WASHINGTON, D.C. –– Today, House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Andrew R. Garbarino (R-NY) delivered the following opening statement in a full Committee hearing examining the evolution of federal, state, and local responses to terrorism 25 yea…
WASHINGTON, D.C. –– Today, House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Andrew R. Garbarino (R-NY) delivered the following opening statement in a full Committee hearing examining the evolution of federal, state, and local responses to terrorism 25 years after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
As prepared for delivery:
Twenty-five years ago, our nation was forever changed. The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, represent the worst act of terror on U.S. soil in American history, claiming 2,977 innocent lives. Thousands of first responders ran toward danger, launching the largest emergency response mobilization in New York City history.
More than 400 of these first responders made the ultimate sacrifice that day, and many more survivors and responders have passed or continue to suffer due to 9/11-related illnesses.
As a New Yorker representing a district forever marked by this tragedy, I carry the responsibility to ‘never forget’ with me every day. Just last week, I led Members of Congress to Ground Zero to commemorate the 25th anniversary of September 11th alongside the families of those we lost, first responders, and members of the 9/11 community.
We must ensure an attack like 9/11 never happens again. Following the attacks, Congress established the Department of Homeland Security to unify federal security efforts. The bipartisan 9/11 Commission released its final report, which included 41 recommendations to address identified vulnerabilities and strengthen U.S. national security.
In its wake, our nation undertook a robust effort to increase information sharing and coordination among federal, state, and local law enforcement. The federal government also worked to provide essential support for these entities as they prepare for, respond to, and work to prevent terrorist attacks across the nation. America’s security successes in the last two decades are due in large part to this close coordination.
As the Committee tasked with conducting oversight of the Department of Homeland Security and the only standing House Committee established in response to 9/11, we recently released a report evaluating America’s progress in strengthening our homeland security posture and outlining more than 20 recommendations to better support DHS’s no-fail mission.
The Committee recommends improving information-sharing processes across federal and local law enforcement partners, stabilizing grant administration, and strengthening core preparedness and incident management capabilities. The Committee also recommends continuing funding for the Emergency Management Performance Grant and ensuring sufficient funding for special events in advance.
As the only member of the Intelligence Community required to share intelligence with federal and local partners, the DHS Office of Intelligence and Analysis plays an essential role in ensuring law enforcement has the information needed to identify and counter emerging threats, and the Committee has prioritized efforts to reform and refocus I&A to ensure it is still meeting the moment for our state and local partners.
Federal resources also play a critical role in this collective security mission. In the Fiscal Year 2026 DHS appropriations bill, Congress provided: Nearly 500 million dollars for the State Homeland Security Grant Program, nearly 600 million dollars for the Urban Area Security Initiative, nearly 100 million dollars for the Transit Security Grant Program, more than 90 million dollars for the Port Security Grant Program, 300 million dollars for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, more than 80 million dollars for Operation Stonegarden, and more than 300 million dollars for the Emergency Management Performance Grant.
As our report states, transparency and collaboration are critical to the successful implementation of these grant programs, and the Committee will continue to conduct oversight of FEMA’s guidance and processes to ensure their success. Our witnesses are here today to discuss the importance of these grants and the role federal resources play in helping state and local partners prepare for and respond to threats.
Even with this success, the homeland security mission is never finished. Terrorists have continued to evolve with modern technology, utilizing new tools and tactics to recruit, inspire, fundraise, and plan attacks like never before––from artificial intelligence and robotics to drones.
The dedicated men and women who serve our communities every day, including those here today, are on the front lines of an evolving public safety mission. While those who wish to do us harm only need to get it right once, these public servants must succeed every single time.
As we continue National Preparedness Month, I am grateful for the opportunity to welcome former Arlington County Fire Department Chief Schwartz and Former New York City Fire Department Commissioner Nigro before the Committee today.
I also appreciate the opportunity to receive testimony from three current officials who serve the people of New York and the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. I want to offer my gratitude to all of our witnesses for your collective service. I look forward to hearing from our witnesses about the progress made over the last two decades and where Congress can provide further support for state and local counterterrorism efforts in metropolitan areas.
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