Pacific Ready Coast Guard Act

Bill Number: H.R. 3397
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Transportation and Public Works
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2025-05-17: Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.
Last Updated: 2025-06-12T08:06:11Z

AI-Generated Summary

Summary of H.R. 3397: Pacific Ready Coast Guard Act

Purpose

This legislation aims to strengthen the U.S. Coast Guard's capabilities and presence in the Indo-Pacific region by establishing a specialized center for maritime expertise, requiring annual planning and budgeting for regional operations, and mandating reports on potential expansions like forward bases and international partnerships. The overall goal is to improve maritime governance, support U.S. foreign policy and defense objectives, and enhance regional cooperation on issues like humanitarian aid, law enforcement, and illegal fishing.

Key Provisions

Establishment of the Center of Expertise in Indo-Pacific Maritime Governance (Section 2):
The Coast Guard Commandant must create this center, modeled on existing international training academies and Department of Defense institutes.
Its mission focuses on education, training, and research in best practices for maritime governance, including helping regional countries build their own capabilities (e.g., for law enforcement at sea).
Federal agencies can provide data, resources, and personnel support upon request.
The center may operate jointly with a partner country, which would supply administrative services, facilities, or funding, potentially in coordination with a local university.

Annual Plan for Coast Guard Operations in the Pacific (Section 3):
Starting December 31, 2025, the Commandant must submit an annual plan to Congress, developed with input from the Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense.
The plan covers objectives for Coast Guard activities supporting U.S. diplomacy and defense; assessments of current capabilities and gaps; projected needs over the next year and 10 years; resource requirements (e.g., staff, infrastructure, technology); and any limitations.
Plans are unclassified but may include classified sections; annual briefings to Congress are required starting February 15, 2026.

Annual Budget Display for Pacific Operations (Section 3):
Starting February 15, 2026, the Commandant must provide a detailed budget breakdown for Pacific operations, based on the annual plan.
It includes specific funding details across procurement, research, operations, maintenance, and personnel accounts.
Unclassified with possible classified annex; annual briefings required.

Report on Feasibility of a Standing Indo-Pacific Maritime Group (Section 4):
Due 120 days after enactment, this report evaluates creating a permanent Coast Guard unit, similar to NATO's standing maritime groups, for humanitarian and law enforcement missions.
It covers how such a group could improve cooperation on multilateral aid, anti-piracy, emergencies, maritime awareness, and preventing illegal fishing.

Report on Forward Operating Bases (Section 5):
Due 1 year after enactment, prepared with the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, this assesses gaps in operations (e.g., logistics) and proposes bases, including mobile ones.
Includes selected locations, selection reasons, costs, required resources/approvals, and a timeline to complete by January 1, 2030.

Report on Coast Guard Attaches (Section 6):
Due 6 months after enactment, in consultation with the Secretary of State, this reviews attaches (Coast Guard officers posted at U.S. embassies) in the Indo-Pacific.
Details current numbers, embassies needing more, and a plan to increase staffing with necessary resources.

Definition of Appropriate Congressional Committees (Section 7):
Refers to key House and Senate committees on transportation, appropriations, armed services, and commerce.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

Amends Chapter 3 of Title 14, U.S. Code (Coast Guard organization and administration) by adding Section 324 for the new center.
Amends Chapter 51 of Title 14 (savings and military benefits, but here focused on operational planning) by adding Sections 5116 (annual plan) and 5117 (annual budget display).
Introduces mandatory annual reporting and planning requirements not previously specified in law for Pacific operations, along with new feasibility studies for structural expansions like bases and attaché programs.
No repeals or major overhauls; these are additive provisions to build on existing Coast Guard authorities.

Potential Impacts

On Government Agencies: Increases coordination and resource demands on the Coast Guard, Department of State (diplomacy), and Department of Defense (defense missions), potentially leading to higher budgets for training, infrastructure, and personnel. Could strain short-term resources but enhance long-term operational efficiency.
On Citizens: Indirect benefits through improved U.S. maritime security in a key trade region, potentially reducing risks from illegal activities like unregulated fishing that affect global food supplies and U.S. economic interests. No direct impact on domestic citizens' rights or services.
On International Relations: Strengthens U.S. partnerships in the Indo-Pacific by fostering joint operations, training, and bases with allies, promoting regional stability and countering challenges like piracy or territorial disputes. May improve U.S. influence in multilateral efforts but requires diplomatic agreements for implementation.

Main Stakeholders Affected

U.S. Coast Guard: Primary implementer, gaining new center, planning tools, and potential expansions but facing increased reporting and resource needs.
Congressional Committees: House and Senate panels on transportation, appropriations, armed services, and commerce, which receive plans, budgets, and reports for oversight and funding decisions.
Department of State and Defense: Consulted on plans and reports; benefits from enhanced Coast Guard support for their missions.
Indo-Pacific Partner Countries: Potential hosts for the center, bases, or joint operations; could gain capacity-building aid but must provide facilities or funding.
U.S. Taxpayers and Economy: Indirectly affected through federal spending on Pacific-focused initiatives.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Builds on existing Coast Guard statutory authority under Title 14 without altering core missions; emphasizes interagency cooperation and foreign partnerships, which may require standard diplomatic processes (e.g., agreements under international law). Reports ensure congressional oversight, aligning with appropriations laws.
Constitutional: Supports Article I powers for Congress to regulate armed forces and foreign affairs; no apparent conflicts with separation of powers, as it mandates executive branch actions with legislative reporting.
Political: Positions the Coast Guard as a key player in U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy amid geopolitical tensions (e.g., with China), potentially bipartisan appeal for national security. Could influence future budgets and foreign aid, highlighting the need for sustained funding; risks include dependency on partner countries for operations.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Kelly, Trent [R-MS-1]

Cosponsors (7)

Rep. Case, Ed [D-HI-1], Del. Radewagen, Aumua Amata Coleman [R-AS-At Large], Del. Moylan, James C. [R-GU-At Large], Rep. Garamendi, John [D-CA-8], Rep. Dunn, Neal P. [R-FL-2], Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8], Del. King-Hinds, Kimberlyn [R-MP-At Large]

Recent Actions

2025-05-17: Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.
2025-05-14: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
2025-05-14: Introduced in House
2025-05-14: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

Pacific Ready Coast Guard Act — issued 2025-05-14 — PDF (11 pages)