Defense Community Infrastructure Program Revisions Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Patronis, Jimmy [R-FL-1]
- Committees
- Armed Services Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Apr 28, 2026
Bottom line
This bill integrates Coast Guard facilities into a Department of Defense infrastructure support program, aiming to enhance community support for Coast Guard operations and personnel.
What it actually does
This bill amends title 10, United States Code, to expand the Defense Community Infrastructure Program (DCIP) to include installations of the Coast Guard. It mandates that the Secretary of Defense seek concurrence from the Commandant of the Coast Guard when assessing and prioritizing projects related to Coast Guard installations and clarifies that grants can support any Coast Guard mission authorized under existing law.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue this bill will improve the quality of life and operational readiness for Coast Guard personnel and their families by allowing their surrounding communities to access federal funding for critical infrastructure projects. They contend it addresses an existing disparity where other military branches benefit from such programs while the Coast Guard, despite its vital national security role, does not.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that expanding the program to include the Coast Guard, which falls under the Department of Homeland Security, could dilute the focus or strain the budget of a program primarily intended for Department of Defense installations. They might also raise concerns about potential administrative complexities or the precedent of inter-departmental funding for infrastructure.
The bill is very short and straightforward, making it highly accessible for a quick review.
Section 2, amending Section 2391 of title 10, United States Code
Inclusion of Coast Guard Installations in Defense Community Infrastructure Program
This provision amends federal law to explicitly include Coast Guard installations within the scope of the Defense Community Infrastructure Program (DCIP). This means that communities supporting Coast Guard bases can now apply for grants and funding from the Department of Defense to improve infrastructure that benefits both the community and the Coast Guard's operations, such as roads, utilities, or schools. It also mandates that the Secretary of Defense consult with the Commandant of the Coast Guard when selecting and prioritizing these projects.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this expansion is a logical and necessary step to ensure that communities supporting Coast Guard installations receive the same federal assistance for critical infrastructure as those supporting other military branches. They contend it will bolster the Coast Guard's operational effectiveness and improve the well-being of its service members by strengthening the surrounding communities.
Critics contend
Opponents might express concern that this expansion could strain the existing DCIP budget, potentially diverting funds from projects intended for traditional DoD installations. They might also argue that the Coast Guard, being under DHS, should seek funding through DHS-specific programs rather than expanding a DoD program.
Tradeoffs
The bill balances the desire to provide equitable support to all military branches, including the Coast Guard, with potential concerns about resource allocation and administrative complexity within a DoD-managed program. It aims to leverage an existing, effective program for a broader national security benefit.
Specifies that grants made under this section for Coast Guard-related projects shall be available to support any Coast Guard mission authorized under section 888 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 468).
Section 2(1)(B), adding new paragraph (5)(B) to subsection (d) of Section 2391 of title 10
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice to avoid reprinting lengthy statutory text and to ensure consistency with existing law. It is not intended to be evasive.
Case for: Supporters argue this ensures that the DCIP funding for Coast Guard communities directly aligns with the Coast Guard's legally defined responsibilities, providing clarity and preventing misuse of funds for non-mission-critical activities.
Case against: Critics might argue that relying on external statutory references makes the bill less self-contained and harder for a casual reader to fully comprehend without additional research.
Estimated impact: This clarifies the programmatic scope for Coast Guard-related projects, ensuring that any infrastructure improvements supported by DCIP grants directly contribute to the Coast Guard's broad range of duties, which include maritime safety, security, and environmental protection.