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EO 13115Executive OrderClinton · D

Executive Order 13115

Interagency Task Force on the Roles and Missions of the United States Coast Guard

This executive order creates a temporary interagency task force to review and recommend the appropriate roles and missions of the U.S. Coast Guard through 2020, with special focus on deepwater operations beyond 50 nautical miles from shore. The task force must evaluate whether Coast Guard functions should be added, maintained, reduced, eliminated, privatized, or transferred to other government entities, and its recommendations will inform investment decisions for the Deepwater Capability Replacement Project.

Federal Register Open PDF 64 FR 15283

Impact dates

  1. Interim report for FY 2001 budget preparation (optional)

  2. Task Force final report due (6 months from first meeting)

  3. Task Force first meeting (triggers 6-month lifespan)

Key directives

  • Establish Interagency Task Force on Coast Guard roles and missions
  • Task Force to report to President through Secretary of Transportation
  • Provide advice on Coast Guard roles and missions through Year 2020
  • Give special attention to deepwater missions beyond 50 nautical miles
  • Evaluate whether functions should be added, maintained, reduced, eliminated, privatized, or transferred
  • Establish explicit criteria for screening roles and missions
  • Assume Coast Guard remains law enforcement agency and armed force
  • Task Force exists for 6 months from first meeting unless extended
  • Submit written report at conclusion
  • Recommendations to inform Deepwater Capability Replacement Project investment
  • May provide interim report for FY 2001 budget preparation

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Task Force establishment
  • Secretary of Transportation to select Chair and Vice Chair
  • Secretary of Transportation to appoint Staff Director

Near term (90d)

  • Task Force first meeting (triggering 6-month lifespan)
  • Staff assembly with balanced expertise
  • Consultations with Coast Guard Commandant and agency heads
  • Potential field briefings and expert consultations

Long term

  • Final written report due at conclusion of 6-month period
  • Interim report possible for FY 2001 budget preparation
  • Recommendations to inform Deepwater Capability Replacement Project investment levels

Risks & tensions

  • Task Force mandated to assume Coast Guard remains armed force/law enforcement agency, constraining potential recommendations
  • Explicit privatization and transfer-to-state options in mandate may generate institutional resistance from Coast Guard
  • 6-month timeline is tight for comprehensive review of all roles and missions with explicit criteria development
  • Deepwater mission focus may disadvantage near-shore or traditional Coast Guard functions
  • FY 2001 budget interim report suggests political pressure for rapid conclusions
  • Coast Guard both subject of review and administrative/financial supporter of Task Force creates potential conflict
Executive Order 13115: Interagency Task Force on the Roles and Missions of the United States Coast Guard · Executive Orders