Coast Guard Improvement Act of 2025
- Sponsor
- Sen. Scott, Rick [R-FL]
- Committees
- Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Mar 27, 2025
Bottom line
This bill fundamentally alters the command structure of the U.S. Coast Guard by inserting a civilian Secretary between the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Commandant, aiming to enhance civilian oversight and administrative efficiency.
What it actually does
This bill establishes a new civilian position, Secretary of the Coast Guard, within the Department of Homeland Security, who will be appointed by the President with Senate consent. This new Secretary will serve as the head of the Coast Guard, reporting directly to the Secretary of Homeland Security, and will oversee all Coast Guard affairs, including recruiting, organizing, equipping, and training. The Commandant of the Coast Guard will then report to this new civilian Secretary, fundamentally altering the service's command structure.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that establishing a civilian Secretary of the Coast Guard would provide a dedicated civilian leader focused solely on the Coast Guard's administrative and policy needs, similar to the civilian Secretaries of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. This would enhance civilian oversight, improve strategic planning, and ensure the Coast Guard's unique missions within DHS are adequately represented and resourced, while allowing the uniformed Commandant to focus on operational matters.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that this adds an unnecessary bureaucratic layer, potentially slowing down decision-making and creating redundancy without clear benefits. They might contend that the current structure, where the Commandant reports directly to the Secretary of Homeland Security, is efficient and that adding another political appointee could politicize the service or dilute the Commandant's authority, especially given the Coast Guard's dual military and law enforcement roles.
The bill is concise and relatively straightforward, allowing for a quick understanding of its core changes within a short reading time.
Section 2(a)(1)(A) amending 6 U.S.C. 113(c); Section 2(a)(3)(A) amending 14 U.S.C. 501(b)
Creation of Civilian Secretary of the Coast Guard
This provision establishes the position of Secretary of the Coast Guard, a civilian appointed by the President with Senate consent, to serve as the head of the Coast Guard. This individual reports directly to the Secretary of Homeland Security and is responsible for all administrative and policy affairs of the Coast Guard, including recruiting, organizing, supplying, equipping, training, and maintaining the service.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provides dedicated civilian leadership and oversight for the Coast Guard, aligning its structure more closely with other military services (Army, Navy, Air Force) which have civilian secretaries. This would ensure the Coast Guard's unique needs are championed within DHS.
Critics contend
Critics might argue this adds an unnecessary layer of bureaucracy, potentially complicating the chain of command and decision-making processes within the Coast Guard and DHS.
Tradeoffs
Balances the desire for dedicated civilian oversight and advocacy for the Coast Guard against concerns about increased bureaucracy and potential dilution of the Commandant's authority.
Section 2(a)(1)(A) amending 6 U.S.C. 113(d); Section 2(a)(3)(B) amending 14 U.S.C. 505
Commandant Reports to New Secretary
This provision amends existing law to stipulate that the Commandant of the Coast Guard will report directly to the newly established Secretary of the Coast Guard, rather than directly to the Secretary of Homeland Security, when the Coast Guard is operating within DHS. When the Coast Guard operates as a service in the Navy, the Commandant reports directly to the Secretary of the Navy.
Section 2(a)(3)(A) amending 14 U.S.C. 501(b)(2)
Civilian Appointment Requirement and "Cooling-Off" Period
This provision specifies that the Secretary of the Coast Guard must be appointed from civilian life and cannot be an individual relieved from active duty as a commissioned officer of any Armed Force within the preceding 5 years. This ensures a civilian perspective and prevents an immediate transition from military command to civilian oversight of the same service.
Section 2(b)
DHS Reorganization Plan
This provision mandates the Secretary of Homeland Security to submit a reorganization plan to Congress within 30 days of the Act's enactment. This plan must detail the number of military and civilian personnel for the new Office of the Secretary of the Coast Guard, necessary departmental reorganizations, legislative changes to transfer responsibilities, and the disposition of assets and funds.
This provision amends 6 U.S.C. 468(f) to specify that when the Coast Guard is operating as a service in the Navy, the Commandant shall report directly to the Secretary of the Navy.
Section 2(a)(1)(B)
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice for handling specific conditions or exceptions in existing law, ensuring clarity for particular operational scenarios.
Case for: Supporters argue this clarifies the chain of command during specific operational transfers, ensuring continuity and appropriate authority when the Coast Guard is under Navy command, which is critical during wartime or national emergencies.
Case against: No direct case against this provision, as it serves as a technical clarification to an existing statutory framework.
Estimated impact: This provision provides a minor but important clarification of the command structure during specific, temporary transfers of the Coast Guard to the Department of the Navy.