Coast Guard Personnel Equipment Act
- Sponsor
- Sen. Graham, Lindsey [R-SC]
- Committees
- Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee (primary)
- Last action
- May 14, 2026
Bottom line
This bill expands existing "Buy American" provisions to include the U.S. Coast Guard, mandating domestic sourcing for specified personnel equipment.
What it actually does
This bill amends Section 4862 of title 10, United States Code, to explicitly extend existing "Buy American" requirements for certain articles—such as food, clothing, tents, and tools—to the U.S. Coast Guard. It clarifies that these requirements apply to the Coast Guard whether it is operating under the Department of Defense or, as is more common, under the Department of Homeland Security. The aim is to ensure that the Coast Guard, like other branches of the Armed Forces, prioritizes American-made goods for its personnel equipment.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this legislation strengthens the domestic manufacturing base, supports American jobs, and enhances national security by reducing reliance on foreign supply chains for critical equipment used by Coast Guard personnel. They contend it ensures consistency in procurement policy across all branches of the Armed Forces, promoting economic resilience and strategic independence.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that mandating domestic sourcing could increase procurement costs for the Coast Guard by limiting competition and potentially forcing the purchase of more expensive domestic goods when cheaper, equally effective foreign alternatives are available. This could strain the Coast Guard's budget, potentially leading to delays in acquiring necessary equipment or diverting funds from other critical operational areas.
The bill text is exceptionally short and clear, allowing for a complete understanding of its provisions in a very short amount of time.
Section 2, amending 10 U.S.C. 4862
Expanding 'Buy American' Requirements to the Coast Guard
This provision modifies existing law (10 U.S.C. 4862) to explicitly include the U.S. Coast Guard under the "Buy American" requirements for certain articles, such as food, clothing, tents, and tools. It clarifies that these requirements apply whether the Coast Guard is operating as a service in the Navy (under the Department of Defense) or, more commonly, under the Department of Homeland Security. This ensures that the Coast Guard, like other branches of the Armed Forces, prioritizes American-made goods for its personnel equipment, and specifies that the Secretary of Homeland Security will consult with the Secretary of Defense on these matters.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision strengthens the domestic industrial base, creates and sustains American jobs, and enhances national security by reducing reliance on foreign supply chains for essential equipment used by Coast Guard personnel. It also harmonizes procurement policies across all branches of the Armed Forces, ensuring a consistent approach to national security sourcing.
Critics contend
Critics might contend that this provision could lead to increased costs for the Coast Guard by limiting competition and potentially forcing them to purchase more expensive domestic goods when cheaper, equally effective foreign alternatives are available. This could strain the Coast Guard's budget and potentially delay procurement of critical items.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the goal of supporting domestic industry and enhancing national security through supply chain resilience against the potential for higher procurement costs and reduced flexibility for the Coast Guard in its purchasing decisions.