06/12/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/12/2025 14:29
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, following a site visit to Audi Field, a location for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, the House Committee on Homeland Security announced the Committee members who will serve on the "Task Force on Enhancing Security for Special Events in the United States," led by Committee Vice Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX).
The task force was established earlier this year to conduct oversight of security ahead of major upcoming international events, including the 2028 Summer Olympics, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, the 2025 Ryder Cup, and the United States' 250th anniversary in 2026. As part of the Committee's oversight of National Special Security Events (NSSEs) and major Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) events--including federal resources and funding, detecting unauthorized drone use, information sharing and coordination, airport security, and more--members of the task force will visit additional event sites in advance, hold hearings, host roundtables, and release a final report on their findings and recommendations.
Below is a list of the members appointed to the bipartisan Congressional "Task Force on Enhancing Security for Special Events in the United States":
Representatives Gimenez and Pou joined Chairman McCaul at Audi Field.
Upon announcing the task force members and following the visit to Audi Field, Chairman McCaul said:
"As our nation prepares to host millions of international visitors for major events, we must create safe experiences that showcase the United States' leadership and commitment to excellence. Ahead of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, I met with FIFA staff and White House officials today at Audi Field, where we held a robust discussion on ways to enhance public safety at this summer's events - from facilitating swift information sharing and detecting unauthorized drone use to preventing lone wolf attacks. With terrorist incidents on the rise across our nation, I'm proud this task force - which includes colleagues who served in our military and as first responders - is laying the groundwork to secure our mass-spectator events by ensuring all levels of government, law enforcement, and private-sector partners are well-equipped to detect and mitigate threats."
Transportation and Maritime Security Subcommittee Chairman Gimenez said:
"The Task Force on Enhancing Security for Special Events sends a clear message: we're leaving nothing to chance," said Congressman Carlos Gimenez. "As the Mayor of Miami-Dade County, I led efforts to secure global events that drew millions of visitors from around the world. With the U.S. set to host large-scale events, like FIFA 2026, the 2028 Olympics, and America's 250th birthday, we must act now. Ensuring a safe and successful execution will require strong coordination among federal, state, and local partners so that every traveler and every community can enjoy these celebrations safely and confidently."
Emergency Management and Technology Subcommittee Chairman Strong said:
"I'm honored to join this task force at such a critical moment for our nation. As a lifelong first responder, I know firsthand the unique challenges mass-gathering events present-and why they often become targets for those who seek to do harm. As the United States prepares to welcome the world for events like the World Cup and the Olympics, we must ensure every measure is taken to protect the safety of our citizens and guests while preserving the spirit of these global celebrations. This task force will aid coordination efforts among federal, state, and local authorities - including law enforcement and emergency services."
Representative Crane said:
"As America prepares to host several major global competitions in the coming years, it is imperative that we provide a safe environment for our citizens and international guests. By proactively establishing this critical task force, we will work closely with the administration to solidify operational readiness. I am grateful for the leadership of Chairman Green and Task Force Chairman McCaul, and I am honored to be part of this zero-fail mission."
BACKGROUND:
In March, President Trump created the White House Task Force on the FIFA World Cup 2026 with Executive Order 14234. The task force, housed within the Department of Homeland Security, "shall coordinate with executive departments and agencies (agencies) to assist in the planning, organization, and execution of the events surrounding the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and the 2026 FIFA World Cup."
The 2026 World Cup will be held throughout North America in June-July 2026 and include more than 70 matches played in 11 different cities across the United States. Difficulties in managing spectator behavior at the 2024 Copa América, played at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida, have given rise to concerns regarding the United States' readiness for hosting an international sporting event of the World Cup's size. FIFA anticipates that at least five million fans will travel to the United States for the World Cup, with as many as six billion viewers watching the event online.
The 2028 Summer Olympics will be held in the greater Los Angeles area from July 14-August 27, 2028. The Paralympic Games will begin on August 15, 2028. While the Olympics are still several years away, the games have already been designated an NSSE. An NSSE designation is based in part on the event's significance, size, and attendees, and qualifies the event for significant federal, state, and local resources in implementing a comprehensive security plan. The U.S. Secret Service is designated as the lead federal agency responsible for coordinating, planning, exercising, and implementing security for NSSEs.
The House Homeland Security Committee's budget reconciliation recommendations, which were advanced through Committee last month, included $625 million for preparations related to the 2026 FIFA World Cup and $1 billion for the 2028 Summer Olympics. Funding for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be made available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) State Homeland Security Grant Program.
In May, the Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology held a hearing held a hearing to assess security measures and federal, state, local, and private-sector coordination efforts for upcoming mass-gathering events. Witnesses highlighted the importance of federal homeland security grants, counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS), and well-trained personnel to prepare for upcoming mass-spectator events. They also provided an overview of how all levels of law enforcement can work together to identify and mitigate threats.
In April, the Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security held a hearing to examine public- and private-sector efforts to secure and improve the U.S. travel system ahead of major international events. Witnesses highlighted the challenges facing the U.S. travel system today, including out-of-date technology, operational inefficiencies, increased global competition, and evolving threats from unmanned aerial systems, or drones. Utilizing artificial intelligence, enhancing interagency coordination throughout the federal government and the private sector, and reforming counter-drone authorities were solutions identified by witnesses and members to ensure security and efficiency for the traveling public ahead of mass-spectator events. Last Congress, Cathy Lanier, the chief security officer for the National Football League (NFL), provided written testimony stating that drone incursions over stadiums grew more than 3,000 percent in 2023 compared to 2018-another threat that must be dealt with for these events.
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