Ensuring Coast Guard Readiness Act

S 407, the Ensuring Coast Guard Readiness Act, modifies rules allowing the U.S. Coast Guard to build vessels in foreign shipyards under specific conditions. It permits the President to authorize exceptions to the general prohibition if construction in a foreign shipyard (located in a NATO country or U.S. defense treaty partner) is cheaper than domestic construction and deemed vital for national security. Before construction begins, the Coast Guard Commandant must certify the foreign shipyard isn't owned or operated by a Chinese company or a multinational company based in China. This bill directly affects Coast Guard vessel procurement, shipyard contracts, and the process for reviewing foreign construction proposals.