Sponsors (20)
The bill speeds Coast Guard personnel decision-making by empowering the Commandant to act directly, trading faster operational responsiveness for reduced prior civilian oversight and only post‑action congressional notification.
Coast Guard personnel and missions: the Commandant can make and execute certain personnel decisions directly, enabling faster operational responsiveness and quicker leadership action when time-sensitive choices are needed.
Congress and federal oversight: Congress receives written notice within 60 days the first time the Commandant uses the authority, increasing transparency about when and how personnel decision-making authority is exercised.
Coast Guard members: shifting final decision authority from the civilian Secretary to the Commandant reduces civilian oversight of personnel decisions, which could weaken civilian control, checks on leadership, or perceptions of impartiality in personnel matters.
Congress and civilian stakeholders: notification is provided after the Commandant acts (within 60 days) rather than requiring prior consultation, limiting timely legislative or civilian input and reducing opportunities to influence or review decisions before they take effect.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Delegates the Secretary's authority under 10 U.S.C. § 2679 to the Coast Guard Commandant and requires a 60-day notice to two congressional committees after first use.
Official title: Require the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to delegate to the Commandant of the Coast Guard authority to enter into intergovernmental support agreements relating to installation-support services, and for other purposes.
Introduced August 6, 2026 by Christopher Murphy · Last progress August 6, 2026
Delegates the Department Secretary's authority under 10 U.S.C. § 2679 to the Commandant of the Coast Guard, allowing the Commandant to exercise that delegated authority. Requires the Commandant to provide written notice to two specified congressional committees within 60 days after first using the delegated authority.