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‘‘(2) to ensure the availability of uncorrupted 
and non-degraded timing signals for military and ci-
vilian users in the event that GPS timing signals are 
corrupted, degraded, unreliable, or otherwise un-
available. 
‘‘(b) ESTABLISHMENT OF REQUIREMENTS.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days 
after the date of enactment of the National Timing 
Resilience and Security Act of 2018, the Secretary 
shall establish requirements for the procurement of 
a land-based complement to and backup for the tim-
ing component of GPS. 
‘‘(2) REQUIREMENTS.—The Secretary shall 
consider the following requirements for the system, 
to the degree practicable: 
‘‘(A) Be wireless. 
‘‘(B) Be terrestrial. 
‘‘(C) Provide wide-area coverage. 
‘‘(D) Be synchronized with coordinated 
universal time. 
‘‘(E) Be resilient and extremely difficult to 
disrupt or degrade. 
‘‘(F) Be able to penetrate underground 
and inside buildings. 
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‘‘(G) Be capable of deployment to remote 
locations. 
‘‘(H) Incorporate the expertise of the pri-
vate sector with respect to development, build-
ing, and installation. 
‘‘(I) Be interoperable with and complement 
other similar positioning, navigation, and tim-
ing systems, including enhanced long-range 
navigation systems and Nationwide Differential 
GPS systems. 
‘‘(J) Be available for use by Federal and 
non-Federal government agencies for public 
purposes at no cost. 
‘‘(K) Be capable of adaptation and expan-
sion to provide position and navigation capabili-
ties. 
‘‘(L) Incorporate the recommendations and 
next actions from any GPS back-up capability 
demonstration program initiated and completed 
by the Secretary, in coordination with other 
Federal agencies. 
‘‘(M) Incorporate such other requirements 
determined necessary by the Secretary. 
‘‘(c) IMPLEMENTATION PLAN.—Not later than 1 year 
after the date of enactment of the National Timing Resil-
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ience and Security Act of 2018, the Secretary shall provide 
to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor-
tation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation 
and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a plan 
to implement the establishment of the system authorized 
by subsection (a). Such plan shall describe the work nec-
essary to provide a follow-on complementary and backup 
positioning and navigation capability. 
‘‘(d) FUNDING.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of the de-
partment in which the Coast Guard is operating 
shall transfer, without reimbursement, to the Sec-
retary to carry out this section the following: 
‘‘(A) Notwithstanding section 914 of title 
14, or any other provision of law, such infra-
structure comprising the Long-Range Naviga-
tion (LORAN) system, including any real and 
personal property under the administrative con-
trol of the Coast Guard and used for the 
LORAN system, as the Secretary determines 
necessary for the purposes described in sub-
section (a). 
‘‘(B) Any funds specifically appropriated 
or made available for the purposes described in 
subsection (a), and such funds shall remain 
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available until expended, without fiscal year 
limitation. 
‘‘(2) LIABILITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES.— 
‘‘(A) Nothing in this subsection may be 
construed to limit the application of or other-
wise affect section 120(h) of the Comprehensive 
Environmental Response, Compensation, and 
Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9620(h)). 
‘‘(B) The Secretary shall assume all envi-
ronmental compliance and restoration respon-
sibilities and liabilities associated with real 
property transferred under paragraph (1)(A). 
‘‘(e) AGREEMENT.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Federal agencies may not 
make commitments under this section (including co-
operative agreements (as that term is defined under 
section 6305 of title 31), leases, service contracts, or 
any other type of commitment) unless funds are spe-
cifically provided for such purposes in advance in 
subsequent appropriations Acts, and only to the ex-
tent that the full extent of anticipated costs stem-
ming from such commitments is recorded as an obli-
gation up front and in full at the time it is made. 
‘‘(2) COMPETITION REQUIRED.—The Secretary 
shall use competitive procedures similar to those au-
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thorized under section 2667 of title 10 in selecting 
an entity to enter into an agreement to fulfill the 
purpose or this section. 
‘‘(3) DETERMINATION.—Prior to entering into 
any agreement under this subsection, the Secretary 
must determine that the use of such agreement is in 
the best financial interest of the Federal Govern-
ment. 
‘‘(f) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
‘‘(1) ENTITY.—The term ‘entity’ means a non- 
Federal entity with the demonstrated technical ex-
pertise and requisite administrative and financial re-
sources to meet any such terms and conditions as 
may be established by the Secretary. 
‘‘(2) GPS.—The term ‘GPS’ means the Global 
Positioning System. 
‘‘(3) SECRETARY.—The term ‘Secretary’ means 
the Secretary of Transportation.’’. 
(c) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of contents for 
chapter 3 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
adding at the end the following: 
‘‘312. Alternative timing system.’’. 
SEC. 4515. SCIENTIFIC PERSONNEL. 
Section 2101(31) of title 46, United States Code, is 
amended— 
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(1) by inserting ‘‘(A) Subject to subparagraph 
(B),’’ before the text; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(B)(i) Such term includes an individual who is 
on board an oceanographic research vessel only to— 
‘‘(I) engage in scientific research; 
‘‘(II) instruct in oceanography or lim-
nology; or 
‘‘(III) receive instruction in oceanography 
or limnology. 
‘‘(ii) For purposes of clause (i), the age of an 
individual may not be considered in determining 
whether the individual is described in such clause.’’. 
SEC. 4516. TRANSPARENCY. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Commandant of the Coast 
Guard shall publish any letter of determination issued by 
the Coast Guard National Vessel Documentation Center 
after the date of the enactment of this Act on the National 
Vessel Documentation Center website not later than 30 
days after the date of issuance of such letter of determina-
tion. 
(b) AUDIT.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Comptroller General of 
the United States shall conduct an audit, the results 
of which shall be made publicly available, of— 
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(A) the method or process by which the 
Coast Guard National Vessel Documentation 
Center develops policy for and documents com-
pliance with the requirements of section 67.97 
of title 46, Code of Federal Regulations, for the 
purpose of issuing endorsements under section 
12112 and 12113 of title 46, United States 
Code; 
(B) the coordination between the Coast 
Guard and U.S. Customs and Border Protec-
tion with respect to the enforcement of such re-
quirements; and 
(C) the extent to which the Secretary of 
the department in which the Coast Guard is op-
erating and the Secretary of Transportation, 
through the Maritime Administration, have 
published and disseminated information to pro-
mote compliance with applicable vessel con-
struction requirements. 
(2) REPORT.—Not later than 90 days after the 
audit under paragraph (1) is complete, the Comp-
troller General of the United States shall submit to 
the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Trans-
portation of the Senate and the Committee on 
Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
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Representatives a report regarding the results of 
and recommendations made pursuant to such audit. 
(c) OUTLINE.—Not later than 180 days after the 
date of the submission of the Comptroller General of the 
United States report required under subsection (b), the 
Commandant of the Coast Guard shall submit to the Com-
mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infra-
structure of the House of Representatives an outline of 
plans— 
(1) to enhance the transparency of the docu-
mentation process, and communications with the 
maritime industry regarding such process over the 
next 5 years; and 
(2) to implement the recommendations made by 
the Comptroller General of the United States in the 
report required under subsection (b)(2). 
TITLE XLVI—ADVISORY 
COMMITTEES 
SEC. 4601. NATIONAL MARITIME TRANSPORTATION ADVI-
SORY COMMITTEES. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Subtitle II of title 46, United 
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the fol-
lowing: 
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‘‘PART K—NATIONAL MARITIME 
TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEES 
‘‘CHAPTER 
151—NATIONAL 
MARITIME 
TRANSPORTATION 
ADVISORY 
COM-
MITTEES 
‘‘Sec. 
‘‘15101. National Chemical Transportation Safety Advisory Committee. 
‘‘15102. National Commercial Fishing Safety Advisory Committee. 
‘‘15103. National Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee. 
‘‘15104. National Merchant Mariner Medical Advisory Committee. 
‘‘15105. National Boating Safety Advisory Committee. 
‘‘15106. National Offshore Safety Advisory Committee. 
‘‘15107. National Navigation Safety Advisory Committee. 
‘‘15108. National Towing Safety Advisory Committee. 
‘‘15109. Administration. 
‘‘§ 15101. National Chemical Transportation Safety 
Advisory Committee 
‘‘(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is established a Na-
tional Chemical Transportation Safety Advisory Com-
mittee (in this section referred to as the ‘Committee’). 
‘‘(b) FUNCTION.—The Committee shall advise the 
Secretary on matters relating to the safe and secure ma-
rine transportation of hazardous materials. 
‘‘(c) MEMBERSHIP.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Committee shall con-
sist of not more than 25 members appointed by the 
Secretary in accordance with this section and section 
15109 of this chapter. 
‘‘(2) EXPERTISE.—Each member of the Com-
mittee shall have particular expertise, knowledge, 
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and experience in matters relating to the function of 
the Committee. 
‘‘(3) REPRESENTATION.—Each member of the 
Committee shall represent 1 of the following: 
‘‘(A) Chemical manufacturing entities. 
‘‘(B) Entities related to marine handling 
or transportation of chemicals. 
‘‘(C) Vessel design and construction enti-
ties. 
‘‘(D) Marine safety or security entities. 
‘‘(E) Marine environmental protection enti-
ties. 
‘‘(4) 
DISTRIBUTION.—The 
Secretary 
shall, 
based on the needs of the Coast Guard, determine 
the number of members of the Committee who rep-
resent each entity specified in paragraph (3). Nei-
ther this paragraph nor any other provision of law 
shall be construed to require an equal distribution of 
members representing each entity specified in para-
graph (3). 
‘‘§ 15102. National Commercial Fishing Safety Advi-
sory Committee 
‘‘(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is established a Na-
tional Commercial Fishing Safety Advisory Committee (in 
this section referred to as the ‘Committee’). 
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‘‘(b) FUNCTION.—The Committee shall— 
‘‘(1) advise the Secretary on matters relating to 
the safe operation of vessels to which chapter 45 of 
this title applies, including the matters of— 
‘‘(A) navigation safety; 
‘‘(B) safety equipment and procedures; 
‘‘(C) marine insurance; 
‘‘(D) vessel design, construction, mainte-
nance, and operation; and 
‘‘(E) personnel qualifications and training; 
and 
‘‘(2) review regulations proposed under chapter 
45 of this title (during preparation of the regula-
tions). 
‘‘(c) MEMBERSHIP.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Committee shall con-
sist of 18 members appointed by the Secretary in ac-
cordance with this section and section 15109 of this 
chapter. 
‘‘(2) EXPERTISE.—Each member of the Com-
mittee shall have particular expertise, knowledge, 
and experience in matters relating to the function of 
the Committee. 
‘‘(3) REPRESENTATION.—Members of the Com-
mittee shall be appointed as follows: 
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‘‘(F) 1 member shall represent owners of 
vessels to which chapter 45 of this title applies. 
‘‘(G) 3 members shall represent the gen-
eral public and, to the extent possible, shall in-
clude— 
‘‘(i) an independent expert or consult-
ant in maritime safety; 
‘‘(ii) a marine surveyor who provides 
services to vessels to which chapter 45 of 
this title applies; and 
‘‘(iii) a person familiar with issues af-
fecting fishing communities and the fami-
lies of fishermen. 
‘‘§ 15103. National Merchant Marine Personnel Advi-
sory Committee 
‘‘(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is established a Na-
tional Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee (in 
this section referred to as the ‘Committee’). 
‘‘(b) FUNCTION.—The Committee shall advise the 
Secretary on matters relating to personnel in the United 
States merchant marine, including the training, qualifica-
tions, certification, documentation, and fitness of mari-
ners. 
‘‘(c) MEMBERSHIP.— 
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‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Committee shall con-
sist of 19 members appointed by the Secretary in ac-
cordance with this section and section 15109 of this 
chapter. 
‘‘(2) EXPERTISE.—Each member of the Com-
mittee shall have particular expertise, knowledge, 
and experience in matters relating to the function of 
the Committee. 
‘‘(3) REPRESENTATION.—Members of the Com-
mittee shall be appointed as follows: 
‘‘(A) 9 members shall represent mariners 
and, of the 9— 
‘‘(i) each shall— 
‘‘(I) be a citizen of the United 
States; and 
‘‘(II) hold an active license or 
certificate issued under chapter 71 of 
this title or a merchant mariner docu-
ment issued under chapter 73 of this 
title; 
‘‘(ii) 3 shall be deck officers who rep-
resent merchant marine deck officers and, 
of the 3— 
‘‘(I) 2 shall be licensed for oceans 
any gross tons; 
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‘‘(II) 1 shall be licensed for in-
land river route with a limited or un-
limited tonnage; 
‘‘(III) 2 shall have a master’s li-
cense or a master of towing vessels li-
cense; 
‘‘(IV) 1 shall have significant 
tanker experience; and 
‘‘(V) to the extent practicable— 
‘‘(aa) 
shall 
represent 
labor; and 
‘‘(bb) 1 shall represent man-
agement; 
‘‘(iii) 3 shall be engineering officers 
who represent merchant marine engineer-
ing officers and, of the 3— 
‘‘(I) 2 shall be licensed as chief 
engineer any horsepower; 
‘‘(II) 1 shall be licensed as either 
a limited chief engineer or a des-
ignated duty engineer; and 
‘‘(III) to the extent practicable— 
‘‘(aa) 
shall 
represent 
labor; and 
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‘‘(bb) 1 shall represent man-
agement; 
‘‘(iv) 2 shall be unlicensed seamen 
who represent merchant marine unlicensed 
seaman and, of the 2— 
‘‘(I) 1 shall represent able-bodied 
seamen; and 
‘‘(II) 1 shall represent qualified 
members of the engine department; 
and 
‘‘(v) 1 shall be a pilot who represents 
merchant marine pilots. 
‘‘(B) 6 members shall represent marine 
educators and, of the 6— 
‘‘(i) 3 shall be marine educators who 
represent maritime academies and, of the 
3— 
‘‘(I) 2 shall represent State mari-
time academies (and are jointly rec-
ommended by such academies); and 
‘‘(II) 1 shall represent either 
State maritime academies or the 
United States Merchant Marine Acad-
emy; and 
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‘‘(ii) 3 shall be marine educators who 
represent other maritime training institu-
tions and, of the 3, 1 shall represent the 
small vessel industry. 
‘‘(C) 2 members shall represent shipping 
companies employed in ship operation manage-
ment. 
‘‘(D) 2 members shall represent the gen-
eral public. 
‘‘§ 15104. National Merchant Mariner Medical Advi-
sory Committee 
‘‘(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is established a Na-
tional Merchant Mariner Medical Advisory Committee (in 
this section referred to as the ‘Committee’). 
‘‘(b) FUNCTION.—The Committee shall advise the 
Secretary on matters relating to— 
‘‘(1) medical certification determinations for the 
issuance of licenses, certification of registry, and 
merchant mariners’ documents with respect to mer-
chant mariners; 
‘‘(2) medical standards and guidelines for the 
physical qualifications of operators of commercial 
vessels; 
‘‘(3) medical examiner education; and 
‘‘(4) medical research. 
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‘‘(K) 1 member shall represent the general 
public (but not a specific environmental group). 
‘‘§ 15107. National Navigation Safety Advisory Com-
mittee 
‘‘(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is established a Na-
tional Navigation Safety Advisory Committee (in this sec-
tion referred to as the ‘Committee’). 
‘‘(b) FUNCTION.—The Committee shall advise the 
Secretary on matters relating to maritime collisions, 
rammings, and groundings, Inland Rules of the Road, 
International Rules of the Road, navigation regulations 
and equipment, routing measures, marine information, 
and aids to navigation systems. 
‘‘(c) MEMBERSHIP.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Committee shall con-
sist of not more than 21 members appointed by the 
Secretary in accordance with this section and section 
15109 of this chapter. 
‘‘(2) EXPERTISE.—Each member of the Com-
mittee shall have particular expertise, knowledge, 
and experience in matters relating to the function of 
the Committee. 
‘‘(3) REPRESENTATION.—Each member of the 
Committee shall represent 1 of the following: 
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‘‘(A) Commercial vessel owners or opera-
tors. 
‘‘(B) Professional mariners. 
‘‘(C) Recreational boaters. 
‘‘(D) The recreational boating industry. 
‘‘(E) State agencies responsible for vessel 
or port safety. 
‘‘(F) The Maritime Law Association. 
‘‘(4) 
DISTRIBUTION.—The 
Secretary 
shall, 
based on the needs of the Coast Guard, determine 
the number of members of the Committee who rep-
resent each entity specified in paragraph (3). Nei-
ther this paragraph nor any other provision of law 
shall be construed to require an equal distribution of 
members representing each entity specified in para-
graph (3). 
‘‘§ 15108. National Towing Safety Advisory Committee 
‘‘(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is established a Na-
tional Towing Safety Advisory Committee (in this section 
referred to as the ‘Committee’). 
‘‘(b) FUNCTION.—The Committee shall advise the 
Secretary on matters relating to shallow-draft inland navi-
gation, coastal waterway navigation, and towing safety. 
‘‘(c) MEMBERSHIP.— 
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‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Committee shall con-
sist of 18 members appointed by the Secretary in ac-
cordance with this section and section 15109 of this 
chapter. 
‘‘(2) EXPERTISE.—Each member of the Com-
mittee shall have particular expertise, knowledge, 
and experience in matters relating to the function of 
the Committee. 
‘‘(3) REPRESENTATION.—Members of the Com-
mittee shall be appointed as follows: 
‘‘(A) 7 members shall represent the barge 
and towing industry, reflecting a regional geo-
graphic balance. 
‘‘(B) 1 member shall represent the offshore 
mineral and oil supply vessel industry. 
‘‘(C) 1 member shall represent masters 
and pilots of towing vessels who hold active li-
censes and have experience on the Western Riv-
ers and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. 
‘‘(D) 1 member shall represent masters of 
towing vessels in offshore service who hold ac-
tive licenses. 
‘‘(E) 1 member shall represent masters of 
active ship-docking or harbor towing vessels. 
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‘‘(F) 1 member shall represent licensed 
and unlicensed towing vessel engineers with for-
mal training and experience. 
‘‘(G) 2 members shall represent port dis-
tricts, authorities, or terminal operators. 
‘‘(H) 2 members shall represent shippers 
and, of the 2, 1 shall be engaged in the ship-
ment of oil or hazardous materials by barge. 
‘‘(I) 2 members shall represent the general 
public. 
‘‘§ 15109. Administration 
‘‘(a) MEETINGS.—Each committee established under 
this chapter shall, at least once each year, meet at the 
call of the Secretary or a majority of the members of the 
committee. 
‘‘(b) EMPLOYEE STATUS.—A member of a committee 
established under this chapter shall not be considered an 
employee of the Federal Government by reason of service 
on such committee, except for the purposes of the fol-
lowing: 
‘‘(1) Chapter 81 of title 5. 
‘‘(2) Chapter 171 of title 28 and any other 
Federal law relating to tort liability. 
‘‘(c) COMPENSATION.—Notwithstanding subsection 
(b), a member of a committee established under this chap-
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ter, when actually engaged in the performance of the du-
ties of such committee, may— 
‘‘(1) receive compensation at a rate established 
by the Secretary, not to exceed the maximum daily 
rate payable under section 5376 of title 5; or 
‘‘(2) if not compensated in accordance with 
paragraph (1)— 
‘‘(A) be reimbursed for actual and reason-
able expenses incurred in the performance of 
such duties; or 
‘‘(B) be allowed travel expenses, including 
per diem in lieu of subsistence, as authorized by 
section 5703 of title 5. 
‘‘(d) ACCEPTANCE
OF VOLUNTEER SERVICES.—A 
member of a committee established under this chapter 
may serve on such committee on a voluntary basis without 
pay without regard to section 1342 of title 31 or any other 
law. 
‘‘(e) STATUS OF MEMBERS.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in para-
graph (2), with respect to a member of a committee 
established under this chapter whom the Secretary 
appoints to represent an entity or group— 
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‘‘(A) the member is authorized to rep-
resent the interests of the applicable entity or 
group; and 
‘‘(B) requirements under Federal law that 
would interfere with such representation and 
that apply to a special Government employee 
(as defined in section 202(a) of title 18), in-
cluding requirements relating to employee con-
duct, political activities, ethics, conflicts of in-
terest, and corruption, do not apply to the 
member. 
‘‘(2) EXCEPTION.—Notwithstanding subsection 
(b), a member of a committee established under this 
chapter shall be treated as a special Government em-
ployee for purposes of the committee service of the 
member if— 
‘‘(A) the Secretary appointed the member 
to represent the general public; or 
‘‘(B) the member, without regard to serv-
ice on the committee, is a special Government 
employee. 
‘‘(f) SERVICE ON COMMITTEE.— 
‘‘(1) SOLICITATION OF NOMINATIONS.—Before 
appointing an individual as a member of a com-
mittee established under this chapter, the Secretary 
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shall publish, in the Federal Register, a timely no-
tice soliciting nominations for membership on such 
committee. 
‘‘(2) APPOINTMENTS.— 
‘‘(A) 
IN
GENERAL.—After 
considering 
nominations received pursuant to a notice pub-
lished under paragraph (1), the Secretary may, 
as necessary, appoint a member to the applica-
ble committee established under this chapter. 
‘‘(B) PROHIBITION.—The Secretary shall 
not seek, consider, or otherwise use information 
concerning the political affiliation of a nominee 
in making an appointment to any committee es-
tablished under this chapter. 
‘‘(3) SERVICE
AT
PLEASURE
OF
THE
SEC-
RETARY.— 
‘‘(A) IN
GENERAL.—Each member of a 
committee established under this chapter shall 
serve at the pleasure of the Secretary. 
‘‘(B) EXCEPTION.—Notwithstanding sub-
paragraph (A), a member of the committee es-
tablished under section 15102 may only be re-
moved prior to the end of the term of that 
member for just cause. 
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‘‘(4) SECURITY BACKGROUND EXAMINATIONS.— 
The Secretary may require an individual to have 
passed an appropriate security background examina-
tion before appointment to a committee established 
under this chapter. 
‘‘(5) PROHIBITION.— 
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in 
subparagraph (B), a Federal employee may not 
be appointed as a member of a committee es-
tablished under this chapter. 
‘‘(B) SPECIAL RULE FOR NATIONAL MER-
CHANT
MARINE
PERSONNEL
ADVISORY
COM-
MITTEE.—The Secretary may appoint a Federal 
employee to serve as a member of the National 
Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Com-
mittee to represent the interests of the United 
States Merchant Marine Academy and, notwith-
standing paragraphs (1) and (2), may do so 
without soliciting, receiving, or considering 
nominations for such appointment. 
‘‘(6) TERMS.— 
‘‘(A) IN
GENERAL.—The term of each 
member of a committee established under this 
chapter shall expire on December 31 of the 
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third full year after the effective date of the ap-
pointment. 
‘‘(B) CONTINUED SERVICE AFTER TERM.— 
When the term of a member of a committee es-
tablished under this chapter ends, the member, 
for a period not to exceed 1 year, may continue 
to serve as a member until a successor is ap-
pointed. 
‘‘(7) VACANCIES.—A vacancy on a committee 
established under this chapter shall be filled in the 
same manner as the original appointment. 
‘‘(8) SPECIAL RULE FOR REAPPOINTMENTS.— 
Notwithstanding paragraphs (1) and (2), the Sec-
retary may reappoint a member of a committee es-
tablished under this chapter for any term, other 
than the first term of the member, without solic-
iting, receiving, or considering nominations for such 
appointment. 
‘‘(g) STAFF SERVICES.—The Secretary shall furnish 
to each committee established under this chapter any staff 
and services considered by the Secretary to be necessary 
for the conduct of the committee’s functions. 
‘‘(h) CHAIRMAN; VICE CHAIRMAN.— 
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‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Each committee established 
under this chapter shall elect a Chairman and Vice 
Chairman from among the committee’s members. 
‘‘(2) VICE CHAIRMAN ACTING AS CHAIRMAN.— 
The Vice Chairman shall act as Chairman in the ab-
sence or incapacity of, or in the event of a vacancy 
in the office of, the Chairman. 
‘‘(i) SUBCOMMITTEES AND WORKING GROUPS.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Chairman of a com-
mittee established under this chapter may establish 
and disestablish subcommittees and working groups 
for any purpose consistent with the function of the 
committee. 
‘‘(2) PARTICIPANTS.—Subject to conditions im-
posed by the Chairman, members of a committee es-
tablished under this chapter and additional persons 
drawn from entities or groups designated by this 
chapter to be represented on the committee or the 
general public may be assigned to subcommittees 
and working groups established under paragraph 
(1). 
‘‘(3) CHAIR.—Only committee members may 
chair subcommittees and working groups established 
under paragraph (1). 
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‘‘(j) CONSULTATION, ADVICE, REPORTS, AND REC-
OMMENDATIONS.— 
‘‘(1) CONSULTATION.— 
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Before taking any sig-
nificant action, the Secretary shall consult with, 
and consider the information, advice, and rec-
ommendations of, a committee established 
under this chapter if the function of the com-
mittee is to advise the Secretary on matters re-
lated to the significant action. 
‘‘(B) INCLUSION.—For purposes of this 
paragraph, regulations proposed under chapter 
45 of this title are significant actions. 
‘‘(2) ADVICE, REPORTS, AND
RECOMMENDA-
TIONS.—Each committee established under this 
chapter shall submit, in writing, to the Secretary its 
advice, reports, and recommendations, in a form and 
at a frequency determined appropriate by the com-
mittee. 
‘‘(3) EXPLANATION OF ACTIONS TAKEN.—Not 
later than 60 days after the date on which the Sec-
retary receives recommendations from a committee 
under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall— 
‘‘(A) publish the recommendations on a 
website accessible at no charge to the public; 
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‘‘(B) if the recommendations are from the 
committee established under section 15102, es-
tablish a mechanism for the submission of pub-
lic comments on the recommendations; and 
‘‘(C) respond, in writing, to the committee 
regarding the recommendations, including by 
providing an explanation of actions taken re-
garding the recommendations. 
‘‘(4) SUBMISSION TO CONGRESS.— 
‘‘(A) IN
GENERAL.—The Secretary shall 
submit to the Committee on Transportation and 
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives 
and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation of the Senate the advice, re-
ports, and recommendations received from com-
mittees under paragraph (2). 
‘‘(B) ADDITIONAL SUBMISSION.—With re-
spect to a committee established under section 
70112 and to which this section applies, the 
Secretary shall submit the advice, reports, and 
recommendations received from the committee 
under paragraph (2) to the Committee on 
Homeland Security of the House of Representa-
tives in addition to the committees specified in 
subparagraph (A). 
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‘‘(k) OBSERVERS.—Any Federal agency with matters 
under such agency’s administrative jurisdiction related to 
the function of a committee established under this chapter 
may designate a representative to— 
‘‘(1) attend any meeting of such committee; and 
‘‘(2) participate as an observer at meetings of 
such committee that relate to such a matter. 
‘‘(l) TERMINATION.—Each committee established 
under this chapter shall terminate on September 30, 
2027.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis for sub-
title II of title 46, United States Code, is amended by in-
serting after the item relating to chapter 147 the fol-
lowing: 
‘‘Part K–National Maritime Transportation Advisory Committees 
‘‘151. National Maritime Transportation Advisory Com-
mittees .......................................................................15101’’. 
(c) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.— 
(1) COMMERCIAL
FISHING
SAFETY
ADVISORY 
COMMITTEE.—Section 4508 of title 46, United 
States Code, and the item relating to that section in 
the analysis for chapter 45 of that title, are re-
pealed. 
(2) MERCHANT
MARINER
MEDICAL
ADVISORY 
COMMITTEE.—Section 7115 of title 46, United 
States Code, and the item relating to that section in 
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(ii) REPAIR
AND
REPLACEMENT
OF 
DEFECTS.—Section 4310(f) of title 46, 
United States Code, is amended by strik-
ing ‘‘Advisory Council’’ and inserting ‘‘Ad-
visory Committee’’. 
(5) NAVIGATION SAFETY ADVISORY COUNCIL.— 
Section 5 of the Inland Navigational Rules Act of 
1980 (33 U.S.C. 2073) is repealed. 
(6) TOWING SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE.— 
(A) REPEAL.—Public Law 96–380 (33 
U.S.C. 1231a) is repealed. 
(B) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.— 
(i) REDUCTION OF OIL SPILLS FROM 
SINGLE HULL NON-SELF-PROPELLED TANK 
VESSELS.—Section 
3719 
of 
title 
46, 
United States Code, is amended by insert-
ing ‘‘National’’ before ‘‘Towing Safety’’. 
(ii) 
SAFETY
EQUIPMENT.—Section 
4102(f)(1) of title 46, United States Code, 
is amended by inserting ‘‘National’’ before 
‘‘Towing Safety’’. 
(d) TREATMENT OF EXISTING COUNCILS AND COM-
MITTEES.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law— 
(1) an advisory council or committee substan-
tially similar to an advisory committee established 
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under chapter 151 of title 46, United States Code, 
as added by this division, and that was in force or 
in effect on the day before the date of enactment of 
this section, including a council or committee the au-
thority for which was repealed under subsection (c), 
may remain in force or in effect for a period of 2 
years from the date of enactment of this section, in-
cluding that the charter, membership, and other as-
pects of the council or committee may remain in 
force or in effect; and 
(2) during the 2-year period referenced in para-
graph (1)— 
(A) requirements relating to the applicable 
advisory committee established under chapter 
151 of title 46, United States Code, shall be 
treated as satisfied by the substantially similar 
advisory council or committee; and 
(B) the enactment of this section, includ-
ing the amendments made in this section, shall 
not be the basis— 
(i) to deem, find, or declare such 
council or committee, including the char-
ter, membership, and other aspects thereof, 
void, not in force, or not in effect; 
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(ii) to suspend the activities of such 
council or committee; or 
(iii) to bar the members of such coun-
cil or committee from meeting. 
SEC. 4602. MARITIME SECURITY ADVISORY COMMITTEES. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 70112 of title 46, United 
States Code, is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘§ 70112. Maritime Security Advisory Committees 
‘‘(a) NATIONAL
MARITIME
SECURITY
ADVISORY 
COMMITTEE.— 
‘‘(1) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is established a 
National Maritime Security Advisory Committee (in 
this subsection referred to as the ‘Committee’). 
‘‘(2) FUNCTION.—The Committee shall advise 
the Secretary on matters relating to national mari-
time security. 
‘‘(3) MEMBERSHIP.— 
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The Committee shall 
consist of at least 8 members, but not more 
than 21 members, appointed by the Secretary 
in accordance with this subsection and section 
15109 of this title. 
‘‘(B) EXPERTISE.—Each member of the 
Committee shall have particular expertise, 
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knowledge, and experience in matters relating 
to the function of the Committee. 
‘‘(C) REPRESENTATION.—Each of the fol-
lowing shall be represented by at least 1 mem-
ber of the Committee: 
‘‘(i) Port authorities. 
‘‘(ii) Facilities owners and operators. 
‘‘(iii) Terminal owners and operators. 
‘‘(iv) Vessel owners and operators. 
‘‘(v) Maritime labor organizations. 
‘‘(vi) The academic community. 
‘‘(vii) State and local governments. 
‘‘(viii) The maritime industry. 
‘‘(D) DISTRIBUTION.—If the Committee 
consists of at least 8 members who, together, 
satisfy the minimum representation require-
ments of subparagraph (C), the Secretary shall, 
based on the needs of the Coast Guard, deter-
mine the number of additional members of the 
Committee who represent each entity specified 
in that subparagraph. Neither this subpara-
graph nor any other provision of law shall be 
construed to require an equal distribution of 
members representing each entity specified in 
subparagraph (C). 
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‘‘(4) ADMINISTRATION.—For purposes of sec-
tion 15109 of this title, the Committee shall be 
treated as a committee established under chapter 
151 of such title. 
‘‘(b) AREA MARITIME SECURITY ADVISORY COMMIT-
TEES.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.— 
‘‘(A) 
ESTABLISHMENT.—The 
Secretary 
may— 
‘‘(i) establish an Area Maritime Secu-
rity Advisory Committee for any port area 
of the United States; and 
‘‘(ii) request such a committee to re-
view the proposed Area Maritime Trans-
portation Security Plan developed under 
section 70103(b) and make recommenda-
tions to the Secretary that the committee 
considers appropriate. 
‘‘(B) ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS AND MEET-
INGS.—A committee established under this sub-
section for an area— 
‘‘(i) may advise, consult with, report 
to, and make recommendations to the Sec-
retary on matters relating to maritime se-
curity in that area; 
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‘‘(ii) may make available to the Con-
gress recommendations that the committee 
makes to the Secretary; and 
‘‘(iii) shall meet at the call of— 
‘‘(I) the Secretary, who shall call 
such a meeting at least once during 
each calendar year; or 
‘‘(II) a majority of the com-
mittee. 
‘‘(2) MEMBERSHIP.— 
‘‘(A) IN
GENERAL.—Each committee es-
tablished under this subsection shall consist of 
at least 7 members appointed by the Secretary, 
each of whom has at least 5 years practical ex-
perience in maritime security operations. 
‘‘(B) TERMS.—The term of each member 
of a committee established under this sub-
section shall be for a period of not more than 
5 years, specified by the Secretary. 
‘‘(C) NOTICE.—Before appointing an indi-
vidual to a position on a committee established 
under this subsection, the Secretary shall pub-
lish a notice in the Federal Register soliciting 
nominations for membership on the committee. 
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(b) CONDITIONS.—The Commandant may not pro-
vide reimbursement under subsection (a) with respect to 
a covered project unless— 
(1) the need for the project is a result of the 
completion of construction with respect to a federally 
authorized navigation channel; 
(2) the Commandant determines, through an 
appropriate navigation safety analysis, that the 
project is necessary to ensure safe marine transpor-
tation; 
(3) the Commandant approves the design of the 
project to ensure that it meets all applicable Coast 
Guard aids-to-navigation standards and require-
ments; 
(4) the non-Federal entity agrees to transfer 
the project upon completion to the Coast Guard for 
operation and maintenance by the Coast Guard as a 
Federal aid to navigation; 
(5) the non-Federal entity carries out the 
project in accordance with the same laws and regula-
tions that would apply to the Coast Guard if the 
Coast Guard carried out the project, including ob-
taining all permits required for the project under 
Federal and State law; and 
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