Examining Efforts to Secure/Improve U.S. Travel System & Prep for Significant International Events
Economic Security, Infrastructure Protection, and Cybersecurity
2025-04-08
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Source: Congress.gov
Summary
This hearing examines the readiness of U.S. airports, ports, and border entry points to handle the surge of international travelers ahead of major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup, America's 250th anniversary, and the 2028 Olympics. Witnesses highlight critical issues including prolonged visa wait times, outdated security technology, and staffing shortages at TSA. They advocate for increased investment in biometric screening, AI-driven threat detection, and counter-drone systems. The session also addresses concerns over the dismantling of TSA's collective bargaining agreement and the resulting workforce instability, warning that these factors could undermine security and deter travel. Key recommendations include establishing a federal task force for international events, modernizing visa processing, and empowering state and local law enforcement to respond to emerging threats like drones.
Participants
Transcript
The Committee on Homeland Security's Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security will come to order. Without objection, the Chair may declare the Subcommittee in recess at any point. Before we begin today's hearings, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the absence of a valued member of our Subcommittee. We are mourning the loss of our friend and colleague, Congressman Turner. Sylvester's decades of dedicated public service to the people of Houston and his contributions to this nation and Congress will be remembered as part of his lasting legacy. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, especially his daughter and grandson, as they grieve his passing and honor his life of service. I also want to thank the gentleman, I want to welcome the gentleman from Louisiana, Mr. Carter, to the subcommittee. Today's hearings will assess the current state of U.S. travel security and infrastructure, evaluating the readiness of airports, ports, and border entry points to manage large influxes of international travelers, while ensuring that security measures, technological advancements, and operational processes meet future needs. I now recognize myself for an opening statement. Good morning. I want to thank everyone for being here today, especially our witnesses, as we take a closer look at how the United States is preparing to welcome the world over the next few years for significant international events. Beginning this summer, the United States will step onto the global stage by hosting the FIFA Club World Cup. This tournament will feature elite professional clubs from around the world, such as Real Madrid, Manchester City, Inter Miami FC, my hometown team, and will take place at select venues throughout the United States. This event will provide an early opportunity to stress test our travel systems, infrastructure, and security coordination ahead of even larger events on the horizon. In 2026, our country will host the FIFA World Cup with matches played by national teams in cities across the nation, and I am thrilled that this includes my home city of Miami. At the same time, we will celebrate America's 250th anniversary in July, 2026, followed by the Summer Olympics and Paralympics in Los Angeles in 2028.
When I was mayor of Miami-Dade County, I witnessed firsthand just how much planning and hard work goes into ensuring these major events run smoothly. As a member of Congress, I intend to do all I can to make sure that these international events are safe for millions of Americans and those traveling here who are planning on attending. These events are more than just celebrations or competitions. They are major opportunities to show the world what America stands for and what we can achieve. If we get this right, the payoff could be enormous. According to the US Travel Association, we could generate nearly $95 billion in economic activity and welcome over 40 million international visitors. That will only happen if we plan ahead, invest wisely, and make sure that the travel experience in the United States is smooth, modern, and secure. Right now, we have work to do. A recent report from the United States Travel Association made it clear, makes it clear, that while the United States remains one of the top destinations for international travelers, we now rank last among the top travel destinations when it comes to national planning and leadership. Long waits for visas, outdated airport technology, and staffing shortages at our ports of entry are slowing us down. These problems are not just frustrating, They could cost us jobs, investment, and global influence. This is why I support President Trump's recent executive order creating a White House task force focused on the 2026 World Cup. This kind of coordination is exactly what we need. It brings the right people to the table and sends a strong message that the United States is serious about being ready. I'm currently working on a bill that would take this step further by creating a federal task force to focus on all major international events occurring in the United States over the next four years. That includes the World Cup, America's 250th, and the 2028 Olympics. We need to make sure every agency involved is working together and that our policies and resources are aligned.
We also need to think about security. Big crowds and high-profile venues make these big events targets. That includes threats from drones, which are becoming more common around stadiums and public gatherings. We need to make sure agencies like DHS, TSA, and state and local law enforcement have the tools and coordination they need to stop these threats in the planning stage long before they can cause harm. We should take this opportunity to make long-needed reforms to our travel system. We need to make the system more thorough and effective while still being welcoming to legitimate travelers. That means better technology at airports, shorter visa wait times, and making sure that we have enough officers at our ports of entry. The world will be watching. And with the right vision and coordination, the United States can set the global standard, not just for security, but for innovation, hospitality, and safety. I look forward to hearing from our witnesses about how we turn that vision into the reality. And now I recognize the ranking member, the gentlewoman from New Jersey, Ms. McIver, for her opening statements. Good morning, and thank you to our witnesses for joining us today. And thank you to Chairman Jimenez for holding today's hearing.
I too want to join in on just expressing our condolences and sympathy to Rep. Turner's family who passed away, who was a part of this committee as we continue to pray and keep his family and his friends and his close colleagues and our thoughts. So definitely join us in that and sending well wishes to his family.
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