House Republicans on the Committee on Homeland Security have expressed approval following the U.S. House of Representatives’ passage of several bills aimed at strengthening national security measures. The legislation addresses issues such as evolving terror threats, cybersecurity, transnational criminal organizations, intelligence coordination within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and support for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel.
Committee Chairman Andrew R. Garbarino (R-NY) commented on the recent legislative actions: “This week, the House passed a slate of Committee bills to ensure DHS is well equipped to address foreign and domestic threats to the homeland. Each of these bills will play a critical role in strengthening our homeland security posture, helping DHS to protect Americans from evolving threats posed by terrorist groups and transnational criminal organizations, as well as the malign influence of the Chinese Communist Party and other bad actors in cyberspace. As our nation’s brave Border Patrol agents and CBP officers work tirelessly to defend our borders, the House also advanced legislation to provide enhanced canine mental health support for these dedicated professionals. I urge the Senate to help us further DHS’s mission by delivering this legislation to President Trump’s desk.”
Among the measures passed is the “Syria Terrorism Threat Assessment Act.” Rep. Morgan Luttrell (R-TX) said: “For decades, Syria gave terrorist groups a place to train, organize, and plan attacks — some aimed directly at the United States. Although the country is in transition, we must continue examining and mitigating emerging threats from the region. This critical legislation will protect American lives, prevent future attacks, and strengthen our counterterrorism efforts. I am pleased to see today’s House passage and am thankful to have my colleagues’ support on this effort.”
The “Department of Homeland Security Vehicular Terrorism Prevention and Mitigation Act of 2025” was also highlighted by Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security Chairman Carlos Gimenez (R-FL): “The horrific ISIS-inspired terrorist attack in New Orleans is a tragic reminder that vehicles continue to be weaponized as instruments of terror. DHS must move swiftly to address the growing spread of vehicular threats and provide Congress and the American people with a clear assessment of emerging risks and needed countermeasures. I am proud to see this legislation advance as we continue to mourn and remember the 14 innocent lives lost on New Year’s Day.”
Cybersecurity concerns were addressed through several bills including HR 2659—the “Strengthening Cyber Resilience Against State-Sponsored Threats Act.” Subcommittee on Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection Chairman Andy Ogles (R-TN) stated: “I am honored that HR 2659 has passed the House and will soon make its way to the Senate. Our adversaries abroad are using cyberspace as the battlefield to undermine American sovereignty and interests. Now that my bill has passed, we are one step closer to locking out the foreign communists trying to steal American data. I want to thank Chairman Garbarino for his leadership and support in advancing this critical legislation. America First cybersecurity is the way, and this bill provides a critical solution.”
Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) discussed another measure: “The PEARL Act is named after a special, and newly retired, support canine that helped our Border Patrol Agents get through some very tough times. This bill will give our law enforcement one more tool to improve mental health outcomes at CBP. I am grateful to see this legislation pass in the U.S. House of Representatives, and I look forward to getting this bill signed into law.”
Transnational crime was also addressed with new legislative action targeting specific organizations like Tren de Aragua (TdA). Rep Brad Knott (R-NC) noted: “As a prosecutor, I saw the immeasurable impact transnational crime organizations have had on every corner of our country that were enabled by dangerously weak borders and immigration policy... Few organizations have been more effective at exploiting these dangerous policies... than Tren de Aragua... We must gear up... Today is an important step towards achieving that goal.”
Subcommittee on Border Security & Enforcement Chairman Michael Guest (R-MS) spoke about international cooperation against drug trafficking: “As transnational criminal organizations continue to extend their reach, ... Strengthening international cooperation with partner nations is essential ... My legislation authorizes U.S. Customs & Border Protection’s Air & Marine Operations ... providing training & conducting joint operations that will save lives...”
Additional cybersecurity provisions were included through passage of what Subcommittee Chairman Ogles called his PILLAR Act: “The House took a major step toward securing America....cybersecurity is national security....this legislation puts America First by giving our states,...the tools they need... With this bill we deliver.”
Intelligence sharing within DHS was targeted with another act praised by Rep Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA): “As threats continue evolve,...our intelligence community must operate as unified system...This legislation ensures DHS analysts gain training & cross-agency experience needed strengthen coordination..."
Emerging technology risks were considered via AI-related risk assessment requirements introduced by Subcommittee Chair August Pfluger (R-TX): "To confront this emerging threat [AI] ... stop terrorist organizations from weaponizing AI ...I am proud that ... Generative AI Terrorism Risk Assessment Act [passed] today..."
Finally school safety received attention through another bill supported by Rep Gonzales: "Our children,...sit in schools without national plan in place protect them from acts terror....this bill closes gap..."
