Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 | ChamberLight
Bills · S 524
PASSED SENATE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 524Military procurement, research, weapons developmentHealth care quality
Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025
INTRO FEB 11· LAST ACTION MAR 10
READING
340MIN
COSPONSORS
3BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
One chamber only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 4 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
This bill matters because it ensures the U.S. Coast Guard has the resources and tools needed to carry out its critical missions, which range from national security and border protection to search and rescue, environmental protection, and maritime law enforcement. If passed, it would lead to a more modern and effective Coast Guard fleet, capable of operating in challenging environments like the Arctic and the Great Lakes, protecting shipping lanes, and responding to disasters.
Without this authorization, the Coast Guard's ability to maintain its aging infrastructure and acquire new, essential equipment could be hampered. It also addresses the well-being of Coast Guard members, recognizing that supporting their mental health, families, and living conditions is crucial for morale and retention. These investments directly impact public safety, economic activity dependent on maritime trade, and the nation's ability to respond to emergencies and threats on the water.
KEY PROVISIONS
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PROVISION 01
Authorizes funding and sets military strength levels for the Coast Guard, providing the financial and personnel foundation for its operations.
This ensures the Coast Guard has the necessary budget and manpower to fulfill its diverse missions, from national security to search and rescue.
PROVISION 02
Directs investment in new acquisitions, including Great Lakes icebreakers, updates for Polar Security Cutters, and a floating drydock, alongside extending the service life of existing vessels.
These provisions modernize and maintain the Coast Guard's critical fleet and infrastructure, enhancing its operational capabilities in key regions.
PROVISION 03
Expands support for Coast Guard personnel by addressing family leave, housing, behavioral health programs, and educational initiatives.
This aims to improve the quality of life and well-being for Coast Guard members and their families, crucial for recruitment and retention.
PROVISION 04
Updates regulations for merchant mariner credentials, vessel safety, and establishes an advisory committee for autonomous maritime systems.
These changes adapt maritime safety and regulatory frameworks to modern shipping practices and emerging technologies, ensuring safer waterways.
PROVISION 05
Requires preparedness plans for Coast Guard facilities in tsunami inundation zones and a policy brief on naloxone availability for opioid overdoses.
These actions enhance emergency readiness and address critical health and safety concerns for Coast Guard properties and personnel.
This bill matters because it ensures the U.S. Coast Guard has the resources and tools needed to carry out its critical missions, which range from national security and border protection to search and rescue, environmental protection, and maritime law enforcement. If passed, it would lead to a more modern and effective Coast Guard fleet, capable of operating in challenging environments like the Arctic and the Great Lakes, protecting shipping lanes, and responding to disasters.
Without this authorization, the Coast Guard's ability to maintain its aging infrastructure and acquire new, essential equipment could be hampered. It also addresses the well-being of Coast Guard members, recognizing that supporting their mental health, families, and living conditions is crucial for morale and retention. These investments directly impact public safety, economic activity dependent on maritime trade, and the nation's ability to respond to emergencies and threats on the water.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Authorizes funding and sets military strength levels for the Coast Guard, providing the financial and personnel foundation for its operations.
This ensures the Coast Guard has the necessary budget and manpower to fulfill its diverse missions, from national security to search and rescue.
high
Directs investment in new acquisitions, including Great Lakes icebreakers, updates for Polar Security Cutters, and a floating drydock, alongside extending the service life of existing vessels.
These provisions modernize and maintain the Coast Guard's critical fleet and infrastructure, enhancing its operational capabilities in key regions.
high
Expands support for Coast Guard personnel by addressing family leave, housing, behavioral health programs, and educational initiatives.
This aims to improve the quality of life and well-being for Coast Guard members and their families, crucial for recruitment and retention.
med
Updates regulations for merchant mariner credentials, vessel safety, and establishes an advisory committee for autonomous maritime systems.
These changes adapt maritime safety and regulatory frameworks to modern shipping practices and emerging technologies, ensuring safer waterways.
med
Requires preparedness plans for Coast Guard facilities in tsunami inundation zones and a policy brief on naloxone availability for opioid overdoses.
These actions enhance emergency readiness and address critical health and safety concerns for Coast Guard properties and personnel.
GLOSSARY
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Authorization of Appropriations
A legislative act that permits a government agency to spend money for a specific purpose or program, setting a maximum amount that can be allocated, though the actual spending must be approved later through an appropriations act.
Lead Systems Integrator
An external company hired to manage the development and integration of complex systems, often involving multiple contractors and technologies, for large projects.
Service Life Extension Programs
Initiatives designed to extend the operational lifespan of existing vessels or equipment beyond their original design, often through major overhauls, repairs, and modernization.
Polar Security Cutter
A type of heavy icebreaker vessel designed to operate in Arctic and Antarctic regions, crucial for national security, research, and maintaining presence in polar waters.
Naloxone
A medication used to rapidly reverse the effects of opioid overdose, including those caused by fentanyl.
Merchant Mariner Credential
A certification issued by the Coast Guard that allows individuals to work on commercial vessels in various capacities, indicating their qualifications and fitness.
ACTION TIMELINE
8 EVENTS
MAR 10, 25
Received in the House
FLOOR
MAR 10, 25
Held at the Desk
FLOOR
MAR 6, 25
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
FLOOR
MAR 5, 25
Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation discharged by Unanimous Consent.
Vessels or vehicles that operate on or under the water without human operators onboard, often controlled remotely or autonomously, used for various missions like surveillance, mapping, or research.
Tsunami Inundation Zones
Geographical areas that are at risk of being flooded by a tsunami, typically identified through scientific modeling and mapping to inform emergency planning.
