Coast Guard Improvement Act of 2025
Sponsored By: Senator Scott, Rick [R-FL]
Introduced
Summary
Elevates the Coast Guard to a secretary-level leader within the Department of Homeland Security. This bill would create a President-appointed, Senate-confirmed Secretary of the Coast Guard who reports directly to the Secretary of Homeland Security and oversees Coast Guard policy, programs, and budgets.
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- Coast Guard leaders and personnel: Would create a Secretary of the Coast Guard appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. That Secretary would exercise powers under title 14 and direct the service when it operates under DHS authority.
- Commandant and chain of command: Establishes a Commandant who would be appointed as provided in current law and report directly to the Secretary of the Coast Guard. The Commandant would perform duties assigned by the Secretary and those required by title 14.
- Reorganization and legal updates: Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to submit a comprehensive reorganization plan within 30 days covering personnel assigned to the new Office of the Secretary of the Coast Guard, transfers of responsibilities, disposition of property and funds, and recommended legislative changes including titles 10 and 14. The plan must consider the Coast Guard's role when serving under the Navy and be shared with specified House and Senate committees.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Commandant reports to Coast Guard Secretary
This bill would make the Commandant report directly to the Secretary of the Coast Guard. The Commandant would be appointed as provided in law and would assist the Secretary. The Commandant would carry out duties the Secretary assigns, including recruiting, training, equipping, readiness, and administration. If the Coast Guard is operating as a service in the Navy, the Commandant would report to the Secretary of the Navy.
Create civilian Coast Guard Secretary
This bill would create a civilian Secretary of the Coast Guard. The President would appoint the Secretary with Senate approval. The Secretary would run the Coast Guard and report directly to the Secretary of Homeland Security. A person could not be appointed within five years after leaving active duty as a commissioned officer. The bill would also update some Title 10 cross-references to name the Secretary of the Coast Guard.
DHS must send reorganization plan
This bill would require the Secretary of Homeland Security to submit a reorganization plan within 30 days of enactment. The plan would say how many military and civilian Coast Guard staff join the new Office and list laws that need changing. It would describe steps to move duties, which property and contracts transfer, which funds move, and the date the plan becomes effective. The Secretary could revise the plan before it takes effect. The bill names which House and Senate committees must receive the plan.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Scott, Rick [R-FL]
FL • R
Cosponsors
Shelley Capito
WV • R
Sponsored 3/27/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov