H.Hrg.119
U.S. House•House Public Works Committee•Jun 30, 2026
Summary
H.Hrg.119 is a hearing titled TAKING ACCOUNT: IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COAST GUARD AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2025, RECONCILIATION, AND FORCE DESIGN 2028, held by the House Public Works Committee on Jun 30, 2026.
Record
H.Hrg.119 has its transcript on the record.
Transcript
The transcript runs to 3,649 lines and 204,684 characters, as the Government Publishing Office printed it.
1[House Hearing, 119 Congress]2[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]34 TAKING ACCOUNT: IMPLEMENTATION OF THE5 COAST GUARD AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2025,6 RECONCILIATION, AND FORCE DESIGN 20287=======================================================================89 (119-45)1011 HEARING1213 BEFORE THE1415 SUBCOMMITTEE ON16 COAST GUARD AND MARITIME TRANSPORTATION1718 OF THE1920 COMMITTEE ON21 TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE22 HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES2324 ONE HUNDRED NINETEENTH CONGRESS2526 SECOND SESSION2728 __________2930 JUNE 30, 20263132 __________3334 Printed for the use of the35 Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure3637[GRAPHIC NOT AVAILALE IN TIFF FORMAT]3839 Available online at: https://www.govinfo.gov/committee/house-40 transportation?path=/browsecommittee/chamber/house/committee/41 transportation4243 __________4445 U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE4664-383 PDF WASHINGTON : 202647=======================================================================4849 COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE5051 Sam Graves, Missouri, Chairman52 Rick Larsen, Washington, Ranking Member5354Eleanor Holmes Norton, Eric A. ``Rick'' Crawford,55 District of Columbia Arkansas,56Jerrold Nadler, New York Vice Chairman57John Garamendi, California Daniel Webster, Florida58Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr., Georgiaomas Massie, Kentucky59Andre Carson, Indiana Scott Perry, Pennsylvania60Dina Titus, Nevada Brian Babin, Texas61Jared Huffman, California David Rouzer, North Carolina62Julia Brownley, California Mike Bost, Illinois63Frederica S. Wilson, Florida Bruce Westerman, Arkansas64Mark DeSaulnier, California Brian J. Mast, Florida65Salud O. Carbajal, California Pete Stauber, Minnesota66Greg Stanton, Arizona Tim Burchett, Tennessee67Sharice Davids, Kansas Dusty Johnson, South Dakota68Jesus G. ``Chuy'' Garcia, Illinois Jefferson Van Drew, New Jersey69Chris Pappas, New Hampshire Troy E. Nehls, Texas70Seth Moulton, Massachusetts Tracey Mann, Kansas71Marilyn Strickland, Washington Burgess Owens, Utah72Patrick Ryan, New York Eric Burlison, Missouri73Val T. Hoyle, Oregon Mike Collins, Georgia74Emilia Strong Sykes, Ohio, Mike Ezell, Mississippi75 Vice Ranking Member Kevin Kiley, California76Hillary J. Scholten, Michigan Vince Fong, California77Valerie P. Foushee, North Carolina Tony Wied, Wisconsin78Christopher R. Deluzio, Pennsylvania Tom Barrett, Michigan79Robert Garcia, California Nicholas J. Begich III, Alaska80Nellie Pou, New Jersey Robert P. Bresnahan, Jr.,81Kristen McDonald Rivet, Michigan Pennsylvania82Laura Friedman, California Jeff Hurd, Colorado83Laura Gillen, New York Addison P. McDowell, North84Shomari Figures, Alabama Carolina85Maxwell Frost, Florida David J. Taylor, Ohio86 Brad Knott, North Carolina87 Kimberlyn King-Hinds,88 Northern Mariana Islands89 Mike Kennedy, Utah90 Robert F. Onder, Jr., Missouri91 Jimmy Patronis, Florida92 Clay Fuller, Georgia93 James Gallagher, California94 ------ 79596 Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation9798 Mike Ezell, Mississippi, Chairman99 Salud O. Carbajal, California, Ranking Member100101Daniel Webster, Florida Chris Pappas, New Hampshire102Brian J. Mast, Florida Marilyn Strickland, Washington103Jefferson Van Drew, New Jersey Hillary J. Scholten, Michigan104Nicholas J. Begich III, Alaska John Garamendi, California105Addison P. McDowell, North Laura Gillen, New York,106 Carolina, Vice Ranking Member107 Vice Chairman Rick Larsen, Washington (Ex108Jimmy Patronis, Florida Officio)109Sam Graves, Missouri (Ex Officio)110111 CONTENTS112113 Page114115Summary of Subject Matter........................................ v116117 STATEMENTS OF MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE118119Hon. Mike Ezell, a Representative in Congress from the State of120 Mississippi, and Chairman, Subcommittee on Coast Guard and121 Maritime Transportation, opening statement..................... 1122 Prepared statement........................................... 3123Hon. Rick Larsen, a Representative in Congress from the State of124 Washington, and Ranking Member, Committee on Transportation and125 Infrastructure, opening statement.............................. 5126 Prepared statement........................................... 6127Hon. Salud O. Carbajal, a Representative in Congress from the128 State of California, and Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Coast129 Guard and Maritime Transportation, opening statement........... 7130 Prepared statement........................................... 8131132 WITNESSES133134Vice Admiral Douglas M. Schofield, Chief of Staff, U.S. Coast135 Guard, oral statement.......................................... 10136 Prepared statement........................................... 11137Triana McNeil, Director, Homeland Security and Justice, U.S.138 Government Accountability Office, oral statement............... 13139 Prepared statement........................................... 14140141 APPENDIX142143Post-Hearing Questions for the Record to Vice Admiral Douglas M.144 Schofield, Chief of Staff, U.S. Coast Guard, from Hon. Salud O.145 Carbajal....................................................... 41146147[GRAPHIC NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]148149 June 26, 2026150151 SUMMARY OF SUBJECT MATTER152153 TO: LMembers, Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime154Transportation155 FROM: LStaff, Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime156Transportation157 RE: LSubcommittee Hearing on ``Taking Account:158Implementation of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025,159Reconciliation, and Force Design 2028''160_______________________________________________________________________161162 I. PURPOSE163164 The Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation165of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure will meet166on Tuesday, June 30, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. ET in 2167 Rayburn167House Office Building to receive testimony at a hearing168entitled, ``Taking Account: Implementation of the Coast Guard169Authorization Act of 2025, Reconciliation, and Force Design1702028.'' The Subcommittee will receive testimony from the United171States Coast Guard (Coast Guard or Service) and the Government172Accountability Office (GAO).173174 II. BACKGROUND175176LEGISLATION IN THE 117TH CONGRESS177178 The Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022 was179signed into law as part of the James M. Inhofe National Defense180Authorization Act of Fiscal Year 2023.\1\ It authorized funding181for Offshore Patrol Cutters, a still unrealized program;182incorporated aspects of the Safer Seas Act; supported increased183healthcare and efforts to improve the disability evaluation184system; and recognized strategic importance of Arctic and185Alaska as well as cyber infrastructure and unmanned maritime186systems.\2\187---------------------------------------------------------------------------188 \1\ James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act of Fiscal189Year 2023, Pub. L. 117-263, Division K, 136 Stat. 3998.190 \2\ Id.191---------------------------------------------------------------------------192193LEGISLATION IN THE 119TH CONGRESS194195 During the 119th Congress, President Trump signed the One196Big Beautiful Bill Act and the Coast Guard Authorization Act of1972025 into law. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act was signed into198law on July 4, 2025, and provides nearly $25 billion to199recapitalize the Coast Guard's shoreside, surface, and air200assets, an amount equal to nearly 15 years of the Coast Guard's201annual procurement funding.\3\ After years of underinvestment,202the Service is using this generational investment to address203its capability gaps. The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025204was included in the National Defense Authorization Act for205Fiscal Year 2026, which was signed into law on December 18,2062025.\4\ The bill authorizes appropriations for the Coast Guard207through Fiscal Year 2027, and amends authorities related to the208Coast Guard, maritime transportation, and oil spill response.209---------------------------------------------------------------------------210 \3\ One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025, Pub. L. 119-21, 139 Stat.21172.212 \4\ National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, Pub.213L. 119-60, 139 Stat. 718.214---------------------------------------------------------------------------215216FORCE DESIGN 2028217218 Force Design 2028 is the Coast Guard modernization plan,219designed to prepare the Service to meet future mission220needs.\5\ The plan focuses on four campaigns: Organization,221People, Technology, and Contracting and Acquisition. While the222focus areas remain unchanged, the plan has evolved over the223past year and a half since its inception.224---------------------------------------------------------------------------225 \5\ U.S. Coast Guard, Force Design 2028, available at https://226www.uscg.mil/Leadership/Commandants-Initiatives/ForceDesign2028/.227---------------------------------------------------------------------------228229 III. ONE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL ACT230231 To reverse the trend of underinvestment and position the232Coast Guard for success in the future, the One Big Beautiful233Bill Act provides the Coast Guard with $24.59 billion to234recapitalize its surface, air and shoreside assets.235representing nearly 15 years' worth of annual procurement236funding, the largest investment in the Service's history.\6\237---------------------------------------------------------------------------238 \6\ One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025, Pub. L. No. 119-21, 129239Stat. 72.240---------------------------------------------------------------------------241 Of the nearly $25 billion, $14.078 billion was provided to242recapitalize the Coast Guard cutter fleet. This includes $4.3243billion for Offshore Patrol Cutters (OPCs) and $1 billion for244Fast Response Cutters (FRCs). To support the Service's national245security efforts to project sovereignty in the Arctic, the246measure provides an additional $4.3 billion for the Polar247Security Cutter and $3.5 billion for Arctic Security248Cutters.\7\249---------------------------------------------------------------------------250 \7\ Id.251---------------------------------------------------------------------------252 The reconciliation measure also makes significant253investments in the Service's air assets. It provides $1.142254billion for fixed wing assets, $2.283 billion for rotary wing255assets, and $266 million for long-range unmanned aircraft256systems.\8\ The fixed wing funding supported the acquisition of257new HC-130J aircraft. Funding for rotary wing assets is258intended to support fleet growth of the MH-60T program.\9\259---------------------------------------------------------------------------260 \8\ Id.261 \9\ Id.262---------------------------------------------------------------------------263 The Coast Guard requires substantial enhancements to its264shoreside infrastructure to facilitate new assets and more265complex mission sets. Currently, limitations in existing266physical infrastructure have hindered newer platforms from267utilizing the full scope of Coast Guard capabilities. Moreover,268due to years of underinvestment, the Coast Guard's shoreside269infrastructure is in a state of disrepair. The GAO estimates270that it will cost at least $7 billion to address the Service's271backlog of shoreside projects, with half of the Services'272facilities beyond their intended service life.\10\ The number273is likely higher, as the GAO's estimate does not include 234274projects for which the Coast Guard has not developed estimates.275The Coast Guard notes that based on the Service's $24 billion276property portfolio, and accounting for the poor conditions of277current property, the Service requires between $500 million to278$1 billion annually to prevent the backlog from growing.\11\279---------------------------------------------------------------------------280 \10\ GAO, GAO-25-107581, Coast Guard Shore Infrastructure: More281Than $7 Billion Reportedly Needed To Address Deteriorating Assets (Feb.28225, 2025).283 \11\ Questions for the Record from Subcomm. Chairman Daniel Webster284to Vice Admiral Paul Thomas, Deputy Commandant for Mission Support,285United States Coast Guard (June 12, 2024).286---------------------------------------------------------------------------287 To address these gaps, the reconciliation measure288appropriated $4.379 billion for the design and construction of289necessary shoreside facilities.\12\ This includes $2.729290billion for homeports for cutters and aircraft, and $425291million for the recapitalization of barracks and a multi-use292training center at the Coast Guard's enlisted bootcamp.\13\293---------------------------------------------------------------------------294 \12\ One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025, Pub. L. No. 119-21, 129295Stat. 72; 14 USC 1181 (10)(c).296 \13\ Id.297---------------------------------------------------------------------------298 The reconciliation measure also includes $2.2 billion to299improve the Coast Guard's aviation, cutter and shore facility300depot maintenance; cyber; command and control facilities, and301another $500 million acquisition of a floating drydock and302necessary dredging at the Coast Guard Yard in Baltimore,303Maryland. This will equip the yard with the capability to304handle the Service's Offshore Patrol Cutters and National305Security Cutters.306 As of February 2026, the Coast Guard has obligated $8307billion of the funds made available under the One Big Beautiful308Bill Act.\14\ The Service has the goal of obligating all309remaining funds by the end of the year. While the310reconciliation legislation provided limited waivers for311statutory acquisition planning requirements, the Coast Guard312has not yet provided long-term acquisition planning documents313to the Committee.314---------------------------------------------------------------------------315 \14\ Coast Guard OBBB Spend Plan Briefing, (Feb. 2026) (on file316with Comm.).317---------------------------------------------------------------------------318319 IV. COAST GUARD AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2022320321 The Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022 was322enacted on December 23, 2022, as Division K of the James M.323Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023.324The bill authorized appropriations for the Coast Guard for 2022325and 2023, and authorizes specific appropriations for a326childcare subsidy program, behavior health services, evaluation327of requirements of the Arctic Security Cutter, and an aqua328alert notification system pilot.\15\329---------------------------------------------------------------------------330 \15\ James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act of Fiscal331Year 2023, Pub. L. 117-263, Division K, 136 Stat. 3998.332---------------------------------------------------------------------------333334AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND GROWTH335336 The Coast Guard Authorization Act (CGAA) of 2022 authorized337appropriations through Fiscal Year 2023.\16\ The bill338authorizes a level of funding that will enhance Coast Guard339operations and help the service replace and modernize its340cutters, and upgrade its shoreside and cyber infrastructure. It341also required acquisition life-cycle cost estimates.342---------------------------------------------------------------------------343 \16\ Id.344---------------------------------------------------------------------------345 Several provisions touched on geographic priorities346including testing of icebreaking efforts and evaluating the347needs in the Great Lakes. The bill also called for the creation348of a medium icebreaker office, evaluation of operations and349infrastructure, evaluation of transit through the Arctic,350evaluation of shipyards in Finland and Sweden and the351acquisition of a commercial icebreaker. While many of these352efforts were in their beginning stages at the time of the353bill's passage, they have now become fully realized.354 The CGAA of 2022 also drew attention to the need to enhance355maritime cybersecurity and cyber data management, unmanned356systems, establishing an artificial intelligence strategy. It357also provided for numerous workforce related initiatives358including efforts to improve the physical disability evaluation359system, as well as childcare improvements and increases to the360behavioral health programs.361 The CGAA of 2022 also provided for several aspects of362vessel safety including implementation of National363Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recommendations, regulation364of DUKW amphibious passenger vessels, application of provisions365relating to historic wood sailing vessels, and specified the366watch manning requirements of articulated tug-barges. It also367mandated that the Coast Guard take steps toward an electronic368merchant mariner licensing and documentation system and369includes the Military to Mariners Act of 2022 to streamline how370sea hours and other credentials obtained in the military can be371carried over to commercial service. Several provisions372incorporated language from the Safer Seas Act to better respond373to sexual assault and sexual harassment in the commercial374maritime industry and to bar those convicted of either crime375from having a mariners license or certificate of register. It376also sought to understand the impact of alcohol consumption and377possession by crew engaged in commercial service, among many378other sections impacting commercial shipping.379380 V. COAST GUARD AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2025381382 The CGAA of 2025 was included within the National Defense383Authorization Act of Fiscal Year 2026, which was signed into384law by President Trump on December 18, 2025.\17\ The bill385authorizes appropriations for the Coast Guard through Fiscal386Year 2027, and seeks to build on the Coast Guard's387modernization effort, import accountability measures to ensure388the Service is a responsive and good steward of taxpayer389dollars, and ensure the Service is equipped to meet its mission390needs.391---------------------------------------------------------------------------392 \17\ National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, Pub.393L. 119-60, 139 Stat. 718.394---------------------------------------------------------------------------395 Additional background information on the Coast Guard's396implementation of CGAA of 2025 provisions is included in397Appendix A.398399AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND GROWTH400401 The CGAA of 2025 authorizes appropriations for the402Operations and Support, and Procurement and Investment Accounts403through Fiscal Year 2027.\18\ These authorized funds are404sufficient to begin ramping up the Coast Guard's work force to405maintain and crew assets being purchased with reconciliation406funds, as well as to hire a sufficient maritime safety407workforce.408---------------------------------------------------------------------------409 \18\ Id.410---------------------------------------------------------------------------411 The bill authorizes 50,000 active-duty personnel for the412Coast Guard for Fiscal Year 2026 and 55,000 for Fiscal Year4132027 following a demonstration that the Administration's Budget414supports that strength level. While the Fiscal Year 2027 House415Appropriations mark included a growth in the Service's416operations account to support a workforce expansion, the levels417for the Coast Guard's Procurement, Investment and Construction418account were below authorized levels, raising concerns about419the long-term sustainability of expanding the Service.420 The bill further imposes accountability requirements on the421Coast Guard, specifically relating to homeporting and422acquisition planning. In the past, surface acquisition projects423have been delayed and over budget. In just the last twelve424months, the Coast Guard has canceled contracts for one National425Security Cutter and two Offshore Patrol Cutters.\19\ The CGAA426of 2025's accountability requirements aim to improve the Coast427Guard's execution of its acquisition projects.428---------------------------------------------------------------------------429 \19\ Press Release, U.S. Dep't of Homeland Security, Secretary Noem430Protects American Taxpayers Against Wasteful Contracts While431Revolutionizing Coast Guard for the 21st Century, (July 11, 2025),432available at https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/07/11/secretary-noem-433protects-american-taxpayers-against-wasteful-contracts-while.434---------------------------------------------------------------------------435436UPDATE OF AUTHORITIES437438 The CGAA of 2025 updates the Service's authorities and439provides structural changes to the administration of the Coast440Guard, including the rolls and functions of flag officers.441While the Coast Guard has updated its organizational roles and442leadership, it is unclear how those changes reflect443requirements within the CGAA of 2025.444 The measure also updates acquisition authorities, including445providing additional authority to select shipbuilders with446demonstrated experience rather than relying on the lowest bid.447448SHIPPING AND NAVIGATION LAWS449450 The bill updates authorities related to shipping and451navigation laws, including those for the inspection of certain452vessels and authorities related to unmanned systems. The453Subcommittee needs clarity on the Coast Guard's plan to bring454unmanned assets online, as well as how civilian autonomous455assets will ultimately be regulated. Additionally, the bill456contains provisions to boost the pool of qualified United457States mariners by reducing bureaucratic delays and barriers to458Americans seeking a seagoing career.459460RESPONSE TO OPERATION FOULED ANCHOR461462 Operation Fouled Anchor was a Coast Guard investigation463initiated in 2014 that revealed incidents of rape, assault, and464other misconduct at the Coast Guard Academy (Academy) occurring465from 1990 until 2006.\20\ The report uncovered a repeated466pattern of mishandling cases and failure to hold perpetrators467accountable, in part driven by efforts to protect the468reputation of the Academy.\21\ Furthermore, the Committee's469investigation revealed broken processes that failed to properly470track decision making with regards to prosecutorial decisions.471---------------------------------------------------------------------------472 \20\ U.S. Coast Guard, ``Fouled Anchor'' Investigation--Final473Report (Jan. 31, 2020), available at https://www.uscg.mil/Portals/0/474documents/FOULED_ANCHOR_475INVESTIGATION_FINAL_REPORT_AND_ENCLOSURE-508Compliant.pdf.476 \21\ Id.477---------------------------------------------------------------------------478 Despite the Committee's demonstrated interest in curbing479sexual assault and sexual harassment, the Coast Guard chose to480withhold the report from Congress. Even worse, the decision to481bury the report resulted in a failure to implement the482recommendations from Operation Fouled Anchor. The bill provides483additional authorities to the Coast Guard to protect its484servicemembers, aligns Coast Guard practices with the practices485of other military services, and mandates additional486transparency and accountability as the actions are implemented.487488 VI. FORCE DESIGN 2028489490 Force Design 2028 is the Coast Guard's modernization effort491to prepare the Service to meet the Nation's future needs. On492May 21, 2025, then-Secretary Noem provided an Executive Report493on Force Design 2028, which outlined the key pillars of the494plan: \22\495---------------------------------------------------------------------------496 \22\ U.S. Coast Guard: Force Design 2028 Executive Report (2026),497available at https://media.defense.gov/2025/May/27/2003724531/-1/-1/0/498REPORT%20-%20FD28%20EXECUTIVE499%20REPORT%20_1166_V14.PDF.500501 1) LService Secretary. Establishing a Coast Guard Service502Secretary who will have authorities similar to those of the503civilian leadership of other military services. The position504would report to the Departmental Secretary and establish the505---------------------------------------------------------------------------506strategic direction for the Coast Guard.507508 2) LOrganization. Agency reorganization that serves to509streamline processes, eliminate redundancies, and empower510decision making at all levels. In particular, this includes511creating Program Executive Offices to consolidate acquisition512and sustainment for key fields, establishing a Deployable513Specialized Force command to ensure integration and readiness,514and to strengthen the Coast Guard Cyber Command.515516 3) LPeople. Investing in people, including modernizing the517workforce and the systems that manage personnel, revitalizing518the Reserves, and investing in the Officer Corps. This includes519maximizing accession points and looking at new locations to520increase training and accessions.521522 4) LTechnology. Investing in technology to improve maritime523surveillance, replacing antiquated technology merchant mariners524rely on, and improving the Service's logistics and human525resources.526527 5) LContracting and Acquisition. Improve and streamline528acquisition processes to improve efficiency and accountability.529530 To date, the Coast Guard has undertaken several actions to531begin implementation of the plan. This includes growing the532workforce by over 1,100 positions, realigning 68 percent of533positions across Coast Guard headquarters, including re-534establishing the position of a Chief of Staff, and the535realignment of the top acquisition positions.\23\ The Service536has also revised the physical fitness assessment, and provided537local Commanders with increased discretion to maintain good538order and discipline. The plan also calls for investments in539housing and quality of life issues for servicemembers. In an540effort to grow the Service, the Coast Guard also purchased an541additional training center in Montgomery, Alabama, with the542intent of shuffling certain training out of other facilities to543free up spaces and to consolidate certain levels of training in544Alabama.\24\ These lines of effort will require additional545funding beyond reconciliation, especially, aspirations to grow546the Service by an additional 10,000-15,000 service members.547This will necessitate substantial growth in annual operational548budgets.549---------------------------------------------------------------------------550 \23\ Id.551 \24\ Id.552---------------------------------------------------------------------------553 The Service is leveraging reconciliation investments to554enhance capabilities through new cutters and aircraft. Force555Design 2028 compliments this effort through acquisition556reforms, along with a greater reliance on commercial off-the-557shelf technology, the establishment of a robotics and558autonomous systems office, and the creation of a special559operations command.\25\560---------------------------------------------------------------------------561 \25\ Id.562---------------------------------------------------------------------------563564 VII. WITNESSES565566 LVice Admiral Douglas Schofield, Chief of Staff,567United States Coast Guard568 LTriana McNeil, Director, Homeland Security and569Justice Programs, Government Accountability Office570571 Appendix A:572573 Status of Implementation of Provisions of the Coast Guard Authorization574 Act of 2025575------------------------------------------------------------------------576 Due Date Completed Section Section Name577------------------------------------------------------------------------5781/17/2026................... 1/28/2026 7201 TJAG/DJAG579 IMPLEMENTATION5805811/17/2026................... ............ 7247 STUDY ON COAST582 GUARD ACADEMY583 OVERSIGHT5845851/17/2026................... ............ 7248 SUPERINTENDENT586 TO ENSURE587 ELECTRONIC588 LOCK SYSTEMS589 ARE WORKING5905911/17/2026................... ............ 7273 RESPONSIBLE592 PROPERTY593 OWNERSHIP AND594 TRACKING5955961/17/2026................... ............ 7333 NOAA MEMBERSHIP597 ON AUTONOMOUS598 VESSEL POLICY599 COUNCIL6006012/16/2026................... ............ 7252(a)(1) REVIEW AND602 MODIFICATION603 OF COAST GUARD604 ACADEMY POLICY605 ON SEXUAL606 HARASSMENT AND607 SEXUAL608 VIOLENCE:609 COMMENCE610 REVIEW6116122/16/2026................... ............ 7337 NATIONAL613 ACADEMY OF614 SCIENCES615 REPORT ON616 UNCREWED617 SYSTEMS AND618 USE OF DATA6196202/16/2026................... ............ 7348 OFFSHORE621 OPERATIONS--OI622 L FUEL TANK623 PROTECTION6246252/16/2026................... ............ 7348 OFFSHORE626 OPERATIONS--OU627 TER628 CONTINENTAL629 SHELF630 ACTIVITIES6316322/16/2026................... ............ 7524 PARTICIPATION633 IN CATCH A634 SERIAL635 OFFENDER636 PROGRAM6376382/16/2026................... ............ 7527(b) COAST GUARD AND639 COAST GUARD640 ACADEMY ACCESS641 TO DEFENSE642 SEXUAL ASSAULT643 INCIDENT644 DATABASE:645 Submit Plan6466473/18/2026................... 4/20/2026 7268 REPORT ON AND648 EXPANSION OF649 COAST GUARD650 JUNIOR RESERVE651 OFFICERS'652 TRAINING CORPS653 PROGRAM6546553/18/2026................... ............ 7275 PARENTAL LEAVE656 SURGE STAFFING657 PROGRAM6586593/18/2026................... ............ 7278 TEMPORARY660 INSTALLATION661 OF RESTROOM662 FACILITIES FOR663 TRAINING664 CENTER CAPE665 MAY MEDICAL666 FACILITY6676683/18/2026................... ............ 7321(a) PORTS AND669 WATERWAYS670 SAFETY6716723/18/2026................... ............ 7511 SAFE TO REPORT673 POLICY FOR THE674 COAST GUARD6756763/18/2026................... ............ 7511 ACCOUNTABILITY677 AND678 TRANSPARENCY679 RELATING TO680 ALLEGATIONS OF681 MISCONDUCT682 AGAINST SENIOR683 LEADERS6846853/18/2026................... ............ 7511 REPORT ON686 INCIDENTS OF687 COVERED688 MISCONDUCT6896903/18/2026................... 2/2026 7116 OVERSIGHT OF691 FUNDS6926934/17/2026................... ............ 7233 TUITION694 ASSISTANCE AND695 ADVANCED696 EDUCATION697 ASSISTANCE698 PILOT PROGRAM6997004/17/2026................... ............ 7513 FLAG OFFICER701 REVIEW OF, AND702 CONCURRENCE703 IN, SEPARATION704 OF MEMBERS WHO705 HAVE REPORTED706 COVERED707 MISCONDUCT7087096/16/2026................... ............ 7111 INITIAL710 HOMEPORTING711 PROGRESS712 REPORT7137146/16/2026................... ............ 7118 ANNUAL PLAN FOR715 COAST GUARD716 OPERATIONS IN717 THE PACIFIC;718 FEASIBILITY719 STUDY ON720 SUPPORTING721 ADDITIONAL722 PORT VISITS723 AND724 DEPLOYMENTS IN725 SUPPORT OF726 OPERATION BLUE727 PACIFIC7287296/16/2026................... ............ 7224(b) MODIFICATIONS730 AND REVISIONS731 RELATING TO732 REOPENING733 RETIRED GRADE734 DETERMINATIONS735 : ISSUANCE AND736 REVISION OF737 REGULATIONS738 RELATING TO739 GOOD CAUSE TO740 REOPEN RETIRED741 GRADE742 DETERMINATIONS7437446/16/2026................... ............ 7224(c) MODIFICATIONS745 AND REVISIONS746 RELATING TO747 REOPENING748 RETIRED GRADE749 DETERMINATIONS750 : REVISION OF751 LIMITATIONS ON752 REOPENING753 RETIRED GRADE754 DETERMINATIONS7557566/16/2026................... ............ 7231(b) BEHAVIORAL757 HEALTH:758 Behavioral759 Health760 Specialist (5)7617626/16/2026................... ............ 7231(b)(4) BEHAVIORAL763 HEALTH--notice764 if has not765 completed766 hiring,767 training,768 deploying7697706/16/2026................... ............ 7252(a)(2) REVIEW AND771 MODIFICATION772 OF COAST GUARD773 ACADEMY POLICY774 ON SEXUAL775 HARASSMENT AND776 SEXUAL777 VIOLENCE:778 Complete7797806/16/2026................... ............ 7263 PLAN FOR JOINT781 AND INTEGRATED782 MARITIME783 OPERATIONAL784 AND LEADERSHIP785 TRAINING FOR786 UNITED STATES787 COAST GUARD788 AND TAIWAN789 COAST GUARD790 ADMINISTRATION7917926/16/2026................... ............ 7264 AIDS TO793 NAVIGATION7947956/16/2026................... ............ 7265 STUDY AND GAP796 ANALYSIS WITH797 RESPECT TO798 COAST GUARD799 AIR STATION800 CORPUS CHRISTI801 AVIATION802 HANGER8038046/16/2026................... ............ 7266 REPORT ON805 IMPACTS OF806 JOINT TRAVEL807 REGULATIONS ON808 MEMBERS OF809 COAST GUARD810 WHO RELY ON811 FERRY SYSTEMS8128136/16/2026................... ............ 7274 STUDY ON814 EFFECTS OF815 OCEANOGRAPHIC,816 WEATHER, AND817 COASTAL818 CONDITIONS ON819 COAST GUARD820 MISSIONS8218226/16/2026................... ............ 7336 MEDIUM UNMANNED823 AIRCRAFT824 SYSTEMS825 CAPABILITIES826 STUDY8278286/16/2026................... ............ 7407 INTERNATIONAL829 MARITIME OIL830 SPILL RESPONSE8318326/16/2026................... ............ 7502 COAST GUARD833 IMPLEMENTATION834 OF INDEPENDENT835 REVIEW836 COMMISSION837 RECOMMENDATION838 S ON839 ADDRESSING840 SEXUAL ASSAULT841 AND SEXUAL842 HARASSMENT IN843 THE MILITARY8448456/16/2026................... ............ 7512 POLICY RELATING846 TO CARE AND847 SUPPORT OF848 VICTIMS OF849 COVERED850 MISCONDUCT8518526/16/2026................... ............ 7514 POLICY AND853 PROGRAM TO854 EXPAND855 PREVENTION OF856 SEXUAL857 MISCONDUCT8588596/16/2026................... ............ 7522 DEVELOPMENT OF860 POLICIES ON861 MILITARY862 PROTECTIVE863 ORDERS.8648656/16/2026................... ............ 7527(a) COAST GUARD AND866 COAST GUARD867 ACADEMY ACCESS868 TO DEFENSE869 SEXUAL ASSAULT870 INCIDENT871 DATABASE: MOU8728736/16/2026................... ............ 7529 ACCESS TO874 TEMPORARY875 SEPARATION876 PROGRAM FOR877 VICTIMS OF878 ALLEGED SEX-879 RELATED880 OFFENSES8818829/14/2026................... ............ 7231(a) BEHAVIORAL883 HEALTH:884 ESTABLISH885 PILOT PROGRAM8868879/14/2026................... ............ 7301 MERCHANT888 MARINER889 CREDENTIALING:890 REQUIREMENTS891 OF MM892 CREDENTIUALING893 SYSTEM89489512/18/2026.................. ............ 7205 PREPAREDNESS896 PLANS FOR897 COAST GUARD898 PROPERTIES899 LOCATED IN900 TSUNAMI901 INUNDATION902 ZONES.90390412/18/2026.................. ............ 7248(c) Electronic905 Locking906 Mechanisms to907 Ensure Coast908 Guard Academy909 Cadet Room910 Security:911 Superintendent912 create Access913 Policy914 Instruction91591612/18/2026.................. ............ 7261 POLICY AND917 BRIEFING ON918 AVAILABILITY919 OF NALOXONE TO920 TREAT OPIOID,921 INCLUDING922 FENTANYL,923 OVERDOSES.92492512/18/2026.................. ............ 7262 POLICY ON926 METHODS TO927 REDUCE928 INCENTIVES FOR929 ILLICIT930 MARITIME DRUG931 TRAFFICKING93293312/18/2026.................. ............ 7315 REQUIREMENT TO934 REPORT SEXUAL935 OFFENSES93693712/18/2026.................. ............ 7323 IMPROVING938 VESSEL TRAFFIC939 SERVICE940 MONITORING94194212/18/2026.................. ............ 7347 ABANDONED AND943 DERELICT944 VESSEL945 REMOVALS94694712/18/2026.................. ............ 7349 PORT ACCESS948 ROUTES94995012/18/2026.................. ............ 7511 COMPREHENSIVE951 POLICY ON952 COVERED953 MISCONDUCT95495512/18/2026.................. ............ 7515(b) TRAINING AND956 EDUCATION957 PROGRAMS FOR958 COVERED959 MISCONDUCT960 PREVENTION AND961 RESPONSE:962 COVERED963 MISCONDUCT964 PREVENTION AND965 RESPONSE966 TRAINING AND967 EDUCATION96896912/18/2026.................. ............ 7515(e) TRAINING AND970 EDUCATION971 PROGRAMS FOR972 COVERED973 MISCONDUCT974 PREVENTION AND975 RESPONSE:976 ENTRY AND977 ACCESSION978 TRAININGS9799806/11/2027................... ............ 7342 CLARIFICATION981 OF AUTHORITIES9829836/11/2027................... ............ 7515 (d) TRAINING AND984 EDUCATION985 PROGRAMS FOR986 COVERED987 MISCONDUCT988 PREVENTION AND989 RESPONSE:990 TRAINING FOR991 PROSPECTIVE992 COMMANDING993 OFFICERS AND994 EXECUTIVE995 OFFICERS99699712/18/2027.................. ............ 7248(a) ELECTRONIC998 LOCKING999 MECHANISMS TO1000 ENSURE COAST1001 GUARD ACADEMY1002 CADET ROOM1003 SECURITY1004100512/18/2027.................. ............ 7251 INSTALLATION OF1006 BEHAVIORAL1007 HEALTH AND1008 MEDICAL1009 PRIVACY ROOMS1010101112/18/2027.................. ............ 7326 NAVIGATIONAL1012 PROTOCOLS1013101412/18/2027.................. ............ 7515(a)(1) TRAINING AND1015 EDUCATION1016 PROGRAMS FOR1017 COVERED1018 MISCONDUCT1019 PREVENTION AND1020 RESPONSE:1021 Revise1022 curriculum1023102412/18/2027.................. ............ 7515(c) TRAINING AND1025 EDUCATION1026 PROGRAMS FOR1027 COVERED1028 MISCONDUCT1029 PREVENTION AND1030 RESPONSE:1031 COVERED FIRST1032 RESPONDER1033 TRAINING1034103512/18/2027.................. ............ 7321 (g) PORTS AND1036 WATERWAYS1037 SAFETY: GREAT1038 LAKES AND1039 SAINT LAWRENCE1040 RIVER1041 COOPERATIVE1042 VESSEL TRAFFIC1043 SERVICE1044------------------------------------------------------------------------10451046TAKING ACCOUNT: IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COAST GUARD AUTHORIZATION ACT OF1047 2025, RECONCILIATION, AND FORCE DESIGN 202810481049 ----------10501051 TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 202610521053 House of Representatives,1054 Subcommittee on Coast Guard and1055 Maritime Transportation,1056 Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure,1057 Washington, DC.1058 The subcommittee met, pursuant to call, at 10 a.m. in Room10592167, Rayburn House Office Building, Hon. Mike Ezell (Chairman1060of the subcommittee) presiding.1061 Mr. Ezell. The Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime1062Transportation will come to order.1063 I ask unanimous consent that the chairman be authorized to1064declare a recess at any time during today's hearing.1065 Without objection, so ordered.1066 I also ask unanimous consent that Members not on the1067subcommittee be permitted to sit with the subcommittee at1068today's hearing and ask questions.1069 Without objection, so ordered.1070 As a reminder, if Members wish to insert a document into1071the record, please also email it to DocumentsTI@mail.house.gov.1072 I now recognize myself for the purpose of an opening1073statement for 5 minutes.10741075OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. MIKE EZELL OF MISSISSIPPI, CHAIRMAN,1076 SUBCOMMITTEE ON COAST GUARD AND MARITIME TRANSPORTATION10771078 Mr. Ezell. Today, we discuss the Coast Guard's progress1079towards implementing the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025,1080as well as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025.1081 First, I would like to welcome our witnesses, Vice Admiral1082Schofield, Chief of Staff, the United States Coast Guard; and1083Ms. Triana McNeil, Director of Homeland Security and Justice1084Programs at the Government Accountability Office.1085 I understand that, both of you, it is your first time1086testifying today before the subcommittee. I appreciate you1087being here very much, and it will be a good hearing. I look1088forward to your testimony.1089 The Coast Guard is a military service that performs a1090comprehensive set of safety, lifesaving, law enforcement, and1091national security missions. The Service's activities benefit1092and safeguard recreational boaters, commercial vessel1093operators, and commercial fishing. The general public benefits1094from the Coast Guard personnel who bravely and selflessly carry1095out duties that save lives, enforce the law, battle1096transnational criminal enterprises, and protect the national1097security and territorial integrity of the United States. They1098perform all of these functions exceptionally well, especially1099in light of the fact that the Service is an organization that1100is chronically underresourced.1101 The One Big Beautiful Bill Act was a historic $25 billion1102investment in the Coast Guard. It represents an effort to clear1103the way for the Coast Guard to recapitalize its dilapidated1104shoreside, surface, and air assets, and to create a 21st-1105century Service capable of meeting the 21st-century challenges1106and threats. The bill provides for the equivalent of a1107staggering 15 years' worth of annual procurement funding, and1108it is the largest single investment in the Coast Guard's1109history.1110 The Coast Guard has obligated a large portion of these1111funds provided by the law. This committee and Congress have a1112responsibility to ensure the dollars entrusted to the Coast1113Guard are being spent responsibly and as they were intended. To1114do that, we require clarity on where the assets being procured1115will be homeported and how the Coast Guard plans to build the1116shoreside infrastructure necessary to sustain them.1117Importantly, this includes sufficient housing and related1118facilities for the Coast Guard members who will crew these1119platforms.1120 The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 authorizes1121appropriations for numerous assets, including the 12th National1122Security Cutter, three Fast Response Cutters, a commercial1123icebreaker, and the Arctic Security Cutter Program, including1124evaluating foreign shipyards in Finland and Sweden. Both bills1125also establish accountability measures to ensure the Service is1126responsive to congressional direction and is acting as a good1127steward of taxpayer dollars.1128 Beyond these accountability measures, the bill also1129authorizes appropriations for operations and support, and1130procurement and investment accounts through fiscal year 2027,1131at amounts sufficient for the Coast Guard to begin increasing1132the number of uniformed and civilian personnel needed to1133maintain the assets purchased with reconciliation funds, as1134well as to hire a sufficient maritime safety workforce. The1135legislation also takes measures to ensure that members needed1136to serve on these assets have sufficient healthcare and1137childcare.1138 The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 imposes needed1139accountability requirements related to homeporting and1140maintenance, and acquisition planning, a longstanding issue for1141the Coast Guard. We are concerned that the Service's apparent1142lack of planning puts not just modernization efforts, but also1143mission accomplishment in jeopardy. We are interested in1144learning today how the Coast Guard will meet these1145accountability requirements.1146 Coast Guard modernization efforts are taking place under1147the architecture of the Force Design 2028 plan, which envisions1148a comprehensive overhaul of the Service's leadership,1149organization, technology, and contracting and acquisition1150process.1151 So far, the Coast Guard has undertaken several actions to1152begin implementation of Force Design 2028, including growing1153the workforce by over 1,100 positions, realigning 68 percent of1154positions across the Coast Guard headquarters, and realigning1155the Service's top acquisitions projects. To help meet the goals1156of future personnel growth, the Coast Guard has also purchased1157an additional training center in Birmingham, Alabama.1158 Today's hearing provides a forum to articulate where the1159Coast Guard is in pursuing the goals of Force Design 2028 and1160the path to successfully and completely implement all its1161objectives.1162 The Government Accountability Office has carefully and1163extensively examined Coast Guard programs and management1164practices over the years. They bring an important perspective1165to the discussion about what proper stewardship of appropriated1166funds and responsible planning and administration of a large1167Government agency should look like. I will be listening with a1168keen ear to the points Ms. McNeil makes and any recommendations1169she has.1170 Finally, I would be remiss if I did not take this1171opportunity once again to state that the Coast Guard has failed1172to provide the committee with statutorily required long-term1173acquisition planning documents for years on end. This1174persistent failure to meet legally mandated reporting1175requirements raises serious concerns about whether the Service1176is making appropriate spending decisions.1177 Congress recognizes the value the Coast Guard delivers and1178wants the Service to reach its fullest potential. The continued1179growth and investment of the Coast Guard is contingent upon1180continued investment in the Service by Congress. Clearer1181transparency and meaningful accountability of how the Coast1182Guard is setting its priorities, allocating its resources, and1183truly planning for its immediate and future needs are key to1184maintaining the levels of congressional support necessary for1185the organization to continue to grow and meet all the demands1186for its services.1187 Lastly, I want to recognize two staff members who will soon1188be departing the subcommittee. Lieutenant Commander Lindsay1189Sakal served as the subcommittee's Coast Guard fellow over the1190last year. She left her mark on the subcommittee, helping to1191strengthen the Service and providing expert legal analysis. The1192subcommittee's legal assistant, Spencer Thompson, is also1193departing to pursue an aviation career after multiple1194subcommittee internships and nearly 2 years on the subcommittee1195where he supported the passage of the Coast Guard's1196reconciliation investments and the Coast Guard Authorization1197Act of 2025. To both of you, I wish you the best of luck in1198future endeavors.1199 [Mr. Ezell's prepared statement follows:]12001201 Prepared Statement of Hon. Mike Ezell of Mississippi, Chairman,1202 Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation1203 The Coast Guard is a military service that performs a comprehensive1204set of safety, lifesaving, law enforcement, and national security1205missions. The Service's activities benefit and safeguard recreational1206boaters, commercial vessel operators, and commercial fishing. The1207general public benefits from Coast Guard personnel who bravely and1208selflessly carry out duties that save lives, enforce the law, battle1209transnational criminal enterprises, and protect the national security1210and territorial integrity of the United States. They perform all these1211functions exceptionally well, especially in light of the fact the1212Service is an organization that is chronically under-resourced.1213 The One Big Beautiful Bill Act was a historic $25 billion1214investment in the Coast Guard. It represents an effort to clear the way1215for the Coast Guard to recapitalize its dilapidated shoreside, surface,1216and air assets and to create a 21st-century Service capable of meeting121721st-century challenges and threats. The bill provides for the1218equivalent of a staggering 15 years' worth of annual procurement1219funding, and it is the largest single investment in the Coast Guard's1220history.1221 The Coast Guard has obligated a large portion of the funds provided1222by the law. This committee and Congress have a responsibility to ensure1223the dollars entrusted to the Coast Guard are being spent responsibly1224and as they were intended. To do that, we require clarity on where the1225assets being procured will be homeported and how the Coast Guard plans1226to build the shoreside infrastructure necessary to sustain them.1227Importantly, this includes sufficient housing and related facilities1228for the Coast Guard members who will crew these platforms.1229 The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 authorizes appropriations1230for numerous assets, including the twelfth National Security Cutter,1231three Fast Response Cutters, a commercial icebreaker, and the Arctic1232Security Cutter program, including evaluating foreign shipyards in1233Finland and Sweden. Both bills also establish accountability measures1234to ensure the Service is responsive to Congressional direction and is1235acting as a good steward of taxpayer dollars.1236 Beyond these accountability measures, the bill also authorizes1237appropriations for the operations and support, and procurement and1238investment accounts through fiscal year 2027, at amounts sufficient for1239the Coast Guard to begin increasing the number of uniformed and1240civilian personnel needed to maintain the assets purchased with1241reconciliation funds, as well as to hire a sufficient maritime safety1242workforce. The legislation also takes measures to ensure the members1243needed to serve on these assets have sufficient healthcare and1244childcare.1245 The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 imposes needed1246accountability requirements related to homeporting and maintenance, and1247acquisition planning, a longstanding issue for the Coast Guard. We are1248concerned that the Service's apparent lack of planning puts not just1249modernization efforts, but also mission accomplishment in jeopardy. We1250are interested in learning today how the Coast Guard will meet these1251accountability requirements.1252 Coast Guard modernization efforts are taking place under the1253architecture of the Force Design 2028 plan, which envisions a1254comprehensive overhaul of the Service's leadership, organization,1255technology, and contracting and acquisition processes.1256 So far, the Coast Guard has undertaken several actions to begin1257implementation of Force Design 2028, including growing the workforce by1258over 1,100 positions, realigning 68 percent of positions across Coast1259Guard headquarters, and realigning the Service's top acquisitions1260projects. To help meet the goals of future personnel growth, the Coast1261Guard has also purchased an additional training center in Birmingham,1262Alabama.1263 Today's hearing provides a forum to articulate where the Coast1264Guard is in pursuing the goals of Force Design 2028 and the path to1265successfully and completely implement all its objectives.1266 The Government Accountability Office has carefully and extensively1267examined Coast Guard programs and management practices over the years.1268They bring an important perspective to the discussion about what proper1269stewardship of appropriated funds and responsible planning and1270administration of a large government agency should look like. I will be1271listening with a keen ear to the points Ms. McNeil makes and to any1272recommendations she has.1273 Finally, I would be remiss if I did not take this opportunity to1274once again state that the Coast Guard has failed to provide the1275Committee with statutorily required long-term acquisition planning1276documents for years on end. This persistent failure to meet legally1277mandated reporting requirements raises serious concerns about whether1278the Service is making appropriate spending decisions.1279 Congress recognizes the value the Coast Guard delivers and wants1280the Service to reach its fullest potential. The continued growth and1281investment of the Coast Guard is contingent upon continued investment1282in the Service by Congress. Clearer transparency and meaningful1283accountability of how the Coast Guard is setting its priorities,1284allocating its resources, and truly planning for its immediate and1285future needs are key to maintaining the levels of Congressional support1286necessary for the organization to continue to grow and meet all the1287demands for its services.12881289 Mr. Ezell. I now recognize Ranking Member Carbajal for 51290minutes for an opening statement.1291 Mr. Carbajal. Thank you, Chairman Ezell. I will yield to1292our ranking member, Mr. Larsen.1293 Mr. Ezell. Mr. Larsen, go ahead.12941295 OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. RICK LARSEN OF WASHINGTON, RANKING1296 MEMBER, COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE12971298 Mr. Larsen of Washington. Thank you, Chair Ezell and1299Ranking Member Carbajal, for holding this hearing to examine1300the significant changes underway at the Coast Guard.1301 Congressional oversight is more important than ever as the1302Coast Guard undergoes transformational change as a result of1303recent authorizations, reconciliation funding, and the Force1304Design 2028.1305 I want to thank our witnesses, Vice Admiral Douglas1306Schofield and Ms. Triana McNeil, for being here today to1307discuss the Coast Guard's successes and challenges in1308implementing recently enacted laws and in obligating the1309funding from reconciliation.1310 Despite these investments in the reconciliation bill, GAO1311reports that the Coast Guard is not only falling behind its1312acquisition and procurement targets, but has made operational1313decisions that have actively harmed its ability to carry out1314essential duties.1315 A couple of points I want to make.1316 It is unacceptable that the Coast Guard has not yet1317restored the dozens of stations that have been closed or1318downgraded since 2024. These closures have reduced the agency's1319ability to effectively conduct search and rescue operations1320across our country, a decision with life-or-death consequences.1321A 2025 GAO report found that, due to personnel shortages, the1322Coast Guard closed 23 seasonal boat stations and reduced SAR1323coverage associated with 19 other stations. This reduced SAR1324capability has put a strain on local first responders.1325 The Commandant has said that the Coast Guard search and1326rescue mission represents a sacred trust with the American1327people. The agency must prioritize using its new resources and1328servicemembers to restore that sacred trust. A question I will1329have when we get to questions is, when is the Coast Guard going1330to reconstitute 42 search and rescue-focused stations?1331 I am also concerned the administration is going to1332negatively impact the Coast Guard's efforts to curb sexual1333assault, sexual harassment, and harassment. While I believe the1334Commandant is truly invested in this issue, the1335administration's decision to shutter the Women's Leadership1336Initiative, the Federally Employed Women, and Women's1337Leadership Council, all that limits the voice of women in the1338Service--the very people whose input is needed when developing1339policies to combat sexual assault and sexual harassment.1340 Congress enacted dozens of reforms in response to Operation1341Fouled Anchor, which revealed flagrant and negligent1342mishandling of sexual assault and sexual harassment cases1343involving Coast Guard personnel. Some of these reforms include1344expedited transfers for victims and survivors, updating the1345process for obtaining protective orders, and establishing a1346confidential reporting system. The women and men of the Coast1347Guard deserve the immediate and complete implementation of1348these reforms as we work to eliminate sexual assault and1349harassment from the Service.1350 I do want to acknowledge the Coast Guard has had success in1351implementing parts of recent authorizations, and something near1352and dear to the Pacific Northwest is in the 2022 Coast Guard1353Authorization Act that authorized the creation of a whale desk1354traffic alert system in our State, a new program to protect1355orcas and other marine life from vessel strikes by providing1356operators and mariners with near real-time location data.1357 The program has been a success in my home State, allowing1358for safer maritime operations and reductions in noise pollution1359around whales. I am pleased that Congress reauthorized this1360program, but with a recent whale strike in Alaska, we need to1361look forward to working with the Coast Guard to expand it to1362other regions.1363 I look forward to engaging with our witnesses on the1364progress the Coast Guard is making to modernize the1365organization and ensure that Coasties have the necessary1366funding, resources, and infrastructure to save lives, protect1367the American public, and to keep commerce flowing.1368 Thank you, and I yield back.1369 [Mr. Larsen of Washington's prepared statement follows:]13701371 Prepared Statement of Hon. Rick Larsen of Washington, Ranking Member,1372 Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure1373 Thank you, Chairman Ezell and Ranking Member Carbajal, for holding1374this hearing to examine the significant changes underway at the Coast1375Guard.1376 Congressional oversight is more important than ever as the Coast1377Guard undergoes transformational change as a result of recent1378authorizations, reconciliation funding, and Force Design 2028.1379 I want to thank our witnesses, Vice Admiral Douglas Schofield and1380Ms. Triana McNeil, for being here today to discuss the Coast Guard's1381successes and challenges in implementing recently enacted laws and in1382obligating the funding from reconciliation.1383 Despite these investments in the reconciliation bill, GAO reports1384the Coast Guard is not only falling behind its acquisition and1385procurement targets, but has made operational decisions that have1386actively harmed its ability to carry out essential duties.1387 It is unacceptable that the Coast Guard has not yet restored the1388dozens of stations that have been closed or downgraded since 2024.1389These closures have reduced the agency's ability to effectively conduct1390search and rescue operations across our country, a decision with life-1391or-death consequences.1392 A 2025 GAO report found that due to personnel shortages, the Coast1393Guard closed 23 seasonal boat stations and reduced SAR coverage1394associated with 19 other stations.1395 This reduced capability has also put a strain on local first1396responders.1397 The Commandant has said that the Coast Guard's search and rescue1398mission represents a ``sacred trust with the American people.'' The1399agency must prioritize using its new resources and servicemembers to1400restore that sacred trust.1401 A question I will have is when is the Coast Guard going to1402reconstitute the 42 search and rescue focused stations?1403 I'm also concerned that the administration is going to negatively1404impact the Coast Guard's efforts to curb sexual assault, sexual1405harassment, and harassment.1406 While I believe that the Commandant is truly invested in this1407issue, the administration's decision to shutter the Women's Leadership1408Initiative, Federally Employed Women, and the Women's Leadership1409Council all of that limits the voice of women in the Service--the very1410people whose input is needed when developing policies to combat sexual1411assault and sexual harassment.1412 Congress enacted dozens of reforms in response to Operation Fouled1413Anchor, which revealed flagrant and negligent mishandlings of sexual1414assault and sexual harassments cases involving Coast Guard personnel.1415Some of these reforms include expedited transfers for victims and1416survivors, updating the process for obtaining protective orders, and1417establishing a confidential reporting system.1418 The women and men of the Coast Guard deserve the immediate and1419complete implementation of these reforms as we work to eliminate sexual1420assault and harassment from the Service.1421 I do want to acknowledge that the Coast Guard has had success in1422implementing parts of recent reauthorizations.1423 For instance, the 2022 Coast Guard Authorization Act authorized the1424creation of a ``whale desk'' traffic alert system in Washington state,1425a new program to protect orcas and other marine life from vessel1426strikes by providing operators and mariners with near real-time1427location data.1428 The program has been a success in my home state, allowing for safer1429maritime operations and reductions in noise pollution around whales.1430 I am pleased that Congress reauthorized this program in the 20251431Coast Guard Authorization Act and look forward to working with the1432Coast Guard to expand it to other regions to protect marine life.1433 I look forward to engaging with our witnesses on the progress that1434the Coast Guard is making to modernize the organization and ensure that1435Coasties have the necessary funding, resources, and infrastructure to1436save lives, protect the American public, and keep commerce flowing.1437 Thank you, and I yield back.14381439 Mr. Ezell. The gentleman yields. I would like now to1440welcome our witnesses.1441 [Discussion off the record.]1442 Mr. Ezell. Mr. Carbajal.14431444 OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. SALUD O. CARBAJAL OF CALIFORNIA,1445 RANKING MEMBER, SUBCOMMITTEE ON COAST GUARD AND MARITIME1446 TRANSPORTATION14471448 Mr. Carbajal. Thank you, Chairman Ezell, and thank you to1449our two witnesses for being here today.1450 Over the past year, we have spoken on many occasions about1451what reconciliation funding is going to do for the Coast Guard.1452Now that it is being spent, congressional oversight isn't just1453appropriate, it's necessary more than ever.1454 I am glad that we are now talking about the implementation1455of policies and projects that have come out of prior Coast1456Guard authorizations, reconciliation, and the Commandant's1457vision for the Service. But I must say, it can be exceptionally1458frustrating when the agency refuses to be more transparent,1459sidesteps the law, or says one thing and does another.1460 Let me give you an example. Congress gave you money to buy1461C-130s. We then found out from the press that, at the direction1462of the former Secretary of Homeland Security, you planned to1463purchase two shiny new G700 executive jets. When you came to1464brief Congress, you told us, don't worry, we are going to get1465reimbursed so we can buy and missionize six C-130s and purchase1466flight simulators.1467 Secretary Noem left, and to my knowledge, you still have1468not been reimbursed.1469 So, I will make my point again. Congressional oversight1470isn't just important, it is necessary.1471 Now, I want to be clear. I support the Coast Guard, and I1472want to make sure the Service has the resources to fulfill its1473mission. That means more Coast Guard funding. I could not agree1474more with the current and former Commandant that you are1475currently a $20 billion Service and deserve that level of1476funding. I believe all of my colleagues on this subcommittee1477agree, but as Congress provides more funding and the size of1478the Service grows, the Coast Guard must remain accountable.1479 Congress works, sometimes for years, on negotiating changes1480to the law based on issues or the needs of the Service.1481Unfortunately, we often have to revisit those laws because the1482Coast Guard deceptively changes regulations, implements1483incorrectly, or refuses to enforce altogether.1484 Not only is this frustrating for Congress, but more1485importantly, this hurts the readiness and resiliency of the1486servicemembers who rely on steady, principled leadership to do1487their jobs. Proper oversight and meaningful legislative change1488depends on trust and transparency, and the Coast Guard needs to1489do better in this respect.1490 As we move forward with today's hearing, I look forward to1491hearing an update from the Coast Guard on the implementation of1492my Small Passenger Vessel Safety Act. In the Elijah E. Cummings1493Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2020, Congress enacted my1494bill, the Small Passenger Vessel Safety Act, which included1495several changes that increased the safety of small passenger1496vessels. This legislation came following the tragic loss of 341497lives when the motor vessel MV Conception caught fire off of my1498district. As a result, I have worked to ensure no family loses1499their loved one again in similar ways. And in the Don Young1500Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022, I fought to ensure1501victims or their families, like the ones from the Conception1502boat fire, can recoup the damages they are owed when there is1503negligence.1504 The last update I received from the Coast Guard is that the1505Service was working expeditiously to update regulations and1506enforce all but one requirement: updates to safety management1507systems. I look forward to hearing from the Coast Guard today1508about your efforts to complete full implementation of that law.1509 As I conclude my remarks, I want to say that there is truly1510no organization like the Coast Guard in the world. Our country1511is undoubtedly safer because of their service. Every time we1512call on the Coast Guard, they have answered. I look forward to1513hearing from the Coast Guard on spending plans, policy changes,1514and policy implementation.1515 With that, Mr. Chairman, I yield back.1516 [Mr. Carbajal's prepared statement follows:]15171518 Prepared Statement of Hon. Salud O. Carbajal of California, Ranking1519 Member, Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation1520 Good morning, and thank you, Chair Ezell, for calling today's1521hearing.1522 Over the past year, we have spoken on many occasions about what1523reconciliation funding is going to do for the Coast Guard. Now that1524you're spending it, Congressional oversight isn't just appropriate,1525it's necessary.1526 I am glad that we are here to talk about the implementation of the1527policies and projects that have come out of prior Coast Guard1528Authorizations, reconciliation, and the Commandant's vision for the1529Service. But I must say that it can be exceptionally frustrating when1530the agency refuses to be transparent, sidesteps the law, or says one1531thing and does another.1532 Let me give an example. Congress gave you money to buy C-130s. We1533then found out from the press that, at the direction of the former1534Secretary of Homeland Security, you planned to purchase two shiny new1535G700 executive jets. When you came to brief Congress, you told us,1536``Don't worry, we're going to get reimbursed so we can buy and1537missionize six C-130s and purchase flight simulators.''1538 That Secretary left and you still haven't been reimbursed.1539Congressional oversight isn't just important, it's necessary.1540 Now I want to be clear. I support more Coast Guard and that means1541more Coast Guard funding. I agree with the current and former1542Commandant that you are currently a $20 billion Service and deserve1543that level of funding.1544 I believe all of my colleagues on this Subcommittee agree but as1545Congress provides more funding and the size of the Service grows, the1546Coast Guard must remain accountable.1547 Congress works--sometimes for years--on negotiating changes to the1548law based on issues or the needs of the Service. Unfortunately, we1549often have to revisit those laws because the Coast Guard deceptively1550changes regulations, implements incorrectly, or refuses to enforce1551altogether.1552 This can be frustrating for Congress but more importantly, it hurts1553the readiness and resiliency of servicemembers who rely on the steady1554principled leadership to do their jobs.1555 Proper oversight and meaningful legislative change depends on trust1556and transparency, and the Coast Guard needs to do better.1557 In the Elijah E. Cummings Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2020,1558Congress enacted my bill, the Small Passenger Vessel Safety Act, which1559included several changes that increased the safety of small passenger1560vessels. This legislation came following the tragic loss of 34 lives1561when the MV Conception caught fire. As a result, I have worked1562tirelessly to ensure no family loses their loved one in a similar way1563and, in the Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022, ensured1564victims or their families can recoup the damages they are owed.1565 Last, I heard that the Coast Guard was working expeditiously to1566update regulations and enforce all but one requirement: updates to1567safety management systems. I look forward to hearing from the Coast1568Guard today about their efforts to complete full implementation of that1569law.1570 There truly is no organization like the Coast Guard in the world.1571Our country is undoubtedly safer because of their service. Every time1572we've called on them, they've answered.1573 I look forward to hearing from the Coast Guard about spending1574plans, policy changes, and policy implementation.1575 With that, I yield back.15761577 Mr. Ezell. The gentleman yields. I now want to welcome our1578witnesses today, and I want to thank you both for being here.1579 Briefly, I would like to take a moment to explain our1580lighting system to our witnesses. There are three lights in1581front of you. Green means go, yellow means you are running out1582of time, and red means conclude your remarks.1583 I ask unanimous consent that the witnesses' full statements1584be included in the record.1585 Without objection, so ordered.1586 I ask unanimous consent that the record of today's hearing1587remain open until such time as our witnesses have provided1588answers to any questions that may be submitted to them in1589writing.1590 Without objection, so ordered.1591 I also ask unanimous consent that the record remain open1592for 15 days for any additional comments and information1593submitted by Members or witnesses to be included in the record1594of today's hearing.1595 Without objection, so ordered.1596 As your written testimony has been made part of the record,1597the subcommittee asks that you limit your oral remarks to 51598minutes.1599 With that, Admiral Schofield, you are recognized for 51600minutes for your testimony.16011602TESTIMONY OF VICE ADMIRAL DOUGLAS M. SCHOFIELD, CHIEF OF STAFF,1603 U.S. COAST GUARD; AND TRIANA McNEIL, DIRECTOR, HOMELAND1604 SECURITY AND JUSTICE, U.S. GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE16051606TESTIMONY OF VICE ADMIRAL DOUGLAS M. SCHOFIELD, CHIEF OF STAFF,1607 U.S. COAST GUARD16081609 Admiral Schofield. Chairman Ezell, Ranking Member Carbajal,1610and members of the subcommittee, thank you for the opportunity1611to testify today and for your continued support of the United1612States Coast Guard.1613 The American people depend on the Coast Guard every day,1614and we deliver. We save lives; we control, secure, and defend1615the U.S. border and maritime approaches far at sea; we1616facilitate the safe and secure flow of commerce that relies on1617our ports, waterways, shipping, and merchant mariners vital to1618America's economic prosperity and national security; and we1619also respond to crises or contingencies that may come with1620little or no warning.1621 We conduct these missions across four operational domains1622that make up the U.S. homeland: in the U.S. mainland, from the1623inland navigable waterways and Great Lakes along the U.S.1624border and its approaches, throughout the Caribbean and the1625Western Hemisphere, including the two U.S. Territories in the1626Caribbean; and Alaska and its approaches, including the Arctic;1627in Hawaii and the three U.S. Territories across the Pacific and1628their approaches, including remote areas of the U.S. exclusive1629economic zone and Oceania; and, importantly, in cyberspace.1630 Today, the Nation is asking more of the Coast Guard than1631ever before. To meet this demand, we are transforming our1632Service to become a more agile, capable, and responsive force.1633This transformation rests on three foundational pillars, which1634we are here to discuss today: the Coast Guard Authorization1635Act; the historic funding provided in fiscal year 2025 budget1636reconciliation; and our blueprint for modernization, Force1637Design.1638 First, the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 provides1639the critical authorities we need to modernize and deliver1640results at speed and at scale. We are actively implementing its1641provisions, integrating new mandates, and strengthening our1642oversight. This law enhances transparency and enables us to1643deliver greater capability and accountability to the American1644people.1645 Second, the nearly $25 billion provided by the fiscal year16462025 reconciliation represents a historic and vital downpayment1647on the future of the United States Coast Guard. We are moving1648with a clear sense of urgency to turn this investment into1649capability. To date, we have obligated more than $14 billion to1650acquire new assets like the Arctic Security Cutters and1651Offshore Patrol Cutters, to modernize our aircraft, and to1652invest in our critical infrastructure. We are on target to1653obligate $20 billion by the end of this calendar year.1654 However, I must be clear. While this investment is crucial,1655it is a downpayment, not the final payment. Without consistent,1656predictable, annual top-down line growth, our continued success1657and, importantly, our readiness, is at risk.1658 We must continue to complete the acquisitions advanced by1659reconciliation, including the infrastructure required to1660support these assets and house Coast Guard families.1661 Finally, Force Design is our blueprint to build the Coast1662Guard of the future. This is the most significant modernization1663effort undertaken in over a century. We are streamlining our1664organization to make faster decisions; we are investing in our1665people, our most valuable asset; and we are leveraging new1666technologies to extend the reach and effectiveness of our crews1667on the front lines.1668 Thanks to the leadership of President Trump, Secretary1669Mullin, and Congress, the Coast Guard has a once-in-a-1670generation opportunity to strengthen America's maritime1671advantage. The authorities provided by the Coast Guard1672Authorization Act, the historic investment made through1673reconciliation, and the transformational reforms of Force1674Design has put us on a clear path to build the Coast Guard the1675Nation needs. With your continued support, we will deliver the1676people, the capabilities, and infrastructure required to1677protect the American people, secure our maritime interests, and1678advance our Nation's prosperity in an increasingly contested1679maritime domain.1680 Our history makes one thing clear: when America invests in1681the United States Coast Guard, the Coast Guard delivers.1682 Thank you, and I look forward to questions.1683 [Admiral Schofield's prepared statement follows:]16841685 Prepared Statement of Vice Admiral Douglas M. Schofield, Chief of1686 Staff, U.S. Coast Guard1687 Chairman Ezell, Ranking Member Carbajal, and distinguished Members1688of the Subcommittee, thank you for the opportunity to testify today and1689for your continued support of the United States Coast Guard.1690 The American people depend on the Coast Guard every day, and we1691deliver. As a vital instrument of national power, the Coast Guard1692safeguards our nation's maritime interests both at home and abroad.1693Grounded in our operating doctrine, we execute our statutory missions1694to achieve four paramount national outcomes. We save lives. We control,1695secure, and defend the U.S. border and maritime approaches far at sea.1696We ensure the safe and secure flow of commerce through our ports and1697waterways. By supporting our shipping industry and merchant mariners,1698we fuel an economic engine critical to America's national security and1699prosperity, and to rebuilding the nation's maritime might. We respond1700to crises and contingencies that may come with little or no warning.1701 We conduct these missions across four major operational domains1702that make up the U.S. homeland. Our forces maintain a persistent focus1703across the U.S. mainland, spanning our inland navigable waterways, the1704Great Lakes, our coastal borders, and throughout the Caribbean and1705Western Hemisphere, including the two U.S. Caribbean territories. We1706remain equally vigilant in Alaska and the Arctic. Our presence also1707extends across Hawai'i and the three U.S. Pacific territories,1708safeguarding the remote reaches of the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone in1709Oceania. Concurrently, we operate in cyberspace, where the physical and1710digital domains increasingly converge.1711 The nation is asking more of its Coast Guard than ever before. Our1712responsibility is to ensure we have the personnel, assets, and1713infrastructure required to meet that demand. We are modernizing and1714transforming the Service now to meet today's operational requirements1715while building the capacity, capability, and agility necessary for the1716future.1717 This transformation is built upon three foundational pillars: the1718authorities and accountability measures provided by the Coast Guard1719Authorization Act of 2025; the historic funding provided by the Working1720Families Tax Cuts Act; and our comprehensive modernization blueprint,1721Force Design. Together, these efforts will build a more agile, capable,1722and responsive Coast Guard ready to protect, defend, and advance1723America's maritime interests.1724 Coast Guard Authorization Act: Strengthening Authorities and1725 Accountability1726 The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 provides critical1727authorities required to modernize the Service and deliver results at1728speed and scale. We are actively implementing these provisions while1729integrating new mandates and statutory requirements into our ongoing1730operations. This Act strengthens oversight, enhances transparency, and1731enables us to deliver greater capability, robust accountability, and1732maximum value to the American people.1733 Reconciliation Funding: Delivering a Generational Recapitalization1734 The nearly $25 billion provided by the Working Families Tax Cuts1735Act represents a historic investment in the Coast Guard and a critical1736down payment on the modernization of our fleet, aircraft,1737infrastructure, and operational capabilities. To date, we have1738obligated more than 13 billion dollars to acquire next-generation1739surface assets, including Arctic Security Cutters and Offshore Patrol1740Cutters; modernize aircraft and unmanned aviation systems; and invest1741in critical shoreside infrastructure. This effort goes far beyond1742replacing aging platforms; it expands our capacity and equips Coast1743Guard crews with the modern tools they need to succeed.1744 With this historic investment comes an equally significant1745responsibility to execute it with discipline, transparency, and1746measurable results. We are demonstrating clear value to the American1747people by delivering the capabilities, infrastructure, and readiness1748improvements that this investment was intended to achieve.1749Recapitalization, however, is not a one-time event. Fully implementing1750Force Design and meeting the nation's growing demands will require1751sustained investment in order to complete critical acquisition1752programs, modernize infrastructure, invest in our workforce, and1753achieve the readiness required to operate and maintain these1754capabilities for decades to come.1755 Force Design: Charting the Course for the Future1756 Force Design is our blueprint to build a more agile, capable, and1757responsive force. It represents the most significant organizational1758modernization effort undertaken by the Coast Guard in over a century.1759It aligns our organization, people, technology, and acquisitions and1760contracting processes to meet the demands of today's complex maritime1761environment.1762 We are streamlining organizational structures to enhance agility1763and empower rapid decision-making. We are investing in our most1764valuable asset--our people--by modernizing our personnel management1765systems, revitalizing our Reserve component, and creating new accession1766pathways to build a larger, highly skilled workforce. We are leveraging1767emerging technologies to achieve maritime domain dominance and extend1768the reach and effectiveness of our crews. Additionally, we are1769modernizing acquisition and contracting processes to deliver capability1770to the fleet faster and with greater accountability.1771 The Way Forward1772 Thanks to the leadership of President Trump, Secretary Mullin, and1773Congress, the Coast Guard has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to1774strengthen America's maritime advantage. The authorities provided by1775the Coast Guard Authorization Act, the historic investment made through1776reconciliation, and the transformational reforms of Force Design have1777put us on a clear path to build the Coast Guard the nation needs. With1778your continued support, we will deliver the people, capabilities, and1779infrastructure required to protect the American people, secure our1780maritime interests, and advance our nation's prosperity and security in1781an increasingly contested maritime domain.1782 Thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today. I look1783forward to your questions.1784 Semper Paratus.17851786 Mr. Ezell. The gentleman yields. Ms. McNeil, you are1787recognized for 5 minutes.17881789 TESTIMONY OF TRIANA McNEIL, DIRECTOR, HOMELAND SECURITY AND1790 JUSTICE, U.S. GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE17911792 Ms. McNeil. Chairman Ezell, Ranking Members Carbajal and1793Larsen, and members of the subcommittee, I am pleased to be1794here today to discuss GAO's examination of the Coast Guard's1795modernization efforts.1796 For fiscal year 2026, Congress appropriated about $13.51797billion to the Service. Congress also included nearly $251798billion in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in fiscal year 2025.1799This was the largest single commitment of funding in Coast1800Guard history. This funding was for Coast Guard procurement of1801cutters and aircraft and modernizing shore infrastructure and1802maritime surveillance systems. The Service said these1803investments support the intent of Force Design, initiatives1804that include developing and increasing remote and autonomous1805systems and maritime domain awareness capabilities. It could1806also strengthen the Coast Guard's ability to counter drug1807trafficking, conduct search and rescue, and manage other1808missions.1809 Given the historical amount of funding provided to the1810Service, GAO has questions about what the Coast Guard has1811learned from prior recent reforms, and if it is applying those1812lessons learned as it implements Force Design.1813 Since 2019, we assessed four Coast Guard reform efforts:1814one, addressing sexual misconduct; two, modernization of1815mission planning and mission support functions; the third was1816reorganization of its reserve component; and fourth,1817reorganization of its deployable specialized forces.1818 Key gaps in Coast Guard's reform efforts that we1819consistently identified include issues like: what was the1820Service trying to achieve, and how would it know if it reached1821the goal; second, what process and related information was used1822to develop these reforms; third, what practices did the Service1823put in place to ensure sustained leadership focus during1824implementation and sustained tracking of progress throughout1825the implementation phase?1826 We found some similar gaps when we reviewed Coast Guard's1827Force Design. We found that the key documents related to Force1828Design need to be updated so that it is clear how the reform is1829aligned with the Coast Guard's missions and desired outcomes,1830and that it includes measurable targets for each emphasis1831related to organization, people, technology, and contracting1832and acquisition.1833 The Service also needs to develop an evaluation plan that1834includes mechanisms for assessing the effectiveness of reform1835actions, clarify for yourself and decision-makers what success1836looks like, and how will the Service know when it gets there.1837We are making two recommendations today to the Coast Guard to1838address these gaps.1839 We look forward to working with the Coast Guard as it1840continues to move forward with its efforts to transform the1841Service into a more capable and agile force that meets current1842and future challenges. Thank you for inviting us today.1843 [Ms. McNeil's prepared statement follows:]18441845 Prepared Statement of Triana McNeil, Director, Homeland Security and1846 Justice, U.S. Government Accountability Office1847Coast Guard: Actions Needed To Help Ensure Effective Use of Billions in1848 Funding for Modernization Efforts1849 GAO-26-1092151850 GAO Highlights1851What GAO Found1852 The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Coast Guard1853leadership have made a case that the service needs transformation.1854Since 2019 GAO has reviewed four Coast Guard reform efforts and1855identified steps the service took to incorporate leading practices as1856well as gaps in key areas. For example, in prior reviews of Coast Guard1857sexual misconduct and modernization of mission planning and reserve1858component reform efforts, GAO found that the Coast Guard did not fully1859assess its workforce needs. Additionally, for two of the reform1860efforts, the Coast Guard did not fully establish goals and outcomes,1861making it difficult to determine if the reforms had the intended1862effects.1863 According to GAO's review of Force Design 2028 foundational1864documents, the Coast Guard has taken some steps to implement leading1865practices in its current reform effort but gaps remain. For example,1866the service has assigned leaders to its reform efforts and focused on1867addressing longstanding challenges, including workforce and technology1868and contracting and acquisitions. However, GAO's review also found that1869certain goals are not well-defined. For example, the execution plan1870states that the service will delegate decision authority to maximize1871mission impact. However, the document does not describe how the Coast1872Guard will measure this effort or know when it achieves its reform1873goals. Further, how proposed reforms align with Coast Guard missions is1874unclear, and there is no performance plan or other mechanism to assess1875the results.18761877Coast Guard Force Design 2028 Foundational Documents and Initial Update1878[GRAPHIC NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]18791880 Source: United States Coast Guard. GAO-26-10921518811882 The Coast Guard has received significant funding to carry out its1883modernization reform efforts. Therefore, incorporating leading1884practices throughout the duration of the Coast Guard's reform efforts1885is important. Specifically, updating its foundational modernization1886documents and developing an evaluation plan and mechanisms for1887assessing the effectiveness of its actions would better ensure that1888Coast Guard management, Congress, and the public has the information1889needed to evaluate whether its actions--which are using billions of1890taxpayer dollars--are helping to mitigate identified challenges1891pertaining to the service's organization, people, technology, and1892contracting and acquisitions.1893Why GAO Did This Study1894 The U.S. Coast Guard--a multi-mission military service--is facing a1895readiness crisis, according to DHS and Coast Guard leadership. In May18962025, DHS announced an effort called Force Design 2028 to modernize1897operations and capabilities. The effort aims to transform the Coast1898Guard into a more capable and agile force to meet future challenges1899across four areas--organization, people, technology, and contracting1900and acquisition.1901 For fiscal year 2026, Congress appropriated about $13.5 billion to1902the service. Congress also included nearly $25 billion in Coast Guard1903funding for fiscal year 2025 in the law commonly known as the One Big1904Beautiful Bill Act--the largest single commitment of funding in Coast1905Guard history. The service has stated that this funding supports the1906intent of Force Design 2028.1907 This statement focuses on (1) key themes from GAO work evaluating1908prior Coast Guard reform efforts, and (2) our assessment of the Coast1909Guard's recent modernization reform efforts.1910 This statement is based on reports GAO has issued since 2018 on1911prior Coast Guard reform efforts and some of its mission and management1912activities. GAO also analyzed Coast Guard Force Design 20281913documentation and compared them to selected leading practices for1914agency reform.1915What GAO Recommends1916 GAO is making two recommendations that the Coast Guard (1) update1917its foundational modernization documents as necessary to ensure1918strategic alignment with Coast Guard missions, desired outcomes, and1919measurable targets, and (2) develop an evaluation plan with mechanisms1920for each of the four areas of reform emphasis.1921 __________1922 Chairman Ezell, Ranking Member Carbajal, and Members of the1923Subcommittee:1924 I am pleased to be here today to discuss oversight of Coast Guard1925modernization reforms. After being weakened by decades of1926underinvestment, neglect, and strategic drift, the U.S. Coast Guard--a1927multi-mission military service with the Department of Homeland Security1928(DHS)--is facing a readiness crisis, according to DHS and Coast Guard1929leadership. In May 2025, DHS announced an effort called Force Design19302028 (Force Design) to modernize operations and capabilities. The1931effort aims to transform the Coast Guard into a more capable and agile1932force to meet future challenges across four areas--organization,1933people, technology, and contracting and acquisition. The Coast Guard1934considers Force Design one of its largest transformations since World1935War II.1936 For fiscal year 2026, Congress appropriated about $13.5 billion to1937the service--a typical amount in recent years.\1\ Congress also1938included nearly $25 billion in Coast Guard funding for fiscal year 20251939in Public Law 119-21--commonly known as the One Big Beautiful Bill1940Act--the largest single commitment of funding in Coast Guard1941history.\2\ This funding was for Coast Guard procurement of cutters and1942aircraft and modernizing shore infrastructure and maritime surveillance1943systems. The service has stated that these investments support the1944intent of Force Design. According to Coast Guard officials, this1945funding directly supports Force Design initiatives, including to1946develop and increase remote and autonomous systems and maritime domain1947awareness capabilities. The funding could also strengthen the Coast1948Guard's ability to counter drug trafficking, conduct search and rescue,1949enhance navigational safety, enable maritime trade, and conduct the1950service's other missions, according to the Coast Guard.1951---------------------------------------------------------------------------1952 \1\ Homeland Security and Further Additional Continuing1953Appropriations Act, 2026, Pub. L. No. 119-86, div. A, tit. II, 1401954Stat. 773, 780-81. The act requires the Coast Guard to brief the1955Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the1956Senate on the initiatives of organization, people, technology, and1957contracting and acquisitions before funds under the act may be1958available to implement Force Design. 140 Stat. at 785.1959 \2\ An Act To provide for reconciliation pursuant to title II of H.1960Con. Res. 14, Pub. L. No. 119-21, tit. IV, Sec. 40001(a), 139 Stat.196172, 127-28 (2025). This funding remains available until September 30,19622029.1963---------------------------------------------------------------------------1964 The organizational transformation needed to improve the performance1965of federal agencies can be challenging and take years to fully1966implement. For example, we testified before this subcommittee in April19672026 that the service faces persistent challenges managing its major1968acquisition programs to modernize its vessels.\3\ Further, in September19692024 the DHS Office of Inspector General found that the Coast Guard did1970not implement effective planning for procurement, construction, and1971other projects funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs1972Act.\4\1973---------------------------------------------------------------------------1974 \3\ GAO, Navy and Coast Guard Shipbuilding: A Disciplined,1975Strategy-Driven Approach Is Needed to Achieve Ambitious Goals, GAO-26-1976109068 (Washington, D.C.: Apr. 22, 2026).1977 \4\ Pub. L. No. 117-58, 135 Stat. 429 (2021). Department of1978Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General, Coast Guard Needs to1979Implement Effective Planning for Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act1980Projects, OIG-24-56 (Washington, D.C.: Sept. 17, 2024).1981---------------------------------------------------------------------------1982 My statement today focuses on (1) key themes from our work1983evaluating prior Coast Guard reform efforts, and (2) our assessment of1984the Coast Guard's recent modernization reform efforts. The statement is1985based on our prior work since 2018 on Coast Guard reform efforts and1986some of its mission and management activities.\5\ For these reports,1987published from November 2019 to January 2026, we analyzed Coast Guard1988policy, documentation, and data, and interviewed agency officials,1989among other methodologies.1990---------------------------------------------------------------------------1991 \5\ We chose 2018 because it aligns with the issuance of our1992leading practices on agency reform. GAO's leading practices for agency1993reform are organized into four categories and 12 subcategories. For our1994purposes, we identified and used subcategories of the leading practices1995that were relevant to the Coast Guard reform efforts we assessed.1996---------------------------------------------------------------------------1997 We reviewed Coast Guard documentation on its reform actions and1998assessed them against selected leading practices for agency reform.\6\1999More detailed information on our scope and methodology can be found in2000the reports we cite in this statement. In addition, for this statement2001we analyzed Coast Guard Force Design documentation, including the2002executive plan summary, executive report, senior leaders' letter, and2003January 2026 initial update. We compared this information with selected2004leading practices for agency reform.\7\2005---------------------------------------------------------------------------2006 \6\ See, for example, GAO, Coast Guard: Assessing Deployable2007Specialized Forces' Workforce Needs Could Improve Efficiency and Reduce2008Potential Overlap or Gaps in Capabilities, GAO-20-33 (Washington, D.C.:2009Nov. 21, 2019); Coast Guard: Actions Needed to Evaluate the2010Effectiveness of Organizational Changes and Determine Workforce Needs,2011GAO-20-223 (Washington, D.C.: Feb. 26, 2020); and Coast Guard:2012Opportunities Exist to Strengthen Reform Efforts to Address Sexual2013Misconduct, GAO-26-107685 (Washington, D.C.: Jan. 14, 2026).2014 \7\ See GAO, Government Reorganization: Key Questions to Assess2015Agency Reform Efforts, GAO-18-427 (Washington, D.C.: June 13, 2018).2016``Reform'' broadly includes any organizational changes--such as major2017transformations, mergers, consolidations, and other reorganizations--2018and efforts to streamline and improve the efficiency and effectiveness2019of government operations. Our prior work on agency reforms has shown2020that successful reforms or transformations depend upon following change2021management practices, such as agreement on reform goals and outcomes;2022involving Congress, federal employees, and other key stakeholders; and2023using data and evidence to justify the proposed changes. We selected2024leading practices for which there was relevant publicly available2025information about Force Design. For the purposes of this statement,2026these leading practices are the subcategories outlined in GAO-18-427.2027We reviewed publicly available information relevant to the practices,2028and we selected two practices to evaluate against that are relevant to2029the beginning phase of a reform--(1) establishing goals and outcomes,2030and (2) using data and evidence.2031---------------------------------------------------------------------------2032 We requested comments on the contents of this statement, including2033our recommendation, from DHS and the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard2034provided technical comments, which we incorporated as appropriate.2035 The work upon which this statement is based was performed in2036accordance with generally accepted government auditing standards. Those2037standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain2038sufficient, appropriate evidence to provide a reasonable basis for our2039findings and conclusions based on our audit objectives. We believe that2040the evidence obtained provides a reasonable basis for our findings and2041conclusions based on our audit objectives.2042 Coast Guard Inconsistently Applied Leading Practices During Prior2043 Reform Efforts2044 The Coast Guard did not fully implement leading practices for its2045prior reform efforts for (1) addressing sexual misconduct, (2)2046modernization of mission planning and mission support functions, (3)2047reorganization of its reserve component, and (4) reorganization of its2048deployable specialized forces.\8\ Since 2019, our reports have2049identified steps the Coast Guard has taken to incorporate aspects of2050leading practices to support its reform efforts as well as gaps in key2051areas that may affect its ability to maintain progress and achieve2052lasting results (figure 1).2053---------------------------------------------------------------------------2054 \8\ We determined that not all of the leading practices were2055applicable to each of the reform efforts. Specifically, five were2056applicable to the reorganization of deployable specialized forces,2057three to the realignment of mission planning and mission support2058functions, seven to the reorganization of the reserve component, and2059six to the reform efforts to address sexual misconduct. For the full2060list of leading reform practices and their associated key questions,2061see GAO-18-427.2062---------------------------------------------------------------------------20632064 Figure 1: Assessment of Prior Coast Guard Reforms Against Selected2065 Leading Practices2066[GRAPHIC NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]20672068 Source: GAO analysis of Coast Guard documents and interviews against2069 GAO leading practice for agency reform; studio-icon/adobestock.com.2070 GAO-26-10921520712072 Note: Three GAO reports covered (1) reform efforts to address sexual2073misconduct (GAO-26-107685), (2 and 3) modernization of mission planning2074and mission support functions, as well as reorganization of the reserve2075 component (GAO-20-223), and (4) the reorganization of deployable2076 specialized forces (GAO-20-33). We determined that not all of the2077 leading practices were applicable to each of the reform efforts.2078 Because the key practices and considerations depend on what an agency2079 is trying to achieve, not all practices may be applicable to a given2080 reform. For the full list of leading reform practices and their2081 associated key questions, see GAO-18-427.20822083 \a\ We used the following scale to evaluate the Coast Guard's2084 implementation of its efforts to address sexual misconduct in our2085 January 2026 report. Generally followed_the service took actions that2086addressed most or all aspects of the selected key questions we examined2087for the practice. Partially followed_the Coast Guard partially followed2088a reform practice if the evidence showed that the service took actions2089 that addressed some, but not most, aspects of the selected key2090questions we examined for the practice. Did not follow_the Coast Guard2091 had not followed a reform practice if the evidence showed that the2092 service took no actions that addressed the selected key questions we2093 examined for the practice.20942095 \b\ We used the following scale to evaluate the Coast Guard's2096implementation of its modernization of mission planning in our February2097 2020 report. Generally applied_the agency documentation demonstrated2098 that Coast Guard officials substantially applied applicable key2099practices. Partially applied_the agency documentation demonstrated that2100 Coast Guard officials applied some key practices but not to a2101significant degree. Not at all applied_the agency documentation did not2102demonstrate that Coast Guard officials applied key practices. For this2103 reform effort, we assessed subcomponents of the leading practices2104 (e.g., for leadership focus and attention, we assessed whether the2105 Coast Guard identified a case for change, established a dedicated2106implementation team, and held leaders accountable). For the purposes of2107this graphic, if we determined that any one of these subcomponents was2108 partially applied, we categorized the leading practice as partially2109 applied.21102111 \c\ We assessed the Coast Guard's reorganization of its reserve2112 component in our February 2020 report using the same criteria that we2113 used for its modernization of mission planning. We used an additional2114 determination, minimally applied, to assess the Coast Guard's recent2115 component integration since this effort was in its initial2116 implementation stage. We determined that a subcategory was minimally2117 applied where Coast Guard documentation demonstrated that officials2118applied a limited number of key reform practices, with significant gaps2119 in actions associated with each practice.21202121 \d\ In our November 2019 report, we used the following scale to2122 evaluate the Coast Guard's Deployable Specialized Forces against the2123 key practices, questions, and considerations pertaining to a leading2124 practice: Generally applied_the agency documents demonstrated that2125 Coast Guard officials considered applicable key practices and2126 considerations. Partially applied_the agency documents demonstrated2127that Coast Guard officials considered some, but not all, key practices2128 and considerations. Not at all applied_the agency documents did not2129demonstrate that Coast Guard officials considered any key practices and2130 considerations.21312132 As shown above, we identified gaps in the Coast Guard's2133implementation of the same leading practices across multiple reform2134efforts in our prior work since 2019.2135 Establishing goals and outcomes. In January 2026, we updated2136preliminary observations we reported in our March 2024 testimony before2137this committee, which found that the Coast Guard did not have a plan to2138assess whether reform efforts to address sexual misconduct were2139working.\9\ Similarly, in February 2020, we assessed the Coast Guard's2140reorganization of its reserve component and found that the service did2141not have finalized documentation that demonstrated outcome-oriented2142goals and performance measures to assess the progress of the2143effort.\10\ Further, it did not have a finalized implementation2144timeline.2145---------------------------------------------------------------------------2146 \9\ GAO, Coast Guard: Action Needed to Evaluate Efforts to Address2147Sexual Assault and Harassment, GAO-24-107388 (Washington, D.C.: Mar. 6,21482024).2149 \10\ GAO-20-223.2150---------------------------------------------------------------------------2151 Involving employees and key stakeholders. In January 2026, we2152reported that the Coast Guard obtained input from its employees and2153stakeholders and reviewed prior studies and data on sexual misconduct2154in the service to identify areas for corrective actions.\11\ However,2155we found that the lack of a defined channel for Coast Guard personnel2156to share feedback on the effects of the reforms may limit transparency2157and hinder personnel engagement with reform effort. In February 2020,2158we found that for the reorganization of its reserve component, the2159Coast Guard collected internal stakeholder feedback during the early2160planning stage of the reform but did not demonstrate that external2161input, such as from Congress, was obtained during the development2162process.\12\2163---------------------------------------------------------------------------2164 \11\ GAO-26-107685.2165 \12\ GAO-20-223.2166---------------------------------------------------------------------------2167 Using data and evidence. In November 2019, we reported that the2168Coast Guard did not assess Deployable Specialized Forces workforce2169needs with regard to the number of personnel required to conduct its2170operations.\13\ Similarly in February 2020, we found that the Coast2171Guard did not demonstrate the extent to which it used data to justify2172its selected course of action (e.g., cost benefit analyses) when2173reorganizing its reserve component.\14\2174---------------------------------------------------------------------------2175 \13\ To help carry out its missions, the Coast Guard maintains2176deployable specialized forces units with the capabilities needed to2177deploy with specialized training to handle counterdrug, terrorism, and2178other threats to the U.S. maritime environment. GAO-20-33.2179 \14\ GAO-20-223.2180---------------------------------------------------------------------------2181 Leadership focus and attention. In our reports in January 2026 and2182February 2020, we found that the Coast Guard identified leaders to be2183responsible for its sexual misconduct reform efforts, modernization of2184mission planning, and reserve component modernization efforts, but2185leadership attention waned during implementation of these efforts. For2186example, during the modernization of mission planning, the Coast Guard2187disestablished its office responsible for reform oversight and did not2188specify any office responsible for ensuring organizational change2189efforts met intended goals. Subsequent shifting leadership priorities2190affected what parts of the modernization effort were implemented and,2191in some cases, resulted in years spent working toward a change that was2192later terminated.2193 Managing and monitoring. In our reports, we found that the Coast2194Guard took some steps to track progress of sexual misconduct,2195modernization of mission planning, and reserve component reform2196efforts, such as developing initial timeframes and milestones. However,2197the Coast Guard did not keep its tracking or related milestones up to2198date.2199 Strategic workforce planning. In our reports on Coast Guard sexual2200misconduct reforms, modernization of mission planning, and reserve2201component reform efforts, we found that the Coast Guard did not fully2202assess its workforce needs.2203 Across our work assessing Coast Guard's reform efforts, we made 122204recommendations to the Coast Guard to improve its reform effort2205implementation, with which the service generally concurred. As of June22062026, the Coast Guard has taken actions to fully address seven of these2207recommendations. Five recommendations remain open.2208 For example, in March 2024, we recommended that the Coast Guard2209develop an evaluation plan and mechanisms for assessing the2210effectiveness of actions taken to help ensure service members have an2211experience free from sexual assault and harassment.\15\ In January 20262212we reported that the service had taken steps to develop that evaluation2213plan. Coast Guard officials stated that the agency has contracted three2214full-time staff to develop a Service Culture Index--a tool to leverage2215relevant metrics from its current surveys and other reports to2216establish a baseline for assessing the cumulative impact of the reform2217actions.\16\ Contractors delivered the first iteration of the index in2218January 2026, but the associated documentation remains incomplete due2219to the lapse in appropriations, according to Coast Guard officials.2220They told us that completion and delivery of the documentation is2221anticipated no later than July 2026. Coast Guard officials told us that2222the results of the index will be used to evaluate effectiveness, and2223they are developing outcome-oriented goals and performance measures for2224the index.2225---------------------------------------------------------------------------2226 \15\ GAO-24-107388.2227 \16\ Coast Guard officials said the Service Culture Index will use2228the following five data sources: First Unit Arrival Survey, Defense2229Organizational Climate Survey, Career Intentions Survey, and Federal2230Employee Viewpoint Survey, Organizational Assessment Survey.2231---------------------------------------------------------------------------2232 Further, in our report on Coast Guard mission modernization, we2233recommended that the Coast Guard measure progress in achieving the goal2234of modernization, update a plan with timeframes and milestones for2235completing its workforce assessment goal, and obtain information on the2236resources needed to meet its goal.\17\ The service has taken some steps2237to address all of these recommendations. For example, in September22382023, Coast Guard officials confirmed that it updated its 20232239Organizational Survey to include two questions that measured employee2240satisfaction with organizational change efforts.2241---------------------------------------------------------------------------2242 \17\ GAO-20-223.2243---------------------------------------------------------------------------2244 However, it has not yet determined timeframes and milestones to2245fully implement its workforce requirements plan even as it is embarking2246on another reform effort. By updating its plan to complete workforce2247planning and obtaining information on the resources needed to achieve2248its workforce assessment goal, the Coast Guard will be better2249positioned to ensure that it has the right number of people with2250requisite skills in the right units to meet its mission demands--2251particularly important as the service undergoes another comprehensive2252transformational change through Force Design.2253 Coast Guard Has Taken Steps To Implement Some but Not All Leading2254 Practices for Agency Reform for Force Design2255 The Coast Guard has taken some steps to implement leading practices2256in its Force Design reform efforts to modernize operations and2257capabilities across four areas--organization, people, technology, and2258contracting and acquisition. These steps pertain to the leading2259practices of involving employees and key stakeholders, addressing high-2260risk areas and longstanding management challenges, leadership focus and2261attention, and establishing goals and outcomes. However, we also2262identified gaps in the Coast Guard's implementation steps related to2263establishing goals and outcomes and using data and evidence-leading2264practices that are important for agencies to implement at the onset of2265a reform effort.2266 Involving employees and key stakeholders. The Coast Guard is2267communicating actions taken to implement Force Design with its2268personnel. For example, Force Design has a dedicated website that2269provides updates, the service has broadcast messages describing2270implementation efforts, and senior leaders have held townhalls,2271according to Coast Guard press releases.2272 Addressing high-risk areas and longstanding management challenges.2273In our prior work, we have identified challenges facing the Coast Guard2274in the four Force Design areas of emphasis--organization, people,2275technology, and contracting and acquisition.\18\ For example,2276---------------------------------------------------------------------------2277 \18\ See GAO, Coast Guard: Asset, Workforce, and Technology2278Challenges Continue to Affect Law Enforcement Missions, GAO-24-1071442279(Washington, D.C.: Nov. 14, 2023) and Coast Guard Acquisition: Actions2280Needed to Address Affordability Challenges, GAO-24-107584 (Washington,2281D.C.: June 12, 2024).22822283 Over the past four decades, we have reported on the Coast2284Guard's challenges to maintain an adequate staff of experienced marine2285safety personnel to ensure that vessels meet federal safety standards.2286In January 2022, we recommended ways to better predict--and meet--the2287Coast Guard's inspector needs.\19\ The Coast Guard concurred with these2288recommendations and has taken some steps to address them, but as of2289June 2026, four of the five recommendations remain open. The Force2290Design execution plan acknowledges the need to change the force posture2291and operational concepts to maximize operational effectiveness across2292all mission sets as well as reengineer the service's training systems.2293---------------------------------------------------------------------------2294 \19\ GAO, Coast Guard: Enhancements Needed to Strengthen Marine2295Inspection Workforce Planning Efforts, GAO-22-104465 (Washington, D.C.:2296Jan. 12, 2022).22972298 The Coast Guard has had longstanding issues managing its2299technology resources. In July 2020, we reported on longstanding2300challenges the Coast Guard has had with its Marine Information for2301Safety and Law Enforcement (MISLE) IT system, which is a data system2302that tracks and reports results data for nearly all Coast Guard2303missions.\20\ We found that the Coast Guard did not follow key systems2304development processes in its efforts to invest in MISLE. As a result,2305we recommended that the Coast Guard follow its key systems development2306processes to identify and analyze alternatives to select solutions to2307meet mission needs. The Coast Guard concurred and said it plans to2308replace MISLE. As of June 2026, replacement efforts were ongoing. The2309Force Design execution plan states that service will identify, test,2310and deliver modern technology to equip the Coast Guard workforce to2311meet mission demands around the world.2312---------------------------------------------------------------------------2313 \20\ GAO, Coast Guard: Actions Needed to Ensure Investments in Key2314Data System Meet Mission and User Needs, GAO-20-562 (Washington, D.C.:2315Jul. 16, 2020).23162317 For over a decade, we have reported on the Coast Guard's2318persistent challenges in managing major acquisition programs, including2319billions in cost growth, years of schedule delays, and an unaffordable2320portfolio.\21\ Since 2012, GAO has made 54 recommendations on how to2321better address these challenges. The Coast Guard has taken steps toward2322addressing these recommendations, but as of June 2026, 16 remain open.2323Common themes across these recommendations include the need for the2324Coast Guard to (1) take a portfolio-level approach to its acquisitions,2325(2) conduct better long-term planning to ensure affordability, and (3)2326gain key knowledge before making significant investment decisions.2327---------------------------------------------------------------------------2328 \21\ GAO, DHS Annual Assessment: Dynamic Environment Affects2329Efforts to Manage Acquisition Risks, GAO-26-108118 (Washington, D.C.:2330June 9, 2026).23312332 The Force Design plans include promising steps, such as2333reorganizing and creating program executive offices with the intent of2334reducing stovepipes and implementing a lifecycle management approach2335for acquisitions.\22\ Other initiatives, such as streamlining2336preacquisition planning and bypassing upfront analyses in the name of2337speed, may allow the Coast Guard to ``start fast'' and award large2338contracts quickly. The Coast Guard stated that it plans to obligate $202339billion of the $25 billion in funding from the One Big Beautiful Bill2340Act by the end of calendar year 2026. For example, the Coast Guard has2341already obligated about $2.4 billion on contracts for the Arctic2342Security Cutter program.2343---------------------------------------------------------------------------2344 \22\ In April 2026, we testified that as the Coast Guard implements2345this reorganization, our recent work on how leading companies organize2346portfolios of products to help facilitate speed to market can provide2347guidance. See GAO, Navy and Coast Guard Shipbuilding: A Disciplined,2348Strategy-Driven Approach Is Needed to Achieve Ambitious Goals, GAO-26-2349109068 (Washington, D.C.: Apr. 22, 2026).23502351 However, as we found in our November 2025 report on one of the2352Coast Guard's highest priority acquisition programs, the Offshore2353Patrol Cutter, investing time upfront to gain knowledge reduces the2354risk of cost overruns and schedule delays later.\23\ In light of the2355weaknesses we have identified with how the Coast Guard manages its2356acquisitions and how quickly the Coast Guard is planning to spend the2357significant amount of funding it has received, we have raised questions2358about the extent to which the Coast Guard is doing the due diligence2359necessary to gain critical knowledge before making large investments.2360For example, while the Coast Guard has already obligated billions on2361Arctic Security Cutter contracts, it has yet to complete an analysis of2362the cost and sequencing for its polar icebreaker fleet expansion, as we2363had recommended in December 2024.\24\ More recently, the Coast Guard2364did not agree with our November 2025 recommendation to stabilize the2365design for the Offshore Patrol Cutter program prior to authorizing2366additional ships, consistent with shipbuilding leading practices we2367have identified.\25\2368---------------------------------------------------------------------------2369 \23\ GAO, Offshore Patrol Cutter: Coast Guard Should Gain Key2370Knowledge Before Buying More Ships, GAO-26-107583, (Washington, D.C.:2371Nov. 25, 2025).2372 \24\ GAO, Coast Guard Acquisitions: Further Cost and Affordability2373Analysis of Polar Fleet Needed, GAO-25-106822, (Washington, D.C.: Dec.237419, 2024).2375 \25\ GAO-26-107583. We also have ongoing work examining how Coast2376Guard is spending funds appropriated by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act2377on major acquisitions, managing its contracts, and applying2378shipbuilding leading practices.23792380 Leadership focus and attention. Based on our review of Force Design2381foundation documents, the Coast Guard took certain actions that align2382with leading practices for effective agency reforms pertaining to2383leadership focus and attention, which includes assigning designated2384leaders and a reform implementation team to institutional2385---------------------------------------------------------------------------2386accountability in implementing the changes.23872388 The Force Design execution plan states that the effort is2389to be guided by flag officers, members of the senior executive service,2390and command senior enlisted leaders.\26\2391---------------------------------------------------------------------------2392 \26\ U.S. Coast Guard, Force Design 2028 Execution Plan Summary2393(Washington D.C.: July 25, 2025).2394---------------------------------------------------------------------------2395 The service directed a captain to lead the implementation2396team.2397 The Coast Guard developed teams to monitor outcomes in2398certain operational areas (Border Control, Flow of Commerce, and2399Responding in Crisis) as well as other teams to implement actions items2400pertaining to Force Design's four focus areas, according to Coast Guard2401press releases. The teams are to report directly to the commandant.24022403 A robust leadership structure is important throughout the entire2404reform effort.2405 Establishing goals and outcomes. The Coast Guard has articulated2406certain goals with desired outcomes for Force Design, such as growing2407its workforce by 15,000 uniformed service members. Other goals are not2408well-defined and do not have clearly articulated desired outcomes or2409measurable targets. For example, the execution plan states that the2410service will empower decision-makers at all levels by, among other2411things, delegating decision authority to the appropriate level to2412maximize mission impact. The plan further states that the Coast Guard2413will adopt, leverage, and incorporate AI into daily Coast Guard2414operations. However, the document does not describe how the Coast Guard2415will measure these efforts or know when it has achieved the goals2416outlined in Force Design. In addition, the execution plan and executive2417report mention ``mission'' 40 times, but they do not show how the2418proposed reforms align with the agency's 11 statutory missions and2419strategic plan--a key aspect of this leading practice.\27\2420---------------------------------------------------------------------------2421 \27\ See 14 U.S.C. Sec. 102(a) (providing for Coast Guard's2422missions).2423---------------------------------------------------------------------------2424 Further, the Coast Guard has not developed a performance plan or2425similar mechanism to assess the results of Force Design, even as it has2426already implemented certain actions. The effort's foundational2427documents posted on the Coast Guard website--the Executive Plan2428Summary, Executive Report, and Senior Leaders Letter--did not include2429any direction to develop a plan to assess the results to ensure the2430actions are helping to meet the Coast Guard's goals.\28\ In addition,2431while the January 2026 Force Design initial update details reforms2432implemented over the prior year, it does not systematically evaluate2433progress or outcomes against the Force Design execution plan.2434---------------------------------------------------------------------------2435 \28\ See https://www.uscg.mil/leadership/commandants-initiatives/2436forcedesign2028/.2437---------------------------------------------------------------------------2438 Establishing goals and outcomes is a leading practice for agency2439reform and is important to be completed at the onset of the reform2440effort.\29\ Agreement on specific goals can help decision-makers2441determine what problems genuinely need to be fixed, how to balance2442differing objectives, and what steps need to be taken to create, not2443just short-term advantages but long-term gains. Our prior work also2444shows that establishing a mission-driven strategy and identifying2445specific desired outcomes to guide that strategy are critical to2446achieving intended results.\30\ It emphasizes that by combining2447strategic alignment, clear outcome mapping, measurable targets, and2448transparent monitoring, agencies can effectively drive desired results.2449---------------------------------------------------------------------------2450 \29\ GAO-18-427.2451 \30\ For additional information about the GPRA Modernization Act of24522010, as amended, requirements and our related work, see our web page2453on leading practices for results-oriented management at http://2454www.gao.gov/key_issues/managing_for_results_in_government.2455---------------------------------------------------------------------------2456 Further, according to the Coast Guard's Commandant instruction on2457internal controls, plans are to be developed to assess control2458performance and evaluate results in the planning stage. However, we2459have previously reported that the Coast Guard has not consistently2460engaged in effective strategic planning or developed performance2461metrics and actionable goals for some of its efforts.\31\2462---------------------------------------------------------------------------2463 \31\ See, for example, GAO, Coast Guard: Actions Needed to Address2464Law Enforcement Mission Challenges, GAO-26-108847 (Washington, D.C.:2465Jan. 13, 2026) and GAO-26-109068.2466---------------------------------------------------------------------------2467 According to the Coast Guard, the implementation teams are moving2468at a fast pace to implement the reforms. Coast Guard officials stated2469that they do plan to build out metrics that will measure change and2470evaluate Force Design outcomes, but they have not yet done so. Without2471(1) reassessing the foundational Force Design documents and clarifying2472them, as necessary, to ensure strategic alignment with Coast Guard2473missions, desired outcomes, and measurable targets, and (2) developing2474an evaluation plan and mechanisms for assessing the effectiveness for2475each area of reform emphasis, Coast Guard leadership will not have the2476information needed to evaluate whether its implementation steps fully2477align with the set of Coast Guard missions. Its leadership will also2478not know if these steps are helping the service achieve the intent of2479the transformation--to renew the Coast Guard to become a more agile,2480capable, and responsive service. Further, without such a plan, the2481Coast Guard, Congress, and the public are not well-positioned to assess2482how the service is spending the billions of dollars invested in the2483reform effort.2484 Using data and evidence. It is unclear how or if the Coast Guard2485used data and evidence to develop and justify its modernization reform2486effort. For example, as discussed above, one of the goals of Force2487Design is to grow the workforce by 15,000 uniformed service members,2488which includes active duty and reserve members. Coast Guard officials2489stated that this is a minimum number based on, among other things,2490assets the service is acquiring.2491 The Coast Guard has faced continued challenges in determining its2492workforce needs and conducting strategic workforce planning. In our2493prior work reviewing how Coast Guard has leveraged its workforce to2494meet mission needs, we found that Coast Guard has not fully assessed2495its workforce needs and recommended Coast Guard improve its workforce2496assessment process.\32\ Specifically, in 2020, we found that the Coast2497Guard had completed workforce requirements determinations for only 62498percent of its workforce.\33\ We recommended in 2020 that the Coast2499Guard update its Workforce Requirements Plan with timeframes and2500milestones for achieving its goal of assessing its entire workforce.2501---------------------------------------------------------------------------2502 \32\ Coast Guard's preferred tool for assessing workforce needs is2503its workforce requirements determination process. See GAO-20-223.2504 \33\ GAO-20-223.2505---------------------------------------------------------------------------2506 Since then, the Coast Guard has made some progress. As of March25072026, the Coast Guard has up-to-date workforce requirement2508determinations for around 26 percent of its total workforce. Fully2509addressing our prior recommendation would better position the Coast2510Guard to ensure that it has the right number of people with the2511requisite skills in the right units. Without data and evidence for its2512entire workforce need, the basis for which the Coast Guard plans to2513increase by 15,000 uniformed service members is not clear.2514 Conclusions2515 DHS and Coast Guard leadership have made a case that the service2516needs transformation. Such efforts are not new and have achieved mixed2517results. Since 2019, we have reviewed four Coast Guard reform efforts2518and identified gaps in implementation steps. For example, in three of2519the four prior reform efforts, leadership attention waned. Two of the2520reform efforts did not fully establish goals and outcomes, making it2521difficult to determine if the reforms had the intended effect.2522Similarly, the Coast Guard's current reform effort--Force Design--which2523the Coast Guard considers its most consequential transformation since2524World War II--has not fully established goals and outcomes or a plan2525with which to evaluate implementation.2526 The Coast Guard has received unprecedented funding, including2527billions towards recapitalizing its assets and to carry out its2528modernization reforms efforts. Updating its foundational modernization2529documents and developing an evaluation plan and mechanisms to assess2530transformation actions would better ensure that Coast Guard management2531has the information it needs to evaluate whether its actions--which are2532using billions of taxpayer dollars--are helping to mitigate its2533organization, people, technology, and acquisitions challenges.2534 Recommendations for Executive Action2535 The Commandant of the Coast Guard should update the service's2536foundational modernization documents as necessary to ensure strategic2537alignment with Coast Guard missions, desired outcomes, and measurable2538targets for each area of reform emphasis--organization, people,2539technology, and contracting and acquisition. (Recommendation 1)2540 The Commandant of the Coast Guard should develop an evaluation plan2541with mechanisms for assessing the effectiveness of reform actions for2542each area of reform emphasis--organization, people, technology, and2543contracting and acquisition. (Recommendation 2)2544 Chairman Ezell, Ranking Member Carbajal, and Members of the2545Subcommittee, this concludes my prepared statement. I would be pleased2546to respond to any questions you may have at this time.25472548 Mr. Ezell. Thank you. Thank you both for your testimony. We2549will now turn to questions from the panel. I will recognize2550myself for 5 minutes for questions.2551 Admiral, section 7111 of the Coast Guard Authorization Act2552of 2025 requires the Coast Guard to produce an initial2553homeporting plan that describes the home ports for current2554cutters and aircraft, and where the future aircraft and surface2555assets that the Coast Guard is acquiring will be based. We2556required this report to facilitate the Service's long-term2557planning for the billions of dollars of surface and air assets2558funded by Congress that will be coming online over the next2559decade.2560 I fear that if the home port planning does not begin soon,2561the Coast Guard will be left with a fleet of new aircraft and2562cutters that will have nowhere to go. The report was due last2563week. When can we expect the report?2564 And can the Coast Guard explain the priority the Service is2565giving to finalizing its long-term planning needs?2566 Admiral Schofield. Chairman, the continued planning for the2567home ports and acquisitions is very important to the Coast2568Guard, and we are continuing to work on that report and plan to2569have that by the end of the calendar year.2570 Mr. Ezell. Thank you.2571 This is one that is very, very dear to me. Too often, the2572Coast Guard has selected the lowest cost bidder for projects,2573even if they lack the proper experience or skill sets, which2574has resulted in program delays, cost overruns, and outright2575contract cancellations. The Coast Guard Act of 2025 provides2576the Coast Guard the ability to select contractors based on2577holistic criteria, including their skill set, so that we are2578not forced to select the cheapest bidder who can't actually do2579the work. It is crucial that the Service properly utilize these2580reforms.2581 Can you describe how you anticipate the Coast Guard using2582this new authority so that you are able to deliver the best2583value for the taxpayer?2584 Admiral Schofield. Chairman, thank you for the question.2585 There is no doubt this authority affirms the Coast Guard's2586ability to select acquisition proposals that represent the best2587value to the American people. While cost is certainly one2588factor, other selection criteria such as schedule, past2589performance, demonstrated experience, as you mentioned, or2590other technical factors can also inform that selection while2591supporting competition among capable industrial partners.2592 So we are going to continue to use that and appreciate your2593efforts in that authorization so we get that best value to the2594American taxpayers.2595 Mr. Ezell. Thank you.2596 Ms. McNeil, the Coast Guard is undertaking Force Design25972028 which aims to modernize the Service to meet its future2598needs. In your initial review, have you determined whether the2599Service has established success criteria or measures for any of2600its lines of effort with respect to Force Design?2601 Ms. McNeil. So based on our assessment of the three2602documents that we were able to obtain about Force Design, we2603have found a few gaps that we would expect to see, and that is2604why we based our recommendations on that assessment in terms of2605ensuring that it's clear how Force Design is linked to its2606mission and its outcomes that it's trying to achieve with Force2607Design.2608 So making sure that there is a clear line between the2609efforts planned and what is the purpose behind Force Design,2610and there needs to be measurable targets so you can chart that2611progress made toward those goals. So that's what's missing.2612 And then there needs to be an evaluation component, as2613well. So as you are making progress, you are charting your2614path, you are meeting interim goals, what's the effectiveness?2615What's the impact of Force Design?2616 In past Federal efforts to do big reforms, especially when2617there is a lot of money involved, when you are making progress2618or you are going down a path and you are finding that you are2619not making progress, it's time to pivot and it's time to target2620the very precious taxpayer dollar into other efforts that might2621be worth more and more impactful. And so that's some of the2622things that we would recommend today.2623 Mr. Ezell. Thank you. I am going to go through this one2624pretty quick.2625 Similarly, part of the expansion in workforce will2626certainly require a large civilian workforce. You were asked to2627conduct a study on employment compensation, competitiveness,2628assignments, and retention of civilian and military personnel.2629While early in the process, can you offer any insight at your2630current findings on civilians?2631 Ms. McNeil. I'm sorry, I'm not clear about what that2632question was.2633 Mr. Ezell. I'm not either.2634 [Laughter.]2635 Mr. Ezell. Part of the expansion of the workforce will2636certainly require a larger civilian workforce. You were asked2637to conduct a study on employment compensation, competitiveness,2638assignments, and retention of civilian and military personnel.2639While early in the process, can you offer any insight at your2640current findings?2641 Ms. McNeil. We will have to get back to you on that2642particular question. We will get a response for the record.2643 Mr. Ezell. Thank you. I yield back.2644 Mr. Carbajal.2645 Mr. Carbajal. Thank you, Mr. Chair. As usual, I defer to2646our ranking member, Mr. Larsen.2647 Mr. Larsen of Washington. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chair.2648 Vice Admiral Schofield, where do we stand on the process of2649reopening stations that were closed or downsized due to2650workforce shortages?2651 Admiral Schofield. Ranking Member Larsen, so just recently,2652the Commandant directed the Deputy Commandant for Operations2653and our two operational commanders to identify and prioritize2654these stations to return to their former operating statuses. We2655are focusing on manning boat and air stations to workforce2656levels to operate safely and effectively moving ahead. In the2657fiscal year 2027 President's budget, it does support this by2658adding 1 to 2 additional boat crews across our 166 stations. So2659we are going to, once we receive our budget, merge that with2660the priorities. We will return members to those units in the2661mission priority outcome level.2662 Mr. Larsen of Washington. Can I clarify what you said? You2663said one to two boat crews per station?2664 Admiral Schofield. One to two boat crews per--of----2665 Mr. Larsen of Washington [interrupting]. Per station.2666 Admiral Schofield [continuing]. Per station----2667 Mr. Larsen of Washington [interposing]. Okay, yes.2668 Admiral Schofield [continuing]. Of the 166 stations.2669 Mr. Larsen of Washington. All right, yes. And then what2670about maintaining that year after year as you meet recruitment2671goals and putting people back at the stations with the2672platforms they need to do their job?2673 Admiral Schofield. Yes, we are working up that full plan,2674and we will be able to brief the committee when we are ready to2675do that, sir.2676 Mr. Larsen of Washington. Will that be part of the force2677redesign, or is this going to be complementing it? Like, not--2678it can't be totally separate, I get that, but is it--does it2679have to take place within the force redesign, or can it take2680place?2681 Admiral Schofield. This is separate from the Force Design2682efforts here. This is getting our workforce back up to strength2683and being able to get to the end strength that we need of2684another 15,000 members to serve across the Coast Guard.2685 Mr. Larsen of Washington. That is helpful. Thank you.2686 So I know that Admiral Lunday has made the eradication of2687sexual misconduct a priority. What steps is the Coast Guard2688taking to manage and monitor the success of its actions to2689combat sexual misconduct consistent with responding to OFA?2690 Admiral Schofield. Sir, sexual assault is a violent crime2691that causes devastating trauma to all individuals. It destroys2692that sacred trust between our teammates, and we acknowledge2693that. It really degrades our ability to execute our missions.2694 The Commandant released his first action order this year,2695which was labeled, ``Combating Sexual Assault.'' So he takes2696that very, very seriously. And it sets forth the Service's2697direction on combating that sexual assault and the criminal2698behaviors that enable it. His order is clear and unwavering: We2699will hold those who commit these crimes accountable under law2700and policy. And----2701 Mr. Larsen of Washington [interrupting]. Can I ask--so the2702several provisions in the Coast Guard authorization addressed2703updating standards in the training for servicemembers. Does2704this order respond to those standards updating?2705 Admiral Schofield. The order actually basically requires us2706to, and the Vice Commandant has already chartered a Sexual2707Assault Prevention, Response, and Recovery Committee to work2708all of those requirements.2709 Mr. Larsen of Washington. And is it consistent with2710completing the statutorily required strategy and action plan on2711the Independent Review Commission's recommendations on sexual2712misconduct?2713 Admiral Schofield. Yes, sir.2714 Mr. Larsen of Washington. Record retention in general has2715been a problem at the Coast Guard. With the requirement in the2716SASH title for advanced records retention for victims, has the2717Coast Guard used any of the funding appropriated in the last 22718years to modernize your records retention with regards to the2719SASH title?2720 Admiral Schofield. Sir, we continue to look at that system2721and modernize it. I don't have a current status, but I can get2722back to you with the status.2723 Mr. Larsen of Washington. Can you get back to us with that,2724please? I would very much appreciate it.2725 Also in my opening comments, I noted the termination of2726various associations that could be used as important channels2727for the Coast Guard to use feedback. How are you filling in the2728gap now that the administration has cut off these particular2729associations? How are you filling the gap in order to get2730feedback and response from groups within the Coast Guard about2731sexual harassment and conduct, and progress towards eliminating2732both?2733 Admiral Schofield. So, sir, we are continuing to work this2734across all our commands as part of our readiness initiatives,2735as well as feedback directly from the field to our SAPRR2736Committee's personnel and as we work towards, really, a2737cultural index across the Coast Guard and how we are doing.2738 Mr. Larsen of Washington. You need to take this seriously2739and show the steps that you are taking--the sexual misconduct2740and harassment, the history of it--seriously as well moving2741forward. This committee and the Congress has told you to do2742that.2743 Admiral Schofield. Yes, sir.2744 Mr. Larsen of Washington. Thank you.2745 I yield back.2746 Mr. Ezell. The gentleman yields. The Chair recognizes Mr.2747Webster.2748 Mr. Webster of Florida. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I2749appreciate it.2750 Vice Admiral, it is good to see you again. Thank you for2751your testimony. I have a few questions.2752 The One Big Beautiful Bill Act provides sufficient funds to2753build two Polar Security Cutters as well as procure long lead2754time items that go on the third one. So we kind of get a2755headstart there. Can you provide an update on the PSC program?2756 Admiral Schofield. Sir, I understand the question to be2757just give an update on the Polar Security Cutter Program?2758 Mr. Webster of Florida. Yes.2759 Admiral Schofield. So, sir, we have funded hulls 1 and 2,2760and partially funded hull 3 in that program. We continue to2761make great progress in that construction, and we are excited to2762continue to build the first Polar Security Cutters in over 502763years.2764 Mr. Webster of Florida. Could you give an assessment of the2765progress? I mean, what type of timeframe are we looking at, a2766little more specific?2767 Admiral Schofield. Yes, sir. We are looking to deliver the2768first Polar Security Cutter by the end of 2029.2769 Mr. Webster of Florida. 2029? Are they progressing? You are2770not waiting for 2029 to start the second one, right? Is that2771correct?2772 Admiral Schofield. Yes, sir. They continue to work the2773materials, the learning from hull 1, and continuing that2774construction effort.2775 Mr. Webster of Florida. Great. So the Coast Guard2776Authorization Act of 2025 provides the Coast Guard the ability2777to select contractors based on something other than just price.2778Do you have kind of an idea of how that new authority is going2779to be used?2780 Admiral Schofield. Chairman, that authority is going to be2781used within our best value continuum, our best value efforts in2782contracting. We can use that as part of the factors within that2783best value continuum.2784 Mr. Webster of Florida. So as long as a contractor has the2785ability to do the program, cost would be some part of that2786decision, right?2787 Admiral Schofield. Sir, can you repeat that question?2788 Mr. Webster of Florida. Well, as long--there is a lot of2789talk about somebody not being qualified. So if they were a low2790bid, they wouldn't get the job. But if somebody has the ability2791to do it and yet bids in a reasonable manner, do you think2792that--it's not just cost, but that will provide part of the2793solution of who you would choose?2794 Admiral Schofield. Yes, sir. As part of that, in the2795solicitation, we would make sure that we put all those factors2796that are important to selecting the best value for this2797contract. We can do that beyond price. We can do technical2798factors, past performance, experience, facilities, et cetera.2799 Mr. Webster of Florida. Does it speed up the process by not2800having to use price as the only--or does it slow it down?2801 Admiral Schofield. Best value can be a good way to get to a2802final contract to make sure that the contract's executable and2803staying on track.2804 Mr. Webster of Florida. Okay, thank you very much.2805 I yield back.2806 Mr. Ezell. Mr. Carbajal.2807 Mr. Carbajal. Thank you, Mr. Chair.2808 Vice Admiral Schofield, in my statement, I talked about the2809importance of steady, principled leadership. During2810consideration of the last Coast Guard Authorization Act,2811Congress considered changes to manning requirements on2812articulated tug barges, ATBs. We didn't make those changes2813because, in part, the admiral in charge of prevention and the2814Commandant at the hearing said, ``We do not believe that the2815technology is sufficiently advanced in robotics and automation2816to be able to reduce below the current levels.'' Yet last2817month, we got notice that the Coast Guard made the changes2818through regulatory action.2819 So, what changed? Was the Commandant wrong? What was the2820epiphany that led to a major change in direction?2821 Admiral Schofield. Sir, the safety of our mariners and our2822ships and the impact on our waterways is really important to2823the Coast Guard, and we continue to work that. Over the past--2824--2825 Mr. Carbajal [interrupting]. I am glad that's the case.2826 Admiral Schofield. Yes, sir.2827 Mr. Carbajal. But that wasn't the question.2828 Admiral Schofield. Yes, sir. Over the past decade, the2829Coast Guard has worked on this articulated tug and barge2830manning requirements with all the stakeholders, and continue to2831assess. The updated policy provides a safe and balanced2832approach to that manning----2833 Mr. Carbajal [interrupting]. I understand, but what2834changed?2835 Admiral Schofield. It was really our review with the2836overall risk posture across the manning, the systems on board,2837and how they are operated.2838 Mr. Carbajal. Thank you. Vice Admiral Schofield, in the2839Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2020, Congress included new2840safety management system requirements for covered small2841passenger vessels. The Coast Guard has issued an advance notice2842of proposed rulemaking, but has never moved forward with a2843formal NPRM or final rule. This is a major safety concern that2844even the National Transportation Safety Board has called for2845since 2012.2846 When can we expect a final rule, or is the Coast Guard2847going to continue disregarding the law?2848 And the remainder of the requirements such as fire2849suppression and egress remain as delayed as interim rules. Are2850we going to see final rules for these as well?2851 Admiral Schofield. Sir, the passenger vessel safety is an2852unwavering Coast Guard priority for us. We enforce that 1002853percent compliance, as you mentioned, with the interim safety2854rules mandated by the Coast Guard. That includes that2855interconnected fire alarms, our secondary escapes,2856requirements, and overnight watches to prevent these tragedies2857at sea. We are continuing to evaluate, and we are looking to2858get that full rulemaking.2859 Mr. Carbajal. Do we have a sense when the final rule will2860come forward?2861 Admiral Schofield. I don't have a date, but we can get you2862an answer on the record.2863 Mr. Carbajal. Great. Thank you. And also on the fire2864suppression and egress issues, as well.2865 [For the information, please see Admiral Schofield's2866responses to questions 1.a. and 1.b. on page 41.]2867 Mr. Carbajal. Ms. McNeil, while I am glad that the Coast2868Guard is investing in housing in Santa Barbara, finally, I am2869concerned that the shoreside infrastructure account in the2870President's budget is woefully inadequate to address the2871totality of the Coast Guard's needs. Given the GAO's report2872that the shoreside infrastructure backlog is over $7 billion2873and growing daily, what is your best recommendation for the2874Service to get this backlog under control?2875 I think I already heard about the pivot. Maybe this is the2876time that they can pivot and create a better quality of life2877for all our Coasties, instead of doing all these exquisite,2878ridiculous things that at the end of the day, we can't execute2879because we don't have a healthy, good morale amongst our2880Coasties.2881 Ms. McNeil. I would agree. There needs to come a time where2882there is some clarity about what a success looks like. And if2883you have invested a certain amount of money, resources, and2884time on efforts and they are not achieving what those intended2885outcomes are, it's time to explore other options and2886alternatives and do some cost-benefit analysis.2887 And it's okay to pause, reassess, and reinvest. And so2888that's the suggestion that I would make here.2889 Mr. Carbajal. Thank you.2890 Vice Admiral Schofield, last week, a pregnant endangered2891fin whale was struck and killed by a cruise ship in Seward,2892Alaska, highlighting the need for additional measures to2893protect whales. Given the success of the whale desk in the2894Puget Sound, can this be replicated in other parts of the2895country?2896 Admiral Schofield. Sir, the safety of all vessels in our2897waterways and marine whales, fish, et cetera, is important to2898the American people. We can continue to invest in further2899cetacean desks across the Coast Guard if resources are2900provided, sir.2901 Mr. Carbajal. So it can be replicated in other areas?2902 Admiral Schofield. It can be with the appropriate2903resources. Yes, sir.2904 Mr. Carbajal. Thank you.2905 Mr. Chair, I yield back.2906 Mr. Ezell. The gentleman yields. Mr. Begich, you are2907recognized for 5 minutes.2908 Mr. Begich. Thank you, Mr. Chair. My question is for2909Admiral Schofield.2910 We saw last week a helicopter crash near Sitka, and it is a2911sobering reminder of the dangers our Coast Guard crews face in2912Alaska. Fortunately, all four members of the crash survived and2913are recovering from their injuries. What is the latest in the2914investigation, and what steps are being taken to ensure2915aviation safety operations in Alaska are improved?2916 Admiral Schofield. Sir, that certainly is a tragedy for all2917of those members that were involved in the accident, as well as2918all Coast Guard men and women that continue to stay on the2919watch out there.2920 We have initiated a mishap analysis board and further2921investigation on that situation, so we continue to monitor2922that. We have a robust process, sir, to review the2923recommendations of the analysis board to make sure that future2924operations are impacted by those strategies out there. We have2925been doing that for many, many years, and it has been very2926prudent and very beneficial for our policy and our operational2927use.2928 Mr. Begich. Thank you. I appreciate that, and I look2929forward to continuing that conversation outside this hearing.2930 The budget reconciliation bill provided $3.5 billion for2931Arctic Security Cutters and $4.3 billion for Polar Security2932Cutters. I was very excited by the recent announcement that the2933first two ASCs will be homeported in Kodiak, with a subsequent2934ASC homeported in Seward. Can you provide an update on the2935acquisition timelines, current obligations, and delivery2936schedules for the Arctic Security Cutter and Polar Security2937Cutter Programs?2938 And then, in addition, what are the major infrastructure2939needs and upgrades required for Kodiak and Seward to support2940these homeportings?2941 Admiral Schofield. Sir, thank you for that question, and2942these Arctic Security Cutters are going to provide value for2943the American people across our waterways in the northern2944approaches.2945 Importantly, we have 3 contracts definitized, and working2946towards the delivery of those vessels for up to 11 vessels. So2947those have started; we are looking to have the first several2948delivered in 2028.2949 Mr. Begich. And GAO puts the shoreside infrastructure2950backlog, as was mentioned by my colleague, at over $7 billion2951with half of Coast Guard facilities beyond their service life.2952Reconciliation provided $4.4 billion for shoreside2953construction. What portion of that backlog is attributable to2954Alaska installations specifically?2955 And how are Alaska projects being prioritized in the2956spending plan?2957 Admiral Schofield. Sir, I can get back to you with the2958exact number for the Alaskan backlog, but that's important,2959because several of our first ships are going into that region2960to operate. So those areas are very, very important to the2961Coast Guard, and we continue to complete upgrades in Kodiak and2962in Seward for our Fast Response Cutters, and we are currently2963assessing needs across Alaska to support our operations.2964 Mr. Begich. That would be great if you could get back to me2965on that. What I would I be looking for is what is the gap, what2966is the planned appropriation within the Coast Guard for the2967funds that were made available through budget reconciliation,2968and what is the timeline through which those funds will be2969deployed, and for what. If I could get an itemized list from2970your team, that would be very helpful.2971 And I appreciate all the work that you are doing in Alaska.2972I appreciate that you are prioritizing Alaska. This is a2973historic investment, as we all know, for the Coast Guard, and2974Alaska is central to it. I appreciate your work and your team's2975mission.2976 And with that, I yield back.2977 Mr. Ezell. The gentleman yields. Mr. Garamendi.2978 Mr. Garamendi. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you for2979this hearing, very, very important. And I want to also thank2980the GAO for their ongoing reports.2981 It appears as though there is some $25 billion of new money2982for the Coast Guard. For years and years, the Coast Guard has2983always been the neglected portion of our national security.2984That has changed as a result of recent legislation, and I am2985very happy about that.2986 However, I am concerned about how that money is going to be2987spent. Admiral, you have already said that some significant2988amount has been obligated, and more will soon be obligated. My2989line of questions goes to the organizational structure to2990ensure that that new money for vessels, aircraft, sustainment,2991personnel, and infrastructure is being spent wisely. Could you2992please describe to us how you are organizing your staff to2993carry out the responsibility of acquiring the vessels,2994aircraft?2995 Also what your sustainment program is. Have you changed2996your organizational structure to carry out this enormous new2997task?2998 Admiral Schofield. Sir, as we really--and I really2999appreciate the support of this subcommittee with this3000reconciliation effort, because that really helped us support3001the future of the Coast Guard.3002 As part of our Force Design, we did consolidate both our3003sustainment and acquisition under one Deputy Commandant for3004Systems. Importantly, that one person is responsible for the3005acquisition and the sustainment of these assets moving ahead3006under five PEOs, including the new Robotics and Autonomous3007Systems PEO, to be able to complete oversight and ensure that3008we are putting the money into the right areas within our budget3009and ensuring that the money is properly spent.3010 Mr. Garamendi. Has the GAO done an analysis of the3011organizational structures necessary to carry out these tasks3012and spend the money wisely?3013 Ms. McNeil. So we have not embarked on----3014 Mr. Garamendi [interrupting]. Why have you not?3015 Ms. McNeil. We would love to do that work. We can help3016craft a request----3017 Mr. Garamendi [interrupting]. Yes, all nicey nicey. What do3018you need to oversee the Coast Guard's implementation of the3019expenditure of some 25 billion new dollars?3020 Ms. McNeil. A mandate or a request letter, and we will be3021on it.3022 Mr. Garamendi. Mr. Chairman, I suggest that we provide such3023a mandated request letter that the GAO carefully, consistently3024review the structural organization necessary to wisely spend3025this money.3026 Admiral, are you confident that you have one admiral3027responsible? What staff does that admiral have to purchase this3028equipment, to make sure that the sustainment money is3029available, spare parts and pieces, and also the infrastructure,3030and also the personnel? I am curious about your organizational3031structure.3032 Admiral Schofield. Yes, sir. What we have done is aligned3033all of those responsible authorities under that one person to3034make sure----3035 Mr. Garamendi [interrupting]. And what is his staff?3036 Admiral Schofield. Sir?3037 Mr. Garamendi. What staff does he or she have to carry out3038that responsibility?3039 Admiral Schofield. So the head of contracting works for the3040Deputy Commandant for Systems, as well as each one of the3041Program Executive Offices works directly for the Deputy3042Commandant for Systems.3043 Mr. Garamendi. I would appreciate if you would deliver to3044this subcommittee--and certainly to me--the organizational3045structure that you have in place, the personnel that you3046believe necessary to carry out the multiple tasks to wisely and3047efficiently spend the 25 billion new dollars.3048 My final point goes to sustainability. The U.S. Navy has a3049serious sustainability problem, as does the Air Force. What3050steps are you taking to assure that the sustainability of the3051existing and the new fleet of aircraft, vessels, and ports is3052carried out and sustained over the years ahead?3053 Admiral Schofield. Sir, I appreciate the 2025 budget3054reconciliation helped us jumpstart that with some funding to3055get after some of our legacy backlog needs for sustainment. But3056we are a $20 billion Coast Guard operating on a $14 billion3057budget, and we need to continue--and I request your continued--3058--3059 Mr. Garamendi [interrupting]. Well, here is my concern, Mr.3060Chairman, is the three-letter word ``but'' that you just put3061forward. It is absolutely essential, in my view, that you have3062an organizational structure in place, the personnel necessary,3063and the direction not only to get the new equipment, but also3064to sustain it.3065 And with that, I yield back.3066 Mr. Ezell. The gentleman yields. Mr. Fuller, you are3067recognized for 5 minutes.3068 Mr. Fuller. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.3069 Admiral Schofield and Director McNeil, thank you so much3070for being here. This is mainly directed initially at the folks3071in the row behind you and the rest of the Coast Guard.3072 Before taking on this job, I was an elected district3073attorney. And what the Coast Guard does each and every day by3074showing such incredible courage, by jumping on submersibles and3075taking down drug runners quite literally saved lives in my3076Appalachian community. So I want to say thank you, because we3077are losing far too many people, and I am so appreciative of the3078incredible work that you guys are doing. So I want to say thank3079you from the bottom of my heart for saving lives.3080 One of the things that I wanted to do up here on Capitol3081Hill was punch the Communist Party of China in the face, and so3082one of the things that I want to talk to you about specifically3083related to the Force Design 2028 and countering China in the3084gray zone, Admiral, I am interested specifically as it relates3085to the Arctic and Antarctic: Do you have the authorities that3086you need to counter China in the gray zone?3087 Admiral Schofield. Yes, sir. We continue to assess what our3088needs are up in the Arctic area. We are putting an emphasis on3089the Arctic region with that, as we build out these new assets3090to go into line, and as well as we continue to build out our309115,000 members under the President's vision of the Coast Guard3092of the future. That will help support that region to make sure3093that we can control, secure, and defend the maritime border.3094 Mr. Fuller. Thank you. One of the things that I wanted to3095talk about, when I was a district attorney, we used asset3096forfeitures a lot to fund law enforcement activities. And so I3097was wondering. Chairman Ezell described you guys in this3098hearing as--for the Coast Guard--chronically underresourced.3099And I just wanted to kind of get an understanding. When it3100comes to the asset forfeiture specifically related when the3101Coast Guard is involved, can you walk me through the process of3102an asset forfeiture and how that relates back to the Coast3103Guard?3104 Admiral Schofield. Yes, sir. I don't have all those3105details, but I can get back to you with my staff to give you a3106brief on all those steps on the asset forfeiture process.3107 Mr. Fuller. Okay. And then specifically, do you have--and I3108don't need a dollar figure, but do you have an understanding3109that some of the asset forfeitures that you are a part of in3110making, are any of those resources coming back to the Coast3111Guard?3112 Admiral Schofield. Most of the asset forfeitures go back to3113Treasury.3114 Mr. Fuller. Go back to Treasury. So as far as you know,3115nothing directly going back to the Coast Guard, despite--you3116all are on the front lines putting your lives on the on the3117line, right?3118 Admiral Schofield. Yes, sir.3119 Mr. Fuller. Okay. Thank you so much for your time.3120 And Mr. Chairman, I yield back.3121 Mr. Ezell. The gentleman yields. Ms. Scholten, you are3122next.3123 Ms. Scholten. Thank you, Mr. Chair and Mr. Ranking Member,3124and welcome to our witnesses.3125 I will start by asking a topic that I talk about a lot3126here: the acquisition of an additional heavy Great Lakes3127icebreaker. This year was particularly difficult for late and3128early winter shipping on the Great Lakes with numerous delays.3129U.S. carriers lost weeks stuck in the ice and couldn't deliver3130the necessary raw materials that drive American manufacturing.3131 The Coast Guard has cited the need for additional heavy3132Great Lakes icebreakers, as well, and most recently included it3133in the Service's unfunded priorities list. Still, we haven't3134seen meaningful action towards acquisition.3135 Vice Admiral, can you please explain why, despite the clear3136need here, the Service has yet to provide its strategy3137outlining how the Coast Guard will complete the design and3138construction of a Great Lakes icebreaker with the same3139capabilities as Mackinaw?3140 And in your answer, if you could, include some references3141to some of the overall organizational structure within the3142Coast Guard and who is responsible for making sure these things3143happen and on time.3144 Admiral Schofield. Ma'am, we are diligently working on that3145report currently on that future acquisition, importantly, to3146meet all the statutory requirements of title 14.3147 We have--fiscal year 2027 has funding for all those3148acquisition requirements, and----3149 Ms. Scholten [interrupting]. And I am sorry to interrupt,3150but the requirements by the 2022 NDAA to create the publicly3151available database, can you just remind me? What is the3152deadline for that?3153 Admiral Schofield. We are currently working on that now,3154and I can get back to you with a date from my staff.3155 Ms. Scholten. Okay. But internally, you guys don't have a3156goal that you are working towards? We've got to get this done3157by next week, we've got to get this done by 2030?3158 Admiral Schofield. I don't have the specific date with me.3159 Ms. Scholten. Okay. It seems like that would be very, very3160helpful in terms of backwards planning to see when we want to3161have this available, when the American people can expect3162answers.3163 This is obviously a huge deal not just for the Great Lakes,3164but for the entire country that relies on the Great Lakes3165economy. These delays have been costly. And at a time when the3166affordability crisis is absolutely crippling American families,3167it's essential.3168 Admiral Schofield. Yes, ma'am.3169 Ms. Scholten. Okay. We will await your response on that3170one, then.3171 H.R. 1 made a historic investment in the Coast Guard to3172counter chronic underinvestment. I was thrilled to see the3173infusion of $25 billion in the Coast Guard to recapitalize its3174surface, air, and shoreside assets. However, I am deeply3175concerned with the administration's track record when it comes3176to contracting.3177 Earlier this year, I requested the DHS inspector general3178investigate allegations that Sean Plankey, who was at the time3179acting as a senior advisor of the Secretary of the Coast Guard,3180was simultaneously consulting for a Coast Guard contractor,3181despite likely being in a position to review substantial3182contracts.3183 Vice Admiral, can you please touch on how the Coast Guard3184is ensuring that it is wisely using H.R. 1 investments--which,3185I may remind you, is not free money, these are taxpayer3186dollars, the hard-earned tax dollars of people in Michigan's3187Third Congressional District--to responsibly recapitalize the3188Service rather than potentially enrich members of the3189administration?3190 Admiral Schofield. Yes, ma'am. Importantly, we are buying3191really needed assets and capabilities and infrastructure to get3192after the needs of the Nation.3193 For reconciliation, we have major shore projects that3194include Training Center Cape May. We have worked that project3195at the Coast Guard Yard to be able to maintain those vessels in3196building out Guam, Newport, and----3197 Ms. Scholten [interrupting]. And again, I am sorry to3198interrupt you, but the question was about the fiscal3199responsibility of this historic investment, which was huge. How3200are we making sure that there is not, sort of, inside deals3201being cut here?3202 Specifically, we are concerned about these allegations3203against Sean Plankey. How are you making sure that that is not3204continuing to go on?3205 Admiral Schofield. Yes, ma'am, we follow all the3206acquisition procurement rules as required by the Department of3207Homeland Security and within our head of contracting activity.3208 Ms. Scholten. And what does that look like, I mean, in3209practice? Who is making sure that they are followed; accuracy?3210 I mean, this is what we are doing here, right now, by3211asking these questions. It's the essential function of our role3212in an oversight capacity. But internally, how are you making3213sure that that happens?3214 And again, I just want to stress to you this is about wise3215and fiscally responsible usage of the American taxpayer dollars3216at a time when people can't afford to put groceries on their3217table.3218 Admiral Schofield. Yes, ma'am. So we do have--within our3219contracting and acquisition levels within the contracting3220organization--we have multiple levels of review, including3221multimillion and above contracts go to the Department for that3222same review to make sure that they are following all the rules3223of acquisition.3224 Ms. Scholten. Do you feel that there is adequate oversight,3225people who are personally invested within the Service making3226sure that these dollars and cents are accounted for?3227 And are you willing to take that personal responsibility as3228well?3229 Admiral Schofield. Yes, ma'am. I believe that our policies3230do create that oversight necessary to meet all the FAR3231requirements and procurement rules.3232 Ms. Scholten. Well, Vice Admiral, again I thank you for3233coming before this committee. It's important to answer the3234questions of the American people, and we do ask you back on a3235continued basis so we can continue providing that oversight.3236 I am over my time. Thank you for the few extra minutes, my3237good buddy, Mr. Ezell. Thank you.3238 Mr. Ezell. You sure?3239 [Laughter.]3240 Ms. Scholten. He is like, cut her off, cut her off.3241 Mr. Ezell. Mr. Patronis.3242 Ms. Scholten. Thank you.3243 Mr. Ezell. Mr. Patronis.3244 Mr. Patronis. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.3245 Admiral, thank you all for being here. You have got a great3246team of supporters behind you there. They do a hell of a job. I3247am looking at Kyle and everybody. Thank you for putting such an3248outstanding team--I actually share a wall with them. So every3249once in a while they get a little rambunctious, but I3250appreciate their service and making sure that the trains run on3251time.3252 I am curious. When it comes to planning and moving3253forward--and I am sorry that I may have missed this if this was3254already asked, but when it comes to planning stations for3255additional personnel, where are they going? Where do you want3256to put people?3257 Admiral Schofield. So we are currently assessing, as I3258mentioned earlier, sir, that the Commandant directed the Deputy3259Commandant for Operations and the two operational commanders,3260our Atlantic area commander and our Pacific area commander.3261This really comes up--all about the operational priorities3262within their regional domains.3263 So where do we need to put folks based on our past data-3264centric-driven operational outcomes that we need to assess and3265prioritize accordingly?3266 So we are basing it on the missions that are out there, the3267risk to those missions, and then put the personnel and assets3268where the highest risk and need is across the Service.3269 Mr. Patronis. Sure. So, I mean, I would think Florida is an3270attractive place to send more personnel, because I don't know3271if there is more encounter data of folks being out on the3272waterways.3273 I love access to the resource, and I know there are a hell3274of a lot of people that enjoy the coast of Mississippi. So I3275just know everything along that whole gulf coast is something3276that--people are moving, they are enjoying what we've got. I3277just like to make sure we are advocating for where the most3278encounter data is taking place. Putting my two cents in.3279 I know of the $25 billion--at least--I guess at least $83280billion of the $25 billion has been obligated for the3281acquisition process. Can you touch on the recapitalization with3282the money so far?3283 Admiral Schofield. Sir, I understand the question to be3284maybe just touch on some of the recapitalization----3285 Mr. Patronis [interposing]. Yes.3286 Admiral Schofield [continuing]. Efforts across. I mentioned3287some of those items earlier. To give you some sense of the3288major shore projects that we are doing is, at the Coast Guard3289Yard, we are upgrading that very old industrial site. That is3290really important for the future of the fleet and the3291maintainability there.3292 At Training Center Cape May, which is--really, it's the3293birthplace of our enlisted workforce--we are putting funding3294there under the 2025 reconciliation to really be able to be3295more efficient and effective so we can bring more folks into3296that accession point.3297 Mr. Patronis. So speak to investments in Baltimore. I saw,3298I guess, is it drydock operations or dredging?3299 Admiral Schofield. Yes, the drydock operations, dredging,3300and also looking to purchase a drydock.3301 Mr. Patronis. Okay. So--and so currently right now, are3302there already these type of operations being done in Baltimore,3303or is this a new investment?3304 Admiral Schofield. This is a new investment. We are looking3305to have this done starting in the fall and completing by 20303306at the Coast Guard Yard.3307 Mr. Patronis. And any particular reason why Baltimore was3308selected?3309 Admiral Schofield. That is where our current Coast Guard3310Yard has been for----3311 Mr. Patronis [interrupting]. Oh, so there is one there3312already.3313 Admiral Schofield. There is one there already. What we are3314doing is, with the dredging, is making it capable for our3315Offshore Patrol Cutters and National Security Cutters to come3316in there. Currently they are not able to come in there, so we3317have more limited capability for vessels to be docked in that3318area.3319 Mr. Patronis. So the Baltimore yard right now does, I3320guess, updates, retrofitting----3321 Admiral Schofield [interrupting]. It does.3322 Mr. Patronis. Okay.3323 Admiral Schofield. Yes, it doesn't do new construction. It3324does major renovations, as well as a normal yearly or four-3325yearly maintenance plan.3326 Mr. Patronis. Got you, okay. Thank you for those answers.3327 Mr. Chairman, I yield.3328 Mr. Ezell. The gentleman yields. Ms. McDonald Rivet, thank3329you for your patience, and you have 5 minutes.3330 Ms. McDonald Rivet. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman, and3331thank you for allowing me to waive on to ask these questions.3332 So I come from a Coast Guard family. We are a very proud3333auntie of two Coasties. And it is critical for the district3334that I represent in Michigan. We are literally surrounded by3335coast.3336 The Great Lakes region has a $6 trillion regional economy,3337affects millions of Americans, holds 90 percent of the United3338States freshwater and directly supports over 1 million jobs.3339But here's the thing. It gets really cold in the wintertime--I3340know you know this--and the Great Lakes freeze over, which3341hurts our commerce, it hurts maritime activity. So we have to3342really think about and invest in icebreaking. They can only do3343that when the fleet is fully operational.3344 Last season, the Coast Guard's Great Lakes icebreaking3345fleet operated at reduced capacity because of engineering3346concerns with multiple vessels, including the heavy icebreaker,3347the Mackinaw. So we feel that very acutely. We lost one-third3348of the 2026 season, and it impacted billions in economic3349opportunity.3350 I know you are aware of the Great Lakes Icebreaker Act3351where we are really focused on how we can be at full capacity3352here. The act actually required the Coast Guard to outline how3353it will design, build, and deliver a new Great Lakes heavy3354icebreaker by March 18 of 2026. And the bill also required a3355report detailing that. We have not received any of those3356reports to date.3357 And so, as we are thinking about--it's hot as Hades outside3358right now, but we are already thinking about winter. And so3359with doing that, when can we expect the Coast Guard to deliver3360the overdue reports?3361 Admiral Schofield. Yes, ma'am, I will have to get back to3362you on that specific date, but we are currently working on that3363report. And this certainly was a challenging winter----3364 Ms. McDonald Rivet [interposing]. Yes.3365 Admiral Schofield [continuing]. Across the Great Lakes and3366New England regions. It was really a historic ice season for336720-plus years. And we are continuing to assess and see how we3368can do better operations within those regions.3369 Ms. McDonald Rivet. Yes, that would be terrific, I think.3370 I understand that there have been cuts, that you are3371shortstaffed. I get that. But deadlines that are mandated by3372Congress are not something to be taken lightly and ignored. And3373we actually need to have that information. And my constituents,3374frankly, are demanding it.3375 I want to actually switch to another issue that I think has3376already been brought up a bit here, but it actually has to do3377with the Coast Guard station on the Saginaw River. I have asked3378about this before. I am going to ask about this every chance I3379get. The facility was forced to cut its 24/7 search and rescue3380operations down to 40 hours, and we have seen our Coast Guard3381response time drop dramatically--I mean, increase dramatically.3382It now can take the Coast Guard hours to provide critical3383lifesaving support. So to fill this gap, we have had to rely on3384our local law enforcement, first responders, and honestly, just3385flat-out good Samaritans to help particularly with water3386rescues in ice--again, Michigan, there is a theme here, lots of3387ice. Okay?3388 So last winter, we saw nearly a dozen ice rescue calls, and3389our local law enforcement and our good Samaritans came in,3390saved 15 lives without any additional support from the Coast3391Guard on the ground. This is our reality. Every winter there3392are ice rescues. Every summer season there are water rescues.3393And you know that the Saginaw Bay sits on Lake Huron, which is3394our country's northern border, and it only to me underscores3395the importance of this national security.3396 So to measure the impact of the change of the station, last3397year's NDAA required the Coast Guard to submit an annual report3398measuring staffing response times. Based on the delays in3399implementing the Great Lakes Icebreaker Act, I am concerned3400that we are also not going to get this report in matters that3401literally can mean life or death for the people that I3402represent. And I would love for you to also tell me when we can3403get that report.3404 And lastly, I sent a letter to the Commandant calling for3405the reinstatement of full operations at the Saginaw River3406station, and wondering if you have an update on that.3407 Admiral Schofield. Well, ma'am, there is no doubt that the3408safety of all lives are our primary mission at all times, so we3409will continue to do that. Whether it's ice season or summer3410season, we will continue to do that.3411 I mentioned earlier the Commandant, his tasks, are3412operational commanders to come up with a prioritized report3413which are based on those assessments across the entire3414operating area on the needs within those regions to put, as we3415have in the fiscal year 2027 President's budget, up to one or3416two additional boat crews through every boat station in the3417Coast Guard, and we are looking to see where we can best3418utilize those people to get after the mission needs of the3419American people.3420 Ms. McDonald Rivet. I didn't really hear a delivery date on3421that.3422 Admiral Schofield. We should have that report by the end of3423the calendar year. Yes.3424 Mr. Ezell. The gentlelady yields. I have a couple more3425questions on the second round, wrap this thing up pretty quick.3426 Admiral, after significant disputes over the bid award for3427the Waterways Commerce Cutters, the WCCs are finally under3428construction. Unfortunately, the WLI, the third WCC variant, is3429not part of the current design contract. The Coast Guard has3430preached that commonality among the three vessels' designs is3431the key to limiting construction costs and maintaining a tight3432timeline.3433 Excluding the WLI from the current design contract unwinds3434the commonality on which the WCC acquisition strategy is based.3435Does the Coast Guard plan to add the WLI to the current WCC3436design contract, or has the Coast Guard failed to heed the3437message in its own sermon?3438 Admiral Schofield. Yes, sir. To start with, the3439construction and river tenders and inland tenders are all3440unique in what they do around the Nation on rivers and coastal3441waterways, driving piles, working aids, and they are difficult.3442So what we have done initially was we have got construction3443tenders and river tenders there in the current contract that3444are similar design.3445 The three remaining vessels are unique. They are different.3446They work in areas that are more shallow, more directed areas3447that have unique capabilities for getting after aids and3448servicing. And we continue to work that acquisition strategy on3449how we are going to go ahead with the three WLIs.3450 Mr. Ezell. During the lapses in appropriations in fiscal3451year 2026, the Coast Guard continued to pay military members3452even after payroll accounts were exhausted. The Coast Guard did3453so by using unobligated funds from other accounts which was3454styled as a loan to payroll from those accounts. Can you3455provide an update on the status of these funds?3456 And more specifically, have the funds been returned to the3457accounts for which they were intended?3458 Admiral Schofield. Sir, I can give you a more detailed3459update on those separately with my staff.3460 Mr. Ezell. Thank you. I yield back.3461 Mr. Carbajal, do you have----3462 Mr. Carbajal [interrupting]. Thank you. I have a couple of3463questions, after all, before I make an announcement.3464 Admiral, at the beginning of last year, at the direction of3465the administration, the Coast Guard fired 25 percent of its3466flag corps officers. At the same time, you are looking to grow3467the workforce by 15,000. What data and studies does the Coast3468Guard have to justify that number?3469 Admiral Schofield. Sir, from a Force Design perspective,3470this is about streamlining our Service and taking out the3471decision layers across the organization. Importantly, putting3472frontline operators out in the field to get their missions3473done.3474 Mr. Carbajal. And the 15,000?3475 Admiral Schofield. With the 15,000. Yes, sir.3476 Mr. Carbajal. Okay. Ms. McNeil, do you have any thoughts on3477this issue?3478 Ms. McNeil. When we looked at the past reforms since 2019,3479including the current one, Force Design, we have got a lot of3480questions about the data and information that was used to3481inform the decisions about specific reforms.3482 And the one question that you just raised, we would love to3483see an answer to that question. How did they arrive at the3484reduction in the number of senior officers, and also how they3485arrived at this target of hiring 15,000. We don't know how they3486arrived at that decision. We are not sure what data and3487information they used, and we also don't know how that is tied3488to some type of an outcome or goal that they have established3489in the Force Design.3490 It's a good question, and we would love the answer to that.3491 Mr. Carbajal. As well as the organizational structure that3492has to occur for this to be----3493 Ms. McNeil [interposing]. Definitely.3494 Mr. Carbajal [continuing]. An effective change.3495 Mr. Chairman, I am done with my questions, but if it's okay3496with you, I wanted to take a minute to, in addition to the3497staff that you recognized earlier, I wanted to recognize our3498fellow, our Coast Guard fellow, Lieutenant Commander Amanda3499Gavelek, who is here. She is going to be leaving subcommittee3500staff at the end of this month. She is also being elevated to3501commander, and I hope to see her someday lead the Coast Guard,3502because she has my full confidence in terms of her abilities3503and her talent.3504 So I just want to take a minute to recognize her for the3505work that she has done here with our committee and our3506subcommittee, and I wish her the best in her future endeavors.3507 And congratulations on being elevated--I think, coming up3508in a few days--to commander, as well.3509 The Coast Guard is in good hands with people like her. Mr.3510Chairman, I yield back.3511 Mr. Ezell. The gentleman yields. Are there any other3512further questions from any members of the subcommittee that3513have not been recognized?3514 Seeing none, that concludes the hearing for today. I would3515like to thank each and every one of you for being here today3516and the witnesses' testimony.3517 The subcommittee stands adjourned.3518 [Whereupon, at 11:21 a.m., the subcommittee was adjourned.]35193520 Appendix35213522 ----------35233524 Post-Hearing Questions for the Record to Vice Admiral Douglas M.3525 Schofield, Chief of Staff, U.S. Coast Guard, from Hon. Salud O.3526 Carbajal35273528 Question 1. Vice Admiral Schofield, during the hearing, I asked3529about the safety management system requirements for covered small3530passenger vessels included in the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 20203531to which you were unable to provide a date and stated you would follow3532up for the record. The Coast Guard has issued an advance notice of3533proposed rulemaking, but has never moved forward with a formal NPRM or3534final rule.3535 Question 1.a. When can we expect a final rule?3536 Answer. A prospective publication date for the final rule is not3537set at this time. The Safety Management Systems for Domestic Passenger3538Vessels rulemaking (Regulation Identifier Number 1625-AC65) is on the3539inactive rule list in the most recent 2026 Unified Agenda.3540 Based on the comments received, additional review would be required3541due to associated regulatory analysis including economic costs,3542implementation, and enforcement concerns. If this rulemaking effort is3543revived, the Coast Guard anticipates the Office of Management and3544Budget (OMB) designation as a significant regulatory action, that would3545require offsetting the costs of the rule with other deregulatory3546actions per E.O. 14192, Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation.35473548 Question 1.b. The remainder of the requirements in the Coast Guard3549Authorization Act of 2020, such as fire suppression and egress, remain3550as delayed as interim rules. When will we see final rules for these as3551well?3552 Answer. A prospective publication date for a final rule is not set3553at this time. The Fire Safety of Small Passenger Vessels rulemaking3554(Regulation Identifier Number 1625-AC69) published as an interim rule3555on December 27, 2021. See 86 FR 73160. This rulemaking is also on the3556inactive rule list in the most recent 2026 Unified Agenda.3557 Similar to the Safety Management System rulemaking above,3558additional review would be required due to associated regulatory3559analysis including economic costs, implementation, and enforcement3560concerns. If this rulemaking effort is revived, the Coast Guard3561anticipates the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) designation as a3562significant regulatory action, that would require offsetting the costs3563of the rule with other deregulatory actions per E.O. 14192, Unleashing3564Prosperity Through Deregulation.35653566 Question 2. Vice Admiral Schofield, it is my understanding that the3567Coast Guard issued a request for information earlier this year looking3568at expanding the Streamlined Inspection Program (SIP). I hold concerns3569that an expansion of the SIP could impact safety. In 2021, the3570Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General found that357166 percent of vessels enrolled in SIP have deficiencies. Please provide3572details on the Coast Guard's reasoning for the expansion.3573 Question 2.a. What safeguards will be implemented to ensure that3574increased reliance on the SIP does not compromise compliance,3575accountability, or the identification of safety deficiencies?3576 Answer. The planned revisions to the Streamlined Inspection Program3577(SIP) are intended to leverage Safety Management Systems such as ``Flag3578Ship,'' to proactively identify hazards, manage risk, and continuously3579improve safety performance. The Coast Guard is not reducing the number3580of annual inspections for Small Passenger Vessels or unannounced3581boardings. Instead, the intent is for Coast Guard Marine Inspectors to3582audit a full year of continuous compliance records, mitigating the3583traditional safety ``blind spots'' between our annual visits.35843585 Question 2.b. The OIG also found that the Coast Guard did not have3586metrics to monitor the program's performance. How will the Coast Guard3587monitor the program's (existing or expanded) performance over time and3588what metrics will be used to determine whether it results in a higher3589level of safety?3590 Answer. Through a new SIP Key Performance Indicator Process Guide3591(CVC-PG-024, referenced by the DHS Office of the Inspector General),3592two primary metrics are tracked: (1) company-reported corrective3593actions vs. Coast Guard-identified deficiencies to ensure self-3594correction, and (2) that SIP-enrolled vessels maintain casualty rates3595equal to or lower than the traditionally inspected fleet.35963597 Question 2.c. How will the Coast Guard address potential conflicts3598of interest that may arise when vessel operators have an increased role3599in evaluating their own compliance? What measures will be in place to3600ensure that commercial or operational pressures do not influence the3601identification, reporting, or correction of safety deficiencies?3602 Answer. The Coast Guard retains 100 percent enforcement authority.3603Omitting maintenance, skipping drills, or falsifying records3604constitutes a major compliance issue. Operators who fail to accurately3605report issues may face immediate operational controls, Program3606probation or disenrollment, and Certificate of Inspection (COI)3607revocation.36083609 Question 2.d. How will the Coast Guard validate the accuracy and3610integrity of information provided?3611 Answer. The Coast Guard plans to validate information integrity3612through a multi-layered approach. First, Marine Inspectors conduct3613inspections and unannounced boardings to physically verify that the3614vessel's actual condition matches the company's records. Second,3615operators are strictly bound to Vessel and Company Action Plans with3616verifiable tracking of all maintenance and drills. Finally, as3617operators transition to digital systems, we are establishing rigorous3618standards for electronic recordkeeping to ensure data features are3619immutable, timestamped audit trails for tamper-proof accountability.36203621 Question 3. Vice Admiral Schofield, during the hearing, I asked3622about the recent decision to change engine room manning standards on3623articulated tug barges. At a budget hearing in April of 2025, the3624Commandant stated:3625 `` . . . we do not believe that the technology is sufficiently3626advanced in robotics and automation to be able to reduce below the3627current levels . . . ''.3628 Yet, last month, we got notice that the Coast Guard made the change3629through regulatory action. Please further elaborate on why the Coast3630Guard decided to change these standards.3631 Answer. The Coast Guard policy, CVC-W1-037(1) Articulated Tug-Barge3632(ATB) Vessel Manning: James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization3633Act for Fiscal Year 2023, H.R. 7776, SEC. 11508, reflects a balanced3634approach that incorporates a deliberate focus on safety for a limited3635vessel population on limited routes. Earlier proposals to revise policy3636were rejected due to practical safety concerns associated with only one3637licensed engineer and unlimited routes. The Coast Guard issued updated3638policy which authorizes reduced engine room manning only on Subchapter3639M towing vessels that are an articulated tug and barge combination,3640have a gross tonnage of between 200 and 300 Gross Registered Tons, have3641a valid COI with Periodically Unmanned Machinery Space approved by the3642Coast Guard, and have a valid COI issued before July 19, 2022, that3643authorized reduced engine room manning. Additionally, the Coast Guard3644will physically inspect the automation systems and review shore-based3645monitoring and maintenance programs. Lastly, all proposals submitted in3646accordance with the policy will specify how they will meet and maintain3647the statutory or convention work/rest hour requirements.36483649 [all]Source: congress.gov · LC75944