Ted Cruz (R-TX)
Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025
A Republican bill with 2 Democratic cosponsors · See all 3 cosponsors
Last activity — Held at the Desk
Passed one chamber, waiting for the other to take it up
Passed one chamber, and the other has not yet sent it to a committee or put it on its calendar.
The other chamber will hand it to a committee, place it on its calendar, or leave it where it is. Nothing has been decided, and a bill can sit here indefinitely.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- Passed Senate unanimous consent
- Awaiting House
The Senate by unanimous consent (no one objected, so there was no vote): no senator's position on it was recorded.
What this bill would do
The "Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025" seeks to authorize appropriations and establish various authorities for the United States Coast Guard. This legislation implements updates to Coast Guard operations, oversight, and maritime regulations, covering topics such as military strength, acquisition strategies, and organizational authorities. It addresses significant personnel matters including family leave, housing, and behavioral health. The bill also introduces rigorous new requirements for handling sexual assault, sexual misconduct, and whistleblower protections, specifically targeting the Coast Guard Academy. Additionally, it establishes new roles for engagement with Tribal and Native Hawaiian organizations and directs various studies on maritime safety, environmental response, and training infrastructure.
Yes· 3 of 34
- Scored +6
Does this make mental health care easier to get?
The bill establishes a behavioral health technician pilot program, mandates reports on wellness services, and expands medical examination opportunities for sexual assault victims.
- Scored +5
Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this?
The bill provides financial assistance and precommissioning opportunities for undergraduate students.
- Scored +5
Would women be better off under this?
The bill provides maternity uniform allowances, establishes a Women Advisory Board, and enhances protections for victims of misconduct.
The opposite
- Scored -2
Does this shorten or soften prison sentences?
The bill increases penalties for grossly negligent vessel operations to a felony in certain cases.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Improved Mental Health Access: The bill establishes an embedded behavioral health technician pilot program to provide integrated care and psychological assessments (Section 158). It also mandates the expansion of access to counseling through additional specialists (Section 159) and requires the construction of specific rooms for behavioral health and wellness support (Section 175, subsection (a) and (b)). Furthermore, Comptroller General reviews aim to evaluate the quality and availability of these resources (Section 503).
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Enhanced Safety and Security: The bill requires location-specific tsunami preparedness plans to minimize loss of life (Section 132). It also mandates the installation of electronic locking mechanisms for cadet rooms to increase security (Section 173, subsection (a)). Additionally, a National Advisory Committee on Autonomous Maritime Systems will provide expertise on new technology (Section 231).
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Support for Families and Personnel: New policies establish support for family leave, including provisions for the placement of a minor child for adoption or long-term foster care (Section 154). Pregnant officers may receive a cash allowance for maternity-related uniform items (Section 155).
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Tribal and Native Hawaiian Engagement: The creation of a Special Advisor to the Commandant aims to ensure the Federal government upholds trust responsibilities and conducts meaningful consultation with Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations (Section 169, Section 170, subsection (c)).
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Improved Victim Support and Accountability: The bill mandates a comprehensive policy for the retention of evidence and records related to sexual misconduct to help victims pursue claims (Sec. s 402(a)(1)(a)). Victims of sexual assault or domestic violence may benefit from an expedited transfer process (Section 428) and can request medical examinations for PTSD or traumatic brain injury (Sec. 417(a)(2)). Cadets who are victims of sexual assault may request a transfer to another service academy or ROTC program (Sec. 403(a)(2)(B)(ii)). Furthermore, the bill increases oversight of misconduct involving senior leaders by granting the Inspector General first right to investigate (Sec. 419(a)).
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Student and Professional Benefits: The college student precommissioning initiative provides financial assistance for eligible undergraduate students in the Coast Guard Reserve (Section 162). Changes to merchant mariner credentialing may allow for the substitution of certain training programs for sea service requirements (Section 201, subsection (c)).
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Academy Advocacy and Oversight: The modification of the Coast Guard Academy's Board of Visitors allows for reviews of morale, discipline, and recruitment/retention (Section 171, subsection (c)(2)). A new Student and Women Advisory Board will provide a formal way for cadets to identify challenges related to health, wellbeing, and sexual assault prevention (Section 174, subsection (g)).
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Environmental and Operational Improvements: The National Response Center will develop a web-based application to streamline notifications for oil or hazardous substance releases (Sec. s 304(a) and (b)). Additionally, the bill provides for a modernization plan for the NOAA fleet (Section 702).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Financial Burdens and Obligations: Students participating in the college student precommissioning initiative are subject to repayment provisions if they breach their agreement (Section 162). Vessel owners or operators of "covered vessels" can be held liable for penalties and costs associated with removing abandoned vessels (Sec. 4711(b)(1)(A)(ii) and (c)).
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Disciplinary and Legal Risks: A review board may downgrade an honorable discharge to a general discharge if a former member is found to have committed sexual assault or harassment (Section 408(a)(2)). A "safe-to-report" policy also addresses "minor collateral misconduct" directly related to sexual assault reports (Section 405(b)(1)).
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Administrative and Logistical Burdens: The implementation of new policies, such as expedited transfers and updated curricula, places additional administrative responsibilities on Coast Guard leadership (Section 428, Section 432). Reports on Joint Travel Regulations highlight potential burdens for members who rely on ferry systems for commuting (Section 188).
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Operational and Security Restrictions: The procurement of tactical maritime surveillance systems is subject to a study that could result in the system not being installed if it impacts national security (Section 139). The Commandant is also required to prohibit vessel anchoring on certain reaches of the Hudson River unless within established anchorages (Section 244).
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Economic and Personnel Uncertainties: The tuition assistance pilot program includes a provision that reduces the service obligation for members who complete a sea duty tour, which may affect long-term staffing stability (Section 163). Additionally, assessments regarding the "permanent change of station" process and "basic allowance for housing" could lead to future changes in pay or movement policies (Section 510, Section 507).
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Other Potential Concerns: Coast Guard members face impacts from historical federal government shutdowns (Section 170, subsection (b)(4)). Small uncrewed systems must be managed to avoid harming real-time data collection (Section 232). Finally, the review of "involuntary separations" for members reporting misconduct requires oversight to ensure the process is not misused (Section 427).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would students be better off under this? — The bill provides new financial assistance, increased tuition assistance, and precommissioning opportunities. Would women be better off under this? — The bill provides maternity uniform allowances, establishes a Women Advisory Board, and enhances protections for victims of misconduct. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — The bill provides financial assistance and precommissioning opportunities for undergraduate students. Would Native Americans be better off under this? — The bill creates a specialized advisory position for Tribal and Native Hawaiian affairs and mandates Native representation on the North Pacific Research Board. Would children be better off under this? — The bill expands the authority for Coast Guard child development centers. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — The bill supports higher education institutions that serve rural areas. Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together? — The bill enhances benefits, improves medical record sharing with the VA, and supports transitioning service members. Would Black Americans be better off under this? — The bill encourages partnerships with institutions serving diverse student populations. Would Asian Americans be better off under this? — The bill encourages partnerships with institutions serving diverse student populations. Would business owners be better off under this? — The bill provides regulatory flexibility for owners of small fishing and fish tender vessels. Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this? — The bill encourages partnerships with institutions serving diverse student populations. Would immigrants be better off under this? — The bill facilitates the competitive eligibility of former officers for federal positions. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The bill provides assistance and technical support to Pacific Island Parties.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this narrow the gap between how men and women are treated? — The bill strengthens protections, support systems, and privacy for victims of sexual assault and misconduct within the Coast Guard. Does this tighten control of the border? — The bill authorizes procurement of tactical maritime surveillance systems to enhance domain awareness. Does this make child care cost less? — The bill expands the authority to include child development centers in special purpose facilities. Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated? — The bill requires the Coast Guard to prioritize higher education institutions that serve diverse populations and establishes a Special Advisor for Tribal and Native Hawaiian Affairs. Does this make housing cost less? — The bill mandates a study on the alignment of basic allowance for housing with actual living costs for Coast Guard members. Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — The bill allows for the prioritization of grants for habitat protection and includes provisions for fisheries-related assistance to benefit Pacific Island Parties. Does this shorten or soften prison sentences? — The bill increases penalties for grossly negligent vessel operations to a felony in certain cases.
- Healthcare
- Does this make mental health care easier to get? — The bill establishes a behavioral health technician pilot program, mandates reports on wellness services, and expands medical examination opportunities for sexual assault victims. Does this do more about addiction and overdose deaths? — The bill mandates a policy update to ensure the availability of naloxone to treat opioid overdoses.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this improve help for people hit by a disaster? — The bill mandates the development of location-specific tsunami preparedness plans for Coast Guard properties. Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The bill authorizes cooperation for natural resource management, conducts studies on oil spill response, and updates regulations for South Pacific vessel operations. Does this invest in rural communities? — The bill includes provisions regarding maritime industry participants and tribal consultations in coastal regions, as well as modernizing the NOAA vessel fleet. Does this repair or build roads and bridges? — The bill includes studies on the infrastructure needs of Coast Guard training facilities.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill authorizes direct hire authority for various Coast Guard positions and establishes incentive programs for civilian firefighters to support recruitment. Is this likely to grow the economy? — The bill authorizes significant appropriations for Coast Guard operations, infrastructure, and maritime training to support economic activity. Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The bill provides regulatory flexibility through temporary waivers for smaller fishing vessels and allows the use of small vessels to augment NOAA requirements.
- Education And Technology
- Does this make college cost less? — The bill establishes a precommissioning initiative providing financial assistance for tuition and fees while increasing assistance caps. Does this put more money into scientific research? — The bill directs investment into marine research, Arctic safety studies, and habitat protection programs.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill mandates reports on drug/migrant interdictions, abandoned vessels, and the hiring of former officers to improve oversight. Does this protect people from being watched or searched? — The bill mandates compliance with privacy laws regarding the tracking of naloxone use and electronic credentialing systems.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive? — The bill aligns physical disqualification standards with veteran status, provides death benefits, and improves medical record sharing with the VA. Does this strengthen ties with allied countries? — The bill requires increased joint training with the Taiwan Coast Guard and provides technical assistance for Pacific Island Parties.
- 3/10/2025
- Held at the Desk
- Received in the House
- 3/6/2025
- Message on Senate action sent to the House.
- 3/5/2025
- Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation discharged by Unanimous Consent.
- Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
- Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S1521-1568; text: CR S1522-1568)
- 2/11/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
2 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Tammy BaldwinDemocrat · Wisconsin
Maria CantwellDemocrat · Washington
Dan SullivanRepublican · Alaska