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Legislative bills

Bipartisan Legislation Introduced to Strengthen and Authorize Funding for the United States Coast Guard

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Last week, a bipartisan group of lawmakers, including Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO) and Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Chairman Mike Ezell (R-MS), introduced a bill to strengthen and authorize funding through 2029 for the United States Coast Guard. The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 aims to safeguard the nation's borders, facilitate maritime commerce, and ensure maritime safety. The bill marks a critical step forward in bolstering national security, modernizing maritime infrastructure, and supporting the dedicated men and women of the United States Coast Guard.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 authorizes appropriations for the Service through fiscal year 2029, supporting Coast Guard operations and the recapitalization of its historically underfunded cutter fleet, aviation assets, shoreside facilities, and IT capabilities.
  • The bill modernizes the Coast Guard's acquisition process, increasing transparency and accountability in the Service's recapitalization efforts, and opens a pathway to the adoption of next-generation autonomous technologies.
  • The legislation creates greater parity with the other armed services, including the establishment of a Secretary of the Coast Guard and stronger protections for members of the Coast Guard from sexual assault and harassment.
  • The bill strengthens U.S.-Build requirements and improves accountability to better ensure a healthy, robust U.S. shipbuilding industry, while also making changes to maritime safety laws and improving regulatory processes.
  • The bill aims to support the important security, safety, and economically critical work of the Coast Guard, including preventing oil spills, ensuring the Coast Guard is prepared for tsunamis, and cracking down on the scourge of sexual assault and harassment in the service.
  • The legislation will improve the quality of life for Coasties, increase maritime safety, and strengthen national security.

Statistics:

  • The bill authorizes appropriations for the Service through fiscal year 2029.
  • The Service's historically underfunded cutter fleet, aviation assets, shoreside facilities, and IT capabilities will be recapitalized through the bill.
  • The bill modernizes the Coast Guard's acquisition process, with increased transparency and accountability in the Service's recapitalization efforts.
  • The legislation creates greater parity with the other armed services, including the establishment of a Secretary of the Coast Guard.
  • The bill will strengthen U.S.-Build requirements and improve accountability, with a goal of better ensuring a healthy, robust U.S. shipbuilding industry.
  • The bill makes changes to maritime safety laws and improves regulatory processes.

Sources:

  • Congressman Mike Ezell (R-MS) - Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025
  • Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO) - Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025
  • Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA) - Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025
  • Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Ranking Member Salud Carbajal (D-CA) - Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025
  • United States House of Representatives - Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025
  • MIL OSI USA News - Copyright 2025 Multimedia Investments Ltd, distributed by Contify.com

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