Cantwell Expects New Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Lunday to Implement Reforms to Combat Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault Required by Senator’s Bipartisan Coast Guard Reauthorization Law
December 18, 2025
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, released the below statement following Senate confirmation of Admiral Kevin Lunday as Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard:
“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.”
Sen. Cantwell’s bipartisan Coast Guard Reauthorization Act of 2025 was signed into law today as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (NDAA). The law includes important reforms to combat sexual assault and harassment in response to Operation Fouled Anchor, which revealed gross mishandling of sexual assault and sexual harassment cases of U.S. Coast Guard personnel. Former Commandant Linda Fagan completed the Accountability and Transparency Review which called for 33 directed actions to address sexual assault and harassment. During his nomination hearing, Adm. Lunday committed to completing these directed actions.
A full summary of reforms and new protections is available HERE.
Sen. Cantwell originally introduced the bipartisan Coast Guard Reauthorization Act of 2025 on December 11, 2024. The bill was reintroduced at the beginning of the 119th Congress and unanimously passed the Senate on March 6, 2025.
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