Secretary of the Coast Guard Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- H.R. 2546
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Transportation and Public Works
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-04-01: Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.
- Last Updated
- 2025-06-12T08:06:20Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The "Secretary of the Coast Guard Act of 2025" (H.R. 2546) aims to create a dedicated leadership position for the U.S. Coast Guard within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This would establish a "Secretary of the Coast Guard" to oversee Coast Guard operations more directly, potentially improving efficiency and focus on maritime security, law enforcement, and other Coast Guard missions.
Key Provisions
- Establishment of Position: Creates the role of Secretary of the Coast Guard, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate (a standard process requiring Senate approval for high-level government appointments).
- Powers and Duties: The new Secretary would exercise the authorities outlined in Section 501 of Title 14, U.S. Code (which covers general powers of the DHS Secretary related to the Coast Guard), and perform other duties assigned by law, the President, or the DHS Secretary.
- Reporting Structure:
- The Secretary of the Coast Guard reports directly to the DHS Secretary, bypassing other DHS officials.
- The Coast Guard Commandant (the top military officer of the service) reports directly to the new Secretary of the Coast Guard.
- Technical Amendments: Updates Title 14, U.S. Code (the main law governing the Coast Guard), by adding definitions, redesignating sections, and inserting a new chapter on the Secretary. Also makes clerical changes to the table of contents for clarity.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- New Hierarchical Layer: Previously, the Coast Guard Commandant reported directly to the DHS Secretary. This bill inserts the Secretary of the Coast Guard as an intermediary, creating a more specialized oversight role without removing the Coast Guard from DHS.
- Codification of Leadership: Adds explicit definitions and a dedicated chapter in U.S. law for this position, which did not exist before. It shifts some administrative and directional authority from the broader DHS structure to a Coast Guard-specific leader.
- No changes to the Coast Guard's overall status as a DHS component or its dual role (military branch under the Navy during wartime and law enforcement agency in peacetime).
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Streamlines Coast Guard management within DHS by providing focused leadership, which could speed up decision-making on issues like search and rescue, port security, and environmental protection. However, it may add a layer of bureaucracy, potentially increasing administrative costs.
- On Citizens: Indirect benefits for the public through potentially more efficient Coast Guard responses to maritime emergencies, drug interdiction, and natural disasters affecting coastal areas. No direct impact on individual rights or taxes.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct effects, but could enhance the U.S. Coast Guard's coordination in international maritime efforts, such as counter-piracy or fisheries enforcement, by improving internal leadership focus.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- U.S. Coast Guard Personnel: Commandant and staff would have a dedicated civilian overseer, potentially improving advocacy for resources and mission priorities.
- Department of Homeland Security: Gains a specialized subordinate for Coast Guard matters, which could reduce the DHS Secretary's direct involvement in day-to-day operations.
- Congress and the Executive Branch: Senate confirmation process involves lawmakers; the President appoints the position, affecting executive oversight of national security.
- Maritime Industry and Coastal Communities: Businesses and residents relying on Coast Guard services (e.g., shipping, fishing) may see operational improvements.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Amends federal statute (Title 14, U.S. Code) to formalize the new position, ensuring it has clear legal authority. Requires no new funding authorization, but implementation might need budgetary support from Congress.
- Constitutional: Aligns with the President's appointment power under Article II of the U.S. Constitution, including Senate confirmation, maintaining checks and balances. Does not alter the Coast Guard's constitutional role in national defense.
- Political: Could be seen as elevating the Coast Guard's profile within DHS, appealing to lawmakers focused on maritime security. Potential for partisan debate over adding government positions amid fiscal concerns, though it promotes internal reorganization rather than expansion. No major controversies evident in the bill text itself.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (4)
Rep. Webster, Daniel [R-FL-11], Rep. Begich, Nicholas [R-AK-At Large], Rep. Buchanan, Vern [R-FL-16], Rep. Biggs, Sheri [R-SC-3]
Recent Actions
- 2025-04-01: Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.
- 2025-04-01: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- 2025-04-01: Introduced in House
- 2025-04-01: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Secretary of the Coast Guard Act of 2025 — issued 2025-04-01 — PDF (3 pages)