Sponsors (2)
The bill increases oversight and clarity to strengthen maritime cybersecurity—reducing risks to trade and national security—but mainly through reviews and definitions rather than direct funding, which can improve planning while imposing compliance costs and leaving actual capability gaps unresolved until further appropriations or agency action.
Maritime businesses, transportation workers, and the U.S. economy face lower risk of large-scale trade disruptions because the bill improves maritime cybersecurity assessment and readiness for the $2.1T marine transportation system.
Coast Guard, federal agencies, and regulated industry will get a GAO-led review that identifies staffing, funding, training, and enforcement shortfalls within a fixed timeframe, which can drive clearer guidance and targeted investments to strengthen maritime cyber enforcement and supply-chain resilience.
Taxpayers and policymakers gain increased transparency and oversight because the bill directs a GAO audit to evaluate Coast Guard cybersecurity budget and workforce needs.
Regulated maritime businesses, utilities, and transportation workers may face increased compliance costs and administrative burdens from expanded oversight, incident reporting, and potential stricter enforcement.
Coast Guard readiness and maritime cybersecurity gaps may persist because the bill mandates reviews and audits but does not itself allocate funds or staffing—meaning problems remain until Congress or agencies act on recommendations.
Taxpayers could face higher federal costs if the GAO audit leads to requests for increased Coast Guard cybersecurity funding or staffing.
Based on analysis of 4 sections of legislative text.
Requires GAO to review the Coast Guard’s funding, staffing, guidance, and enforcement readiness for MTS cybersecurity and report to Congress within 270 days.
Requires the Government Accountability Office to review the U.S. Coast Guard’s funding, personnel, guidance, and enforcement readiness to carry out cybersecurity responsibilities for the Marine Transportation System (MTS), and to report findings and recommendations to specific congressional committees within 270 days of enactment. Defines the MTS and cross-references the statutory definition of a Sector Risk Management Agency (SRMA).
Introduced February 20, 2026 by Addison P. McDowell · Last progress February 20, 2026