25 Years After 9/11, US Panel Demands Fresh Security Reforms

Twenty-five years after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the United States House Committee on Homeland Security has called for fresh security reforms to address emerging threats facing the country.

The committee made the call in a report released Thursday ahead of the 25th anniversary of the attacks, which killed nearly 3,000 people after four hijacked commercial aircraft were crashed into the World Trade Center in New York, the Pentagon and a field in Pennsylvania.

The report, titled “25th Anniversary Report: National Security Improvements and the Domestic Threat Landscape 25 Years After 9/11/01,” assesses the progress made in strengthening US homeland security since the attacks and outlines more than 20 recommendations covering intelligence-sharing, terrorism prevention, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, border security and emergency preparedness.

The committee also identified areas requiring further action by Congress and the executive branch.

Chairman of the committee, Andrew R. Garbarino, said the United States had made significant progress in strengthening national security since 9/11 but must continue to adapt its security systems to emerging threats.

“Twenty-five years later, significant progress has been made towards strengthening our national security and ensuring we never again allow such an attack to be perpetrated against the United States.

“This no-fail mission requires persistent vigilance and adaptation to keep pace with the contemporary threat environment,” Garbarino said in the report’s preface.

Among the recommendations is improved information-sharing between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies through enhanced field presence.

The committee also called for uniform definitions of security threats, greater awareness of emerging terrorist threats, tactics and organisations, as well as increased support for the Department of Homeland Security’s research activities.

On transportation security, the panel recommended restoring the passenger security fee to its intended purpose, extending the Transportation Security Administration’s One-Stop Pilot Program and implementing initiatives to improve travel experiences for low-risk passengers.

The committee also urged Congress to modernise cybersecurity information-sharing authorities and strengthen coordination while ensuring the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has the resources and capabilities required to address current threats.

It recommended harmonising cyber regulations around security outcomes and establishing risk-based artificial intelligence cybersecurity standards for critical infrastructure.

On border security, the panel called for full implementation of a biometric entry-exit system, increased use of emerging technologies and international partnerships, as well as additional resources for security along the northern border.

The report also recommended expanding the use of non-intrusive inspection technology, stabilising grant administration, ensuring adequate funding for special events and strengthening emergency preparedness and incident-management capabilities.

Other recommendations include continued funding for the Emergency Management Performance Grant, reauthorisation and training for the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium, and continued support for the Department of Homeland Security’s chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear functions.

The committee further called for improved biodetection capabilities, statutory authorisation for the National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center and enhanced preparedness against agroterrorism.

It also recommended support for the reauthorisation of FirstNet, the US public-safety communications network, alongside increased funding for the Office of SAFETY Act Implementation.

The committee urged Congress and the executive branch to implement the recommendations quickly and on a bipartisan basis, saying this would provide long-term certainty and stability across the homeland security enterprise.

Garbarino said the report was also aimed at ensuring that younger generations and future national security leaders understood the significance of the September 11 attacks and the continuing importance of homeland security.

“In keeping with the mandate to prevent and deter future domestic terror attacks, this report provides a comprehensive assessment of the United States’ domestic threat landscape and assesses improvements made to the country’s national security posture over the last twenty-five years.

“It also provides several recommendations and policy proposals aimed at remedying identified deficiencies and keeping pace with emerging threats,” Garbarino said.

The committee said the recommendations followed hearings, briefings, roundtable discussions and site visits conducted over the past year to assess transportation security, counterterrorism, information-sharing, federal law enforcement coordination, critical infrastructure protection and the operations of agencies under the Department of Homeland Security.