U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security

09/17/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/17/2026 09:47

Homeland Republicans Applaud House Passage of Committee Bills to Refocus I&A, Combat Agroterrorism, Support CBP Personnel

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, House Committee on Homeland Security Republicans applauded the passage of Committee legislation in the House of Representatives, including H.R. 7443, the "I&A Mission Reorientation Act of 2026," introduced by Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence Chairman August Pfluger (R-TX); H.R. 9327, the "PEARL Act," introduced by Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH); H.R. 9394, the "Civil Preparedness for Agroterrorism Exercise Act of 2026," introduced by Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology Chairman Dale W. Strong (R-AL); and H.R. 5517, the "Northern Border Security Enhancement and Review Act," introduced by Rep. Nick Langworthy (R-NY).

Additional bipartisan Committee bills passed by the House today include H.R. 5109, the "TWICE Act," introduced by Rep. Troy Carter (D-LA); H.R. 7436, the "Department of Homeland Security Intelligence and Analysis Training Act," introduced by Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence Ranking Member Seth Magaziner (D-RI); and H.R. 9382, the "NEXUS for Families Act," introduced by Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology Ranking Member Tim Kennedy (D-NY). The Homeland Security Committee advanced these bills in a markup on June 24.

Upon House passage, Chairman Andrew R. Garbarino (R-NY) said:

"House Republicans are continuing to put our homeland security and public safety first, passing seven more bipartisan bills from the Committee to ensure Department of Homeland Security personnel can accomplish their core missions. As America faces evolving threats, the Committee is working to enhance the Department's ability to coordinate effectively with state and local law enforcement, prepare for threats to the agriculture critical infrastructure sector, and support our frontline CBP personnel."

Subcommittee Chairman Pfluger introduced the bipartisan "I&A Mission Reorientation Act of 2026," which would update I&A's statutory responsibility to clearly define its focus, reinforce accountability, and improve operational effectiveness. The legislation is cosponsored by Subcommittee Ranking Member Magaziner.

"The threats to our homeland are evolving, and it is critical that our intelligence posture keeps pace. The I&A Mission Reorientation Act refocuses DHS's Office of Intelligence and Analysis on its core mission: delivering timely, actionable intelligence to state and local partners on the front lines," Subcommittee Chairman Pfluger said. "By strengthening information sharing and expanding forward-deployed capabilities, this bill closes critical gaps and ensures intelligence reaches decision-makers when it matters most. I thank Congressman Magaziner for his partnership in advancing this legislation through the U.S. House of Representatives."

Subcommittee Chairman Strong introduced the bipartisan "Civil Preparedness for Agroterrorism Exercise Act of 2026," which requires DHS to conduct an exercise aimed at enhancing prevention, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts pertaining to agroterrorism. The legislation is cosponsored by Subcommittee Ranking Member Kennedy.

"America's agriculture and food supply are critical to both our national security and our economy, and we cannot afford to wait until an attack occurs to determine whether we are prepared," Subcommittee Chairman Strong said. "This legislation will ensure our federal, state, and local partners, first responders, and the private sector are prepared to work together to protect our food supply and respond quickly in the event of an agroterrorism attack. I'm proud to see this commonsense legislation pass the House and move one step closer to becoming law."

Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH) introduced the bipartisan "Providing Emotional Assistance with Relief and Love Act" or the "PEARL Act," which requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to establish a pilot program to adopt dogs from local animal shelters to be trained as support dogs for CBP's Support Canine Program. The legislation is cosponsored by Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement Ranking Member Lou Correa (D-CA).

"Not only will this pilot program help the men and women of CBP, it will provide those sheltered dogs a new lease on life," Rep. Joyce said. "When we ask our CBP personnel to face difficult and often traumatic situations, we have a responsibility to ensure that they have the resources and support necessary to meet the challenges of their work. I am proud that today Congress demonstrated that we will always be supportive of the mental health of Customs and Border Protection personnel."

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