Congresswoman Pou Introduces National Terrorism System Overhaul

WASHINGTON, DC - Congresswoman Nellie Pou (D-NJ-09), a member of the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence, has introduced the Modernizing and Improving the National Terrorism Advisory System Act, legislation to overhaul the National Terrorism Advisory System.

The bipartisan legislation is cosponsored by Congressman Matt Van Epps (R-TN-07) and Ranking Member of the House Homeland Security Committee Bennie Thompson (D-MS-02).

"When there is a real threat to public safety, people need information they can actually understand and act on," said Congresswoman Pou. "Our terrorism advisory system plays an important role, but it should reflect today's threats and how people get their information in 2026. Our bipartisan legislation will help make sure alerts reach more people and provide practical, easy-to-understand information when it matters most."

"The National Threat Evaluation and Reporting Program plays a critical role in keeping our communities safe, and this bill puts it exactly where it belongs. By moving NTER to the Office of State and Local Law Enforcement, we strengthen coordination with our state, local, Tribal, and territorial partners while preserving the program's operational integrity. This reform ensures transparency, proper funding, and a sharper focus on preventing targeted violence-without blurring the core intelligence mission of DHS. It's a smart, responsible step to better protect the homeland," said Congressman Van Epps.

In 2011, the Department of Homeland Security replaced its well-known color-coded terror alert system with a new approach created to give Americans more useful information about real threats. Rather than vague warnings, the new system was designed to explain the nature of the threat, who might be affected, and what people and agencies should know.

Fifteen years later, the threat landscape has changed and so have the ways people receive information. That makes it important to take a fresh look at whether this alert system is still working as intended. By consulting with law enforcement, first responders, transportation officials, security experts, and the public, the legislation would help DHS identify ways to update the system so it is more useful for the public and for those responsible for keeping our communities safe.

###