A bill 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
- S. 1857
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Transportation and Public Works
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-05-22: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Last Updated
- 2025-12-05T22:55:24Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This bill aims to protect enlisted members of the U.S. Coast Guard who are close to qualifying for retirement after 20 years of service by requiring their retention on active duty or active status if they have served 18 or more but less than 20 years. It prevents involuntary separations that could deny them full retirement benefits.
Key Provisions
- Addition of New Section 2517 to Title 14, U.S. Code: Amends the Coast Guard's personnel management laws (Subchapter I of Chapter 25) to include rules for retaining eligible enlisted members.
- Regular Component Members: Enlisted personnel in the active-duty Coast Guard who face involuntary separation (e.g., due to force reductions) or denial of reenlistment must be retained on active duty until they qualify for retirement under section 2306 (typically after 20 years), if they are within two years of that milestone. Exceptions apply if they are retired or discharged under other laws.
- Reserve Component Members in Active Status: Enlisted reservists serving actively who face involuntary separation (not due to disability or misconduct) or denial of reenlistment cannot be discharged, denied reenlistment, or moved to inactive status without their consent until the earlier of:
- Reaching 20 years of creditable service, or
- A time limit based on current service:
- If 18–19 years: Up to three years from the planned separation date.
- If 19–20 years: Up to two years from the planned separation date.
- Clerical Update: Adds the new section to the table of contents for Chapter 25 of title 14.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Previously, Coast Guard enlisted members could be involuntarily separated or denied reenlistment at any point after their enlistment term, even if close to retirement eligibility, based on service needs or performance.
- This bill introduces mandatory retention protections for those with 18+ years, shifting authority from unilateral command decisions to required continuation of service (or member consent for reserves). It builds on existing retirement rules under section 2306 but adds safeguards against separations that interrupt retirement accrual.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The U.S. Coast Guard (under the Department of Homeland Security) may face higher personnel costs due to extended service terms, potentially complicating workforce planning and budgeting for force reductions. It could improve retention rates and operational experience but limit flexibility in managing personnel shortages or surpluses.
- On Citizens: Primarily benefits current and future Coast Guard enlisted personnel by securing their path to retirement pensions and benefits, which could enhance morale and long-term financial stability for service members and their families. No direct impact on the general public.
- On International Relations: None apparent; the bill focuses on domestic military personnel policy.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Enlisted Coast Guard Members: Regular and reserve personnel with 18–20 years of service are the primary beneficiaries, gaining protections against premature separation.
- Coast Guard Leadership and Department of Homeland Security: Responsible for implementing retention rules, which may require adjustments to personnel policies and budgets.
- Congress and Taxpayers: Indirectly affected through oversight of military funding and support for service member welfare.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens statutory protections for military retirement rights under title 14, aligning with broader federal personnel laws that prioritize earned benefits. It does not override other discharge reasons (e.g., misconduct) but adds procedural hurdles for administrative separations.
- Constitutional: No major issues; it supports equal protection for service members by preventing arbitrary denials of vested interests near retirement, consistent with due process under the Fifth Amendment.
- Political: Reflects bipartisan interest in military retention and veteran support, potentially setting a precedent for similar protections in other branches (e.g., Navy). It could influence debates on defense spending by emphasizing personnel stability over cost-cutting measures.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT]
Recent Actions
- 2025-05-22: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 2025-05-22: Introduced in Senate
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 2025-05-22 — PDF (4 pages)