February 26, 2026 | Endorsements

H.R. 7625, the Marine Transportation System Cybersecurity Budget and Evaluation Report (MTS CYBER) Act

February 26, 2026 Endorsements

H.R. 7625, the Marine Transportation System Cybersecurity Budget and Evaluation Report (MTS CYBER) Act

Bottom Line Up Front

H.R. 7625, the Marine Transportation System Cybersecurity Budget and Evaluation Report (MTS CYBER) Act of 2026, directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to assess whether the U.S. Coast Guard has the resources, workforce, and tools necessary to fulfill its cybersecurity responsibilities as co-Sector Risk Management Agency for the marine transportation system. The bill requires the GAO to evaluate the sufficiency of Coast Guard funding for cybersecurity personnel, training, and enforcement; the Coast Guard’s ability to assess compliance by regulated entities such as ports and cargo ships; and the adequacy of cybersecurity guidance provided to industry stakeholders—reporting its findings to relevant congressional committees within 270 days of enactment.

Bill Number H.R. 7625
Bill Name Marine Transportation System Cybersecurity Budget and Evaluation Report (MTS CYBER) Act of 2026
Summary Directs the GAO to assess whether the U.S. Coast Guard has the funding, personnel, and capabilities needed to fulfill its cybersecurity responsibilities for the marine transportation system.
Chamber House
Lead Sponsor Rep. Addison McDowell (R-NC)
Date Introduced 02/20/2026

Click here to read the full legislative text and view the list of cosponsors.

Why It Matters

  • America’s marine transportation system supports $2.1 trillion in economic activity—representing 41.5 percent of the total global trade value of the United States. Growing cyber threats to ports, terminals, vessels, and related infrastructure pose serious economic and national security risks that demand a fully resourced federal response.
  • The Coast Guard has been assigned expanded cybersecurity responsibilities, including new mandatory incident reporting requirements under a final cybersecurity rule, yet Congress has found that the Coast Guard remains underfunded and understaffed for the purpose of sector risk management. Without adequate budgetary resources and a healthy workforce, the Coast Guard cannot fulfill its critical mission of protecting the MTS against cyber threats.
  • The MTS CYBER Act closes a critical accountability gap by directing the GAO to evaluate whether the Coast Guard’s funding is sufficient for cybersecurity personnel, training, and enforcement; whether it can assess compliance among regulated entities such as ports and cargo ships; and whether guidance to industry stakeholders aligns with federal benchmarks and widely recognized best practices.
  • By requiring the GAO to report findings and recommendations to key House and Senate committees within 270 days, this legislation ensures Congress has the objective, data-driven assessment needed to make informed decisions about resourcing one of America’s most important—and often overlooked—national security missions.

“Defending America’s maritime transportation systems (MTS) requires a network of capable partners working in concert. The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) plays a critical role in this effort, but it cannot deliver on its cybersecurity responsibilities without adequate funding and personnel. The MTS CYBER Act addresses this gap by assessing whether the USCG’s current capabilities and resources allow it to achieve its maritime cybersecurity mission. FDD Action supports this legislation and all efforts to identify vulnerabilities in our defenses and ensure those charged with protecting them have the tools to succeed.”

Zachary Jutcovich

Chief of Staff, FDD Action

Congressional Press Releases

Read statements from members of Congress who are supporting this legislation:

Issues:

Cyber