Richard Blumenthal (D-CT)
A bill to amend title 14, United States Code, to require the retention of certain enlisted members of the Coast Guard who have completed 18 or more, but less than 20, years of service, and for other purposes.
A Democratic bill with no cosponsors
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill aims to amend title 14 of the United States Code regarding the Coast Guard. It focuses on the retention of certain enlisted members who have completed between 18 and 20 years of service. The legislation would require the retention of regular members who are facing involuntary separation or denied reenlistment if they are within two years of qualifying for retirement. For Reserve members in active status, the bill sets specific timelines to prevent discharge or transfer without consent. This ensures members can reach their 20-year service milestone.
Yes· 3 of 4
- Scored +7
Would people in middle age be better off under this?
This helps career-long service members nearing the 20-year milestone, a group typically in middle age.
- Scored +6
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?
It benefits those nearing the end of their service and their transition into veteran status by securing retirement.
- Scored +5
Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive?
By allowing members to reach their 20-year service milestone, it protects their long-term retirement benefits.
The opposite
- Scored -2
Would people with disabilities be better off under this?
The bill specifically excludes those facing separation due to physical disability from its protections.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Retention of Regular Members: Regular enlisted members of the Coast Guard who are facing involuntary separation or denied reenlistment can be retained on active duty until they qualify for retirement, provided they are within two years of qualifying under section 2306. (Section 1(a))
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Protection for Reserve Members in Active Status: Members of the Coast Guard Reserve serving in an active status can prevent being discharged, denied reenlistment, or transferred without their consent. This applies if they have between 18 and 20 years of service and are facing separation or denied reenlistment not due to physical disability or cause. (Section 1(a))
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Path to 20 Years of Service for Reserves: For those with at least 18 but less than 19 years of service, the bill allows them to remain until they are credited with 20 years or until the third anniversary of their scheduled discharge. (Section 1(a), subsection (b)(1))
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Path to 20 Years of Service for Reserves: For those with at least 19 but less than 20 years of service, the bill allows them to remain until they are credited with 20 years or until the second anniversary of their scheduled discharge. (Section 1(a), subsection (b)(2))
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Exceptions for Physical Disability or Cause: Reserve members in active status cannot use these protections if they are being separated due to physical disability or for cause. (Section 1(a), subsection (b))
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would people in middle age be better off under this? — This helps career-long service members nearing the 20-year milestone, a group typically in middle age. Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together? — It benefits those nearing the end of their service and their transition into veteran status by securing retirement. Would retired people be better off under this? — By ensuring members can hit the 20-year mark, it secures their ability to qualify for retirement. Would people with disabilities be better off under this? — The bill specifically excludes those facing separation due to physical disability from its protections.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive? — By allowing members to reach their 20-year service milestone, it protects their long-term retirement benefits.
- 5/22/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.