HR4275119th CongressWALLET

Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Representative Graves

Passed House

Summary

Expand Coast Guard capacity and strengthen governance. This bill would authorize multi-year funding and set a formal plan to grow Coast Guard end strength and training capacity while rewriting acquisition oversight, personnel rules, and misconduct prevention. It focuses on building to a 60,000-person force, tighter program transparency, and stronger survivor and workplace protections.

Show full summary
  • Families and dependents: Modernizes "Family leave," extends leave rules to reserves, adds command sponsorship for dependents in Unalaska, creates a maternity uniform allowance, and expands survivor and family-dependency supports.
  • Members and workforce: Requires budget and training plans to reach a 60,000 end strength and reallocates student-year training slots across FY2025–FY2029. It authorizes direct-hire authority for key civilian roles, mandatory behavioral health hires including at least five specialists, and an embedded behavioral-health technician pilot.
  • Mariners, ports, and operations: Overhauls Merchant Mariner Credentialing and training standards, tightens acquisition reporting with quarterly and pre-procurement briefings, sets new port and anchorage rules, expands unmanned maritime system pilots, and requires Pacific and Arctic operational planning and reporting.

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

66 provisions identified: 44 benefits, 6 costs, 16 mixed.

Stronger victim care and cadet safety

If enacted, allegations against senior Coast Guard leaders would go to the Inspector General within 72 hours, with the IG able to lead the case. Victims would get faster care, in‑person referrals, trained staff, and records kept at least 7 years. Members who report a sexual assault in the past 5 years and have symptoms could be offered medical exams for PTSD, TBI, or other disorders. The Academy would install electronic locks on every cadet room within 2 years, test them every 6 months, and keep access logs for 5 years, with clear access rules and training.

More tuition help for sea duty

The Coast Guard would start a pilot within 120 days. If you complete a sea duty tour, your education service obligation would be cut by one year. Your tuition assistance cap could be doubled for the length of your tour. The pilot would run for six years, with yearly reports to Congress.

Core Coast Guard missions protected

If enacted, the bill would list the Coast Guard’s main duties like search and rescue, marine safety, and drug and migrant interdiction. The Secretary would be barred from substantially reducing these duties or the service’s ability to perform them. The Coast Guard would file an annual report showing it preserved and carried out these duties.

Five‑year Coast Guard funding boost

If enacted, the bill would authorize Coast Guard funding of $11.29 billion in FY2025 and $11.85 billion in FY2026. It would authorize $13.5 billion in FY2027, $14.5 billion in FY2028, and $15.5 billion in FY2029. It would also authorize funds for subaccounts and retired pay. This supports operations, procurement, and retiree obligations.

College aid to join Coast Guard

Eligible college students would be able to enlist in the Coast Guard Reserve and get up to $25,000 per year for tuition and books, for up to 5 years. You would need to accept a commission and serve active duty based on months of aid received, with a minimum 3-year obligation. If you break the agreement, you could be ordered to serve and may have to repay the money.

Fixing Coast Guard medical records

GAO would study missing Coast Guard medical records and how data are shared with the VA. The study would look at adding private medical records, shipboard sick bay records, and EHR access for members and clinicians. The results would go to Congress and could help improve care and VA benefits access.

More care and leave for Coast Guard

If enacted, Coast Guard members would see more support. Family leave would cover more reserve members, add long‑term foster care placements, and could be used after one year when duty or school gets in the way. Survivors and certain victims would get access to death benefits, travel help, and Coast Guard health and legal services. Naloxone would need to be available on all bases and in operations within 1 year, with opioid tracking and a Congress briefing within 2 years. A pilot would place behavioral health techs at 3+ clinics, with reports each year through September 30, 2029.

Review BAH to spot shortfalls

If enacted, GAO would study how the Coast Guard helps set housing allowances. The study would flag duty locations where BAH is under 95% of the cost of adequate housing and review the methods used. The Commandant would send a plan or written reason within 1 year after getting the report.

Study to cut PCS moving problems

If enacted, GAO would review Coast Guard PCS moves within 1 year of starting the study. The report would cover costs, mover performance, lost or damaged goods, delays, and changes over the past 10 years. It would recommend ways to reduce problems and costs for members.

Bigger Coast Guard workforce and extra pay

The bill would set end strength at 50,000 for FY2025–FY2026, 55,000 for FY2027, and 60,000 for FY2028–FY2029, with set training slots each year. It would allow extra assignment or special duty pay for hard‑to‑fill marine inspector billets. It would require command sponsorship for dependents of members assigned to Unalaska, Alaska upon request.

Faster hiring and bonuses for tough posts

The Coast Guard could directly hire certain workers, like medical staff, childcare staff, investigators, and some faculty, when there is a shortage. Civilian firefighters at remote Coast Guard stations would be eligible for recruitment, relocation, and retention bonuses. Members assigned in Alaska could get airfare reimbursed for approved personal travel through at least December 31, 2029.

Faster path to mariner licenses

If enacted, required sea time for some merchant mariner endorsements would drop (for example, 3 years to 18 months; 18 months to 12 months; 12 months to 6 months). Approved training could replace up to half the sea time. Each 7‑hour training day would count as: 2 days (classroom), 4 days (lab/practical), 6 days (full‑mission simulator), and 0.5 days for underway training that meets set rules.

Safer training and Academy for cadets

If enacted, cadets who report sexual assault would get 72‑hour decisions on transfer requests, with fast appeals. Cadets could also request room changes if uncomfortable. The Commandant would update Academy access rules in 30 days and submit a safety plan within 180 days after a GAO report. GAO would review behavioral health care at Cape May, the Academy, and other training sites. GAO would also study training facility hazards like lead, asbestos, mold, radon, and bad water and estimate cleanup costs.

Stronger protections for Coast Guard victims

This bill would tighten Coast Guard policies to better protect victims of sexual misconduct and domestic violence. It would require an expedited transfer process with recusal rules and annual reporting. It would require written reasons for denying military protective orders and notices about no‑contact and transfer options. It would keep rape and sexual assault evidence and records for at least 50 years and give victims faster access to their records. It would place notes in service records when covered misconduct is proven. It would link Coast Guard systems to DoD’s sexual assault database and join the CATCH program to identify serial offenders. It would also require a prevention policy within 180 days and a program within 180 days after that.

Stronger support for Coast Guard survivors

The Coast Guard would add broad training on reporting, survivor support, and prevention. It would join the special‑victim program and brief Congress on progress. Victims who reported sex‑related offenses could request temporary separation under updated rules. Confidential harassment reporting would include Coast Guard leaders, with de‑identified reports due starting April 30, 2025. The service would add at least five behavioral health specialists, with at least 35% experienced in military sexual trauma and PTSD.

Safer anchorage and firefighting practices

If enacted, the Coast Guard would adopt the 2021 plan to restructure San Pedro Bay anchorages within one year and add alarms and notification steps for pipeline encroachment. GAO would report in 270 days on roles, training, and best practices for fighting waterfront and vessel fires, including lithium‑ion risks. The Coast Guard would also study how allies manage fog and low‑visibility with advanced navigation tech.

Sexual misconduct reforms and Academy safety

If enacted, the bill would define which sex‑related offenses count as covered misconduct in Coast Guard law. GAO would review the Coast Guard’s handling of sexual assault and harassment and the Academy’s security, with reports due in one year. The Secretary could allow Connecticut to share law‑enforcement jurisdiction at the Academy to aid investigations. The Commandant would have to brief within 90 days and then every 180 days through 2028 on carrying out Independent Review recommendations, and provide a CNA briefing and a one‑year strategy and action plan.

Stronger port security and cyber drills

If enacted, a ports and waterways safety pilot would run from FY2025–FY2029 and expand waterfront safety to include cyberattacks and foreign state threats. The Secretary could block visits to secure facilities by representatives of governments labeled as supporting terrorism. The bill would also allow no‑notice cyber exercises for facilities and vessels that must keep security plans.

Tougher actions and monthly drug reports

If enacted, the Coast Guard would set a policy within one year to seize or dispose of vessels used for illegal maritime drug trafficking, consistent with law. The Commandant would brief Congress on the policy and needed resources. The Coast Guard would also publish a monthly public report on drug interdictions and people interdicted, without releasing protected information.

Bering Strait shipping and response study

If enacted, the Coast Guard would ask the National Academies to study Bering Strait ship traffic and project 10 years of growth. The study would review routes, vessel traffic services, spill and emergency response, risks to Arctic waters and villages, and the Port of Point Spencer’s role. A report would go to Congress within 1 year of starting the study.

Great Lakes icebreaking plan and trial

If enacted, the Coast Guard would deliver a plan within 90 days to design and build a Great Lakes icebreaker like the Mackinaw, with costs and a delivery timeline. A 5‑season pilot would test if key waterways can stay open 95% of the time, with reports due 180 days after each season.

Pacific operations plan and base needs

If enacted, the Coast Guard would file a public plan for Pacific operations by December 31, 2025 and every year after. A detailed public budget display would be due by February 15, 2026 each year, and Congress would receive briefings. The Coast Guard would also study adding more Pacific port visits or deployments within 180 days and report how that would affect coverage elsewhere. A public report on shore needs and costs to base new ships and aircraft would be due within 180 days and updated annually through July 2, 2031 or until projects finish.

Public reports on Pacific and Arctic plans

If enacted, the Coast Guard would publish a shore infrastructure report within 180 days and an Arctic homeport progress report within 90 days. It would publish a Pacific operations plan by December 31, 2025 and yearly after, plus a detailed Pacific budget display by February 15, 2026 and yearly after.

Reports on search‑and‑rescue changes

If enacted, the Coast Guard would report within 1 year, and every year, on search and rescue at stations affected by recent alignment plans. Reports would cover station counts, staffing trends since 2021, response times, lives lost, safety checks, and ice rescues.

Update Canada–US oil spill plan

If enacted, the Coast Guard and State Department would review and update the Canada‑US marine pollution plan within 180 days. They would analyze maps, ship traffic, and spill risks, and run at least one joint oil‑spill exercise each year.

Broader use of drones at sea

If enacted, the Coast Guard would file a plan within one year to create an uncrewed systems office and list needed authorities and useful technologies. It would ensure any Coast Guard‑bought unmanned aircraft are used to support the service’s primary duties. GAO would report in 18 months on the Coast Guard’s unmanned systems and on research and innovation efforts to speed useful tech to the fleet. The Coast Guard would study adding medium unmanned aircraft to more cutters, with a report due in one year. For two years, some small NOAA uncrewed maritime systems would be exempt from many vessel rules if needed for real‑time extreme‑weather data and if safety is not at risk.

Stronger oversight of Coast Guard buying

If enacted, the Coast Guard would brief Congress every quarter on major acquisitions within 45 days of each quarter. It would give at least one week’s notice before big buys and send decision memos within 5 business days. The bill would use best‑value contracting by ranking at least three qualified firms and negotiating in order. It would let a non‑Coast Guard entity contract for Arctic Security Cutters and some other vessels funded under a specific law, and it would exempt service‑life‑extension projects from certain Level 1/2 rules. For Polar Security Cutters, a detailed report would be due in 120 days, followed by updates at least every 90 days.

Consider full life‑cycle costs in buying

If enacted, the Coast Guard would need to consider full life‑cycle costs when designing and choosing ships and aircraft. This means looking beyond the purchase price to repairs and operating costs.

Abandoned boats: owners warned and billed

If enacted, the Coast Guard would try to identify and notify owners of vessels that appear abandoned. Notices would warn of civil penalties and removal at the owner’s expense. If no owner is found, notice would be posted locally and online. A removal decision could be made no sooner than 45 days after notification.

Stricter license rules for sex offenses

If enacted, federal convictions and two specific military sex‑offense convictions would be added as reasons to deny maritime credentials. People with these convictions could be blocked from working in maritime jobs that require a credential.

New rules for passenger‑ship safety

If enacted, passenger‑ship operators would need an electronic system that logs each crew member’s date, time, and identity when entering passenger rooms, with annual reviews of access rules. Operators would also need to stock post‑assault disease‑prevention supplies based on voyage length and the number of passengers and crew. These changes would add planning and equipment costs for operators while improving passenger safety.

Tighter limits on Coast Guard ship buys

The Coast Guard would be barred from procuring vessels with major hull parts built in foreign shipyards, unless the President grants a national security exception and explains why U.S. yards are insufficient. The Department could not delegate certain inspection authority to classification societies from the People’s Republic of China. Use of certain appropriated funds would be conditioned on compliance, required reports, and advance notice to Congress, with a 90‑day spending plan.

Crew citizenship rules and 50% cap

If enacted, noncitizen nationals would be clearly eligible under mariner citizenship rules. At the same time, through December 31, 2065, certain covered aliens could make up no more than 50% of unlicensed seamen on covered vessels.

Faster spill cleanup and safer ships

Courts would not hear some challenges to cleanup decisions until a removal is complete. The Coast Guard could require regular inspections, drills, and equipment for salvage and firefighting. Owners and operators would be barred from abandoning non‑barge vessels on U.S. waters for over 45 days. Several oil‑spill law definitions and cross‑references would be corrected and updated.

Helicopter fleet plan and spending hold

If enacted, the Commandant would have 6 months to report on helicopter needs and alternatives. From FY2027–FY2029, some procurement funds could not be used for helicopter buys or upgrades until the report is sent, unless the Commandant gives weekly in‑person status briefings. The Coast Guard would also need to keep at least 140 operational helicopters and notify Congress within 5 business days if it drops below that level.

Backup path for offshore fuel transfers

If enacted, the Coast Guard would have 60 days to update rules on what counts as offshore operations. If not updated in time, the Secretary would allow certain vessels to transfer fuel to offshore facilities for energy work and waive a specific restriction for some non‑tanker vessels. This could make fuel moves for offshore energy faster under set conditions.

New vessel inspection rules and studies

If enacted, some vessels helping with oil spill response in Western Alaska and Prince William Sound could operate under an inspection exemption if they meet strict safety limits. The Secretary could shift foreign‑ship exams to a performance‑based schedule only if GAO‑recommended assessments show safety stays at least equal to annual checks, and ships with recent detentions or violations would be excluded. The Coast Guard would also study safety rules for commercial amphibious vessels and report recommendations within one year.

Deepwater port reviews shift to DOT

If enacted, the Maritime Administration would lead environmental reviews for deepwater port applications. The Coast Guard would keep roles on design, construction, equipment, and operations. Current applications would not move. The change could alter timelines and processes for future applicants.

Tsunami evacuation plans for Coast Guard bases

If enacted, the Coast Guard would create site‑specific tsunami plans for properties in inundation zones within one year. Plans would include maps, routes, and training for personnel and dependents, and be executable within 15 minutes for near‑shore risks. Units would drill yearly, and the Commandant would brief Congress within 14 months.

Advance shutdown notices on Coast Guard pay

If enacted, the Commandant would notify Congress at least 10 days before the fiscal year ends (or a long continuing resolution ends). The notice would explain funding status, the Coast Guard’s Armed Forces role, and how shutdowns have affected members. It would include how many members are serving overseas and that members must keep serving even if unpaid.

Health privacy help for cadets and moms

Pregnant Coast Guard officers could receive a cash allowance to buy maternity uniform items if not issued by the service. The Academy would add at least two private rooms within two years for telehealth and medical visits, with phones, computers, and private Wi‑Fi. The Commandant would report within 120 days on behavioral health facilities and needed services at the Academy.

Easier mariner exams and faster renewals

If enacted, the mariner exam Working Group would meet at least yearly, allow remote participation, and include recent exam passers. Some review timelines would be extended to improve quality. Renewed credentials would start the day after the prior credential expires, avoiding gaps.

New training for Congress and drones

The Coast Guard would offer a yearly course on how Congress works, with most instructors from outside the executive branch. Personnel chosen for Congressional Affairs would need to complete it before starting. It would also offer a yearly course for three years on small uncrewed maritime systems, covering safe navigation, communication, failure response, and international rules.

Updated rules for officer reviews

The Coast Guard would set clear rules for reviewing records in involuntary officer separations. Boards of inquiry would recommend to the Secretary whether an officer should be retained. Reserve selection boards would follow updated statutory guidance.

Higher cap for minor CG projects

If enacted, the cap for Coast Guard “minor construction” projects would rise from $1.5 million to $4 million. More work could use simpler procurement paths, which may open chances for smaller contractors.

More fishing safety training and grants

If enacted, fishing crews would get safety training that covers health risks like fatigue and substance use. Grants for this work would increase to $6 million each year for 2025 through 2029. Awards would be competitive and set with Coast Guard input.

Stronger buying oversight and bigger tech pilots

The bill would update Coast Guard acquisition rules and require more briefings to Congress on program costs and timelines. It would also allow up to four participants in a Coast Guard technology pilot program. The Commandant would brief Congress on SPC‑HWX II deployment within 180 days and on certain costs within set dates.

Advisor for Tribal and Native Hawaiian affairs

If enacted, a career Special Advisor to the Commandant would support Tribal and Native Hawaiian Affairs. The advisor would ensure government‑to‑government consultation and provide independent advice to the Secretary and Commandant.

Coast Guard forfeiture funds shift to Treasury

If enacted, Coast Guard law‑enforcement forfeiture activities would be handled under Treasury’s consolidated fund rules. The separate Coast Guard forfeiture fund would be removed and references updated.

Cyber help abroad with cost reimbursement

The Coast Guard could help foreign partners respond to cyber threats tied to ships or illegal fishing, after coordinating with the State Department. Foreign entities that get help could be required to repay Coast Guard costs.

New rules for Academy oversight board

Membership, chair rotation, meetings, and reporting for the Coast Guard Academy Board of Visitors would be updated. Members would be invited to visit annually, and reports must be posted online within 60 days. Members may be reimbursed for actual expenses as permitted by law.

Safer waterways: buoys, spills, abandoned boats

The Coast Guard would study reliance on physical navigation aids and pause removing certain dayboards and buoys until after a report. It would create a public list of abandoned vessels within a year, with a way for states, Tribes, and the public to report boats. The National Response Center would plan a web app in one year and allow online spill reports within two years after that plan.

Support for museum and research ships

The Coast Guard would be able to accept services from nonprofits to help build, maintain, and run the National Coast Guard Museum and clarify related leasing. It would also let research partners use certain Coast Guard‑acquired vessels without paying fees, when it does not conflict with missions.

Stronger Coast Guard budget and reports oversight

If enacted, the Commandant would have to submit a plan to carry out GAO recommendations and explain any rejected ones. If the President’s budget omits proportional Coast Guard Operations and Support funding for authorized end strength, the Commandant would deliver a report and an in‑person briefing with pay, benefits, and recruiting cost estimates through 2032. The Coast Guard would also list overdue reports each year and, if late, the Commandant would brief Congress in person every 30 days until the list is filed.

Advisory committee on autonomous ships

If enacted, a 15‑member advisory committee would be formed within 90 days to guide rules on autonomous maritime systems. Members would include experts from safety, ship design, ports, labor, pilots, and academia.

Pilotage rules cover Straits of Mackinac

If enacted, the Straits of Mackinac and specified channels and approaches would be designated pilotage waters. Vessel operators in that area could face pilotage requirements and related costs.

Higher penalties for reckless or abandoned boats

If enacted, very reckless boat operation that endangers others would be a class A misdemeanor. If it causes serious injury, it could be a class E felony with a civil fine up to $35,000. Owners or operators of abandoned covered vessels could face a civil penalty up to $500 per vessel, unless there were major extenuating circumstances like long‑term medical incapacity.

More vetting for Coast Guard top leaders

If enacted, continuous background vetting would explicitly cover Coast Guard flag officers and senior executives with clearances. Agencies would share relevant conviction and determination data for investigations.

Changes to ocean cleanup funds and data

The Marine Debris program would no longer have a 5% cap on admin costs. Trustees managing Exxon Valdez restoration funds would prioritize habitat protection and restoration, with updated account rules. The Coast Guard would share ballast water testing data with states, tribes, and territories. The Puget Sound whale‑monitoring pilot would be extended to six years.

Clearer rules for maritime crimes and cases

If enacted, drug‑trafficking crimes would be clarified to cover conduct on board covered vessels. Marine casualty investigations could be used in more administrative cases, including some Oil Pollution Act claims.

Great Lakes Seaway traffic coordination rules

If enacted, certain Seaway authorities could only be delegated to the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation. The Secretary would issue or update rules within two years to improve vessel traffic cooperation and data sharing with the Canadian Coast Guard.

Leadership term limits and law delays

The Commandant could be reappointed only once for four more years. A noted title 10 provision would not apply to the Coast Guard until October 1, 2027. A separate statutory date would shift from 2025 to 2029. One prior NDAA section would be repealed.

Local anchorage and fishing gear rules

New anchorage grounds on the Hudson River between Palisades, NY, and Germantown, NY would be suspended, and prior Port of New York boundary points would stay in place for 20 years. Fishers could keep using AIS devices to mark fishing gear without enforcement through December 31, 2029.

Nonprofits may use Academy facilities

If enacted, the Secretary could let certain nonprofit foundations that support the Academy use its facilities or equipment, with legal and ethics reviews. Uses could be reimbursable or free, but must not risk safety, create U.S. liability, or involve cadets except as an honor guard. Each year this authority is used, the Coast Guard would brief Congress on the number of events.

New justice and oversight leaders at Coast Guard

The bill would create a Chief Prosecutor (O‑7 or above) to handle covered offenses and a Director of the Coast Guard Investigative Service. It would add a Coast Guard Inspector General role with four‑year tours unless extended for public interest. It would also create a civilian Secretary of the Coast Guard, with a seven‑year cooling‑off period after active duty. Boards could downgrade certain discharges based on clear and convincing evidence of sexual assault or harassment, and retired grade reviews could be reopened for serious misconduct. Rulemaking would be required on these changes within set timelines.

Broader rules for offshore energy work

The law’s description of offshore operations would be updated to include oil and non‑mineral energy exploration, development, and production. Some vessels and service providers could see different rules apply to their activities.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Graves

MO • R

Cosponsors

  • Larsen (WA)

    WA • D

    Sponsored 7/2/2025

  • Ezell

    MS • R

    Sponsored 7/2/2025

  • Carbajal

    CA • D

    Sponsored 7/2/2025

  • Webster (FL)

    FL • R

    Sponsored 7/14/2025

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 399 • No: 12

house vote • 7/23/2025

On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended

Yes: 399 • No: 12

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