Bill · S. 5069· Senate(119-S-5069)
Coast Guard Leadership Modernization Act
- Introduced
- 7/22/2026
- Last activity
- 7/22/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Sponsored by
- Rick Scott
- Cosponsors
- - 2 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Coast Guard Leadership Modernization Act seeks to establish a Secretary of the Coast Guard. This new position is to be appointed from civilian life by the President with Senate advice and consent. The bill also creates an Under Secretary of the Coast Guard to assist. Additionally, the Commandant of the Coast Guard would report directly to the new Secretary of the Coast Guard. The act involves several amendments to the Homeland Security Act of 2002, Title 10, and Title 14 of the United States Code.
Yes
Does this give the federal government more power?+2
The bill centralizes authority by establishing a new Secretary of the Coast Guard with direct supervisory power over the Commandant.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+1
The bill establishes clear reporting lines and leadership hierarchies for the Coast Guard.
Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive?+1
The establishment of a Secretary of the Coast Guard creates a more structured civilian leadership hierarchy within the maritime security framework.
The opposite
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?-3
The bill includes a specific restriction prohibiting individuals from serving as Secretary if they were relieved from active duty as a commissioned officer within the last 7 years.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Qualified Leadership: The bill mandates that the Secretary of the Coast Guard be appointed from individuals who are highly qualified through their background and experience, specifically including management and leadership experience (Section 2(a)(1)(A)).
-
Civilian Oversight: The Secretary and the Under Secretary are both required to be appointed from civilian life (Section 2(a)(1)(A) and Section 2(a)(1)(B)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Restrictions on Military Personnel: An individual is prohibited from being appointed as the Secretary of the Coast Guard if they have been relieved from active duty as a commissioned officer of a regular component of an armed force within the last 7 years (Section 2(a)(1)(A)).
-
Role Limitations: No officer currently serving in certain specific roles under the described subsections may be appointed to carry out the duties of the Secretary of the Coast Guard (Section 2(a)(1)(A)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Veterans-3
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+2Improves Government Transparency+1
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Veterans Benefits+1
- 7/22/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
Dan SullivanRepublican · Alaska
Tommy TubervilleRepublican · Alabama