WASHINGTON, D.C. –– Today, House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Andrew R. Garbarino (R-NY) announced a full Committee hearing for next Wednesday, September 16, to examine the evolution of federal, state, and local responses to terrorism 25 years after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001:

“Amid the devastation of the attacks on 9/11, thousands of first responders ran toward danger to launch the largest emergency response mobilization in New York City history. More than 400 of these public servants made the ultimate sacrifice that day, and many more survivors have passed or continue to suffer due to 9/11-related illnesses from toxic exposure at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. In the 25 years since the attacks, our nation has undertaken a robust effort to increase information sharing and coordination between federal, state, and local law enforcement and emergency response agencies, but the homeland security mission is never finished. We look forward to hearing from our witnesses on the progress made over the last two decades and where Congress can provide further support for state and local counterterrorism efforts in the years ahead.”

DETAILS:
 
What: House Committee on Homeland Security hearing entitled, “25 Years Later: Evolutions in Federal, State, and Local Counterterrorism Efforts Since 9/11.” 
 
When: Wednesday, September 16, at 10:00 a.m. ET
 
Where: Cannon 310
 
WITNESSES:
 
Panel I
  
Daniel Nigro
Former Commissioner, New York Fire Department (FDNY)
 
James Schwartz
Former Chief, Arlington County Fire Department
 
Panel II 
 
Thomas Currao
Chief of Fire Prevention, FDNY

Greg Ehrie
Chief Security Officer, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey 

John A. Donnelly Sr.
Fire and EMS Chief, Washington D.C. Fire & Emergency Medical Services Department (DC FEMS)

Witness testimony will be added here. The hearing will be livestreamed on YouTube and will be open to the public and press. Press must be congressionally credentialed and should RSVP in advance.

BACKGROUND:

Chairman Garbarino is committed to honoring the nearly 3,000 people killed, recognizing the heroism of first responders and civilians, and ensuring younger generations and future national security leaders understand the significance of 9/11 and why continued commitment to the homeland security mission is as important as ever.
 
In advance of the 25th anniversary of 9/11, the House Committee on Homeland Security released a report entitled “The 25th Anniversary Report: National Security Improvements and the Domestic Threat Landscape 25 Years After 9/11/01.” The report evaluates the United States’ progress in strengthening homeland security in the 25 years since the attacks and in the context of today’s modern threat landscape, and it outlines where Congress can provide further support for the Department of Homeland Security’s no-fail mission. 
 
As part of this examination, the Committee held a live showcase earlier this month for Members and staff across Congress with demonstrations from numerous DHS components, highlighting how the department uses drone technology, virtual reality training, K-9 operations, and artificial intelligence research to keep Americans safe.

More on Chairman Garbarino’s related work:

• Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security
  • His tenure as Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security is informed by this commitment to never forget. In his first site visit as Chairman in 2025, the Committee led a bipartisan delegation to visit Ground Zero on the 24th anniversary of the attacks. 
• Secured a Long-Term Funding Fix for the World Trade Center Health Program 
  • Representative Garbarino helped secure funding for the World Trade Center Health Program for the lifetime of the Program, ensuring 9/11 responders and survivors who continue to suffer from the health effects of 9/11 receive the care they deserve for years to come. 
• 25th Anniversary of September 11th Resolution
  • Ahead of the 25th Anniversary, Representative Garbarino introduced a bipartisan House resolution commemorating the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
  • The resolution reaffirms the nation’s commitment to supporting the 9/11 community, including the World Trade Center Health Program, and preserving the memory and lessons of September 11th for future generations.
• Support for the Reappointment of Dr. John Howard to Lead the WTCHP
  • 25th Anniversary Committee Report
    • The House Committee on Homeland Security released a report this week entitled “The 25th Anniversary Report: National Security Improvements and the Domestic Threat Landscape 25 Years After 9/11/01.” 
    • As part of this examination, the Committee held a live showcase earlier this month for Members and staff across Congress with demonstrations from numerous DHS components.
• H.R. 1993 – 25th Anniversary of 9/11 Commemorative Coin Act
  • Representative Garbarino co-led this bipartisan legislation requiring the U.S. Mint to issue commemorative coins honoring the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. Surcharges from coin sales support programs at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. The House passed the bill 415-0 in May 2026.
• 9/11 Education
  • Representative Garbarino introduced a resolution calling on schools across the country to teach students about the September 11 terrorist attacks and ensure future generations understand the events and lasting impact of that day. 

###