Department of Homeland Security Vehicular Terrorism Prevention and Mitigation Act of 2025

Bill Number: H.R. 1608
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Transportation and Public Works
Status: Passed House
Latest Action: 2025-11-18: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Last Updated: 2026-07-09T13:27:22Z

AI-Generated Summary

Summary of H.R. 1608

Purpose

This legislation requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to prepare and submit a report on current and emerging threats from vehicular terrorism, along with existing and recommended countermeasures. The goal is to improve prevention, deterrence, and response efforts against attacks using vehicles.

Key Provisions

Findings: The bill notes a January 1, 2025, vehicle-ramming attack in New Orleans that killed 14 people and injured at least 35 others, and highlights broader risks from such attacks targeting public spaces.
Report Requirement: Within 180 days of enactment, the DHS Secretary, working with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), must submit a detailed report to Congress covering:
Assessments of threats, including methods used by attackers and risks from new technologies like autonomous vehicles, ride-sharing services, and artificial intelligence systems.
Identification of vulnerable sites such as airports, power plants, public events, and crowded urban areas.
Summaries of DHS actions on barriers, surveillance, and response plans.
Evaluations of partnerships with private companies and law enforcement for training, intelligence sharing, and best practices.
Recommendations for new technologies like vehicle immobilization systems and predictive analytics.
Engagement with privacy and civil liberties groups to protect individual rights.
Public awareness efforts on reporting suspicious behavior.
The report may be classified but must include an unclassified executive summary published online.
Briefing: DHS must brief Congress on the report within 30 days of submission.
Definitions: "Vehicular terrorism" refers to using vehicles to commit terrorism as defined in existing homeland security law.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This Act introduces a new, one-time reporting mandate for DHS but does not amend or repeal any existing statutes. It adds specific requirements for coordination across agencies and stakeholders on vehicular threats.

Potential Impacts

Government Agencies: Requires DHS, TSA, and CISA to expand research, coordination, and planning efforts, potentially increasing workload and resource needs for threat assessment and technology development.
Citizens: May lead to enhanced security at public events and infrastructure, while requiring consideration of privacy protections in new tools.
International Relations: The report must address global trends in vehicular terrorism, which could inform future U.S. cooperation with other countries.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Federal agencies including DHS, TSA, and CISA.
State, local, Tribal, and territorial governments and law enforcement.
Private sector entities such as vehicle manufacturers, ride-sharing companies, and automotive technology vendors.
First responders and the general public.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

The bill emphasizes engagement with privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties groups to ensure any new technologies or measures respect individual freedoms. The classified nature of the full report balances security needs with public access to a summary. No direct constitutional issues are raised in the text.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Gimenez, Carlos A. [R-FL-28]

Cosponsors (2)

Rep. Green, Mark E. [R-TN-7], Rep. Carter, Troy A. [D-LA-2]

Recent Actions

2025-11-18: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
2025-11-17: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2025-11-17: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 400 - 15 (Roll no. 286). (text: CR H4681-4682) (Roll call 286)
2025-11-17: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 400 - 15 (Roll no. 286). (text: CR H4681-4682) (Roll call 286)
2025-11-17: Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H4691-4692)
2025-11-17: At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
2025-11-17: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1608.
2025-11-17: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4681-4682)
2025-11-17: Mr. Garbarino moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
2025-08-08: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 180.
2025-08-08: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Homeland Security. H. Rept. 119-222.
2025-08-08: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Homeland Security. H. Rept. 119-222.
2025-04-09: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
2025-04-09: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
2025-04-09: Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence Discharged

Bill Versions

Department of Homeland Security Vehicular Terrorism Prevention and Mitigation Act of 2025 — issued 2025-11-17 — PDF (12 pages)
Department of Homeland Security Vehicular Terrorism Prevention and Mitigation Act of 2025 — issued 2025-02-26 — PDF (11 pages)
Department of Homeland Security Vehicular Terrorism Prevention and Mitigation Act of 2025 — issued 2025-11-18 — PDF (11 pages)
Department of Homeland Security Vehicular Terrorism Prevention and Mitigation Act of 2025 — issued 2025-08-08 — PDF (14 pages)