Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025
Sponsored By: Senator Ted Cruz
Passed Senate
Summary
Coast Guard capacity is the focus: the bill funds operations, raises staffing targets, and rewrites acquisition rules to modernize ships, aircraft, and maintenance. It pairs specific dollar authorizations with new buying rules and reporting on icebreakers and polar cutters.
Show full summary
- Coast Guard personnel and readiness gain explicit targets. Total end strength is raised from 2,500 to 3,000 and aircraft crew levels from 165 to 200, with higher training capacity metrics.
- Shipbuilders and the Coast Guard Yard face new procurement rules and reporting. The bill creates Service Life Extension Programs, requires life‑cycle cost estimates, reclassifies major projects, and limits floating drydocks to U.S. construction and defined acquisition paths. The minor construction threshold rises to $2 million.
- Great Lakes and Arctic operations get clearer plans and oversight. The Commandant must deliver a Great Lakes icebreaker design and run a five‑season pilot to target keeping key waterways open 95% of the time. A Polar Security Cutter acquisition report is due within 120 days and regular briefings follow.
*Authorizes roughly $11.3 billion for FY2025 and $11.9 billion for FY2026 for the Coast Guard primary account, plus other specified accounts and retiree costs, representing near‑term federal outlays for operations and acquisitions.*
Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
55 provisions identified: 39 benefits, 4 costs, 12 mixed.
Two-year Coast Guard funding plan
If enacted, this bill would authorize $11.29 billion for FY2025 and $11.85 billion for FY2026 for the Coast Guard. It would also authorize $1.21 billion in FY2025 for retired pay and related benefits. These are authorizations, not actual funding. Congress would still need to appropriate the money before it can be spent.
College aid for Coast Guard Reservists
If enacted, enlisted Coast Guard Reserve members on active duty could get up to $25,000 per academic year for college, for up to five years. You must be a U.S. citizen, eligible for a secret clearance, meet age and character rules, and be a full‑time student in an approved program. You would sign a service agreement; service is 3 months per month of instruction for the first year and 1 month per month after, or at least 3 years. If you break the agreement, you could owe service or repayment.
Stronger mental health and victim support
If enacted, the Coast Guard would hire at least five more behavioral health specialists within 180 days, with at least 35% experienced in sexual‑trauma and PTSD care. Members who report a sexual assault within five years could request exams for PTSD, TBI, or other mental health disorders, and members facing involuntary separation would be told of this right. A new policy would aim to give timely care and in‑person introductions to services, with training for victim‑care staff. The Academy would add two private wellness rooms within two years. A pilot would embed behavioral health technicians at three or more clinics by 270 days and would run through September 30, 2028. The bill would also speed some program timelines to 30 days and clarify access to death benefits, travel pay for ceremonies, VA eligibility, and special legal and behavioral health support for victims.
Better NOAA officer careers and education help
If enacted, NOAA flag promotions would require Senate confirmation, and a key leadership role would require at least one year as a captain. Disqualification standards would rise to "willful misconduct." The Secretary could set retirement dates, generally at least 60 days after approval unless the officer asks for earlier. A limit on NOAA education assistance would be repealed. NOAA would create Cooperative Aviation Centers and an Advisor to support aviation training and recruiting. A date in existing law would extend from 2025 to 2027.
Bonuses and faster hiring for Coast Guard jobs
If enacted, the Coast Guard could pay assignment or special duty pay to marine inspectors in hard‑to‑fill jobs. Civilian firefighters at remote stations could get recruitment, relocation, and retention bonuses. The Commandant could use temporary direct‑hire authority to fill key roles, such as medical staff, childcare, housing, investigators, and some Academy positions, through September 30, 2030.
More Coast Guard jobs and training
If enacted, staffing and training benchmarks would rise for FY2025–FY2026, including increases from 2,500 to 3,000, 165 to 200, 385 to 450, and 1,200 to 1,300. The Coast Guard would offer a yearly course on how Congress works. It would also offer an annual uncrewed maritime systems course for three years.
More leave, travel, and tuition for members
If enacted, family leave would cover adoption and long‑term foster care and reserve members, with extra time to use leave when missions prevent it. Members assigned in Alaska could get reimbursed airfare to their home of record during the policy period, with approved leave. A sea duty tuition pilot would start within 120 days: after a sea tour, your education service obligation would drop by 1 year and your tuition cap could be up to double for a period equal to that tour. The Coast Guard could exceed usual E‑8/E‑9 limits until October 1, 2027.
Safer Academy housing and fast transfers
If enacted, the Coast Guard Academy would install electronic locks on every cadet dorm room within 2 years and test them every 6 months, with access logs kept for at least 5 years. The Commandant would update campus access rules and send Congress a security plan after the GAO report. Cadets who are victims could request a transfer to another academy or ROTC, with a 72‑hour decision and a 72‑hour appeal to the Secretary if denied.
Safer Coast Guard Academy and oversight
If enacted, the Academy would review misconduct policies each year and survey cadets in odd‑numbered years. Reports would go to Congress each March 1 through 2031. Cadets could ask for room changes when a roommate causes discomfort. The Academy would post reporting and support info in dorms and hire a Primary Prevention Specialist. The Board of Visitors would be updated and must post reports publicly within 60 days.
Assess Coast Guard capacity; new resource deals
If enacted, the Coast Guard would hire a federally funded research center to assess its missions, staffing, and budget limits, including reimbursement for work done for other agencies. A report would go to Congress with feasible recommendations. The Commandant could also sign cooperative agreements to manage natural and cultural resources on or near Coast Guard sites when this removes limits on training or operations. These agreements could share costs and would not follow certain federal agreement rules.
Regional maritime security plans and studies
If enacted, the Coast Guard and partners would study more port visits for Operation Blue Pacific and plan joint training with Taiwan within 180 days, including cost estimates through FY2029. Transportation would analyze Bering Strait vessel traffic and Arctic response capacity, and the Coast Guard would report on maritime awareness in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Coast Guard would study hangar needs at Air Station Corpus Christi, including helicopter transitions and corrosion mitigation. Before finalizing a local rule, the Coast Guard would also run an independent boat traffic study at mile 7.4 of the St. Lucie River.
Safer anchoring near pipelines in L.A.
If enacted, the Coast Guard would implement the 2021 plan to restructure San Pedro Bay anchorages within one year. It would study anchorages located less than one mile from pipelines and report in two years with recommendations. The Coast Guard would add alarms for pipeline encroachment and set procedures for Vessel Traffic Services to notify pipeline and utility operators. Annual progress reports would continue for three years.
Stronger misconduct and investigation oversight
If enacted, GAO would review the Coast Guard’s actions on sexual assault and harassment within one year. The Commandant would deliver an implementation plan, keep records of case decisions for at least seven years, and brief Congress regularly on an independent commission’s recommendations through 2028. Allegations against senior leaders would go to the Inspector General within 72 hours, with the IG having first right to investigate. The Coast Guard would add a Director of its Investigative Service, a senior legal advisor to the Commandant, and would join DoD’s CATCH program to help identify serial offenders. Annual misconduct reports to Congress would be required by March 1.
Stronger port security and cleanup decisions
If enacted, waterfront safety rules would count cyber attacks, transnational crime, and foreign state threats. Certain officials from governments tied to terrorism would be barred from visiting secured port facilities. The bill would also delay court challenges to on‑scene coordinator decisions until a cleanup is finished, aiming to avoid delays.
Track abandoned boats and ease spill reporting
If enacted, the bill would define when a non‑barge vessel is “abandoned,” including being left unattended for over 45 days. The Coast Guard would build a public national inventory of abandoned vessels within one year and set a way for States, Tribes, and the public to report them. The Coast Guard would not have to remove listed vessels except for emergency response. The National Response Center would plan in one year and then build a web app within two years to accept oil and hazardous release reports online.
Great Lakes icebreaker plan and pilot
If enacted, the Coast Guard would have 90 days to submit a plan to design and build a new Great Lakes icebreaker at least as capable as Mackinaw. It would also run a 5‑season pilot to see if key waterways can stay open 95% of the time each ice season. Reports would be due within 180 days after each season.
More flexible Coast Guard housing deals
If enacted, the Coast Guard could buy existing family housing instead of building new units, and may waive a floor‑area limit for five years. It could sign enhanced‑use deals for up to 30 years, and keep the proceeds until spent; private partners must pay fair market value. The enhanced‑use authority would end on December 31, 2030, but existing deals would continue. The "minor" project cap would also rise from $1.5 million to $2 million.
Coast Guard Academy safety and access changes
If enacted, the Secretary could allow Connecticut to share legal jurisdiction on Academy grounds to help with crime cases. GAO would review Academy security in one year, including buildings, locks, cameras, and access rules, and suggest fixes. GAO would also study needed coaching and teaching billets to support recruitment and athletics. The Coast Guard could let certain 501(c)(3) foundations use Academy facilities under strict safety, ethics, and approval rules, with yearly briefings to Congress when used.
Build Coast Guard uncrewed systems policy
If enacted, the Coast Guard would deliver a one‑year plan to stand up an uncrewed systems office, list needed buying authorities, and map out data sharing and operations. A 15‑member advisory committee on autonomous maritime systems would be created within 90 days. NOAA would get a permanent seat on the Coast Guard’s automated and autonomous vessel policy council within 30 days. The Coast Guard would brief Congress yearly for three years.
NOAA fleet can keep sale proceeds
If enacted, NOAA could sell or transfer survey and research vessels and keep the money for two years to buy or fix vessels. A fleet modernization plan would be due in 180 days and every two years. The bill would also authorize $93 million for FY2025–FY2026 for fleet needs.
Tougher penalties for crimes on water
If enacted, grossly negligent vessel operation would be a class A misdemeanor. If it causes serious bodily injury, it would be a class E felony and could carry a civil fine up to $35,000 per incident. The bill would also make clear certain drug crimes apply when they happen on a covered vessel.
Faster mariner credentials and stricter checks
If enacted, merchant mariners could submit applications and documents online and see clearer rules. Training could replace part of sea time: 1 classroom day = 2 sea days; lab = 4; full simulator = 6; underway = 1.5, up to half of the requirement. Applicants would need to be at least 18, and engine applicants would need 6 months in a related entry rating. Some rules would be implemented faster by skipping certain federal review steps. But credentials could be denied for federal convictions, including specified military sexual‑offense convictions.
Stronger Coast Guard misconduct response
If enacted, the Coast Guard would tighten how it prevents and handles sexual assault, harassment, stalking, and related crimes. It would add a safe‑to‑report policy within 90 days, longer evidence‑keeping rules (50 years for rape/sexual assault), yearly training for all, and fast transfers for victims. Records of proven misconduct would be noted in service files, and a senior review would be required before some separations of members who reported misconduct. The Coast Guard would link its case system with the Defense sexual assault database and clearly define which offenses are covered. A review board could also downgrade an honorable discharge to general for proven sexual assault or harassment, after new rules are issued (rulemaking starts within 90 days).
Stronger misconduct protections in the Coast Guard
If enacted, members who reported a sex‑related offense could request temporary separation, even if not near the end of a tour. The Commandant would issue a new prevention policy in 180 days and apply special victim capabilities and reports to the Coast Guard. Retaliation complaints would be clearer, and confidential reporting data would be reported every two years starting April 30, 2025. Leaders would face continuous vetting. Retired grade decisions could be reopened for fraud or sexual assault issues, which could reduce a retiree’s rank and pay.
Fishing license and data changes
If enacted, South Pacific tuna license applications would need to follow new procedures, and the Secretary could hold an application for issues like bankruptcy, lack of insurance, or unpaid penalties. Some tuna program data would be kept confidential, with limited allowed sharing. The AIS enforcement pause for gear‑marking would run until December 31, 2029. The bill would also repeal a statutory observer requirement under the Tuna Act.
Stronger ship spill response checks
If enacted, the government could require regular inspections and no‑notice drills to verify ships’ spill response capability. Ships could be required to test gear, show contracts, and carry response equipment that uses the best technology that is economically feasible and safe to operate. This would strengthen public safety but could raise costs for vessel owners.
Deepwater port permits shift to DOT
If enacted, the Maritime Administration would become the lead federal agency for environmental review of deepwater port applications. Within 18 months, certain Coast Guard permitting authorities would move to the Department of Transportation, while the Coast Guard would still handle design and navigation safety. The change would not apply to applications filed before enactment.
New offshore safety zones for launches, energy
If enacted, the Secretary could set safety zones in the Exclusive Economic Zone for space launches/reentries and offshore energy work near fixed platforms. Zones could be fixed or move with a vessel and restrict entry to authorized people and vessels. The change would take effect as if on February 1, 2024.
NOAA fleet and uncrewed system rules
If enacted, NOAA’s small uncrewed maritime systems could be exempt from some vessel and training rules for 2 years when needed for real‑time weather and ocean data, without limiting Coast Guard safety authority. NOAA could acquire more survey vessels by removing a numeric cap, but vessels over 65 feet would need approval from NOAA’s Marine and Aviation Operations leader. A prior NOAA precommissioning authority would be repealed.
Vessel inspection and classification updates
If enacted, the Secretary could use a performance‑based schedule instead of yearly exams for foreign ships, but only after a GAO review and safety finding, and not for ships with recent detentions, violations, or serious casualties. One vessel rule would change a numeric standard from 3 to 5. The bill would also bar delegating classification work to organizations from the People’s Republic of China.
Passenger room-entry logs on ships
If enacted, passenger ships would need to record the date, time, and identity of each crew member who enters a passenger’s room. Access rules must be reviewed every year. Ships would also size sexual assault care supplies to the trip length and the number of people on board.
Cash for maternity uniform items
If enacted, the Coast Guard could pay a cash allowance to pregnant officers to buy maternity uniform items when the service does not provide them. The amount would be set by policy.
Easier federal hiring for former NOAA officers
If enacted, former NOAA commissioned officers who left honorably after at least three years could compete for certain federal jobs for five years. If selected, they would get career or career‑conditional appointments. Vacancy notices would state this eligibility, and OPM would issue rules.
Longer Coast Guard leases and childcare sites
If enacted, special‑purpose facility agreements could last up to 30 years instead of 20. The list of allowed facilities would add medical sites, Coast Guard child development centers, and training areas, including small arms ranges. This could help families and units plan long‑term services.
More Coast Guard JROTC programs nationwide
If enacted, the department would keep at least 20 Coast Guard JROTC programs at all times starting December 31, 2026. A cost estimate would be due to Congress within one year. This could expand student access to JROTC.
Temporary towing waivers for Alaska fishers
If enacted, some fishing and tender boats under 200 gross tons could get temporary waivers to tow net pens in parts of Alaska. The tow cannot carry cargo or hazardous materials like oil and must stay shoreward of the Boundary Line in Southeast Alaska or Prince William Sound. Owners would need to request a waiver and provide details. The waiver authority would end January 1, 2027.
Alaska cutter homeporting progress reports
If enacted, the Coast Guard would publish an initial report in 90 days on all approved cutter homeporting projects in District 17. A report on expanding repair capacity at Base Ketchikan would be due in 120 days. Updates would be posted each July 1 until July 2, 2031 or until projects end.
Brief Congress on ship inspection program
If enacted, the Coast Guard would brief Congress within six months, and then yearly for two years after a new performance‑driven exam schedule starts. Briefings would cover how many exams were done, timing between exams for each vessel, inspector staffing levels, and recommendations.
Faster Coast Guard maintenance buys
If enacted, the Coast Guard could treat certain repair projects as service life extension programs. Those projects would skip some big‑program acquisition rules to speed contracting. The Coast Guard would also need to consider life‑cycle costs when designing and evaluating new vessels and aircraft.
Tribal and Native Hawaiian Affairs advisor
If enacted, the Coast Guard would create a GS‑15 or higher Special Advisor for Tribal and Native Hawaiian Affairs. The advisor would provide direct, independent advice, support government‑to‑government consultation, and help ensure meaningful engagement. The Commandant would brief Congress and set an incorporation timeline within one year.
U.S. help for Pacific Island fisheries
If enacted, the U.S. could provide technical help, training, and support to Pacific Island Parties to develop fisheries and operate licensed vessels. The Secretaries would choose the types of help.
Unannounced cyber drills at ports
If enacted, the Secretary could run no‑notice cyber incident exercises in Captain of the Port zones. Covered facilities and vessels with security plans would take part. The goal is faster response and better readiness.
Updates to marine research and restoration
If enacted, Exxon Valdez restoration funds could use outside accounts and would prioritize habitat protection and restoration grants. A 15% admin cap for the North Pacific Research Board would be waived for 5 years to keep programs running well. The Puget Sound cetacean desk pilot would run 6 years instead of 4.
Review safety rules for amphibious vessels
If enacted, the Coast Guard would review which safety rules apply to commercial amphibious vessels and report in one year. The study would find safety gaps and recommend changes. DUKW tourist vessels would be excluded from this review.
Share ballast-water test data with States
If enacted, the Coast Guard would provide, on request, ballast‑water approval test data to States, DC, Tribes, or U.S. territories, unless another law blocks it. The data would include water quality and organism counts before and after treatment for systems with a Coast Guard type approval.
Annual Coast Guard funding alerts to Congress
If enacted, the Commandant would brief key committees 10 days before the fiscal year ends (or a long continuing resolution ends). The notice would cover funding status, overseas deployments, and that members may have to serve even if unpaid during a shutdown. This aims to improve awareness before funding lapses.
Tsunami plans for Coast Guard sites
If enacted, the Coast Guard would have one year to create a tsunami plan for each property in a tsunami zone. Plans must show evacuation routes and assembly areas outside the zone. For near‑shore risk, plans must work within 15 minutes. Personnel and dependents would get in‑person training every year, and Congress would be briefed within 14 months.
Review Coast Guard move (PCS) process
If enacted, GAO would study Coast Guard moves and report within a year of starting. The study would review costs, contractor performance, lost or damaged goods, and delivery delays. It would also evaluate policy changes over the last 10 years and recommend improvements.
Coast Guard buying and pilot updates
If enacted, the Coast Guard could only acquire a floating drydock through limited paths, and any dock must be U.S.‑built and berthed at the Baltimore Yard when used. The law would also rename acquisition categories as Level 1 and Level 2 and update references. A small‑boat technology pilot program would adjust how many boats are included.
More flexible Coast Guard funds
If enacted, some Coast Guard morale and exchange funds could be treated like nonappropriated funds and stay available until spent. Money collected for Coast Guard property damage claims and international ice patrol receipts would also remain available until expended. This would give programs more stable funding over time.
Penalties for abandoning boats
If enacted, owners or operators could not abandon covered vessels on U.S. waters. The Coast Guard would try to notify the owner and wait at least 45 days before deciding a boat is abandoned. A civil penalty up to $500 could apply, unless major extenuating circumstances exist, and the boat could be held in rem. Agencies would write rules on how abandonment is determined.
Easier to bar risky crew
If enacted, a person could be labeled a security risk for probable company‑policy violations that threaten others on a vessel. This could make it easier to restrict or bar some crew members from service.
More maritime evidence in cases
If enacted, marine casualty investigations could be used in more types of federal administrative proceedings, including some oil pollution claims. This could raise legal and compliance risk for vessel owners and operators.
Coast Guard family sponsorship and expert track
If enacted, Coast Guard members sent to Unalaska, Alaska could request command sponsorship for their dependents, which can help with housing, travel pay, and access to services. The Secretary could also name some officers as experts in military justice or healthcare, giving them a special promotion path but capping promotions at captain.
New river anchoring and pilot rules
If enacted, boats could not anchor in the named part of the Hudson River unless they use an anchorage that existed before January 1, 2021. The Straits of Mackinac could be designated as pilotage waters, which can add pilot costs. On the Missouri River, the Coast Guard would pause removing certain buoys and dayboards (except for safety threats) until 180 days after it files a report due within 270 days.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Ted Cruz
TX • R
Cosponsors
Maria Cantwell
WA • D
Sponsored 2/11/2025
Dan Sullivan
AK • R
Sponsored 2/11/2025
Tammy Baldwin
WI • D
Sponsored 2/11/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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