Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025

Enumerated powers · passes

Congress has explicit constitutional authority to raise and support armies, provide and maintain a navy, and make rules for the regulation of the land and naval forces under Article I, Section 8, Clauses 11–16. The Coast Guard is a military service and a federal law enforcement agency operating under federal maritime jurisdiction. This bill authorizes appropriations, sets organizational structure, and regulates personnel and operations of the Coast Guard—all squarely within Congress's enumerated powers. No power overreach is present.

Bill of Rights · passes

The bill does not restrict speech, religion, assembly, press, petition (First Amendment); does not infringe the right to keep and bear arms (Second Amendment); does not authorize quartering of soldiers (Third Amendment); does not expand warrantless searches or seizures (Fourth Amendment); does not compel self-incrimination or deny due process (Fifth Amendment); does not impair fair trial rights (Sixth Amendment); does not deny jury trial (Seventh Amendment); does not impose cruel or unusual punishment (Eighth Amendment); and does not violate unenumerated rights or reserved powers (Ninth and Tenth Amendments). Provisions regarding sexual misconduct reporting and personnel actions are internal military discipline matters that do not implicate civilian Bill of Rights protections in a manner that would constitute infringement.

Individual liberty · passes

The bill primarily governs the internal operations of the Coast Guard as a federal military service. Restrictions on personnel conduct, reporting requirements, and security clearance vetting are standard military discipline and security measures that serve compelling governmental interests in maintaining a functional armed force and protecting national security. These restrictions are narrowly tailored to the military context and do not impose burdens on civilians or on service members outside their official duties without justification. No general restriction on individual liberty, property, speech, labor, or belief is imposed without a compelling constitutional justification.

Decentralization · passes

The Coast Guard is a federal military and law enforcement agency responsible for maritime safety, security, and environmental protection that inherently requires national-level coordination and resources. An individual or family cannot handle Coast Guard functions (Question 1: false). A local community or county cannot handle Coast Guard functions (Question 2: false). A state cannot handle Coast Guard functions because maritime jurisdiction, military command, and interstate/international waters require federal authority (Question 3: false). The bill does not consolidate decision-making at a higher level than necessary; it is a routine authorization for an existing federal agency performing inherently federal functions (Question 4: false). The bill passes all four questions appropriately for a federal military authorization.

Due process and takings · passes

The bill does not bypass procedural due process, deny presumption of innocence, or take private property without just compensation. Provisions regarding personnel separation, security clearance vetting, and misconduct investigations are internal military procedures that operate under the Uniform Code of Military Justice and established military due process standards. The bill does not authorize any taking of private property. No violation of the Fifth Amendment's Due Process Clause or Takings Clause is present.