Coast Guard Overhaul Gains Momentum on Capitol Hill
Efforts to revamp the Coast Guard are picking up steam in Congress, aligned with the Trump administration’s push to enhance services aimed at tackling issues like illegal immigration and drug trafficking.
Multiple initiatives are being proposed within both Congress and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The idea is to elevate the Coast Guard’s capabilities to a level comparable with other military branches under the Department of Defense, which would allow them to more effectively handle drug interdiction and immigration control missions.
Recently, a funding approval extending through 2029 was cleared by committee and co-sponsored by the Coast Guard Accreditation Act of 2025.
“The Coast Guard operates similarly to law enforcement,” remarked Representative Mike Ezell during a recent interview.
Reforming the Coast Guard Amid Border Security Efforts
The demands on the Coast Guard are rising. As of July 15, the DHS reported that the service had seized over 242,000 pounds of cocaine since Donald Trump assumed office in January. This represents a staggering increase, over 100%, in drug seizures compared to the same period in 2024 under the Biden administration.
Ezell and several colleagues introduced the Coast Guard Licensing Act on July 2, which was subsequently passed by the House Commission on Transport and Infrastructure. The committee voted on July 15, taking steps to move the measures to the floor for further consideration.
A key element of the proposed legislation is to establish a civilian secretary for the Coast Guard, aiming to align it more closely with similar armed forces under the Department of Defense. Currently, the Coast Guard is managed by the DHS, lacking significant civilian leadership.
Ezell noted that appointing a service secretary could “cut through some of the red tape that has slowed progress over the years.” He added, “This position will help get things moving.”
Coast Guard Operations Expand
In Ezell’s view, drawing on his extensive background in law enforcement, it’s essential to collaborate with various agencies for successful operations. “Having a single point of contact with access to presidential and DHS information simplifies processes,” he explained.
With a 40-year career in law enforcement, including serving as sheriff in Jackson County, Mississippi, Ezell is well aware of the challenges faced in such roles. Republican senators, including Rick Scott from Florida and Shelley Moore Capito from West Virginia, have similarly sponsored legislation in the Senate aimed at creating a secretary position for the Coast Guard.
Scott remarked, “Establishing a Coast Guard secretary is crucial for ensuring our maritime security is robust and adaptable to various challenges.” He emphasized the importance of the Coast Guard working closely with the President and military leadership for a coordinated national safety strategy.
This initiative mirrors ongoing reforms at the DHS. Earlier this year, the Coast Guard revealed its Force Design 2028 plan to modernize its organizational structure, personnel management, acquisitions, and technology, all in accordance with directives from Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Christie Noem.
Strengthening Coast Guard Forces
The proposal aims to bolster the Coast Guard, which currently has roughly 43,000 active-duty personnel, while assessing which specialties need reinforcement for enhanced training. It also calls for adjustments to align the Coast Guard’s physical fitness standards and grooming with those of the Department of Defense.
Interestingly, unlike other military branches, the Coast Guard does not enforce uniform fitness standards unless members are actively engaged in law enforcement duties.
This initiative is part of the ongoing efforts by the Trump administration to combat illegal immigration and drug trafficking. “We are constantly evolving our services to make continuous progress,” a DHS official shared in a recent interview. “The goal is to have this transformation finalized by 2028.”
