An ad hoc committee of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine will examine emerging issues that are likely to demand Coast Guard services over the next decade and consider whether the Service's existing statutory authorities are sufficient to meet this demand, and if not, where the Service’s authority could be expanded to do so. The committee should survey foreseeable developments that could affect the Coast Guard's missions and authorities, including changes in technological capabilities, industry trends, cybersecurity risks, climate and environmental conditions, and geopolitical factors that could affect governance and activities in the maritime domain and how and where the Coast Guard needs to operate.
In the context of its examination of emerging issues, the committee will review the Service's existing authorities and related abilities (such as force levels, asset mix, and training). Informed by consultations with the Coast Guard and other experts and interested parties, the committee will identify those issues that it believes are likely to have the greatest relevance to and effect on the Coast Guard's missions and authorities. The committee will then consider any adjustments or additions to Coast Guard authorities where it finds potential limitations and shortcomings in these authorities and related abilities. The committee will provide its recommendations to Congress and the Coast Guard.