To amend title 14, United States Code, to require the retention of certain enlisted members of the Coast Guard who have completed 18 or more, but less than 20, years of service, and for other purposes.
- Bill Number
- H.R. 2200
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Transportation and Public Works
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-03-18: Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-04T08:07:55Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This bill, H.R. 2200, aims to protect enlisted members of the U.S. Coast Guard who are close to qualifying for retirement benefits—specifically those with 18 or more but less than 20 years of service—by requiring their retention on active duty or in active status. The goal is to prevent involuntary separations that could deny them full retirement eligibility, ensuring they can complete the service needed for benefits.
Key Provisions
- Retention for Regular Coast Guard Members (Section 2517(a)): Enlisted members of the Regular Coast Guard who face involuntary separation (e.g., due to selection for discharge) or denial of reenlistment, and who are within two years of retirement eligibility under existing law (section 2306 of title 14, U.S. Code), must be retained on active duty until they qualify for retirement. Exceptions apply if they are retired or discharged under other legal provisions sooner.
- Retention for Reserve Members in Active Status (Section 2517(b)): Enlisted members of the Coast Guard Reserve serving actively who face involuntary separation (not due to physical disability or misconduct) or denial of reenlistment, and who have at least 18 but less than 20 years of creditable service, cannot be discharged, denied reenlistment, or moved from active status without their consent until the earlier of:
- The date they reach 20 years of service, or
- For those with 18–19 years: The third anniversary of their planned discharge/transfer date;
For those with 19–20 years: The second anniversary of their planned discharge/transfer date.
- Technical Update: Adds a new section (2517) to subchapter I of chapter 25 of title 14, U.S. Code, and updates the chapter's table of contents to include this provision.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Prior to this bill, Coast Guard enlisted members could be involuntarily separated or denied reenlistment after 18 years of service, potentially losing retirement benefits if they fell short of 20 years (the standard threshold for military retirement).
- This introduces a mandatory retention requirement for qualifying members, shifting from discretionary decisions by command to protected status, with consent needed for any early exit in reserves. It does not alter retirement eligibility rules but ensures members can reach them.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The U.S. Coast Guard (under the Department of Homeland Security) may face increased personnel costs for salaries, training, and benefits due to extended service periods. It could improve retention rates and operational experience but require adjustments in workforce planning and budgeting.
- On Citizens: Primarily benefits current and future Coast Guard enlisted personnel by safeguarding their earned retirement (a pension after 20 years of service). No direct impact on the general public, though it supports a more stable Coast Guard force for missions like maritime security and search-and-rescue.
- On International Relations: Minimal to none, as this is a domestic personnel policy focused on U.S. military service members.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Enlisted Coast Guard Members: Regular and reserve personnel with 18–20 years of service are the primary beneficiaries, gaining job security and retirement protections.
- Coast Guard Leadership and Department of Homeland Security: Responsible for implementing retention rules, which may affect promotion, separation boards, and resource allocation.
- Military Families and Veterans' Groups: Indirectly supported through enhanced benefits stability, potentially reducing financial hardships for service members nearing retirement.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens personnel protections under title 14, U.S. Code, by limiting involuntary separations without overriding broader discharge authorities (e.g., for cause or disability). It aligns with federal military personnel laws but requires careful administration to avoid conflicts with efficiency or readiness needs.
- Constitutional: No apparent challenges; it supports Congress's authority under Article I, Section 8 to "make Rules for the Government and Regulation of the land and naval Forces," promoting fair treatment of service members.
- Political: Positions as a pro-military retention measure, potentially appealing to bipartisan support for service member welfare. Could spark debate on costs versus benefits in defense budgeting, especially amid recruitment challenges in the armed forces.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Kiggans, Jennifer A. [R-VA-2]
Cosponsors (20)
Rep. Tokuda, Jill N. [D-HI-2], Del. Moylan, James C. [R-GU-At Large], Rep. Bergman, Jack [R-MI-1], Rep. Moulton, Seth [D-MA-6], Rep. Turner, Michael R. [R-OH-10], Del. King-Hinds, Kimberlyn [R-MP-At Large], Rep. Wittman, Robert J. [R-VA-1], Rep. Houlahan, Chrissy [D-PA-6], Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1], Rep. Strickland, Marilyn [D-WA-10], Rep. Bell, Wesley [D-MO-1], Rep. Finstad, Brad [R-MN-1], Rep. Crow, Jason [D-CO-6], Rep. Begich, Nicholas J. [R-AK-At Large], Rep. Schmidt, Derek [R-KS-2], Rep. Neguse, Joe [D-CO-2], Del. Radewagen, Aumua Amata Coleman [R-AS-At Large], Rep. Malliotakis, Nicole [R-NY-11], Rep. Hamadeh, Abraham J. [R-AZ-8], Rep. Case, Ed [D-HI-1]
Recent Actions
- 2025-03-18: Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.
- 2025-03-18: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- 2025-03-18: Introduced in House
- 2025-03-18: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- To amend title 14, United States Code, to require the retention of certain enlisted members of the Coast Guard who have completed 18 or more, but less than 20, years of service, and for other purposes. — issued 2025-03-18 — PDF (3 pages)