Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025

This legislation, titled the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025, authorizes substantial appropriations for the Coast Guard from fiscal year 2025 through 2029. These funds are allocated to increase the Coast Guard's military strength to 60,000 personnel by FY2029 and significantly expand its training capacity across various programs.

A major provision establishes a new civilian Secretary of the Coast Guard, appointed by the President, to oversee the service when it is not operating under the Navy. This change requires a detailed implementation plan and a Comptroller General review to ensure a smooth transition and proper separation of duties within the chain of command.

The bill introduces numerous accountability measures, including mandatory annual reports on homeporting projects and major acquisitions. It also requires regular briefings on acquisition programs, overdue reports, and an annual plan for Coast Guard operations and budget display in the Pacific region.

Significant attention is given to personnel matters, with new family leave policies and modifications to career flexibility programs. The Coast Guard gains direct hire authority for critical positions like medical, childcare, and behavioral health specialists, alongside new travel allowances for members assigned to Alaska and a tuition assistance pilot program for sea duty.

Reforms are also directed at the Coast Guard Academy, modifying the Board of Visitors and mandating a study on Academy oversight. New provisions require electronic locking mechanisms for cadet rooms, multipurpose medical privacy rooms, and a review of policies concerning sexual harassment and violence, including the hiring of a Primary Prevention Specialist.

A comprehensive set of sexual assault and harassment reforms are enacted, including a new policy for retaining evidence and records for extended periods, and expedited transfer options for cadet victims. The bill establishes a "Safe-to-Report" policy for minor collateral misconduct and extends Department of Defense retaliation complaint processes and the "Catch a Serial Offender" program to the Coast Guard.

Further reforms include policies for senior leader accountability in misconduct cases, confidential reporting of sexual harassment, and enhanced training and education programs for prevention and response. The bill also expands grounds for reopening retired grade determinations for misconduct and requires flag officer review for involuntary separations of members who have reported sexual misconduct.

In maritime safety and navigation, the bill reduces service lengths for certain merchant mariner credentials and strengthens penalties for grossly negligent vessel operations. It mandates a performance-driven examination schedule for foreign vessels, addresses fishing vessel safety training, and designates pilotage waters for the Straits of Mackinac. Provisions also cover the establishment of a National Advisory Committee on Autonomous Maritime Systems, a pilot program for small uncrewed maritime systems, and a framework for managing abandoned and derelict vessels.

Finally, the legislation updates oil pollution response capabilities, requiring periodic inspection and verification of salvage and marine firefighting equipment. It also mandates various reports from the Commandant and Comptroller General on topics ranging from Coast Guard research and development to behavioral health care, medical records, training infrastructure, and basic allowance for housing.