McDowell Introduces MTS CYBER Act to Support Coast Guard Cybersecurity Mission

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Addison McDowell (NC-06) introduced the Marine Transportation System Cybersecurity Budget and Evaluation Report (MTS CYBER) Act of 2026. This legislation would support the Coast Guard by requiring the Government Accountability Office to assess whether the Coast Guard has the resources, workforce, and tools necessary to meet its cyber mission.

Following the introduction of the MTS CYBER Act, Rep. McDowell released the following statement:

“The Coast Guard is a major defender of our ports, terminals, and vessels against cyber threats – a critical component of our national security that is too often overlooked,” Rep. McDowell said. “Congress has a duty to make sure the Coast Guard has the resources and workforce it needs to carry out its cybersecurity responsibilities effectively. The MTS CYBER Act does exactly that.”

FDD Action, a leading national security advocacy organization, has endorsed the legislation and issued the following statement from Chief of Staff Zachary Jutcovich in support:

“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,” said Zachary Jutcovich. 

What the MTS CYBER Act does:

• The MTS CYBER Act directs the Government Accountability Office to assess the funding and resource needs of the Coast Guard to fulfill its cybersecurity responsibilities, including:
  • Evaluating the sufficiency of the Coast Guard’s funding to carry out its cybersecurity responsibilities, including for personnel, training, and enforcement
  • Evaluating the Coast Guard’s ability to ensure that regulated entities like ports, cargo ships, etc., comply with cybersecurity requirements
  • Evaluating the cybersecurity guidance that the Coast Guard provides to industry stakeholders (incl. ports, shippers, etc.) and ensuring they are practicable and in alignment with federal benchmarks and industry best practices

Read the full bill text here.

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