Print this page magnify text elevated threat level
 
 
 

History

The Committee on Homeland Security was established in 2002 to provide Congressional oversight for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and better protect the American people against a possible terrorist attack. In 2005, The House of Representatives granted the Committee on Homeland Security permanent status; that same year, the current Full Committee Chairman, U.S. Rep. Peter T. King (NY), was awarded the gavel. 

The Committee was chartered to hold hearings and craft legislation for issues specific to homeland security; it also has the power to conduct investigations and subpoena witnesses to testify before the panel.  The Committee has approved several landmark pieces of legislation since its establishment, including vital seaport and chemical facility security legislation.  The Committee’s commonsense, forward-thinking approach to emergency management reform has been widely praised by first responders across the country.  Additionally, the committee has crafted immigration and emergency communications legislation that have both been adopted by the House of Representatives.  

The Committee on Homeland Security has six Subcommittees; each specializing in a subset of the Full Committee’s jurisdiction:

Subcommittees

Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Science, and Technology
Chaired by U.S. Representative Dave Reichert (WA) read bio »

Subcommittee on Economic Security, Infrastructure Protection, and Cybersecurity
Chaired by U.S. Representative Dan Lungren (CA) read bio »

Subcommittee on Investigations
Chaired by U.S. Representative Michael McCaul (TX) read bio »

Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing, and Terrorism Risk Assessment
Chaired by U.S. Representative Rob Simmons (CT) read bio »

Subcommittee on Management, Integration, and Oversight
Chaired by U.S. Representative Mike Rogers (AL) read bio »

Subcommittee on Prevention of Nuclear and Biological Attack
Chaired by U.S. Representative John Linder (GA) read bio »

With Chairman King at the helm, the Committee on Homeland Security will remain committed, day in and day out, to ensuring that the American people stay safe and secure—evaluating security issues, conducting oversight, and enacting legislative measures to help protect our nation.