S.407 - Ensuring Coast Guard Readiness Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.407, the Ensuring Coast Guard Readiness Act, proposes an exception to the existing prohibition on constructing Coast Guard vessels in foreign shipyards. This exception would allow the President to authorize such construction if it's deemed in the national security interest. The bill stipulates that the foreign shipyard must be located in a NATO member country or a country with a mutual defense treaty with the US in the Indo-Pacific region and that the cost must be lower than domestic construction.
Expected Effects
The bill, if enacted, would allow the Coast Guard to potentially acquire vessels more cheaply and potentially faster by utilizing foreign shipyards. This could improve Coast Guard readiness by ensuring a more modern and well-equipped fleet. However, it could also reduce domestic shipbuilding opportunities.
Potential Benefits
- Cost Savings: Allows for potentially cheaper vessel construction, freeing up resources for other Coast Guard needs.
- Improved Readiness: Could expedite vessel acquisition, leading to a more modern and capable Coast Guard fleet.
- Strategic Alliances: Strengthens relationships with NATO and Indo-Pacific allies through shipbuilding contracts.
- Flexibility: Provides the President with flexibility to address urgent national security needs.
- Addresses potential supply chain bottlenecks: Diversifies shipbuilding options, reducing reliance on domestic shipyards.
Potential Disadvantages
- Job Losses: Could lead to job losses in the domestic shipbuilding industry.
- Economic Impact: May negatively impact the US economy by shifting shipbuilding revenue overseas.
- National Security Concerns: Reliance on foreign shipyards could create vulnerabilities in the supply chain.
- Quality Control: Potential for lower quality construction compared to domestic shipyards.
- Dependency: Could increase dependence on foreign nations for critical defense assets.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution, particularly Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to provide for the common defense and regulate commerce. The President's authority to authorize exceptions based on national security interests also aligns with the executive powers vested in Article II. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or amendments.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).