This Year's NDAA Ain't NADA

The narrow majorities in both the House and the Senate continue to present headwinds to any legislation. Nevertheless, for the 63rd consecutive year, lawmakers found a way to set aside their differences and enact the annual Defense Authorization Act. Although the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 ("NDAA") includes a Maritime Administration title, differences between the parties prevented the Coast Guard Authorization Act from riding along with the NDAA this year, and some in Congress have suggested moving to a biannual Coast Guard bill process. As in years past, the NDAA includes key maritime-program authorities addressing many of the most pressing challenges facing the industry.