PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Sep 9, 2016
Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Amendments Act of 2016
This bill makes several changes to the U.S. Coast Guard major acquisition system. The changes are designed to establish a customer-oriented acquisition system.
The bill expands the acquisition responsibilities of the Coast Guard's Chief Acquisition Officer and Vice Commandant. Additionally, the bill limits the Coast Guard's authority to procure unmanned aerial systems (drones).
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
The Coast Guard may extend an acquisition contract without competition if the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) approves. DHS must study the effects that multi-year contracting has on Coast Guard acquisition programs.
The bill also requires the Coast Guard to make payment based on a predetermined fixed amount to the Department of Defense (DOD) for medical care of current or former members of the Coast Guard and their dependents at DOD facilities.
The bill revises the deadline for when certain fishing vessels must be in compliance with the alternative safety compliance program.
National Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Resilience and Security Act of 2016
The Coast Guard must also develop a land-based system to backup its Global Positioning System (GPS).
The Coast Guard is authorized to reimburse private entities for costs incurred to construct projects that facilitate safe and efficient marine transportation.
People & committees
Rep. Hunter, Duncan D. [R-CA-50] · R–CA
Legislative record
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Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5894-5897)
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H5894-5897)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5978.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5894-5905)
Mr. Hunter moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Discharged.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.
Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
Text links open the official source. We currently store references to these documents.
Source last updated: Sep 8, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.R.5978 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
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