Bipartisan Legislation Strengthens US Coast Guard with Record Funding Through 2029

Strategic Insights -

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee recently approved the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025, a bipartisan legislation that provides the US Coast Guard with a record level of funding through 2029. This critical legislation solidifies the Coast Guard's ability to secure national borders, facilitate maritime commerce, and ensure maritime safety. The bill is a major step forward in strengthening national security, modernizing maritime infrastructure, and supporting the dedicated men and women of the Coast Guard.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 provides a record level of funding for the US Coast Guard through fiscal year 2029.
  • The bill authorizes appropriations for the Coast Guard to support operations, recapitalize the cutter fleet, aviation assets, shoreside facilities, and IT capabilities.
  • The legislation modernizes the Coast Guard's acquisition process, increases transparency and accountability in recapitalization efforts, and opens a pathway to the adoption of next-generation autonomous technologies.
  • The bill creates greater parity with other armed services by establishing a Secretary of the Coast Guard and strengthening protections for Coast Guard members from sexual assault and harassment.
  • Language to establish a Coast Guard Service Secretary, introduced by Rep. Mike Ezell, is also included in the package, ensuring strong and accountable leadership at the highest levels of the Service.
  • The bill strengthens U.S.-Build requirements and improves accountability to ensure a healthy and robust U.S. shipbuilding industry.
  • Maritime safety laws are amended to facilitate an increase in the pool of qualified U.S. merchant mariners, increase vessel safety, and improve regulatory processes.

Statistics:

  • $1.1 trillion in total funding for the US Coast Guard through 2029.
  • 165 lives saved by Petty Officer Scott Ruskan and the Rescue 6553 air crew team during the response to recent flooding in Texas.
  • 1 in 500 Coast Guard members affected by sexual assault and harassment every year (according to Operation Fouled Anchor).
  • 80% of US merchant mariners aged 55 or older (according to the Maritime Administration).
  • $5 billion allocated for shoreside infrastructure upgrades through 2029.
  • 20 new air and sea assets will be acquired by the Coast Guard through 2029, under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

Sources:

  • Office of Rep. Mike Ezell (MS-04)
  • House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee
  • Rep. Mike Ezell (R-MS)
  • Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO)
  • Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA)
  • Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Ranking Member Salud Carbajal (D-CA)