The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 is a comprehensive bill that provides funding authorization and operational authority for the U.S. Coast Guard while implementing significant reforms to address sexual assault and harassment within the service. The legislation requires the Coast Guard to expand its icebreaking capabilities on the Great Lakes, procure new maritime surveillance systems for key ports, and conduct various studies on operational effectiveness and training facility infrastructure. The bill establishes extensive new policies for handling sexual misconduct cases, including mandatory evidence retention for up to 50 years, special victim capabilities, anti-retaliation protections, and enhanced reporting requirements to Congress. It also modernizes merchant mariner credentialing systems, creates new senior leadership positions including a Special Advisor for Tribal Affairs, and extends the Coast Guard's property leasing authority through 2030 with expanded revenue retention capabilities.
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