reduced maintenance and repair costs2 7,,vii7 the methodology for implementing the service1 including a description of the proposed operational framework of the service including the origin1 destination1 and any intermediate stops on the route1 transit times1 vessel types1 and service frequency2 and 7,,viii7 any existing programs or arrangements that can be used to supplement or leverage assistance under the program2 and 7ii7 a demonstration1 to the satisfaction of the ,maritime ,administrator1 that-- 7,i7 the marine highway service is financially viable2 7,,ii7 the funds or other assistance provided under this subsection will be spent or used efficiently and effectively2 and 7,,iii7 a market exists for the services of the proposed marine highway service1 as evidenced by contracts or written statements of intent from potential customers4 7,b7 ,pre-proposal ,prior to accepting a full application under subparagraph 7,a71 the ,maritime ,administrator may require that an eligible entity first submit a pre-proposal that contains a brief description of the items under subparagraph 7,a74 7,c7 ,pre-proposal feedback ,not later than #cj days after receiving a pre-proposal1 the ,maritime ,administrator shall provide feedback to the eligible entity that submitted the pre-proposal to encourage or discourage the eligible entity from submitting a full application4 ,an eligible entity may still submit a full application even if that eligible entity is not encouraged to do so after submitting a pre-proposal4 7#d7 ,timing of grant notice ,the ,maritime ,administrator shall post a ,notice of ,funding ,opportunity regarding grants1 contracts1 or cooperative agreements under this subsection not more than #fj days after the date of enactment of the appropriations ,act for the fiscal year concerned4 7#e7 ,grant application feedback ,following the award of grants for a particular fiscal year1 the ,maritime ,administrator may provide feedback to applicants to help applicants improve future applications if the feedback is requested by that applicant4 7#f7 ,timing of grants ,the ,maritime ,administrator shall award grants1 contracts1 or cooperative agreements under this subsection not later than #bgj days after the date of the enactment of the appropriations ,act for the fiscal year concerned4 7#g7 ,non-,federal share 7,a7 ,in general ,an applicant shall provide not less than #bj percent of the costs from non-,federal sources1 except as provided in subparagraph 7,b74 7,b7 ,tribal and ,rural areas ,the ,maritime ,administrator may increase the ,federal share of service costs above #hj percent for a service located in a ,tribal or rural area4 7,c7 ,tribal ,government ,the ,maritime ,administrator may increase the ,federal share of service costs above #hj percent for a service benefitting a ,tribal ,government4 7,d7 ,preference ,in awarding grants1 or entering in contracts or cooperative agreements under this subsection1 the ,maritime ,administrator shall give a preference to marine highway services that present the most financially viable transportation services and require the lowest percentage ,federal share of the costs4 7#h7 ,reuse of unexpended grant funds ,notwithstanding paragraph 7#f71 amounts awarded under this subsection that are not expended by the recipient within #c years after obligation of funds or that are returned under paragraph 7#aj77;,c7 shall remain available to the ,maritime ,administrator to make grants and enter into contracts and cooperative agreements under this subsection4 7#i7 ,administrative costs ,not more than #c percent of the total amount made available to carry out this subsection for any fiscal year may be used for the necessary administrative costs associated with grants1 contracts1 and cooperative agreements made under this subsection4 7#aj7 ,procedural safeguards ,the ,maritime ,administrator1 in consultation with the ,office of the ,inspector ,general1 shall issue guidelines to establish appropriate accounting1 reporting1 and review procedures to ensure that-- 7,a7 amounts made available to carry out this subsection are used for the purposes for which they were made available2 7,b7 recipients of funds under this subsection 7including through grants1 contracts1 or cooperative agreements7 have properly accounted for all expenditures of such funds2 and 7,c7 any such funds that are not obligated or expended for the purposes for which they were made available are returned to the ,administrator4 7#aa7 ,conditions on provision of funds ,the ,maritime ,administrator may not award funds an applicant under this subsection unless the ,maritime ,administrator determines that-- 7,a7 sufficient funding is available to meet the non-,federal share requirement of paragraph 7#g72 7,b7 the marine highway service for which such funds are provided will be completed without unreasonable delay2 and 7,c7 the recipient of such funds has authority to implement the proposed marine highway service4 7d7 ,covered functions ,a covered function under this subsection is one of the following3 7#a7 ,promotion of marine highway transportation4 7#b7 ,provision of a coordinated and capable alternative to landside transportation4 7#c7 ,mitigation or relief of landside congestion4 7e7 ,prohibited uses ,funds awarded under this section may not be used to-- 7#a7 raise sunken vessels1 construct buildings or other physical facilities1 or acquire land unless such activities are necessary for the establishment or operation of a marine highway service implemented using grant funds provided1 or pursuant to a contract or cooperative entered into under1 subsection 7c72 or 7#b7 improve port or land-based infrastructure outside the ,united ,states4 7f7 ,geographic distribution ,in making grants1 contracts1 and cooperative agreements under this section the ,maritime ,administrator shall take such measures so as to ensure an equitable geographic distribution of funds4 7g7 ,audits and examinations ,all recipients 7including recipients of grants1 contracts1 and cooperative agreements7 under this section shall maintain such records as the ,maritime ,administrator may require and make such records available for review and audit by the ,maritime ,administrator4 4 7#b7 ,rules 7,a7 ,final rule ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,transportation shall prescribe such final rules as are necessary to carry out the amendments made by this subsection4 7,b7 ,interim rules ,the ,secretary of ,transportation may prescribe temporary interim rules necessary to carry out the amendments made by this subsection4 ,for this purpose1 the ,maritime ,administrator1 in prescribing rules under this subparagraph1 is excepted from compliance with the notice and comment requirements of section #eec of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 prior to the effective date of the interim rules4 ,all interim rules prescribed under the authority of this subparagraph shall request comment and remain in effect until such time as the interim rules are superseded by a final rule1 following notice and comment4 7,c7 ,savings clause ,the requirements under section #eefja of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 as amended by this subsection1 shall take effect only after the interim rule described in subparagraph 7,b7 is promulgated by the ,secretary4 7d7 ,multistate1 ,state1 and regional transportation planning ,chapter #eef of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by inserting after section #eefjb the following3 #eefjc4 ,multistate1 ,state1 and regional transportation planning 7a7 ,in general ,the ,maritime ,administrator1 in consultation with the heads of other appropriate ,federal departments and agencies1 ,state and local governments1 and appropriate private sector entities1 may develop strategies to encourage the use of marine highway transportation for the transportation of passengers and cargo4 7b7 ,strategies ,if the ,maritime ,administrator develops the strategies described in subsection 7a71 the ,maritime ,administrator may-- 7#a7 assess the extent to which ,states and local governments include marine highway transportation and other marine transportation solutions in transportation planning2 7#b7 encourage ,state departments of transportation to develop strategies1 where appropriate1 to incorporate marine highway transportation1 ferries1 and other marine transportation solutions for regional and interstate transport of freight and passengers in transportation planning2 and 7#c7 encourage groups of ,states and multistate transportation entities to determine how marine highway transportation can address congestion1 bottlenecks1 and other interstate transportation challenges4 4 7e7 ,research on marine highway transportation ,section #eefjd of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating paragraphs 7#a7 through 7#c7 as paragraphs 7#d7 through 7#f71 respectively2 and 7#b7 by inserting before paragraph 7#d71 as redesignated by paragraph 7#a71 the following new paragraphs3 7#a7 the economic importance of marine highway transportation to the ,united ,states economy2 7#b7 the importance of marine highway transportation to rural areas2 7#c7 pairs of ,united ,states regions and territories1 and within-region areas1 that do not yet have marine highway services underway1 but that could benefit from the establishment of marine highway services2 4 7f7 ,definitions ,section #eefje of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended to read as follows3 #eefje4 ,definitions ,in this chapter-- 7#a7 the term marine highway transportation means the carriage by a documented vessel of cargo-- 7,a7 that is-- 7i7 contained in intermodal cargo containers and loaded by crane on the vessel2 7ii7 loaded on the vessel by means of wheeled technology2 7iii7 shipped in discrete units or packages that are handled individually1 palletized1 or unitized for purposes of transportation2 or 7iv7 freight vehicles carried aboard commuter ferry boats2 and 7,b7 that is-- 7i7 loaded at a port in the ,united ,states and unloaded either at another port in the ,united ,states or at a port in ,canada or ,mexico2 or 7ii7 loaded at a port in ,canada or ,mexico and unloaded at a port in the ,united ,states2 7#b7 the term marine highway service means a planned or contemplated new service1 or expansion of an existing service1 on a marine highway route1 that seeks to provide new modal choices to shippers1 offer more desirable services1 reduce transportation costs1 or provide public benefits2 7#c7 the term marine highway route means a route on commercially navigable coastal1 inland1 or intracoastal waters of the ,united ,states1 including connections between the ,united ,states and a port in ,canada or ,mexico1 that is designated under section #eefja7;b72 and 7#d7 the term 8,tribal ,government0 means the recognized governing body of any ,indian or ,alaska ,native ,tribe1 band1 nation1 pueblo1 village1 community1 component band1 or component reservation1 individually identified 7including parenthetically7 in the list published most recently as of the date of enactment of ,marine ,highway ,promotion ,act pursuant to section #ajd of the ,federally ,recognized ,indian ,tribe ,list ,act of #aiid 7#be ,u4,s4,c4 #eaca74 4 7g7 ,clerical amendments ,the analysis for chapter #eef of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking the item relating to section #eefja and inserting the following3 #eefja4 ,united ,states ,marine ,highway ,program4 2 7#b7 by inserting after the item relating to section #eefjb the following3 #eefjc4 ,multistate1 ,state1 and regional transportation planning4 2 and 7#c7 by striking the item relating to section #eefje and inserting the following3 #eefje4 ,definitions4 4 #bjb4 ,,gao review of efforts to support and grow the ,united ,states ,merchant ,fleet ,not later than #ah months after the date of enactment of this section1 the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall transmit a report to the ,committee on ,commerce of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure of the ,house of ,representatives that examines ,united ,states ,government efforts to promote the growth and modernization of the ,united ,states maritime industry1 and the vessels of the ,united ,states1 as defined in section #aaf of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 including the overall efficacy of ,united ,states ,government financial support and policies1 including the ,capital ,construction ,fund1 ,construction ,reserve ,fund1 and other eligible loan1 grant1 or other programs4 #bjc4 ,,gao review of ,federal efforts to enhance port infrastructure resiliency and disaster preparedness ,not later than #ah months after the date of enactment of this section1 the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall transmit a report to the ,committee on ,commerce of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure of the ,house of ,representatives that examines ,federal efforts to assist ports in enhancing the resiliency of their key intermodal connectors to weather-related disasters4 ,the report shall include consideration of the following3 7#a7 ,actions being undertaken at various ports to better identify critical land-side connectors that may be vulnerable to disruption in the event of a natural disaster1 including how to communicate such information during a disaster when communications systems may be compromised1 and the level of ,federal involvement in such efforts4 7#b7 ,the extent to which the ,department of ,transportation and other ,federal agencies are working in line with recent recommendations from key resiliency reports1 including the ,national ,academies of ,science study on strengthening supply chain resilience1 to establish a framework for ports to follow to increase resiliency to major weather-related disruptions before they happen4 7#c7 ,the extent to which the ,department of ,transportation or other ,federal agencies have provided funds to ports for resiliency-related projects4 7#d7 ,the extent to which ,federal agencies have a coordinated approach to helping ports and the multiple ,state1 local1 and private stakeholders involved1 to improve resiliency prior to weather-related disasters4 #bjd4 ,study on foreign investment in shipping 7a7 ,assessment ,the ,under ,secretary of ,commerce for ,international ,trade 7referred to in this section as the ,under ,secretary7 in coordination with ,maritime ,administration1 the ,united ,states ,transportation ,command1 and the ,federal ,maritime ,commission shall conduct an assessment of subsidies1 indirect state support1 or other financial infrastructure or benefits provided by foreign states that control more than #a percent of the world merchant fleet to entities or individuals building1 owning1 chartering1 operating1 or financing vessels not documented under the laws of the ,united ,states that are engaged in foreign commerce4 7b7 ,report ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this section1 the ,under ,secretary shall submit to ,congress a report on the assessment conducted under subsection 7a71 including-- 7#a7 the amount1 in ,united ,states dollars1 of such support provided by a foreign state described in subsection 7a7 to-- 7,a7 the shipping industry of each country as a whole2 7,b7 the shipping industry as a percent of gross domestic product of each country2 and 7,c7 each ship on average1 by ship type for cargo1 tanker1 and bulk2 7#b7 the amount1 in ,united ,states dollars1 of such support provided by a foreign state described in subsection 7a7 to the shipping industry of another foreign state1 including favorable financial arrangements for ship construction2 7#c7 a description of the shipping industry activities of state-owned enterprises of a foreign state described in subsection 7a72 7#d7 a description of the type of support provided by a foreign state described in subsection 7a71 including tax relief1 direct payment1 indirect support of state-controlled financial entities1 or other such support1 as determined by the ,under ,secretary2 and 7#e7 a description of how the subsidies provided by a foreign state described in subsection 7a7 may be disadvantaging the competitiveness of vessels documented under the laws of the ,united ,states that are engaged in foreign commerce and the national security of the ,united ,states4 7c7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,foreign commerce ,the term foreign commerce means-- 7,a7 commerce or trade between the ,united ,states1 its territories or possessions1 or the ,district of ,columbia1 and a foreign country2 7,b7 commerce or trade between foreign countries2 or 7,c7 commerce or trade within a foreign country4 7#b7 ,foreign state ,the term foreign state has the meaning given the term in section #afjc7;a7 of title #bh1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#c7 ,shipping industry ,the term shipping industry means the construction1 ownership1 chartering1 operation1 or financing of vessels engaged in foreign commerce4 #bje4 ,report regarding alternate marine fuel bunkering facilities at ports 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,maritime ,administrator shall report on the necessary port-related infrastructure needed to support bunkering facilities for liquefied natural gas1 hydrogen1 ammonia1 or other new marine fuels under development4 ,the ,maritime ,administrator shall publish the report on a publicly available website4 7b7 ,contents ,the report described in subsection 7a7 shall include-- 7#a7 information about the existing ,united ,states infrastructure1 in particular the storage facilities1 bunkering vessels1 and transfer systems to support bunkering facilities for liquefied natural gas1 hydrogen1 ammonia1 or other new marine fuels under development2 7#b7 a review of the needed upgrades to ,united ,states infrastructure1 including storage facilities1 bunkering vessels1 and transfer systems1 to support bunkering facilities for liquefied natural gas1 hydrogen1 ammonia1 or other new marine fuels under development2 7#c7 an assessment of the estimated government investment in this infrastructure and the duration of that investment2 and 7#d7 in consultation with relevant ,federal agencies1 information on the relevant ,federal agencies that would oversee the permitting and construction of bunkering facilities for liquefied natural gas1 hydrogen1 ammonia1 or other new marine fuels1 as well as the ,federal funding grants or formula programs that could be used for such marine fuels4 ,,iii ,maritime workforce #cja4 ,sense of ,congress on ,merchant ,marine ,it is the sense of ,congress that the ,united ,states ,merchant ,marine is a critical part of the national infrastructure of the ,united ,states1 and the men and women of the ,united ,states ,merchant ,marine are essential workers4 #cjb4 ,ensuring diverse mariner recruitment ,not later than #f months after the date of enactment of this section1 the ,secretary of ,transportation shall develop and deliver to ,congress a strategy to assist ,state maritime academies and the ,united ,states ,merchant ,marine ,academy to improve the representation of women and underrepresented communities in the next generation of the mariner workforce1 including each of the following3 7#a7 ,black and ,african ,american4 7#b7 ,hispanic and ,latino4 7#c7 ,asian4 7#d7 ,american ,indian1 ,alaska ,native1 and ,native ,hawaiian4 7#e7 ,pacific ,islander4 #cjc4 ,low emissions vessels training 7a7 ,development of strategy ,the ,secretary of ,transportation1 in consultation with the ,united ,states ,merchant ,marine ,academy1 ,state maritime academies1 and civilian nautical schools and the ,secretary of the department in which ,coast ,guard is operating1 shall develop a strategy to ensure there is an adequate supply of trained ,united ,states citizen mariners sufficient to meet the operational requirements of low and zero emission vessels4 7b7 ,report ,not later than #f months after the date the ,secretary of ,transportation determines that there is commercially viable technology for low and zero emission vessels1 the ,secretary of ,transportation shall-- 7#a7 submit a report on the strategy developed under subsection 7a7 and plans for its implementation to the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure of the ,house of ,representatives2 and 7#b7 make such report publicly available4 #cjd4 ,improving ,protections for ,midshipmen ,act 7a7 ,short title ,this section may be cited as the ,improving ,protections for ,midshipmen ,act4 7b7 ,suspension or revocation of merchant mariner credentials for perpetrators of sexual harassment or sexual assault 7#a7 ,in general ,chapter #gg of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by inserting after section #ggjd the following3 #ggjd;a4 ,sexual harassment or sexual assault as grounds for suspension or revocation 7a7 ,sexual harassment ,if it is shown at a hearing under this chapter that a holder of a license1 certificate of registry1 or merchant mariner's document issued under this part1 within #aj years before the beginning of the suspension and revocation proceedings1 is the subject of a substantiated claim of sexual harassment1 then the license1 certificate of registry1 or merchant mariner's document shall be suspended or revoked4 7b7 ,sexual assault ,if it is shown at a hearing under this chapter that a holder of a license1 certificate of registry1 or merchant mariner's document issued under this part1 within #bj years before the beginning of the suspension and revocation proceedings1 is the subject of a substantiated claim of sexual assault1 then the license1 certificate of registry1 or merchant mariner's document shall be revoked4 7c7 ,substantiated claim 7#a7 ,in general ,the term substantiated claim means-- 7,a7 a legal proceeding or agency action in any administrative proceeding that determines the individual committed sexual harassment or sexual assault in violation of any ,federal1 ,state1 local1 or ,tribal law or regulation and for which all appeals have been exhausted1 as applicable2 or 7,b7 a determination after an investigation by the ,coast ,guard that it is more likely than not the individual committed sexual harassment or sexual assault as defined in subsection 7d71 if the determination affords appropriate due process rights to the subject of the investigation4 7#b7 ,investigation by the coast guard ,an investigation by the ,coast ,guard under paragraph 7#a77;,b7 shall include evaluation of the following materials that shall be provided to the ,coast ,guard3 7,a7 ,any inquiry or determination made by the employer of the individual as to whether the individual committed sexual harassment or sexual assault4 7,b7 ,upon request from the ,coast ,guard1 any investigative materials1 documents1 records1 or files in the possession of an employer or former employer of the individual that are related to the claim of sexual harassment or sexual assault by the individual4 7#c7 ,additional review ,a license1 certificate of registry1 or merchant mariner's document shall not be suspended or revoked under subsection 7a7 or 7b7 unless the substantiated claim is reviewed and affirmed1 in accordance with the applicable definition in subsection 7d71 by an administrative law judge at the same suspension or revocation hearing under this chapter described in subsection 7a7 or 7b71 as applicable4 7d7 ,definitions 7#a7 ,sexual harassment ,the term sexual harassment means any of the following3 7,a7 ,conduct that-- 7i7 involves unwelcome sexual advances1 requests for sexual favors1 or deliberate or repeated offensive comments or gestures of a sexual nature1 when-- 7,i7 submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of a person's job1 pay1 or career2 7,,ii7 submission to or rejection of such conduct by a person is used as a basis for career or employment decisions affecting that person2 7,,iii7 such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work performance or creates an intimidating1 hostile1 or offensive working environment2 or 7,,iv7 conduct may have been by a person's supervisor1 a supervisor in another area1 a co-worker1 or another credentialed mariner2 and 7ii7 is so severe or pervasive that a reasonable person would perceive1 and the victim does perceive1 the environment as hostile or offensive4 7,b7 ,any use or condonation1 by any person in a supervisory or command position1 of any form of sexual behavior to control1 influence1 or affect the career1 pay1 or job of a subordinate4 7,c7 ,any deliberate or repeated unwelcome verbal comment or gesture of a sexual nature by any fellow employee of the complainant4 7#b7 ,sexual assault ,the term sexual assault means any form of abuse or contact as defined in chapter #aji;,a of title #ah4 7e7 ,regulations ,the ,secretary of the department in which the ,coast ,guard is operating may issue further regulations as necessary to update the definitions in this section1 consistent with descriptions of sexual harassment and sexual assault addressed in titles #aj and title #ah to implement this section4 4 7c7 ,clerical amendment ,the chapter analysis of chapter #gg of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #ggjd the following3 #ggjd;a4 ,sexual harassment or sexual assault as grounds for suspension or revocation4 4 7d7 ,supporting the united states merchant marine academy 7#a7 ,in general ,chapter #eac of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #eacbe4 ,sexual assault and sexual harassment prevention information management system 7a7 ,information management system 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than ,january #a1 #bjbc1 the ,maritime ,administrator shall establish an information management system to track and maintain1 in such a manner that patterns can be reasonably identified1 information regarding claims and incidents involving cadets that are reportable pursuant to subsection 7d7 of section #eacah of this chapter4 7#b7 ,information maintained in the system ,information maintained in the system shall include the following information1 to the extent that information is available3 7,a7 ,the overall number of sexual assault or sexual harassment incidents per fiscal year4 7,b7 ,the location of each such incident1 including vessel name and the name of the company operating the vessel1 if applicable4 7,c7 ,the names and ranks of the individuals involved in each such incident4 7,d7 ,the general nature of each such incident1 to include copies of any associated reports completed on the incidents4 7,e7 ,the type of inquiry made into each such incident4 7,f7 ,a determination as to whether each such incident is substantiated4 7,g7 ,any informal and formal accountability measures taken for misconduct related to the incident1 including decisions on whether to prosecute the case4 7#c7 ,past information included ,the information management system under this section shall include the relevant data listed in this subsection related to sexual assault and sexual harassment that the ,maritime ,administrator possesses1 and shall not be limited to data collected after ,january #a1 #bjbc4 7#d7 ,privacy protections ,the ,maritime ,administrator and the ,department of ,transportation ,chief ,information ,officer shall coordinate to ensure that the information management system under this section shall be established and maintained in a secure fashion to ensure the protection of the privacy of any individuals whose information is entered in such system4 7#e7 ,cybersecurity audit ,ninety days after the implementation of the information management system1 the ,office of ,inspector ,general of the ,department of ,transportation shall commence an audit of the cybersecurity of the system and shall submit a report containing the results of that audit to the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure of the ,house of ,representatives4 7#f7 ,correcting records ,in establishing the information management system1 the ,maritime ,administrator shall create a process to ensure that if any incident report results in a final agency action or final judgement that acquits an individual of wrongdoing1 all personally identifiable information about the acquitted individual is removed from that incident report in the system4 7b7 ,sea year program ,the ,maritime ,administrator shall provide for the establishment of in-person and virtual confidential exit interviews1 to be conducted by personnel who are not involved in the assignment of the midshipmen to a ,sea ,year vessel1 for midshipmen from the ,academy upon completion of ,sea ,year and following completion by the midshipmen of the survey under section #eacbb7;d74 7c7 ,data-,informed decisionmaking ,the data maintained in the data management system under subsection 7a7 and through the exit interviews under subsection 7b7 shall be affirmatively referenced and used to inform the creation of new policy or regulation1 or changes to any existing policy or regulation1 in the areas of sexual harassment1 dating violence1 domestic violence1 sexual assault1 and stalking4 #eacbf4 ,student advisory board at the ,united ,states ,merchant ,marine ,academy 7a7 ,in general ,the ,maritime ,administrator shall establish at the ,united ,states ,merchant ,marine ,academy an advisory board to be known as the ,advisory ,board to the ,secretary of ,transportation 7referred to in this section as the ,advisory ,board74 7b7 ,membership ,the ,advisory ,board shall be composed of not fewer than #ab midshipmen of the ,merchant ,marine ,academy who are enrolled at the ,merchant ,marine ,academy at the time of the appointment1 including not fewer than #c cadets from each class4 7c7 ,appointment2 term ,midshipmen shall serve on the ,advisory ,board pursuant to appointment by the ,maritime ,administrator4 ,appointments shall be made not later than #fj days after the date of the swearing in of a new class of midshipmen at the ,academy4 ,the term of membership of a midshipmen on the ,advisory ,board shall be #a academic year4 7d7 ,reappointment ,the ,maritime ,administrator may reappoint not more than #f cadets from the previous term to serve on the ,advisory ,board for an additional academic year if the ,maritime ,administrator determines such reappointment to be in the best interests of the ,merchant ,marine ,academy4 7e7 ,meetings ,the ,advisory ,board shall meet with the ,secretary of ,transportation not less than once each academic year to discuss the activities of the ,advisory ,board4 ,the ,advisory ,board shall meet in person with the ,maritime ,administrator not less than #b times each academic year to discuss the activities of the ,advisory ,board4 7f7 ,duties ,the ,advisory ,board shall-- 7#a7 identify health and wellbeing1 diversity1 and sexual assault and harassment challenges and other topics considered important by the ,advisory ,board facing midshipmen at the ,merchant ,marine ,academy1 off campus1 and while aboard ships during ,sea ,year or other training opportunities2 7#b7 discuss and propose possible solutions1 including improvements to culture and leadership development at the ,merchant ,marine ,academy2 and 7#c7 periodically review the efficacy of the program in section #eacbe7;b71 as appropriate1 and provide recommendations to the ,maritime ,administrator for improvement4 7g7 ,working groups ,the ,advisory ,board may establish one or more working groups to assist the ,advisory ,board in carrying out its duties1 including working groups composed in part of midshipmen at the ,merchant ,marine ,academy who are not current members of the ,advisory ,board4 7h7 ,reports and briefings ,the ,advisory ,board shall regularly provide the ,secretary of ,transportation and the ,maritime ,administrator 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 #eacbg4 ,sexual ,assault ,advisory ,council 7a7 ,establishment ,the ,secretary of ,transportation shall establish a ,sexual ,assault ,advisory ,council 7in this section referred to as the ,council74 7b7 ,membership 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,council shall be composed of not fewer than #h and not more than #ad individuals selected by the ,secretary of ,transportation who are alumni that have graduated within the last #d years or current midshipmen of the ,united ,states ,merchant ,marine ,academy 7including midshipmen or alumni who were victims of sexual assault and midshipmen or alumni who were not victims of sexual assault7 and governmental and nongovernmental experts and professionals in the sexual assault field4 7#b7 ,experts included ,the ,council shall include-- 7,a7 not less than #a member who is licensed in the field of mental health and has prior experience working as a counselor or therapist providing mental health care to survivors of sexual assault in a victim services agency or organization2 and 7,b7 not less than #a member who has prior experience developing or implementing sexual assault or sexual harassment prevention and response policies in an academic setting4 7#c7 ,rules regarding membership ,no employee of the ,department of ,transportation shall be a member of the ,council4 ,the number of governmental experts appointed to the ,council shall not exceed the number of nongovernmental experts4 7c7 ,duties2 authorized activities 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,council shall meet not less often than semiannually to-- 7,a7 review-- 7i7 the policies on sexual harassment1 dating violence1 domestic violence1 sexual assault1 and stalking under section #eacah of this title2 7ii7 the trends and patterns of data contained in the system described under section #eacbe of this title2 and 7iii7 related matters the ,council views as appropriate2 and 7,b7 develop recommendations designed to ensure that such policies and such matters conform1 to the extent practicable1 to best practices in the field of sexual assault and sexual harassment response and prevention4 7#b7 ,authorized activities ,to carry out this subsection1 the ,council may-- 7,a7 conduct case reviews1 as appropriate and only with the consent of the victim of sexual assault or harassment2 7,b7 interview current and former midshipmen of the ,united ,states ,merchant ,marine ,academy 7to the extent that such midshipmen provide the ,department of ,transportation express consent to be interviewed by the ,council72 and 7,c7 review-- 7i7 exit interviews under section #eacbe7;b7 and surveys under section #eacbb7;d72 7ii7 data collected from restricted reporting2 and 7iii7 any other information necessary to conduct such case reviews4 7#c7 ,personally identifiable information ,in carrying out this subsection1 the ,council shall comply with the obligations of the ,department of ,transportation to protect personally identifiable information4 7d7 ,reports ,on an annual basis for each of the #e years after the date of enactment of this section1 and at the discretion of the ,council thereafter1 the ,council shall submit1 to the ,president and the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation and the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure and the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,house of ,representatives1 a report on the ,council's findings based on the reviews conducted pursuant to subsection 7c7 and related recommendations4 7e7 ,employee status ,members of the ,council shall not be considered employees of the ,united ,states ,government for any purpose and shall not receive compensation other than reimbursement of travel expenses and per diem allowance in accordance with section #egjc of title #e4 7f7 ,nonapplicability of ,,faca ,the ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app47 shall not apply to the ,council4 #eacbh4 ,student support ,the ,maritime ,administrator shall-- 7#a7 require a biannual survey of midshipmen1 faculty1 and staff of the ,academy assessing the inclusiveness of the environment of the ,academy2 and 7#b7 require an annual survey of faculty and staff of the ,academy assessing the inclusiveness of the environment of the ,sea ,year program4 4 7e7 ,report to ,congress ,not later than #cj days after the date of enactment of this section1 the ,maritime ,administrator shall provide ,congress with a briefing on the resources necessary to properly implement section #eacbh of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 as added by this section4 7f7 ,conforming amendments ,the chapter analysis for chapter #eac of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #eacbe4 ,sexual assault and sexual harassment prevention information management system4 #eacbf4 ,student advisory board at the ,united ,states ,merchant ,marine ,academy4 #eacbg4 ,sexual ,assault ,advisory ,council4 #eacbh4 ,student support4 4 7g7 ,united states merchant marine academy student support plan 7#a7 ,student support plan ,not later than ,january #a1 #bjbc1 the ,maritime ,administrator shall issue a ,student ,support ,plan for the ,united ,states ,merchant ,marine ,academy1 in consultation with relevant mental health professionals in the ,federal ,government or experienced with the maritime industry or related industries4 ,such plan shall-- 7,a7 address the mental health resources available to midshipmen1 both on-campus and during ,sea ,year2 7,b7 establish a tracking system for suicidal ideations and suicide attempts of midshipmen2 7,c7 create an option for midshipmen to obtain assistance from a professional care provider virtually2 and 7,d7 require an annual survey of faculty and staff assessing the adequacy of mental health resources for midshipmen of the ,academy1 both on campus and during ,sea ,year4 7#b7 ,report to congress ,not later than #cj days after the date of enactment of this section1 the ,maritime ,administrator shall provide ,congress with a report on the resources necessary to properly implement this subsection4 7h7 ,special victims advisor ,section #eacai of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating subsection 7c7 as subsection 7d72 7#b7 by inserting after subsection 7b7 the following3 7c7 ,special victims advisor 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall designate an attorney 7to be known as the ,special ,victims ,advisor7 for the purpose of providing legal assistance to any cadet of the ,academy who is the victim of an alleged sex-related offense regarding administrative and criminal proceedings related to such offense1 regardless of whether the report of that offense is restricted or unrestricted4 7#b7 ,special victims advisory ,the ,secretary shall ensure that the attorney designated as the ,special ,victims ,advisor has knowledge of the ,uniform ,code of ,military ,justice1 as well as criminal and civil law4 7#c7 ,privileged communications ,any communications between a victim of an alleged sex-related offense and the ,special ,victim ,advisor1 when acting in their capacity as such1 shall have the same protection that applicable law provides for confidential attorney-client communications4 2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following3 7e7 ,unfilled vacancies ,the ,administrator of the ,maritime ,administration may appoint qualified candidates to positions under subsections 7a7 and 7d7 of this section without regard to sections #ccji through #ccai of title #e4 4 7i7 ,catch a serial offender assessment 7#a7 ,assessment ,not later than one year after the date of enactment of this section1 the ,commandant of the ,coast ,guard1 in coordination with the ,maritime ,administrator1 shall conduct an assessment of the feasibility and process necessary1 and appropriate responsible entities to establish a program for the ,united ,states ,merchant ,marine ,academy and ,united ,states ,merchant ,marine modeled on the ,catch a ,serial ,offender program of the ,department of ,defense using the information management system required under subsection 7a7 of section #eacbe of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 and the exit interviews under subsection 7b7 of such section4 7#b7 ,legislative change proposals ,if1 as a result of the assessment required by paragraph 7#a71 the ,commandant or the ,administrator determines that additional authority is necessary to implement the program described in paragraph 7#a71 the ,commandant or the ,administrator1 as applicable1 shall provide appropriate legislative change proposals to ,congress4 7j7 ,shipboard training ,section #eacbb7;a7 of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7#c7 ,training 7,a7 ,in general ,as part of training that shall be provided not less than semiannually to all midshipmen of the ,academy1 pursuant to section #eacah1 the ,maritime ,administrator shall develop and implement comprehensive in-person sexual assault risk-reduction and response training that1 to the extent practicable1 conforms to best practices in the sexual assault prevention and response field and includes appropriate scenario-based training4 7,b7 ,development and consultation with experts ,in developing the sexual assault risk-reduction and response training under subparagraph 7,a71 the ,maritime ,administrator shall consult with and incorporate1 as appropriate1 the recommendations and views of experts in the sexual assault field4 4 #cje4 ,board of ,visitors ,section #eacab of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7b7-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#b7-- 7i7 by redesignating subparagraph 7,c7 as subparagraph 7,d72 7ii7 in subparagraph 7,d71 as redesignated by clause 7i71 by striking flag-rank who and inserting flag-rank2 7iii7 in subparagraph 7,b71 by striking and after the semicolon2 and 7iv7 by inserting after subparagraph 7,b7 the following3 7,c7 at least #a shall be a representative of a maritime labor organization2 and 2 and 7,b7 in paragraph 7#c71 by adding at the end the following3 7,c7 ,replacement ,if a member of the ,board is replaced1 not later than #fj days after the date of the replacement1 the ,designated ,federal ,officer selected under subsection 7g77#b7 shall notify that member4 2 7#b7 in subsection 7d7-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#a71 by inserting and #b additional meetings1 which may be held in person or virtually after ,academy2 and 7,b7 by adding at the end the following3 7#c7 ,scheduling2 notification ,when scheduling a meeting1 the ,designated ,federal ,officer shall coordinate1 to the greatest extent practicable1 with the members of the ,board to determine the date and time of the meeting4 ,members of the ,board shall be notified of the date of each meeting not less than #cj days prior to the meeting date4 2 7#c7 in subsection 7e71 by adding at the end the following3 7#d7 ,staff ,one of more staff of each member of the ,board may accompany them on ,academy visits4 7#e7 ,scheduling2 notification ,when scheduling a visit to the ,academy1 the ,designated ,federal ,officer shall coordinate1 to the greatest extent practicable1 with the members of the ,board to determine the date and time of the visit4 ,members of the ,board shall be notified of the date of each visit not less than #cj days prior to the visit date4 2 and 7#d7 in subsection 7h7-- 7,a7 by inserting and ranking member after chairman each place the term appears2 and 7,b7 by adding at the end the following3 ,such staff may attend meetings and may visit the ,academy44 #cjf4 ,maritime ,technical ,advancement ,act 7a7 ,short title ,this section may be cited as the ,maritime ,technological ,advancement ,act of #bjbb4 7b7 ,centers of excellence for domestic maritime workforce ,section #eagjf of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a71 by striking of ,transportation2 7#b7 in subsection 7b71 in the subsection heading1 by striking ,assistance and inserting ,cooperative agreements2 7#c7 by redesignating subsection 7c7 as subsection 7d72 7#d7 in subsection 7d71 as redesignated by paragraph 7#b71 by adding at the end the following3 7#c7 ,secretary ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of ,transportation4 2 and 7#e7 by inserting after subsection 7b7 the following3 7c7 ,grant program 7#a7 ,definitions ,in this subsection3 7,a7 ,administrator ,the term ,administrator means the ,administrator of the ,maritime ,administration4 7,b7 ,eligible institution ,the term eligible institution means an institution that has a demonstrated record of success in training and is-- 7i7 a postsecondary educational institution 7as defined in section #c of the ,carl ,d4 ,perkins ,career and ,technical ,education ,act of #bjjf 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #bcjb77 that offers a #b-year program of study or a #a-year program of training2 7ii7 a postsecondary vocational institution 7as defined under section #ajb7;c7 of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajjb7;c7772 7iii7 a public or private nonprofit entity that offers #a or more other structured experiential learning training programs for ,american workers in the ,united ,states maritime industry1 including a program that is offered by a labor organization or conducted in partnership with a nonprofit organization or #a or more employers in the maritime industry2 or 7iv7 an entity sponsoring a registered apprenticeship program4 7,c7 ,registered apprenticeship program ,the term registered apprenticeship program means an apprenticeship program registered with the ,office of ,apprenticeship of the ,employment and ,training ,administration of the ,department of ,labor or a ,state apprenticeship agency recognized by the ,office of ,apprenticeship pursuant to the ,act of ,august #af1 #aicg 7commonly known as the ,national ,apprenticeship ,act2 #ej ,stat4 #ffd1 chapter #ffc2 #bi ,u4,s4,c4 #ej et seq474 7,d7 ,united ,states maritime industry ,the term ,united ,states maritime industry means all segments of the maritime-related transportation system of the ,united ,states1 both in domestic and foreign trade1 and in coastal1 offshore1 and inland waters1 as well as non-commercial maritime activities1 such as pleasure boating and marine sciences 7including all scientific research vessels71 and all of the industries that support or depend upon such uses1 including vessel construction and repair1 vessel operations1 ship logistics supply1 berthing1 port operations1 port intermodal operations1 marine terminal operations1 vessel design1 marine brokerage1 marine insurance1 marine financing1 chartering1 maritime-oriented supply chain operations1 offshore industry1 offshore wind1 and maritime-oriented research and development4 7#b7 ,grant authorization 7,a7 ,in general ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of the ,maritime ,technological ,advancement ,act of #bjbb1 the ,administrator may award maritime career training grants to eligible institutions for the purpose of developing1 offering1 or improving educational or career training programs for ,american workers related to the maritime workforce4 7,b7 ,guidelines ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of the ,maritime ,technological ,advancement ,act of #bjbb1 the ,administrator shall-- 7i7 promulgate guidelines for the submission of grant proposals under this subsection2 and 7ii7 publish and maintain such guidelines on the website of the ,maritime ,administration4 7#c7 ,limitations ,the ,administrator may not award a grant under this subsection in an amount that is more than #ab1jjj1jjj4 7#d7 ,required information 7,a7 ,in general ,an eligible institution that desires to receive a grant under this subsection shall submit to the ,administrator a grant proposal that includes a detailed description of-- 7i7 the specific project for which the grant proposal is submitted1 including the manner in which the grant will be used to develop1 offer1 or improve an educational or career training program that is suited to maritime industry workers2 7ii7 the extent to which the project for which the grant proposal is submitted will meet the educational or career training needs of maritime workers in the community served by the eligible institution1 particularly any individuals with a barrier to employment2 7iii7 the extent to which the project for which the grant proposal is submitted fits within any overall strategic plan developed by an eligible community2 and 7iv7 any previous experience of the eligible institution in providing maritime educational or career training programs4 7,b7 ,community outreach required ,in order to be considered by the ,administrator1 a grant proposal submitted by an eligible institution under this subsection shall-- 7i7 demonstrate that the eligible institution-- 7,i7 reached out to employers to identify-- 7aa7 any shortcomings in existing maritime educational and career training opportunities available to workers in the community2 and 7bb7 any future employment opportunities within the community and the educational and career training skills required for workers to meet the future maritime employment demand2 and 7,,ii7 reached out to other similarly situated institutions in an effort to benefit from any best practices that may be shared with respect to providing maritime educational or career training programs to workers eligible for training2 and 7ii7 include a detailed description of-- 7,i7 the extent and outcome of the outreach conducted under clause 7i72 7,,ii7 the extent to which the project for which the grant proposal is submitted will contribute to meeting any shortcomings identified under clause 7i77,i77aa7 or any maritime educational or career training needs identified under clause 7i77,i77bb72 and 7,,iii7 the extent to which employers1 including small- and medium-sized firms within the community1 have demonstrated a commitment to employing workers who would benefit from the project for which the grant proposal is submitted4 7#e7 ,criteria for award of grants 7,a7 ,in general ,subject to the appropriation of funds1 the ,administrator shall award a grant under this subsection based on-- 7i7 a determination of the merits of the grant proposal submitted by the eligible institution to develop1 offer1 or improve maritime educational or career training programs to be made available to workers2 7ii7 an evaluation of the likely employment opportunities available to workers who complete a maritime educational or career training program that the eligible institution proposes to develop1 offer1 or improve2 7iii7 an evaluation of prior demand for training programs by workers in the community served by the eligible institution1 as well as the availability and capacity of existing maritime training programs to meet future demand for training programs2 7iv7 any prior designation of an institution as a ,center of ,excellence for ,domestic ,maritime ,workforce ,training and ,education2 and 7v7 an evaluation of the previous experience of the eligible institution in providing maritime educational or career training programs4 7,b7 ,matching requirements ,a grant awarded under this subsection may not be used to satisfy any private matching requirement under any other provision of law4 7#f7 ,competitive awards 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall award grants under this subsection to eligible institutions on a competitive basis in accordance with guidelines and requirements established by the ,administrator under paragraph 7#b77;,b74 7,b7 ,timing of grant notice ,the ,administrator shall post a ,notice of ,funding ,opportunity regarding grants awarded under this subsection not more than #ij days after the date of enactment of the appropriations ,act for the fiscal year concerned4 7,c7 ,timing of grants ,the ,administrator shall award grants under this subsection not later than #bgj days after the date of the enactment of the appropriations ,act for the fiscal year concerned4 7,d7 ,application of requirements ,the requirements under subparagraphs 7,b7 and 7,c7 shall not apply until the guidelines required under paragraph 7#b77;,b7 have been promulgated4 7,e7 ,reuse of unexpended grant funds ,notwithstanding subparagraph 7,c71 amounts awarded as a grant under this subsection that are not expended by the grantee shall remain available to the ,administrator for use for grants under this subsection4 7,f7 ,administrative costs ,not more than #c percent of amounts made available to carry out this subsection may be used for the necessary costs of grant administration4 7#g7 ,eligible uses of grant funds ,an eligible institution receiving a grant under this subsection-- 7,a7 shall carry out activities that are identified as priorities for the purpose of developing1 offering1 or improving educational or career training programs for the ,united ,states maritime industry workforce2 7,b7 shall provide training to upgrade the skills of the ,united ,states maritime industry workforce1 including training to acquire covered requirements as well as technical skills training for jobs in the ,united ,states maritime industry2 and 7,c7 may use the grant funds to-- 7i7 admit additional students to maritime training programs2 7ii7 develop1 establish1 and annually update viable training capacity1 courses1 and mechanisms to rapidly upgrade skills and perform assessments of merchant mariners during time of war or a national emergency1 and to increase credentials for domestic or defense needs where training can decrease the gap in the numbers of qualified mariners for sealift2 7iii7 provide services to upgrade the skills of ,united ,states offshore wind marine service workers who transport1 install1 operate1 or maintain offshore wind components and turbines1 including training1 curriculum and career pathway development1 on-the-job training1 safety and health training1 and classroom training2 7iv7 expand existing or create new maritime training programs1 including through partnerships and memoranda of understanding with-- 7,i7 #d-year institutions of higher education2 7,,ii7 labor organizations2 7,,iii7 registered apprenticeship programs with the ,united ,states maritime industry2 or 7,,iv7 an entity described in subclause 7,i7 through 7,,iii7 that has a memorandum of understanding with #a or more employers in the maritime industry2 7v7 create new maritime career pathways2 7vi7 expand existing or create new training programs for transitioning military veterans to careers in the ,united ,states maritime industry2 7vii7 expand existing or create new training programs that address the needs of individuals with a barrier to employment1 as determined by the ,secretary in consultation with the ,secretary of ,labor1 in the ,united ,states maritime industry2 7viii7 purchase1 construct1 develop1 expand1 or improve training facilities1 buildings1 and equipment to deliver maritime training programs2 7ix7 recruit and train additional faculty to expand the maritime training programs offered by the institution2 7x7 provide financial assistance through scholarships or tuition waivers1 not to exceed the applicable tuition expenses associated with the covered programs2 7xi7 promote the use of distance learning that enables students to take courses through the use of teleconferencing1 the ,internet1 and other media technology2 7xii7 assist in providing services to address maritime workforce recruitment and training of youth residing in targeted high-poverty areas within empowerment zones and enterprise communities2 7xiii7 implement partnerships with national and regional organizations with special expertise in developing1 organizing1 and administering maritime workforce recruitment and training services2 7xiv7 carry out customized training in conjunction with-- 7,i7 an existing registered apprenticeship program or a pre-apprenticeship program that articulates to a registered apprenticeship program2 7,,ii7 a paid internship2 or 7,,iii7 a joint labor-management partnership2 7xv7 design1 develop1 and test an array of approaches to providing recruitment1 training1 or retention services1 to enhance diversity1 equity and inclusion in the ,united ,states maritime industry workforce2 7xvi7 in conjunction with employers1 organized labor1 other groups 7such as community coalitions71 and ,federal1 ,state1 or local agencies1 design1 develop1 and test various training approaches in order to determine effective practices2 or 7xvii7 assist in the development and replication of effective service delivery strategies for the ,united ,states maritime industry as a whole4 7#h7 ,public report ,not later than ,december #ae in each of the calendar years #bjbc through #bjbe1 the ,administrator shall make available on a publicly available website a report and provide a briefing to the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure of the ,house of ,representatives-- 7,a7 describing each grant awarded under this subsection during the preceding fiscal year2 7,b7 assessing the impact of each award of a grant under this subsection in a fiscal year preceding the fiscal year referred to in subparagraph 7,a7 on workers receiving training2 and 7,c7 the performance of the grant awarded with respect to the indicators of performance under section #aaf7;b77#b77;,a77i7 of the ,workforce ,innovation and ,opportunity ,act 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #cada7;b77#b77;,a77i774 7#i7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection #fj1jjj1jjj for each of the fiscal years #bjbc through #bjbg4 4 #cjg4 ,study on ,,cip program at the ,,usmma 7a7 ,findings ,congress finds the following3 7#a7 ,the ,united ,states ,merchant ,marine ,academy campus is nearly #hj years old and many of the buildings have fallen into a serious state of disrepair4 7#b7 ,except for renovations to student barracks in the early #bjjjs1 all of the buildings on campus have exceeded their useful life and need to be replaced or undergo major renovations4 7#c7 ,according to the ,maritime ,administration1 since #bjaa1 #bcd1jjj1jjj has been invested in capital improvements on the campus1 but partly due to poor planning and cost overruns1 maintenance and building replacement backlogs continue4 7b7 ,study ,the ,comptroller ,general shall conduct a study of the ,united ,states ,merchant ,marine ,academy ,capital ,improvement ,program4 ,the study shall include an evaluation of-- 7#a7 the actions the ,united ,states ,merchant ,marine ,academy has taken to bring the buildings1 infrastructure1 and other facilities on campus up to standards and the further actions that are required to do so2 7#b7 how the approach that the ,united ,states ,merchant ,marine ,academy uses to manage its capital assets meets leading practices2 7#c7 how cost estimates prepared for capital asset projects meet cost estimating leading practices2 7#d7 whether the ,united ,states ,merchant ,marine ,academy has adequate staff who are trained to identify needed capital projects1 estimate the cost of those projects1 perform building maintenance1 and manage capital improvement projects2 and 7#e7 how the ,united ,states ,merchant ,marine ,academy identifies and prioritizes capital construction needs1 and how that priority relates to the safety1 education1 and wellbeing of midshipmen4 7c7 ,report ,not later than #ah months after the date of enactment of this section1 the ,comptroller ,general 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 containing the results of the study under this section4 #cjh4 ,implementation of recommendations from the ,national ,academy of ,public ,administration 7a7 ,inspector ,general audit ,the ,inspector ,general of the ,department of ,transportation shall-- 7#a7 not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this section1 initiate an audit of the ,maritime ,administration's actions to address only recommendations #d4a through #d4c1 #d4g through #d4aa1 #e4a through #e4d1 #e4f1 #e4g1 #e4aa1 #e4ad1 #e4ae1 #e4af1 #f4a through #f4d1 #f4f1 and #f4g1 identified by a ,national ,academy of ,public ,administration panel in the ,november #bjba report entitled ,organizational ,assessment of the ,united ,states ,merchant ,marine ,academy3 ,a ,path ,forward2 and 7#b7 release publicly1 and submit to the appropriate committees of ,congress1 a report containing the results of the audit described in paragraph 7#a7 once the audit is completed4 7b7 ,agreement for study by national academy of public administration 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #cj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,transportation shall enter into an agreement with the ,national ,academy of ,public ,administration 7referred to in this section as the ,academy7 to provide support for-- 7,a7 prioritizing and addressing the recommendations described in subsection 7a77#a71 and establishing a process for prioritizing other recommendations in the future2 7,b7 development of long-term processes and a timeframe for long-term process improvements1 as well as corrective actions and best practice criteria that can be implemented in the medium- and near-term2 7,c7 establishment of a clear assignment of responsibility for implementation of each recommendation described in subsection 7a77#a71 and a strategy for assigning other recommendations in the future2 and 7,d7 a performance measurement system1 including data collection and tracking and evaluating progress toward goals4 7#b7 ,report of progress ,not later than #a year after the date of the agreement described in paragraph 7#a71 the ,academy shall prepare and submit a report of progress to the ,maritime ,administrator and the appropriate committees of ,congress4 7c7 ,prioritization and implementation plan 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,maritime ,administrator shall provide a prioritization and implementation plan to assess1 prioritize1 and address the recommendations identified by the ,national ,academy of ,public ,administration panel in the ,november #bjba report entitled ,organizational ,assessment of the ,united ,states ,merchant ,marine ,academy3 ,a ,path ,forward that are relevant to the ,maritime ,administration and not listed in subsection 7a77#a74 ,the prioritization and implementation plan shall-- 7,a7 make use of the strategies1 processes1 and systems described in subsection 7b77#a72 7,b7 include estimated timelines and cost estimates for implementation of priority goals2 7,c7 include summaries of stakeholder and interagency engagement used to assess goals and timelines2 and 7,d7 be released publicly and submitted to the appropriate committees of ,congress4 7#b7 ,audit and report ,the ,inspector ,general of the ,department of ,transportation shall-- 7,a7 not later than #ahj days after the date of publication of the prioritization and implementation plan described in paragraph 7#a71 initiate an audit of the ,maritime ,administration's actions to address the prioritization and implementation plan2 7,b7 not later than #b years after the date of publication of the prioritization and implementation plan1 and every #c years thereafter1 initiate an audit of the ,maritime ,administration's progress on the plan2 and 7,c7 release publicly and submit to the appropriate committees of ,congress a report containing the results of the audit once the audit is completed4 7d7 ,agreement for plan on capital improvements ,not later than #ij days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,maritime ,administration shall enter into an agreement with a ,federal construction agent to create a plan to execute capital improvements at the ,united ,states ,merchant ,marine ,academy4 7e7 ,appropriate committees of ,congress defined ,in this section1 the term appropriate committees of ,congress means the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate1 the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure of the ,house of ,representatives1 the ,appropriations ,subcommittees on ,transportation1 ,housing and ,urban ,development1 and ,related ,agencies of the ,senate and the ,house of ,representatives1 and the ,committees on ,armed ,services of the ,senate and the ,house of ,representatives4 #cji4 ,service ,academy faculty parity ,section #aje of title #ag1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in the heading of subsection 7b71 by deleting ,certain of ,works and inserting ,certain ,works2 7#b7 in the first subsection 7c71 by deleting ,the ,secretary of ,defense may and inserting ,the ,secretary of ,defense 7or1 with respect to the ,united ,states ,merchant ,marine ,academy1 the ,secretary of ,transportation1 or1 with respect to the ,united ,states ,coast ,guard ,academy1 the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security7 may2 7#c7 by redesignating the second subsection 7c7 as subsection 7d72 and 7#d7 in subsection 7d71 as redesignated by paragraph 7#c71 by adding at the end the following3 7,m7 ,united ,states ,merchant ,marine ,academy4 4 #caj4 ,updated ,requirements for ,fishing ,crew ,agreements ,section #ajfja7;b7 of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#b71 by striking and after the semicolon2 7#b7 by redesignating paragraph 7#c7 as paragraph 7#d72 and 7#c7 by inserting after paragraph 7#b7 the following3 7#c7 if the vessel is a catcher processor with more than #be crew1 require that the crewmember be served not less than #c meals a day that total not less than #c1ajj calories1 including adequate water and minerals in accordance with the ,untied ,states ,recommended ,daily ,allowances2 and 4 ,,iv ,technology innovation and resilience #dja4 ,maritime ,environmental and ,technical ,assistance ,program ,section #ejcjg of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking the subsection 7a7 enumerator and all that follows through ,transportation and inserting the following3 7a7 ,emerging ,marine ,technologies and ,practices 7#a7 ,in ,general ,the ,secretary of ,transportation 2 7#b7 in subsection 7b7-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#a7-- 7i7 by redesignating subparagraphs 7,a7 through 7,d7 as clauses 7i7 through 7iv71 respectively and adjusting the margins accordingly2 and 7ii7 in clause 7iv71 as redesignated by clause 7i71 by striking propeller cavitation and inserting incidental vessel-generated underwater noise1 such as noise from propeller cavitation or hydrodynamic flow2 and 7,b7 by redesignating paragraphs 7#a7 and 7#b7 as subparagraphs 7,a7 and 7,b71 respectively and adjusting the margins accordingly2 7#c7 in subsection 7c71 by redesignating paragraphs 7#a7 and 7#b7 as subparagraphs 7,a7 and 7,b71 respectively and adjusting the margins accordingly2 7#d7 in subsection 7e71 by redesignating paragraphs 7#a7 and 7#b7 as subparagraphs 7,a7 and 7,b71 respectively and adjusting the margins accordingly2 7#e7 by redesignating subsections 7b7 through 7d7 as paragraphs 7#b7 through 7#d71 respectively and adjusting the margins accordingly2 7#f7 by redesignating subsection 7e7 as subsection 7b72 7#g7 by striking subsection 7f72 7#h7 in subsection 7a7-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#a71 as designated under paragraph 7#a7 of this section-- 7i7 by inserting or support after engage in2 and 7ii7 by striking the use of public and all that follows through the end of the sentence and inserting eligible entities42 7,b7 in paragraph 7#b71 as redesignated under paragraph 7#e7 of this section-- 7i7 by striking this section and inserting this subsection2 and 7ii7 by striking or improve and inserting improve1 or support efforts related to12 7,c7 in paragraph 7#c71 as redesignated by paragraph 7#e7 of this section1 by striking under subsection 7b77#b7 may include and inserting with other ,federal agencies or with ,state1 local1 or ,tribal governments1 as appropriate1 under paragraph 7#b77;,b7 may include2 7,d7 in paragraph 7#d71 as redesignated by paragraph 7#e7 of this section-- 7i7 by striking academic1 public1 private1 and nongovernmental entities and facilities and inserting eligible entities2 and 7ii7 by striking subsection 7a7 and inserting this subsection2 and 7,e7 by adding at the end the following3 7#e7 ,grants ,subject to the availability of appropriations1 the ,maritime ,administrator1 may establish and carry out a competitive grant program to award grants to eligible entities for projects in the ,united ,states consistent with the goals of this subsection to study1 evaluate1 test1 demonstrate1 or apply technologies and practices to improve environmental performance4 2 7#i7 in subsection 7b71 as redesignated by paragraph 7#f7 of this section1 by striking subsection 7b77#a7 and inserting this section2 and 7#aj7 by adding at the end the following3 7c7 ,vessels ,activities carried out under a grant or cooperative agreement made under this section may be conducted on public vessels under the control of the ,maritime ,administration1 upon approval of the ,maritime ,administrator4 7d7 ,eligible entity defined ,in this section1 the term eligible entity means-- 7#a7 a private entity1 including a nonprofit organization2 7#b7 a ,state1 regional1 local1 or ,tribal government or entity1 including special districts2 7#c7 an institution of higher education as defined under section #ajb of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajjb72 and 7#d7 a partnership or collaboration of entities described in paragraphs 7#a7 through 7#c74 7e7 ,center for ,maritime ,innovation 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of the ,maritime ,administration ,authorization ,act for ,fiscal ,year #bjbc1 the ,secretary of ,transportation shall1 through a cooperative agreement1 establish a ,united ,states ,center for ,maritime ,innovation 7referred to in this subsection as the ,center7 to support the study1 research1 development1 assessment1 and deployment of emerging marine technologies and practices related to the maritime transportation system4 7#b7 ,selection ,the ,center shall be-- 7,a7 selected through a competitive process2 7,b7 a nonprofit organization based in the ,united ,states with technical expertise in emerging marine technologies and practices related to the maritime transportation system2 and 7,c7 located in close proximity to eligible entities with expertise in ,united ,states emerging marine technologies and practices1 including the use of alternative fuels and the development of both vessel and shoreside infrastructure4 7#c7 ,coordination ,the ,secretary of ,transportation shall coordinate with other agencies critical for science1 research1 and regulation of emerging marine technologies for the maritime sector1 including the ,department of ,energy1 the ,environmental ,protection ,agency1 and the ,coast ,guard1 when establishing the ,center4 7#d7 ,functions ,the ,center shall-- 7,a7 support eligible entities regarding the development and use of clean energy and necessary infrastructure to support the deployment of clean energy on vessels of the ,united ,states2 7,b7 monitor and assess1 on an ongoing basis1 the current state of knowledge regarding emerging marine technologies in the ,united ,states2 7,c7 identify any significant gaps in emerging marine technologies research specific to the ,united ,states maritime industry1 and seek to fill those gaps2 7,d7 conduct research1 development1 testing1 and evaluation for equipment1 technologies1 and techniques to address the components under subsection 7a77#b72 7,e7 provide-- 7i7 guidance on best available technologies2 7ii7 technical analysis2 7iii7 assistance with understanding complex regulatory requirements2 and 7iv7 documentation of best practices in the maritime industry1 including training and informational webinars on solutions for the maritime industry2 and 7,f7 work with academic and private sector response training centers to develop maritime strategies applicable to various segments of the ,united ,states maritime industry1 including the inland1 deep water1 and coastal fleets4 4 #djb4 ,quieting ,federal non-combative vessels 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,defense1 in consultation with the ,administrator of the ,national ,oceanic and ,atmospheric ,administration1 the ,administrator of the ,maritime ,administration1 and the ,secretary of the department in which the ,coast ,guard is operating1 shall1 not later than #ah months after the date of enactment of this section1 submit a report to the committees identified under subsection 7b7 and publish an unclassified report-- 7#a7 identifying existing1 at the time of submission1 non-classified naval technologies that reduce underwater noise2 and 7#b7 evaluating the effectiveness and feasibility of incorporating such technologies in the design1 procurement1 and construction of non-combatant vessels of the ,united ,states4 7b7 ,committees ,the report under subsection 7a7 shall be submitted the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure of the ,house of ,representatives4 7c7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary of ,defense for carrying out this section1 #ajj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbb1 to remain available until expended4 #djc4 ,study on stormwater impacts on salmon 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #ij days after the date of enactment of this section1 the ,administrator of the ,national ,oceanic and ,atmospheric ,administration1 in concert with the ,secretary of ,transportation and the ,administrator of the ,environmental ,protection ,agency1 shall commence a study that-- 7#a7 examines the existing science on tire-related chemicals in stormwater runoff at ports and associated transportation infrastructure and the impacts of such chemicals on ,pacific salmon and steelhead2 7#b7 examines the challenges of studying tire-related chemicals in stormwater runoff at ports and associated transportation infrastructure and the impacts of such chemicals on ,pacific salmon and steelhead2 7#c7 provides recommendations for improving monitoring of stormwater and research related to run-off for tire-related chemicals and the impacts of such chemicals on ,pacific salmon and steelhead at ports and associated transportation infrastructure near ports2 and 7#d7 provides recommendations based on the best available science on relevant management approaches at ports and associated transportation infrastructure under their respective jurisdictions4 7b7 ,submission of study ,not later than #ah months after commencing the study under subsection 7a71 the ,administrator of the ,national ,oceanic and ,atmospheric ,administration1 in concert with the ,secretary of ,transportation and the ,administrator of the ,environmental ,protection ,agency1 shall-- 7#a7 submit the study to the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure of the ,house of ,representatives1 including detailing any findings from the study2 and 7#b7 make such study publicly available4