Press Releases
Chairman Thompson Statement on January 6 Report, Need for Full Investigation
(WASHINGTON) - Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on the release on a bipartisan report from the Senate Committees on Homeland Security & Government Affairs and Rules and Administration on the January 6 domestic terrorism attack on the Capitol. "Although this report provides new insight into the many intelligence failures, miscommunications, and security lapses on January 6, it is clear a full and … Continue Reading
June 03, 2021
Chairman Thompson Releases Statement on New DHS Administrative Actions to Improve Protections and Pay for the TSA Workforce
(WASHINGTON) - Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas issuing new administrative actions to improve conditions for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workforce: "I commend the Biden Administration for taking decisive action to improve conditions for the TSA workforce. TSA frontline officers have been grossly underpaid and denied basic workplace rights for … Continue Reading
June 03, 2021
Thompson, Maloney, Katko, Comer Release GAO Report on Management Problems at DHS Office of Inspector General
(WASHINGTON) - Today, Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie G. Thompson, Oversight and Reform Committee Chairwoman Carolyn B. Maloney, Homeland Security Committee Ranking Member John Katko, and Oversight and Reform Committee Ranking Member James Comer announced the release of a U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) report they requested on systemic management problems at the Department of Homeland Security Office of the Inspector General (DHS OIG). "It is critical that DHS, a … Continue Reading
June 01, 2021
Chairs Thompson and Barragán Release Statement on the Biden Administration Formally Ending ‘Remain in Mexico’ Policy
(WASHINGTON) - Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, and Rep. Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-CA), Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Border Security, Facilitation, & Operations, released the following statement on news the Biden Administration is formally ending the Trump Administration's reprehensible 'Remain in Mexico' policy, which forced migrants to wait in inhumane conditions indefinitely before being allowed to come to the U.S.: "We … Continue Reading
May 28, 2021
Senate Republicans Filibuster January 6 Commission Legislation and Fail to Stand Up for Democracy
(WASHINGTON) - Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on news that Senate Republicans filibustered bipartisan legislation to create an independent commission to investigate the January 6 domestic terrorism attack on the Capitol. "While I thank the few Senate Republicans that stood up for the truth and our democracy today, it is shameful that most acceded to Mitch McConnell's 'personal request' that they … Continue Reading
May 25, 2021
Chairman Thompson Statement on New TSA Security Directive for Pipeline Cybersecurity
(WASHINGTON) - Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on reports the Transportation Security Administration is issuing a security directive for pipeline cybersecurity: "While the Colonial Pipeline attack shows there is much more work to be done to protect the nation's pipelines and other critical infrastructure from cyber attacks, this TSA security directive is a major step in the right direction towards … Continue Reading
May 23, 2021
Chairman Thompson Statement on DHS Designating Haiti for TPS Status
(WASHINGTON) - Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement after Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas announced that Haitians will be eligible for Temporary Protected Status (TPS): "I am pleased that the Biden Administration has made Haitians - who face violence and destabilization in their home country - eligible for Temporary Protected Status. It was clear this move was necessary even though the previous … Continue Reading
May 20, 2021
Homeland Security Committee Announces Hearing with Colonial Pipeline CEO After Ransomware Cyber Attack
(WASHINGTON) - Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, announced that the Committee will hold a full Committee hearing on June 9 with the CEO of the Colonial Pipeline as part of its ongoing oversight of the cybersecurity of our critical infrastructure after the ransomware attack on the company's networks last week. Full Committee Virtual Hearing: Cyber Threats in the Pipeline: Using Lessons from the Colonial Ransomware Attack to Defend … Continue Reading
May 20, 2021
Thompson & Maloney Release Statement on DHS Severing Ties with ICE Facility After Joint Investigation into Allegations of Abuse
(WASHINGTON) - Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, and Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY), Chairwoman of the Oversight and Reform Committee, released the below statement on news that Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has ordered U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to sever its ties with the Irwin County Detention Center (ICDC) in Georgia, an ICE facility run by LaSalle Corrections. Last year, disturbing allegations of … Continue Reading
May 17, 2021
Maloney, Thompson Statement on Staff Briefing with Colonial Pipeline
(WASHINGTON)-Today, Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, the Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, and Rep. Bennie G. Thompson, the Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, issued the following statement after today's joint staff briefing with Colonial Pipeline: "Following today's briefing from Colonial Pipeline, we remain extremely concerned about the rise in ransomware attacks and the threat to our nation and its critical infrastructure. It is deeply troubling that cyber … Continue Reading
May 14, 2021
Long Awaited DHS & DOJ Domestic Terrorism Data Report Finally Released
(WASHINGTON) - Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, issued the following statement on the release of the overdue Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice report on data concerning acts of terrorism, including domestic terrorism, and the Federal government's response. The unclassified report, which is required by law, was due more than 10 months ago - on June 17, 2020. "As someone who has long championed the urgent need for … Continue Reading
May 14, 2021
Chairman Thompson Statement on Updated DHS Public Bulletin on the Domestic Terrorism Threat
(WASHINGTON) - Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Majorkas issuing a National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) bulletin on the current domestic terrorism threat: "I am glad to see Secretary Mayorkas and DHS leadership taking important steps to inform the public about threats to our homeland security both here and from abroad. I look forward to continuing to work … Continue Reading
May 12, 2021
Chairs Thompson, Clarke Release Statement on President Biden’s Cybersecurity Executive Order
(WASHINGTON) - Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, and Rep. Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY), Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, & Innovation released the following statement on President Biden issuing an executive order to improve the nation's cybersecurity and protect federal government networks: "Cybersecurity is a national security issue, and we commend the Administration for prioritizing it that way. … Continue Reading
May 03, 2021
Chairman Thompson Statement on the Biden Administration Beginning to Reunite Separated Families
(WASHINGTON) - Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement after Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas announced the Biden Administration has begun to reunite families separated by the previous administration: "I thank the Biden Administration for their nonstop work to reunite families and address the trauma and harm caused by the Trump Administration's horrific family separation policy. With this week's … Continue Reading
April 28, 2021
Chairman Thompson Statement on President Biden’s Address to Congress
(WASHINGTON) - Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement tonight following President Joe Biden's first address to a Joint Session of Congress as he marks 100 days in office: "Tonight, President Biden offered a unifying vision for America and a path forward to address the many crises facing our country. As he approaches 100 days in office, it is clear that America has the leadership necessary to live up to its … Continue Reading
April 27, 2021
Chairman Thompson Statement on DHS Extending the REAL ID Implementation Deadline
(WASHINGTON) - Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on news Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has extended the REAL ID Act implementation deadline to May 3, 2023. "Given that the COVID-19 pandemic has gone on for over year and has drastically impacted REAL ID compliance rates, it is sensible that DHS has adjusted the implementation deadline accordingly. Even though COVID-19 numbers are improving … Continue Reading
April 22, 2021
Chairman Thompson Statement on HUD Watchdog Report on Trump Administration Stalling Puerto Rico Hurricane Relief, Stonewalling Investigation
(WASHINGTON) - Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the below statement on the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) report out today on the Trump Administration putting up bureaucratic obstacles that stalled approximately $20 billion in hurricane relief that Congress appropriated for Puerto Rico and then obstructing an investigation into the matter. In 2019, Chairman Thompson, along … Continue Reading
April 15, 2021
Chairman Thompson Statement on the Biden Administration Announcing New Sanctions Against Russia
(WASHINGTON) - Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement after the Biden Administration announced a new executive order and additional sanctions to hold Russia accountable for the SolarWinds hack and their interference in the 2020 election: "Since day one, President Biden has taken swift action to confront Vladimir Putin on Russian election meddling and the SolarWinds attack. Today's sanctions build on this action … Continue Reading
April 12, 2021
Chairman Thompson Statement on President Biden’s Nominations for Key Cybersecurity Positions
(WASHINGTON) - Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on President Biden's nominations of Jen Easterly to be Director of the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency, Chris Inglis to be White House National Cyber Director, and Robert Silvers to be Homeland Security Under Secretary for Strategy, Policy, & Plans: "As the nation continues to face unprecedented cybersecurity challenges, I am pleased … Continue Reading
April 09, 2021
Chairman Thompson Statement on the Biden Administration’s DHS Budget Request
(WASHINGTON) - Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on the Biden Administration's fiscal year 2022 discretionary funding request for the Department of Homeland Security: "Though the Biden Administration's first budget request may not give a full picture of the forthcoming DHS request, it does reflect President Biden's willingness to confront urgent homeland security challenges like domestic terrorism and … Continue Reading