To direct the Secretary of Transportation to develop and implement a comprehensive Campus Modernization Plan for the United States Merchant Marine Academy, and for other purposes.

Bill Number: H.R. 2429
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Transportation and Public Works
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2025-03-27: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
Last Updated: 2026-02-03T09:05:38Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

This bill (H.R. 2429) aims to authorize and fund a comprehensive, 10-year plan to modernize the facilities and infrastructure of the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), a federal service academy under the Department of Transportation. The goal is to update outdated buildings to support high-quality training for future merchant mariners, who are essential for U.S. commercial shipping and national defense.

Key Provisions

Development and Implementation of the Plan: The Secretary of Transportation must create and start executing a "Campus Modernization Plan" within 180 days of the bill's enactment. This plan draws from an existing proposal called the "United States Merchant Marine Academy Full Speed Ahead Plan," summarized in the Congressional Record on February 28, 2024.
Prioritized Objectives:
Build modern learning spaces with advanced technology.
Provide facilities for passing U.S. Coast Guard licensing exams for ship officers and engineers.
Support physical fitness standards similar to those for U.S. Navy officers.
Attract diverse applicants through improved campus infrastructure.
Enable partnerships with industry for training and education.
Ensure a safe environment, including compliance with laws on sexual assault prevention, harassment reporting, and misconduct investigations (sections 51326–51328 of title 46, U.S. Code).
Incorporate recommendations from a 2021 report by the National Academy of Public Administration on USMMA improvements.
Specific Infrastructure Improvements:
New or renovated facilities, including training labs for international maritime standards, a safety training pool, engineering labs, athletic spaces for all genders, upgraded waterfront areas (e.g., a new pier), a visitor center with security office, staff housing, and parking.
Upgrades to classrooms and labs with modern IT systems.
Campus-wide retrofits for power grid, sewer, drainage, and water systems (including a separate fire suppression system).
Renovations to make all buildings structurally sound, with reliable heating/cooling, plumbing, electrical systems, weather protection, accessibility under the Americans with Disabilities Act (a law requiring public spaces to be usable by people with disabilities), and working fire safety systems.
Operational Continuity: The academy must remain fully functional during the modernization.
Construction Approach: Use a federal construction agent (per a 2023 defense law) and consider "design-build" contracts to speed up projects and cut costs.
Funding: Authorizes $1.02 billion from the Maritime Security Trust Fund (a dedicated fund for maritime programs) over fiscal years 2026–2035. This includes $54 million in 2026 for initial design and planning, and about $107 million annually thereafter for construction and contingencies.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

Adds a new section (51329) to chapter 513 of title 46, U.S. Code (which governs the USMMA), requiring the 10-year modernization plan and its details.
Makes a minor update to the chapter's table of contents to include the new section.
No major repeals or overhauls of prior laws, but it builds on existing requirements for academy operations and references recent reports and defense authorizations.

Potential Impacts

On Government Agencies: The Department of Transportation and its Maritime Administration will oversee planning, construction, and spending, potentially increasing their workload and budget responsibilities. It promotes efficiency through federal partnerships and trust fund use, avoiding new taxes.
On Citizens: Improves training for USMMA students (midshipmen), leading to better-prepared merchant mariners who support U.S. shipping, jobs, and supply chains. Could enhance national security by strengthening the pool of officers for Navy sealift operations during conflicts.
On International Relations: Indirectly bolsters U.S. maritime capabilities, which aid global trade and defense alliances, but no direct foreign policy changes.

Main Stakeholders Affected

USMMA Midshipmen and Graduates: Direct beneficiaries through better facilities for education, training, fitness, and safety, potentially improving graduation rates and career readiness.
Maritime Industry and Workforce: Benefits from skilled, licensed mariners (over 80% of Navy's strategic sealift officers come from USMMA), supporting commercial shipping and defense needs.
Department of Transportation and Maritime Administration: Responsible for implementation, funding allocation, and oversight.
U.S. Navy and Defense Sector: Gains from a stronger pipeline of trained officers for national security roles.
Congress and Taxpayers: Involves bipartisan lawmakers (e.g., introducers from New York and Virginia) and uses existing trust funds, affecting federal budgeting.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Ensures compliance with federal laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act and fire safety standards; leverages the Maritime Security Trust Fund without needing new appropriations, streamlining funding. References to assault prevention laws highlight accountability for campus safety.
Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's power to fund and regulate military-related education (USMMA is one of five federal service academies), supporting defense readiness under Article I.
Political: Reflects bipartisan support for maritime infrastructure amid concerns over aging facilities and national security. The "sense of the House" section expresses non-binding congressional intent for rapid action and oversight, potentially influencing future budgets without mandating them. No major controversies noted in the bill text.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Garbarino, Andrew R. [R-NY-2]

Cosponsors (17)

Rep. Gillen, Laura [D-NY-4], Rep. Kiggans, Jennifer A. [R-VA-2], Rep. Suozzi, Thomas R. [D-NY-3], Rep. LaLota, Nick [R-NY-1], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Craig, Angie [D-MN-2], Rep. Norcross, Donald [D-NJ-1], Rep. Olszewski, Johnny [D-MD-2], Rep. Soto, Darren [D-FL-9], Rep. McClain Delaney, April [D-MD-6], Rep. Malliotakis, Nicole [R-NY-11], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Langworthy, Nicholas A. [R-NY-23], Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7], Rep. Schakowsky, Janice D. [D-IL-9], Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4]

Recent Actions

2025-03-27: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
2025-03-27: Introduced in House
2025-03-27: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

To direct the Secretary of Transportation to develop and implement a comprehensive Campus Modernization Plan for the United States Merchant Marine Academy, and for other purposes. — issued 2025-03-27 — PDF (9 pages)