Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
The bill creates a new civilian position, the Secretary of the Coast Guard, appointed by the President with Senate confirmation, and embeds that office into the Homeland Security Act and Title 14.
It defines the Secretary's authorities and duties, makes the Commandant subordinate to the Secretary (except when the Coast Guard operates under the Navy), imposes a five‑year post‑service cooling-off for former officers, and requires DHS to submit a reorganization plan within 30 days detailing personnel, asset, and budget transfers and implementation timing.
The measure includes delegation authorities and cross‑reference changes in Titles 10 and 14 to reflect the new office.
Moderate institutional bill with tangible implementation needs; passage depends on committee buy‑in and executive branch stance rather than raw ideology.
Relative to its intended legislative type, this bill is a clearly drafted substantive change that specifies statutory amendments and operational authorities for a newly established Secretary of the Coast Guard, with concrete appointment rules and duties and an immediate requirement for a DHS reorganization plan.
Supporters emphasize civilian accountability and management focus
Supporters emphasize civilian accountability and management focus
Likely broadly favorable: the bill creates a civilian, Senate‑confirmed head focused on Coast Guard management and accountability.
Supporters would see potential to improve oversight, workforce conditions, and policy alignment with broader security and maritime missions, while still remaining under DHS.
Cautiously optimistic: the reform clarifies leadership and may improve efficiency, but implementation details matter.
Support hinges on a smooth, well‑resourced transition and clear limits on added costs or operational gaps.
Skeptical to opposed: the bill creates an additional federal executive post and expands civilian bureaucracy.
Concerns center on cost, federal overreach, and interference with military command when the Coast Guard operates with the Navy.
Reached or meaningfully advanced
Reached or meaningfully advanced
Still ahead
Still ahead
Still ahead
Moderate institutional bill with tangible implementation needs; passage depends on committee buy‑in and executive branch stance rather than raw ideology.
The bill has not accumulated any surfaced votes yet.
Supporters emphasize civilian accountability and management focus
Moderate institutional bill with tangible implementation needs; passage depends on committee buy‑in and executive branch stance rather than…
Relative to its intended legislative type, this bill is a clearly drafted substantive change that specifies statutory amendments and operational authorities for a newly established Secretary of the Coast Guard, with con…
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