WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Mark E. Green, MD (R-TN) released the following statement announcing a full Committee hearing on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at 9:00 AM ET, to examine global threats to the U.S. homeland and our security interests abroad. The hearing will feature testimony from Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Christopher Wray, and National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) Director Christine Abizaid.

“The complex threats facing our nation are growing, especially as enemies of freedom perceive weakness in the current administration. Our ally Israel faces continued attacks from proxies of the Iranian regime, a regime that also proudly chants ‘Death to America’ and brazenly threatens our citizens, interests, and allies in the region. In the wake of this administration’s botched withdrawal from Afghanistan and the country’s return to Taliban rule, the terrorist threat environment in the region is further deteriorating and spreading. 

“As this chaos erupts, our nation’s two greatest adversaries are expanding their spheres of influence. Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine is continuing, and Russia’s military and economic influence is also spreading throughout regions like Africa, where American interests and lives remain at stake. The Chinese Communist Party is engaging in activity below the threshold of traditional warfare, not only exercising aggression in the Indo-pacific but stealing American innovation, operating clandestine police stations on U.S. soil, and working day and night to infiltrate our networks. Safeguarding our nation’s critical infrastructure and bolstering U.S. cybersecurity is a core aspect of the homeland security mission as it impacts the daily lives of every American. 

“Unfortunately, the Biden administration’s response to these crises is not only unclear, but its open-border policies bring many of these threats to our doorstep. More illegal aliens on the terrorist watchlist have been apprehended crossing the Southwest border this last fiscal year than the previous six fiscal years combined. Additionally, 1.7 million illegal aliens have evaded apprehension altogether and entered the country since January 2021, leaving the American people wondering how safe we actually are.

“An open border, an emboldened Iran and Russia, and a Chinese Communist Party on a quest for global dominance represent a growing threat to America’s interests abroad and our security at home. The testimony of these officials next week is crucial to examine how the Biden administration is falling short, and where Congress needs to step in so the administration can adequately protect our country.”

DETAILS:

WHAT: A House Committee on Homeland Security hearing entitled, “Worldwide Threats to the Homeland”

DATE: Wednesday, November 15, 2023

TIME: 9:00 AM ET

LOCATION: 310 Cannon House Office Building

WITNESSES:

The Honorable Alejandro Mayorkas
Secretary, Department of Homeland Security 

The Honorable Christopher Wray 
Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation 

The Honorable Christine Abizaid
Director, National Counterterrorism Center

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