WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Andrew R. Garbarino (R-NY) announced a full Committee hearing for next Tuesday, February 24, to examine how state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) governments and private sector partners are working with federal agencies in preparation for major mass gathering events on U.S. soil later this year:

"The World Cup will be the largest sporting event in history, but that's not all--the final games will also coincide with countless celebrations across the country for America's 250th anniversary. These generational events require a whole-of-government effort and strong private sector partnerships to defend against evolving threats to our air and cyberspace, prevent terrorist organizations and lone wolf extremists from committing acts of violence, and combat organized criminal activity like human trafficking. Following critical reconciliation funding provided by congressional Republicans, this panel of law enforcement and industry experts will testify at a pivotal time for our homeland security and emergency preparedness. We must work together to instill public confidence in the safety of these events and ensure that any potential communication, coordination, or information sharing challenges are addressed well in advance of these major events."

DETAILS:

What: A House Committee on Homeland Security hearing entitled, "Before the Whistle: Assessing Information Sharing and Security Collaboration Ahead of Major Events."

When: Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 10:00 AM ET

Where: 310 Cannon House Office Building

WITNESSES:

Mike Sena
President, National Fusion Center Association

Ray Martinez
Chief Operating Officer, 2026 FIFA World Cup Miami Host Committee

Joseph Mabin
Deputy Chief, Kansas City Missouri Police

Witness testimony will be added here. The hearing will be livestreamed on YouTube and will be open to the public and press. Press must be congressionally credentialed and should RSVP in advance.

BACKGROUND:

The 2026 World Cup will be held throughout North America in June-July 2026 and will include more than 70 matches played in 11 different cities across the United States. 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 final match of the World Cup is designated a National Special Security Event (NSSE), which is based in part on the event's significance, size, and attendees, and qualifies the event for significant federal, state, and local resources to implement a comprehensive security plan. The U.S. Secret Service, which is part of DHS, is designated as the lead federal agency responsible for coordinating, planning, exercising, and implementing security for NSSEs. Read Chairman Garbarino's recent statement on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown here.

The House Homeland Security Committee's budget reconciliation investments, which were signed into law in July 2025 in the "One Big, Beautiful Bill Act," included $625 million for preparations related to the 2026 FIFA World Cup and $1 billion for the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics.

The Committee established the "Task Force on Enhancing Security for Special Events in the United States" in May 2025 to maintain oversight of security preparations for a slate of large-scale domestic and international events hosted by the United States:

• In April 2025, Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security Chairman Carlos Gimenez (R-FL) held a hearing to examine public- and private-sector efforts to secure and improve the U.S. travel system ahead of major international events, such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics.
• In May 2025, Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology Chairman Dale Strong (R-AL) held a hearing to assess security measures and federal, state, local, and private-sector coordination efforts for upcoming mass gathering events.
• In July 2025, Task Force Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX) held a hearing to assess historical incidents and attacks at sporting events, concerts, and other mass gatherings in anticipation of upcoming high-profile, international events on U.S. soil.
• That month, Subcommittee Chairman Gimenez also convened a hearing to examine the growing homeland security threats posed by drones.
• In September 2025, the Task Force held a roundtable briefing with representatives from FIFA and the Los Angeles Organizing Committee for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games (LA28) as part of the panel's oversight of security preparations for major upcoming events hosted by the United States.
• In December 2025, the Committee held its annual Worldwide Threats hearing with testimony from DHS, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the National Counterterrorism Center.
• Also that month, the Task Force led a hearing to examine how to prevent human trafficking at mass gatherings ahead of the World Cup and the 2028 Olympics.

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