Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025

Sponsor: Sam Graves (Republican-MO)July 2, 2025

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Introduced

In Committee

Passed One Chamber

Passed Both Chambers

Signed into Law

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Coast Guard would get more money and new leadership, with stronger protections against sexual misconduct.

This bill would authorize billions of dollars for the Coast Guard and increase its military strength over the next five years. It would also create a new civilian Secretary of the Coast Guard position to oversee the service. A major focus is on implementing comprehensive new policies and training to combat sexual assault and harassment within the Coast Guard and at the Academy. This also includes updates to merchant mariner rules and vessel safety.

What Would Change

Currently, the Coast Guard operates under the Secretary of the department in which it is operating (Homeland Security) without a dedicated civilian Secretary. Its funding and staffing levels are authorized for prior fiscal years. Its policies for addressing sexual misconduct and mariner credentialing also have existing frameworks. This bill would establish a civilian Secretary of the Coast Guard and significantly increase authorized funding and personnel levels. It would also implement comprehensive new policies and programs to prevent and respond to sexual misconduct, while updating rules for merchant mariners and vessel safety.

Key Provisions

Authorizes appropriations for over $11.28 billion for Coast Guard operations and support in fiscal year 2025, increasing to $15.5 billion by 2029.
Would increase the Coast Guard's authorized military strength from 44,500 to 60,000 members by 2029.
Creates a new civilian "Secretary of the Coast Guard" position, appointed by the President, to oversee the service when it's not operating under the Navy.
Requires new comprehensive policies and training programs to prevent and respond to sexual assault and harassment within the Coast Guard and at the Academy.
Allows Coast Guard members who are victims of sexual assault or domestic violence to request expedited transfers to another unit.