Why It Matters
The House Committee on Homeland Security advanced 19 bipartisan bills on Wednesday, June 24, covering legislation that addresses TSA modernization, fentanyl trafficking, northern border security, and intelligence reform. All measures passed with broad support, but the session exposed tension over the Trump Administration's approach to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) leadership and the committee's limited time to act before Congress adjourns.
The Big Picture
With less than 190 days remaining in the 119th Congress and just a quarter of those days scheduled as session days, time is running short. The committee's inactivity stood in stark contrast to the volume of bills ready for consideration.
Chair Andrew Garbarino (R-NY-2) praised the markup as a sign of renewed momentum, indicating they would move to the House floor under expedited procedures requiring two-thirds support.
Yet beneath the bipartisan veneer lay a sharp disagreement: Ranking Member Bennie Thompson (D-MS-2) objected the Republican majority's refusal to consider a bill protecting TSA workers' rights, raising similar concerns in March 2026.
The 19 measures covered sweeping ground:
- The SAFEGUARDS Act (H.R. 8770), sponsored by Rep. Dale Strong (R-AL-5), mandates total of $750 million in annual technology investments for TSA screening equipment. However, if passed, it wouldn't take effect until fiscal year 2028, when 9/11 Security Fees are scheduled to end. The vote passed, 26-3.
- The NEXUS for Families Act (H.R. 9382), sponsored by Rep. Tim Kennedy (D-NY-26), allows families to jointly apply for trusted traveler status and exempts children under 14 years old from interviews. The vote passed, 30-0.
- The Improving Travel for Military Members Act (H.R. 9328), sponsored by Rep. Sheri Biggs (R-SC-3), streamlines TSA screening for active-duty service members. The vote passed, 30-0.
- The Weatherizing Infrastructure in the North and Terrorism Emergency Readiness Act of 2025 (H.R. 3106), sponsored by Rep. Tim Kennedy (D-NY-26), requires DHS to prepare coordinated responses to scenarios combining deliberate terrorist attacks with extreme cold weather. The vote passed, 30-0.
- The Modernizing and Improving the National Terrorism Advisory System Act (H.R. 7448), sponsored by Rep. Nellie Pou (D-NJ-9), mandates that DHS consult law enforcement, emergency responders, and the public before updating the system. The vote passed, 30-0.
- The Measuring Illicit Fentanyl Trafficking Act (H.R. 8535), sponsored by Rep. James Walkinshaw (D-VA-11), requires DHS to improve information sharing across components combating fentanyl and establish metrics measuring the department's effectiveness. The vote passed, 30-0.
- The Northern Border Security Enhancement and Review Act (H.R. 5517), sponsored by Rep. Nicholas Langworthy (R-NY-23), enhances security measures and mandates a review of northern border vulnerabilities. The vote passed, 28-2.
- The I&A Mission Reorientation Act of 2026 (H.R. 7443), sponsored by Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX-11), refocuses the DHS Office of Intelligence and Analysis on its core homeland security mission. The vote passed, 30-0.
- The Department of Homeland Security Intelligence and Analysis Training Act (H.R. 7436), sponsored by Rep. Seth Magaziner (D-RI-2), creates a standardized mandatory training curriculum for I&A hires with civil rights and civil liberties protections. The vote passed, 30-0.
- The SAFE Visits Act (H.R. 7427), sponsored by Rep. Daniel Goldman (D-NY-10), directs DHS Intelligence and Analysis to systematically analyze threats posed by foreign nationals seeking access to state and local officials and facilities. The vote passed, 28-2.
- The TWICE Act (H.R. 5109), sponsored by Rep. Troy Carter (D-LA-2), addresses a practical barrier: individuals who have served their time and are legally eligible to work in maritime ports often cannot navigate TSA's Transportation Worker Identification Credential program. Carter's legislation requires TSA to develop guidelines improving access, including pre-application assistance while in custody. The vote passed, 30-0.
- The Homeland Security Capabilities Preservation Reporting Act (H.R. 8874), also sponsored by Carter, requires DHS to report to Congress on efforts to preserve and maintain homeland security capabilities. The vote passed, 30-0.
The remaining bills reviewed include: ELO Realignment and Strategic Engagement Reform Act of 2026, Major Non-NATO Ally Terror Threat Assessment Act, Improving Travel for American Families Act, PEARL Act, Civil Preparedness for Agroterrorism Exercise Act of 2026, Reimbursable Screening Service Program Extension Act of 2026, and One-Stop Pilot Program Extension Act.
The Bottom Line
All 19 bills are expected to move to the House floor under suspension of the rules, requiring a two-thirds majority for passage. Given their bipartisan backing, floor approval is likely.
The committee's return to markup activity signals renewed legislative momentum on homeland security issues. But with fewer than less than 190 days remaining in the session, the window for advancing additional measures is narrow.
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