Capitol to Capitol | March 9, 2026

Capitol to Capitol | March 9, 2026

Questions? Please use the email icon at left to contact NCSL's State-Federal Affairs Division.

Administration Updates

Noem Out, Mullin Nominated to Serve as DHS Secretary

President Trump has named U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma to replace Kristi Noem as his homeland security secretary. Mullin's appointment must be confirmed by the Senate, but historically, senators nominated to cabinet positions have not had difficult confirmation processes. If confirmed, Mullin will start at the end of the month. Read more in Federal News Network.

Reducing Costs, Increasing Efficiencies for Infrastructure Projects

The Corps has announced a new initiative for its Civil Works program intended to reduce costs and ensure speedier completion of water infrastructure projects and the deployment of Corps programs that assist state and local governments. The initiative's five categories include:

• Maximizing the ability to deliver national infrastructure.
• Cutting red tape.
• Increasing efficiency.
• Improving transparency and accountability.
• Prioritizing.

The initiative is not expected to affect the Corp's disaster response activities in states dealing with natural disasters.

Administration Announces Cyber Security Plan

The plan, titled "Cyber Strategy for America," takes a decidedly more offensive posture than prior administrations to address threats to cyberspace and critical infrastructure. The plan outlines seven pillars, including to sustaining superiority in critical and emerging technologies, and building talent and capacity, both areas in which state and local governments will play vital roles. The strategy emphasizes the need to protect American innovation and enhanced coordination with the private sector.

Maritime Action Plan Aims to Boost Ship Building

"America's Maritime Action Plan" is intended to expand domestic commercial ship-building capacity, build a maritime workforce through education and training, protect the maritime industrial base, and improve national security and economic viability. The plan also includes several deregulatory actions, and it asks states, along with the federal government, to incentivize investments in U.S. shipbuilding.

Congressional Updates

Farm Bill Passes Out of House Committee

The Farm, Food and National Security Act of 2026, also known as the 2026 Farm Bill, passed out of the Agriculture Committee after a 20-hour markup. It is unclear when the full House will vote on the legislation, and the Senate has not introduced a companion version.

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