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After more than a month of federal gridlock, President Trump on Wednesday signed into law a bill to reopen the government. The bill, approved earlier in the week by the Senate and passed out of the House Wednesday night, funds military construction, Veterans Affairs, the Department of Agriculture, and the legislative branch through September 30, 2026, while keeping the rest of the federal government funded at current levels through January 30, 2026.

For the marine industry, the end of the shutdown means federal agencies can resume normal operations. Key departments that affect the recreational boating community, including the U.S. Coast Guard, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), are expected to restart permitting, inspections, and rulemaking activities paused during the shutdown.

"The reopening of the government allows Congress and federal agencies to fully get back to the essential work that supports business certainty and a policy agenda that advances marine manufacturers and the boating industry," said Robyn Boerstling, NMMA Chief Advocacy Officer and Senior Vice President of Government Relations. "NMMA members depend on timely federal actions and decisions to support safety and ensure access, competitiveness, innovation and a strong recreational infrastructure that serves the boating economy.”

The temporary funding measure also includes language to wipe federal PAYGO scorecards, preventing automatic spending cuts that could have impacted the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, a key program supporting boating safety and conservation. While the deal restores stability for now, another funding deadline looms early next year.

NMMA will continue to engage with Congress and federal agencies to ensure consistent funding for boating access, infrastructure, and innovation in marine technology.

For questions or media inquiries, contact Jacky Usyk at [email protected] or visit nmma.org/advocacy.