Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025

H.R. 4275, the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025, would authorize federal funding for the United States Coast Guard through fiscal year 2029. The bill passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support (399-12 vote) and is now in committee in the Senate. This authorization bill directs how federal funds should be used for Coast Guard operations but does not set overall spending limits.

The legislation would modernize the Coast Guard's aging fleet of ships and aircraft, upgrade shoreside facilities and information technology systems, and improve infrastructure at Coast Guard installations. It would also establish a Secretary of the Coast Guard position to enhance accountability and oversight. The bill includes provisions to strengthen U.S. shipbuilding requirements by restricting the use of foreign-made vessel components and promoting domestic maritime jobs.

The bill addresses personnel and safety matters by enhancing protections against sexual assault and harassment within the service, improving training and credentialing requirements for merchant mariners, and updating maritime safety regulations. It also creates a Special Advisor position for Tribal and Native Hawaiian Affairs to ensure better consultation with these communities on Coast Guard policies affecting their interests.