Pacific Ready Coast Guard Act

This legislation aims to significantly enhance the United States Coast Guard's strategic presence and operational capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region. It mandates the establishment of a Center of Expertise in Indo-Pacific Maritime Governance , modeled after International Law Enforcement Academies, to provide education, training, and research in maritime governance best practices and regional state capacity building. The Commandant of the Coast Guard is directed to seek agreements with foreign countries for the Center's joint operation, including the provision of administrative services and facilities. Furthermore, the bill requires the Commandant to submit an annual plan for Coast Guard operations in the Pacific region , developed in consultation with the Secretaries of State and Defense. This plan must detail objectives, assess capabilities, identify areas for increased presence, project demand for engagement over one and ten years, and outline necessary resources. Concurrently, an annual budget display for these operations is required, based on the projected demand, with both the plan and budget necessitating briefings to appropriate congressional committees. The legislation also mandates several key reports to inform future strategic decisions. These include a report on the feasibility of establishing a standing Indo-Pacific maritime group , similar to NATO's, for humanitarian and law enforcement missions, and another on the establishment of forward operating bases in the region, including costs, locations, and a timeline for completion by January 1, 2030. Finally, a report is required on Coast Guard attaches serving in Indo-Pacific embassies, assessing current numbers, identifying needs for increased allocation, and outlining a plan to achieve those increases.