Modernizing and Improving the National Terrorism Advisory System Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 7448
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Crime and Law Enforcement
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-24: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 30 - 0.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-09T13:27:22Z
AI-Generated Summary
Summary of H.R. 7448
Purpose of the Legislation
This bill directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to create a strategy for updating the National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS), which is a system used to inform the public about potential terrorism threats. The goal is to improve how the system operates and communicates information.
Key Provisions Outlined
- Short Title: The Act is named the "Modernizing and Improving the National Terrorism Advisory System Act of 2026."
- Strategy Development: Within one year of the bill becoming law, the Secretary of Homeland Security must submit a modernization strategy to the House Committee on Homeland Security and the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- Required Considerations: The strategy must address:
- Assigning a specific office or official in the Department of Homeland Security to manage the NTAS.
- Rules for issuing and ending NTAS bulletins and alerts.
- How the public can access and use these bulletins and alerts.
- How well the current NTAS shares timely and detailed threat information.
- Effects on federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement and emergency responders in preparing for or responding to threats.
- Ways to ensure bulletins and alerts reach as many people as possible.
- Stakeholder Engagement: The Secretary must consult with individuals, groups, private sector entities, and law enforcement/emergency responders for input.
- Review Requirement: The Comptroller General of the United States must submit a report on implementation within two years of the bill's enactment.
Significant Changes to Existing Law Introduced
The bill adds a new requirement for the Department of Homeland Security to evaluate and propose updates to the existing NTAS. It does not alter the core structure of the system but mandates a formal review process and reporting to Congress.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The Department of Homeland Security would need to allocate resources for strategy development, while the Comptroller General's office would conduct an independent review.
- On Citizens: Potential for clearer, more accessible information on terrorism threats through improved public outreach.
- On Law Enforcement: Federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial responders could benefit from more effective threat alerts to aid in prevention and response efforts.
- No direct effects on international relations are specified.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- The Department of Homeland Security and its leadership.
- Congressional committees on homeland security.
- Federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement and emergency responders.
- The private sector and general public.
- The Comptroller General of the United States.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
The legislation focuses on administrative improvements within the executive branch and congressional oversight, with no apparent constitutional concerns. It emphasizes broader public and stakeholder input in national security communications, potentially strengthening transparency without creating new legal authorities or penalties.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Van Epps, Matt [R-TN-7], Rep. Thompson, Bennie G. [D-MS-2]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-24: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 30 - 0.
- 2026-06-24: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2026-05-14: Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security Discharged
- 2026-05-14: Subcommittee on Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection Discharged
- 2026-05-14: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
- 2026-05-14: Subcommittee Hearings Held
- 2026-02-10: Referred to the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection.
- 2026-02-10: Referred to the Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security.
- 2026-02-10: Referred to the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence.
- 2026-02-09: Referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.
- 2026-02-09: Introduced in House
- 2026-02-09: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Modernizing and Improving the National Terrorism Advisory System Act of 2026 — issued 2026-02-09 — PDF (3 pages)