Summary:
Strengthening Cybersecurity Information Sharing and Coordination in Our Ports Act of 2015

(Sec. 2) This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to implement, and evaluate at least every two years, a maritime cybersecurity risk assessment model to evaluate current and future cybersecurity risks. The model must be consistent with the National Institute of Standards and Technology Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity and any updates pursuant to the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2014.

DHS must also: (1) seek to ensure participation of at least one information sharing and analysis organization representing the maritime community in the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center (NCCIC); (2) establish guidelines for voluntary reporting of maritime-related cybersecurity risks and incidents to the NCCIC and other appropriate federal agencies; and (3) request the National Maritime Security Advisory Committee to report and make recommendations to DHS regarding the enhancement of cybersecurity information sharing between relevant federal agencies and state, local, and tribal governments, public safety and emergency response agencies, law enforcement and security organizations, the maritime industry, port owners and operators, and terminal owners and operators.

(Sec. 3) The Coast Guard must: (1) direct Area Maritime Security Advisory Committees to facilitate the sharing of cybersecurity risks and incidents to address port-specific cybersecurity risks, including, possibly, by establishing a working group of members of such committees to address port-specific cybersecurity vulnerabilities; and (2) require area maritime security plans and facility security plans to include a mitigation plan to prevent, manage, and respond to cybersecurity risks.

(Sec. 4) DHS's vulnerability assessments of facilities and vessels that may be involved in a transportation security incident must identify weaknesses in cybersecurity. Owners or operators of such vessels or facilities must include provisions regarding prevention, management, and response to cybersecurity risks in their security plans for deterring such incidents.

strengthening cybersecurity information sharing coordination ports act sec bill requires dhs implement evaluate years maritime cybersecurity risk assessment model evaluate current future cybersecurity risks model consistent updates pursuant cybersecurity enhancement act dhs seek ensure participation information sharing analysis organization representing maritime community establish guidelines voluntary reporting maritime related cybersecurity risks incidents appropriate federal agencies request report recommendations dhs enhancement cybersecurity information sharing relevant federal agencies state local tribal governments public safety emergency response agencies law enforcement security organizations maritime industry port owners operators terminal owners operators sec coast_guard direct area maritime security advisory committees facilitate sharing cybersecurity risks incidents address port specific cybersecurity risks including possibly establishing working group members committees address port specific cybersecurity vulnerabilities require area maritime security plans facility security plans include mitigation plan prevent manage respond cybersecurity risks sec dhs vulnerability assessments facilities vessels involved transportation security incident identify weaknesses cybersecurity owners operators vessels facilities include provisions prevention management response cybersecurity risks security plans deterring incidents


Summary:
Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015

TITLE I--AUTHORIZATIONS (Sec. 101) This bill authorizes appropriations for the Coast Guard in FY2016-FY2017, including for:

 the Coast Guard Reserve program, acquisition of facilities and equipment, environmental compliance and restoration functions, alteration or removal of bridges that obstruct navigation, an end-of-year strength for active duty personnel, and specified average military training student loads. The President shall submit to Congress in FY2017, FY2019, and every four years thereafter, a Coast Guard manpower requirements plan on the same date as the presidential budget is submitted.

The Coast Guard may use certain funds for specified icebreaking activities, including to design an icebreaking vessel capable of enhancing icebreaking capabilities on the Great Lakes.

TITLE II--COAST GUARD

(Sec. 201) The grade of the Vice Commandant of the Coast Guard shall be increased from vice admiral to admiral.

(Sec. 202) The President may designate within the executive branch, but outside of the Coast Guard or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), positions of importance and responsibility held by officers with the grade of vice admiral.

(Sec. 203) The Coast Guard may remit or cancel part of a person's indebtedness to the United States if: (1) the indebtedness incurred while the person was an active duty member of the Coast Guard, and (2) doing so is in the best interest of the United States.

(Sec. 204) The test and evaluation master plan for any major acquisition project or program must identify:

 the performance data to be used to determine whether key performance parameters have been resolved; and the test and evaluation results required to demonstrate that a capability, asset, or subsystem meets performance requirements. The Coast Guard shall:

 implement a standard for tracking operational days at sea; submit to Congress a revised fleet mix analysis of Coast Guard fixed wing aircraft; include in the long-term major acquisitions plan, the numbers and types of cutters and aircraft to be decommissioned or acquired; and report to Congress quarterly updates of the assessment of the risks associated with all current major acquisition programs. (Sec. 205) The Coast Guard Auxiliary (also known as the Coast Guard Reserve) may patrol a waterway if: (1) the waterway is navigable for purposes of the Coast Guard jurisdiction, or (2) a state or other proper authority has requested the patrol.

The Coast Guard shall review the waterways patrolled by the Coast Guard Auxiliary in the most recent fiscal year.

(Sec. 206) The bill reduces the deadline from 90 to 30 days for the Coast Guard to notify Congress before approving a community as a Coast Guard City.

(Sec. 207) The Coast Guard may contract for the acquisition of polar icebreakers and associated equipment using incremental funding. The Coast Guard shall:

 complete a materiel condition assessment with respect to the Polar Sea vessel, and determine whether it is cost effective to reactivate the Polar Sea vessel when compared with other options as part of a strategy to maintain polar icebreaking services. (Sec. 208) The Coast Guard shall not before January 1, 2018: (1) close an air facility that was in operation on November 30, 2014; or (2) retire, transfer, relocate, or deploy an aviation asset from such an air facility for the purpose of closing it. The Coast Guard may close or terminate operations at such an air facility after that date only if:

 remaining search and rescue capabilities maintain the safety of the maritime public in the facility's area, regional or local prevailing weather and marine conditions do not require the facility's continued operation, and search and rescue standards related to search and response times are met. The Coast Guard may implement reasonable management efficiencies within an air station and air facility network.

The Coast Guard shall develop and submit to Congress rotary wing strategic plans to adequately address contingencies arising from potential aviation casualties or the retirement of rotary wing airframes.

(Sec. 210) The Coast Guard shall establish a process for the discontinuing of an aid to navigation (other than a seasonal or temporary aid).

(Sec. 211) The Government Accountability Office (GAO) shall assess the effectiveness of the Coast Guard's Standard Operational Planning Process with respect to annual mission performance measures.

(Sec. 212) If the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) determines that there are communications systems certified by the Department of Defense (DOD) Joint Interoperability Test Center (JITC), DHS shall carry out a pilot program to assess the effectiveness of a communications system that:

 provides for multiagency collaboration, peer invitation and acceptance based multimedia communications, and interoperability; is DOD JITC-certified; and is composed of commercially available technology. (Sec. 213) The Coast Guard shall establish an education program for its members and employees that:

 offers a master's degree in maritime operations; is relevant to professional development; provides resident and distant education options; and is conducted using existing academic programs at an accredited public academic institution located near a significant number of DHS law enforcement personnel. (Sec. 214) The Coast Guard shall develop and implement a plan to conduct every two years a multi-rater review for each Coast Guard flag officer, member of the Senior Executive Service, and officer nominated for promotion to the grade of flag officer.

The Coast Guard shall also: (1) develop and offer at least annually a training course for flag officers and employees on the workings of Congress, and (2) report to Congress on Coast Guard leadership development.

(Sec. 215) The bill repeals specified requirements and procedures for the involuntary retirement of enlisted Coast Guard members with 20 or more years of active military service.

(Sec. 216) The Coast Guard shall: (1) audit annually the pay and allowances for the members transferred to new units during the year, and (2) report to Congress on alternative methods for notifying members of their monthly earnings.

(Sec. 217) DHS shall transfer to DOD, from amounts appropriated for Coast Guard operating expenses, an amount representing the actuarial valuation of treatment or care for current or former members of the Coast Guard and their dependents at DOD facilities.

(Sec. 218) The Coast Guard may enter into an agreement with a qualified tax-exempt nonprofit organization established by the Coast Guard Academy Alumni Association to support academic research and apply for research grants on behalf of the Coast Guard Academy.

(Sec. 219) The Coast Guard shall not expend any appropriated funds for the engineering, design, or construction of a National Coast Guard Museum. Current law prohibits the Coast Guard from expending any appropriated federal funds for such purposes.

(Sec. 220) DHS shall investigate an allegation of misconduct by a flag officer or member of the Senior Executive Service serving in the Coast Guard in a manner consistent with DOD policies.

(Sec. 221) The Coast Guard shall issue procedures and criteria, including those of DOD, to use in determining whether the disability of a member is combat-related and therefore eligible for combat-related special compensation.

Such a disability shall include one incurred during aviation duty, diving duty, rescue swimmer duty, or hazardous service duty onboard a Coast Guard vessel.

(Sec. 222) The Coast Guard shall promulgate new parental leave policies that are similar to and equal in both duration and compensation to policies promulgated by the Department of the Navy.

TITLE III--SHIPPING AND NAVIGATION

(Sec. 301) The bill delays implementation of a requirement that a passenger vessel be equipped with survival craft that ensures no part of an individual is immersed in water. This requirement applies to a vessel built or undergoing a major conversion after January 1, 2016. This bill exempts vessels that do not operate in cold water.

The Coast Guard shall revise regulations concerning the carriage of survival craft based on a review of casualties and risks.

 The GAO shall determine any adverse or positive changes in public safety after the Coast Guard's implementations of changes to regulations concerning the carriage of survival craft.

 (Sec. 302) The Coast Guard shall make a minimum of $59 million in direct loan obligations available each fiscal year for repairs or replacements of fishing vessels according to historic uses.

The bill amends the Fisheries Financing Act to declare that the prohibition against federal direct loans or loan guarantees for constructing or rebuilding fishing vessels exceeding specified dimensions shall not apply to vessels in specified fisheries under the jurisdiction of the North Pacific Fishery Management Council or the Pacific Fishery Management Council.

(Sec. 303) A model year for recreational vessels and associated equipment shall begin on June 1and end on July 31 of the following year.

(Sec. 304) The Coast Guard shall establish a process to harmonize the expiration dates of merchant mariner credentials, mariner medical certificates, and radar observer endorsements for individuals applying for new or renewed merchant mariner credentials.

(Sec. 305) The Coast Guard shall establish a process providing for safety zones for permitted marine events.

(Sec. 307) The Coast Guard shall notify Congress of actions it will take to implement recommendations on improvements to its marine casualty reporting requirements and procedures.

(Sec. 308) The Coast Guard shall amend regulations relating to outboard motor and related equipment for various boat horsepower ratings to reflect specified standards.

(Sec. 309) The bill provides for revisions of the process to receive a medical certificate necessary to qualify for a license, certificate of registry, or merchant mariner's document.

(Sec. 310) The Coast Guard must complete: (1) the Atlantic Coast Port Access Route Study by April 1, 2016, and (2) the port access route study of Nantucket Sound by December 1, 2016.

(Sec. 311) The Coast Guard shall issue regulations that make certificates for recreational vessels effective for five years.

(Sec. 312) The Department of Transportation shall develop guidelines to promote the transportation of liquefied natural gas to the United States on U.S.-flag vessels.

(Sec. 313) The bill amends the Merchant Marine Act of 1936 to repeal provisions relating to the subsidy for vessels in foreign trade or in off-season cruises.

(Sec. 314) No individual may knowingly or intentionally:

 destroy, or attempt or conspire to destroy, property subject to forfeiture under the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970; or conceal, or attempt or conspire to conceal, more than $100,000 in currency or other monetary instruments on the individual's person or in any conveyance, or article of luggage aboard a vessel subject to U.S. jurisdiction if that vessel is outfitted for smuggling. (Sec. 315) The Coast Guard is not required to disclose to the public questions or answers from any examination for a merchant seamen license, certificate, or document.

The Coast Guard shall develop a sample merchant mariner credential examination and outline of merchant mariner examination topics on an annual basis.

(Sec. 316) The bill revises the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010 with regard to the application to Cape Flattery, Washington, of certain requirements relating to tank vessel response plans.

(Sec. 317) The Coast Guard may treat an assessment of the effectiveness of a foreign port's antiterrorism measures conducted by a foreign government or international organization as one the Coast Guard has conducted if certain requirements are met.

(Sec. 318) The bill exempts from American Bureau of Shipping certification requirements certain fishing or fish tender vessels of between 50 and 79 feet in length that: (1) are built after a specified date; and (2) comply with certain safety requirements related to design, construction, and maintenance.

The GAO shall report to Congress on commercial fishing vessel safety.

(Sec. 319) The bill amends the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to alter the membership of the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Oil Pollution Research.

(Sec. 320) The bill amends the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010 to provide for facility inspection coordination between the Coast Guard and Customs and Border Protection.

TITLE IV--FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION

(Sec. 401) The bill reauthorizes for FY2016-FY2017 the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC).

(Sec. 402) The FMC Chairman's duties shall include preparing and submitting to the President and Congress requests for appropriations for the FMC.

(Sec. 403) The FMC may not transfer any funds to it to a non-federal entity to issue an award, prize, commendation, or other honor that is not related to specified ocean shipping purposes.

TITLE V--CONVEYANCES

Subtitle A--Miscellaneous Conveyances

(Sec. 501) The Coast Guard shall convey 32 acres of federal land (including all buildings, structures, utilities, and facilities on the land) in Point Reyes Station, California, to Marin County, California, to be used for affordable housing or to provide a public benefit approved by the county.

(Sec. 502) The Coast Guard may also convey 3.25 acres of Coast Guard real property (including all improvements located on the property) in Tok, Alaska, to the Tanana Chiefs' Conference.

Subtitle B--Pribilof Islands

Pribilof Island Transition Completion Act of 2015

(Sec. 522) The Coast Guard shall convey specified federal property to the Alaska native village corporation for St. Paul Island (one of a group of five Pribilof Islands off the coast of mainland Alaska).

The Coast Guard may operate, repair, and replace any federal aid to navigation located on the property as long as the aid is needed for navigational purposes.

(Sec. 523) The bill amends the Pribilof Islands Transition Act to require NOAA to promptly publish and submit to the Senate a specified notice of certification related to sites and operable units covered by the Pribilof Islands Environmental Restoration Agreement.

(sec. 524) The Coast Guard may enter, operate, and maintain a facility on a specified tract transferred under this subtitle if the facility is necessary to provide redundant capability with respect to positioning and navigation.

Subtitle C--Conveyance of Coast Guard Property at Point Spencer, Alaska (Sec. 533) Subject to specified conditions, the Department of the Interior shall convey certain tracts of land to the Bering Straits Native Corporation (BSNC) or Alaska.

(Sec. 534) The bill prescribes environmental compliance, liability, and contamination monitoring requirements for land conveyed under this subtitle.

(Sec. 535) Conveyances under this subtitle shall be subject to specified easements and rights of access.

(Sec. 536) Tracts not conveyed under this subtitle shall remain withdrawn pursuant to Public Land Order 2650.

(Sec. 538) Interior must prepare, and make available for public inspection, specified maps and legal descriptions of tracts conveyed.

(Sec. 540) The Coast Guard may enter, operate, and maintain a facility on a specified tract transferred under this subtitle if the facility is necessary to provide redundant capability with respect to positioning and navigation.

(Sec. 541) The bill establishes the Port Coordination Council for the Port of Point Spencer.

TITLE VI--MISCELLANEOUS

(Sec. 601) The bill amends the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2006 to change the annual deadline for submission of annual reports on the distant water tuna fleet by the Coast Guard and the National Marine Fisheries Service.

 The Coast Guard must report on liability limits when an oil discharge results in removal costs and damages that exceed established liability limits.

The Coast Guard shall report to Congress within 60 days on the specifications and capabilities for interoperable communications necessary to allow the Coast Guard to carry out missions that require communications with other federal agencies, state and local governments, and nongovernmental entities.

(Sec. 602) The bill amends the Howard Coble Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2014 to extend the boundaries within which a vessel may take up and discharge ballast water.

(Sec. 603) The GAO shall audit funds credited to the Vessel Operations Revolving Fund that are attributable to the sale of obsolete vessels in the National Defense Reserve Fleet.

(Sec. 604) The Coast Guard shall enter into an arrangement with the National Academy of Sciences to assess the federal costs of polar icebreaking missions.

(Sec. 605) The Coast Guard may issue coastwise endorsements to specified vessels.

(Sec. 606) The Coast Guard shall report to Congress on current operations to perform the International Ice Patrol mission and alternatives to carry out that mission, including satellite surveillance technology.

(Sec. 607) The Coast Guard shall assess the effectiveness of oil spill response activities specific to the Great Lakes.

(Sec. 608) The Coast Guard shall report on the status of technology that immediately detects when passengers fall overboard.

(Sec. 609) The bill amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to modify provisions related to jurisdictions.

(Sec. 610) The Coast Guard may not carry out activities (except as necessary for the safety of human life) related to the dismantling or disposal of infrastructure comprising a specified radio navigation system before notifying Congress.

The General Services Administration may sell any property under Coast Guard's administrative control that is used for the system, with profits from such sales to be used for specified purposes.

(Sec. 611) The bill requires that additional free parking at the DHS St. Elizabeth Campus in Washington, D.C., be made available to members and employees of the Coast Guard.

(Sec. 612) Specified load requirements shall not apply to a vessel that is on a domestic voyage in the Gulf of Mexico and does not operate more than 15 nautical miles seaward of the base line.

coast guard authorization act title authorizations sec bill authorizes appropriations coast_guard fy2016 fy2017 including coast_guard_reserve program acquisition facilities equipment environmental compliance restoration functions alteration removal bridges obstruct navigation end year strength active duty personnel specified average military training student loads president shall submit congress fy2017 fy2019 years coast_guard manpower requirements plan date presidential budget submitted coast_guard use certain funds specified icebreaking activities including design icebreaking vessel capable enhancing icebreaking capabilities great lakes title coast guard sec grade vice commandant coast guard shall increased vice admiral admiral sec president designate executive branch outside coast_guard national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa positions importance responsibility held officers grade vice admiral sec coast_guard remit cancel person indebtedness united_states indebtedness incurred person active duty member coast_guard best interest united_states sec test evaluation master plan major acquisition project program identify performance data determine key performance parameters resolved test evaluation results required demonstrate capability asset meets performance requirements coast_guard shall implement standard tracking operational days sea submit congress revised fleet mix analysis coast_guard fixed wing aircraft include long term major acquisitions plan numbers types cutters aircraft decommissioned acquired report congress quarterly updates assessment risks associated current major acquisition programs sec coast_guard_auxiliary known coast_guard_reserve patrol waterway waterway navigable purposes coast_guard jurisdiction state proper authority requested patrol coast_guard shall review waterways coast_guard_auxiliary recent fiscal year sec bill reduces deadline days coast_guard notify congress approving community coast guard city sec coast_guard contract acquisition polar icebreakers associated equipment incremental funding coast_guard shall complete materiel condition assessment respect polar_sea vessel determine cost effective reactivate polar_sea vessel compared options strategy maintain polar icebreaking services sec coast_guard shall january close air facility operation november retire transfer relocate deploy aviation asset air facility purpose closing coast_guard close terminate operations air facility date remaining search rescue capabilities maintain safety maritime public facility area regional local prevailing weather marine conditions require facility continued operation search rescue standards related search response times met coast_guard implement reasonable management efficiencies air station air facility network coast_guard shall develop submit congress wing strategic plans adequately address contingencies arising potential aviation casualties retirement wing sec coast_guard shall establish process discontinuing aid navigation seasonal temporary aid sec government_accountability_office gao shall assess effectiveness coast_guard respect annual mission performance measures sec department_of_homeland_security dhs determines communications systems certified department_of_defense dod dhs shall carry pilot program assess effectiveness communications system provides multiagency collaboration peer invitation acceptance based multimedia communications interoperability dod certified composed commercially available technology sec coast_guard shall establish education program members employees offers master degree maritime operations relevant professional development provides resident distant education options conducted existing academic programs accredited public academic institution located near significant number dhs law enforcement personnel sec coast_guard shall develop implement plan conduct years multi review coast_guard flag officer member senior_executive_service officer nominated promotion grade flag officer coast_guard shall develop offer annually training course flag officers employees congress report leadership development sec bill repeals specified requirements procedures involuntary retirement enlisted coast_guard members years active military service sec coast_guard shall audit annually pay allowances members transferred new units year report congress alternative methods notifying members monthly earnings sec dhs shall transfer dod amounts appropriated coast_guard operating expenses representing actuarial valuation treatment care current members coast_guard dependents dod facilities sec coast_guard enter agreement qualified tax exempt nonprofit organization established support academic research apply research grants behalf coast_guard_academy sec coast_guard shall expend appropriated funds engineering design construction current law prohibits coast_guard expending appropriated federal funds purposes sec dhs shall investigate allegation misconduct flag officer member senior_executive_service serving coast_guard manner consistent dod policies sec coast_guard shall issue procedures criteria including dod use determining disability member combat related eligible combat related special compensation disability shall include incurred aviation duty duty rescue duty hazardous service duty onboard coast_guard vessel sec coast_guard shall promulgate new parental leave policies similar equal duration compensation policies promulgated department_of_the_navy title iii shipping navigation sec bill delays implementation requirement passenger vessel equipped survival craft ensures individual water requirement applies vessel built undergoing major conversion january bill exempts vessels operate cold water coast_guard shall revise regulations concerning carriage survival craft based review casualties risks gao shall determine adverse positive changes public safety coast_guard changes regulations concerning carriage survival craft sec coast_guard shall minimum million direct loan obligations available fiscal year repairs replacements fishing vessels according historic uses bill amends declare prohibition federal direct loans loan guarantees constructing rebuilding fishing vessels exceeding specified dimensions shall apply vessels specified fisheries jurisdiction north_pacific_fishery_management_council sec model year recreational vessels associated equipment shall begin june end july following year sec coast_guard shall establish process harmonize expiration dates merchant mariner credentials mariner medical certificates radar observer endorsements individuals applying new renewed merchant mariner credentials sec coast_guard shall establish process providing safety zones permitted marine events sec coast_guard shall notify congress actions implement recommendations improvements marine casualty reporting requirements procedures sec coast_guard shall amend regulations relating motor related equipment boat ratings reflect specified standards sec bill provides revisions process receive medical certificate necessary qualify license certificate registry merchant mariner document sec coast_guard complete april port access route study december sec coast_guard shall issue regulations certificates recreational vessels effective years sec department_of_transportation shall develop guidelines promote transportation liquefied natural gas united_states vessels sec bill amends merchant marine act repeal provisions relating subsidy vessels foreign trade season sec individual knowingly intentionally destroy attempt conspire destroy property subject forfeiture comprehensive drug abuse prevention control act conceal attempt conspire conceal currency monetary instruments individual person conveyance article luggage aboard vessel subject jurisdiction vessel smuggling sec coast_guard required disclose public questions answers examination merchant seamen license certificate document coast_guard shall develop sample merchant mariner credential examination outline merchant mariner examination topics annual basis sec bill revises coast_guard_authorization_act regard application washington certain requirements relating tank vessel response plans sec coast_guard treat assessment effectiveness foreign port antiterrorism measures conducted foreign government international organization coast_guard conducted certain requirements met sec bill exempts american_bureau_of_shipping certification requirements certain fishing fish tender vessels feet length built specified date comply certain safety requirements related design construction maintenance gao shall report congress commercial fishing vessel safety sec bill amends oil pollution act alter membership interagency_coordinating_committee_on_oil_pollution_research sec bill amends coast_guard_authorization_act provide facility inspection coordination coast_guard customs border protection title federal maritime commission sec bill reauthorizes fy2016 fy2017 federal_maritime_commission fmc sec fmc chairman duties shall include preparing submitting president congress requests appropriations fmc sec fmc transfer funds non federal entity issue award prize honor related specified ocean shipping purposes title conveyances subtitle miscellaneous conveyances sec coast_guard shall convey acres federal land including buildings structures utilities facilities land point reyes station california marin_county california affordable housing provide public benefit approved county sec coast_guard convey acres coast_guard real property including improvements located property alaska subtitle sec coast guard shall convey specified federal property alaska native village corporation group coast mainland alaska coast_guard operate repair replace federal aid navigation located property long aid needed navigational purposes sec bill amends require noaa promptly publish submit senate specified notice certification related sites operable units covered sec coast_guard enter operate maintain facility specified tract transferred subtitle facility necessary provide redundant capability respect positioning navigation subtitle alaska sec subject specified conditions department_of_the_interior shall convey certain tracts land bering_straits_native_corporation alaska sec bill prescribes environmental compliance liability contamination monitoring requirements land conveyed subtitle sec conveyances subtitle shall subject specified easements rights access sec tracts conveyed subtitle shall remain withdrawn pursuant sec interior prepare available public inspection specified maps legal descriptions tracts conveyed sec coast_guard enter operate maintain facility specified tract transferred subtitle facility necessary provide redundant capability respect positioning navigation sec bill establishes port point spencer title miscellaneous sec bill amends coast_guard maritime transportation act change annual deadline submission annual reports distant water tuna fleet coast_guard national_marine_fisheries_service coast_guard report liability limits oil discharge results removal costs damages exceed established liability limits coast_guard shall report congress days specifications capabilities interoperable communications necessary allow coast_guard carry missions require communications federal agencies state local governments nongovernmental entities sec bill amends maritime transportation act extend boundaries vessel discharge ballast water sec gao shall audit funds credited attributable sale obsolete vessels national_defense_reserve_fleet sec coast guard shall enter arrangement national_academy_of_sciences assess federal costs polar icebreaking missions sec coast_guard issue coastwise endorsements specified vessels sec coast_guard shall report congress current operations perform international ice patrol mission alternatives carry mission including satellite surveillance technology sec coast_guard shall assess effectiveness oil spill response activities specific great lakes sec coast_guard shall report status technology immediately detects passengers fall overboard sec bill amends magnuson stevens fishery conservation management act modify provisions related jurisdictions sec coast_guard carry activities necessary safety human life related dismantling disposal infrastructure comprising specified radio navigation system notifying congress general_services_administration sell property coast_guard administrative control system profits sales specified purposes sec bill requires additional free parking dhs campus washington available members employees coast_guard sec specified load requirements shall apply vessel domestic voyage gulf_of_mexico operate nautical miles seaward base line


Summary:
Austin and Perry Safe Boating Incentive Act

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individual taxpayers a new tax credit for 50% of the amount paid or accrued, up to $200 in a taxable year ($500 for all taxable years), for a qualified emergency position-indicating radio beacon and a qualified personal locator beacon.

A "qualified emergency position-indicating radio beacon" is a device installed on an eligible boat that: (1) transmits distress signals at a frequency between 406.0 and 406.1 MHz, (2) is manufactured by a company approved to manufacture beacons by the International Cospas-Sarsat Programme, and (3) is registered with the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. A "qualified personal locator beacon" is a similarly-defined device designed to be carried by an individual and acquired for use in boating activities. An "eligible boat" is any recreational vessel, any small passenger vessel carrying not more than 250 passengers, and any uninspected passenger vessel as those terms are defined in provisions of the U.S. Code.

austin perry safe boating incentive act bill amends internal_revenue_code allow individual taxpayers new tax credit paid accrued taxable year taxable years qualified emergency position indicating radio qualified personal locator qualified emergency position indicating radio device installed eligible boat transmits distress signals frequency mhz manufactured company approved manufacture registered qualified personal locator similarly defined device designed carried individual acquired use boating activities eligible boat recreational vessel small passenger vessel carrying passengers uninspected passenger vessel terms defined provisions code


Summary:
This bill declares the following portions of the Delaware River in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, bounded by the former bulkhead and pierhead lines that were established by the Secretary of War and successors, to be nonnavigable waters of the United States unless the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers finds that there are substantive objections:

 Piers 70 South through 38 South, encompassing an area bounded by the southern line of Moore Street extended to the northern line of Catherine Street extended; and Piers 24 North through 72 North, encompassing an area bounded by the southern line of Callowhill Street extended to the northern line of East Fletcher Street extended. The Army Corps of Engineers shall make such public interest determination separately for each proposed project to be undertaken within the boundaries described, using reasonable discretion, within 150 days of the date of submission of appropriate plans for such project.

This bill's declaration shall apply only to those parts of the areas described that are or will be bulkheaded and filled or otherwise occupied by permanent structures, including marina and recreation facilities.

bill declares following portions delaware_river philadelphia pennsylvania bounded bulkhead lines established secretary war successors waters united_states finds substantive objections south south encompassing area bounded southern line street extended northern line street extended north north encompassing area bounded southern line extended northern line extended army_corps_of_engineers shall public interest determination separately proposed project undertaken boundaries described reasonable discretion days date submission appropriate plans project bill declaration shall apply parts areas described filled occupied permanent structures including marina recreation facilities


Summary:
Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund Reform Act of 2016

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to make certain amounts in the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund available, without appropriation, for expenditures to pay:

 100% of the eligible operations and maintenance costs of specified portions of the Saint Lawrence Seaway as well as those assigned to commercial navigation of all U.S. harbors and inland harbors; rebates of certain tolls or charges on the Seaway; and all expenses of administration relating to harbor maintenance tax incurred by the Department of the Treasury, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the Department of Commerce. The Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 is amended to:

 require allocation to certain donor ports and energy transfer ports of at least 20% of amounts made available each fiscal year from the Trust Fund, and authorize the Department of the Army to make the allocations equally between these kinds of ports. A "donor port" is a port, subject to the harbor maintenance fee, located in a state in which more than 2 million cargo containers were unloaded from or loaded on to vessels in FY2012, whose total amount of collected harbor maintenance taxes comes to less than $15 million annually, and which received less than 25% of the total amount of harbor maintenance taxes collected at that port in the previous five fiscal years.

An "energy transfer port" is one, also subject to the harbor maintenance fee, through which more than 40 million tons of cargo were transported in FY2012, and at which energy commodities constituted more than 25% of all commercial activity by tonnage in that fiscal year.

harbor_maintenance_trust_fund reform act bill amends internal_revenue_code certain amounts harbor_maintenance_trust_fund available appropriation expenditures pay eligible operations maintenance costs specified portions saint lawrence seaway assigned commercial navigation harbors inland harbors rebates certain tolls charges seaway expenses administration relating harbor maintenance tax incurred department_of_the_treasury army_corps_of_engineers department_of_commerce water_resources_reform_and_development_act amended require allocation certain donor ports energy transfer ports amounts available fiscal year trust_fund authorize department_of_the_army allocations equally kinds ports donor port port subject harbor maintenance fee located state million cargo containers unloaded loaded vessels fy2012 total collected harbor maintenance taxes comes million annually received total harbor maintenance taxes collected port previous fiscal years energy transfer port subject harbor maintenance fee million tons cargo transported fy2012 energy commodities constituted commercial activity tonnage fiscal year


Summary:
Miscellaneous Maritime Transportation Amendments Act of 2016

National Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Resilience and Security Act of 2016

This bill directs the U.S. Coast Guard to develop a land-based system to backup its Global Position System (GPS).

The bill revises the deadline for when certain fishing vessels must be in compliance with the alternate safety compliance program.

Additionally, the Coast Guard is authorized to reimburse private entities for costs incurred to construct and establish an aid to navigation.

miscellaneous maritime transportation amendments act national positioning navigation security act bill directs develop land based system backup gps bill revises deadline certain fishing vessels compliance alternate safety compliance program additionally coast_guard authorized reimburse private entities costs incurred construct establish aid navigation


Summary: This bill directs the Coast Guard to issue a certificate of documentation with a coastwise endorsement for the vessel Apollonia (United States official number 1266527).

bill directs coast_guard issue certificate documentation coastwise endorsement vessel official number


Summary:
Stop Iran From Smuggling Weapons to Terrorists Act

This bill authorizes the Department of Defense (DOD) to provide training to: (1) the national military or other security forces of Israel, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Kuwait, and Qatar that have among their functional responsibilities maritime security missions; and (2) ministry, agency, and headquarters level organizations for such forces.

Such assistance and training may be referred to as the Counter Iran Maritime Initiative.

Such training: (1) may include the provision of de minimis equipment, supplies, and small-scale military construction; and (2) shall include the promotion of human rights and respect for legitimate civilian authority.

It is the sense of Congress that DOD should seek payments from such countries to offset training costs. DOD shall negotiate a training cost-sharing agreement with a recipient country that covers at least 50% of related costs.

stop iran smuggling weapons bill authorizes department_of_defense dod provide training national military security forces israel bahrain saudi_arabia united_arab_emirates kuwait qatar functional responsibilities maritime security missions ministry agency headquarters level organizations forces assistance training referred counter iran maritime initiative training include provision minimis equipment supplies small scale military construction shall include promotion human rights respect legitimate civilian authority sense congress dod seek payments countries offset training costs dod shall negotiate training cost sharing agreement recipient country covers related costs


Summary:
Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Amendments Act of 2016

TITLE I--COAST GUARD, NAVIGATION, AND SHIPPING

(Sec.101)This bill makes several changes to the U.S. Coast Guard major acquisition system.The changes are designed to establish a customer-oriented acquisition system.

The bill expands the acquisition responsibilities of the Coast Guard's Chief Acquisition Officer and Vice Commandant. Additionally, the bill limits the Coast Guard's authority to procure unmanned aerial systems (drones).

The Coast Guard may extend an acquisition contract without competition if the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)approves.DHS must study the effects that multi-year contracting has on Coast Guard acquisition programs.

(Sec.102)The bill requires the Coast Guard to make payment based on a predetermined fixed amount to the Department of Defense (DOD)for medical treatment of current or former members of the Coast Guard and their dependents at DOD facilities.

(Sec. 103) The bill amends the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to repeal certain audit requirements for the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund and to revise reporting requirements for the fund.

(Sec.104)The bill revises the deadline for compliance by certain fishing vessels with the alternative safety compliance program.

(Sec. 105) The Coast Guard must report on plans for berthing the USCGC Diligence in Wilmington, North Carolina while the Coast Guard pier is being repaired.

(Sec. 106) National Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Resilience and Security Act of 2016

The Coast Guard must develop a land-based system to backup its Global Positioning System.

(Sec.107) The Coast Guard may approve alternative planning criteria for the Arctic area.

TITLE II--OTHER MATTERS

(Sec.201)The Coast Guard must issue a certificate of documentation with a coastwise endorsement for the vessel Apollonia.

(Sec. 202) The Coast Guard may reimburse private entities for project costs incurred to construct and establish an aid to navigation.

coast_guard maritime transportation amendments act title coast guard navigation shipping bill makes changes major acquisition system changes designed establish customer oriented acquisition system bill expands acquisition responsibilities coast_guard chief acquisition officer vice commandant additionally bill limits coast_guard authority procure unmanned aerial systems drones coast_guard extend acquisition contract competition department_of_homeland_security dhs study effects multi year contracting coast_guard acquisition programs bill requires coast_guard payment based predetermined fixed department_of_defense medical treatment current members coast_guard dependents dod facilities sec bill amends oil pollution act repeal certain audit requirements oil_spill_liability_trust_fund revise reporting requirements fund bill revises deadline compliance certain fishing vessels alternative safety compliance program sec coast_guard report plans berthing wilmington north_carolina coast_guard pier repaired sec navigation security act coast_guard develop land based system backup global positioning system coast_guard approve alternative planning criteria arctic area title matters issue certificate documentation coastwise endorsement vessel sec coast_guard reimburse private entities project costs incurred construct establish aid navigation


Summary:
Hudson River Protection Act

This bill amends the Rivers and Harbors Appropriation Act of 1915 to prohibit the establishment of areas located within five miles of a nuclear power plant, a location on the national register of historic places, a superfund site, or critical habitat of an endangered species as anchorage grounds in U.S. navigable waters for vessels carrying hazardous or flammable material as cargo.

bill amends prohibit establishment areas located miles nuclear power plant location national register historic places site critical habitat endangered species anchorage grounds navigable waters vessels carrying hazardous flammable material cargo


Summary:
Coast Guard Academy Nominations Act of 2016

This bill amends the laws that govern the U.S. Coast Guard Academy Corps of Cadets.

The bill specifies the maximum number of cadets that can be enrolled in the academy in an academic program year. Additionally, the bill describes how individuals may be nominated for appointment in the Corps of Cadets and sets forth guidelines that the Coast Guard must follow when appointing cadets.

The bill also sets forth the conditions that cadets must agree with prior to enrollment in the academy, including an obligation to serve in the Coast Guard upon graduation from the academy.

coast_guard_academy nominations act bill amends laws govern bill specifies maximum number cadets enrolled academy academic program year additionally bill describes individuals nominated appointment sets forth guidelines coast_guard follow appointing cadets bill sets forth conditions cadets agree prior enrollment academy including obligation serve coast_guard graduation academy


Summary:
Coast Guard Acquisition Improvement Act of 2016

This bill authorizes the U.S. Coast Guard to enter into certain agreements for the acquisition of at least three heavy polar icebreakers, three medium polar icebreakers, four offshore patrol cutters, and five fast response cutters.

improvement act bill authorizes enter certain agreements acquisition heavy polar icebreakers medium polar icebreakers offshore patrol cutters fast response cutters


Summary:
Energizing American Shipbuilding and Maritime Act

This bill amends: (1) the Natural Gas Act to direct the Department of Energy to require specified percentages of liquefied natural gas exports to be transported on vessels built in the United States and documented under its laws, and (2) the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016 to direct the President to require specified percentages of crude oil exports to be transported on vessels built in the United States and documented under its laws.

american shipbuilding maritime act bill amends natural gas act direct department_of_energy require specified percentages liquefied natural gas exports transported vessels built united_states documented laws consolidated_appropriations_act direct president require specified percentages crude oil exports transported vessels built united_states documented laws


Summary:
Energizing American Maritime Act

This bill amends: (1) the Natural Gas Act to direct the Department of Energy to require specified percentages of liquefied natural gas exports to be transported on vessels documented under U.S. law, and (2) the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016 to direct the President to require specified percentages of crude oil exports to be transported on vessels documented under U.S. law.

american maritime act bill amends natural gas act direct department_of_energy require specified percentages liquefied natural gas exports transported vessels documented law consolidated_appropriations_act direct president require specified percentages crude oil exports transported vessels documented law


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

United States Merchant Marine Academy Improvements Act of 2015

 (Sec. 2) Authorizes the Administrator of the Maritime Administration to: (1)  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 (2) enter into a contract with the Foundation for the Hall's operation.

measure amended introduced expanded summary senate reported version repeated united states merchant marine academy improvements act sec authorizes administrator maritime_administration accept gift money merchant order renovate hall campus merchant marine academy enter contract foundation hall operation


Summary: This bill makes permanent a temporary exemption from permit requirements of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act). The exemption applies to 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. Under current law, the exemption is scheduled to end on December 18, 2017. This exemption does not apply 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.

bill makes permanent temporary exemption permit requirements national_pollutant_discharge_elimination_system npdes federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act exemption applies vessel feet length fishing vessel discharge effluent properly functioning marine engines laundry shower galley sink wastes incidental normal operation vessels current law exemption scheduled end december exemption apply 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


Summary:
Vessel Incidental Discharge Act

(Sec. 4) This bill requires the Coast Guard to establish and implement enforceable uniform national standards and requirements for the regulation of discharges incidental to the normal operation of a vessel into navigable waters. Those standards and requirements must: (1) be based on the best available technology economically achievable, and (2) supersede any permitting requirement or prohibition on discharges incidental to the normal operation of a vessel under any other provision of law.

States may enforce the uniform national standards and requirements.

(Sec. 5) The Coast Guard's existing rule for ballast water discharges incidental to the normal operation of a vessel are adopted until those performance standards are revised or a more stringent state standard is adopted. Ballast water is water taken aboard a vessel to control stability or during the operation of a vessel's ballast water treatment technology. "Treatment technology" means 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.

Within two years, the Coast Guard must establish best management practices for discharges incidental to the normal operation of a vessel other than ballast water.

By January 1, 2020, the Coast Guard must complete a feasibility review to determine whether revising ballast water performance standards will result in a scientifically demonstrable and substantial reduction in the risk of introduction or establishment of aquatic nuisance species. By January 1, 2022, the Coast Guard must issue a final rule that adopts a more stringent ballast water performance standard with certain numeric discharge limits, unless the feasibility review determines that the more stringent standard is not attainable. Further revisions to the performance standards are to be considered every 10 years.

A revised ballast water performance standard applies to a vessel beginning on the date of the first dry-docking of the vessel on or after January 1, 2022, but not later than December 31, 2024.

If the Coast Guard determines on the basis of the feasibility review and after an opportunity for a public hearing that no ballast water treatment technology can be certified to comply with that revised performance standard, the Coast Guard must require the use of the treatment technology that achieves the performance levels of the best treatment technology available. If ballast water treatment technology exists that exceeds the revised performance standard with respect to a class of vessels, the Coast Guard must revise the standard for that class to incorporate the higher performance standard.

The Coast Guard may establish a deadline for a vessel (or a class, type, or size of vessel) to comply with a revised performance standard. The bill establishes a process for owners or operators of vessels to petition the Coast Guard for an extension of compliance deadlines.

In the case of a vessel that enters the Great Lakes through the St. Lawrence River after operating outside the exclusive economic zone of the United States, the Coast Guard must establish a requirement that the vessel conduct saltwater flushing of all ballast water tanks onboard prior to entry.

(Sec 6) The bill establishes a certification requirement for ballast water treatment technology. Beginning one year after the issuance of the requirements for protocols for certifying those technologies, a manufacturer of a treatment technology may only sell, deliver, or import treatment technology that is certified by the Coast Guard, unless: (1) the technology is being evaluated under the Coast Guard Shipboard Technology Evaluation Program, or (2) the technology has been certified by a foreign entity and the certification demonstrates performance and safety of the treatment technology equivalent to the requirements of this bill. The Coast Guard may not approve a technology if it uses a biocide or generates a biocide that is a pesticide.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must issue requirements for land-based and shipboard testing protocols or criteria for certifying the performance of each ballast water treatment technology, and certifying laboratories to evaluate such treatment technologies.

(Sec. 7) The bill makes permanent the current permit moratorium for small vessels that is due to expire in December 2017. Exemptions from the performance standards are established, including vessels that operate in limited areas, such as the Great Lakes.

(Sec. 8) The Coast Guard may promulgate regulations establishing compliance programs as alternatives to ballast water management regulations for small vessels with maximum ballast water capacities of less than eight cubic meters, vessels with less than three years of remaining useful life, or vessels that discharge ballast water into a facility that meet certain standards promulgated by EPA. Within a year, the EPA must promulgate standards for facilities that receive ballast water. (Sec. 9) The bill allows an interested person to file a petition for review of a final regulation promulgated under this Act. A petition must be filed not later than 120 days after notice of promulgation appears in the Federal Register, with an exception for petitions based solely on grounds arising after the filing deadline. (Sec. 10) The bill establishes a petition process for a state seeking to enforce a state or local statute or regulation related to ballast water discharges incidental to the normal operation of a vessel that is more stringent than federal performance standards. (Sec. 11) The bill, if enacted, is given exclusive statutory authority for federal regulation of discharges incidental to the normal operation of a vessel to which the bill applies.

vessel_incidental discharge act sec bill requires coast_guard establish implement enforceable uniform national standards requirements regulation discharges incidental normal operation vessel navigable waters standards requirements based best available technology economically achievable supersede permitting requirement prohibition discharges incidental normal operation vessel provision law states enforce uniform national standards requirements sec coast_guard existing rule ballast water discharges incidental normal operation vessel adopted performance standards revised stringent state standard adopted ballast water water taken aboard vessel control stability operation vessel ballast water treatment technology treatment technology means mechanical physical chemical biological process remove render harmless avoid uptake discharge aquatic nuisance species ballast water years coast_guard establish best management practices discharges incidental normal operation vessel ballast water january coast_guard complete feasibility review determine revising ballast water performance standards result scientifically demonstrable substantial reduction risk introduction establishment aquatic nuisance species january coast_guard issue final rule adopts stringent ballast water performance standard certain numeric discharge limits feasibility review determines stringent standard revisions performance standards considered years revised ballast water performance standard applies vessel beginning date dry vessel january later december coast_guard determines basis feasibility review opportunity public hearing ballast water treatment technology certified comply revised performance standard coast_guard require use treatment technology achieves performance levels best treatment technology available ballast water treatment technology exists exceeds revised performance standard respect class vessels coast_guard revise standard class incorporate higher performance standard coast_guard establish deadline vessel class type size vessel comply revised performance standard bill establishes process owners operators vessels petition coast_guard extension compliance deadlines case vessel enters great lakes operating outside exclusive economic zone united_states coast_guard establish requirement vessel conduct ballast water tanks onboard prior entry sec bill establishes certification requirement ballast water treatment technology beginning year issuance requirements protocols certifying technologies manufacturer treatment technology sell deliver import treatment technology certified coast_guard technology evaluated technology certified foreign entity certification demonstrates performance safety treatment technology equivalent requirements bill coast_guard approve technology uses biocide generates biocide pesticide environmental_protection_agency epa issue requirements land based shipboard testing protocols criteria certifying performance ballast water treatment technology certifying laboratories evaluate treatment technologies sec bill makes permanent current permit moratorium small vessels expire december exemptions performance standards established including vessels operate limited areas great lakes sec coast_guard promulgate regulations establishing compliance programs alternatives ballast water management regulations small vessels maximum ballast water capacities cubic meters vessels years remaining useful life vessels discharge ballast water facility meet certain standards promulgated epa year epa promulgate standards facilities receive ballast water sec bill allows interested person file petition review final regulation promulgated act petition filed later days notice promulgation appears federal_register exception petitions based solely grounds arising filing deadline sec bill establishes petition process state seeking enforce state local statute regulation related ballast water discharges incidental normal operation vessel stringent federal performance standards sec bill enacted given exclusive statutory authority federal regulation discharges incidental normal operation vessel bill applies


Summary:
Cross-Border Trade Enhancement Act of 2016

(Sec. 2) This bill amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to authorize the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to enter into agreements with certain entities for the CBP to provide customs, agricultural processing, border security, or inspection-related immigration services at federal-owned land, or sea or air ports of entry, subject to payment of a fee to reimburse the CBP for providing such services. The bill prescribes requirements for the termination of CBP services and the imposition of a penalty after notice and demand for payment of fees not timely paid by an entity.

The CBP and the General Services Administration may enter into an agreement with an entity to accept donations of:

 personal property, money, or nonpersonal services for use in the purchase and installation of furniture and other equipment at new or existing sea or air ports of entry or new or existing federal-owned land ports of entry; or real property or money for use in the construction or maintenance of such facilities. The CBP shall establish, and make available to the public, criteria for evaluating a proposal to enter into agreements to accept donations.

CBP and the Government Accountability Office shall report annually to specified congressional committees on CBP fee agreements and donations.

(Sec. 3) Modifies CBP reporting requirements under the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015 to include reporting on reimbursable fee agreements with CBP.

(Sec. 4) The bill amends the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2013, and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014, to repeal:

 CBP authority to enter into reimbursable fee agreements for a period of up to five years, and the partnership pilot program allowing CBP to enter into partnerships with the private sector and government entities at ports of entry for certain CBP services and to accept certain donations. (Sec. 5) The bill amends the Anti-Border Corruption Act of 2010 to permit the CBP to waive certain polygraph examination requirements for certain qualifying applicants for law enforcement positions with CBP.

sec bill amends homeland security act authorize cbp enter agreements certain entities cbp provide customs agricultural processing border security inspection related immigration services federal owned land sea air ports entry subject payment fee reimburse cbp providing services bill prescribes requirements termination cbp services imposition penalty notice demand payment fees timely paid entity cbp general_services_administration enter agreement entity accept donations personal property money nonpersonal services use purchase installation furniture equipment new existing sea air ports entry new existing federal owned land ports entry real property money use construction maintenance facilities cbp shall establish available public criteria evaluating proposal enter agreements accept donations cbp government_accountability_office shall report annually specified congressional committees cbp fee agreements donations sec modifies cbp reporting requirements trade facilitation trade enforcement act include reporting reimbursable fee agreements cbp sec bill amends consolidated continuing appropriations act consolidated_appropriations_act repeal cbp authority enter reimbursable fee agreements period years partnership pilot program allowing cbp enter partnerships private sector government entities ports entry certain cbp services accept certain donations sec bill amends permit cbp waive certain polygraph examination requirements certain qualifying applicants law enforcement positions cbp


Summary:
Sport Fish Restoration and Recreational Boating Safety Act

(Sec. 3) This bill amends the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act to reauthorize the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund through FY2023.

The bill revises the formula used to distribute funds from the trust fund. Amounts are set aside through FY2023 for Coast Guard recreational boating safety personnel and activities and the National Recreational Boating Survey.

(Sec. 4) The bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend trust fund transfer restriction exceptions until October 1, 2023.

(Sec. 5) The bill revokes a limitation on the amount the Coast Guard is authorized to allocate for national boating safety activities of national nonprofit public service organizations.

(Sec. 7) The National Boating Safety Advisory Council is extended through FY2023.

(Sec. 8) The bill amends the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act to require the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to report on the effectiveness of coastal wetlands restoration projects in improving the quality of fish and wildlife habitat conditions in Louisiana.

(Sec. 9) The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service must evaluate and report its administrative services for the trust fund each year.

sport fish restoration recreational boating safety act sec bill amends dingell-johnson_sport_fish_restoration_act reauthorize sport_fish_restoration boating trust fund fy2023 bill revises formula distribute funds trust fund amounts set aside recreational boating safety personnel activities sec bill amends internal_revenue_code extend trust fund transfer restriction exceptions october sec bill revokes limitation coast_guard authorized allocate national boating safety activities national nonprofit public service organizations sec national_boating_safety_advisory_council extended fy2023 sec bill amends require report effectiveness coastal wetlands restoration projects improving quality fish wildlife habitat conditions louisiana sec fish wildlife service evaluate report administrative services trust fund year


Summary:
Defense of Environment and Property Act of 2015

This bill amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to specify the types of water bodies that are "navigable waters" and therefore fall under the scope of the Act. Groundwater is considered to be state water.

Activities carried out by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers may not impinge upon states' power over land and water use.

States or individual property owners may obtain judicial review of jurisdictional determinations by the EPA or the Army Corps that would affect their ability to plan the development and use of land and water resources within 30 days after a determination.

The EPA may not use a significant nexus test to determine federal jurisdiction over navigable waters and waters of the United States.

The following rules are nullified: (1) the Army Corps' rule entitled "Final Rule for Regulatory Programs of the Corps of Engineers," (2) the 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."

The Army Corps and the EPA may not promulgate rules or issue guidance that expands or interprets the definition of navigable waters unless expressly authorized by Congress.

Federal agencies must obtain the consent of private property owners prior to entering their land to collect information about navigable waters. 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 must pay the affected property owner an amount equal to twice the value of the loss. Until the landowners have been compensated, such a regulation will have no force or effect.

defense environment property act bill amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act specify types water bodies navigable waters fall scope act groundwater considered state water activities carried environmental_protection_agency epa states power land water use states individual property owners obtain judicial review jurisdictional determinations epa affect ability plan development use land water resources days determination epa use significant nexus test determine federal jurisdiction navigable waters waters united_states following rules nullified 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 epa promulgate rules issue guidance expands interprets definition navigable waters expressly authorized congress federal agencies obtain consent private property owners prior entering land collect information navigable waters 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 landowners compensated regulation force effect


Summary:
Energy Technologies Access and Accountability Act

This bill amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to reauthorize the advanced technology vehicles manufacturing incentive program through FY2020.

An "advanced technology vehicle" under the program shall include:

 a U.S.-manufactured, on-highway commercial truck with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or more that meets at least 125% of the average base year combined fuel economy for vehicles with substantially similar attributes, and a U.S.-flagged vessel. The current Department of Transportation (DOT) facility funding awards to automobile manufacturers, among others, shall extend to U.S. commercial truck manufacturers and vessel manufacturers.

DOT, through its Loan Programs Office, shall:

 accelerate efforts to engage sufficient engineering expertise to verify that direct loan borrowers under the program are delivering projects in accordance with applicable loan agreements, and develop sufficient and quantifiable performance measures to achieve the intent of the direct loan program. All proceeds from the repayment of direct loans shall be used by the Treasury to pay down the national debt.

The direct loan program shall be repealed on January 1, 2020.

energy technologies access accountability act bill amends energy_independence_and_security_act reauthorize advanced technology vehicles manufacturing incentive program fy2020 advanced technology vehicle program shall include highway commercial truck gross vehicle weight rating pounds meets average base year combined fuel economy vehicles substantially similar attributes vessel current department_of_transportation dot facility funding awards automobile manufacturers shall extend commercial truck manufacturers vessel manufacturers dot shall accelerate efforts engage sufficient engineering expertise verify direct loan borrowers program delivering projects accordance applicable loan agreements develop sufficient quantifiable performance measures achieve intent direct loan program proceeds repayment direct loans shall treasury pay national debt direct loan program shall repealed january


Summary:
Port Performance Act

(Sec. 3) This bill directs the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) to: (1) establish a port performance statistics program to provide nationally consistent measures of performance of the nation's top 25 ports by tonnage, by 20-foot equivalent unit, and by dry bulk; and (2) submit annual reports that include statistics on capacity and throughput at such ports.

The BTS shall collect monthly port performance measures for each of such ports that receives federal assistance or is subject to federal regulation to submit an annual report to the BTS that includes monthly statistics on capacity and throughput as applicable to the specific configuration of the port, including:

 the total capacity of inbound and outbound cargo; the total volume of inbound and outbound cargo; the average number of lifts per hour of containers by crane; the average vessel turn time by vessel type; the average cargo or container dwell time; port storage capacity and utilization; the average truck time and rail time at ports; and any additional metrics as determined by the BTS after receiving recommendations from a working group established by this Act. The BTS shall commission a working group, from which it shall obtain recommendations for:

 specifications and data measurements for such port performance measures; additionally needed data elements for measuring port performance; and a process for the Department of Transportation (DOT) to collect timely and consistent data, including identifying safeguards to protect proprietary information. The BTS shall ensure that the statistics compiled under this Act are readily accessible to the public, consistent with applicable security constraints and confidentiality interests.

The bill subjects such port performance measures to specified BTS disclosure restrictions.

(Sec. 4) DOT shall submit to Congress by one year before, and by three months before, the expiration of a maritime labor agreement and monthly thereafter until a new agreement is adopted, a report that includes port performance indicators at affected ports, including:

 the number and type of vessels awaiting berthing, including average wait time; the number of cancelled vessel calls; an estimate of the economic impact associated with any delays both at the port and across the national economy; an estimate of the amount of time required to clear any congestion; the average number of positions ordered and filled; and any other factors that might have created delays.

port performance act sec bill directs establish port performance statistics program provide nationally consistent measures performance nation ports tonnage foot equivalent unit dry bulk submit annual reports include statistics capacity throughput ports shall collect monthly port performance measures ports receives federal assistance subject federal regulation submit annual report includes monthly statistics capacity throughput applicable specific configuration port including total capacity inbound outbound cargo total volume inbound outbound cargo average number lifts hour containers crane average vessel turn time vessel type average cargo container time port storage capacity utilization average truck time rail time ports additional metrics determined receiving recommendations working group established act shall commission working group shall obtain recommendations specifications data measurements port performance measures additionally needed data elements measuring port performance process department_of_transportation dot collect timely consistent data including identifying safeguards protect proprietary information shall ensure statistics compiled act readily accessible public consistent applicable security constraints confidentiality interests bill subjects port performance measures specified disclosure restrictions sec dot shall submit congress year months expiration maritime labor agreement monthly new agreement adopted report includes port performance indicators affected ports including number type vessels awaiting berthing including average wait time number cancelled vessel calls estimate economic impact associated delays port national economy estimate time required clear congestion average number positions ordered filled factors created delays


Summary:
Point Spencer Land Conveyance Act

This bill directs the Department of the Interior to convey the surface and subsurface estates of Tracts 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 as identified on the map titled "Point Spencer Land Retention and Conveyance Map," dated January 2015, to the Bering Straits Native Corporation and tract 6 surface and subsurface estates to Alaska in accordance with specified terms.

The Port Coordination Advisory Council for the Port of Point Spencer is established.

point spencer land conveyance act bill directs department_of_the_interior convey surface subsurface estates tracts identified map titled point spencer land retention conveyance map dated january bering_straits_native_corporation tract surface subsurface estates alaska accordance specified terms port point spencer established


Summary:
Maritime Administration Enhancement Act of 2015

(Sec. 2) This bill revises:

 the licensing and service requirements for U.S. Merchant Marine Academy cadet commitment agreements, and requirements for U.S. Merchant Marine Academy student incentive payment agreements related to licensing, the service commitment, and the circumstances under which an individual may be ordered to active duty. (Sec. 3) Payments to individuals may be modified if the total amount of payments to an individual does not exceed $32,000.

(Sec. 4) The Internal Revenue Code is amended to reflect the transfer of the Maritime Administration from the Department of Commerce to the Department of Transportation.

(Sec. 5) The definition of "short sea transportation" shall include carriage by a documented vessel of cargo that is: (1) shipped in discrete units or packages that are handled individually, palletized, or unitized for purposes of transportation; or (2) freight vehicles carried aboard commuter ferry boats.

(Sec. 6) The national security aspects of the U.S. Merchant Marine are reauthorized through FY2017.

maritime administration enhancement act sec bill revises licensing service requirements merchant marine_academy cadet commitment agreements requirements merchant marine_academy student incentive payment agreements related licensing service commitment circumstances individual ordered active duty sec payments individuals modified total payments individual exceed sec internal revenue code amended reflect transfer maritime_administration department_of_commerce department_of_transportation sec definition short sea transportation shall include carriage documented vessel cargo shipped discrete units packages handled individually purposes transportation freight vehicles carried aboard commuter ferry boats sec national security aspects merchant marine reauthorized fy2017


Summary:
Icebreaker Recapitalization Act

This bill directs the Department of the Navy to enter into multiyear contracts for the procurement of up to six heavy duty polar icebreakers and any associated systems and equipment.

The Department may enter into one or more contracts, beginning in FY 2016, for advance procurement associated with such vessels, systems, and equipment.

The Department and the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall enter into a memorandum of agreement under which the Coast Guard shall:

 identify the vessel specifications, capabilities, systems, equipment, and other details required for the design of heavy polar icebreakers, with the Coast Guard retaining final decision authority; oversee the construction of authorized heavy polar icebreakers; and to the extent not adequately addressed in the 1965 Revised Memorandum of Agreement between the Department of the Navy and the Department of the Treasury on the Operation of Icebreakers, transfer heavy polar icebreakers from the Navy to the Coast Guard to be maintained and operated by the Coast Guard.

icebreaker recapitalization act bill directs department_of_the_navy enter multiyear contracts procurement heavy duty polar icebreakers associated systems equipment department enter contracts beginning advance procurement associated vessels systems equipment department department coast_guard operating shall enter memorandum agreement coast_guard shall identify vessel specifications capabilities systems equipment details required design heavy polar icebreakers coast_guard retaining final decision authority oversee construction authorized heavy polar icebreakers extent adequately addressed revised memorandum agreement department_of_the_navy department_of_the_treasury operation icebreakers transfer heavy polar icebreakers navy coast_guard maintained operated coast_guard


Summary:
Boating Capacity Standards Act of 2015

 Directs the Commandant of the Coast Guard to:

 establish standards for determining the maximum passenger capacity for recreational vessels, expressed in the number of passengers and in pounds; require manufacturers and operators of passenger vessels to permanently display such maximum capacity in a legible manner that is clearly visible to passengers; and require operators to post notice of the need to balance vessel weight to avoid capsizing. Defines a "recreational vehicle" as any vessel that is manufactured or used primarily for pleasure, excluding any vessel that is subject to Coast Guard inspection and engaged in commercial use.

boating capacity standards act directs commandant coast guard establish standards determining maximum passenger capacity recreational vessels expressed number passengers pounds require manufacturers operators passenger vessels permanently display maximum capacity legible manner clearly visible passengers require operators post notice need balance vessel weight avoid defines recreational vehicle vessel manufactured primarily pleasure excluding vessel subject coast_guard inspection engaged commercial use


Summary:
Ships to be Recycled in the States Act or the STORIS Act

This bill requires the Department of Transportation (DOT), in coordination with the Department of the Navy, to report to Congress on the program for disposal of government-owned merchant vessels as well as on any other disposal of obsolete government-owned vessels.

The Government Accountability Office shall audit all excess federal government vessel sales contracts, including resulting receivables and expenditures, entered into by the Maritime Administration during a specified period.

The bill repeals authority to scrap any vessel sold from the National Defense Reserve Fleet in an approved foreign market without obtaining additional separate DOT approval to transfer the vessel to a person not a U.S. citizen.

The Floyd D. Spence National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001 is amended to revise requirements for the selection of qualified scrapping facilities.

The Toxic Substances Control Act is amended to declare that nothing in the mandate for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) shall be construed to prohibit the dismantling of a vessel or marine structure in order to recycle recovered materials. If PCBs are found or suspected, the person dismantling the vessel or marine structure must comply with specified requirements for informing the EPA and disposing of the PCBs.

The bill repeals authorization for any foreign country to apply for an obsolete vessel to be used for an artificial reef.

The Maritime Administration shall make public on its website the full text of each memorandum of agreement and similar agreement between the Maritime Administration and any other agency, department, or person.

ships recycled states act act bill requires department_of_transportation dot coordination department_of_the_navy report congress program disposal government owned merchant vessels disposal obsolete government owned vessels government_accountability_office shall audit excess federal government vessel sales contracts including resulting receivables expenditures entered maritime_administration specified period bill repeals authority vessel sold national_defense_reserve_fleet approved foreign market obtaining additional separate dot approval transfer vessel person citizen floyd spence national defense authorization act fiscal year amended revise requirements selection qualified facilities toxic_substances_control_act amended declare mandate environmental_protection_agency epa regulate polychlorinated biphenyls shall construed prohibit dismantling vessel marine structure order recycle recovered materials found suspected person dismantling vessel marine structure comply specified requirements informing epa disposing bill repeals authorization foreign country apply obsolete vessel artificial reef maritime administration shall public website text memorandum agreement similar agreement maritime_administration agency department person