Nashville Standard

The House Committee on Homeland Security has approved a series of legislative measures aimed at addressing threats from terrorism and the influence of foreign entities such as the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Chairman Mark E. Green, MD (R-TN), highlighted the committee's resolve to counter what he described as increasing threats affecting the United States.

"I am proud of this Committee’s work to advance legislation that protects Americans from growing threats to our homeland and our way of life," Green stated. He emphasized concerns regarding the CCP's attempts to infiltrate and influence America’s educational institutions and critical infrastructure.

The committee advanced bills from Chairman Pfluger and Representative Ogles targeting the influence of the CCP, as well as measures introduced by Representatives Greene and Higgins addressing security threats at the U.S. border and the challenge of fentanyl. Green noted the importance of transparency in documenting encounters with "Special Interest Aliens" at the borders and efforts to enhance drug detection at entry points.

The move comes amid concerns about terrorist activities and the Biden-Harris administration's border policies. "That’s why Committee Republicans advanced bills from Reps. Greene and Higgins to demand transparency on the number of Special Interest Aliens encountered at our borders and enhance efforts to detect deadly drugs like fentanyl at our land ports of entry," said Green.

Counterterrorism and Intelligence Subcommittee Chairman August Pfluger (R-TX) addressed legislative efforts to monitor and limit the activities of Confucius Institutes, which are seen as vehicles for CCP influence. “This legislation would prohibit DHS from funding American universities that host a Confucius Institute or maintain relationships with Chinese entities of concern," Pfluger noted, emphasizing the focus on protecting national security and intellectual property.

Transportation and Maritime Security Subcommittee Chairman Carlos Gimenez (R-FL) has introduced the "DHS Vehicular Terrorism Prevention and Mitigation Act" to tackle the rising threat of vehicular terrorism, a concern underscored by recent attacks.

Further initiatives include Representative Clay Higgins's (R-LA) bill, the “CATCH Fentanyl Act,” which champions the use of new technology to combat illegal drugs; Representative Greene's proposal on transparency regarding the crossing of special interest aliens; and multiple bills addressing the perceived cyber threats from state-sponsored actors like the CCP.

The committee aims to "increase transparency and give Custom and Border Protection (CBP) more enforcement tools," as per Green. The endorsed bills reflect a broad approach to reinforcing national security infrastructure, tackling cyber threats, and countering cross-border criminal activities.