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

The United States House Committee on Homeland Security has called for a fresh round of security reforms, recommending more than 20 measures covering intelligence-sharing, terrorism prevention, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, border security and emergency preparedness.

The recommendations were contained in a report released on Thursday as the US prepares to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, which killed nearly 3,000 people.

Titled 25th Anniversary Report: National Security Improvements and the Domestic Threat Landscape 25 Years After 9/11/01, the report assessed progress made in strengthening US homeland security and examined emerging threats facing the country.

Committee Chairman Andrew Garbarino said significant progress had been made since the attacks but stressed the need for continued adaptation to changing security threats.

The committee recommended improved information-sharing among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, greater awareness of emerging terrorist threats and increased support for the Department of Homeland Security’s research programmes.

It also called for stronger cybersecurity coordination, modernised information-sharing authorities and risk-based artificial intelligence cybersecurity standards for critical infrastructure.

On border security, the committee recommended full implementation of a biometric entry-exit system, wider use of emerging technologies, international partnerships and additional resources for northern border operations.

The report further proposed increased use of non-intrusive inspection technology, stronger emergency preparedness, improved incident-management capabilities and continued funding for key disaster-response programmes.

The committee also urged improved capabilities for detecting biological threats, greater preparedness against agroterrorism and continued support for public-safety communications infrastructure.

Garbarino urged Congress and the executive branch to implement the recommendations quickly and on a bipartisan basis, saying sustained action was necessary to maintain long-term stability across the homeland security system.

The committee said its recommendations followed hearings, briefings, roundtable discussions and site visits conducted over the past year to examine transportation security, counterterrorism, information-sharing, federal law enforcement coordination and critical infrastructure protection.