H.R. 2741 — what changed

Section 4902 of title 14, United States Code, is amended—

“(i) $10,750,000,000 for fiscal year 2024; and

“(ii) $11,287,500,000 for fiscal year 2025.”

“(i) $3,477,600,000 for fiscal year 2024; and

“(ii) $3,477,600,000 for fiscal year 2025.”

“(i) $20,808,000 for fiscal year 2024; and

“(ii) $20,808,000 for fiscal year 2025.”

“(A) $14,681,084 for fiscal year 2024; and

“(B) $15,415,000 for fiscal year 2025.”

changed “(4) For retired pay, including the payment of obligations otherwise chargeable to lapsed appropriations for this purpose, payments under the Retired Serviceman’s Family Protection and Survivor Benefits Plans, payment for career status bonuses, payment of continuation pay under section 356 of title 37, concurrent receipts, combat-related special compensation, and payments for medical care of retired personnel and the dependents of such personnel under chapter 55 of title 10, $1,147,244 $1,147,244,000 for fiscal year 2024.”

Of the amounts authorized to be appropriated under section 4902(2)(A) of title 14, United States Code, for fiscal year 2024—

Section 4502 of title 46, United States Code, is amended—

added “(4) Authorization of appropriations—Out of funds made available under section 4902(1)(A) of title 14, $3,000,000 shall be available for each of fiscal years 2024 and 2025 for grants under this subsection.”

added “(4) Authorization of appropriations—Out of funds made available under section 4902(1)(A) of title 14, $3,000,000 shall be available for each of fiscal years 2024 and 2025 for grants under this subsection.”

added “(5) prohibiting a representative of a government of country that the Secretary of State has determined has repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism under section 620A of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2371) from visiting a facility for which a facility security plan is required under section 70103(c).”

removed “955. Contracts to provide or obtain goods and services

removed “(a) Authority for uniform funding and management

removed “(1) In general—The Commandant may designate funds appropriated to the Coast Guard and available for morale, well-being, and recreation programs and the Coast Guard Exchange System as nonappropriated funds and expended in accordance with laws applicable to the expenditures of non-appropriated funds.

removed “(2) Availability of funds—Appropriated funds so designated shall be considered to be nonappropriated funds for all purposes and shall remain available until expended.

removed “(b) Conditions on availability—Funds appropriated to the Coast Guard may be made available to support morale, well-being, or recreation programs and the Coast Guard Exchange System only in amounts the Commandant deems appropriate and consistent with readiness and resources.”

added “1138. Service life extension programs

added “(a) In general—Requirements for a Level 1 or Level 2 acquisition project or program under sections 1131 through 1134 shall not apply to an acquisition by the Coast Guard that is a service life extension program.

added “(b) Definition—In this section, the term “service life extension program” means a capital investment that is solely intended to extend the service life and address obsolescence of components or systems of a particular capability or asset.”

added Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant, or a designated individual, shall brief the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate on the underwater inspection in lieu of drydock program established under section 176.615 of title 46, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this Act).

removed “1138. Service life extension programs

removed “(a) In general—Requirements for a Level 1 or Level 2 acquisition project or program under sections 1131 through 1134 shall not apply to an acquisition by the Coast Guard that is a service life extension program.

removed “(b) Definition—In this section, the term “service life extension program” means a capital investment that is solely intended to extend the service life and address obsolescence of components or systems of a particular capability or asset.”

changed Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant, or Regarding Docket Number USCG-2022-0222, before adopting a designated individual, shall brief the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of final rule, the House of Representatives and Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Commandant of the Senate on the underwater inspection in lieu of drydock program established under section 176.615 of title 46, Code Coast Guard shall conduct an independent boat traffic study at mile 7.4 of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this Act).St. Lucie River.

removed Regarding Docket Number USCG–2022–0222, before adopting a final deviation, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall conduct an independent boat traffic study at mile 7.4 of the St. Lucie River.

“(l) Noncitizen national defined—In this section, the term “noncitizen national” means an individual described in section 308 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1408).”

added In this subtitle:

removed “(20) “merchant mariner credential” means a merchant mariner license, certificate, or document that the Secretary is authorized to issue pursuant to this title.”

removed “7306. General requirements and classifications for members of deck departments

removed “(a) In general—The Secretary may issue a merchant mariner credential, to members of the deck department in the following classes:

removed “(1) Able Seaman-Unlimited.

removed “(2) Able Seaman-Limited.

removed “(3) Able Seaman-Special.

removed “(4) Able Seaman-Offshore Supply Vessels.

removed “(5) Able Seaman-Sail.

removed “(6) Able Seaman-Fishing Industry.

removed “(7) Ordinary Seaman.

removed “(b) Classification of credentials—The Secretary may classify the merchant mariner credential issued under subsection (a) based on—

removed “(1) the tonnage and means of propulsion of vessels;

removed “(2) the waters on which vessels are to be operated; or

removed “(3) other appropriate standards.

removed “(c) Considerations—In issuing the credential under subsection (a), the Secretary may consider the following qualifications of the merchant mariner:

removed “(1) Age.

removed “(2) Character.

removed “(3) Habits of life.

removed “(4) Experience.

removed “(5) Professional qualifications demonstrated by satisfactory completion of applicable examinations or other educational requirements.

removed “(6) Physical condition, including sight and hearing.

removed “(7) Other requirements established by the Secretary, including career patterns and service appropriate to the particular service, industry, or job functions the individual is engaged.”

removed “(a) Graduation from a nautical school program approved by the Secretary may be substituted for the service requirements under sections 7307–7312 and 7314.”

added “(d) Publication of penalty

added “(1) In general—Not later than 14 days after the issuance of a pre-penalty notice or a penalty, including a settlement, under subsection (c), the Secretary of Homeland Security shall publish such pre-penalty notice or a notification of such penalty in the Customs Bulletin and Decisions to the party impacted by the penalty.

added “(2) Contents—A pre-penalty notice or penalty notification published under paragraph (1) shall include—

added “(A) the name and the International Maritime Organization identification number of the vessel that is the subject of the penalty;

added “(B) the name of the owner of the vessel that is the subject of the penalty;

added “(C) the amount of the fine or value of merchandise seized; and

added “(D) a summary of the alleged misconduct and justification for imposing a penalty.”

removed Section 7507 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

removed “(d) Renewal—With respect to any renewal of an active merchant mariner credential issued under this part that is not an extension under subsection (a) or (b), such credential shall begin the day after the expiration of the active credential of the credential holder.”

added “(20) “merchant mariner credential” means a merchant mariner license, certificate, or document that the Secretary is authorized to issue pursuant to this title.”

added “7306. General requirements and classifications for members of deck departments

added “(a) In general—The Secretary may issue a merchant mariner credential, to members of the deck department in the following classes:

added “(1) Able Seaman-Unlimited.

added “(2) Able Seaman-Limited.

added “(3) Able Seaman-Special.

added “(4) Able Seaman-Offshore Supply Vessels.

added “(5) Able Seaman-Sail.

added “(6) Able Seaman-Fishing Industry.

added “(7) Ordinary Seaman.

added “(b) Classification of credentials—The Secretary may classify the merchant mariner credential issued under subsection (a) based on—

added “(1) the tonnage and means of propulsion of vessels;

added “(2) the waters on which vessels are to be operated; or

added “(3) other appropriate standards.

added “(c) Considerations—In issuing the credential under subsection (a), the Secretary may consider the following qualifications of the merchant mariner:

added “(1) Age.

added “(2) Character.

added “(3) Habits of life.

added “(4) Experience.

added “(5) Professional qualifications demonstrated by satisfactory completion of applicable examinations or other educational requirements.

added “(6) Physical condition, including sight and hearing.

added “(7) Other requirements established by the Secretary, including career patterns and service appropriate to the particular service, industry, or job functions the individual is engaged.”

added “(a) Graduation from a nautical school program approved by the Secretary may be substituted for the service requirements under sections 7307–7312 and 7314.”

removed Section 2302(b) of title 46, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:

removed “(b) Grossly negligent operation

removed “(1) Misdemeanor—A person operating a vessel in a grossly negligent manner that endangers the life, limb, or property of a person commits a class A misdemeanor.

removed “(2) Felony—A person operating a vessel in a grossly negligent manner that results in serious bodily injury, as defined in section 1365(h)(3) of title 18—

removed “(A) commits a class E felony; and

removed “(B) may be assessed a civil penalty of not more than $35,000.”

removed “(A) if—”

removed “(B) if there is probable cause to believe that the individual has violated company policy and is a security risk that poses a threat to other individuals on the vessel.”

changed Section 11502 7507 of the James H. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263) title 46, United States Code, is amended—amended by adding at the end the following:

added “(d) Renewal—With respect to any renewal of an active merchant mariner credential issued under this part that is not an extension under subsection (a) or (b), such credential shall begin the day after the expiration of the active credential of the credential holder.”

removed “(i) Application—This section shall apply to amphibious vessels operating as a small passenger vessel in waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, as such term is defined in section 2.38 of title 33, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation).”

changed Section 12111(d)(1) 2302(b) of title 46, United States Code, is amended—amended to read as follows:

added “(b) Grossly negligent operation

added “(1) Misdemeanor—A person operating a vessel in a grossly negligent manner that endangers the life, limb, or property of a person commits a class A misdemeanor.

added “(2) Felony—A person operating a vessel in a grossly negligent manner that results in serious bodily injury, as defined in section 1365(h)(3) of title 18—

added “(A) commits a class E felony; and

added “(B) may be assessed a civil penalty of not more than $35,000.”

added “(A) if—”

added “(B) if there is probable cause to believe that the individual has violated company policy and is a security risk that poses a threat to other individuals on the vessel.”

removed “15110. Establishment of a national advisory committee on autonomous maritime systems

removed “(a) Establishment—There is established a National Autonomous Maritime Systems Advisory Committee (in this section referred to as the “Committee”).

removed “(b) Function—The Committee shall advise the Secretary on matters relating to the regulation and use of Autonomous Systems within the territorial waters of the United States.

removed “(c) Membership

removed “(1) In general—The Committee shall consist of 8 members appointed by the Secretary in accordance with this section and section 15109.

removed “(2) Expertise—Each member of the Committee shall have particular expertise, knowledge, and experience in matters relating to the function of the Committee.

removed “(3) Representation—Each of the following groups shall be represented by at least 1 member on the Committee:

removed “(A) Marine safety or security entities.

removed “(B) Vessel design and construction entities.

removed “(C) Entities engaged in the production or research of unmanned vehicles, including drones, autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles, or any other product or service integral to the provision, maintenance, or management of such products or services.

removed “(D) Port districts, authorities, or terminal operators.

removed “(E) Vessel operators.

removed “(F) National labor unions representing merchant mariners.

removed “(G) Maritime pilots.

removed “(H) Commercial space transportation operators.”

changed Section 70503(a) 11502 of title 46, United States Code, the James H. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263) is amended—

removed “(1) manufacture or distribute, possess with intent to manufacture or distribute, or place or cause to be placed with intent to manufacture or distribute a controlled substance on board a covered vessel;”

added “(i) Application—This section shall apply to amphibious vessels operating as a small passenger vessel in waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, as such term is defined in section 2.38 of title 33, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2023).”

changed Section 8313(b) 3714 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116–283) title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking “2025” and inserting “2027”.amended—

added “(c)

added “(1) With respect to examinations of liquefied natural gas tank vessels and vessels that carry bulk liquefied gases as cargo, including examinations under section 153.808 and part 154 of title 46, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2023), the Secretary may adopt a risk-based examination schedule to which such vessels are to be examined and the frequency with which such examinations occur.

added “(2) The Secretary may not adopt a risk-based examination schedule under paragraph (1) until the Secretary has—

added “(A) received and reviewed the National Academies study required under section 8254(b) of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116–283);

added “(B) conducted the assessment recommended in the Government Accountability Office report submitted under section 8254(a) of such Act;

added “(C) concluded through such assessment that a risk-based examination schedule provides not less than the level of safety provided by the annual examinations required under subsection (a)(1); and

added “(D) provided the results of such assessment to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate.”

added Section 311(j)(6) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1321(j)(6)) is amended to read as follows:

added “(6) Equipment requirements, verification, and inspection—The President may require—

added “(A) periodic inspection of containment booms, skimmers, vessels, and other major equipment used to remove discharges;

added “(B) periodic inspection of vessels, salvage and marine firefighting equipment, and other major equipment used to respond to vessel casualties and prevent discharges;

added “(C) periodic verification of capabilities to appropriately, and in a timely manner, respond to a worst case discharge, or a substantial threat of a discharge, including—

added “(i) drills, with or without prior notice;

added “(ii) review of contracts and relevant third-party agreements;

added “(iii) testing of equipment;

added “(iv) review of training; and

added “(v) other evaluations of response capabilities, as determined appropriate by the President; and

added “(D) vessels operating on navigable waters and carrying oil or a hazardous substance in bulk as cargo, and nontank vessels carrying oil of any kind as fuel for main propulsion, to carry appropriate removal equipment that employs the best technology economically feasible and that is compatible with the safe operation of the vessel.”