; (2) by redesignating paragraphs (6) through (15) as paragraphs (5) through (14), respectively; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (15) Vessel of National Interest The term Vessel of National Interest means a vessel deemed to be of national interest that meets characteristics determined by the Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Homeland Security, or the heads of other Federal agencies, as described in section 53703(e). . (b) Preferred lender Section 53702(a) of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) by striking The Secretary or Administrator, on terms the Secretary or Administrator may prescribe, and inserting the following: (1) Guarantee The Secretary, acting through the Administrator, on terms the Secretary or Administrator may prescribe, ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (2) Preferred eligible lender The Federal Financing Bank shall be the preferred eligible lender of the principal and interest of the guaranteed obligations issued under this chapter. . (c) Application and Administration Section 53703 of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) in the section heading, by striking procedures and inserting and administration ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (c) Independent analysis (1) In General To assess and mitigate the risks due to factors associated with markets, technology, financial, or legal structures related to an application or guarantee under this chapter, the Secretary or Administrator may utilize third-party experts, including legal counsel, to— (A) process and review applications under this chapter, including conducting independent analysis and review of aspects of an application; (B) represent the Secretary or Administrator in structuring and documenting the obligation guarantee; (C) analyze and review aspects of, structure, and document the obligation guarantee during the term of the guarantee