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Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 Advances Bipartisan Efforts to Strengthen National Security, Modernize Maritime Infrastructure

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has approved the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025, a bipartisan legislation that strengthens and supports the United States Coast Guard by authorizing funding through 2029 for its critical missions. The bill, first introduced by Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Chairman Mike Ezell (R-MS), Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO), Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA), and Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Ranking Member Salud Carbajal (D-CA), aims to modernize maritime infrastructure, enhance quality of life for Coast Guard personnel, and address national security concerns.

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 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 ensure a healthy, robust U.S. shipbuilding industry, while also making changes to maritime safety laws and increasing vessel safety.
  • The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 includes language to establish a Secretary of the Coast Guard, a bill introduced by Subcommittee Chairman Mike Ezell, which will provide strong, accountable leadership at the highest levels of the Service.

Statistics:

  • The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 authorizes appropriations for the Service through FY 2029.
  • The bill provides $123 billion in funding over 5 years to support Coast Guard operations and recapitalize its historically underfunded cutter fleet, aviation assets, shoreside facilities, and IT capabilities.
  • The legislation aims to increase the pool of qualified U.S. merchant mariners by 20% through amendments to merchant mariner credentialing requirements.
  • The bill strengthens U.S.-Build requirements, ensuring that 70% of Coast Guard vessels will be built in U.S. shipyards.
  • The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 includes provisions to improve accountability in Coast Guard operations, including regular audits and oversight of procurement processes.

Sources:

  • [1] Congressman Mike Ezell (R-MS). (2025, March 15). Press Release: House Committee Advances Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025. Retrieved from [https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6259](https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6259)
  • [2] United States House of Representatives. (2025). Press Release: House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Advances Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025. Retrieved from [https://transportation.house.gov/news/press-releases/house-transportation-and-infrastructure-committee-advances-coast-guard](https://transportation.house.gov/news/press-releases/house-transportation-and-infrastructure-committee-advances-coast-guard)

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