New Civilian Secretary of the Coast Guard: Reorganizing Maritime Security Leadership.
This Act establishes a new civilian position, the Secretary of the Coast Guard, to oversee all operations and administration of the service. This change aims to enhance efficiency and civilian control over the Coast Guard, potentially leading to improved maritime safety and more effective rescue operations. The new Secretary will report directly to the Secretary of Homeland Security, altering the existing chain of command.
Key points
Creation of a civilian Secretary of the Coast Guard, appointed by the President, who will assume primary administrative and operational duties (e.g., recruiting, supplying, training).
The Commandant of the Coast Guard will now report directly to the new Secretary, centralizing civilian oversight of the service.
The new Secretary must be a civilian, with restrictions preventing recently retired military officers from being appointed to the role (5-year cooling-off period).
Introduced
Additional Information
Print number: 119_S_1190
Sponsor: Sen. Scott, Rick [R-FL]
Process start date: 2025-03-27