Legislative Proposal for Coast Guard Oversight
Senator Rick Scott has formally introduced S. 5069, the Coast Guard Leadership Modernization Act, a legislative proposal aimed at fundamentally altering the command structure of the United States Coast Guard. The bill, introduced on July 22, 2026, seeks to establish a new civilian position of Secretary of the Coast Guard to serve as the service’s primary official, while maintaining its existing status within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Under the proposed framework, the Secretary of the Coast Guard would be a presidential appointment requiring Senate confirmation. The bill mandates that the appointee be a civilian, ideally possessing extensive management and leadership experience. To ensure a clear distinction between civilian oversight and military command, the legislation stipulates that former active-duty military officers would be ineligible for the role until seven years after their departure from service. Furthermore, individuals currently holding other presidential appointments covered by the bill would be barred from concurrent service in this new role.
Command Structure and Operational Changes
The legislation outlines a clear hierarchy intended to streamline decision-making. The Secretary of the Coast Guard would report directly to the Secretary of Homeland Security, effectively removing intermediate layers of bureaucratic oversight. The Commandant of the Coast Guard would remain in place as the senior military officer, reporting directly to the new Secretary of the Coast Guard. While the Commandant would retain authority over military duties and the ability to provide advice to the National Security Council and other high-level departments, such actions would be subject to prior notification to the new Secretary.
In addition to the Secretary position, the bill proposes the creation of an Under Secretary of the Coast Guard, also requiring presidential appointment and Senate confirmation. This official would support the Secretary in executing their duties. The bill includes various technical amendments to Title 10, Title 14, and the Homeland Security Act to ensure that legal references across federal statutes accurately reflect this new organizational structure.
Scope and Legislative Context
It is important to note that S. 5069 does not propose changes to the core missions, operational funding levels, or personnel numbers of the Coast Guard. The bill is strictly organizational, focusing on the top-level management structure. As of late July 2026, the bill has secured two cosponsors in the Senate. This proposal is part of a broader series of legislative efforts by Senator Scott, who has recently introduced measures regarding labor certification, Coast Guard Academy appointments, and water infrastructure.