With a possible government shutdown looming, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a bipartisan Coast Guard Reauthorization Act to fund the U.S. Coast Guard through 2026.
The bill, introduced last month by U.S. Sens. Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Dan Sullivan (R-AK) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) authorizes $30.45 billion for the Coast Guard for fiscal year 2025 and 2026. Cantwell said the bill provides the Coast Guard the funding it needs to ensure the country’s maritime industry keeps moving and protect our nation’s coasts.
“The Coast Guard is also the sole operator of icebreakers in our polar regions, and they are our primary force charged with the stopping of pirate fishing from China, Russia and other dark fishing fleets that are stealing American fishing jobs” Cantwell said. “The issues in the Arctic are real…and this bill will help address that. Passage of this measure now will enable us to further provide the Coast Guard additional assets like ice breakers…and this legislation also strengthens each of the Coast Guard’s missions and authorizes a 30% budget increase to support that workforce.”
Officials said the legislation includes protections for sexual assault and harassment, boosts workforce development programs and availability of affordable housing, increases funding for icebreakers and heavy-weather lifeboats, and encourages more collaboration with Tribal communities.
Lawmakers said the legislation was needed to keep the Coast Guard funded in the event of a government shutdown. While branches of the armed forces are part of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), the Coast Guard is part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. In the event of a government shutdown, legislation recently passed would ensure employees of the DoD continue to receive pay and benefits. Because of its location within DHS, the legislation would not cover pay and benefits for Coast Guard employees.
The bill now heads to the House for consideration.