Sponsors (2)
The bill centralizes civilian leadership and accelerates a DHS reorganization to improve oversight and accountability of the Coast Guard, but it raises administrative costs, restricts immediate access to some experienced officers for senior posts, and risks short‑term operational confusion during authority transfers.
Coast Guard personnel and federal employees gain a dedicated, Senate‑confirmed civilian head and clearer chain of command, which should streamline leadership and increase civilian accountability for Coast Guard operations.
Clarifying reporting lines so the Coast Guard Commandant reports to a civilian Secretary strengthens civilian oversight of operations and decision‑making.
Congress and stakeholders receive a DHS reorganization plan within 30 days, providing a concrete timetable and specifics for implementing the changes.
Transferring authorities among DHS, DOD, and the Navy and updating cross‑references could cause short‑term confusion over legal authorities and operational responsibilities, risking disruptions to missions.
A five‑year bar on appointing recently relieved regular commissioned officers to certain roles may limit the pool of experienced leadership candidates and complicate leadership transitions.
Creating a new Cabinet‑level position and associated staff likely increases federal administrative costs that would be borne by taxpayers.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Creates a Senate‑confirmed civilian Secretary of the Coast Guard, transfers statutory authorities from DHS/Commandant to that Secretary, and requires a DHS reorganization plan to implement the change.
Official title: Establish a Secretary of the Coast Guard, and for other purposes.
Introduced March 27, 2025 by Richard Lynn Scott · Last progress March 27, 2025
Creates a new, Senate‑confirmed civilian Secretary of the Coast Guard who will have principal statutory authority over the Coast Guard, moves specified functions and reporting lines away from the Department of Homeland Security and the Coast Guard Commandant to that new Secretary, updates related provisions in Titles 6, 10, and 14 U.S.C., and requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to submit a detailed reorganization plan to Congress within 30 days identifying personnel, funds, assets, transfers, an effective date, and any needed legislative changes.