S. 2652: Pacific Ready Coast Guard Act

The Pacific Ready Coast Guard Act aims to enhance the operational readiness of the U.S. Coast Guard in the Pacific region through a series of legislative requirements for planning, budgeting, and reporting on these operations. Here’s a breakdown of the main components of the bill:

Annual Plan for Coast Guard Operations

The bill mandates that the Commandant of the Coast Guard, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense, must submit an annual operational plan for Coast Guard activities in the Pacific region starting no later than December 31, 2025. This plan will include:

• A list of objectives that align with the missions of the Department of State and Department of Defense.
• An assessment of the Coast Guard's capabilities to meet these objectives.
• Identification of areas in the Pacific that may benefit from increased Coast Guard presence.
• Projected demand for operations over the coming year and the next decade.
• An evaluation of the Coast Guard's ability to meet this demand, along with any limiting factors.
• A summary of resources, such as staff, infrastructure, and technology needed to support these operations.

This plan must be submitted in an unclassified form, although a classified annex may be included.

Annual Budget Display

Along with the operational plan, the Commandant is also required to provide an annual budget display for Coast Guard operations in the Pacific region. This submission must detail:

• Procurement accounts, including amounts by account and line item.
• Research and development accounts with similar detailed breakdowns.
• Operation and maintenance accounts.
• Military personnel accounts.

This budget display will be based on the objectives outlined in the previous operational plans and must be submitted in an unclassified format, also allowing for a classified annex.

Briefings to Congress

The Commandant is required to provide annual briefings to the appropriate congressional committees about the operational plan and budget display, enhancing accountability and oversight.

Feasibility Reports

The bill also includes requirements for several reports to Congress on various initiatives:

• A report on the feasibility of establishing a standing Indo-Pacific maritime group to conduct humanitarian and law enforcement missions.
• A one-year timeline report on establishing forward operating bases in the Indo-Pacific region.
• A report on the number of Coast Guard attachés in embassies within the Indo-Pacific and potential increases.
• A feasibility analysis of Department of State consular officers joining Coast Guard and Navy missions in Pacific Island countries, aimed at improving consular services.

Implementation Timeline

The bill requires these various reports and plans to be submitted within specified timeframes, including:

• 120 days post-enactment for certain feasibility studies.
• Annual updates and assessments throughout the following years.

Relevant Companies

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