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July 14, 2026

Homeland Security Democrats Advance Three Bipartisan Bills to Strengthen National Security

(WASHINGTON) – Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement following the House’s passing of three bipartisan homeland security bills sponsored by Committee Democrats to strengthen the Department of Homeland Security’s ability to combat fentanyl trafficking, improve emergency preparedness, and bolster the nation's response to evolving threats.

"These bipartisan bills show that Democrats are focused on strengthening our homeland security,” said Ranking Member Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS). "Committee Democrats remain committed to advancing practical solutions that improve DHS's ability to protect the American people, and I am pleased to see these measures pass the House. I thank my colleagues for their work on this legislation, and I hope the Senate takes them up as soon as possible."

Legislation passed:

  • H.R. 8535, the Measuring Illicit Fentanyl Trafficking Act (sponsored by Rep. James Walkinshaw): Requires DHS to improve information sharing and establish metrics to better measure its efforts to combat illicit fentanyl trafficking.
  • H.R. 8874, the Homeland Security Capabilities Preservation Reporting Act of 2026 (sponsored by Rep. Troy A. Carter, Sr.): Requires FEMA to report on how changes in homeland security grant funding affect the preparedness capabilities of communities.
  • H.R. 3106, the Weatherizing Infrastructure in the North and Terrorism Emergency Readiness (WINTER) Act (sponsored by Rep. Tim Kennedy): Requires DHS to assess and prepare for terrorist threats that could coincide with extreme cold weather events and critical infrastructure disruptions.

“The House passed my bipartisan legislation to take an important step in the fight against illicit fentanyl, and I am proud that my first bill to pass the House will help save lives,” said Congressman Walkinshaw. “Families across America are losing loved ones to this deadly drug. We owe them action. This bill will help ensure DHS is working as one team, sharing information, measuring results, and stopping illicit fentanyl before it reaches our communities. I urge the Senate to pass it quickly.”

"In the aftermath of the September 11th attacks, it became evident that urban cities across the United States could be targets for terrorist attacks and that they lacked the capacity and resources to independently build the critical capabilities needed to prevent, protect against, and respond to terrorist attacks and other catastrophic events. For more than two decades, UASI has equipped our local first responders with advanced tools, equipment, and training necessary to protect their communities. These investments have built critical capabilities that strengthen preparedness and emergency response across the region. However, maintaining these capabilities cannot be sustained by locals alone; they require reliable, predictable Federal funding. My bill will require FEMA to submit recurring transition reports every three years to ensure our communities are never left defenseless," added Congressman Carter.

“By identifying security gaps before disaster strikes, we can enhance our resilience and be better prepared to respond to increasingly sophisticated acts of terrorism,” said Congressman Kennedy. “We cannot control when the next severe winter storm will strike, and we cannot predict when terrorists will look to exploit our vulnerabilities. But we can ensure that our homeland security enterprise is prepared for both. That is exactly what my legislation, the WINTER Act, will help us do. I want to thank Ranking Member Bennie Thompson for his partnership on this bill and I applaud all of my colleagues who helped secure its passage.”