Press Releases

This week, Congressman Mike Ezell (MS-04) introduced the Secretary of the Coast Guard Act of 2025, to provide the Coast Guard with a dedicated civilian leader, ensuring the service receives the resources and support necessary to continue its vital national security missions.

Under this legislation, the Secretary of the Coast Guard will report directly to the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating, and the Commandant of the Coast Guard will report to the newly established Secretary of the Coast Guard. This structure mirrors the leadership framework of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, which already have dedicated Service Secretaries.

“The United States Coast Guard plays a critical role in protecting our nation’s security, from safeguarding our shores to conducting search-and-rescue operations and enforcing maritime law, our coasties are the pride of our nation,” Ezell said. “Creating a Secretary of the Coast Guard ensures they have the leadership, resources, and support they need to continue their vital missions. It’s time we give the Coast Guard the same level of recognition and advocacy that other military branches receive.”

“The United States Coast Guard is the only armed service without the position of a confirmed Secretary to provide civilian leadership to the Service," House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Graves said. "I commend Subcommittee Chairman Ezell for introducing this bill as part of the Committee’s ongoing initiative to raise the Coast Guard’s profile and provide the resources it needs to carry out its many missions, including maritime law enforcement, illegal drug and migrant interdiction, and search and rescue. I look forward to including this legislation as part of the larger Coast Guard authorization measure the Committee will move this year.”

“The United States Coast Guard plays a vital role in our national defense, homeland security, and maritime safety - particularly in Alaska, where their presence is essential to our coastal communities,” Begich said. “I’m proud to co-sponsor this legislation to create a dedicated Secretary of the Coast Guard. This long-overdue step gives the Coast Guard an important seat at the table, strengthens accountability, and ensures the men and women of the Coast Guard have the leadership and support they need to carry out their critical missions.”

“Establishing a Secretary of the Coast Guard is an important step toward ensuring the men and women of the Coast Guard receive the leadership and resources they deserve," Buchanan said. "This bill brings parity to the Coast Guard with our other military branches and underscores the critical role the Coast Guard plays in safeguarding our national security. With this new position, we will provide the Coast Guard with the support necessary to carry out its crucial missions to secure our borders and protect our waters.”

Ezell, who serves as the Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, has been a strong advocate for the Coast Guard and maritime security. He remains committed to advancing policies that enhance the safety and effectiveness of those who serve in uniform.

Current co-sponsors of the legislation: Daniel Webster (R-FL-11), Nicholas Begich (R-AK), and Vern Buchannan (R-FL-16).