▶ 0:00:48That's it. That's how they record the We'll have and then maybe master in the
▶ 0:01:01Test. One, two, three, four.
▶ 0:02:50This box was brought them all back in. This one was like buzzing super hard. We swapped it out. Okay. Yes.
▶ 0:17:02Heat. Heat.
▶ 0:22:49Thank you.
▶ 0:32:02Subcommittee on Coast Guard Maritime Transportation will come to order. I ask unanimous consent that the chairman be authorized to declare a recess at any time during today's hearing. Without objection, so ordered. I also ask unanimous consent that members not on the subcommittee be permitted to sit with the subcommittee at today's hearing and ask questions. Without objection, so ordered.
▶ 0:32:29As a reminder, if members insert a document into the record, please also email it to documents I now recognize myself for the purpose of an opening statement for five The maritime industry is undergoing a rapid period of transformation and including the adoption of autonomous technology and robotics that could transform the sector as well as threats from drones and cyber
▶ 0:32:59attacks that in require increased vigilance. Last in our hearing America builds maritime infrastructure we noted that the need for the United States Coast Guard to rapidly deploy a regulatory framework to enable these technologies to operate We are here today to discuss both the Coast Guard's efforts to regulate an industry incorporating these technologies as well as its known own use of
▶ 0:33:29these advanced maritime technologies. To do that, I'd like to welcome our witnesses. Forgive me if I don't get your names pronounced just right, but I'll do my best. Rear Admiral David C. Barata. Is that correct? Barata. Thank you. Deputy Commandant for Operations Policy and Assistant Commandant for Intelligence for the United States Coast Guard. Rear Admiral James Jason P.
▶ 0:33:58Thai Ma Tina Commander Coast Guard Cyber Command. Mr. Andrew Van A. I get it. Director of physical infrastructure for the Government Accountability Office. And Miss Heidi C. Perry, I got that one. The chair of the National Academics of Sciences report on leveraging unmanned science systems to for the Coast Guard missions. And I want to thank you all for being here today.
▶ 0:34:27The one big beautiful bill and the president's leadership have provided an incredible jump start for the Coast Guard to leverage new technologies to meet its infrastru future to meet its future mission needs including strengthen its ability to confront terrorist drug gangs that are bringing poison to our shores. Force Design 2028.
▶ 0:34:49The Coast Guard strategic plan to modernize and transform the service into a technology advanced and agile force is leading these efforts. Today is an opportunity to understand how the Coast Guard will leverage new technologies through its initiatives like the creation of the robotics and unmanned systems office and new robotics mission specialist rating to meet future needs.
▶ 0:35:15We also hope to understand how the Coast Guard is adapting to meet national security needs and promote interoperability with Department of War efforts like Operation Southern Spear. However, as federal agencies and our military incorporate innovations such as the autonomous surface vessels and robotic aircraft to achieve maritime domain dominance, the Coast Guard is also charged with ensuring these technologies and safely
▶ 0:35:46integrated into the maritime transportation system. This requires adopting current regulatory frameworks that balance safety and innovation to account for unmanned barges, spaceship drone ships, and other use of artificial intelligence in the maritime domain.
▶ 0:36:05The Coast Guard's collaboration and coordination with the other agencies as well as with state and local governments and industry stakeholders will be essential to its ability to meet known and yet not yet anticipated threats of the future. Thank you all again for being here today and I look forward to hearing our discussion. I now recognize ranking member Carbajal for an opening statement for five minutes.
▶ 0:36:32Thank you, Chairman Ael. Uh, as usual, I will defer to our ranking member of the Fool's Committee, uh, Mr. Larson.
▶ 0:36:41Thank you, Chair Zel and ranking member for holding today's hearing today. I appreciate it very much. Automation is going to play an increasingly important role in both commercial, maritime, and in Coast Guard operations. Coast Guard UAVs, engine automation, use of uncrrewed vessels, and the better collection and use of data will expand the reach of the service. However, new technology comes with increased costs, and to be most effective, the Coast Guard should adopt technology that supports its missions and lightens the load for service members.
▶ 0:37:11For instance, UAVs can increase the reach of the Coast Guard search and rescue operations, but no technology can replace cutters in the water or helicopters in the air. Technology must supplement and not supplant the work of service members. Technology in the commercial maritime industry presents great opportunities, including lowering emissions and improving safety. But we need rules to govern the use of those new technologies.
▶ 0:37:35The international maritime industry, where ships are often owned by investors, built in one country, registered in a different country, and operated by mariners from all over the world, that is defined by a complicated framework of regulations and oversight. In 2021, the Mayflower autonomous ship full-size a full-size research vessel crossed the Atlantic without humans on board to to demonstrate the progress and rapid development of autonomous vessel technology.
▶ 0:38:01At the time of the voyage, the Coast Guard classified the vessel as a pleasure craft because it lacked an appropriate regulatory framework. Yet, in the years since, the Coast Guard has failed to update regulations to ensure maritime safety. Current law assumes vessels are crewed by people. Developing effective regulations to govern the use of autonomous vessels will be a major undertaking requiring coordination between Congress, the Coast Guard, labor industry, and the IMO. We also have to consider the um automation's impact on maritime jobs.
▶ 0:38:31Maintaining strong middle-class jobs associated with the maritime industry is integral to maintaining safety and security at sea and in ports. When something goes wrong, I take comfort in knowing there are capable captains, engineers, and long shore workers ready to respond. The development of new vessels is an opportunity as well to incorporate low and zero carbon emission technologies into vessel design. Many vessels in use today use bunker fuel, which emit gas and pollutants linked to climate change and respiratory disease.
▶ 0:38:59I'm very pleased in my home state, as an example, we're in the process of building a fleet of hybrid electric fairies. Our state fairy system is the largest in the US and the biggest contributor of greenhouse gases among all Washington state agencies. This transition to hybrid electric fairies will greatly reduce pollution in the Pua Sound. The rest of the world is moving in the same direction. I believe that with targeted investments, US carriers, ports, and shipyards lead the way.
▶ 0:39:24So at their best, new technologies increase safety and efficiency, reduce emissions, and create better opportunities for workers. At their worst, new technologies introduce security vulnerabilities, decrease safety, increase the risk of accidents and displaced workers. I look forward to hearing from our witnesses on how we can ensure a smooth and safe transition to new maritime technologies.
▶ 0:39:45And while I will note um I was originally excited about the topic of this hearing and plan to use my time to address all the ways we can better improve the Coast Guard's technological capabilities, I do need to um reiterate that I'm very disappointed in how the Coast Guard itself has chosen to move forward with their new anti-harassment policy that downgrades hateful and divisive symbols in the workplace and I'll continue to work with the Coast Guard so that it can improve on behalf of the coast.
▶ 0:40:12So, I'll reserve some of my questions to discuss this decision by the comedant and look forward to the uh rest testimony. Thank
▶ 0:40:19Gentlemen yields back uh briefly. Mr. Carbajal, you recognized.
▶ 0:40:24Thank you, Chair Azelle, and thank you for calling today's hearing. In recent history, Congress has recognized the importance of innovation in maritime industry and the importance of providing the US Coast Guard with the state-of-the-art technology. Just this year, with the passage of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 and the budget reconciliation package, the Coast Guard is poised to make huge strides towards modernization that will significantly increase its capabilities.
▶ 0:40:54It is important, however, that Congress complement reconciliation funding with robust sustained support through increased annual appropriations. On December 8th, the Coast Guard transmitted their report on the implementation strategy on their unmanned systems program. In this report, the the Coast Guard detailed its plan resulting from the National Academy of Sciences report. I am looking forward to hearing more about this strategic plan during today's hearing.
▶ 0:41:23The two major themes that come to mind as we start to discuss the Coast Guard's investments in autonomous systems are mission enhancements and We know that Coast Guard operations have been utilizing both autonomous and UAV technology for quite some time. Having eyes in the sky without a traditional pilot provides a service with the opportunity to save flight hours and resources. Not to mention the technology is highly effective.
▶ 0:41:50But as we enter a new era of sophistication, I have concerns that the Coast Guard does not have the experience or expertise to effectively leverage new technology. New technology must must be laser focused on bolstering the capacity of service members to conduct operations. Turning to the commercial maritime sector, there is no question that the Coast Guard and the IMO are lagging with regard to the development of regulations that govern new technology.
▶ 0:42:22In cases that have resulted in delayed adoption of new technologies such as alternative fuels and others, the absence of regulations has created safety and environmental risks. The Coast Guard is the premier agency of setting safety standards on the water. We must give the Coast Guard the tools and the authorities they need to ensure safety in the future. The Coast Guard must also be proactive.
▶ 0:42:46A thorough approach to the regulation of new technology must include labor organizations, technology experts, international collaboration, and port and vessel operators. I would be remiss if I did not mention the impact that automation has on the cyber security infrastructure of US ports and vessels. I would like to hear about how the Coast Guard is currently addressing automation and the associated risks to national security and supply chain.
▶ 0:43:14While I plan to focus my questions on the topic of today's hearing, I must reiterate the comments made by ranking member Larson. It is inexcusable and outrageous that just yesterday the coast guard published a policy that classifies a display of swastikas and snoozes as a potentially divisive. Nooses and swastikas are not potentially divisive. Their display constitute a hate crime.
▶ 0:43:43as was acknowledged in past policy. We'll discuss further this issue further during my five minutes of questions. With that, I yield back.
▶ 0:43:53Gentleman yields. Briefly, I'd like to take a moment to explain the lighting system to our witnesses. There are three lights in front of you. Green means go. Yellow means you're running out of time, and red means you need to conclude your remarks. I ask unanimous consent that the witness's full statements be included in the record. Without objection, so ordered.
▶ 0:44:14I ask unanimous consent that the record of today's hearing remain open until such time as our witnesses have provided answers to any questions that may be submitted to them in writing. Without objection, so ordered. I also ask unanimous consent that the record remain open for 15 days for any additional comments and information submitted by members or witnesses to be included in the record of today's hearing. Without objection, so ordered.
▶ 0:44:41As your written testimony has been made part of the record, the committee asks that you limit your oral remarks to five minutes. With that, Admiral Barata, [clears throat] you are recognized for five minutes for your testimony.
▶ 0:44:56Good afternoon, Chairman Isel, Ranking Member Carbajal, Ranking Member Larson, distinguished members of the Thank you for your strong support of the Coast Guard. We are honored to appear before you today to provide updates on the Coast Guard's use and governance of novel and emerging marine technology and autonomous systems. The Coast Guard remains committed to ensuring our nation's safety, security, and prosperity.
▶ 0:45:25Through force design 2028 and the historic investments from the from the Congress in the one big beautiful bill act, the Coast Guard is accelerating and increasing the adoption and deployment of new technologies to counter evolving threats and enhance mission execution. Thanks to these two initiatives as well as your continued strong support, we are better prepared to meet the increasing demands, complexities, threats, and promises of emerging technology.
▶ 0:45:56The Coast Guard operates unmanned aircraft systems across three lines of effort: long, medium, and short range. Integrated with our legacy assets, these systems provide proven results and enhance our abilities to locate mariners in distress, disrupt illegal, unreported, and unre regulated fishing in the Indopacific and the Gulf of America, challenge activity in the Arctic that threatens national security, and interdict illicit drugs and aliens before they reach our shores.
▶ 0:46:25Notably, the Coast Guard established the Robotics and Autonomous Systems Program Executive Office to drive the adoption of autonomous capabilities across all service missions. We also appreciate Congress's reauthorization of the Department of Homeland Security Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems Authority, recognizing that unmanned aircraft systems are only a subset of the broader unmanned systems Today, the Coast Guard is a mana is also managing emerging safety risks associated with private and commercial
▶ 0:46:55unmanned and vessel operations across the marine transportation system through our existing authorities while also developing more robust domestic and international governance frameworks. The Coast Guard leads engagement at the International Maritime Organization, which is working to finalize the maritime autonomous surface ship or mass code by December 2026.
▶ 0:47:19This non-mandatory code will establish international guidance for unmanned and remotely operated uh international cargo Domestically, the Coast Guard is leveraging lessons learned from the ATE recovery operations pilot program to support the commercial space sector's use of unmanned ships and to develop an appropriate governance framework. Unmanned systems are only one example of the emerging technologies entering the maritime sector.
▶ 0:47:47Marine fuel technologies continue to evolve and are shaping the design of shipboard propulsion systems. These technologies represent opportunities to strengthen America America's maritime dominance and the Coast Guard is taking active steps to ensure their safety while uh while providing and promoting innovation. We continue to leverage existing equivalency and alternative design authorities to enable new technology while streamlining approval processes.
▶ 0:48:15For example, we recently updated the alternate compliance program to simplify certification of vessels using alternative fuels and lithium-ion batteries, directly benefiting new ship construction projects and charting a clear regulatory path to expand the US dual fuel fleet. In addition, the Coast Guard recently established a maritime nuclear policy division tasked with creating a comprehensive framework to govern the safe and secure adoption of nuclear technologies. both internationally and domestically.
▶ 0:48:46These efforts provide clear pathways for integrating new technologies onto commercial vessels without compromising the safety of the marine transportation system. We thank Congress for your your continued support and effectively implementing and managing autonomous maritime technologies across Coast Guard missions to control, secure, and defend US borders and maritime approaches, facilitate the flow of commerce vital to economic prosperity, and to respond to crises and contingencies.
▶ 0:49:14I appreciate the opportunity to testify, and I look forward to your questions. Gentleman yields. Chair now recognizes Admiral Tama for your five minutes of
▶ 0:49:26Thank you, sir. Good afternoon, Chairman Eel, Ranking Member Larson, Ranking Member Carbahal, and distinguished members of the subcommittee. Thank you for your strong support of the Coast Guard and for the opportunity to appear before you today to discuss changes in maritime technology alongside Rear Admiral Barata, Mr. Vona from GAO and Miss Perry from the Nationalmies.
▶ 0:49:45I am honored here today to represent the talented, dedicated, and highly professional men and women of US Coast Guard Cyber Command who work tirelessly to protect the nation's maritime transportation system, counter our adversaries in cyerspace, and defend Coastg Guard networks and systems. I am honored to be joined in the audience by my command master chief Frank Tatoo, a third generation Coast Guard Master Chief who is my senior enlisted leader and trusted adviser and is here today representing our incredible workforce.
▶ 0:50:14The marine transportation system is the backbone of the United States economy and contributes over $5 trillion of economic activity to the nation annually. It spans 95,000 mi of coastline, 25,000 mi of navigable waterways, and includes thousands of facilities, vessels, waterways, and associated enabling infrastructure. This vast system relies on cyerspace and emerging technologies to operate, innovate, and enhance efficiency.
▶ 0:50:42While the Coast Guard is committed to supporting and facilitating the adoption of innovative commercial technologies, we must remain cleareyed about the potential for new technologies to also introduce new vulnerabilities that can be exploited by our adversaries, particularly in cyerspace. Coast Guard Cyber Command is at the forefront of this evolving technology and threat landscape, leveraging Coastg Guard cyber capabilities and partnering with industry to control, secure, and defend our borders.
▶ 0:51:10facilitate commerce that is vital to our economic prosperity, strategic mobility, and maritime dominance, and respond to crisis and contingencies. Coast Guard cyber protection teams have conducted over 150 mi missions, including cyber security assessments, threat hunt operations, and incident responses on critical infrastructure in ports across the United States and overseas.
▶ 0:51:35While those missions are improving the cyber security posture in our ports, they are also revealing persistent cyber risks such as compromised passwords, known vulnerabilities, outdated systems, as well as new cyber attack paths that our adversaries can and will attempt to exploit. Coastg Guard cyber protection teams are helping industry identify and mitigate vulnerabilities, strengthen defenses, and implement cyber security frameworks to protect our marine transportation system.
▶ 0:52:04For example, leveraging the experience we gained through extensive assessment and threat hunt operations, we've provided comprehensive cyber security guidance to US operators of ship toshore cranes manufactured in China, which account for approximately 80% of cranes in US ports and constitute a significant supply chain risk.
▶ 0:52:22Beyond US port facilities, we are also conducting defensive cyber security operations on US flag vessels as well as maritime adjacent and maritime enabling infrastructure vital to port operations. Indeed, ports are a complex web of interdependent systems and we are taking an adaptable, flexible and systemsbased approach to keeping them safe. Cyber security is a team sport and we cannot and we cannot and we do not do this work alone.
▶ 0:52:52As an armed force, a law enforcement agency, regulator and sector risk management agency, and a member of the intelligence community, the Coast Guard is fully leveraging our unique authorities and government and private sector partnerships to help secure the nation.
▶ 0:53:08This includes our unique role as a service cyber component command to US cyber command and as a component of the department of homeland security with access to and strong partnerships with SIZA, TSA, FBI, the Department of Energy, EPA and other departments and agencies with cyber andor critical infrastructure protection Beyond our protection of the marine transportation system, we are also bringing our expertise and capability to bear to ensure that the Coast Guard's
▶ 0:53:38adoption of new technologies such as new communications, surveillance, and remote and autonomous systems can rapidly deliver new capabilities to our frontline operators without compromising the security and resilience of our own operational networks. As technology continues to re revolutionize maritime commerce and Coast Guard operations, Coastg Guard Cyber Command remains committed to continuously adapting its approach to meet the nation's needs.
▶ 0:54:05Our unique mix of authorities, capabilities, and partnerships underpinned by our incredibly talented workforce make us uniquely suited to this task. Thank you again for the opportunity to appear today, and I look forward to answering your questions.
▶ 0:54:18Thank you, Admiral. Chair now recognized Mr. Vonaha. You are recognized for five
▶ 0:54:25Chairman Eisel, member uh ranking member Carbajal, Ranking Member Larson, members of the subcommittee. Thank you for the opportunity to discuss our recent work on commercial applications of autonomous ship technologies. Many commercial vessels today operate with some level of autonomous technology. Systems exist that can run certain ship functions or provide navigation and decision support. All current uses though have a human or humans who are in control or can take control if needed.
▶ 0:54:52As the technology develops, new cases will emerge for higher levels of autonomy. For example, companies have explored the business case for uncrrewed short-d distanceance cargo hauling and passenger transport, and there's currently a pilot program evaluating autonomous operation of vessels for at sea rocket recovery. To date, Coast Guard has relied on its existing regulatory authorities to address these technologies as they emerge. These regulations allow for the testing of autonomous ships provided the operator makes a request.
▶ 0:55:21Requests are typically made to the captain of the port who is the Coast Guard officer responsible for activities within a designated area. Coast Guard issued guidance in 2024 for how captains of the port should deal with these requests. Under that ca guidance, the captain of the port evaluates proposals to assess the risks uh and applies existing regulations on a case-byase basis. The captain of the port forwards these requests with recommendation for approval or disapproval to the common dot.
▶ 0:55:48At the time of our report in August 2024, just a handful of requests had been made. Since then, Coast Guard has received 48 such requests and reported that they were able to manage the operations at the local level in all of all cases. The guidance also makes clear that testing of autonomous ships cannot be conducted in a way that reduces the number of crew below what is prescribed in statute. to monitor the development of autonomous ships and whether any changes to existing regulations or authorities are warranted.
▶ 0:56:17Coast Guard has an internal advisory committee autoco who meets regularly to identify any reg legal regulatory or policy gaps and engages with industry stakeholders. At the time of our report, Coastg Guard had determined that existing regulations were sufficient to deal with the requests it had received. Coast Guard emphasized that its policy is to only consider a new regulation when an existing statute or regulation cannot adequately address a need.
▶ 0:56:42However, as technology develop uh and autonomous operations are envisioned without crew on board with remote crew or with reduced crew levels, challenges to the existing legal framework will emerge. As I mentioned, Coast Guard cannot legally allow operations with fewer crew than is established in law. Further, any statute based on the assumption that humans are on board will present challenges. For example, it is not clear how autonomous ships without crew can comply with collision regulations which require that every vessel has a lookout by sight and hearing.
▶ 0:57:12To evaluate whether the ships can safely operate with reduced remote or no crew, Coastg Guard officials told us they would need to see actual examples of autonomous ships performing those functions, but so far there haven't been many. This may be because the technology is still being developed.
▶ 0:57:28Some companies are unwilling to share proprietary information uh or they're discouraged from testing because of the additional costs of complying with crew Furthermore, while Coast Guard's guidance encourages vessel owners and operators to keep records of their testing, Coast Guard would only receive information on the results of those tests at the discretion of industry. Ultimately, this is information that Coast Guard would need to fully evaluate whether the technology is safe.
▶ 0:57:53Internationally, IMO is currently developing a voluntary framework that addresses a variety of regulatory gaps such as clarifying the human role in autonomous operations. Coast Guard has been involved in the development of this framework, leading several of the initiatives. As was mentioned, the framework is to be finalized for voluntary adoption in 2026 with a name to develop uh and finalize mandatory guidelines by 2032.
▶ 0:58:16Other countries have experienced similar challenges to the Coast Guard in regulating autonomous ships, but they've taken slightly different approaches given that they have different legal authorities and different proposed uses in their waters. For example, the Norwegian Maritime Regulator was able to work with a company who developed an autonomous container vessel to test the safety of its technology and after successful testing, they were able to reduce crew requirements.
▶ 0:58:39In Canada and the UK, maritime regulators have both developed specific guidance and regulations for small autonomous ships below 12 meters and 24 meters respectively, which allow remote operation and an alternative approval process. These are actions the Coast Guard would not be able to take without changes to its statutory authority. However, at the time of our report, none of the regulators we spoke to, including Coast Guard, were planning to pursue legis legislative changes until after the IMO finalizes the regulatory framework. Mr.
▶ 0:59:10Chairman, this concludes my statement. I'd be happy to answer any questions you have. Thank you.
▶ 0:59:14Thank you. Chair now recognizes Mrs. Perry for five minutes for your
▶ 0:59:20Good afternoon, Chairman Easel, Ranking Member Carbajal, Ranking Member Larson, and members of the subcommittee. I appreciate the opportunity to testify about a 2020 National Academy of Sciences report on leveraging unmanned systems for Coastg Guard missions and to offer my views on relevant technological developments since the report's publication. I am the chief technology officer at the MIT Lincoln Laboratory and I served as the chair of the study committee that developed the report.
▶ 0:59:46The report is the product of extensive information gathering and deliberation by 10 committee members and personally I found it a privilege to work with my colleagues on the study. I also want to offer my personal appreciation to Admiral Barata and Admiral Tama and to the thousands of Coast Guard personnel who serve the nation so admirably every day. Over the course of our study, we benefited a great deal from the Coast Guard input. We also consulted with dozens of experts from industry, university, laboratories, and government agencies.
▶ 1:00:15The study committee's charge focused on the Coast Guard's existing and prospective use of unmanned systems to fulfill its critical and often unique missions. Because the subcommittee has previously heard testimony on the recommendations in the report, I will only recap that advice and spend more time on the continued developments in unmanned systems that have potential for Coastg Guard application. Now, in its report, the committee documented a compelling need for the Coast Guard to proceed more aggressively, albeit strategically and deliberately, in leveraging UXS advancements.
▶ 1:00:45To this end, the committee recommended that the Coast Guard do the following. One, issue a highle unmanned system strategy. Two, designate a senior official to advocate for the unmanned system strategy. Three, establish an unmanned system program office. Four, expand and normalize experimentation with unmanned systems. And five, commission an internal study of needed funding for research assets integration and personnel.
▶ 1:01:10In offering these recommendations, the the NAS study committee saw the magnitude and breadth of opportunity for the Coast Guard to pursue unmanned systems in its multiple domains and across its many missions. Five years after the report's publication, unmanned systems are being used today with high utility in the public and private sectors, buffeted by the rapid pace of development and integration of artificial intelligence, sensors, automation, and computing.
▶ 1:01:34Informed by the study committee's work, but also speaking for myself, my written testimony provides a summary of how the Coast Guard may be able to leverage and exploit new and emerging technologies. Specifically, the report outlined three key areas where autonomous systems technology could be leveraged at varying scales to augment US Coast Guard capabilities and in some cases transform how the Coast Guard executes certain mission. Since the report's publication, there has been much advancement in robotics and artificial intelligence.
▶ 1:02:01It has evolved from limited application to widespread commercial deployment and in some mission areas mainstream military use. Enabled by likewise improvements in sensing, data fusion, generative AI, edge compute, and communication capabilities, autonomous systems now hold even more potential to transform maritime operations in air, surface, and subsurface domains.
▶ 1:02:22In the use case where we're talking about remotely operated vehicles or closein UXs's, consider now the mature technical work products that are available in the commercial market where these vehicles now support multimodal sensors for perception or a capability to do mission data collection in advanced imagery and video analytics. The second autonomous systems use case involves independent vehicles in air or maritime domains through both surface and subsurface.
▶ 1:02:46In the air domain, rapid advancements of drone technology has fueled the use of UAVs more broadly in both commercial and military applications, and the latest generation of drones possess more opportunity to allow for improved flight capabilities, performing tasks with minimal or no human intervention.
▶ 1:03:03The third and finally most transformative opportunity presents at the district or area level where a broad intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance capability is now more possible given technical breakthroughs in satellite communication, advanced radar, novel optical systems technology and generative AI.
▶ 1:03:18Proliferated low-cost satellite constellations in low Earth orbit will improve space-based sensing and communications, offering persistent detection, and it could certainly help the Air Force in many ways, as can AI as a force multiplayer reduce human workload in complex operations. I will note that some Coastg Guard mission areas require further technology development. Not all is perfect, but there's much that can be done. In conclusion, I wish to thank the subcommittee for the opportunity to testify, and I look forward to Thank you, Miss Perry.
▶ 1:03:49Thank you all for your testimony today. We'll now turn to questions for the panel. I recognize myself for five minutes of questions. Admiral Barata, the one big beautiful ill bill act provided 75 million to procure unmanned surface system to support maritime domain awareness.
▶ 1:04:08We understand one of these unmanned systems already in use by the Coast Guard was the initial detection source for a $25 million drug interdiction in the Caribbean just a few weeks ago. To date, the Coast Guard has not shared a plan with this committee for the use of the big bill funds to support maritime do domain awareness.
▶ 1:04:31Instead, the Coast Guard still appears to be relying on a patchwork of short-term contracts that could limit long-term mission readiness. What's the Coast Guard's plan for leveraging unmanned systems across the service? And specifically, how and when do you intend to deploy the uh OBBVA autonomous maritime systems funding to expand the use of these systems?
▶ 1:04:58Mr. chairman. Uh, regarding uh the Coast Guard's efforts here, I I think um everyone will be, you know, we're excited about uh where we've gotten to. Uh we just listened to the National Academy of Sciences, Miss Perry, talk about um some of the recommendations in that report and the Coast Guard feels like we've done um you know, with with your assistance, we've met many of these goals.
▶ 1:05:20We we submitted a congressional report last week that talks about um the efforts that we've done there which include uh designating a a robotics and autonomous systems PEO a champion there creating a program office developing that strategy and and having that PO um you know execute that that that strategy and the key part is the support we've gotten with the reconciliation uh funds and so um with the reconciliation funds right now what we have set aside u per the legis ation is
▶ 1:05:50$350 million. About $266 million of that will be used for long range UAS. Right now, what the Coast Guard is doing is we are t doing market research. Uh there's a lot of technology that's available out there. We are currently um you know operating a J a JPO with with customs and border protection for the MQ9. We're using another long range system on the southwest border quite efficiently and effectively along the southwest and the California coast there. And uh we can talk a little bit more about that.
▶ 1:06:20The $75 million uh for the the maritime uh unmanned systems we intend to use uh exactly for that surface surface systems. We've used about $1 million of that so far um to renew our remote operational vehicles that are uh at our deployable forces as well as some some ground robots and some count some small UAS uh that that will be used at the unit level. But uh we intend to execute that those funds expeditiously in the next six to 12 months.
▶ 1:06:49Uh and the long range UAS we intend to uh put an RFI out probably in the next couple months and execute those funds in the next uh over the next half a year.
▶ 1:06:58Thank you. So uh the Coast Guard is updating its unmanned system strategic plan to include specific actions, procurement intentions and timelines for deployment. You are doing that. uh the that that new RAZ PO uh will be uh solely responsible for updating that strategy and executing those funds. So, uh we will take that back and make sure that we update that strategy. You're right. It's a couple years old now. We'll take a look at it and make sure it's aligned with the plan as it goes.
▶ 1:07:27We're going to get that done. Okay. Admiral Tom, we have discussed at length uh the increased need to both utilize and regulate autonomous technologies. How must the Coast Guard cyber adapt adapt to meet the challenges and opportunities posed by the increased reliance on these systems and its incon unable to connect interconnectiveness.
▶ 1:07:52Mr. Ch Mr. Chairman u yeah this is an important area for us as we adopt this new technology both in the commercial sector for the maritime transportation system but also for the Coast Guard. It is critical that we make sure that we harness the benefits of that technology and the obvious efficiencies and capabilities associated with that, but we don't generate additional risks. You know, the most secure system is the system that's not connected to anything.
▶ 1:08:20Uh but it's also likely the least useful system and we need to find that balance. We do that every day. Uh Coastg Guard Cyber Command, we are not constrained by a regulatory framework and the work that we do. We have technical experts.
▶ 1:08:34We have teams that work with industry on a daily basis to go out uh to look at their technology that they maybe are actively deploying or considering deploying and uh and assess and and work with industry to help find those vulnerabilities and identify them uh and mitigate them. Sir,
▶ 1:08:52thank you. One more. How's the Coast Guard uh building out cyber expertise and how are you utilizing that expertise existing DHS entities like SISA?
▶ 1:09:03Yes, sir. We work uh very closely with SISA on a daily basis. We've had uh tremendous growth in our capability and capacity over the last few years thanks to outstanding support from Congress. In fact, just this last Friday, we graduated our first all Coast Guard class of cyber mission specialists from a very important training program uh that we partner with the Navy on that and our folks uh we have a great partnership with SIZA and we work together very closely uh every day. Sir,
▶ 1:09:32thank you sir. I yield back my time. Uh Mr. Carbajal, you're now recognized for five minutes.
▶ 1:09:38Thank you, Mr. Chair. As usual, I will defer to uh committee ranking member uh Mr. Larson. Thank you, Mr. Carell. So, um, we gave you a forewarning in my opening and, uh, it just was reported as well, uh, that the policy, uh, defining nuises and swastikas as potentially divisive has gone into effect. Um, actually, um, and [clears throat] I know the comedant has said that these are prohibited.
▶ 1:10:05Um, I don't know, I don't understand how it can be, um, prohibited and potentially divisive at the same time. We passed a federal law in 200 21 or two, I forget it was actually making lynching a hate crime here in the United States. Um, nooses are directly associated with lynching. So, I don't know how you can have a potentially um symbol of a noose and have uh lynching be a federal hate crime in the United States.
▶ 1:10:35So, I you may not be the person, but I'm you're here and so I'm asking like how can you square this circle for us? It it uh I appreciate what Comedant Lundy said and showed us uh November 20th or whatever day we met with him about [clears throat] the language. It uh is um operative as far as he goes, but the policy says um something totally different.
▶ 1:11:00Ranking member, uh just to to be perfectly clear, the Coast Guard has not we do not now and we won't uh tolerate any hate symbols within the Coast Guard. uh our our personnel work too hard. Uh we have too many missions to complete.
▶ 1:11:15Um to the extent that that uh instruction has been uh misinterpreted or is open to misinterpretation, the comedant uh looked to to close that gap by issuing a lawful general order um which uh oversteps any any of the policy if anything fails at the at the unit level. So, so get rid of the policy or make the policy very clear what swastikas and nuses nues are.
▶ 1:11:46I want to get into swastikas. I don't like it's horrible.
▶ 1:11:50No, ranking member, we agree. I and and for um you know for our operators, for the field level, for our Coast Guard men and women um that you the policy is is clear and it's unambiguous. Um and the lawful order gives the uh all of our unit commanders and our personnel all the tools that they need.
▶ 1:12:10Here's a the only way to test this is if there's a coasty that is does something to potentially violate it, right? and then then you are stuck enforcing it and I want you to enforce it but it's either potentially divisive or it's hateful a hateful symbol and then you'll have to decide.
▶ 1:12:35I've already decided and you you all need to decide to rem to change the work the the policy because these are not potentially divisive. They are divisive. They're in fact they're worse. They're hate. They're hateful. Um, but you came here for another reason and I know Salute has other questions for you as well. The Navy has uh deployed five separate um autonomous vehicles.
▶ 1:13:02One was built in my district, the USX1 Defiant, and the A DARPA program. There are other two other DARPA um platforms and uh two uh strategic capability office platforms. Is it Coast Guard at all involved in uh monitoring, watching, assessing the operations of these to create some learning opportunities for you all?
▶ 1:13:25Ranking member. Absolutely. Um we we take part um at DIU and at DARPA. We're interconnected with uh you know many of the joint task force forces. Uh we're working with fifth fleet over in Bahrain. So a lot of the efforts that the Navy uh goes through obviously they are leaders uh in this as as well as many industry members are and so we have close connection uh with those folks.
▶ 1:13:47The RAZ PO that I mentioned um you know their staff um actively works you know across you know everywhere that we got the R&D center uh our blue uh technology center of expertise uh that this subcommittee helped us put in place uh we we are we are trying to capture everything that we can and field everything that we can as rapidly as possible.
▶ 1:14:06Admiral Tom, related to um Cherel's question um about [clears throat] you know incorporating um autonomous systems uh into the actual operation of a platform and the concerns that you have about the security of that. How are you going how as much as you can tell us how are you going about ensuring the security of this of the incorporation of these systems um so that they're protected? rank member.
▶ 1:14:35Um, you know, I think, uh, with with everything, the great news is everything's connected today. The bad news is everything's connected today. And, uh, this is something we have to balance. Uh, we are we are every day under force design 28 rapidly prototyping new technologies, uh, bringing them into our operational envelope, bringing those delivering those capabilities to the operator.
▶ 1:14:59And we are balancing that risk, the cyber security risk associated with that new tech with the risk of potentially not delivering it or denying uh that capability from being delivered to our operators. Uh so we work, we iterate every single day and we have the technical capability in Coastgard Cyber Command working with our uh colleagues in the C5I enterprise uh to to manage this risk and and find the right balance so we can deliver for our operators.
▶ 1:15:27All right, Mr. Chair, if I just may, I want to congratulate the Coast Guard as well for more documented drug uh this year than any the DoD has been able to demonstrate uh with with his operations in the Caribbean. You guys, you all know how to do it. You're doing it right and you're keeping us safe and I appreciate that. Got to yield back.
▶ 1:15:51Gentleman yields. Chair now recognized Mr. Webster for five minutes of Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Appreciate you doing this uh committee. Um thank you all for your testimony is very helpful. Um Admiral Rada, is the service keeping up with the regulation of new autonomous v vessels and activities? Do you think in your
▶ 1:16:23Congressman? uh you know we there there's a lot of technology that's that's coming out there. We think right now we're keeping pace with it um based on the developments that are happening internationally and domestically. Um, we think that as time goes forward, uh, we we agree with GAO, uh, that, you know, there there will need to be more data that's that's, uh, that's brought in and and determining how we're going to regulate these, what constitutes a vessel, um, how we're going to separate the the maritime users
▶ 1:16:53in the in the ports right now, and keep everybody safe and secure as we try to make sure that the the system runs as it's uh, Um under uh force force design 2028 um the Coast Guard created a robotics and autonomous systems program executive what's the Coast Guard's uh intent on this office
▶ 1:17:23and uh how will it help advance uh the Coast Guard's use of unmanned veh? So uh again directly in line with the National Academy of Sciences uh report, we envision the RAZ PO to be the one-stop shop, the the end, the ultimate person responsible um for autonomous uh and and robotics uh systems.
▶ 1:17:48So and and what you'll see is that we've gone to this model for uh our ships, our planes, our C5I as well. And what this gives us is it it consolidates many of the the different divisions that we had previously for counter UAS for you know aircraft systems for surface systems and puts all those under one heading.
▶ 1:18:07But even more than that they're responsible for developing the training the technology acquiring um uh accounting for obsolescence as these systems get old uh and also doing things like uh creating the robotics mission specialist which is our new rate uh to to help field these out in the field. uh how will how will it integrate with the already existing program of uh blue technology center for expertise
▶ 1:18:33they're they're going to be closely aligned um you know we we've set up uh a futures development and initiatives directorate uh with a rapid prototype office that oversees the R&D center it oversees our folks at DIU it oversees our folks at the blue uh technology center of expertise and this RAZ PO is responsible for reaching out uh to the the blue technology center of expertise who is our lynch our way in to talk to the academia the industry new technology
▶ 1:19:03and their job is to field all that be aware of everything that's going on and then actually rapidly bring that to the operator uh I I I think for those of you who've been with the Coast Guard for a long time you would be shocked to see how quickly we are acquiring uh fielding and uh starting to develop and integrate our systems Rear Admiral Thomas, uh, how's the Coast Guard improving,
▶ 1:19:34uh, cyber security to protect ports and national uh, infrastructure from growing cyber threats? Uh, Congressman, the Coast Guard Cyber Command is laser focused on protecting our ports and critical infrastructure from growing cyber threats. Uh, as you know, sir, the threats are real.
▶ 1:19:57We face a broad spectrum of threats from both uh nation states, let alone ransomware actors and we have to operate uh and and understand those threats and stay dynamic. We are sending teams out into ports around the country, Coastg Guard cyber protection teams that are highly trained. They work closely with our captains of the port and they operate on the dotcom domain with private sector entities. They will do what's called a threat hunt mission or an assessment mission. They will identify vulnerabilities.
▶ 1:20:27They will try to penetrate networks. They will emulate uh the activities of one of our adversaries. And then we will take those findings and we will provide a b bespoke report excuse me bespoke report to that entity so that they can uh mitigate those uh those findings and and improve their cyber security posture. The benefit to us is we aggregate all of that information.
▶ 1:20:52We anonymize it and we share it with the entire industry so that everybody learns out of time so I yield back.
▶ 1:21:00Gentleman yields. Chair recognizes rank Mr. Carbajal.
▶ 1:21:05Thank you, Mr. Chair. Admiral Barata and Admiral Tama representing Vandenberg Space Force Base. I care deeply about space activities. In the last Coast Guard bill, we included language creating a pilot program related to autonomous vessels and at sea landing and recovery operations. What has the Coast Guard learned from this pilot program and can the knowledge be applied elsewhere? Assuming it got
▶ 1:21:35ranking member, it absolutely got implemented. It has been very successful. Um, we have two two corporations that have been using it extensively uh to the to the tune of almost 120 uh launches and recoveries at sea safely. Um what the pilot program has given us is you know where the authorities don't allow us to um you know reduce the manning on any of these systems. It has is provided that opportunity for us to pilot that off the shores of Florida and see what that looks like.
▶ 1:22:05And I I think we're going to need to see more of that as we move forward in order to um uh evolve and mature the process of overseeing autonomous uh systems. But they, you know, new company just had a successful launch uh the last week of November. Uh so pretty pretty amazing to see. So you the pilot program has actually drawn in more corporations and uh I think it'll it's it's going to serve as the the the foundation of where we we build the
▶ 1:22:34Great. Thank you. Uh to both admirals, I wish Admiral Lundy were here today so we could express our frustration with him directly. The Coast Guard's recent action on hate symbols are completely Language matters and I want to address chapter 11 of the harassing behavior prevention response and accountability policy and the corresponding treatment of the display of nuises and swastikas.
▶ 1:23:01The comedon told ranking member Larson and myself that he was going to fix the language to make it clear that the coast guard will not tolerate hate symbols. Instead, he released the policy as it was originally written. The guidance is clear on the display of the Confederate battle flag. It is prohibited. Admiral Lunde had the opportunity to classify swastikas and nooes the same way. He didn't.
▶ 1:23:31Instead, he's allowing two contradictory policies, hate policies. one that condones hate symbols and one that does not. This is outrageous to say the least.
▶ 1:23:48If it is the Coast Guard's position that the display of a news or swastika is potentially divisive, what are the what are the scenarios where it is not You have two policies. ranking member. Um, from from the Coast Guard standpoint, these are hate symbols. There there's there's no there's no gaps between the definition.
▶ 1:24:16I think um you know one of the purposes of the uh the policy which I was not part of of writing uh but the intent is that has been expressed to us is that there are hate groups that have been co-opting symbols as we go and we're trying to give latitude to our commanding officers to be able to you know see what uh those groups might be doing at our units and act on those no matter if they're not articulated uh distinctly.
▶ 1:24:41So the the reason for the lawful general order was to was to ensure that there were there were no misunderstandings uh to clarify that part of the policy.
▶ 1:24:54I'll take your answer but it's it's not sufficient. Um let me end by saying this. I I'll end by offering a question to my Senate colleagues. Obviously not here in the House. Given the comedant's refusal to issue consistent guidance on nuises and swastikas, an issue where there should be no ambiguity, he had the authority to stop that policy from being printed. Instead, he let it go.
▶ 1:25:23It got printed and then he issued his general order as well. Two contradictory How can the Senate move forward with a confirmation vote this week if these actions don't elicit confidence? That's more of a statement than a question, but I wanted to conclude that way and thank you very much for being here today.
▶ 1:25:46Gentleman yields. Chair recognized Mr. McDow. Five minutes of questioning.
▶ 1:25:50Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you to the witnesses for being here today. I I want to touch on before I get into my question, something that I did uh this weekend and yesterday. And I would imagine that I'm the only member of Congress in history who's ever killed a bear and then voted in the same day. And I did that with a Coast Guard veteran from North Carolina, Captain Ernie Doer. And uh he's the captain of the Gecko sport fishing boat out of Ochre Coke Island and served our country in the Coast Guard.
▶ 1:26:19And so I just want to take a minute to give a shout out to Captain Doer. uh and to thank him and to thank you all for uh the work that you do every day uh with drug interdiction uh with keeping people safe uh and all you do and you do this all at a fraction of the budget that you actually need. So I just wanted to say thank you uh for what you do. But uh Mr. Vana, I have a question for you.
▶ 1:26:43As the Coast Guard is responsible for safeguarding our maritime transportation systems from cyber threats and that includes our ports, terminals, vessels, in your opinion, does the Coast Guard have the actual resources they need to meet the critical cyber mission here?
▶ 1:27:03Uh, thank you, Miss uh, Representative McDow for that question. Um our work didn't evaluate whether they have sufficient uh manpower or expertise in the cyber security area. We were focused on you know how they were approaching regulation of commercial autonomous vessels. Um we have worked in the past uh looked overall at the Coast Guard's workforce and have raised concerns generally about workforce planning um and ensuring that they have the people that they need and we've made recommendations around those issues.
▶ 1:27:30Um, but as as far as specific uh whether they have the specific expertise in this case, I'd have to defer to
▶ 1:27:37Yeah, Admiral Tom, I'll ask you. Do you all have the resources you actually need for this?
▶ 1:27:42Sir, um, thank thank you for recognizing that our Coast Guard veteran, Mr. Doer, uh, down in North Carolina. Uh, sir, you know, force design 28, which is the secretary's direction to build a more agile, capable, and responsive Coast Guard, uh, calls for growing the Coast Guard by 15,000 people. Uh this includes three areas. One, restoring readiness. Two, operating the new assets that have been funded through the one big beautiful bill act.
▶ 1:28:09And number three, uh to counter emerging threats and we would squarely put cyber security, things like cyber security, counter UAS in that emerging threat bucket. And we uh we've we've uh answered this question. We absolutely um believe that we h we need more capacity on this front. We have three cyber protection teams. We recently commissioned our first offensive uh cyber team, the 1915 national mission team, which is counter adversaries in cyerspace.
▶ 1:28:37But we we need some additional capacity there to get after that threat. Sir,
▶ 1:28:41as you examine how other countries have approached the same challenge that we're now looking at, um what lessons can we learn about how best to balance innovation with um safety? And what do you think uh who who has gotten this right?
▶ 1:29:04Sir, I think I think on the cyber front, the the United States is leading the way in in a number of areas with respect to uh cyber security. The recent rulemaking that the Coast Guard initiated in July of this year uh is actually a very significant muscle movement in terms of increasing the cyber security posture of our critical infrastructure and we in cyber command um we add to that posture.
▶ 1:29:31We don't use a compliance-based framework because compliance alone isn't enough to enhance cyber security. You need to get out there and work with industry. And I think the advantage that we have in the United States is the incredible power in our private sector. Uh and we have to work very closely with the private sector to address this
▶ 1:29:50Rear Admiral Barata, can you touch on um how you all plan to coordinate or how you're already coordinating with the Navy to test these unmanned aircraft
▶ 1:30:04Yes, Congressman. Um we we are working closely um you know in a couple different fronts within with the Department of War throughout uh with DHS uh Department of Justice. We have several work groups uh that focus on um you know the these types of these types of issues. Obviously we're working in close conjunction with them. They've you know the other the other armed services have had a lot of experience with this uh overseas uh in in combat zones.
▶ 1:30:32you know, one of the, you know, one of the uh medium UAS that we're using right now on the back of our national security cutter, which contributed greatly to this uh to this historic interdiction that we've had for drugs, has been very very successful. Uh and it's provided the Coast Guard, you know, um you know, a new asset that vertically takes off and lands, which replaces one that we had to launch from a catapult. For for Coast Guard, we're kind of Coastg Guard size. All of our ships are really compact on size.
▶ 1:31:00And so for us to have this type of capability that we've garnered from the other armed services is going to allow us to put it on all of our cutters. Uh but we'll have all the the national security cutters outfitted by next summer.
▶ 1:31:12Great. Well, thank you for all you guys do. Chairman, I yield back.
▶ 1:31:15Thanks, Congressman.
▶ 1:31:16Gentleman yields back. Chair now recognizes Mr. Schultton, my friend from Michigan, for five minutes of question.
▶ 1:31:22Thank you, sir. Uh thank you to our chairs and ranking members for organizing uh this incredible hearing today. And thank you uh to our distinguished panel and all the work that you do. Uh I would be remiss if I did not open my uh remarks the same way as my colleagues did, which is just expressing deep dismay over uh the policy allowing additional confusion over the use of swastikas and nuces uh back into uh our United States Coast
▶ 1:31:52Guard. This administration has criticized Democrats for their quote woke policies that distract us from the two mission from the true mission of the armed forces. But it seems to me that this administration is the one who is obsessed with these policies and symbols that they deem woke, spending more time on declassifying divisive symbols and changing our fonts from actually improving the efficiency of our armed forces.
▶ 1:32:20Furthermore, the danger and distraction of these policies are terribly harmful for our coasties. The world is still reeling from the horrible anti-semitic terrorist attack on Bondai Beach that killed 15 innocent people just trying to celebrate Hanukkah. The fear is alive. The United States Coast Guard has a choice. Will it choose to protect its service members from hate and harassment?
▶ 1:32:48It is our job to make sure it does. My first question is regarding the Coast Guard's ability and what additional needs you have to continue your great work around drug interdiction. Earlier today, we attended a confidential briefing on recent lethal boat strikes on suspected drug vessels.
▶ 1:33:10While I cannot and will not disclose the details of that briefing, I am happy to share that I am wholly dissatisfied with this administration's approach to stopping drugs from flooding into our nation and dissatisfied with their explanation for why this is necessary. Our United States Coast Guard is the best in the world when it comes to stopping drugs. far more interdictions than the DoD.
▶ 1:33:36As our ranking member just said, you all have the best capabilities to board suspected drug boats, apprehend smugglers, and destroy illegal drugs before they reach our shores. The narot terrorists who are threatening our country present a real danger. Tens of thousands of Americans are killed each year from cocaine overdoses laced with fentanyl and millions more lives are destroyed as a result.
▶ 1:34:02We have to take this threat seriously, which means stopping these drugs before they come to our country, not blowing up innocent anglers who are just trying to catch their dinner. Rear Admiral, what additional technologies could assist the Coast Guard in supporting its mission to interdict illegal drugs?
▶ 1:34:21Congresswoman, for the I think uh the ranking member uh in his his opening statement um mentioned that we would need sustained uh funding to support the big beautiful bill that we've gotten. And I think that is probably the first and foremost. Um the technologies that we're starting to field uh that that we've gotten some monies for are um are are very helpful.
▶ 1:34:43It's it's a it's a good start for us to recapitalize, but what we'll need to do in the future is continue to sustain all those assets that we that we get. Um, you know, as our autonomous systems become obsolete, we'll have to um, you know, we'll have to replace those. And then, as Admiral Tama mentioned, you know, we're going to need new technologists. We're going to need new types of ratings, uh, folks to do data, folks to do cyber, and um, you know, so those those would be we would need to move forward.
▶ 1:35:12We are we are very supportive uh of new technologies. Uh we think it's essential moving forward. We're all here to support uh additional funding streams. Um we want to be sure, however, uh that these new technologies are not replacing our service members, right? We can retrain them. We can enhance them. We can continue to grow the force. I'm deeply concerned with potential closures uh of search and rescue units across the country as a result, specifically right right back home in Michigan.
▶ 1:35:41Um to be clear, any Coast Guard station closure in West Michigan is wholly unacceptable, particularly given the rapid growth that we are seeing uh in this region as a whole. Uh we look forward to offlining with your team uh about that and ways that we can continue to enhance these particular stations. I want to get to one more uh question in particular. Um, it is critical for the Coast Guard to preserve new and advanced techn technology platforms, excuse me.
▶ 1:36:10But we also need to ensure that the service leverages innovation to enhance the capabilities of its current fleet, squeezing every bit of mission value out of proven vessels. Michigan Wheel, a company in my district, has developed innovative wake adapted propulsion technology to assist the fast response cutters in hitting speed, fuel efficiency, and vibration targets. I would love to invite you out uh and visit this incredible company and everything uh that that they do. It is truly a pride of West Michigan.
▶ 1:36:39How can the Coast Guard and Department of Homeland Security revise their acquisition and contracting regulations to asssure that OEM technology is maintained throughout a vessel's life cycle cycle. Uh if the chairman allows, I'll I'll take this question, but you're also happy to uh or your response to the question, but you're also happy to submit it for the record. Uh
▶ 1:36:58go ahead.
▶ 1:36:59Okay. Thank you. just 30 seconds if you
▶ 1:37:02Okay. Thank No, thanks Congresswoman. Um and uh and we'll we'll be happy to provide some additional comments on it, but just in answer to your question, I think uh this reorganization that we've done under force design, you know, one of the things we did was we have a program executive office now called C, which is for our ships uh along with our aircraft and our robotics. And so, you know, that group right there would is our entry point to do all the things that you're talking about if there's innovations that are available.
▶ 1:37:27Um and then you know with our force our futures development integration folks they can take that technology put it quickly test it out see if it works for us uh and then field it.
▶ 1:37:38Thank you.
▶ 1:37:39Happy to put you in touch with them. Yes
▶ 1:37:40I appreciate that. Yes we'll take you up on that. I yield back.
▶ 1:37:43Gentle lady yields.
▶ 1:37:45Mr. Garandi you're recognized. Five
▶ 1:37:49Thank you Chairman Nazelle. Thank you for testimony and for my colleagues and their questions honing down on some very very important issues. We really have two issues before us. One is new types of vessels, autonomous vessels, how to deal with those and the second is the cyber security issue. With regard to the uh new autonomous vessels, there was mention of the IMO effort which is underway and likely to be completed in the near term.
▶ 1:38:19Uh it seems to me that there's a great deal to be learned from that and it may very well answer many of the questions and u free up a lot of your time to follow along and adapt and modify as necessary for the United States. So I draw your attention, you're already attending to that, but it seems to me that there's a great deal of um advancement quickly that can be achieved from the IMO effort.
▶ 1:38:47And I suspect you're already uh involved in that writing of that. Is that correct?
▶ 1:38:53Yes, Congressman. We we we lead uh on that subcommittee. Uh we've helped author that we we we participate on that joint working group.
▶ 1:39:00Very good. I encourage you to continue that effort. May save you a lot of time and a lot of person power along the way. So, the autonomous vessels are out there. We're going to have to deal with those. Uh and we'll need to have the appropriate regulatory and law. The law is here. Uh, and we've got some heavy work to do on the cyber security piece of this. Um, it seems to me that uh, the Coast Guard has always been lean.
▶ 1:39:27You've never had the money that you need to do everything that you want to do, even though the big ugly bill does provide some significant funding. Uh, you talked about some 256 million for long range U autonomous. I assume these are aerial platforms. Perhaps they are also water platforms. Is that
▶ 1:39:50it's a combination of the 266 million is for long range uh aircraft systems and then the 75 million is for the surface
▶ 1:39:58I see. Very good. Um we all want to make sure that our district is well represented and I've got one and I'll get to it in a few moments. Uh with regard to cyber security, you did mention in your testimony that you're partnering with the Navy on this issue. Could you please expand on that for a minute or so? Talk to me about that partnership uh that you're working with the Navy with regard to cyber security. Is it training? Is it also more than that? Using systems that they're developing and bringing them home.
▶ 1:40:30yes, sir.
▶ 1:40:31Motoma, you jumped at this. You want to handle it? Sorry, Congressman. Uh, Admiral Tama is the commander of our Coastg Guard cyber force, so I'll let him take a first crack at it and maybe if there's some regulatory stuff, I'll handle it.
▶ 1:40:44Yes, sir. For the for the cyber p uh perspective, um, we are a member of the joint force at all times and a component of uh, US Cyber Command uh, as a service cyber component. We work very closely with the Navy's Fleet Cyber Command u on on a daily basis and we collaborate on protecting our nation from uh evolving cyber threats.
▶ 1:41:06Our cyber personnel, our uh enlisted workforce, our cyber mission specialists are actually going through and we are leveraging a Navy TR training program called the joint uh cyber analysis course uh down at Corey Station in Pensacola, Florida. And that's how we are leveraging our partnership in terms of building our expertise. And uh with your permission sir maybe Admiral Barata might have something to add on this sir.
▶ 1:41:31Yeah please expand.
▶ 1:41:33The the only thing I'll add sir is Admiral Tomman mentioned earlier our our cyber regulation that's coming into effect and so that'll that'll be applicable to all um mitzah mitsah regulated vessels and facilities which will include some department of war Well, there are at least two members of the uh committee in addition to myself. So, I'm going to bring up the ships act.
▶ 1:41:58There is in the ships act a maritime incubator program that would be available to uh address some of these issues to fund and to bring together innovators as well as the uh various u military and coast guard that might want to use it. So keep the ships act in mind. There's money there should we get it uh through the law. I now want to spend just a moment.
▶ 1:42:24Does the GAO have you done any report on the cyber security relationships u within the military and specifically as it applies to the coast guard?
▶ 1:42:38Uh I have not done work in that area. Uh Representative Gary Mandi. Um we can certainly get back to you if we have some work in some of our other teams documents that uh there's a significant uh the cyber security command command is off there doing what it's doing and then the men and women the personnel that do cyber security get divorced from that and there is great variation between the various sectors in
▶ 1:43:08the department of defense and I suspect also with the coast guard as to the quality of the work that's being done now the coast guard may be able to hang on to its people longer than the other military But there's an ongoing question about the quality and also the relationship of those men and women that are assigned to the various um operating sectors uh as to whether they are working continuing to work with cyber command or
▶ 1:43:38they just now orphans out there.
▶ 1:43:41Not at all clear. there's a uh an issue that hopefully the uh the Armed Services Committee will deal with and it may be of interest uh to the Coast Guard. Well, I'm well over time. Mr. Chairman, thank you for the extra minute.
▶ 1:43:58No problem. Chair recognized Mr. Van Drew for five minutes of testimony.
▶ 1:44:02Thank the chairman. Thank you all for being here today. I appreciate you. As you know, I'm a big fan of the Coast Guard, the work you do and have been supportive through the years. I'm going to get in the weeds a little bit today and I have a little bit of tougher questions. I just wanted to go some over something first.
▶ 1:44:18The Coast Guard's issuance of CVC policy and I know you're familiar with it, letter 24-02 is undermining, in my opinion and many others congressional intent, bypassing the law set forth in the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2016. And it's putting working fishermen in an impossible position. We should be working with this fisherman trying to help them. I believe it should be withdrawn immediately. I want to say that again.
▶ 1:44:48I believe it should be withdrawn immediately. This issue is not an abstract one. It's not something that you can't conceptualize. It's not theoretical. It's not academic. It's real for real working people in the water. It's harming fishermen, shipyards, and maritime workers in my district and across the entire East Coast. Just when our president wants to revive maritime industry is supportive of the fishing industry, somehow we're going in an opposite direction here.
▶ 1:45:17Congress created the alternative to class pathway for a reason, a good reason. Mandatory vessel classification was crushing domestic ship building and pricing small operators completely out of new construction. Lawmakers deliberately, purposefully chose a different model, one that allows safe, modern, new builds which are overseen by independent marine surveyors, not monopolized by classification societies.
▶ 1:45:46Policy letter 2402 reverses that choice. Right now, in fact, vessels are operating under temporary safety stickers that you all are aware of, while owners scrambled to pay tens of thousands of dollars for retroactive classification. These aren't paperwork problems. They're not just little technical problems. These are real livelihoods that are at stake. People we should be supporting and helping, defending.
▶ 1:46:13When fishermen are forced to keep older vessels in service because new construction is blocked or delayed or so difficult to do, safety at the end of the day does suffer. And when domestic shipyards lose work, our maritime workforce shrinks and it hurts the United States of America. Rear Admiral Barata, thank you again for being here today. We do appreciate it. Dozens of stakeholders formally petitioned the Coast Guard to withdraw or revise this policy.
▶ 1:46:41Those petitions were rejected, preserving the same what I believe to be unlawful framework. Why is the Coast Guard choosing to enforce class-based control through a policy letter rather than following US statute, the statute that Congress wrote, and remaking the process the law requires. we are we are tracking this issue very closely, obviously, and um and we appreciate the the concerns of the folks in your district.
▶ 1:47:12We know that Kate May is not the only thing. there's there's some fishing fleets there that are quite active and and do quite a bit of work. Part of that uh oversight though is um you know the safe operation of those. And so that policy letter is an is an attempt for us to put a safety standard in place that is um that can be complied with that can be understood broadly and applied broadly. We know that there's not an easy way to comply with it right now and that's why we're we're trying to take uh no action on those fishing vessels. Why we why we do that?
▶ 1:47:41We have worked uh we had met with uh the groups several groups uh one last week of marine surveyors and one this week and we think we're we have a way forward to help the fishermen resolve that in in the meantime we we don't want to impact their operations while we while we determine that uh way forward for them and I appreciate that and I would say to you please don't let it stagnate please don't forget about it please get this done because it is unwieldy the way that it is right now we can do better than that I get it you wants safety.
▶ 1:48:12So do I. So does Congress generally. Um I I think that we need to come up with something that a system and I think you sound like you're working on it that ensures the safety but at the same time doesn't make it virtually impossible for compliance. Uh it just hurts the industry. It's hard enough. We're always competing with rest of the world for everything and that even includes fishing in some ways these days.
▶ 1:48:38So, we want to help our fishermen, our American fishermen, as much as we can. We need your help with that. Uh, we need your support with it. Uh, and I'm not only speaking for them, but for people in general who value what they do.
▶ 1:48:52So, uh, I would say to you, I hope it doesn't take years to straighten this out, that this is something you can focus on, make a main priority, uh, and any, you know, reports that you have or any progress that you make, I would appreciate it if you would keep in touch with the committee and also make sure that I know about it. It isn't only Kate May and the whole Jersey coast eye of Ocean County, Kate May County, Atlantic County, but it's the whole damn East Coast. I mean, it's a big deal.
▶ 1:49:20So, I appreciate you and uh please let us know what's going on. With that, I yield back to the chairman.
▶ 1:49:26Gentleman yields. I I've just got one more question. Uh Admiral Barata, uh what's the current status of the regulatory certification for wingin ground aircraft?
▶ 1:49:41Chairman, uh we're still working towards that. We intend uh to to meet uh the deadline of of May 2026. We're working closely with the FAA right now to uh put the NMOU together. That makes sense. That puts them in the position uh to oversee the aircraft portion of that and for the Coast Guard to see the vessel portion of that. But we're moving ahead.
▶ 1:50:01Moving ahead. All right. I want to just make one statement here. Master Chief Tattoo was uh is a third generation Master Chief. Uh his grandfather entered the Coast Guard in 1949. uh for more more for them combined together for more more than 75 years of service. So uh thank you for that and uh thank you all for being here today. Does does anyone else have anything?
▶ 1:50:26We got a question for the record.
▶ 1:50:28Okay. All right.
▶ 1:50:30Question for the record. Honorable Rear Admiral David C. Barata, Deputy
▶ 1:50:37Okay, got it.
▶ 1:50:39All right. The AT recovery pilot program was authorized for five years in 2022 and was intended to help the US Coast Guard think through limitations of the current regulatory framework for autonomous vessels. Additionally, the International Maritime Organization is working on a related framework for autonomous vessels vessels.
▶ 1:51:02Are there additional statutory authorities that would provide the Coast Guard with more flexibility and lead to streamlined assets that would provide the Coast Guard with more flexibility, improve the nation's ability to set innovative international standards? This program expires in December of 2027.
▶ 1:51:25How long should this program be intended to ensure the Coast Guard has sufficient time to build a flexible regulatory regime for autonomous vessels? Are there any additional lessons learned or challenges faced in continuing to operate this pilot
▶ 1:51:43That's for the record.
▶ 1:51:44That's for the record. Okay.
▶ 1:51:45All right. Where we at here? Closing Thank you all. Gentlemen, uh, is there anybody that wants to be recognized? Anybody? Okay, seeing none, that concludes our hearing today. I would like to thank each and one of our witnesses for your testimony and putting up with me. Uh, the subcommittee is