Coast Guard Improvement Act of 2025

This bill proposes the establishment of a new civilian position, the Secretary of the Coast Guard , within the Department of Homeland Security. This Secretary would be appointed by the President with Senate consent, reporting directly to the Secretary of Homeland Security without intervening authority. The legislation requires the appointee to be highly qualified with management experience and prohibits appointment of recent active duty commissioned officers. The new Secretary of the Coast Guard would assume comprehensive responsibility for all Coast Guard affairs, including recruiting, organizing, supplying, equipping, training, and administering personnel. This role involves formulating policies, implementing budget decisions, and ensuring effective cooperation with other military departments and agencies. Many responsibilities previously held by the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Commandant would transfer to this new civilian leader, who would also be empowered to make recommendations to Congress. Under this new structure, the Commandant of the Coast Guard would assist the Secretary of the Coast Guard and report directly to them, except when the Coast Guard operates as a service in the Navy. The bill mandates that the Secretary of Homeland Security submit a comprehensive reorganization plan within 30 days. This plan must detail the transfer of personnel, responsibilities, assets, and funds to the new Office of the Secretary of the Coast Guard, outlining necessary legislative changes for a smooth transition.