MTS CYBER Act of 2026
Latest action (15 Sep 2026): Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
What this bill does
The MTS CYBER Act of 2026 (H.R. 7625) would direct the Comptroller General of the United States, through the Government Accountability Office (GAO), to conduct a review of the Coast Guard's budget, resources, and capabilities in its role as a co-Sector Risk Management Agency for the marine transportation system. Within 270 days of enactment, GAO would need to evaluate whether Coast Guard funding is sufficient for cybersecurity personnel, training, and enforcement; assess the Coast Guard's ability to evaluate industry compliance with cybersecurity requirements; and examine whether guidance provided to industry stakeholders meets statutory and regulatory standards. GAO would then report its findings and recommendations to relevant House and Senate committees.
The bill primarily affects the Coast Guard, which would be the subject of the review, and Congress, which would receive the resulting report to inform future funding or policy decisions. It could also indirectly affect maritime industry stakeholders who interact with Coast Guard cybersecurity regulations, since the review would assess the adequacy of guidance provided to them.
The bill does not create new regulations or funding itself; it only mandates a study. It was introduced by Rep. Addison McDowell (R-NC) on February 20, 2026, referred to the House Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure and Homeland Security, and was ordered to be reported, as amended, by voice vote on September 15, 2026. It would next need to be considered by the full House, and if passed, by the Senate, before it could become law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
The committees assigned to this bill sent it to the House or Senate as a whole for consideration on September 15, 2026.
Timeline
15 Sep 2026
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 7625 do?
- The MTS CYBER Act of 2026 (H.R. 7625) would direct the Comptroller General of the United States, through the Government Accountability Office (GAO), to conduct a review of the Coast Guard's budget, resources, and capabilities in its role as a co-Sector Risk Management Agency for the marine transportation system. Within 270 days of enactment, GAO would need to evaluate whether Coast Guard funding is sufficient for cybersecurity personnel, training, and enforcement; assess the Coast Guard's ability to evaluate industry compliance with cybersecurity requirements; and examine whether guidance provided to industry stakeholders meets statutory and regulatory standards. GAO would then report its findings and recommendations to relevant House and Senate committees. The bill primarily affects the Coast Guard, which would be the subject of the review, and Congress, which would receive the resulting report to inform future funding or policy decisions. It could also indirectly affect maritime industry stakeholders who interact with Coast Guard cybersecurity regulations, since the review would assess the adequacy of guidance provided to them. The bill does not create new regulations or funding itself; it only mandates a study. It was introduced by Rep. Addison McDowell (R-NC) on February 20, 2026, referred to the House Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure and Homeland Security, and was ordered to be reported, as amended, by voice vote on September 15, 2026. It would next need to be considered by the full House, and if passed, by the Senate, before it could become law.
- Has H.R. 7625 become law?
- Not yet. As of 15 Sep 2026, H.R. 7625 is ordered reported.
- Who sponsored H.R. 7625?
- H.R. 7625 was sponsored by Rep. Addison McDowell [R-NC6] (Republican-NC), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 7625?
- Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote. (15 Sep 2026).
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