Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2024

Where This Stands

Introduced

Committee

Floor Vote

Passed

Signed

Currently IN_COMMITTEE. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.

Version history

Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.

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The Frame

What this does

The bill directly impacts Coast Guard operations, funding levels, and the legal rights and support services available to service members, particularly regarding sexual misconduct reporting, housing, and behavioral health.

Who is mentioned in the record

Potentially affected actors named in the source documents. Mention is not a position.

Coast Guard personnel

Members are subject to new policies regarding behavioral health, sexual misconduct reporting, and family leave.

Coast Guard Academy cadets

Cadets are subject to new security, reporting, and transfer policies regarding sexual misconduct.

Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations

These groups will have a dedicated Special Advisor and improved consultation processes with the Coast Guard.

Civilian firefighters in remote locations

They are eligible for new recruitment, relocation, and retention incentive programs.

What changed

Current stage: IN_COMMITTEE.

What's next

Floor Vote.

Summary

This bill authorizes funding and sets policy for the U.S. Coast Guard for fiscal years 2025 and 2026. It includes major provisions to improve sexual assault prevention and response, modernize vessel fleets, and enhance personnel support in remote locations like Alaska.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Why It Matters

The bill directly impacts Coast Guard operations, funding levels, and the legal rights and support services available to service members, particularly regarding sexual misconduct reporting, housing, and behavioral health.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does this bill change how sexual assault is handled in the Coast Guard?

It mandates long-term evidence retention (50 years), creates a 'Safe-to-Report' policy for victims, requires annual reporting on misconduct, and establishes new support roles and expedited transfer processes for victims.

Does this bill affect Coast Guard housing?

Yes, it authorizes the acquisition of existing family housing in lieu of new construction and requires a report on GAO recommendations for the housing program.

What is the 'Special Advisor' role created by this bill?

The Special Advisor to the Commandant for Tribal and Native Hawaiian Affairs will ensure the Coast Guard upholds federal trust responsibilities and conducts meaningful government-to-government consultation with Tribes.

News Coverage

No news coverage found yet. Articles are indexed twice daily.

Related Legislation

Federal Bill85% related

Military Cyber Defense Modernization Act of 2024

This bill requires the Secretary of Defense to reorganize the military's cyber defense structure by designating the Joint Force Headquarters-Departmen

Discoveries

Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.

policy shift100% confidence

Focus on Sexual Misconduct Reform

A significant portion of the bill (Title IV) is dedicated to systemic reforms in how the Coast Guard handles sexual assault, harassment, and retaliation, indicating a major policy shift toward increased transparency and victim support.

Coast Guard Coast Guard Academy

Analysis Score

0–100

Significance95
How much this matters to a regular citizen
Controversy60
Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
Entertainment20
Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
Buzz40
Current news / social attention level