S. 3591 would authorize the Administration to transfer up to two U.S. Coast Guard cutters to Ecuador. Section 9 would require the Administration to assess Ecuador’s capacity to maintain cutters that the Coast Guard no longer requires and would authorize the transfer of up to two boats to Ecuador. Excess items are often sold at a discount or provided at no cost to the recipient.
To date, the Coast Guard has transferred more than 10 such excess vessels at no cost to recipient countries. However, countries typically pay all costs associated with refurbishing and transporting such items, and for training its personnel, through the Foreign Military Sales program. Amounts received are available for obligation without further appropriation; therefore, CBO estimates that enacting that provision would have an insignificant net effect on direct spending in each year and over time.
