Bill > S1190

This bill establishes a new position of Secretary of the Coast Guard, who will be a civilian appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, with significant leadership responsibilities for the Coast Guard. The Secretary will be responsible for all Coast Guard affairs, including recruiting, organizing, training, equipping, and maintaining the service, while operating under the broader authority of the Secretary of Homeland Security. The bill specifies that the Secretary cannot be a recently retired military officer (within 5 years of active duty) and must be highly qualified based on background and experience. The legislation requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to submit a detailed reorganization plan within 30 days of the bill's enactment, outlining how responsibilities will be transferred from the current Commandant to the new Secretary, including recommendations for legislative changes, steps for transferring responsibilities, and specifying how assets, contracts, and funds will be managed. The bill also clarifies the role of the Commandant, who will now directly report to the new Secretary of the Coast Guard and assist in carrying out the organization's responsibilities. This restructuring aims to provide more clear leadership and potentially improve the efficiency and management of the Coast Guard.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1190/all-info