Austin News

The U.S. Senate has unanimously passed the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025, a bipartisan bill introduced by Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), and Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.). The legislation now moves to the House for consideration.

Senator Cruz emphasized the importance of the United States Coast Guard in protecting maritime borders from threats such as illegal drugs, immigration, and transnational crime. He stated that "the Coast Guard saves American lives and ensures that commerce flows smoothly at our ports."

The act aims to enhance the Coast Guard's operations by expanding efforts to interdict and prosecute drug trafficking, upgrading icebreaker fleets, and improving personnel protection against drug exposure. It also addresses negligent vessel operations, Arctic route mapping, deterrence capabilities against illegal fishing, and improves support for Coast Guard families.

Cruz highlighted key provisions in the bill: "Last year, the Coast Guard seized over 106 metric tons of cocaine. Unfortunately, cartels are now using technology like miniature, remote-controlled drone ships to smuggle drugs across our maritime border." The act seeks to address this issue by expanding surveillance systems and tools.

Additional measures include refining procedures for preventing sexual assaults within the Coast Guard and enhancing safety infrastructure at the Coast Guard Academy. The bill also plans to increase units in the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps program from 14 to 20.

In Texas specifically, where about 2,000 Coast Guard personnel are stationed, the act will allow performance-driven inspections of foreign flag tank vessels and establish safety zones for space activities and offshore energy development. It will also streamline data sharing between the Coast Guard and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

The bipartisan effort underscores a commitment to bolstering national security through improved maritime operations while supporting those who serve in the U.S. Coast Guard.