46 U.S.C. § 51312 — Board of Visitors

(a) A Board of Visitors must provide independent advice and recommendations about the Academy^*. (b)(1) It consists of two Senators appointed by the Senate Commerce Committee chair after consultation with its ranking member; three House members appointed by the House Armed Services chair after consultation with its ranking member; one Appropriations Committee Senator appointed by the Vice President; two House members appointed by the Speaker after consulting the Minority Leader, at least one from House Appropriations; five presidential appointees; and ex officio the Military Sealift Command Commander, Coast Guard Deputy Commandant for Operations, the two named committee chairs, the Academy Advisory Board chair, and the Academy district’s House member as nonvoting unless appointed voting under B or D. (2) Presidential appointees must include at least two graduates, at least one senior corporate officer from a United States maritime shipping company that participates in the Maritime Security Program or in any Maritime Administration program providing incentives for companies to register their vessels in the United States, and this appointment rotates every two years among those companies; at least one maritime-labor representative, and may include one or more Senate-confirmed appointees, Senior Executive Service members, or flag officers from the listed services, other than the specified ex officio members. (3) Except as stated, members serve two years beginning with each Congress; expired members continue until successors, except former congressional members, and the Designated Federal Officer must notify a replaced member within 60 days. (4) On inability or resignation, the officer immediately tells the appointing person, who has 60 days to name a replacement for the rest of the term. (5) A member who is the Military Sealift Command Commander or the Coast Guard Deputy Commandant for Operations, or a presidential appointee who is a senior corporate officer from a qualifying maritime shipping company or a representative of a maritime labor organization, may temporarily designate a substitute if unable to attend or participate in an activity described in subsection (d), (e), or (f). The substitute must be an individual serving in a position to which the President appointed the individual and the Senate confirmed the individual, a member of the Senior Executive Service, or a flag-rank officer employed by the Coast Guard or the Military Sealift Command. The Board must allow full participation; the substitute must report to the designator within 15 days and may help prepare related reports. (c) Every two years the Board selects a House member or Senator as chair, alternating chambers; no consecutive terms. (d) It meets under its charter, including at least one Academy meeting and two more in-person or virtual meetings. The designated officer organizes the chair-selection and charter meeting, coordinates dates, and gives members at least 30 days’ notice. (e) The Board visits annually on a date chosen with the Secretary and Superintendent, and may make other visits. Members have reasonable access to grounds, facilities, midshipmen, faculty, staff, and personnel; each member’s staff may accompany them. Visit notice is at least 30 days after coordination. (f) The Board examines morale, discipline, curriculum, instruction, equipment, finances, academic methods, and other matters it chooses. (g) The Secretary must provide needed support, select the designated officer, and with the Maritime Administrator and Superintendent advise about institutional issues consistently with disclosure laws. (h) The named congressional committee chairs and ranking members may designate committee staff to serve without extra reimbursement, attend meetings, and visit. (i) Members and designated staff away from home or regular business receive authorized travel expenses and per diem under 5 U.S.C. 5703. (j)(1) Within 60 days after each annual visit, the Board must give the President a written report of actions, views, and recommendations. (2) After another visit it may prepare a report and, if a majority approves, send it within 60 days of approval. (3) It may call advisers about its duties or reports. (4) Reports to the President must simultaneously go to Transportation and the named Senate and House committees.