Coast Guard Leadership Modernization Act

The "Coast Guard Leadership Modernization Act" proposes a significant restructuring of the Coast Guard's leadership by establishing a new civilian Secretary of the Coast Guard. This Secretary would be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, and must be a civilian with limitations on recent military service. The bill also creates an Under Secretary of the Coast Guard, also a civilian appointee, to assist the Secretary in their duties.

Under this new structure, the existing Commandant of the Coast Guard, a military officer, would report directly to the new civilian Secretary of the Coast Guard, rather than the Secretary of Homeland Security. The Commandant would retain military duties and the ability to provide independent advice to high-level officials after informing the new Secretary. The legislation includes conforming amendments across various U.S. Code titles to integrate these new leadership positions and reporting lines within the Department of Homeland Security.