Nashville Standard

In preparation for the 119th Congress, Chairman Mark E. Green of the House Committee on Homeland Security has announced the new subcommittee leadership and majority membership. "As the Committee organizes for the 119th Congress, we are prepared to ensure the Department of Homeland Security succeeds in its no-fail mission and fulfills the mandate given by the American people to restore public safety," Green stated.

The committee will focus on securing borders, combating terrorism, enhancing cyber defenses, promoting maritime security, and ensuring community resilience. Green emphasized collaboration with Ranking Member Thompson for bipartisan solutions and expressed readiness to work with the incoming Trump administration.

Michael McCaul has been appointed Vice Chairman of the full Committee. He criticized current border policies, stating: "The Biden-Harris administration’s disastrous open-border policies have wreaked havoc on our communities." McCaul looks forward to working with Green and others to address these issues.

Subcommittee chairs have also been announced. Michael Guest will lead Border Security and Enforcement, Carlos Gimenez will continue as Chair of Transportation and Maritime Security, August Pfluger remains Chair of Counterterrorism and Intelligence, Andrew Garbarino continues as Chair of Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection, Dale Strong leads Emergency Management and Technology, and Josh Brecheen heads Oversight, Investigations, and Accountability.

New members joining include Representatives Andy Ogles (R-TN), Sheri Biggs (R-SC), Gabe Evans (R-CO), Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA), and Brad Knott (R-NC). Each expressed commitment to addressing national security challenges under their roles in the committee.

Representative Ogles remarked on state-level impacts: "It is unacceptable that every state has become a border state over the last four years." Representative Biggs highlighted her background in national security: "With my leadership service in the Air National Guard... I look forward to advancing public safety."

Representative Evans emphasized his experience: "As an Army veteran and a former police officer... I am humbled by the opportunity." Representative Mackenzie noted law enforcement support: "I am especially looking forward to ensuring all levels of law enforcement can carry out their sworn duty." Representative Knott pointed out legal enforcement issues: "Harmful open-border policies... have degraded communities across the country."

The committee's mission includes restoring accountability within government operations while focusing on public safety concerns attributed to previous administrative policies.