Press Releases
Chairman Thompson Statement on the Dismantling of DHS Leadership
(WASHINGTON) - Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the below statement on the current state of leadership at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) after many senior leaders have been forced out. According to news reports, more departures may be on the way. As of 2pm today, Secretary Nielsen has left the Department and the following positions at DHS have no permanent leader: Secretary Deputy Secretary Under Secretary for … Continue Reading
April 07, 2019
Chairman Thompson Statement on Nielsen Resignation
(WASHINGTON) - Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on news that Kirstjen Nielsen has resigned as Homeland Security Secretary: "Hampered by misstep after misstep, Kirstjen Nielsen's tenure at the Department of Homeland Security was a disaster from the start. It is clearer now than ever that the Trump Administration's border security and immigration policies - that she enacted and helped craft - have been an … Continue Reading
March 29, 2019
Chairman Thompson Statement on Secretary Nielsen’s Letter to Congress
(WASHINGTON) - Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen's letter to Congress on the humanitarian situation at the border: "In her letter to Congress, the Secretary continues to confuse and mislead on the situation at the border and how we got to this point. President Trump's border security and immigration policies have failed, and the Administration deserves much of … Continue Reading
March 27, 2019
Chairman Thompson Statement on Facebook Announcing It’s Banning White Nationalism Content
(WASHINGTON) - Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on news that Facebook is banning white nationalism content from its platform: "Finally, Facebook has acted to remove this vile and hate-filled content from its platform. While welcomed news, this should have happened long ago. We insist that Facebook ensures the public that it follows through on this promise, and that this announcement is not solely window … Continue Reading
March 15, 2019
Chairman Thompson Statement on New Zealand Mosque Attacks
(WASHINGTON) - Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on the terrorist attacks at mosques in New Zealand: "What happened in New Zealand was an act of terror and hate. Our prayers are with the people of New Zealand and everyone affected by the mass shooting attack. However, words of sympathy have no meaning if not backed up by action. We must all work together to counter domestic terrorism, including those who … Continue Reading
March 11, 2019
Chairman Thompson Statement on Trump’s Budget Request
(WASHINGTON) - Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on President Trump's FY2020 budget request for the Department of Homeland Security: "The President's budget proposal is a fantasy document. It is the latest in a series of political stunts the President has attempted to extort money for his wall he promised the American people would not have to pay for. First, he shut down the government leaving the entire DHS … Continue Reading
March 05, 2019
Chairman Thompson & Rep. Luetkemeyer Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen Partnerships between HBCUs and Homeland Security
(WASHINGTON) - Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, along with Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO), introduced H.R. 1494, the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Homeland Security Partnerships Act, which would strengthen the partnerships between HBCUs and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). “For nearly two centuries, HBCUs have provided African Americans the opportunity to compete on a level playing field - and their … Continue Reading
February 27, 2019
Chairman Thompson to Lead Trip to Puerto Rico to Examine Hurricane Maria Recovery Operations
(WASHINGTON) - Tomorrow, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, will lead a trip to Puerto Rico to examine the current status of FEMA’s Hurricane Maria recovery operations. Joining Chairman Thompson on the trip will be Rep. Kathleen Rice (D-NY), Rep. Al Green (D-TX), and Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García (D-IL). The trip will consist of meetings with Federal, territorial, and local officials, as well as with non-profits and community leaders. The trip … Continue Reading
February 15, 2019
Chairman Thompson Statement on President Trump’s Emergency Declaration
(WASHINGTON) - Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the below statement on the President’s national emergency declaration: “Thankfully President Trump did not force the government closed and leave the critical national security functions of the Department of Homeland Security unfunded yet again. However, his declaring a national emergency today represents a far greater dangerous abuse of power.” “Far worse than one of his usual … Continue Reading
February 14, 2019
Democrats Introduce Legislative Package to Protect Property Owners Against the Trump Administration’s Border Land Grab
(WASHINGTON) - Today, Democrats introduced three homeland security bills to safeguard the rights of American citizen landowners and protect their property from eminent domain actions by the Trump Administration as it plans barrier construction in the President’s reckless pursuit of a border wall. Currently, there is nothing to stop the Trump Administration from carrying out a historic Federal land grab. These bills, if enacted, would protect Americans from the costs that President Trump’s … Continue Reading
February 13, 2019
Chairman Thompson Statement on Brock Long Resignation
(WASHINGTON) - Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the below statement on the resignation of FEMA Administrator Brock Long: "I hope the Administration will be forthcoming with Congress as to the reason for Mr. Long's abrupt departure. I also hope that the President will quickly nominate a capable replacement who has proven track record of emergency management. The American public cannot afford a leadership gap at FEMA given the … Continue Reading
February 13, 2019
Chairmen DeFazio, Thompson Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Bolster Funding for TSA and Its Workforce
(WASHINGTON) - Chairman of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Peter DeFazio (D-OR) and Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security Bennie Thompson (D-MS) today introduced legislation with Congressman John Katko (R-NY) to bolster funding for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and its workforce, ensuring that the agency has the necessary funds and resources to secure America’s air travelers and pay its dedicated Transportation Security Officers (TSO). Senator … Continue Reading
February 12, 2019
Chairs Thompson and Lowey Introduce Bill to Improve TSA Frontline Workforce
(WASHINGTON) - Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, along with Rep. Nita Lowey (D-NY), Chairwoman of the Committee on Appropriations, re-introduced legislation to ensure that Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening workforce employees - or Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) - are afforded the same worker rights and protections afforded to other Federal workers under Title 5 of the U.S. Code. H.R. 1140, the Rights for … Continue Reading
February 04, 2019
Chairman Thompson Announces Border Security Hearing with Secretary Nielsen
(WASHINGTON) - Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, announced that Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen has agreed to testify before the Committee for a public hearing on Wednesday, March 6th at 10am. Statement from Chairman Thompson: "Secretary Nielsen has agreed to come before the Committee on Homeland Security to testify on March 6th. We are giving the Secretary ample time to prepare for this appearance. She should be ready to … Continue Reading
January 29, 2019
Chairman Thompson Announces Homeland Security Subcommittee Chairs
(WASHINGTON) - Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement announcing the Committee's subcommittee chairs and Vice chair of the full Committee for the 116th Congress: "Our country must tackle a vast array of homeland security issues - from securing our borders to shielding our networks and infrastructure; from protecting our skies and seas to countering extremism and terrorism in all its forms. I'm confident that … Continue Reading
January 25, 2019
Chairman Thompson Statement on President Trump Ending His Shutdown
(WASHINGTON) - Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on President Trump's decision to sign a three-week continuing resolution to fund the federal government and end his shutdown: "Finally, President Trump has come to his senses and has agreed to end his ridiculous shutdown. The fact that he allowed our frontline workers at the Department of Homeland Security to be unpaid for over a month still defies … Continue Reading
January 25, 2019
Chairman Thompson Statement on the Trump Shutdown’s Homeland Security Impact
(WASHINGTON) - Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the below statement on the Trump Shutdown and its continued negative impact on our frontline homeland security personnel who are charged with keeping the nation safe and secure. Yesterday, Chairman Thompson hosted a Congressional Panel discussion featuring former Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson on the effects of the Trump Shutdown on the Department of Homeland Security. … Continue Reading
January 23, 2019
Chairman Thompson Announces Homeland Security Committee Democratic Members
(WASHINGTON) - Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement announcing the 18 Democratic Members of the Committee for the 116th Congress: “I’m thrilled to welcome - and welcome back - so many fine Members of Congress to our Committee. This diverse panel represents the many different communities of the country, bringing a crucial variety of viewpoints to the issues of homeland security that affect each and every … Continue Reading
January 19, 2019
Chairman Thompson on President Trump’s Border and Shutdown Speech
(WASHINGTON) - Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on President Trump’s Saturday afternoon speech today: “The President’s speech today was just the latest publicity stunt out of many to come from the White House. He did not move the needle one inch. The President must realize Congress is a coequal branch of government and Democrats will not allow him to dictate the terms of any negotiation while he continues … Continue Reading
January 19, 2019
House Chairmen Condemn Shocking Secret Memo on Trump Administration’s Inhumane Child Separation Policy
(WASHINGTON) - Today, Rep. Elijah E. Cummings, the Chairman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, Rep. Jerrold Nadler, the Chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary, and Rep. Bennie G. Thompson, the Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, issued the following statement in response to a draft December 2017 memorandum released yesterday by Senator Jeff Merkley, which was created by senior officials at the Departments of Homeland Security and Justice outlining the Trump … Continue Reading