(Updated June 26, 2006)

Conference Report to H.R. 889
Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2005

Floor Situation

The House is scheduled to consider the Conference Report to H.R. 889, under suspension of the rules, on Monday, June 26, 2006. The bill is debatable for 40 minutes, may not be amended, and requires a two-thirds majority vote for passage.

Summary

The Conference Report to accompany H.R. 889 includes the following provisions:

• Provides $1.6 billion funding level for the Integrated Deepwater Systems (Deepwater) Program, the Coast Guard’s program to replace or modernize the ships and aircraft used in the Coast Guard’s deepwater missions;
• Requires a detailed Deepwater implementation report;
• Makes several changes to existing law regarding the activities of the Coast Guard, shipping and navigation and the maritime transportation system;
• Authorizes the Coast Guard to establish Naval Vessel Protection Zones up to 12 nautical miles offshore;
• Authorizes the Coast Guard to conduct international training and to provide technical assistance to international navies, coast guards and maritime authorities during regular Coast Guard operations;
• Authorizes the Coast Guard to inspect ferries for maritime safety purposes;
• Requires the Coast Guard to detail adequate personnel to assure that Great Lakes pilotage rates are adjusted annually;
• Requires the Coast Guard to develop a long-term plan to recapitalize the service’s polar icebreakers;
• Promotes the transportation of liquefied natural gas (LNG) on U.S. Flag vessels;
• Establishes a long-range vessel tracking system pilot project;
• Requires vessel operators to notify the Coast Guard of any release of an object that may create a hazard to navigation;
• Adjusts oil spill liability limits for tank and nontank vessels to reflect changes in inflation;
• Authorizes the Federal government to purchase any property that was the principal residence of a member or related employee of the Coast Guard that was damaged by Hurricane Katrina in the States of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, or Texas;
• Requires the Coast Guard to report to Congress on the additional costs associated with the Coast Guard’s response to Hurricane Katrina;
• Authorizes the Coast Guard to temporarily extend the expiration of licenses and documents for mariners that were affected by Hurricane Katrina and certificates of inspection and compliance for vessels that are inspected by marine safety offices that are located in the impacted region.

Legislative History

H.R. 889 was introduced by Rep. Young (AK) on February 17, 2005. The bill was reported, as amended, by voice vote from the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on May 18, 2005. On July 28, 2005, House Report 109-204 Part 1 was filed. The bill was discharged from the Homeland Security Committee on July 29, 2005. On September 15, 2006, the House passed H.R. 889 by a recorded vote of  415-0 (Roll no. 474). The Senate passed H.R. 889 in lieu of S.1280 with an amendment by Unanimous Consent on October 27, 2005. Conference Report 109-413 was filed on April 6, 2006.

For additional information or questions, please contact the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee at 5-9446.