MTS CYBER Act of 2026

The Marine Transportation System Cybersecurity Budget and Evaluation Report Act of 2026 would direct the Government Accountability Office to conduct a comprehensive review of the U.S. Coast Guard's funding and resource needs. Specifically, the bill would require an assessment of whether the Coast Guard has adequate resources to fulfill its responsibilities as a Sector Risk Management Agency for protecting the nation's marine transportation system against cyber threats.

The review would evaluate the sufficiency of Coast Guard funding for cybersecurity personnel, training, and enforcement; the ability of Coast Guard personnel to evaluate compliance with cybersecurity requirements for maritime companies; and the adequacy of guidance provided to industry on implementing cybersecurity regulations. This comes in response to new cybersecurity requirements for the maritime industry and concerns that the Coast Guard may be underfunded for these expanded responsibilities. The findings would be submitted to relevant congressional committees for consideration.

If enacted, the bill would not directly change maritime cybersecurity rules but would provide Congress with information about whether current funding levels are sufficient for the Coast Guard to effectively oversee and enforce cybersecurity protections for ports, vessels, and maritime facilities that are critical to U.S. economic activity.