S.Amdt. 2911

SA 2911, submitted by Mr. Schatz, aims to add a section to bill S. 2296 to create the Indo-Pacific Maritime Security Initiative. The purpose is to have the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security work together to strengthen maritime security partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region using assets from both departments.

Goals of the Initiative

The program aims to achieve the following:

• Improve cooperation between the Navy, Coast Guard, and maritime forces of partner and allied countries in the region.
• Increase participation in regional organizations focused on maritime security, ocean conservation, and fisheries policies.
• Strengthen efforts regarding marine environment protection, disaster resilience, maritime domain awareness, and the fight against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.
• Improve logistics to better supply remote areas after natural disasters or extreme weather.
• Boost the presence of Coast Guard capabilities for maritime protection, law enforcement, and capacity-building.
• Develop and deploy technology to improve disaster response and the monitoring of marine resources and fisheries.

Required Strategy

The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security must provide Congress with a joint strategy within one year that includes:

• A review of current U.S. efforts regarding disaster resilience, environmental protection, and maritime security in the region.
• An assessment of the advisability of expanding shiprider agreements, routine Navy and Coast Guard port calls, and joint exercises for disaster relief and humanitarian assistance.
• An evaluation of how to increase Coast Guard personnel and cutters in the region, including a look at budgetary constraints and logistical or personnel challenges regarding long-range and medium-range cutters.