House Passes Coast Guard Authorization Act with Provisions for the CNMI

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This week, the House overwhelmingly passed the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025, a bipartisan bill that strengthens the Coast Guard’s ability to safeguard our nation’s waters, modernize its infrastructure, and protect the lives of those who serve. Approved by a vote of 399 to 12, this legislation authorizes funding for the Coast Guard through 2029. Section 274 of the bill directs the Coast Guard to conduct a feasibility study on expanding operations in the Northern Marianas. The study will assess the possibility of homeporting Fast Response Cutters in the CNMI, a move that could greatly enhance our capacity to respond to emergencies, prevent illegal fishing and trafficking, and bolster maritime security across the region.