Twenty-five years after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the United States House Committee on Homeland Security has called for a new wave of security reforms aimed at addressing emerging threats.
The committee made more than 20 recommendations in a report released Thursday, covering intelligence sharing, terrorism prevention, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, border security and emergency preparedness.
The report, titled “25th Anniversary Report: National Security Improvements and the Domestic Threat Landscape 25 Years After 9/11/01,” assesses the progress made in strengthening US homeland security since the attacks and identifies areas requiring further action.
The recommendations come as the United States prepares to mark the 25th anniversary of the attacks, which killed nearly 3,000 people after hijacked commercial aircraft were crashed into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a field in Pennsylvania.
Committee Chairman Andrew R. Garbarino said the US had made significant progress since 9/11 but warned that national security systems must continue to evolve as threats change.
“Twenty-five years later, significant progress has been made towards strengthening our national security and ensuring we never again allow such an attack to be perpetrated against the United States,” Garbarino said.
He added that maintaining homeland security requires constant vigilance and adaptation to emerging threats.
Intelligence and Counterterrorism
The committee recommended improving information sharing among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, including through an expanded field presence.
It also called for standardised definitions of security threats and greater awareness of emerging terrorist organisations, tactics and methods.
The committee urged increased support for research and development within the Department of Homeland Security to strengthen the country’s ability to respond to evolving threats.
Transportation and Border Security
On transportation security, lawmakers recommended restoring the passenger security fee to its original purpose and expanding the Transportation Security Administration’s One-Stop Pilot Program.
They also called for programmes that would make travel easier for low-risk passengers while maintaining strong security measures.
The report recommended full implementation of a biometric entry-exit system, greater use of emerging technologies and stronger international partnerships.
It also called for additional resources for security along the northern border and expanded use of non-intrusive inspection technology.
Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence
The committee placed significant emphasis on cybersecurity, calling for modernised information-sharing authorities and stronger coordination among agencies.
It also recommended measures to ensure that the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency is adequately equipped to address current and emerging threats.
Lawmakers called for greater harmonisation of cybersecurity regulations and the development of risk-based artificial intelligence cybersecurity standards for critical infrastructure.
Emergency Preparedness
The committee recommended stabilising grant administration, ensuring adequate funding for major events and strengthening national preparedness and incident-management capabilities.
It also called for continued funding for the Emergency Management Performance Grant and renewed authorisation and training for the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium.
Additional recommendations focused on strengthening the Department of Homeland Security’s chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear preparedness programmes.
The report also called for improved biodetection capabilities, statutory authorisation for the National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center and greater preparedness against agroterrorism.
Public Safety Communications
The committee recommended support for the reauthorisation of FirstNet, the US public-safety communications network, as well as increased funding for the Office of SAFETY Act Implementation.
Garbarino urged Congress and the executive branch to act quickly and on a bipartisan basis, arguing that the proposals would provide greater long-term stability to the homeland security system.
He said the report was also designed to ensure that younger generations and future national security leaders understand the significance of the 9/11 attacks and the continuing need for vigilance.
The recommendations followed a year of hearings, briefings, roundtables and site visits examining transportation security, counterterrorism, intelligence sharing, federal law enforcement coordination, critical infrastructure protection and the operations of agencies under the Department of Homeland Security.
