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HR 4275

Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025

119th Congress Introduced by Salud Carbajal and 4 co-sponsors

The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 boosts funding, enhances personnel policies, improves maritime safety, and mandates oil spill response plans for better operations.

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
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Bill Summary · HR 4275

Summary of HR 4275: Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025

Purpose and Intent

The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 (HR 4275) aims to authorize appropriations for the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and establish various organizational and operational improvements. The legislation seeks to enhance the Coast Guard's capabilities, ensure accountability, and address personnel issues while also focusing on maritime safety and environmental protection.

Key Provisions

The bill is structured into several titles, each addressing different aspects of the Coast Guard's operations and organization:

Title I: Coast Guard

  • Authorization of Appropriations: Authorizes funding levels for the Coast Guard's operations and military strength.
  • Accountability Measures: Requires annual reports on homeporting projects, major acquisitions, and updates on polar security cutter operations.

Title II: Organization, Authorities, Acquisition, and Personnel

  • Secretary of the Coast Guard: Establishes the position of Secretary of the Coast Guard and outlines the reappointment process for the Commandant.
  • Personnel Policies: Introduces family leave policies, direct hire authority for certain personnel, and modifications to career flexibility programs.
  • Acquisition Improvements: Modifies restrictions on the use of foreign shipyards for vessel construction and enhances acquisition processes.

Title III: Shipping and Navigation

  • Merchant Mariner Credentials: Streamlines credentialing processes for merchant mariners.
  • Vessel Safety Regulations: Introduces measures to improve safety training for fishing vessels and establishes performance-driven examination schedules.

Title IV: Oil Pollution Response

  • Vessel Response Plans: Mandates the development of comprehensive vessel response plans for oil spills and other marine incidents.

Title V: Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Response

  • Independent Review: Calls for an independent review of Coast Guard reforms related to sexual misconduct and establishes comprehensive policies for evidence retention and reporting.

Impact

The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 will affect:
- Coast Guard Personnel: Enhancements in family leave, recruitment, and retention policies aim to improve workforce morale and operational readiness.
- Maritime Safety: New regulations and accountability measures are designed to bolster safety standards and environmental protections in U.S. waters.
- Operational Efficiency: Streamlined acquisition processes and organizational changes are expected to improve the Coast Guard's operational capabilities.

Legislative Timeline

  • Introduced: July 2, 2025
  • House Actions: Passed in the House on July 23, 2025, with a vote of 399-12.
  • Senate Actions: Received in the Senate on July 23, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Sponsors

The bill is primarily sponsored by Sam Graves and co-sponsored by Daniel Webster, Rick Larsen, Salud O. Carbajal, and Mike Ezell.

Related Bills

  • S 524: A companion bill in the Senate addressing similar issues related to the Coast Guard.

This summary provides an overview of HR 4275, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and potential impacts on the Coast Guard and maritime operations.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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