- Coast Guard Bill Clears House with $25 Billion in Backing Through 2029.
- Lawmakers Approve Major Funding Boost for U.S. Coast Guard.
- House Backs Coast Guard Modernisation, Safety Reforms in New Bill.
The U.S. House of Representatives has given the green light to the Coast Guard Authorisation Act of 2025 (H.R. 4275), a bipartisan initiative that secures funding and support for the United States Coast Guard all the way through 2029. This legislation sailed through with an impressive vote of 399 to 12, reports Transportation & Infrastructure.
Key Sponsors and Legislative Goals
The bill was brought to the floor by Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO), Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA), Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Chairman Mike Ezell (R-MS), and Ranking Member Salud Carbajal (D-CA).
“The Coast Guard Authorization Act provides the men and women of the Coast Guard with the resources they need to carry out their many missions, including protecting our nation’s maritime borders, preventing illegal drugs and migrants from entering the country, and ensuring maritime safety,” said T&I Committee Chairman Graves. “This legislation builds on the historic investments in modernizing the Coast Guard’s air and sea assets provided by theOne Big Beautiful Bill Act, and it supports the administration’s vision to strengthen America’s maritime and shipbuilding capabilities. I appreciate the work of my colleagues, including Chairman Ezell and Ranking Members Larsen and Carbajal, on this bipartisan bill and I urge its timely passage by the Senate.”
Funding, Modernisation, and Infrastructure Support
This authorisation includes funding for the Coast Guard’s operations, the modernisation of cutters and aircraft, improvements to shoreside facilities, and upgrades to IT systems through FY2029. It also aims to streamline the acquisition process, boost transparency and accountability, and encourage the use of next-generation autonomous technologies.
“Today’s floor passage of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 will ensure the Coast Guard has the resources it needs to remain mission ready—preventing and responding to oil spills in the Puget Sound and beyond, preventing sexual assault and harassment and more—and improve shoreside infrastructure while investing in the women and men who keep our seas safe,” said T&I Committee Ranking Member Larsen.
National Security and Economic Impact
The legislation also addresses the strategic importance of the Coast Guard to national security and economic resilience, especially in coastal regions.
“The Coast Guard plays a critical role in safeguarding our national security, supporting economic activity, and responding to natural disasters and emergencies – especially along the Gulf Coast,” said Subcommittee Chairman Mike Ezell. “This legislation builds off the $25 billion dollar investment in reconciliation and follows the strong vision of Coast Guard Force Design 2028. H.R. 4275 strengthens our national security, supports maritime jobs, ensures safe navigation, and protects our natural resources. I’m proud to support this bill – it’s a win for Mississippi, a win for the Gulf Coast, and a win for the country. I want to thank Chairman Graves for his strong leadership and commitment to advancing this important legislation.”
Reforms and Protections for Service Members
The bill introduces significant reforms aimed at improving the quality of life for Coast Guard personnel, including measures to prevent sexual assault and harassment.
“Every single day, the Coast Guard goes to work to protect seafarers and beachgoers, and reinforce our national defense. As the top Democrat on the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, I’m proud this bipartisan bill is moving forward. The legislation will deliver critical resources for the Coast Guard to carry out its missions, modernize infrastructure and safety systems, and enhance quality of life for our Coasties. Just as importantly, it renews our shared commitment to holding the service accountable for meaningful reforms to root out sexual assault and harassment from its ranks,” said Subcommittee Ranking Member Carbajal.
U.S. Maritime Industry and Safety
This bill is all about strengthening our shipbuilding sector, streamlining regulations, and making maritime safety laws even better. Here’s what it covers:
- Enhancements to the U.S.-Build requirement for ships
- Updates to merchant mariner credentialing to expand the workforce
- Stricter vessel safety standards
- Measures to ensure better equality with other armed services, including creating a Secretary of the Coast Guard position
This legislation builds on past initiatives, like those that came after the Coast Guard’s Operation Fouled Anchor, to promote accountability and reform within the service.
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Source: Transportation & Infrastructure
