Austin News

The United States Senate has unanimously passed the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025. This bipartisan bill, introduced by Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, along with Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), and Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), aims to enhance the operational capabilities of the U.S. Coast Guard.

Senator Cruz emphasized the importance of this legislation in his remarks on the Senate floor: “The United States Coast Guard is essential to protecting our Nation’s maritime borders from threats like illegal drugs, illegal immigration, and transnational crime. The Coast Guard saves American lives and ensures that commerce flows smoothly at our ports.”

Cruz further highlighted specific 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. Without this legislation, the Coast Guard would remain unable to prosecute criminals using these remote-controlled, autonomous vessels.”

The act expands tools for drug interdiction and prosecution under the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act. It mandates that all installations maintain a supply of medication for opioid overdoses and outlines plans for upgrading icebreaker fleets.

In response to increasing vessel traffic on U.S. waterways, new criminal penalties will be enforced for grossly negligent operations causing serious injury. Arctic routes will be mapped to enhance emergency response capabilities.

Furthermore, joint training exercises between U.S. and Taiwanese coast guards aim to combat illegal fishing operations in regions such as the South China Sea.

Support for personnel includes cash allowances for maternity-related uniforms and adjustments in housing allowances where necessary.

Additionally, procedures addressing sexual assault within the Coast Guard are refined with measures such as confidential reporting and access to relevant databases.

With significant presence in Texas, about 2,000 personnel contribute notably to state security and economy. The bill also focuses on improving facilities there and streamlining processes between agencies like Customs and Border Protection.

“Performance-driven examinations will allow the Coast Guard to work more efficiently,” stated Cruz while discussing inspections related to foreign flag tank vessels primarily conducted in Texas.

Overall improvements include establishing safety zones around space activities vital for job growth within Texas’s commercial space sector.

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