WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), today applauded the passage of the bipartisan U.S. Coast Guard Reauthorization Act of 2025 that would invest $30.45 billion into the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) for Fiscal Years 2025 and 2026. This legislation has key King-backed provisions that will directly assist Coast Guard members in Maine and across the nation, including efforts to bolster mental health services for military members and enhance cybersecurity readiness at U.S. ports. Additionally, the bill includes historic protections for sexual assault survivors, boosts workforce development programs and availability of affordable housing, increases funding to help U.S. Coast Guard deliver on critical priorities such as icebreakers, and encourages more collaboration with Tribes. The bill passed the Senate by unanimous consent and will now head to the House of Representatives for consideration.

“Bold investments into our Coast Guard is critical for ensuring the strength of American ports and seas,” said Senator King. “I’m proud to support the passage of this year’s U.S. Coast Guard Reauthorization Act to provide Sentinels in Maine and American waters with the resources to enhance their readiness during a pivotal time for our national security. From increasing mental health access and support to ensuring our ports are equipped to handle cybersecurity challenges, this bipartisan bill meets the moment and further reinforces our shared commitment to the men and women who keep our seas and shores safe.”

The U.S. Coast Guard Reauthorization Act of 2025 includes King-backed provisions to:

ADDRESS BEHAVIORAL HEALTH NEEDS. This provision will establish a pilot program that embeds a behavioral health technician in three or more Coast Guard clinics to support units that are subjected to high operational risks. It is based off a similar program instituted by the U.S. Marine Corps and builds on similar successful USCG initiatives.

EXPAND ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING. Coast Guard members in Maine and across the globe face unique stressors. This provision will deploy and expand the number of mental health counselors in the USCG, as well as provide guidance on qualifications and requires reporting criteria. Deploying additional counselors will support Coast Guard members in remote locations across the United States and around the world.  

ESTABLISH CYBER INCIDENT TRAINING. The USCG is currently the lead agency for maritime transport cybersecurity. This provision will allow for no-notice cyber exercises to enhance overall cyber readiness at all U.S. ports.

EXAMINE CHANGE OF DUTY STATION MOVES. This will required the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to examine how the USCG conducts permanent change of duty station moves. The provision, coupled with a similar National Defense Authorization Act of 2024 requirement, will provide scrutiny on the move process and oversight to help improve the stress on Coast Guard members and their families face during moves.

The full text of the bill can be found here. 

As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), and Chairman of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee, Senator King has been a steadfast supporter of the Navy and Coast Guard. He recently secured key provisions in the FY 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to support the maritime forces and ensure that America’s military can continue providing best in class services to protect the ‘territory of the brave.’ In 2023, he was honored with the Congressional Sea Services Award by the Navy League Capital Council and accepted it on behalf of the men and women of the sea services and the shipbuilders at Bath Iron Works (BIW) and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. Additionally, at the personal invitation of Senator King, former Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro visited Maine shipyards, like Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, regularly during his service.

As Co-Chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission (CSC) and member of the Senate Select Intelligence Committee (SSCI), Senator King is recognized as one of Congress’ leading experts on cyberdefense and as a strong advocate for a forward-thinking cyberstrategy that emphasizes layered cyberdeterrence. Since it officially launched in April 2019, dozens of CSC recommendations have been enacted into law, including the creation of a National Cyber Director.

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