Amend section 1151 of title 14, United States Code, to modify the restriction on construction of Coast Guard vessels in foreign shipyards.

This bill would let the Coast Guard build or buy some ships from certain allied countries when it makes clear sense for speed and cost. The President could approve an exception to the usual “build in the U.S.” rule if Congress is notified and 30 days pass, and only if strict tests are met: the shipyard must be in a NATO country or a country with a U.S. defense treaty in the Indo‑Pacific; building there must cost less than in the U.S.; and the foreign yard can deliver at least 18 months sooner than a U.S. yard. The President must also certify the foreign yard has, within the last five years, shown it can design and deliver ships that fit Coast Guard missions, at lower cost and faster than U.S. yards. The Coast Guard could also buy a completed vessel from these allies if the ally’s government gives a warranty to the U.S.

• Who is affected: Coast Guard, U.S. shipyards, and allied shipyards in NATO or Indo‑Pacific treaty countries
• What changes: Allows limited exceptions to build or buy Coast Guard ships overseas, with cost, speed, and ally checks; requires President’s approval, notice to Congress, and in some cases a government warranty from the ally’s country
• When it can happen: After the President certifies the conditions are met and 30 days after Congress is notified

Small communities and Coast Guard crews could see newer ships arrive faster if U.S. yards are backlogged or more costly. At the same time, the plan limits this to trusted allies and requires savings and quicker delivery to protect taxpayers.