hold on there's just too much going on in Congress lmao...
Requires a GAO review of Coast Guard's marine cybersecurity funding.
Sponsored by Mr. McDowell. (Party/state not specified in bill text).
Introduced in the House, no vote yet.
This bill directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a review within 270 days to assess whether the U.S. Coast Guard has enough funding and resources to protect the marine transportation system from cyber threats. The sponsor, Mr. McDowell, introduced this bill, which is currently in committee in the House of Representatives, meaning it still needs to pass through committees and both chambers of Congress to become law.
Introduced Feb 20, 2026
This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on February 20, 2026. It has been referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Homeland Security. For it to become law, it must pass through these committees, be voted on and passed by the full House, then go through a similar process in the Senate, and finally be signed by the President.
If this bill passes, it would mandate a thorough government review of the Coast Guard's ability to protect vital marine shipping from cyber threats. This could lead to policy changes or increased funding for maritime cybersecurity, potentially making the delivery of goods more secure and less prone to digital disruptions. Ultimately, this could mean more stable prices and availability for imported goods you rely on, as cyberattacks on shipping could be better prevented.
Supporters Say
The Coast Guard needs adequate resources to protect the critical marine transportation system from growing cyber threats.
Critics Say
The bill text does not detail specific criticisms of this proposal.
Supporters of this bill argue that the marine transportation system, vital for the U.S. economy, faces increasing and severe cyber threats. They believe that the Coast Guard, despite its expanded responsibilities in cybersecurity oversight, is underfunded and understaffed, making a GAO review essential to ensure it can effectively protect this critical infrastructure. The bill text itself does not explicitly outline arguments from critics against conducting such a review.