Summary:
Dredging for Restoration and Economic Development for Global Exports Act of 2013 or the DREDGE Act of 2013 - Modifies the project for navigation, Mississippi River Ship Channel, Gulf of Mexico to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to direct the Secretary of the Army to: (1) achieve, operate, and maintain a navigation channel of 50 feet with respect to the portion of the project from Baton Rouge to the Southwest Pass sea buoy; (2) complete such work not later than the last day of the third fiscal year beginning after the enactment of this Act; (3) conduct a pilot disposal and sediment project in the Southwest Pass area to determine the cost-effectiveness of pump-out disposal operations for hopper dredges for environmental enhancement and dredged material disposal; and (4) consult with appropriate federal, state, and local agencies and stakeholders to determine the safe placement and timing of such pump-out disposal operations that protect, create, restore, and nourish coastal wetlands and aquatic habitat.

Requires: (1) all costs of such work to be treated as operation and maintenance costs, including the first costs of achieving a navigation channel of 50 feet; (2) the federal cost share of such work to be 100%; and (3) the Secretary to pay 100% of the costs of such work out of amounts made available from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund for operation and maintenance expenses.

Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on: (1) the cost and the environmental, storm damage reduction, and social benefits of the pump-out disposal operation; and (2) the total quantity of dredge material produced during operation and maintenance activities in the New Orleans District and the quantity that is beneficially used.

dredging restoration economic development global exports act dredge act modifies project navigation mississippi_river_ship_channel louisiana direct secretary army achieve operate maintain navigation channel feet respect portion project baton_rouge southwest pass sea buoy complete work later day fiscal year beginning enactment act conduct pilot disposal sediment project southwest pass area determine cost effectiveness pump disposal operations hopper environmental enhancement dredged material disposal consult appropriate federal state local agencies stakeholders determine safe placement timing pump disposal operations protect create restore coastal wetlands aquatic habitat requires costs work treated operation maintenance costs including costs achieving navigation channel feet federal cost share work secretary pay costs work amounts available harbor_maintenance_trust_fund operation maintenance expenses directs secretary report congress cost environmental storm damage reduction social benefits pump disposal operation total quantity dredge material produced operation maintenance activities quantity beneficially


Summary:
Coast Guard Academy Opportunity Act - Modifies the Coast Guard Academy cadet nomination process by requiring that half of each incoming class be composed of cadets nominated by: (1) the Vice President or, if there is no Vice President, the President pro tempore of the Senate; (2) a Senator; (3) a Member of the House of Representatives; and (4) the various delegates to Congress, including the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico. Entitles each Senator, House Member, Delegate, and Resident Commissioner to nominate three persons each year.

Requires nominees to be citizens or nationals of the United States and meet any minimum requirements established by the Secretary of the respective department in which the Coast Guard is operating.

Directs the Superintendent of the Academy to furnish any Member of Congress, upon written request, the name of the nominating authority responsible for the nomination of any named or identified person for appointment to the Academy.

coast_guard_academy opportunity act modifies coast_guard_academy cadet nomination process requiring half incoming class composed cadets nominated vice president vice president president pro tempore senate senator member house_of_representatives delegates congress including resident commissioner puerto_rico entitles senator house member delegate resident commissioner nominate persons year requires nominees citizens nationals united_states meet minimum requirements established secretary respective department coast_guard operating directs superintendent academy furnish member congress written request nominating authority responsible nomination named identified person appointment academy


Summary: Autofill Act of 2013 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) establish a program to allow taxpayers to download income tax forms that are populated with tax return information (e.g., wages, withholding, and self-employment income) previously reported to the Secretary for the taxable year; (2) establish standards for data download to tax preparation software; and (3) provide on the website of the Department of the Treasury a secure function that allows a taxpayer to download, as both a printable document file and in a form suitable for input to automatic tax preparation software, the 1040, 1040A, and 1040EZ forms that are populated with tax return information previously reported to the Secretary. Establishes deadlines for reporting tax return information to the Secretary and for making such information available for populating tax returns.

amends internal revenue code require secretary treasury establish program allow taxpayers download income tax forms populated tax return information wages withholding self employment income previously reported secretary taxable year establish standards data download tax preparation software provide website department_of_the_treasury secure function allows taxpayer download document file form suitable input automatic tax preparation software 1040ez forms populated tax return information previously reported secretary establishes deadlines reporting tax return information secretary making information available tax returns


Summary: Port Security Grant Act of 2013 - Extends the authorization of appropriations for the port security grant program through FY2017.

port security grant act extends authorization appropriations port security grant program fy2017


Summary:
Gauging American Port Security Act or the GAPS Act - Directs the Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to conduct a study of gaps in U.S. port security and submit to Congress a report (in classified form but with an unclassified annex) that includes a prioritization of such gaps and a plan for addressing them.

Directs the Secretary of DHS to: (1) share relevant information with designated points of contact from federal agencies, state, local, or tribal governments, and port system owners and operators in accordance with rules for the handling of classified information; and (2) help expedite the clearance process if a designated point of contact does not have the necessary security clearance to receive such information.

gaps act directs inspector general department_of_homeland_security dhs conduct study gaps port security submit congress report classified form unclassified annex includes prioritization gaps plan addressing directs secretary dhs share relevant information designated points contact federal agencies state local tribal governments port system owners operators accordance rules handling classified information help expedite clearance process designated point contact necessary security clearance receive information


Summary:
Saving Essential American Sailors Act or SEAS Act - Amends the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) to repeal the Act's repeal of the agricultural export requirements that: (1) 25% of the gross tonnage of certain agricultural commodities or their products exported each fiscal year be transported on U.S. commercial vessels, and (2) the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) finance any increased ocean freight charges incurred in the transportation of such items.

Revives and reinstates those repealed requirements to read as if they were never repealed.

saving essential american act seas act amends moving ahead progress 21st century act repeal act repeal agricultural export requirements gross tonnage certain agricultural commodities products exported fiscal year transported commercial vessels secretary transportation dot finance increased ocean freight charges incurred transportation items revives reinstates repealed requirements read repealed


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Amends federal shipping law to extend through October 31, 2028, the exemption of certain vessels from the requirement that U.S. passenger vessels having berth or stateroom accommodations for at least 50 passengers be constructed of fire-retardant materials in order to be granted a certificate of inspection.

Continues to apply this exemption only to vessels in operation before January 1, 1968, which operate only within the Boundary Line (the dividing point between inland waters and high seas).

measure amended introduced summary version repeated amends federal shipping law extend october exemption certain vessels requirement passenger vessels having berth stateroom accommodations passengers constructed fire retardant materials order granted certificate inspection continues apply exemption vessels operation january operate boundary_line dividing point inland waters high seas


Summary: Coast Guard STRONG Act - Directs the Secretary concerned (under current law, the Secretaries of the military departments) to issue regulations to ensure the timely determination of a request for a permanent change of station or unit transfer by a member of the Armed Forces who is the victim of a sexual assault or related offense (thereby including the Coast Guard within such requirement).

secretary concerned current law secretaries military departments issue regulations ensure timely determination request permanent change station unit transfer member armed_forces victim sexual assault related offense including coast_guard requirement


Summary:
Port Opportunity Reinvestment and Training Act of 2013 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to award renewable one-year grants to ports to provide summer jobs to high school students who live within each port's Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA).

Requires the Secretary, when considering grant applications and amounts, to favor ports located in cities with high unemployment rates and also consider each port's cargo volume and the size of its MSA.

Allows ports to use the grants to provide job training to such students, provided no more than 15% of the students' time is spent training and they are compensated at their normal pay rate while training.

training act directs secretary transportation dot award renewable year grants ports provide summer jobs high school students live port metropolitan_statistical_area msa requires secretary considering grant applications amounts favor ports located cities high unemployment rates consider port cargo volume size msa allows ports use grants provide job training students provided students time spent training compensated normal pay rate training


Summary:
Great Lakes Navigation System Sustainability Act of 2013 - Directs the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to manage and allocate funding for all commercial and recreational navigation projects in the Great Lakes Navigation System as components of a single system, recognizing the interdependence of the projects.

Directs the Secretary, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to: (1) establish a program to fund eligible operations and maintenenace projects of the System to their authorized depths and widths, and (2) give higher priority to projects at certain harbors in which a 50% non-federal share of costs of eligible operations and maintenance expenses is provided.

directs secretary army acting chief engineers manage allocate funding commercial recreational navigation projects great lakes navigation system components single system recognizing projects directs secretary acting chief engineers establish program fund eligible operations projects system authorized depths higher priority projects certain harbors non federal share costs eligible operations maintenance expenses provided


Summary:
Cruise Passenger Protection Act - Directs the Secretary to determine whether any of the enumerated rights in the international cruise line passenger bill of rights (adopted by the members of the Cruise Lines International Association) is enforceable under federal law.

Applies this Act to passenger vessels that: (1) carry at least 250 passengers, (2) have sleeping facilities for each passenger, (3) are on a voyage that embarks or disembarks passengers in the United States, (4) are not engaged in coastwise trade, and (5) are not federal- or state-owned.

Revises passenger vessel security and safety requirements concerning: (1) log book entries and reporting of deaths, missing individuals, thefts, and other crimes; and (2) placement, access to records, and notice of video surveillance equipment to monitor crime.

Directs the Secretary to maintain on a website a statistical compilation of reported incidents of missing persons, crimes, and other information for vessel passengers.

Directs the Secretary, in coordination with the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, the Attorney General, and heads of other relevant federal agencies, to study the feasibility of having an individual on board each passenger vessel to provide victim support and related safety and security services.

Requires the Administrator of the Maritime Administration (who, currently, is merely authorized) to certify organizations in the United States and abroad that offer the curriculum for training and certification of passenger vessel security personnel, crewmembers, and law enforcement officials on the appropriate methods for prevention, detection, evidence preservation, and reporting of crimes in international waters.

Revises vessel design, equipment, construction, and retrofitting requirements.

Requires the peep hole or other means of visual identification in the entry door of a passenger stateroom or crew cabin to provide an unobstructed view of the area outside the stateroom or crew cabin.

Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to withhold or revoke the clearance of, and the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to deny entry into the United States to, any vessel owner that: (1) commits an act or omission for which a penalty is imposed under this Act, or (2) fails to pay the penalty.

cruise passenger protection act directs secretary determine enumerated rights international cruise line passenger bill rights adopted members enforceable federal law applies act passenger vessels carry passengers sleeping facilities passenger voyage passengers united_states engaged coastwise trade state owned revises passenger vessel security safety requirements concerning log book entries reporting deaths missing individuals thefts crimes placement access records notice video surveillance equipment monitor crime directs secretary maintain website statistical compilation reported incidents missing persons crimes information vessel passengers directs secretary coordination secretary department coast_guard operating attorney general heads relevant federal agencies study feasibility having individual board passenger vessel provide victim support related safety security services requires administrator maritime_administration currently merely authorized certify organizations united_states abroad offer curriculum training certification passenger vessel security personnel crewmembers law enforcement officials appropriate methods prevention detection evidence preservation reporting crimes international waters revises vessel design equipment construction retrofitting requirements requires hole means visual identification entry door passenger stateroom crew cabin provide view area outside stateroom crew cabin authorizes secretary homeland_security dhs withhold revoke clearance secretary department coast_guard operating deny entry united_states vessel owner commits act omission penalty imposed act fails pay penalty


Summary:
Puerto Rico Interstate Commerce Improvement Act of 2013 - Amends federal shipping law to revise coastwise endorsement requirements for certain vessels that transport liquified natural gas or liquified petroleum gas to Puerto Rico from other U.S. ports.

Repeals authority to issue a certificate of documentation with a coastwise endorsement for a vessel to transport liquified natural gas or liquified petroleum gas to Puerto Rico from other ports in the United States, if the vessel: (1) is a foreign built vessel that was built before October 19, 1996; or (2) was documented before that date, even if it is placed under a foreign registry and subsequently redocumented for operation.

Exempts from coastwise endorsement requirements self-propelled vessels that transport bulk cargo, including liquified natural gas or liquified petroleum bulk cargo, to Puerto Rico from another U.S. port or from Puerto Rico to another U.S. port.

improvement act amends federal shipping law revise coastwise endorsement requirements certain vessels transport liquified natural gas liquified petroleum gas puerto_rico ports repeals authority issue certificate documentation coastwise endorsement vessel transport liquified natural gas liquified petroleum gas puerto_rico ports united_states vessel foreign built vessel built october documented date placed foreign registry subsequently operation exempts coastwise endorsement requirements self propelled vessels transport bulk cargo including liquified natural gas liquified petroleum bulk cargo puerto_rico port puerto_rico port


Summary:
Waterfront of Tomorrow Act of 2013 - Directs the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to study measures that provide the greatest flood protection and climate resilience for New York City coastal communities from a disaster such as Hurricane Sandy.

 Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to study the environmental impact of each major disaster that will have a significant environmental impact on U.S. waters.

Makes one of the goals of national freight policy to ensure that the socioeconomic and environmental impacts of moving cargo through a community are fully accounted for in establishing the national freight network (composed of highways, railways, navigable waterways, seaports, airports, freight intermodal connectors, and aerotropolis transportation systems most critical to the multimodal movement of freight).

Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to ensure that ports and harbors are incorporated into the national freight network.

Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to make grants to states and local governments for projects to improve port infrastructure and intermodal rail and highway networks.

Directs the Administrator of the Maritime Administration, acting jointly with the EPA Administrator, to establish a green port designation for ports that meet certain environmental standards.

Authorizes the Administrator of the Maritime Administration to provide grants and technical assistance to a designated green port to implement innovations that minimize the environmental impacts of port operations.

Directs the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Administrator of the Economic Development Administration (EDA), to make grants to states and local governments for projects to establish environmentally sustainable waterfront areas. Sets the federal share of project costs at 75%.

waterfront tomorrow act directs secretary army acting chief engineers study measures provide greatest flood protection climate resilience new_york_city coastal communities disaster hurricane sandy directs administrator environmental_protection_agency epa study environmental impact major disaster significant environmental impact waters makes goals national freight policy ensure socioeconomic environmental impacts moving cargo community fully accounted establishing national freight network composed highways navigable waterways seaports airports freight intermodal connectors aerotropolis transportation systems critical multimodal movement freight directs secretary transportation dot ensure ports harbors incorporated national freight network authorizes secretary army grants states local governments projects improve port infrastructure intermodal rail highway networks directs administrator maritime_administration acting jointly epa administrator establish green port designation ports meet certain environmental standards authorizes administrator maritime_administration provide grants technical assistance designated green port implement innovations minimize environmental impacts port operations directs secretary commerce acting administrator economic_development_administration eda grants states local governments projects establish environmentally sustainable waterfront areas sets federal share project costs


Summary:
Clean Ports Act of 2013 - Declares that federal preemption of state and local law relating to a price, route, or service of any motor carrier of property shall not apply to the authority of a state, local government, or the political authority of two or more states to adopt requirements for motor carriers providing services at port facilities that are reasonably related to the reduction of environmental pollution, traffic congestion, the improvement of highway safety, or the efficient utilization of such port facilities, provided adoption or enforcement of such requirements does not conflict with federal law.

Declares that nothing in this Act shall limit the rights reserved to any state or political subdivision of such state under the Clean Air Act.

clean ports act declares federal preemption state local law relating price route service motor carrier property shall apply authority state local government political authority states adopt requirements motor carriers providing services port facilities reasonably related reduction environmental pollution traffic congestion improvement highway safety efficient utilization port facilities provided adoption enforcement requirements conflict federal law declares act shall limit rights reserved state political subdivision state clean air act


Summary:
Defense of Environment and Property Act of 2013 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to redefine "navigable waters" to specify that included territorial seas are those that are: (1) navigable-in-fact; or (2) permanent or continuously flowing bodies of water that form geographical features commonly known as streams, oceans, rivers, and lakes that are connected to waters that are navigable-in-fact. Excludes from such term: (1) waters that do not physically abut navigable waters and lack a continuous surface water connection to navigable waters; (2) man-made or natural structures or channels through which water flows intermittently or ephemerally, or that periodically provide drainage for rainfall; or (3) wetlands without a continuous surface connection to bodies of water that are waters of the United States.

Prohibits activities carried out by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the Army Corps of Engineers from impinging upon states' power over land and water use.

Prohibits: (1) aggregation of such excluded wetlands or waters from being used to determine or assert federal jurisdiction, and (2) wetlands without a continuous surface connection to bodies of water that are waters of the United States from being considered to be under federal jurisdiction.

Authorizes states or individual property owners to obtain judicial review of jurisdictional determinations by the Administrator or the Secretary of the Army that would affect their ability to plan the development and use of land and water resources within 30 days after such a determination.

Considers groundwater to be state water. Prohibits groundwater from being considered in determining or asserting federal jurisdiction over isolated or other waters.

Prohibits the Administrator from using a significant nexus test to determine federal jurisdiction over navigable waters and waters of the United States.

Nullifies: (1) the Corps' rule entitled "Final Rule for Regulatory Programs of the Corps of Engineers," (2) EPA's proposed rule entitled "Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on the Clean Water Act Regulatory Definition of 'Waters of the United States,'" (3) the guidance document entitled "Clean Water Act Jurisdiction Following the U.S. Supreme Court's Decision in Rapanos v. United States & Carabell v. United States (relating to the definition of waters under the jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act), and (4) any subsequent regulation or guidance issued by federal agencies that defines or interprets the term "navigable waters."

Prohibits the Corps and EPA from promulgating rules or issuing guidance that expands or interprets the definition of navigable waters unless expressly authorized by Congress.

Sets forth provisions requiring federal agencies to obtain consent of private property owners prior to entering their land to collect information about navigable waters.

Requires federal agencies that issue regulations that relate to the definition of navigable waters or waters of the United States and diminish the fair market value or economic viability of a property to pay the affected property owner an amount equal to twice the value of the loss. Gives no force or effect to such regulation until landowners with such claims have been compensated.

defense environment property act amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act redefine navigable waters specify included territorial seas navigable fact permanent continuously flowing bodies water form geographical features commonly known streams oceans rivers lakes connected waters navigable fact excludes term waters physically abut navigable waters lack continuous surface water connection navigable waters man natural structures channels water flows intermittently periodically provide drainage rainfall wetlands continuous surface connection bodies water waters united_states prohibits activities carried administrator environmental_protection_agency epa army_corps_of_engineers states power land water use prohibits aggregation excluded wetlands waters determine assert federal jurisdiction wetlands continuous surface connection bodies water waters united_states considered federal jurisdiction authorizes states individual property owners obtain judicial review jurisdictional determinations administrator secretary army affect ability plan development use land water resources days determination considers groundwater state water prohibits groundwater considered determining asserting federal jurisdiction isolated waters prohibits administrator significant nexus test determine federal jurisdiction navigable waters waters united_states nullifies corps rule entitled final rule regulatory programs corps engineers epa proposed rule entitled advance notice proposed rulemaking clean water act regulatory definition waters united states guidance document entitled clean water act jurisdiction following supreme court decision united_states relating definition waters jurisdiction clean water act subsequent regulation guidance issued federal agencies defines interprets term navigable waters prohibits corps epa promulgating rules issuing guidance expands interprets definition navigable waters expressly authorized congress sets forth provisions requiring federal agencies obtain consent private property owners prior entering land collect information navigable waters requires federal agencies issue regulations relate definition navigable waters waters united_states diminish fair market value economic viability property pay affected property owner equal twice value loss gives force effect regulation landowners claims compensated


Summary: Federal Submerged Lands Transportation Development Act - Authorizes the Commandant of the Coast Guard to lease tidelands and submerged lands under the control of the Coast Guard for periods longer than five years. (Currently, the Commandant is limited to renting or leasing real property under the Coast Guard's control for a period of up to five years, provided that such property may not be required for immediate use, with specified amounts of rental or lease monies received to be deposited in the Treasury.)

lease tidelands submerged lands control coast_guard periods longer years currently commandant limited renting leasing real property coast_guard control period years provided property required immediate use specified amounts rental lease monies received deposited treasury


Summary:
Cruise Vessel Consumer Confidence Act of 2013 - Amends federal shipping law to authorize the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) to investigate, on its own initiative or upon receiving a complaint, whether the sale of a ticket to a cruise vessel passenger by a cruise vessel owner is: (1) an unfair or deceptive practice, or (2) an unfair method of competition.

Requires the FMC, in cases of an affirmative determination, to order the owner to cease such sales. Authorizes the FMC to impose a civil penalty of up to $25,000 for owners who violate such orders.

Makes it an unfair or deceptive practice for an owner that fails to make certain written disclosures before offering to sell a ticket to a passenger.

Makes it an unfair or deceptive practice for an owner offering to sell a ticket to a passenger via the Internet (electronic ticket) to require that the ticket purchaser provide a printed version of that ticket if the purchaser is able to provide appropriate identification at the time of travel.

Directs the FMC to establish a process to ensure that a passenger with a ticket for a vessel whose initial departure or final disembarkment is delayed for more than 24 hours is reimbursed by the owner in an amount that is equal to: (1) the lesser of half the ticket price or $500, if the delay is between 24 and 48 hours; or (2) the full price of the ticket, if the delay is 48 hours or more.

Requires a cruise vessel owner to: (1) submit a customer service plan to the FMC, (2) incorporate it into the ticket contract of that owner, and (3) make both of them easily available on the owner's website.

Directs the FMC to establish a process for passengers to report complaints to the FMC.

Authorizes the FMC to establish, adjust, and collect fees in ticket prices to fund implementation of this Act.

cruise vessel consumer confidence act amends federal shipping law authorize federal_maritime_commission fmc investigate initiative receiving complaint sale ticket cruise vessel passenger cruise vessel owner unfair deceptive practice unfair method competition requires fmc cases affirmative determination order owner cease sales authorizes fmc impose civil penalty owners violate orders makes unfair deceptive practice owner fails certain written disclosures offering sell ticket passenger makes unfair deceptive practice owner offering sell ticket passenger internet electronic ticket require ticket purchaser provide printed version ticket purchaser able provide appropriate identification time travel directs fmc establish process ensure passenger ticket vessel initial departure final delayed hours reimbursed owner equal lesser half ticket price delay hours price ticket delay hours requires cruise vessel owner submit customer service plan fmc incorporate ticket contract owner easily available owner website directs fmc establish process passengers report complaints fmc authorizes fmc establish adjust collect fees ticket prices fund implementation act


Summary:
Water Trust Fund Act of 2013 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish in the Treasury a Water Infrastructure Investment Trust Fund. Appropriates to such Fund amounts equivalent to the fees received in the Treasury before January 1, 2019, under this Act.

Requires 85% of amounts in the Fund to be available to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for making capitalization grants under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act or CWA), and 15% to be available to the Secretary of the Treasury for carrying out the innovative financing program established under this Act.

Prohibits amounts in the Fund from being made available for a fiscal year unless the amount of funds appropriated to the Clean Water State Revolving Fund through annual capitalization grants is not less than the average of the annual amounts provided in capitalization grants under the CWA for the immediately preceding five-fiscal-year period.

Directs the Secretary to: (1) implement a program under which the Secretary provides a label suitable for placement on products (for a fee of three cents per unit) to inform consumers that the manufacturer, producer, or importer of the product and other stakeholders participate in the Fund and are contributing to America's clean water; and (2) deposit amounts received in the Treasury.

Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish an innovative financing program to make financial assistance available for projects eligible for assistance from a state water pollution control revolving fund established pursuant to the CWA, and (2) model the program after the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 1998 program.

water trust fund act amends internal revenue code establish treasury water infrastructure investment trust fund appropriates fund amounts equivalent fees received treasury january act requires amounts fund available administrator environmental_protection_agency epa making capitalization grants federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act cwa available secretary treasury carrying innovative financing program established act prohibits amounts fund available fiscal year funds appropriated clean water state revolving fund annual capitalization grants average annual amounts provided capitalization grants cwa immediately preceding fiscal year period directs secretary implement program secretary provides label suitable placement products fee cents unit inform consumers manufacturer producer importer product stakeholders participate fund contributing america clean water deposit amounts received treasury directs secretary establish innovative financing program financial assistance available projects eligible assistance state water pollution control revolving fund established pursuant cwa model program innovation_act program


Summary:
United States Customs and Border Protection Authorization Act - (Sec. 2) Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish formally, in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) (formerly the U.S. Customs Service), headed by the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Establishes in the CBP:

 a Deputy Commissioner; the U.S. Border Patrol; an Office of Air and Marine Operations; an Office of Field Operations, including a National Targeting Center; an Office of Intelligence and Investigative Liaison; an Office of International Affairs; and an Office of Internal Affairs. Requires the CBP Commissioner to establish, and update triennially, certain standard operating procedures for CBP personnel.

Directs the CBP Commissioner to require all CBP agents and officers to participate in a specified amount of continuing education to maintain an understanding of federal legal rulings, court decisions, and departmental policies, procedures, and guidelines.

Requires the CBP Commissioner to ensure that:

 adequate access to food and water is provided as soon as possible to individuals apprehended and detained between a U.S. port of entry, and detainee rights are provided at CBP processing centers. Directs the CBP Commissioner to publish wait times at the 20 U.S. airports with the highest volume of international travel and make this information available to the public on the CBP website.

(Sec. 4) Makes technical conforming amendments.

Declares that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) shall be maintained as a distinct entity within DHS.

Removes the Office for Domestic Preparedness from within the Directorate of Border and Transportation Security and establishes it simply within DHS.

Transfers all functions of the Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security to the DHS Secretary.

Authorizes the DHS Secretary (currently, the Under Secretary) to impose disciplinary action on any employee of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and CBP who willfully deceives Congress or agency leadership on any matter.

(Sec. 5) Directs the CBP Commissioner to report to Congress on:

 the number of contract management acquisition and procurement personnel (including by position) assigned to the CBP Office of Technology Innovation and Acquisition; the CBP Business Transformation Initiative; unaccompanied alien children apprehended at U.S. borders; the CBP strategy for the Unmanned Aerial Systems program; CBP efforts to evaluate technologies to provide a biometric exit capability at airports; current CBP capacity to hire, train, and deploy additional CBP officers; the development and implementation of CBP metrics for measuring the status of security of U.S. international borders at and between U.S. ports of entry; and supervisor-approved personal searches conducted in the previous year by CBP personnel. Requires the CBP Commissioner to:

 make public information collected on migrant deaths occurring along the U.S.-Mexico border available to the public, and assess CBP's physical infrastructure and technology needs at the 20 busiest land ports of entry. (Sec. 6) Directs the DHS Secretary, in coordination with the Secretary of State, to:

 engage with the appropriate Canadian and Mexican Government officials to assess the specific needs of Central American countries to maintain the security of their international borders and determine the support they need from the United States, Canada, and Mexico to meet those needs; engage with appropriate officials of the Caribbean countries to establish a program to assess the specific needs of those countries to address the unique challenges of maritime border security; and engage with appropriate Mexican officials to assess the specific needs to help secure Mexico's southern border from undocumented aliens, drugs, weapons and other contraband. (Sec. 7) Directs the CBP Commissioner to give priority consideration to an application for port of entry status submitted by any commercial airport that has served at least 100,000 deplaned international passengers in the previous calendar year.

(Sec. 8) Prohibits the DHS Secretary from entering into or renewing an agreement with a foreign country government for a CBP administered trusted traveler program unless that government certifies that it:

 routinely submits information about lost and stolen passports of its citizens and nationals to INTERPOL's Stolen and Lost Travel Document database, or makes such information available to the United States through another comparable means of reporting. (Sec. 9) Expresses the sense of Congress that the Foreign Language Award Program (FLAP) incentivizes CBP officers and agents to attain and maintain competency in a foreign language.

(Sec. 10) Declares that no additional appropriations are authorized to carry out this Act. Requires this Act to be carried out using amounts otherwise available.

united_states_customs border protection authorization act sec amends homeland security act establish formally department_of_homeland_security dhs cbp headed commissioner establishes cbp deputy commissioner including requires cbp commissioner establish update triennially certain standard operating procedures cbp personnel directs cbp commissioner require cbp agents officers participate specified continuing education maintain understanding federal legal rulings court decisions departmental policies procedures guidelines requires cbp commissioner ensure adequate access food water provided soon possible individuals apprehended detained port entry detainee rights provided cbp processing centers directs cbp commissioner publish wait times airports highest volume international travel information available public cbp website sec makes technical conforming amendments declares transportation_security_administration tsa shall maintained distinct entity dhs removes establishes simply dhs transfers functions secretary dhs secretary authorizes dhs secretary currently secretary impose disciplinary action employee cbp willfully congress agency leadership matter sec directs cbp commissioner report congress number contract management acquisition procurement personnel including position assigned unaccompanied alien children apprehended borders cbp strategy program cbp efforts evaluate technologies provide biometric exit capability airports current cbp capacity hire train deploy additional cbp officers development implementation cbp metrics measuring status security international borders ports entry supervisor approved personal searches conducted previous year cbp personnel requires cbp commissioner public information collected migrant deaths occurring border available public assess cbp physical infrastructure technology needs land ports entry sec directs dhs secretary coordination secretary state engage appropriate canadian officials assess specific needs central american countries maintain security international borders determine support need united_states canada mexico meet needs engage appropriate officials caribbean countries establish program assess specific needs countries address unique challenges maritime border security engage appropriate mexican officials assess specific needs help secure mexico southern border undocumented aliens drugs weapons contraband sec directs cbp commissioner priority consideration application port entry status submitted commercial airport served deplaned international passengers previous calendar year sec prohibits dhs secretary entering renewing agreement foreign country government cbp administered trusted traveler program government certifies routinely submits information lost stolen passports citizens nationals interpol stolen lost travel document database makes information available united_states comparable means reporting sec expresses sense congress foreign language award program cbp officers agents attain maintain competency foreign language sec declares additional appropriations authorized carry act requires act carried amounts available


Summary:
Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Clarification Act of 2014 - Amends the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act to define "recreational vessel" as a vessel:

 being manufactured or operated primarily for pleasure; or leased, rented, or chartered to another for the latter's pleasure. Prescribes the following rules in applying the definition:

 a vessel being manufactured or built, or being repaired under warranty by its manufacturer or builder, is a recreational vessel if the vessel appears intended, based on its design and construction, to be for ultimate recreational uses. Requires the manufacturer or builder to bear the burden of establishing that a vessel is recreational under this standard; a vessel being repaired, dismantled for repair, or dismantled at the end of its life will be treated as recreational at the time of repair, dismantling for repair, or dismantling, provided that such vessel shares elements of design and construction of traditional recreational vessels and is not normally engaged in a military, commercial or traditionally commercial undertaking; and a vessel will be treated as a recreational vessel if it is a public vessel, such as a vessel owned or chartered and operated by the United States, or by a state or local government, at the time of repair, dismantling for repair, or dismantling, provided that such vessel shares elements of design and construction with traditional recreational vessels and is not normally engaged in a military, commercial, or traditionally commercial undertaking. Requires the Secretary of Labor to amend a certain federal regulation to replace its definition of "recreational vessel" with the definition specified in this Act.

amends harbor workers compensation act define recreational vessel vessel manufactured operated primarily pleasure leased rented chartered pleasure prescribes following rules applying definition vessel manufactured built repaired warranty manufacturer builder recreational vessel vessel appears intended based design construction ultimate recreational uses requires manufacturer builder bear burden establishing vessel recreational standard vessel repaired dismantled repair dismantled end life treated recreational time repair dismantling repair dismantling provided vessel shares elements design construction traditional recreational vessels normally engaged military commercial traditionally commercial undertaking vessel treated recreational vessel public vessel vessel owned chartered operated united_states state local government time repair dismantling repair dismantling provided vessel shares elements design construction traditional recreational vessels normally engaged military commercial traditionally commercial undertaking requires secretary labor amend certain federal regulation replace definition recreational vessel definition specified act


Summary:
Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2014 - Title I: Authorization - (Sec. 101) Authorizes FY2015-FY2016 appropriations for the Coast Guard for: (1) operation and maintenance; (2) acquisition, construction, rebuilding, and improvement of aids to navigation, shore and offshore facilities, vessels, and aircraft; (3) the Coast Guard Reserve program; (4) environmental compliance and restoration of vessels, aircraft, and facilities; and (5) the Commandant of the Coast Guard for research, development, test, and evaluation of technologies, materials, and human factors relating to search and rescue, aids to navigation, marine safety, marine environmental protection, enforcement of laws and treaties, ice operations, oceanographic research, and defense readiness.

(Sec. 102) Authorizes, for each such fiscal year, an end-of-year strength for active duty personnel of 43,000 and specified average military training student loads.

Title II: Coast Guard - (Sec. 201) Reduces from 7,200 to 6,700 the number of commissioned officers on the active duty promotion list, subject to current exceptions.

(Sec. 202) Sets forth the skills and qualifications necessary for an individual to be assigned as a waterways operations manager or a facility safety and security specialist.

(Sec. 203) Revises authorities under which Coast Guard centers of expertise conduct education, training, and other mission activities. Authorizes such centers to conduct investigations and evaluate intelligence systems and capabilities.

(Sec. 204) Authorizes the Commandant to enter into cooperative agreements with federal, public, and private entities, including academic entities.

(Sec. 205) Permits monies received from the rental or lease of certain Coast Guard property to be deposited in the Coast Guard Housing Fund for the construction and renovation of servicemember housing. (Currently, such monies are deposited in the Treasury.)

(Sec. 206) Prohibits the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating (Secretary) from making a determination that a waterway is navigable for purposes of the Coast Guard’s jurisdiction without conducting a rulemaking under appropriate administrative procedures.

(Sec. 207) Modifies the membership and duties of the Board of Visitors to the Coast Guard Academy. Requires the Board to be composed of: (1) the chairmen of specified House and Senate committees, (2) six individuals designated by the President, (3) four Members of the House designated by the Speaker, and (4) three Members of the Senate designated by the Vice President. Directs the Board, after each annual Academy visit, to report to the Secretary and Congress.

(Sec. 208) Repeals a limitation that prohibits the issuance of more than one medal of honor to any one person.

(Sec. 209) Requires the Commandant, at specified intervals through the President’s submittal of a budget for FY2019, and every four years thereafter, to submit to Congress an integrated major acquisition mission need statement that identifies current and projected gaps in Coast Guard capabilities using mission hour targets.

(Sec. 210) Directs the Secretary to submit an authorization request to Congress for each fiscal year.

(Sec. 211) Requires the Commandant to: (1) establish, and update on an ongoing basis, an inventory of real property, including submerged lands, under Coast Guard control; and (2) make divestiture and consolidation recommendations to Congress every five years.

(Sec. 212) Modifies the limitation on the number of days within a specified period that an organized training unit or member of the Coast Guard Ready Reserve may be ordered, without consent, to serve in active duty for an emergency augmentation of regular forces.

(Sec. 213) Extends through September 30, 2017, the Commandant’s acquisition workforce expedited hiring authority under which acquisition positions may be designated as positions for which there is a shortage of candidates or a critical hiring need.

(Sec. 214) Authorizes the Commandant to decommission the icebreaker Polar Sea if the Secretary does not make a determination regarding whether it is cost-effective to reactivate such icebreaker. Requires the Commandant to submit to Congress: (1) a strategy to meet the Coast Guard's Arctic ice operations needs through September 30, 2050; and (2) unless the Secretary determines that it is cost-effective to reactivate the Polar Sea, a bridging strategy for maintaining the Coast Guard's polar icebreaking services until at least September 30, 2024 (currently, a bridging strategy for maintaining operations until at least September 30, 2022, is required only if the Secretary determines that it is not cost-effective to reactivate the Polar Sea).

(Sec. 215) Allows the Secretary, each fiscal year beginning in FY2015, to enter into multiyear contracts for the procurement of Offshore Patrol Cutters and associated equipment.

(Sec. 216) Directs the Secretary to report to Congress with schedules and plans for decommissioning, maintaining or extending, and commissioning specified categories of cutters.

(Sec. 217) Revises, repeals, and consolidates various reporting requirements.

(Sec. 219) Makes inapplicable to Coast Guard flag officers, during any period in which the Coast Guard is not operating as a service in the Navy, an Armed Forces personnel provision that prohibits the Secretary concerned (the Secretary of the military department concerned or the Secretary of Homeland Security [DHS]) from determining, without approval of the Secretary of Defense (DOD), that a flag officer being processed for retirement by reason of age or length of service should, by reason of unfitness to perform duties, be retired because of physical disability, placed on the temporary disability retired list, or separated with severance pay (thus permits the DHS Secretary to make such retirement determinations with respect to Coast Guard flag officers without DOD approval).

(Sec. 220) Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) request and accept through a direct military-to-military transfer such H-60 helicopters as necessary to establish a year-round operational capability in the Coast Guard's ninth district (headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, and responsible for a region including the Great Lakes); and (2) use appropriations to convert the configuration of such helicopters.

(Sec. 221) Prohibits the Secretary from dismantling or disposing of infrastructure that supported the former LORAN system (long range radio aid to navigation system) until the later of: (1) one year after enactment of this Act; or (2) the date on which the Secretary notifies Congress that such infrastructure is not required to provide a positioning, navigation, and timing system as a redundant capability in the event Global Positioning System signals are disrupted. Provides an exception for activities necessary for the safety of human life.

Permits the Secretary to enter agreements with federal entities and other public and private entities to develop another system to provide such redundant capability, including an enhanced LORAN system.

Title III: Shipping and Navigation - (Sec. 301) Bars specified federal shipping laws related to maritime liability from: (1) establishing maritime liens on state or federal fishing permits, and (2) authorizing civil actions to enforce maritime liens on such permits.

Specifies that a "fishing permit" is governed solely by the state or federal law under which it was issued and shall not be treated as part of a vessel, or as an appurtenance or intangible of a vessel, for any purpose under federal law.

(Sec. 302) Prohibits the Coast Guard from carrying out international ice patrol agreements with other maritime countries unless a specified minimum reimbursement amount is received from such countries for their proportionate share of the expense of maintaining the service. Exempts from such prohibition the use of Coast Guard aircraft to carry out such agreements if the President determines it to be necessary for national security.

(Sec. 303) Repeals a requirement that the Secretary of Commerce promote the development and use of mobile trade fairs to show and sell products of U.S. business and agriculture at foreign ports and commercial centers.

(Sec. 304) Authorizes the Department of Transportation (DOT) to convey U.S. government property administered by the Maritime Administration (MARAD), except real estate or vessels, to nonprofit organizations, states, or political subdivisions (thus allows DOT to donate property for historical purposes).

(Sec. 305) Reauthorizes through FY2016 appropriations to MARAD for small shipyard grant programs.

(Sec. 306) Directs federal agencies that operate vessels to report drug test violations by employment applicants to the Commandant.

(Sec. 307) Prohibits a claim for damages or expenses relating to personal injury, illness, or death of a seaman who is a citizen of a foreign nation, arising during or from the engagement of the seaman by or for a passenger vessel duly registered under the laws of a foreign nation, from being brought under U.S. laws if: (1) such seaman was not a permanent resident alien of the United States when the claim arose; (2) the injury, illness, or death arose outside U.S. territorial waters; and (3) the seaman, at the time the claim arose, had a right to seek compensation under the laws of either the nation in which the vessel was registered or in which the seaman maintained citizenship or residency.

(Sec. 308) Applies the existing cap of 10 times unpaid wages as the maximum penalty payable to each seaman claiming delayed payment of wages on certain foreign, intercoastal, and coastwise passenger vessels. (Current law applies the cap to all claims in a class action suit by seamen.)

(Sec. 309) Permits merchant mariner licenses for masters, mates, engineers, pilots, operators, and radio officers to be issued to applicants with at least three months of qualifying service on vessels of the uniformed services of appropriate tonnage or horsepower within the preceding seven-year period. Sets forth deadlines for the Coast Guard to provide sea service letters to members or former members. Requires the Secretary to maximize the extent to which armed forces service, training, and qualifications are creditable toward meeting merchant mariner licensing requirements and the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978 (STCW Convention).

(Sec. 310) Amends the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships to establish an Abandoned Seafarers Fund from which amounts may be appropriated to the Secretary to pay the necessary support of: (1) seafarers who enter, remain, or are paroled into the United States and are involved in an investigation, reporting, documentation, or adjudication of any matter relating to the administration or enforcement of such Act by the Coast Guard; and (2) seafarers who were abandoned in the United States and have not applied for asylum under specified provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Provides for the reimbursement of vessel owners or operators who provide necessary support to seafarers paroled into the United States to facilitate such investigations, reporting, documentation, or adjudications.

Defines “seafarer” as an alien crewman who is employed or engaged in any capacity on board a vessel subject to such Act.

(Sec. 311) Redefines “high-risk waters,” for purposes of determining when owners or operators of U.S. vessels carrying government-impelled cargo are to be reimbursed for the cost of providing armed on-board safety personnel, as waters: (1) so designated by the Commandant in the appropriate maritime security directive, and (2) in which DOT determines an act of piracy is likely to occur based on documented acts of piracy that occurred in such waters during the 12-month period preceding the applicable voyage.

(Sec. 312) Provides for uninspected passenger vessels in the U.S. Virgin Islands that meet certain safety requirements to carry up to 12 passengers. (Currently, vessels under a certain weight may only carry up to 6 passengers.)

(Sec. 313) Sets forth a process for the Secretary to delegate to classification societies the authority to inspect offshore supply vessels.

Requires the Secretary to report to Congress within specified periods regarding: (1) the number of vessels for which such a delegation was made, (2) any savings in personnel and operational costs incurred by the Coast Guard, and (3) any impacts of the delegations on the operational safety of vessels and vessel crews.

(Sec. 314) Directs the Secretary to require a passenger vessel to be equipped with survival craft to ensure that no part of an individual is immersed in water if the vessel: (1) is built or undergoes a major conversion after January 1, 2016, and (2) operates in cold waters. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) provide a higher safety standard under agency regulations, and (2) allow innovative or novel designs.

Requires the Secretary to submit to Congress a review of: (1) the number of casualties for individuals with disabilities, children, and the elderly as a result of immersion in water over the preceding 30-year period; (2) the risks to such categories of individuals; (3) the effect that carriage of survival craft has on passenger safety, survivability, and costs; (4) the efficacy of alternative safety measures; and (5) the number of small businesses and nonprofit vessel operators that would be affected by requiring the carriage of such survival craft on passenger vessels.

(Sec. 316) Revises the enforcement authority of the DOT Secretary with respect to whether programs administered by federal agencies comply with the requirement that at least a specified percentage of the gross tonnage of certain cargos procured or financed by the U.S. government are transported on privately-owned commercial vessels of the United States.

Directs the DOT Secretary, on an annual basis, to: (1) determine whether agency programs are subject to such requirements; and (2) submit a report to Congress that identifies such programs and actions taken by DOT in response to violations.

(Sec. 317) Amends the Marine Debris Act to permit the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), when evaluating grant proposals for marine debris projects, to give preference to proposals that address a severe marine debris event (atypically large amounts of marine debris caused by a tsunamis, floods, landslides, hurricanes, or other natural disasters or sources). Establishes a process for the governor of a state to request that NOAA declare a severe marine debris event in such state or a region including such state.

Authorizes NOAA to provide funds to state, local, or tribal governments impacted by events resulting from the March 2011 earthquake and subsequent tsunami in the Tohoku region of Japan, including marine debris impacts. Permits the use of funds provided by the government of Japan for such purposes.

(Sec. 318) Increases from 50% to 75% the portion of commodities that must be transported on privately-owned commercial vessels of the United States when such cargo is related to the export activities of the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) or the Commodity Credit Corporation (such cargo includes activities carried out under the Food for Peace Act and the Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust Act).

(Sec. 319) Directs the Secretary to establish a Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee to: (1) advise the Secretary on personnel matters relating to the U.S. merchant marine, including training, qualifications, certification, documentation, and fitness standards; and (2) comment on personnel regulations proposed by the Coast Guard. Permits the Committee to conduct studies and make its recommendations available to Congress.

Requires the Committee to report to the Commandant regarding: (1) merchant mariner licensing, certification, and documentation programs; and (2) state maritime academy problems with implementation of amendments to the STCW Convention that entered into force on January 1, 2012. Directs the Commandant to forward such report to Congress with recommendations for actions to implement the report's recommendations.

Terminates such Committee on September 30, 2020.

(Sec. 320) Directs the Comptroller General (GAO) to report to Congress regarding the number of jobs (including vessel construction and vessel operating jobs) that would be created in the U.S. maritime industry in each of years 2015-2025 if liquefied natural gas exported from the United States were required to be carried: (1) before December 31, 2018, on vessels documented under the laws of the United States; and (2) after such date, on vessels documented under U.S. laws and constructed in the United States.

Title IV: Federal Maritime Commission - (Sec. 401) Authorizes FY2015-FY2016 appropriations for the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC).

(Sec. 402) Revises terms of office requirements for FMC Commissioners to: (1) limit to one year the period during which a Commissioner whose term has ended may continue to serve until a successor is appointed and qualified; and (2) prohibit an individual from serving more than two terms, subject to an exception for individuals who had been appointed to fill a vacancy for an unexpired term of a predecessor.

Sets forth conflict of interest requirements applicable to FMC Commissioners.

Title V: Commercial Vessel Discharge Reform - Commercial Vessel Discharge Reform Act of 2014 - (Sec. 502) Makes permanent a provision prohibiting the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), or a state with an approved National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act), from requiring an NPDES permit for a covered vessel (a vessel that is less than 79 feet in length or a fishing vessel) for any discharge: (1) of effluent from properly functioning marine engines; (2) of laundry, shower, and galley sink wastes; or (3) that is incidental to the normal operation of a covered vessel. (Currently, such prohibition ends on December 18, 2014.)

Title VI: Miscellaneous - (Sec. 601) Revises licensing restrictions and credential requirements relating to foreign citizens who may be engaged to meet the manning requirement for U.S. purse seine fishing vessels (commonly referred to as the distant water tuna fleet): (1) fishing exclusively for highly migratory species in the treaty area under a fishing license issued pursuant to the 1987 Treaty on Fisheries Between the Governments of Certain Pacific Islands States and the Government of the United States of America, or (2) transiting to or from the treaty area exclusively for such purpose. Modifies safety inspection requirements for such vessels and removes a provision that limits the vessels permitted to engage such foreign citizens to vessels operating in and out of American Samoa or Guam.

(Sec. 602) Deems the vessel assigned U.S. official number 1205366 (rebuilt after a fire) to be a new vessel on the date of delivery after January 1, 2012, from a privately owned U.S. shipyard if no encumbrances are on record with the Coast Guard at the time of the issuance of the new certificate of documentation.

(Sec. 603) Authorizes the Commandant to lease submerged lands and tidelands under the control of the Coast Guard for periods longer than five years.

(Sec. 604) Directs DOT to submit to Congress a national maritime strategy that: (1) identifies federal regulations that reduce the competitiveness of U.S. flag vessels in the international trade, (2) identifies the impact of reduced cargo flow due to reductions in the number of Armed Forces members stationed or deployed outside the United States, and (3) includes recommendations to make U.S. flag vessels more competitive in shipping routes and to enhance U.S. shipbuilding capability.

 Requires DOT to recommend strategies to increase the use of: (1) U.S. flag vessels to carry imports and exports, (2) third-party inspection and certification authorities, and (3) short sea transportation routes.

(Sec. 605) Directs the Secretary, after enactment of this Act and annually for each of fiscal years FY2016-FY2018, to report to Congress concerning negotiations at the International Maritime Organization regarding the establishment of a draft international code of safety for ships operating in polar waters (commonly referred to as the Polar Code). Requires such report to address the impacts, for coastal communities located in the Arctic, on: (1) the costs of delivering fuel and freight, and (2) maritime transportation safety.

(Sec. 606) Exempts the vessel John Craig (a vessel utilized by the Valley View Ferry on a specified portion of the Kentucky River) from a requirement that passenger vessel operators be licensed by the Coast Guard, provided that Kentucky has implemented a similar licensing requirement.

(Sec. 607) Directs the Commandant to arrange for an assessment by the National Academy of Sciences of authorities concerning vessels and seamen that: (1) have been delegated to the Coast Guard, and (2) impact the ability of vessels documented under the U.S. laws to compete in the carriage of merchandise and passengers in international trade. Requires the Commandant to submit such assessment to Congress.

(Sec. 608) Requires the Commandant to submit to Congress a survey of a specified parcel of real property under the administrative control of the Coast Guard located at the entrance to Gig Harbor, Washington (commonly referred to as the Gig Harbor Sand Spit Area).

(Sec. 609) Reauthorizes through FY2016: (1) the Fishing Safety Training Grant Program, and (2) the Fishing Safety Research Grant Program.

coast_guard maritime transportation act title authorization sec authorizes fy2015 fy2016 appropriations coast_guard operation maintenance acquisition construction rebuilding improvement aids navigation shore offshore facilities vessels aircraft coast_guard_reserve program environmental compliance restoration vessels aircraft facilities commandant coast guard research development test evaluation technologies materials human factors relating search rescue aids navigation marine safety marine environmental protection enforcement laws treaties ice operations oceanographic research defense readiness sec authorizes fiscal year end year strength active duty personnel specified average military training student loads title coast guard sec reduces number commissioned officers active duty promotion list subject current exceptions sec sets forth skills qualifications necessary individual assigned waterways operations manager facility safety security specialist sec revises authorities coast_guard centers expertise conduct education training mission activities authorizes centers conduct investigations evaluate intelligence systems capabilities sec authorizes commandant enter cooperative agreements federal public private entities including academic entities sec permits monies received rental lease certain coast_guard property deposited coast_guard_housing_fund construction renovation servicemember housing currently monies deposited treasury sec prohibits secretary department coast_guard operating secretary making determination waterway navigable purposes coast_guard jurisdiction conducting rulemaking appropriate administrative procedures sec modifies membership duties board_of_visitors coast_guard_academy requires board composed chairmen specified house senate committees individuals designated president members house designated speaker members senate designated vice president directs board annual academy visit report secretary congress sec repeals limitation prohibits issuance medal honor person sec requires commandant specified intervals president submittal budget fy2019 years submit congress integrated major acquisition mission need statement identifies current projected gaps coast_guard capabilities mission hour targets sec directs secretary submit authorization request congress fiscal year sec requires commandant establish update ongoing basis inventory real property including submerged lands coast_guard control divestiture consolidation recommendations congress years sec modifies limitation number days specified period organized training unit member ordered consent serve active duty emergency augmentation regular forces sec extends september commandant acquisition workforce expedited hiring authority acquisition positions designated positions shortage candidates critical hiring need sec authorizes commandant decommission icebreaker polar_sea secretary determination cost effective reactivate icebreaker requires commandant submit congress strategy meet coast_guard arctic ice operations needs september secretary determines cost effective reactivate polar_sea bridging strategy maintaining coast_guard polar icebreaking services september currently bridging strategy maintaining operations september required secretary determines cost effective reactivate polar_sea sec allows secretary fiscal year beginning fy2015 enter multiyear contracts procurement associated equipment sec directs secretary report congress schedules plans decommissioning maintaining extending commissioning specified categories cutters sec revises repeals consolidates reporting requirements sec makes inapplicable coast_guard flag officers period coast_guard operating service navy armed_forces personnel provision prohibits secretary concerned secretary military department concerned secretary homeland_security dhs determining approval secretary defense dod flag officer processed retirement reason age length service reason unfitness perform duties retired physical disability placed temporary disability retired list separated severance pay permits dhs secretary retirement determinations respect coast_guard flag officers dod approval sec authorizes secretary request accept direct military military transfer helicopters necessary establish year round operational capability coast_guard ninth district headquartered cleveland ohio responsible region including great lakes use appropriations convert configuration helicopters sec prohibits secretary dismantling disposing infrastructure supported loran system long range radio aid navigation system later year enactment act date secretary notifies congress infrastructure required provide positioning navigation timing system redundant capability event global_positioning_system signals disrupted provides exception activities necessary safety human life permits secretary enter agreements federal entities public private entities develop system provide redundant capability including enhanced loran system title iii shipping bars specified federal shipping laws related maritime liability establishing maritime liens state federal fishing permits authorizing civil actions enforce maritime liens permits specifies fishing permit governed solely state federal law issued shall treated vessel appurtenance intangible vessel purpose federal law sec prohibits coast_guard carrying international ice patrol agreements maritime countries specified minimum reimbursement received countries proportionate share expense maintaining service exempts prohibition use coast_guard aircraft carry agreements president determines necessary national security sec repeals requirement secretary commerce promote development use mobile trade fairs sell products business agriculture foreign ports commercial centers sec authorizes department_of_transportation dot convey government property administered maritime_administration real estate vessels nonprofit organizations states political subdivisions allows dot donate property historical purposes sec reauthorizes fy2016 appropriations small shipyard grant programs sec directs federal agencies operate vessels report drug test violations employment applicants commandant sec prohibits claim damages expenses relating personal injury illness death seaman citizen foreign nation arising engagement seaman passenger vessel duly registered laws foreign nation brought laws seaman permanent resident alien united_states claim arose injury illness death arose outside territorial waters seaman time claim arose right seek compensation laws nation vessel registered seaman maintained citizenship residency sec applies existing cap times unpaid wages maximum penalty payable seaman claiming delayed payment wages certain foreign coastwise passenger vessels current law applies cap claims class action suit seamen sec permits merchant mariner licenses masters engineers pilots operators radio officers issued applicants months qualifying service vessels uniformed services appropriate tonnage preceding seven year period sets forth deadlines coast_guard provide sea service letters members members requires secretary maximize extent armed forces service training qualifications creditable meeting merchant mariner licensing requirements certification seafarers convention sec amends act prevent pollution ships establish amounts appropriated secretary pay necessary support seafarers enter remain paroled united_states involved investigation reporting documentation adjudication matter relating administration enforcement act coast_guard seafarers abandoned united_states applied asylum specified provisions immigration_and_nationality_act provides reimbursement vessel owners operators provide necessary support seafarers paroled united_states facilitate investigations reporting documentation adjudications defines alien crewman employed engaged capacity board vessel subject act sec redefines high risk waters purposes determining owners operators vessels carrying government cargo reimbursed cost providing armed board safety personnel waters designated commandant appropriate maritime security directive dot determines act piracy likely occur based documented acts piracy occurred waters month period preceding applicable voyage sec provides uninspected passenger vessels meet certain safety requirements carry passengers currently vessels certain weight carry passengers sec sets forth process secretary delegate classification societies authority inspect offshore supply vessels requires secretary report congress specified periods number vessels delegation savings personnel operational costs incurred coast_guard impacts delegations operational safety vessels vessel crews sec directs secretary require passenger vessel equipped survival craft ensure individual water vessel built undergoes major conversion january operates cold waters authorizes secretary provide higher safety standard agency regulations allow innovative novel designs requires secretary submit congress review number casualties individuals disabilities children elderly result immersion water preceding year period risks categories individuals effect carriage survival craft passenger safety survivability costs efficacy alternative safety measures number small businesses nonprofit vessel operators affected requiring carriage survival craft passenger vessels sec revises enforcement authority dot secretary respect programs administered federal agencies comply requirement specified percentage gross tonnage certain procured financed government transported privately owned commercial vessels united_states directs dot secretary annual basis determine agency programs subject requirements submit report congress identifies programs actions taken dot response violations sec amends marine debris act permit national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa evaluating grant proposals marine debris projects preference proposals address severe marine debris event large amounts marine debris caused floods hurricanes natural disasters sources establishes process governor state request noaa declare severe marine debris event state region including state authorizes noaa provide funds state local tribal governments impacted events resulting march earthquake subsequent tsunami region japan including marine debris impacts permits use funds provided government japan purposes sec increases portion commodities transported privately owned commercial vessels united_states cargo related export activities secretary agriculture usda commodity_credit_corporation cargo includes activities carried food_for_peace_act sec directs secretary establish merchant marine personnel advisory committee advise secretary personnel matters relating merchant marine including training qualifications certification documentation fitness standards comment personnel regulations proposed coast_guard permits committee conduct studies recommendations available congress requires committee report commandant merchant mariner licensing certification documentation programs state maritime academy problems implementation amendments convention entered force january directs commandant forward report congress recommendations actions implement report recommendations terminates committee september sec directs comptroller_general gao report congress number jobs including vessel construction vessel operating jobs created maritime industry years liquefied natural gas exported united_states required carried december vessels documented laws united_states date vessels documented laws constructed united_states title federal_maritime_commission sec authorizes fy2015 fy2016 appropriations federal_maritime_commission fmc sec revises terms office requirements limit year period commissioner term ended continue serve successor appointed qualified prohibit individual serving terms subject exception individuals appointed fill vacancy unexpired term predecessor sets forth conflict interest requirements applicable title commercial vessel discharge reform commercial vessel discharge reform act sec makes permanent provision prohibiting environmental_protection_agency epa state approved national_pollutant_discharge_elimination_system npdes permit program federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act requiring npdes permit covered vessel vessel feet length fishing vessel discharge effluent properly functioning marine engines laundry shower galley sink wastes incidental normal operation covered vessel currently prohibition ends december title miscellaneous sec revises licensing restrictions credential requirements relating foreign citizens engaged meet manning requirement purse seine fishing vessels commonly referred distant water tuna fleet fishing exclusively highly migratory species treaty area fishing license issued pursuant treaty fisheries government united_states_of_america transiting treaty area exclusively purpose modifies safety inspection requirements vessels removes provision limits vessels permitted engage foreign citizens vessels operating american_samoa guam sec deems vessel assigned official number rebuilt fire new vessel date delivery january privately owned shipyard encumbrances record coast_guard time issuance new certificate documentation sec authorizes commandant lease submerged lands tidelands control coast_guard periods longer years sec directs dot submit congress national maritime strategy identifies federal regulations reduce competitiveness flag vessels international trade identifies impact reduced cargo flow reductions number armed_forces members stationed deployed outside united_states includes recommendations flag vessels competitive shipping routes enhance shipbuilding capability requires dot recommend strategies increase use flag vessels carry imports exports party inspection certification authorities short sea transportation routes sec directs secretary enactment act annually fiscal years fy2016 fy2018 report congress concerning negotiations international_maritime_organization establishment draft international code safety ships operating polar waters commonly referred polar code requires report address impacts coastal communities located arctic costs delivering fuel freight maritime transportation safety sec exempts vessel vessel utilized specified portion requirement passenger vessel operators licensed coast_guard provided kentucky implemented similar licensing requirement sec directs commandant arrange assessment national_academy_of_sciences authorities concerning vessels seamen delegated coast_guard impact ability vessels documented laws compete carriage merchandise passengers international trade requires commandant submit assessment congress sec requires commandant submit congress survey specified parcel real property administrative control coast_guard located entrance washington commonly referred harbor sand area sec reauthorizes fy2016 fishing safety training grant program


Summary:
Fishing Safety Training and Research Act - Reauthorizes through FY2025: (1) the Fishing Safety Training Grants Program, and (2) the Fishing Safety Research Grant Program.

Directs the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, in the case of the training grant program, to: (1) establish a publicly accessible electronic database listing individuals who have participated in training sessions carried out with such grant assistance; and (2) require, as a condition of including an individual in such database for any period longer than 18 months, that the individual complete retraining.

Requires such training to be available in languages other than English.

fishing safety training fy2025 fishing safety training grants program directs secretary department coast_guard operating case training grant program establish publicly accessible electronic database listing individuals participated training sessions carried grant assistance require condition including individual database period longer months individual complete retraining requires training available languages english


Summary:
Maritime Goods Movement Act for the 21st Century - Directs the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to impose a Maritime Goods Movement User Fee of 0.125% on all commercial cargo (except a U.S. export) that: (1) is unloaded from or loaded on a commercial vessel at a U.S. port, or (2) enters a U.S. point of entry.

Prescribes a special rule prohibiting the imposition of such fee on: (1) cargo (except crude oil with respect to Alaska) loaded on a vessel in a mainland U.S. port and transported for use or consumption in Alaska, Hawaii, or any U.S. possession; (2) cargo loaded on a vessel in Alaska, Hawaii, or any U.S. possession and transported for use or consumption in the U.S. mainland, Alaska, Hawaii, or U.S. possession; (3) the unloading of such cargo in Alaska, Hawaii, or U.S. possession, or U.S. mainland, respectively; or (4) cargo loaded on a vessel in Alaska, Hawaii, or U.S. possession and unloaded in the state or U.S. possession in which loaded, or passengers transported on U.S.-flag vessels operating solely within Alaskan or Hawaiian waters and adjacent international waters.

Prohibits imposition of such fee on: (1) on the United States or any U.S. agency, or (2) a nonprofit organization or cooperative for cargo intended for use in humanitarian or development assistance overseas.

Requires use of up to $10 million of fees collected during any fiscal year for administrative expenses of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Army Corps of Engineers, and the Department of Transportation (DOT).

 Makes certain fee allocations for: (1) harbor maintenance programs; (2) low-use ports; and (3) super donor ports to carry out projects or activities under a competitive grant for maritime improvement projects for movement of goods, as well as for other specified maritime improvement projects for movement of international maritime cargo.

Defines "super donor port" as a port for which average expenditures in the 5 previous fiscal years: (1) from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund, for fiscal years beginning before enactment of this Act, are less than 10% percent of the total average amount of harbor maintenance taxes collected through landings at the port in such fiscal years; or (2) from the amounts collected for the Maritime Goods Movement User Fee, for fiscal years starting after enactment of this Act, are less than 10% of the total average amount of such fees collected through landings at the port.

Establishes a Competitive Grant Program for Goods Movement.

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the harbor maintenance tax.

Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed to prevent application of requirements that locally prevailing wages (Davis-Bacon Act) be paid to various classes of laborers and mechanics working on harbor maintenance improvement projects.

maritime goods movement act 21st century directs cbp impose commercial cargo export unloaded loaded commercial vessel port enters point entry prescribes special rule prohibiting imposition fee cargo crude oil respect alaska loaded vessel mainland port transported use consumption alaska hawaii possession cargo loaded vessel alaska hawaii possession transported use consumption mainland alaska hawaii possession cargo alaska hawaii possession mainland respectively cargo loaded vessel alaska hawaii possession unloaded state possession loaded passengers transported vessels operating solely alaskan hawaiian waters adjacent international waters prohibits imposition fee united_states agency nonprofit organization cooperative cargo intended use humanitarian development assistance overseas requires use million fees collected fiscal year administrative expenses department_of_homeland_security dhs army_corps_of_engineers department_of_transportation dot makes certain fee allocations harbor maintenance programs low use ports super donor ports carry projects activities competitive grant maritime improvement projects movement goods specified maritime improvement projects movement international maritime cargo defines super donor port port average expenditures previous fiscal years harbor_maintenance_trust_fund fiscal years beginning enactment act percent total average harbor maintenance taxes collected landings port fiscal years amounts collected fiscal years starting enactment act total average fees collected landings port establishes competitive grant program goods movement amends internal revenue code repeal harbor maintenance tax declares act shall construed prevent application requirements locally prevailing wages davis-bacon_act paid classes laborers mechanics working harbor maintenance improvement projects


Summary:
U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Board of Visitors Enhancement Act - Amends federal shipping law to: (1) expand the membership of the Board of Visitors to the U. S. Merchant Marine Academy, and (2) specify requirements for the presidential appointees.

Authorizes certain Board members to designate another individual to serve as a substitute member of the Board, on a temporary basis, to attend or participate in any activity the Board member is unable to attend or participate in.

Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to select a Designated Federal Officer to support the performance of the Board's functions.

merchant act amends federal shipping law expand membership board_of_visitors merchant marine academy specify requirements presidential appointees authorizes certain board members designate individual serve substitute member board temporary basis attend participate activity board member unable attend participate directs secretary transportation dot select support performance board functions


Summary: Seafarers Educational Advancement Act - Amends the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 to require career and technical education program funds received by area career and technical education schools, educational service agencies, and local educational agencies to be used to provide career and technical education at the secondary level that leads to maritime careers.

seafarers educational advancement act amends carl perkins career technical education act require career technical education program funds received area career technical education schools educational service agencies local educational agencies provide career technical education secondary level leads maritime careers


Summary:
Boating Occupancy and Teaching Safety Act or the BOATS Act - Directs the Commandant of the Coast Guard to: (1) establish maximum passenger capacity and maximum weight capacity standards for recreational vessels, and (2) require manufacturers and operators of passenger vessels to permanently display in a legible manner that is clearly visible, including on each flying bridge of the vessel, to vessel passengers such maximum capacity requirements and a notice of the need to balance vessel weight to avoid capsizing.

Defines "flying bridge" to mean an open deck above the main navigating bridge of a recreational vessel.

Amends federal shipping law to revise state recreational boating safety program requirements.

Allows a state to contract with a local government or private entity to provide boating safety education services under a state recreational boating safety program. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make amounts in the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund available for expenditures to carry out the purposes of the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act (as in effect upon enactment of this Act).

boating occupancy teaching safety act boats act directs commandant coast guard establish maximum passenger capacity maximum weight capacity standards recreational vessels require manufacturers operators passenger vessels permanently display legible manner clearly visible including flying bridge vessel vessel passengers maximum capacity requirements notice need balance vessel weight avoid defines flying bridge mean open deck main navigating bridge recreational vessel amends federal shipping law revise state recreational boating safety program requirements allows state contract local government private entity provide boating safety education services state recreational boating safety program amends internal revenue code amounts sport_fish_restoration boating_trust_fund available expenditures carry purposes dingell-johnson_sport_fish_restoration_act effect enactment act


Summary:
Coast Guard Regulation Relief Act of 2014 - Amends federal shipping law to revise requirements for recording of a notice of a claim of a maritime lien.

Declares that a notice shall expire three years after it is recorded. (Currently, expires three years after the lien was established.)

Authorizes a person to re-record an expired notice if that person submits to the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) a declaration that the information in the notice is accurate to the best of the person's knowledge, information, and belief. Extends the re-recorded notice for another three years.

Declares that the expiration of a notice may not be construed to have any effect on the validity of a claim of lien.

amends federal shipping law revise requirements recording notice claim maritime lien declares notice shall expire years recorded currently expires years lien established authorizes person record expired notice person submits secretary homeland_security dhs declaration information notice accurate best person knowledge information belief extends recorded notice years declares expiration notice construed effect validity claim lien


Summary:
Midshipmen Education Certainty Act - Makes appropriations available each fiscal year for operations of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy for any period during which interim or full-year appropriations for the Academy are not in effect.

Requires funds made available for a fiscal year under this Act to remain available until the enactment of: (1) an appropriation for such fiscal year (including a continuing appropriation) for such operations; or (2) an applicable regular appropriation for the Maritime Administration for such fiscal year, or continuing appropriations resolution for such fiscal year, without any appropriation for such operations.

midshipmen education certainty act makes appropriations available fiscal year operations merchant marine academy period interim year appropriations academy effect requires funds available fiscal year act remain available enactment appropriation fiscal year including continuing appropriation operations applicable regular appropriation maritime_administration fiscal year continuing appropriations resolution fiscal year appropriation operations


Summary:
Scan Containers Absolutely Now Act or the SCAN Act - Amends the Security and Accountability For Every Port Act of 2006 to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to: (1) conduct a one-year pilot program at two domestic ports to evaluate the process of 100% scanning of cargo containers and its potential for use at all domestic ports, (2) achieve a full-scale implementation of the program within one year after enactment of this Act, and (3) evaluate and report on such program within one year after program completion.

Requires the Secretary to: (1) purchase the equipment necessary to conduct the pilot program, (2) make information about the equipment available to domestic ports as part of the application process, and (3) permit such equipment to remain with the selected ports upon completion of the program.

scan containers act scan act amends security accountability port act direct secretary homeland_security dhs conduct year pilot program domestic ports evaluate process scanning cargo containers potential use domestic ports achieve scale implementation program year enactment act evaluate report program year program completion requires secretary purchase equipment necessary conduct pilot program information equipment available domestic ports application process permit equipment remain selected ports completion program


Summary:
Vessel Incidental Discharge Act - Sets forth provisions concerning standards for waste water discharges incidental to the normal operation of a vessel, including discharges of ballast water (water taken into the ship's ballast to maintain stability).

Requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish and implement enforceable uniform national standards for the regulation of discharges from vessels into navigable waters and best management practices for discharges other than ballast water.

Sets as the national standard the Coast Guard's 2012 "Standards for Living Organisms in Ships' Ballast Water Discharged in U.S. Waters." Requires DHS to revise the ballast water performance standard so that those discharges will contain less than specified concentrations of living organisms, indicator microbes, and viruses if DHS finds that the standard would be feasible.

Requires ballast water treatment technology to be certified by DHS. Prohibits DHS from certifying a technology that uses certain biocides (substances or organisms introduced into or produced by the technology to reduce or eliminate aquatic nuisance species).

Sets forth exemptions from permit requirements, prohibitions of any other law, and discharge standards under this Act for specified discharges and vessels.

Authorizes DHS to establish alternative programs for compliance with ballast water discharge regulations for specified vessels. Directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promulgate standards for the reception of ballast water from a vessel into a reception facility and the disposal or treatment of the ballast water.

Establishes this Act as the exclusive statutory authority for federal regulation of discharges incidental to the normal operation of a vessel to which this Act applies.

vessel_incidental discharge act sets forth provisions concerning standards waste water discharges incidental normal operation vessel including discharges ballast water water taken ship ballast maintain stability requires department homeland security dhs establish implement enforceable uniform national standards regulation discharges vessels navigable waters best management practices discharges ballast water sets national standard coast_guard standards living organisms ships ballast water discharged waters requires dhs revise ballast water performance standard discharges contain specified concentrations living organisms indicator microbes viruses dhs finds standard feasible requires ballast water treatment technology certified dhs prohibits dhs certifying technology uses certain substances organisms introduced produced technology reduce eliminate aquatic nuisance species sets forth exemptions permit requirements prohibitions law discharge standards act specified discharges vessels authorizes dhs establish alternative programs compliance ballast water discharge regulations specified vessels directs environmental_protection_agency epa promulgate standards reception ballast water vessel reception facility disposal treatment ballast water establishes act exclusive statutory authority federal regulation discharges incidental normal operation vessel act applies