House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Mark E. Green and Vice Chairman Michael McCaul have announced the creation of a bipartisan task force focused on enhancing security for upcoming major international events in the United States. The “Task Force on Enhancing Security for Special Events in the United States” will oversee preparations for events such as the 2028 Summer Olympics, FIFA World Cup 2026, FIFA Club World Cup 2025, Ryder Cup 2025, and the U.S. 250th anniversary in 2026.
Vice Chairman McCaul will lead the task force, which plans to visit event sites, hold hearings and roundtables, and produce a final report as part of its oversight of National Special Security Events (NSSEs) and other major events. “As the U.S. prepares to host high-profile events like the Olympics and the World Cup, it’s imperative that we make robust security preparations,” McCaul stated.
Chairman Green emphasized the importance of learning from past incidents such as the Boston Marathon bombing to ensure coordinated security efforts with federal, state, and local officials. He highlighted that with jurisdiction over DHS entities like FEMA and TSA, their committee plays a crucial role in ensuring successful execution of these high-profile events.
President Trump established a White House Task Force on FIFA World Cup 2026 through Executive Order 14234 in March. This task force within DHS is tasked with coordinating planning for both FIFA Club World Cup 2025 and FIFA World Cup 2026.
The House Homeland Security Committee has recommended significant funding for these events: $625 million for FIFA World Cup 2026 through FEMA’s State Homeland Security Grant Program and $1 billion for the Los Angeles-based Summer Olympics in 2028.
Recent hearings by the Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security identified challenges such as outdated technology and evolving threats from drones facing U.S. travel systems ahead of these international gatherings. Witnesses suggested using artificial intelligence and improving interagency coordination to enhance security measures.
