Congress Nears Finish Line for National Defense Authorization Act
This week, Congress is expected to approve the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which contains the annual U.S. Coast Guard reauthorization bill and key abandoned and derelict vessel provisions – a top priority for NMMA. The annual authorization bill will head to President Donald Trump’s desk for his signature following Senate approval.
NDAA is the large, annual national defense bill that oftentimes includes several other key bills and measures as it has reliably passed Congress annually for over 60 years. The bill includes new provisions (Sec.7347) related to abandoned and derelict vessels by:
- Creating a national inventory of abandoned vessels, requiring the U.S. Coast Guard to work with NOAA and state agencies to identify these vessels nationwide;
- Granting more authority to the U.S. Coast Guard for abandoned vessels; and
- Placing the burden and penalty of removal on the owner of the abandoned and derelict vessel.
These provisions are led by Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA), as he championed legislation in previous sessions addressing the growing safety and navigational issues with abandoned and derelict vessels.
The NDAA also includes a key provision establishing a more robust process when considering the discontinuance of navigational aids. The consultation process will include the input of recreational boaters and anglers, as well as a study on the current reliance of navigational markers (e.g. buoys).
Once NDAA is signed into law, NMMA will monitor the implementation of these provisions and how the initiatives impact boater access and safety. For more information, contact NMMA’s Clay Crabtree, Senior Director of Public Policy, at [email protected].