Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)

Howard Coble Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2014 - Title I: Authorization - (Sec. 101) Authorizes FY2015 appropriations for the Coast Guard for:

 operation and maintenance; the acquisition, construction, rebuilding, and improvement of aids to navigation, shore and offshore facilities, vessels, and aircraft; the Coast Guard Reserve program; environmental compliance and restoration of Coast Guard vessels, aircraft, and facilities; research, development, test, and evaluation of technologies, materials, and human factors related to search and rescue, aids to navigation, marine safety, marine environmental protection, enforcement of laws and treaties, ice operations, oceanographic research, and defense readiness; and alteration or removal of bridges over navigable waters of the United States constituting obstructions to navigation, and for personnel and administrative costs associated with the Alteration of Bridges Program. (Sec. 102) Authorizes for FY2015 end-of-year strength for active duty personnel of 43,000 and military training student loads.

Title II: Coast Guard - (Sec. 201) Reduces from 7,200 to 6,000 the number of commissioned officers on the active duty promotion list, subject to current exceptions.

 (Sec. 202) Designates the date on which the term for the Commandant of the Coast Guard begins and ends.

 (Sec. 203) Identifies the skills and qualifications necessary for a career as a waterways operations manager or a facility safety and security specialist.

 (Sec. 204) Authorizes the Coast Guard’s centers of expertise for prevention and response to conduct experiments and investigate plans, devices, and inventions relating to the performance of Coast Guard functions.

 (Sec. 205) Increases the amount of certain fines and penalties for tampering with aids to navigation and making false distress calls.

 (Sec. 206) Authorizes the Coast Guard to enter into cooperative agreements with public and private entities and foreign nations for conducting experiments and investigating plans, devices, and inventions relating to the performance of Coast Guard functions. Authorizes the Coast Guard to impose and collect a fee from those entities for expenses incurred in carrying out the agreements.

 (Sec. 208) Permits proceeds received from the lease of lighthouse properties under the Coast Guard’s administrative control to be deposited in the Coast Guard Housing Fund for the construction and renovation of servicemember housing. (Currently, the proceeds are deposited in the Treasury.)

 (Sec. 209) Authorizes the Coast Guard to lease submerged lands and tidelands under its control for periods longer than five years.

 (Sec. 210) Requires the Coast Guard to provide notification to the public, governors of affected states, and Congress 90 days in advance of a determination that a waterway is subject to Coast Guard jurisdiction.

 (Sec. 211) Modifies the membership and duties of the Board of Visitors to the Coast Guard Academy. Establishes the terms for Academy members. Directs the Board to report to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Congress after each annual Academy visit.

 (Sec. 212) Authorizes DHS to retire Coast Guard flag officers without the review of the Department of Defense (DOD) unless the Coast Guard is operating as a service in the Navy.

 (Sec. 213) Repeals a limitation on issuing more than one medal of honor to any one person.

 (Sec. 214) Authorizes the Coast Guard to:

 establish an office for developing, promulgating, and coordinating policies, programs, and activities related to Coast Guard members’ families; provide tuition assistance to eligible spouses of servicemembers; and establish within any Coast Guard unit an initiative to help servicemembers’ children integrate into new surroundings. Requires the Coast Guard to direct each of its child development centers to meet standards that ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the centers’ children and employees and employee training requirements. Directs the Coast Guard to require that each center has a board of parents of children attending the center. Authorizes the Coast Guard to establish a parent participation initiative at each center.

 Expresses the sense of Congress that the amount of funds appropriated for operating expenses related to Coast Guard child development services should not be less than the amount of the child development center fee receipts estimated to be collected by the Coast Guard.

 (Sec. 215) Requires the Coast Guard to submit to Congress an integrated major acquisition mission need statement on the date the President submits a budget for FY2016, FY2019 and every four years thereafter. Requires the statement to: (1) identify current and projected gaps in Coast Guard mission capabilities, (2) explain how each major acquisition program (an ongoing acquisition with a cost estimate of at least $300 million) addresses the gaps if funded at the levels provided for the program in the Coast Guard’s most recently submitted capital investment plan, and (3) describe the missions the Coast Guard will not be able to achieve for each gap.

 (Sec. 216) Requires DHS to submit each fiscal year a Coast Guard authorization request that recommends end strengths for personnel and authorizations of appropriations.

 (Sec. 217) Requires the Coast Guard to: (1) establish, maintain, and update an inventory of property under its control, including submerged lands; (2) assess the condition of each property; and (3) make recommendations on divesting and consolidating any of those properties to Congress every five years.

 (Sec. 219) 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 to serve in active duty for an emergency augmentation of regular forces.

 (Sec. 220) Extends through FY2017 the Coast Guards authority to hire acquisition workforce on an expedited basis.

 (Sec. 221) Revises, repeals, and consolidates various reporting requirements.

 (Sec. 223) Authorizes DHS to enter into multiyear contracts for the procurement of Offshore Patrol Cutters (vessels that are 65 feet or greater) and associated equipment.

 (Sec. 224) Directs DHS to submit to Congress a schedule and plan for enhancing the maintenance or extending the service life of medium endurance cutter mission capability.

 (Sec. 225) Authorizes DHS to request and accept a miltary-to-military transfer and conversion of H-60 helicopters for year round use in the Coast Guard’s Ninth District (the Great Lakes region).

 (Sec. 226) Requires the Coast Guard to report on any gaps that exist in writing on the history of the Coast Guard.

 (Sec. 227) Requires the Coast Guard to assess the Coast Guard’s officer evaluation reporting system.

 (Sec. 228) Requires DHS to establish a process that allows an operator of a nonfederal vessel traffic information service to use the automatic identification system to transmit weather, ice, and important navigation safety information to vessels.

 (Sec. 229) Prohibits DHS 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 this Act’s enactment; or (2) the date on which DHS notifies Congress that the 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 DHS to enter agreements with entities to develop another system to provide such redundant capability, including an enhanced LORAN system.

 (Sec. 230) Requires the Coast Guard to analyze and report on any deficiencies that exist in Coast Guard resources with respect to maritime border security in the Great Lakes, the coastal areas in the Southeast and Southwest, and the Western Hemisphere Drug Transit Zone.

 (Sec. 231) Requires DHS to report on efforts to modernize the National Distress and Response System in the Rescue 21 project in Alaska and in Coast Guard sectors of the Upper Mississippi River, Lower Mississippi River, and Ohio River Valley.

 (Sec. 232) Requires the Coast Guard to outline and report on a course of action to reconcile general maintenance priorities for cutters with operations priorities on the Missouri River.

 (Sec. 233) Requires the Coast Guard to assess and report on the Maritime Search and Rescue Assistance policy as it related to state and local responders.

Title III: Shipping and Navigation - (Sec. 301) Repeals a requirement that the Department 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. 302) Authorizes Department of Transportation (DOT) to donate government property administered by the Maritime Administration (MARAD) for historical purposes, except real estate or vessels, to nonprofit organizations, states, or political subdivisions.

 (Sec. 303) Reauthorizes through FY2017 appropriations to MARAD for a program that provides assistance for small shipyards and maritime communities.

 (Sec. 304) Directs federal agencies that operate vessels to report drug test violations by employment applicants to the Coast Guard.

 (Sec. 305) Requires DHS to provide veterans with documentation of their sea service. Directs the Coast Guard to promote awareness among its personnel of post-service use of Coast Guard training, education, and practical experience in satisfaction of requirements for merchant mariner credentials.

 (Sec. 306) 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 Coast Guard 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. 308) Directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to report on the number of 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.

 (Sec. 309) Reauthorizes the Fishing Safety Grant Program through FY2017.

 (Sec. 310) Directs DHS to establish a Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee to advise DHS on matters relation to personnel in the U.S. merchant marine and comment on proposed Coast Guard regulations relating to those personnel. Authorizes the Committee to conduct studies and make its recommendations available to Congress.

 Terminates the Committee on September 30, 2020.

 (Sec. 311) Authorizes DHS to accept in-kind reimbursement for transportation, travel, and subsistence when inspecting certain vessels.

 (Sec. 312) Requires DHS to provide notice of major marine casualties to state and tribal governments within 24 hours of it being reported to DHS.

(Sec. 313) Amends provisions of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) related to area contingency plans for the discharge of oil and hazardous substances, by authorizing Indian tribes to participate in area committees established to plan for responses to spills and requiring the plans to include a framework for advance planning and decision making with respect to the closing and reopening of fishing areas following a discharge.

(Sec. 314) Prohibits the Coast Guard from disseminating data it collected in an ice patrol about iceberg locations and dangerous ice conditions in the North Atlantic Ocean to vessels of nations that failed to reimburse the Coast Guard for this service as required.

(Sec. 315) Establishes a process for DHS to delegate to classification societies (non-governmental organizations that act on the Coast Guard's behalf in caring out certification and inspection activities) the authority to inspect offshore supply vessels.

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

(Sec. 317) Directs DHS to require that each vessel response plan prepared for a mobile offshore drilling unit include information from the facility response plan prepared for the unit regarding the planned response to a worst case discharge and to a threat of those discharges.

(Sec. 318) Revises the amount owners or operators of terminal facilities, offshore facilities, or crude oil tankers are required to provide to Cook Inlet Regional Citizens Advisory Council in Alaska each year.

(Sec. 319) Increases the number of passengers (from 6 to 12) that a U.S. owned, uninspected, passenger vessels that is less than 24 meters in length and is operating in the U.S. Virgin Islands may carry if certain safety requirements are met.

(Sec. 320) Establishes an Abandoned Seafarers Fund to provide support for foreign seafarers who are required to remain in the United States because they are either paroled or and are involved in an investigation, reporting, documentation, or adjudication of any matter relating to the administration or enforcement of laws by the Coast Guard.

 (Sec. 321) Revises DOT’s enforcement authority with respect to whether programs administered by federal agencies comply with the requirement that at least 50% 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 DOT to determine on an annual basis whether agency programs are subject to the requirement and submit a report that identifies those programs and actions taken by DOT in response to violations.

 (Sec. 322) Prohibits DHS from finalizing a regulation relating to safety and environmental management system requirements for vessels on the United States Outer Continental Shelf that was proposed on September 10, 2013, until six months after it has submitted an analysis of the proposed regulation and the impact of the rule.

 (Sec. 323) Moves the responsibility of maintaining a website concerning crimes on cruise vessels from DHS to DOT.

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

 (Sec. 402) Authorizes reasonable attorney fees to be awarded to prevailing parties in actions filed with FMC concerning a violation of ocean shipping law.

 (Sec. 403) Revises terms of office requirements for FMC Commissioners. Prohibits Commissioners from serving more than one year after their five year term expires and from serving more than two terms.

 Establishes conflict of interest requirements applicable to FMC Commissioners.

Title V: Artic Maritime Transportation - (Sec. 501) Encourages DHS to enter into negotiations through the International Maritime Organization to conclude and execute agreements to promote coordinated action among the United States, Russia, Canada, Iceland, Norway, and Denmark and other seafaring and Arctic nations to ensure, in the Arctic:

 placement and maintenance of aids to navigation; appropriate marine safety, tug, and salvage capabilities; oil spill prevention and response capability; maritime domain awareness, including long-range vessel tracking; and search and rescue. Directs the Committee on the Maritime Transportation System to coordinate the establishment of domestic transportation policies in the Arctic necessary to ensure safe and secure maritime shipping. Authorizes DHS to enter into agreements with, or make grants to, individuals and governments to ensure safe and secure maritime shipping in the Arctic.

 Requires DHS to promote safe maritime navigation by means of icebreaking where necessary, feasible, and effective.

 (Sec. 502) Requires the Coast Guard to improve maritime domain awareness in the Arctic and submit a five-year strategic plan every five years to guide interagency and international intergovernmental cooperation and coordination for improving this awareness.

 (Sec. 503) Requires DHS to report on the status of the negotiations at the International Maritime Organization regarding the establishment of a draft international code of safety for ships operating in polar waters, popularly known as the Polar Code. Directs the report to address the impacts of the Code for coastal communities located in the Arctic on the costs of delivering fuel and freight and maritime transportation safety.

 (Sec. 504) Authorizes DHS to construct facilities in the Arctic to:

 support aircraft maintenance; provide shelter for both current helicopter assets and those projected to be located at Air Station Kodiak, Alaska, for at least 20 years; and include accommodations for personnel. (Sec. 505) Amends the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2012 to authorize the Coast Guard to decommission the icebreaker cutter named the Polar Sea if DHS does not make a determination regarding whether it is cost-effective to reactivate the icebreaker. Requires the Coast Guard to submit to Congress:

 a strategy to meet the Coast Guard's Arctic ice operations needs through September 30, 2050; and a bridging strategy for maintaining the Coast Guard's polar icebreaking services until at least September 30, 2024, unless DHS determines that it is cost-effective to reactivate the Polar Sea. Authorizes the Coast Guard to conduct a service life extension of seven to ten years for the Polar Sea cutter upon the submission of a service life extension plan.

 (Sec. 506) Requires the President to facilitate planning for the design, procurement, maintenance, deployment, and operation of icebreakers as needed to support the statutory missions of the Coast Guard in the polar regions by allocating all funds to support icebreaking operations in those regions, except for recurring incremental costs associated with specific projects, to the Coast Guard.

Title VI: Miscellaneous - (Sec. 601) Revises manning requirements relating to certain U.S. purse seine fishing vessels (commonly referred to as the distant water tuna fleet) engaging foreign citizens. (Manning requirements include regulations that govern the nationality of the crew, the required number of crew, and crew qualifications on ships.)

 (Sec. 602) Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to extend for a year a provision which prohibits the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from requiring a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit for 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 those vessels. (This prohibition does not apply with respect to garbage discharged overboard, other discharges when the vessel is operating in a capacity other than as a means of transportation, discharges of ballast water held in ships to increase stability, or any discharge that contributes to a violation of a water quality standard or poses an unacceptable risk to human health or the environment.)

 (Sec. 603) Directs DOT to submit to Congress a national maritime strategy that:

 identifies federal regulations that reduce the competitiveness of U.S. flag vessels in international markets; 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 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 U.S. flag vessels to carry imports and exports, third-party inspection and certification authorities, and short sea transportation routes.

 (Sec. 604) Exempts the vessel "John Craig" (United States official number D1110613) from a requirement that passenger vessel operators be licensed by DHS, provided that Kentucky has implemented a similar licensing requirement and the vessel is operating on a specified portion of the River.

 Authorizes DHS to issue a coastwise endorsement to the “F/V Western Challenger” (IMO number 5388108). (A coastwise endorsement entitles a vessel to employment in unrestricted coastwise trade, dredging, towing, and any other employment for which a registry or fishery endorsement is not required.)

 (Sec. 605) Directs the Coast Guard to arrange for an assessment by the National Academy of Sciences of authorities concerning vessels and seamen that have been delegated to the Coast Guard and impact the ability of vessels documented under U.S. laws to effectively compete in international transportation markets. Requires the Coast Guard to report on the assessment.

 (Sec. 606) Requires DHS to report on the status of the final rule that relates to the Coast Guard’s Notice of Arrival and Departure (NOAD) and Automatic Identification System (AIS) requirements.

 (Sec. 607) Authorizes the Coast Guard to convey 0.2 acres of property at 527 River Street in Rochester, New York to Rochester, New York.

 (Sec. 608) Authorizes the Department of the Interior to convey 0.86 acres of fast lands in the narrows of Puget Sound, Washington to Gig Harbor, Washington upon the Coast Guard's relinquishment of the property.

 (Sec. 609) Deems the vessel assigned U.S. official number 1205366 (rebuilt after a fire) to be a new vessel on the date of delivery of the vessel 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. 610) Bars DHS and EPA from prohibiting a vessel operating within the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve from taking up or discharging ballast water to allow for safe and efficient vessel operation if the uptake or discharge meets all federal and state ballast water management requirements that would apply if the area were not a marine sanctuary.

 (Sec. 611) Requires the General Services Administration (GSA) to allocate and assign a specified number of parking spaces at DHS' St. Elizabeth Campus to Coast Guard personnel assigned to the Campus based on a schedule.

measure amended introduced summary expanded action occurred measure maritime transportation act title authorization sec authorizes fy2015 appropriations coast_guard operation maintenance acquisition construction rebuilding improvement aids navigation shore offshore facilities vessels aircraft coast_guard_reserve program environmental compliance restoration coast_guard vessels aircraft facilities research development test evaluation technologies materials human factors related search rescue aids navigation marine safety marine environmental protection enforcement laws treaties ice operations oceanographic research defense readiness alteration removal bridges navigable waters united_states constituting obstructions navigation personnel administrative costs associated sec authorizes fy2015 end year strength active duty personnel military training student loads title coast guard sec reduces number commissioned officers active duty promotion list subject current exceptions sec designates date term commandant coast guard begins ends sec identifies skills qualifications necessary career waterways operations manager facility safety security specialist sec authorizes coast_guard centers expertise prevention response conduct experiments investigate plans devices inventions relating performance coast_guard functions sec increases certain fines penalties tampering aids navigation making false distress calls sec authorizes coast_guard enter cooperative agreements public private entities foreign nations conducting experiments investigating plans devices inventions relating performance coast_guard functions authorizes coast_guard impose collect fee entities expenses incurred carrying agreements sec permits proceeds received lease lighthouse properties coast_guard administrative control deposited coast_guard_housing_fund construction renovation servicemember housing currently proceeds deposited treasury sec authorizes coast_guard lease submerged lands tidelands control periods longer years sec requires coast_guard provide notification public governors affected states congress days advance determination waterway subject coast_guard jurisdiction sec modifies membership duties board_of_visitors coast_guard_academy establishes terms academy members directs board report department_of_homeland_security dhs congress annual academy visit sec authorizes dhs retire coast_guard flag officers review department_of_defense dod coast_guard operating service navy sec repeals limitation issuing medal honor person sec authorizes coast_guard establish office developing promulgating coordinating policies programs activities related coast_guard members families provide tuition assistance eligible spouses servicemembers establish coast_guard unit initiative help servicemembers children integrate new requires coast_guard direct child development centers meet standards ensure health safety welfare centers children employees employee training requirements directs coast_guard require center board parents children attending center authorizes coast_guard establish parent participation initiative center expresses sense congress funds appropriated operating expenses related coast_guard child development services child development center fee receipts estimated collected coast_guard sec requires coast_guard submit congress integrated major acquisition mission need statement date president submits budget fy2016 fy2019 years requires statement identify current projected gaps coast_guard mission capabilities explain major acquisition program ongoing acquisition cost estimate million addresses gaps funded levels provided program coast_guard recently submitted capital investment plan describe missions coast_guard able achieve gap sec requires dhs submit fiscal year coast_guard authorization request recommends end strengths personnel authorizations appropriations sec requires coast_guard establish maintain update inventory property control including submerged lands assess condition property recommendations divesting consolidating properties congress years sec modifies limitation number days specified period organized training unit member ordered serve active duty emergency augmentation regular forces sec extends fy2017 coast guards authority hire acquisition workforce expedited basis sec revises repeals consolidates reporting requirements sec authorizes dhs enter multiyear contracts procurement vessels feet greater associated equipment sec directs dhs submit congress schedule plan enhancing maintenance extending service life medium cutter mission capability sec authorizes dhs request accept military transfer conversion helicopters year round use coast_guard great_lakes region sec requires coast_guard report gaps exist writing history coast_guard sec requires coast_guard assess coast_guard officer evaluation reporting system sec requires dhs establish process allows operator nonfederal vessel traffic information service use automatic identification system transmit weather ice important navigation safety information vessels sec prohibits dhs dismantling disposing infrastructure supported loran system long range radio aid navigation system later year act enactment date dhs 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 dhs enter agreements entities develop system provide redundant capability including enhanced loran system sec requires coast_guard analyze report deficiencies exist coast_guard resources respect maritime border security great lakes coastal areas southeast southwest sec requires dhs report efforts modernize response system rescue project alaska coast_guard sectors upper_mississippi_river sec requires coast_guard outline report course action reconcile general maintenance priorities cutters operations priorities missouri_river sec requires coast_guard assess report maritime search policy related state local responders title iii shipping repeals requirement department_of_commerce promote development use mobile trade fairs sell products business agriculture foreign ports commercial centers sec dot donate government property administered maritime_administration historical purposes real estate vessels nonprofit organizations states political subdivisions sec reauthorizes fy2017 appropriations program provides assistance small shipyards maritime communities sec directs federal agencies operate vessels report drug test violations employment applicants coast_guard sec requires dhs provide veterans documentation sea service directs coast_guard promote awareness personnel post service use coast_guard training education practical experience satisfaction requirements merchant mariner credentials sec redefines high risk waters purposes determining owners operators vessels carrying government cargo reimbursed cost providing armed board safety personnel waters designated coast_guard appropriate maritime security directive dot determines act piracy likely occur based documented acts piracy occurred waters month period preceding applicable voyage sec directs government_accountability_office gao report number 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 sec reauthorizes fishing safety grant program fy2017 sec directs dhs establish merchant marine personnel advisory committee advise dhs matters relation personnel merchant marine comment proposed coast_guard regulations relating personnel authorizes committee conduct studies recommendations available congress september sec authorizes dhs accept kind reimbursement transportation travel subsistence inspecting certain vessels sec requires dhs provide notice major marine casualties state tribal governments hours reported dhs sec amends provisions federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act related area contingency plans discharge oil hazardous substances authorizing indian tribes participate area committees established plan responses spills requiring plans include framework advance planning decision making respect closing reopening fishing areas following discharge sec prohibits coast_guard disseminating data collected ice patrol locations dangerous ice conditions vessels nations failed reimburse coast_guard service required sec establishes process dhs delegate classification societies non governmental organizations act coast_guard behalf caring certification inspection activities authority inspect offshore supply vessels requires dhs report congress specified periods number vessels delegation savings personnel operational costs incurred coast_guard resulted delegation impacts delegations operational safety vessels vessel crews sec directs dhs require vessel response plan prepared mobile offshore drilling unit include information facility response plan prepared unit planned response worst case discharge threat discharges sec revises owners operators terminal facilities offshore facilities crude oil tankers required provide cook inlet regional citizens advisory council alaska year sec increases number passengers owned uninspected passenger vessels meters length operating carry certain safety requirements met sec establishes abandoned seafarers fund provide support foreign seafarers required remain united_states paroled involved investigation reporting documentation adjudication matter relating administration enforcement laws coast_guard sec revises dot enforcement authority respect programs administered federal agencies comply requirement gross tonnage certain procured financed government transported privately owned commercial vessels united_states directs dot determine annual basis agency programs subject requirement submit report identifies programs actions taken dot response violations sec prohibits dhs finalizing regulation relating safety environmental management system requirements vessels united_states outer continental shelf proposed september months submitted analysis proposed regulation impact rule sec moves responsibility maintaining website concerning crimes cruise vessels dhs dot title federal_maritime_commission sec authorizes appropriations federal_maritime_commission fmc fy2015 sec authorizes reasonable attorney fees awarded prevailing parties actions filed fmc concerning violation ocean shipping law sec revises terms office requirements serving year year term expires serving terms establishes conflict interest requirements applicable title maritime transportation sec encourages dhs enter negotiations international_maritime_organization conclude execute agreements promote coordinated action united_states russia canada norway denmark seafaring arctic nations ensure arctic placement maintenance aids navigation appropriate marine safety tug salvage capabilities oil spill prevention response capability maritime domain awareness including long range vessel tracking search rescue directs coordinate establishment domestic transportation policies arctic necessary ensure safe secure maritime shipping authorizes dhs enter agreements grants individuals governments ensure safe secure maritime shipping arctic requires dhs promote safe maritime navigation means icebreaking necessary feasible effective sec requires coast_guard improve maritime domain awareness arctic submit year strategic plan years guide interagency international intergovernmental cooperation coordination improving awareness sec requires dhs report status negotiations international_maritime_organization establishment draft international code safety ships operating polar waters popularly known polar code directs report address impacts code coastal communities located arctic costs delivering fuel freight maritime transportation safety sec authorizes dhs construct facilities arctic support aircraft maintenance provide shelter current helicopter assets projected located air station alaska years include accommodations personnel sec amends coast_guard maritime transportation act authorize coast_guard decommission icebreaker cutter named polar_sea dhs determination cost effective reactivate icebreaker requires coast_guard submit congress strategy meet coast_guard arctic ice operations needs september bridging strategy maintaining coast_guard polar icebreaking services september dhs determines cost effective reactivate polar_sea authorizes coast_guard conduct service life extension seven years polar sea cutter submission service life extension plan sec requires president facilitate planning design procurement maintenance deployment operation icebreakers needed support statutory missions coast_guard polar regions allocating funds support icebreaking operations regions recurring incremental costs associated specific projects coast_guard title miscellaneous sec revises manning requirements relating certain purse seine fishing vessels commonly referred distant water tuna fleet engaging foreign citizens manning requirements include regulations govern nationality crew required number crew crew qualifications ships sec amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act extend year provision prohibits environmental_protection_agency epa requiring national_pollutant_discharge_elimination_system permit vessel feet length fishing vessel discharge effluent properly functioning marine engines laundry shower galley sink wastes incidental normal operation vessels prohibition apply respect garbage discharged overboard discharges vessel operating capacity means transportation discharges ballast water held ships increase stability discharge contributes violation water quality standard poses unacceptable risk human health environment sec directs dot submit congress national maritime strategy identifies federal regulations reduce competitiveness flag vessels international markets 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 exempts vessel united_states official number requirement passenger vessel operators licensed dhs provided kentucky implemented similar licensing requirement vessel operating specified portion river authorizes dhs issue coastwise endorsement western challenger imo number coastwise endorsement entitles vessel employment unrestricted coastwise trade dredging towing employment registry fishery endorsement required sec directs coast_guard arrange assessment national_academy_of_sciences authorities concerning vessels seamen delegated coast_guard impact ability vessels documented laws effectively compete international transportation markets requires coast_guard report assessment sec requires dhs report status final rule relates coast_guard notice arrival departure ais requirements sec authorizes coast_guard convey acres property river street rochester new_york rochester new_york sec authorizes department interior convey acres fast lands puget_sound washington washington coast_guard relinquishment property sec deems vessel assigned official number rebuilt fire new vessel date delivery vessel january privately owned shipyard encumbrances record coast_guard time issuance new certificate documentation sec bars dhs epa prohibiting vessel operating thunder_bay_national_marine_sanctuary underwater preserve taking discharging ballast water allow safe efficient vessel operation uptake discharge meets federal state ballast water management requirements apply area marine sanctuary sec requires general_services_administration gsa allocate assign specified number parking spaces dhs campus coast guard personnel assigned campus based schedule


Summary:
U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Improvement Act of 2014 - Authorizes the Administrator of the Maritime Administration to:

 accept a gift of money from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Alumni Association and Foundation, Inc. in order to renovate Melville Hall on the campus of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy; and enter into a contract with the Foundation for the Hall's operation.

merchant marine academy improvement act authorizes administrator maritime_administration accept gift money merchant order renovate hall campus merchant marine_academy enter contract foundation hall operation


Summary: Amends the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1989 to expand the Coast Guard Junior Reserve Officers Training Program Pilot Program by authorizing the Coast Guard to establish and maintain a junior reserve officers training program in cooperation with the Pinellas County School District of Pinellas County, Florida.

amends coast_guard_authorization_act expand officers training program pilot program authorizing coast_guard establish maintain junior reserve officers training program cooperation florida


Summary:
Cross-Border Trade Enhancement Act of 2013 - Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to enter into agreements with persons for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to provide customs and immigration services at a land border port of entry, subject to payment of a fee to reimburse the CBP for providing such services. Declares that nothing in this grant of authority shall be construed to reduce the responsibilities or duties of the CBP to provide services at land border ports of entry that have been authorized by law and federally-funded.

Directs the Administrator of General Services to establish procedures for evaluating proposals submitted by persons to: (1) enter into cost-sharing or reimbursement agreements with the General Services Administration (GSA) for the construction or maintenance of infrastructure at a land border port of entry, and (2) provide GSA an unconditional gift of property for use in the construction or maintenance of such infrastructure.

Prescribes minimum requirements for such procedures.

authorizes secretary homeland_security dhs enter agreements persons cbp provide customs immigration services land border port entry subject payment fee reimburse cbp providing services declares grant authority shall construed reduce responsibilities duties cbp provide services land border ports entry authorized law federally funded directs administrator general_services establish procedures evaluating proposals submitted persons enter cost sharing reimbursement agreements general_services_administration gsa construction maintenance infrastructure land border port entry provide gsa unconditional gift property use construction maintenance infrastructure prescribes minimum requirements procedures


Summary:
Harbor Maintenance Act of 2013 - Requires the total budget resources for expenditures from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund for harbor maintenance programs to equal the level of receipts plus interest credited to such Fund for that fiscal year. Limits the use of such resources to such programs only.

Declares that it shall be out of order in the House of Representatives or the Senate to consider any bill, joint resolution, amendment, motion, or conference report that would cause total budget resources for the Fund in a fiscal year for harbor maintenance programs to be less than the level of receipts plus interest credited to the Fund for that fiscal year.

requires total budget resources expenditures harbor_maintenance_trust_fund harbor maintenance programs equal level receipts plus interest credited fund fiscal year limits use resources programs declares shall order house_of_representatives senate consider bill joint resolution amendment motion conference report cause total budget resources fund fiscal year harbor maintenance programs level receipts plus interest credited fund fiscal year


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, standing, 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 standing 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:
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).

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:
Cruise Passenger Protection Act - Amends federal shipping law to direct the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to develop standards for passenger vessel owners to provide passengers with a summary of key terms of passage contracts upfront and before they are binding.

Requires such standards to include recommendations that ensure that the summary is conspicuous and unambiguous.

Requires vessel owners, no later than 180 days after the standards are developed, to: (1) provide each passenger vessel with a summary meeting those standards, (2) include a link to each website the owner maintains for passengers to purchase or book passage on a passenger vessel, and (3) include the summary in promotional literature or advertising.

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.

Directs the Secretary to establish a toll-free hotline and website for passenger complaints.

Prescribes both civil and criminal penalties for persons who violate the requirements of this 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.

Directs the Secretary to establish an advisory committee for passenger vessel consumer protection.

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: (1) designate a director of victim support services to act as primary point of contact within the federal government for vessel passengers who are victims of crime, (2) establish a 24-hour toll-free telephone number for crime victims to obtain support services, and (3) develop a summary of rights for victims of 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 amends federal shipping law direct secretary transportation dot develop standards passenger vessel owners provide passengers summary key terms passage contracts upfront binding requires standards include recommendations ensure summary conspicuous unambiguous requires vessel owners later days standards developed provide passenger vessel summary meeting standards include link website owner maintains passengers purchase book passage passenger vessel include summary promotional literature advertising applies act passenger vessels carry passengers sleeping facilities passenger voyage passengers united_states engaged coastwise trade state owned directs secretary establish toll free hotline website passenger complaints prescribes civil criminal penalties persons violate requirements act directs secretary determine enumerated rights international cruise line passenger bill rights adopted members enforceable federal law directs secretary establish advisory committee passenger vessel consumer protection 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 designate director victim support services act primary point contact federal government vessel passengers victims crime establish hour toll free telephone number crime victims obtain support services develop summary rights victims 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:
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 use 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 use port facilities provided adoption enforcement requirements conflict federal law declares act shall limit rights reserved state political subdivision state clean air act


Summary:
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a 5% excise tax on persons providing a covered passenger cruise. Defines "covered passenger cruise" as a voyage of a commercial passenger cruise vessel that extends over one or more nights and during which passengers embark and disembark the vessel in the United States. Defines "passenger cruise vessel" as any passenger vessel having berth or stateroom accommodations for at least 250 passengers and that is used in the business of carrying passengers for hire.

Establishes in the Treasury the Intermodal Infrastructure Trust Fund to be funded by the per passenger excise tax. Allows expenditures from such Fund for specified transportation improvements.

amends internal revenue code impose excise tax persons providing covered passenger cruise defines covered passenger cruise voyage commercial passenger cruise vessel extends passengers vessel united_states defines passenger cruise vessel passenger vessel having berth stateroom accommodations passengers business carrying passengers hire establishes treasury funded passenger excise tax allows expenditures fund specified transportation improvements


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.

Makes available 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 makes available 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: 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:
Coast Guard Quality of Life Act - Amends the duties and responsibilities of the Coast Guard with respect to former and current Coast Guard members and their families, including authorities relating to medical care reimbursements, flag officer retirement processing, cancellation of members' debts, child care programs and facilities, education and training, housing choices, and qualifications for post-service careers.

Directs the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, in lieu of current requirements relating to the reimbursement of medical or dental care that the Department of Defense (DOD) or a military department has provided to a member or former member of the Coast Guard or an eligible dependent, to transfer from funds appropriated for Coast Guard operating expenses an amount determined by the Board of Actuaries to represent the value of care that the DOD or a military department is to provide during the fiscal year in which funds are made available.

 Authorizes the Secretary, when the Coast Guard is not operating as a service of the Navy, to determine whether 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. Permits the Secretary to make such determinations without approval by the DOD Secretary or the recommendation of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs.

Allows a person's indebtedness to the United States to be remitted or cancelled if it was incurred while the person was serving as an active duty Coast Guard member and the cancellation or remission is in the best interest of the United States.

Authorizes the Commandant of the Coast Guard to: (1) establish a program to support the well-being of Coast Guard active duty, reserve, and civilian personnel and their families; (2) provide tuition assistance to an eligible spouse of a member of the Coast Guard; and (3) establish, within any Coast Guard unit, a youth sponsorship initiative to help integrate into new communities the dependent children of Coast Guard members.

Revises health and safety standards and inspection requirements for Coast Guard child development centers, including by requiring the establishment of: (1) a means for individuals to report suspected violations at such centers or in a family home daycare, (2) a training program for center employees, and (3) parent boards to coordinate parent participation.

Makes specialized training and correspondence courses available to eligible spouses of active duty members.

Authorizes the Commandant to make textbooks, manuals, and other materials available to Coast Guard personnel and eligible spouses of active duty members participating in training or courses of instruction.

Prohibits remoteness or driving distance from a hospital from being used as the policy basis for preventing a member with a dependent with special medical needs (such as diabetes, asthma, or moderate disabilities) from residing in a particular area, unless the Commandant has determined that such needs cannot be sufficiently met with appropriate services while residing in such area.

Expands the Coast Guard's authority to acquire or construct housing to include the acquisition, building, renovation, or improvement of child development center facilities.

 Directs the Commandant to promote awareness among Coast Guard personnel regarding post-service use of Coast Guard training, education, and experience as qualifying experience for merchant mariner credentials.

Requires sea service letters to be provided to eligible members, at their request, on or before the member's retirement or separation date.

Prohibits a committee within the Coast Guard that advises or assists the Coast Guard in the performance of any function that affects members of military families and that includes in its membership a retired Coast Guard member or a member of a military family from being considered an advisory committee under the Federal Advisory Committee Act solely because of such membership.

duties responsibilities coast_guard respect current coast_guard members families including authorities relating medical care reimbursements flag officer retirement processing cancellation members debts child care programs facilities education training housing choices qualifications post service careers directs secretary department coast_guard operating lieu current requirements relating reimbursement medical dental care department_of_defense dod military department provided member member coast_guard eligible dependent transfer funds appropriated coast_guard operating expenses determined represent value care dod military department provide fiscal year funds available authorizes secretary coast_guard operating service navy determine flag officer processed retirement reason age length service reason unfitness perform duties retired physical disability placed temporary disability retired list separated severance pay permits secretary determinations approval dod secretary recommendation assistant secretary defense_for_health_affairs allows person indebtedness united_states remitted cancelled incurred person serving active duty coast_guard member cancellation remission best interest united_states authorizes commandant coast guard establish program support coast_guard active duty reserve civilian personnel families provide tuition assistance eligible spouse member coast_guard establish coast_guard unit youth sponsorship initiative help integrate new communities dependent children coast_guard members revises health safety standards inspection requirements coast_guard child development centers including requiring establishment means individuals report suspected violations centers family home training program center employees parent boards coordinate parent participation makes specialized training correspondence courses available eligible spouses active duty members authorizes commandant textbooks manuals materials available coast_guard personnel eligible spouses active duty members participating training courses instruction prohibits driving distance hospital policy basis preventing member dependent special medical needs diabetes asthma moderate disabilities residing particular area commandant determined needs sufficiently met appropriate services residing area expands coast_guard authority acquire construct housing include acquisition building renovation improvement child development center facilities directs commandant promote awareness coast_guard personnel post service use coast_guard training education experience qualifying experience merchant mariner credentials requires sea service letters provided eligible members request member retirement separation date prohibits committee coast_guard advises assists coast_guard performance function affects members military families includes membership retired coast_guard member member military family considered advisory committee federal_advisory_committee_act solely membership


Summary:
King Cove All-Weather Road Corridor Act - Amends the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 to direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey to the state of Alaska federal land within the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge and on Sitkinak Island for the purpose of constructing a single-lane gravel road between the communities of King Cove and Cold Bay, Alaska, in exchange for non-federal land owned by the state and the King Cove Corporation.

 Adds the conveyed non-federal and other specified land to the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge or the Alaska Peninsula National Wildlife Refuge, as appropriate.

king cove weather road corridor act amends omnibus_public_land_management_act direct secretary interior convey state alaska federal land purpose constructing single lane gravel road communities alaska exchange non federal land owned state adds conveyed non federal specified land appropriate


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)

Sport Fish Restoration and Recreational Boating Safety Act of 2014 - Amends the Federal Aid in Fish Restoration Act to reauthorize through FY2021 the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund. Extends the distributions of appropriations to: (1) the Department of the Interior for coastal wetlands distributions, the Clean Vessel Act of 1992, boating infrastructure, and national outreach and communications; and (2) the Department of Homeland Security (the department in which the Coast Guard is operating) for state recreational boating safety programs. Sets forth a formula that determines the maximum amount Interior may spend on administrative expenses incurred to implement the Act.

Sets forth separate set-aside amounts through FY2021 for Coast Guard national recreational boating safety personnel and activities, the National Boating Safety Advisory Council (NBSAC), and boating safety activities of national nonprofit public service organizations.

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend Fund transfer restriction exceptions through September 30, 2021.

 Revokes a limitation on the amount the Coast Guard is authorized to allocate for national boating safety activities of national nonprofit public service organizations.

Extends the NBSAC through September 30, 2021.

measure amended introduced summary expanded action occurred measure sport fish restoration recreational boating safety act amends reauthorize fy2021 sport_fish_restoration boating_trust_fund extends distributions appropriations department_of_the_interior coastal wetlands distributions clean vessel act boating infrastructure national outreach communications department_of_homeland_security department coast_guard operating state recreational boating safety programs sets forth formula determines maximum interior spend administrative expenses incurred implement act sets forth separate set aside amounts fy2021 coast_guard national recreational boating safety personnel activities national_boating_safety_advisory_council boating safety activities national nonprofit public service organizations amends internal revenue code extend fund transfer restriction exceptions september revokes limitation coast_guard authorized allocate national boating safety activities national nonprofit public service organizations extends september


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. Prescribes requirements for designated substitute Board members.

Requires the Board to select biennially from among its members a member of the House of Representatives or a Senator to serve as Board Chairperson.

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

Directs the Board to report annually to the President on its actions, views, and recommendations with respect to the Academy.

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 prescribes requirements designated substitute board members requires board select biennially members member house_of_representatives senator serve directs secretary transportation dot select support performance board functions directs board report annually president actions views recommendations respect academy


Summary:
Vessel Incidental Discharge Act - (Sec. 4) Requires Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to:

 establish and implement enforceable uniform national standards for the regulation of discharges incidental to the normal operation of a vessel into navigable waters; issue a rule establishing best management practices for discharges incidental to the normal operation of a vessel other than ballast water within two years; complete a review to determine the feasibility of achieving the ballast water performance standard at least two years before January 1, 2022; and issue a rule to revise the standard so that a ballast water discharge will contain less than specified concentrations of living organisms, indicator microbes, and viruses by January 1, 2022. (Ballast water is any water taken aboard a vessel to control trim, list, draught, stability, or stresses of the vessel, or during the operation of a ballast water treatment technology of the vessel. A treatment technology includes any mechanical, physical, chemical, or biological process used to remove, render harmless, or avoid the uptake or discharge of aquatic nuisance species within ballast water.)

(Sec. 5) Deems the management requirements for a ballast water discharge incidental to the normal operation of a vessel to be those set forth in the final rule, "Standards for Living Organisms in Ships' Ballast Water Discharged in U.S. Waters" (March 23, 2012), as corrected (June 8, 2012) until DHS revises the ballast water performance standard or adopts a more stringent state standard pursuant to this Act.

Applies the revised ballast water performance standard to a vessel on the first dry docking of the vessel on or after January 1, 2022, but no later than December 31, 2024.

Allows DHS to establish a deadline for compliance by a vessel (or a class, type, or size of vessel) with a revised ballast water performance standard. Provides a process for petitioning for an extension of a deadline, including factors to be considered. Requires DHS to accelerate an implementation deadline if a treatment technology can be implemented before the deadline date.

Requires DHS to review and revise the ballast water performance standard if the revision would result in a scientifically demonstrable and substantial reduction in the risk of the introduction or establishment of aquatic nuisance species. Requires DHS to conduct the review 10 years after the issuance of the revised rule and every 10 years thereafter. Authorizes DHS to include in the review best management practices for discharges other than ballast water. Requires DHS to revise the practices if the revision would substantially reduce the impacts on navigable waters of discharges incidental to the normal operation of a vessel other than ballast water.

(Sec. 6) Prohibits manufacturers of ballast water treatment technology from selling, introducing, delivering for interstate commerce, or importing such technology for sale unless it has been certified under this Act. Sets forth a certification process. Directs DHS to require the use of ballast water treatment technology that achieves the performance levels of the best treatment technology available if no treatment technology can be certified to comply with the revised ballast water standard. Directs DHS to revise a ballast water performance standard for a class of vessels to incorporate any existing higher performance standard.

Prohibits DHS from approving a ballast water treatment technology if it uses a biocide or generates a biocide: (1) that is a pesticide, unless the biocide is registered under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) or DHS, in consultation with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has approved the use of the biocide in the technology; or (2) the discharge of which causes or contributes to a violation of a water quality standard under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act.)

(A biocide is a substance or organism that is introduced into or produced by a treatment technology to reduce or eliminate aquatic nuisance species.)

Prohibits the use of a ballast water treatment technology by an owner or operator of a vessel from satisfying this Act's requirements unless it has been certified by DHS, is a technology being evaluated under the Coast Guard Shipboard Technology Evaluation Program, or a technology certified by foreign entities with requirements equivalent to those in this Act.

(Sec. 7) Sets forth exemptions from permit requirements, prohibitions of any other law, and discharge standards under this Act for specified discharges and vessels.

(Sec. 8) Authorizes DHS to promulgate regulations establishing alternative programs for compliance with ballast water discharge regulations for specified vessels. Directs the EPA to promulgate standards for: (1) the reception of ballast water from a vessel into a reception facility, and (2) the disposal or treatment of such ballast water.

(Sec. 11) 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 sec requires department homeland security dhs establish implement enforceable uniform national standards regulation discharges incidental normal operation vessel navigable waters issue rule establishing best management practices discharges incidental normal operation vessel ballast water years complete review determine feasibility achieving ballast water performance standard years january issue rule revise standard ballast water discharge contain specified concentrations living organisms indicator microbes viruses january ballast water water taken aboard vessel control list stability vessel operation ballast water treatment technology vessel treatment technology includes mechanical physical chemical biological process remove render harmless avoid uptake discharge aquatic nuisance species ballast water sec deems management requirements ballast water discharge incidental normal operation vessel set forth final rule standards living organisms ships ballast water discharged waters march corrected june dhs revises ballast water performance standard adopts stringent state standard pursuant act applies revised ballast water performance standard vessel dry vessel january later december allows dhs establish deadline compliance vessel class type size vessel revised ballast water performance standard provides process petitioning extension deadline including factors considered requires dhs accelerate implementation deadline treatment technology implemented deadline date requires dhs review revise ballast water performance standard revision result scientifically demonstrable substantial reduction risk introduction establishment aquatic nuisance species requires dhs conduct review years issuance revised rule years authorizes dhs include review best management practices discharges ballast water requires dhs revise practices revision substantially reduce impacts navigable waters discharges incidental normal operation vessel ballast water sec prohibits manufacturers ballast water treatment technology selling introducing delivering interstate commerce importing technology sale certified act sets forth certification process directs dhs require use ballast water treatment technology achieves performance levels best treatment technology available treatment technology certified comply revised ballast water standard directs dhs revise ballast water performance standard class vessels incorporate existing higher performance standard prohibits dhs approving ballast water treatment technology uses biocide generates biocide pesticide biocide registered federal_insecticide fungicide rodenticide_act fifra dhs consultation environmental_protection_agency epa approved use biocide technology discharge causes contributes violation water quality standard federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act biocide substance organism introduced produced treatment technology reduce eliminate aquatic nuisance species prohibits use ballast water treatment technology owner operator vessel satisfying act requirements certified dhs technology evaluated technology certified foreign entities requirements equivalent act sec sets forth exemptions permit requirements prohibitions law discharge standards act specified discharges vessels sec authorizes dhs promulgate regulations establishing alternative programs compliance ballast water discharge regulations specified vessels directs epa promulgate standards reception ballast water vessel reception facility disposal treatment ballast water sec establishes act exclusive statutory authority federal regulation discharges incidental normal operation vessel act applies


Summary:
Coast Guard Arctic Preparedness Act - Requires the Coast Guard to be the sole supplier of icebreaking services to federal agencies. Permits agencies to acquire icebreaking services from another entity if the Coast Guard is unable to provide such services.

Amends the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2012 to direct the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to initiate a reactivation and an extention of the service life of the icebreaker Polar Sea for 7 to 10 years.

Authorizes the Commandant of the Coast Guard, as part of any project for the acquisition of one or more new heavy polar icebreakers, to solicit bids and enter into contracts that include the provision of classification services by any classification society to which the Secretary has delegated such authority for vessels not owned by the U.S. government.

Sets forth vessel requirements to be included in a final rule concerning notices of arrival and departure and the automatic identification system (AIS).

Directs the Secretary to establish a permitting process by which an operator of a marine exchange or other non-federal vessel traffic information service may apply for permission to use the AIS to transmit weather, ice, and other navigation safety information to vessels.

Permits the Secretary to recover appropriate travel and subsistence costs incurred in providing a service or thing of value to vessels, seamen, or other persons liable for certain fees or charges.

Authorizes the Secretary to order to active duty an organized training unit or member of the Coast Guard Ready Reserve (without consent of the members, for a continuous period of up to 120 days) as an emergency augmentation of regular Coast Guard forces in response to: (1) a major disaster or emergency under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, or (2) a spill of national significance under the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan.

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.

Directs the Secretary to submit an authorization request to Congress for each fiscal year.

Authorizes the establishment of an interagency Arctic fusion center to: (1) improve maritime domain awareness in the Arctic, and (2) coordinate information sharing between specified agencies. Directs the Secretary to develop a five-year strategic plan to guide interagency and international intergovernmental cooperation.

 Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to eliminate the National Response Unit at Elizabeth City, North Carolina. Transfers the Unit's response functions directly to the Secretary. (Currently, such functions are carried out by the Secretary acting through such Unit.)

Authorizes the Secretary to construct or lease hangar, berthing, and messing facilities in the Arctic Region and Bering Sea-Aleutian Islands operating area.

Requires the Secretary, within an hour after receiving a report of certain marine casualties, to forward the report to appropriate state agencies and tribal governments.

Directs the Commandant to publish on a publicly accessible website all written incident action plans prepared and approved as a part of the response to an oil spill in which the Coast Guard serves as the federal on-scene coordinator leading a unified command.

Expands the activities required to be performed by centers of expertise for Coast Guard prevention and response missions.

Authorizes the Commandant, through the Secretary with the concurrence of the Secretary of State, to coordinate with foreign government agencies on research, development, testing, and evaluations relating to the performance of any Coast Guard function, including intelligence systems and capabilities.

Requires area contingency plans for the removal or oil and hazardous substances to include input from tribal governments and a framework with respect to the closing and reopening of fishing areas following a discharge.

Directs the Secretary to require: (1) Coast Guard-approved response plans to be updated at least every five years with the best commercially available technology and methods to address a worst case discharge, including a discharge resulting from fire or explosion; and (2) each vessel response plan prepared for a mobile offshore drilling unit to include information regarding the planned response to, and threat of, such a worst case discharge.

Establishes a Support of Seafarers Fund from which the Secretary is authorized 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 related to the administration or enforcement of any treaty, law, or regulation by the Coast Guard; and (2) seafarers abandoned in the United States. Authorizes, if necessary to avoid serious injustice, the reimbursement of certain shipowners or operators who have provided necessary support of a seafarer paroled into the United States to facilitate such an investigation, reporting, documentation, or adjudication.

Defines "seafarer" as an alien crewman who is employed or engaged in any capacity on a vessel subject to U.S. jurisdiction.

Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to: (1) require oil produced from federal leases in Arctic water planning areas of the Chukchi Sea, Beaufort Sea, or Hope Basin to be transported by pipeline to onshore facilities; and (2) provide for the transportation of oil from federal leases in Arctic waters in preproduction phases (including exploration) by means other than a pipeline.

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

Increases fines and penalties relating to false or unauthorized uses of: (1) aids to maritime navigation and distress messages, (2) Coast Guard ensigns and pennants, and (3) the words "Coast Guard."

preparedness act requires coast guard sole supplier icebreaking services federal agencies permits agencies acquire icebreaking services entity coast_guard unable provide services amends coast_guard maritime transportation act direct secretary department coast_guard operating initiate reactivation service life icebreaker polar_sea years authorizes commandant coast guard project acquisition new heavy polar icebreakers solicit bids enter contracts include provision classification services classification society secretary delegated authority vessels owned government sets forth vessel requirements included final rule concerning notices arrival departure automatic identification system ais directs secretary establish permitting process operator marine exchange non federal vessel traffic information service apply permission use ais transmit weather ice navigation safety information vessels permits secretary recover appropriate travel subsistence costs incurred providing service thing value vessels seamen persons liable certain fees charges authorizes secretary order active duty organized training unit member consent members continuous period days emergency augmentation regular coast_guard forces response major disaster emergency robert stafford disaster relief emergency assistance act spill national significance extends september commandant acquisition workforce expedited hiring authority acquisition positions designated positions shortage candidates critical hiring need directs secretary submit authorization request congress fiscal year authorizes establishment interagency arctic fusion center improve maritime domain awareness arctic coordinate information sharing specified agencies directs secretary develop year strategic plan guide interagency international intergovernmental cooperation amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act eliminate national response unit north_carolina transfers unit response functions directly secretary currently functions carried secretary acting unit authorizes secretary construct lease hangar berthing facilities operating area requires secretary hour receiving report certain marine casualties forward report appropriate state agencies tribal governments directs commandant publish publicly accessible website written incident action plans prepared approved response oil spill coast_guard serves federal scene coordinator leading unified command expands activities required performed centers expertise coast_guard prevention response missions authorizes commandant secretary concurrence secretary state coordinate foreign government agencies research development testing evaluations relating performance coast_guard function including intelligence systems capabilities requires area contingency plans removal oil hazardous substances include input tribal governments framework respect closing reopening fishing areas following discharge directs secretary require coast guard approved response plans updated years best commercially available technology methods address worst case discharge including discharge resulting fire explosion vessel response plan prepared mobile offshore drilling unit include information planned response threat worst case discharge establishes support seafarers fund secretary authorized pay necessary support seafarers enter remain paroled united_states involved investigation reporting documentation adjudication matter related administration enforcement treaty law regulation coast_guard seafarers abandoned united_states authorizes necessary avoid reimbursement certain shipowners operators provided necessary support paroled united_states facilitate investigation reporting documentation adjudication defines alien crewman employed engaged capacity vessel subject jurisdiction amends outer_continental_shelf lands act require oil produced federal leases arctic water planning areas beaufort_sea transported pipeline onshore facilities provide transportation oil federal leases arctic waters phases including exploration means pipeline authorizes commandant lease submerged lands tidelands control coast_guard periods longer years increases fines penalties relating false unauthorized uses aids maritime navigation distress messages coast_guard words coast guard


Summary:
Automaker Accountability Act of 2014 - Revises civil penalties for violation of federal motor vehicle safety requirements, and subjects to them also persons who cause such a violation.

Repeals current maximum penalties.

Increases civil penalties for violations: (1) from $5,000 to $25,000 per violation; (2) from $10,000 to $100,000, maximum, for the manufacture, sale, introduction into commerce, or importation of a school bus or school bus equipment that does not comply with federal motor vehicle requirements; and (3) from $5,000 to $25,000 per violation per day for a person who fails or refuses to perform an act pursuant to specified inspection, investigation, and record-keeping requirements pertaining to defective or noncompliant motor vehicles or motor vehicle equipment.

accountability act revises civil penalties violation federal motor vehicle safety requirements subjects persons cause violation repeals current maximum penalties increases civil penalties violations violation maximum manufacture sale introduction commerce importation school bus school bus equipment comply federal motor vehicle requirements violation day person fails refuses perform act pursuant specified inspection investigation record keeping requirements pertaining defective noncompliant motor vehicles motor vehicle equipment