T&I Advances Coast Guard Bill with Key Win for the CNMI
On Tuesday, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee advanced the bipartisan Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025, which includes a major provision I championed for the Northern Marianas. Section 274 of the bill directs a feasibility study on increased Coast Guard presence in our region, including the homeporting of Fast Response Cutters in the CNMI. This critical step supports maritime security and U.S. territorial sovereignty in the Indo-Pacific, and helps counter threats like illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and foreign incursions into our waters. As the closest U.S. territory to Asia, the Northern Marianas are on the frontlines of both economic and security dynamics in the region. A stronger Coast Guard presence will protect our resources, bolster disaster response, and reaffirm the U.S. commitment to our Pacific allies and neighbors. I’m proud to ensure the voices and needs of our islands are heard as we work to modernize our maritime strategy. I’ll continue advocating for the CNMI as this bill moves to the House floor.