S.Amdt. 3131

This amendment, submitted by Mr. Scott of Florida, proposes to add the Coast Guard Improvement Act of 2025 to bill S. 2296. The primary purpose of this amendment is to create a new leadership structure for the Coast Guard by establishing the position of Secretary of the Coast Guard.

The amendment aims to change and add the following to the bill:

• New Leadership Roles: It creates the position of Secretary of the Coast Guard and Under Secretary of the Coast Guard, both appointed by the President. The Secretary of the Coast Guard would serve as the head of the Coast Guard, subject to the oversight of the Secretary.

• Appointment Rules: The Secretary of the Coast Guard must be appointed from civilian life. There is a 5-year waiting period after an individual is relieved from active duty as a commissioned officer before they can be appointed. Additionally, those serving under section 103(a) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 cannot be appointed.

• Responsibilities: The Secretary of the Coast Guard is given authority over Coast Guard affairs, including:

  • Recruiting, organizing, supplying, and equipping.
  • Training, servicing, mobilizing, and demobilizing.
  • Administering personnel morale and welfare.
  • Construction and maintenance of military equipment and facilities.
  • Intelligence activities and policy formulation consistent with national security objectives.

• Reporting Structure: The Commandant would now report directly to the Secretary of the Coast Guard.

• Operational Transfers: If the Coast Guard transfers to operate as a service in the Navy, the Secretary of the Coast Guard also transfers to the Department of the Navy and becomes subordinate to the Secretary of the Navy.

• Reorganization Plan: The Secretary of Homeland Security must submit a plan to Congress within one year of the Act's enactment. This plan must detail how responsibilities, personnel, property, and funds will be transferred to the new Office of the Secretary of the Coast Guard.