Sponsors (2)
The bill clarifies federal responsibility and increases oversight to strengthen maritime cybersecurity—improving coordination and reducing disruption risks—but likely raises compliance burdens for industry and could require additional federal spending and regulatory adjustments at state and local levels.
State and federal transportation authorities, plus maritime operators, gain clearer federal roles and coordination (DHS/DOT as co‑SRMAs and cross‑referenced definitions), improving collective cyber defense of the Marine Transportation System.
Federal GAO oversight and reporting will identify Coast Guard funding and staffing shortfalls for maritime cybersecurity, enabling targeted fixes, better resourcing, and greater Congressional accountability.
Maritime trade operators and port businesses will get stronger guidance and attention to MTS cyber risks, reducing the likelihood of disruptive cyber incidents that could affect large volumes of trade and operations.
Taxpayers and appropriators may face increased spending pressure if GAO finds Coast Guard underfunding and Congress chooses to close gaps, requiring new appropriations or reallocation of funds.
Regulated maritime businesses (ports, terminals, utilities) could face higher compliance costs and administrative burdens from mandatory reporting, expanded oversight, and potential new statutory duties.
Shifting or clarifying federal SRMA roles and cross‑references may impose new or inconsistent regulatory pressures on state and local port operators and create coordination challenges.
Based on analysis of 4 sections of legislative text.
Requires GAO to review, within 270 days, the Coast Guard’s funding, staffing, guidance, and capability to perform maritime cybersecurity SRMA duties and report recommendations to Congress.
Requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to complete a review, within 270 days of enactment, of the U.S. Coast Guard’s funding, staffing, guidance, and ability to carry out Sector Risk Management Agency (SRMA) responsibilities for maritime cybersecurity. The review must assess whether current resources and guidance are sufficient for the Coast Guard to enforce cybersecurity requirements, evaluate regulated entities’ compliance, and recommend changes to Congress if gaps exist. Also records congressional findings about the economic importance of the marine transportation system (MTS), increasing cyber threats to it, and recent executive and regulatory actions expanding Coast Guard cybersecurity authorities; defines key terms ("marine transportation system" and SRMA) for the Act.
Introduced February 20, 2026 by Addison P. McDowell · Last progress February 20, 2026