To provide for continued operation of the Coast Guard in the event of a lapse in appropriation.

119th Congress Introduced by Jeff Van Drew

Summary of H.R. 5666: Coast Guard Appropriations Continuity Act Bill Purpose and IntentH.R. 5666, the Coast Guard Appropriations Continuity Act, is a bill introduced in the U.S. Ho

Introduced in House

Bill Purpose and Intent

H.R. 5666, the Coast Guard Appropriations Continuity Act, is a bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives to ensure the continued operation of the U.S. Coast Guard in the event of a lapse in appropriations or government shutdown. The bill's primary goal is to prevent disruptions to critical Coast Guard services and activities that are essential to national security, maritime safety, and emergency response.

Key Provisions

The main provisions of H.R. 5666 include:

Automatic Continuing Appropriations: The bill would establish automatic continuing appropriations for the Coast Guard in the event of a lapse in the regular appropriations process. This would allow the Coast Guard to continue its operations and maintain essential functions without interruption.

Retroactive Pay for Coast Guard Personnel: The legislation requires that all active-duty Coast Guard personnel receive their regular pay and allowances, even during a government shutdown or lapse in appropriations. This is intended to ensure the Coast Guard can retain its skilled workforce.

Prohibition on Furloughs: The bill prohibits the furlough or unpaid standby of any active-duty Coast Guard personnel during a lapse in appropriations, further protecting the Coast Guard's operational readiness.

Reimbursement for Shutdown Costs: The bill would authorize the reimbursement of any necessary expenses incurred by the Coast Guard as a result of preparing for, or operating during, a government shutdown.

Affected Parties and Impacts

The primary beneficiaries of this legislation would be the U.S. Coast Guard and the communities that rely on its critical services, including:

Coast Guard personnel who would be guaranteed timely paychecks and continued employment during a funding lapse

Mariners, recreational boaters, and coastal residents who depend on the Coast Guard's search and rescue, maritime safety, and disaster response capabilities

Stakeholders in the maritime industry who rely on the Coast Guard's role in port security, marine safety inspections, and environmental protection

By ensuring the uninterrupted operation of the Coast Guard, H.R. 5666 aims to maintain national security, public safety, and economic stability along U.S. coasts and waterways, even during periods of broader government dysfunction or fiscal uncertainty.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

H.R. 5666 was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on September 30, 2025. As an introduced bill, it must now go through the standard legislative process, including committee review, floor consideration, and potential reconciliation with any Senate version before being sent to the President for signature or veto.

Given the bill's focus on preventing disruptions to essential government services, it may be considered on an expedited timeline, though the actual legislative trajectory will depend on the political environment and other factors.