Ensuring Coast Guard Readiness Act

This bill would let the President make rare exceptions so the Coast Guard can have new ships built in certain allied countries if it helps national security and saves money compared to building in the U.S. The shipyard must be in a NATO nation or a country in the Indo‑Pacific that has a defense treaty with the U.S. The Coast Guard must also confirm the yard is not owned or run by a Chinese company, or by a multinational based in China. Before any contract moves forward, Congress must be notified, and there’s a 30‑day wait period after that notice is received.

Key points

• Who is affected: Coast Guard, U.S. and allied shipbuilders, and taxpayers who fund shipbuilding.
• What changes: Allows foreign construction of Coast Guard ships in specific allied countries if it’s in the national security interest and cheaper than U.S. construction; requires a certification that no Chinese-owned or China‑based company is involved; requires notice to Congress and a 30‑day wait before contracts proceed.
• When it applies: Case by case, only after the President authorizes an exception and the 30‑day congressional notice period ends.