US Capital West Side, by Martin Falbisoner

Ran across a couple of documents you might be interested in.

• U.S. Coast Guard Fact Sheet, FY 2025 President’s Budget
• H.R.7659 – Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2024

The Authorization is just a bill right now and even if enacted, it does not really provide any funds. I have a hard time understanding why Congress works this way, both and authorization and a budget. I think the authorization is supposed to come first as a sort of way to work toward consensus, establishing an upper limit on the budget, but for FY2024, the budget has already passed (long after the FY began) but the Authorization has only cleared the House and is in the Senate now. I don’t think it will take long in the Senate, but the FY is already two thirds over.

Even so, the Authorization has some interesting stuff regarding the out years. Historically the enacted budget has been larger than the Administrations budget request so this may happen. Just remember, while this suggests intention, it can not be taken for granted.

SEC. 103. AVAILABILITY OF AMOUNTS FOR ACQUISITION OF ADDITIONAL VESSELS AND AIRCRAFT.

(a) Fiscal Year 2025.—Of the amounts authorized to be appropriated under section 4902(2)(A) of title 14, United States Code, for fiscal year 2025—

(1) $138,500,000 is authorized for the acquisition or procurement of 1 missionized HC–130J Super Hercules aircraft;

(2) $36,000,000 is authorized for the service life extension program and any necessary upgrades of the 47-foot Motor Life Boat; and

(3) $216,000,000 is authorized for the acquisition of 2 Fast Response Cutters.

(b) Fiscal Year 2026.—Of the amounts authorized to be appropriated under section 4902(2)(A) of title 14, United States Code, for fiscal year 2026—

(1) $1,200,000,000 is authorized for the acquisition of a Polar Security Cutter;

(2) $1,100,000,000 is authorized for the acquisition of 2 Offshore Patrol Cutters;

(3) $138,500,000 is authorized for the acquisition or procurement of 1 missionized HC–130J Super Hercules aircraft; and

(4) $153,500,000 is authorized to outfit and assemble 5 MH–60T Jayhawk aircrafts.

SEC. 104. AUTHORIZATION FOR CERTAIN PROGRAMS AND SERVICES.

(a) Fiscal Year 2025.—Of the amounts authorized to be appropriated under section 4902(1)(A) of title 14, United States Code, for fiscal year 2025—

(1) $11,978,000 is authorized to fund additional recruiting personnel and offices for the Coast Guard Recruiting Command;

(2) $9,000,000 is authorized to enhance Coast Guard recruiting capabilities; and

(3) $25,000,000 is authorized for the implementation of each directed action outlined in enclosure 1 of the memorandum of the Commandant titled “Commandant’s Directed Actions-Accountability and Transparency”, dated November 27, 2023.