Coast Guard Leadership Modernization Act
- Sponsor
- Sen. Scott, Rick [R-FL]
- Committees
- Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jul 22, 2026
Bottom line
The bill creates a dedicated civilian Secretarial layer for the U.S. Coast Guard, aiming to modernize its leadership structure and align it more closely with other military branches.
What it actually does
This bill establishes a new civilian Secretary of the Coast Guard and an Under Secretary of the Coast Guard within the Department of Homeland Security. It fundamentally alters the Coast Guard's leadership structure by requiring the Commandant of the Coast Guard to report directly to this new civilian Secretary, rather than the Secretary of Homeland Security, and makes conforming amendments across relevant titles of the U.S. Code.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that establishing a dedicated civilian Secretary for the Coast Guard will provide focused strategic leadership, enhance accountability, and ensure the service's unique blend of military, law enforcement, and humanitarian missions receives appropriate high-level attention and advocacy within the Department of Homeland Security and across the interagency.
Opponents contend
Opponents might contend that introducing two new civilian leadership layers could add unnecessary bureaucracy, potentially slowing down critical operational decision-making, diluting the Commandant's direct access to the Secretary of Homeland Security, and raising questions about the Coast Guard's distinct dual military/law enforcement role.
The bill is concise and straightforward, allowing for a quick and thorough understanding of its proposed structural changes.
Section 2(a)(1)(B), amending 6 U.S.C. 113
Creation of Civilian Secretary of the Coast Guard
This provision establishes a new civilian position, the Secretary of the Coast Guard, to be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. This Secretary will report directly to the Secretary of Homeland Security and will be responsible for the overall supervision of the Coast Guard. The individual appointed must be from civilian life and cannot have served as a commissioned officer in a regular component of an armed force within the last seven years, ensuring civilian control.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this creates dedicated civilian leadership for the Coast Guard, similar to the Secretaries of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, ensuring focused strategic direction and accountability for the service's unique missions.
Critics contend
Critics might contend that this adds an unnecessary layer of bureaucracy, potentially hindering the agility and responsiveness of the Coast Guard, which often operates in time-sensitive law enforcement and national security roles.
Tradeoffs
Balances the desire for dedicated civilian oversight and strategic alignment with other military branches against concerns about increased bureaucracy and potential dilution of the Commandant's operational authority.
Section 2(a)(1)(B), amending 6 U.S.C. 113
Creation of Civilian Under Secretary of the Coast Guard
This provision establishes an Under Secretary of the Coast Guard, also appointed from civilian life by the President with Senate consent. This individual will assist the new Secretary of the Coast Guard in performing their prescribed duties and exercising their powers, providing additional civilian leadership capacity to the newly formed office.
Section 2(a)(1)(C), amending 6 U.S.C. 113(d)
Commandant Reports to New Secretary of the Coast Guard
This provision changes the reporting structure for the Commandant of the Coast Guard. Instead of reporting directly to the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Commandant will now report directly to the newly established Secretary of the Coast Guard. The Commandant retains the ability to provide advice to the President, National Security Council, Homeland Security Council, Secretary of Defense, or Secretary of Homeland Security after first informing the Secretary of the Coast Guard.
Section 2(b), amending 10 U.S.C. 101(a)(9)(D), 822(a), and 8013a
Integration of New Secretary into Armed Forces Code
This provision makes several technical amendments to Title 10 of the U.S. Code, which governs the Armed Forces. It updates references to reflect the new Secretary of the Coast Guard, ensuring that the Coast Guard's status as an armed force and its relationship with the Department of Defense are appropriately maintained under the new leadership structure. For example, it includes the Secretary of Homeland Security in the list of officials the Secretary of the Coast Guard reports to in certain contexts, and updates references to the Secretary of Homeland Security to the Secretary of the Coast Guard where appropriate for Coast Guard matters.
Section 2(c), amending 14 U.S.C. 502(a), 505, and 507
Updates to Coast Guard-Specific Authorities
This provision amends Title 14 of the U.S. Code, which specifically governs the Coast Guard. It updates references to "the Commandant" or "the Secretary" to explicitly include or refer to the "Secretary of the Coast Guard" where appropriate, ensuring that the new civilian Secretary has the necessary statutory authority and general supervision over Coast Guard operations and administration.
Updates an outdated reference in the Homeland Security Act of 2002 regarding the Coast Guard's transfer to the Department, ensuring the new Secretary of the Coast Guard is the referenced authority.
Section 2(a)(2)
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice to update cross-references and ensure consistency across the U.S. Code following a primary policy change, rather than an attempt to obscure its impact.
Case for: Ensures legal clarity and removes obsolete language, preventing potential confusion regarding the Coast Guard's departmental placement and leadership under the new structure.
Case against: No significant case against, as it's a technical cleanup necessary for legal consistency.
Estimated impact: Minimal, purely administrative, clarifying existing statutory language.