Description:
The bill would Reauthorize and amend programs administered by the Coast Guard (USCG) and the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) Provide mandatory funding for the USCG to cover the cost of pay and benefits for certain personnel in the event of a lapse in discretionary appropriations for the USCG Make amounts in the Coast Guard Housing Fund and the Abandoned Seafarers Fund available for use without further appropriation Require the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to study and submit reports on maritime programs Impose a civil penalty on certain vessel operators who do not wear an engine cut-off switch Estimated budgetary effects would primarily stem from Authorizing appropriations for USCG and FMC programs for fiscal years 2020 and 2021 Permitting the USCG to incur certain obligations and expend federal funds without further appropriation Areas of significant uncertainty include The timing and duration of possible lapses in discretionary appropriations The number of events that could cause additional payments to oil spill response organizations
