U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, the Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, released a statement after the Senate confirmed Admiral Kevin Lunday as Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard.
Cantwell said: “The Senate’s confirmation of Admiral Kevin Lunday as Commandant of the Coast Guard comes with a clear expectation that he will uphold a zero-tolerance policy for hate symbols and ensure the Coast Guard is safe for every member who serves. I expect the Commandant to uphold the same zero tolerance policy for sexual assault and harassment. The Coast Guard reauthorization bill signed into law today includes historic reforms to combat sexual assault and sexual harassment. This law strengthens survivor protections, expands confidential reporting, improves independent oversight of cases and investigations, increases leadership accountability—including automatic referral to the Inspector General in cases involving senior leaders—and expands prevention and behavioral health access for victims. The Coast Guard’s strength depends on leadership that protects its people.”
The bipartisan Coast Guard Reauthorization Act of 2025, led by Sen. Cantwell, was signed into law as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026. The legislation introduces several reforms targeting sexual assault and harassment within the service following findings from Operation Fouled Anchor, which highlighted significant mishandling of such cases among personnel.
Former Commandant Linda Fagan completed an Accountability and Transparency Review recommending 33 actions to address these issues. During his nomination hearing, Admiral Lunday pledged to carry out these recommendations.
Senator Cantwell first introduced this legislation on December 11, 2024. It was reintroduced at the start of the 119th Congress and passed unanimously in the Senate on March 6, 2025.
The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee oversees legislative matters related to commerce, science, and transportation during congressional sessions according to its official website. The committee is composed of senators from both parties under a chairman's direction and works within the legislative branch addressing interstate commerce policies. Its main office is located in Washington D.C.’s Russell Senate Office Building.
