National Strategy for School Security Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- H.R. 2259
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Education
- Status
- Passed House
- Latest Action
- 2025-11-20: 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
Purpose
The National Strategy for School Security Act of 2025 aims to enhance the security of elementary and secondary schools against acts of terrorism in the United States. It requires the development of a coordinated national strategy to improve domestic preparedness and response to such threats, focusing on federal efforts to protect schools.
Key Provisions
- Development and Submission of Strategy: Within one year of enactment, the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with the Secretary of Education and other relevant federal agency heads, must submit a "national school security strategy" to specified congressional committees (House Committee on Homeland Security, House Committee on Education and Workforce, Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, and Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions). The Secretary must also brief these committees on the strategy.
- Updates and Briefings: The strategy must be updated annually through 2033 if appropriate, with briefings to the same committees. If no update occurs in a given year, the Secretary must certify this to the committees.
- Contents of the Strategy:
- A description of all federal programs, projects, activities, and funding related to securing schools from terrorism.
- Identification of specific vulnerabilities in U.S. schools related to terrorism, along with goals to address them.
- Outlined actions and resources needed to achieve these goals, including reforms to align existing efforts with current threats.
- Incorporation of findings from prior federal evaluations to avoid duplication and build on ongoing work.
- Definitions: References the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 for defining "elementary" and "secondary" schools.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This act amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 by adding a new section (2220F) to Subtitle A of Title XXII, which focuses on domestic terrorism preparedness. It introduces a mandatory, ongoing national strategy specifically for school security against terrorism, including required congressional reporting and updates. A clerical amendment updates the act's table of contents to include the new section. No other major alterations to existing laws are made; it builds upon current federal authorities.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: DHS and the Department of Education will need to collaborate more closely, potentially reallocating resources for strategy development, updates, and implementation. This could streamline federal spending and efforts, reducing overlap in anti-terrorism programs for schools.
- Citizens: Students, teachers, and school staff in elementary and secondary schools may benefit from improved security measures, such as better vulnerability assessments and preparedness plans, potentially reducing risks from terrorism. Parents and communities could see enhanced federal support for local school safety.
- International Relations: Minimal direct impact, as the focus is on domestic school security within the U.S.; however, it may indirectly strengthen U.S. counter-terrorism posture by addressing potential domestic vulnerabilities.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Agencies: Primarily DHS (leading the effort) and the Department of Education, along with other agencies involved in terrorism preparedness (e.g., those handling intelligence or emergency response).
- Congressional Committees: The specified House and Senate committees will receive submissions, briefings, and certifications, influencing oversight and funding decisions.
- Schools and Education Sector: Public and private elementary and secondary schools nationwide, including administrators, educators, and local law enforcement partners responsible for implementation.
- Students, Parents, and Communities: Indirectly affected as end beneficiaries of enhanced school security and preparedness.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The act reinforces federal authority under the Homeland Security Act to coordinate anti-terrorism efforts without expanding new powers; it emphasizes consultation and avoids duplication, promoting efficient use of existing laws. No challenges to state or local school governance are introduced, as the strategy focuses on federal-level planning.
- Constitutional: Aligns with the federal government's role in national security and interstate commerce (education funding ties), without infringing on states' rights to manage schools. It upholds separation of powers through required congressional notifications.
- Political: Could foster bipartisan support for school safety amid public concerns over violence, but may spark debates on federal overreach into education or resource allocation for terrorism versus other threats (e.g., gun violence). The time-bound updates (through 2033) provide accountability but require sustained funding commitments.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (9)
Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Moskowitz, Jared [D-FL-23], Rep. Evans, Gabe [R-CO-8], Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1], Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Pfluger, August [R-TX-11], Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7]
Recent Actions
- 2025-11-20: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- 2025-11-19: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2025-11-19: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4785)
- 2025-11-19: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4785)
- 2025-11-19: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2259.
- 2025-11-19: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4785-4786)
- 2025-11-19: Mr. Guest moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- 2025-11-12: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 329.
- 2025-11-12: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Homeland Security. H. Rept. 119-378.
- 2025-11-12: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Homeland Security. H. Rept. 119-378.
- 2025-09-03: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 22 - 0.
- 2025-09-03: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2025-03-25: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
- 2025-03-25: Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2025-03-21: Referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.
Bill Versions
- National Strategy for School Security Act of 2025 — issued 2025-11-19 — PDF (6 pages)
- National Strategy for School Security Act of 2025 — issued 2025-03-21 — PDF (4 pages)
- National Strategy for School Security Act of 2025 — issued 2025-11-20 — PDF (4 pages)
- National Strategy for School Security Act of 2025 — issued 2025-11-12 — PDF (6 pages)