Preserving Counterterrorism Capabilities Act of 2026

Bill Number

H.R. 7512

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Armed Forces and National Security

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-02-12: Referred to the Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology.

Last Updated

2026-05-16T08:06:59Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Preserving Counterterrorism Capabilities Act of 2026 aims to extend the legal authorization for the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD) Office within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This office focuses on preventing and responding to threats from weapons of mass destruction, such as chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear attacks. The bill ensures the office can continue its operations without interruption.

Key Provisions

• Short Title: The legislation is officially named the "Preserving Counterterrorism Capabilities Act of 2026."
• Amendment to Existing Law: It modifies Section 1901 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 by updating the expiration date of the CWMD Office's authorization from "5 years after the enactment of the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Act of 2018" (which would end around 2023) to February 28, 2027.
• Referral to Committees: The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and the Committee on Energy and Commerce for review.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The primary change is a one-time extension of the CWMD Office's sunset provision (a clause that automatically ends a program's authorization after a set period). This replaces the original five-year limit with a specific new end date of February 28, 2027, providing about four additional years of operation.
• No other substantive alterations are made to the office's duties, funding, or structure; the focus is solely on prolonging its existence.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: The DHS's CWMD Office can maintain ongoing programs for threat detection, coordination with other agencies, and emergency preparedness, avoiding disruptions that could occur if authorization lapsed. This supports broader homeland security efforts without requiring new funding or major reorganizations.
• On Citizens: Enhances national security by sustaining protections against potential weapons of mass destruction threats, potentially reducing risks to public safety in the U.S.
• On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though the office's work may indirectly support U.S. collaborations with international partners on global counterterrorism and non-proliferation efforts.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Department of Homeland Security (DHS): Primary beneficiary, as it oversees the CWMD Office and relies on it for specialized expertise.
• Federal Law Enforcement and Intelligence Agencies: Entities like the FBI or intelligence community that partner with CWMD on threat assessments and response planning.
• State and Local Governments: Benefit from continued federal support in preparing for and responding to potential attacks.
• U.S. Public: Indirectly affected through sustained national defense capabilities.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: This is a narrow, technical amendment that complies with congressional authority under Article I of the U.S. Constitution to regulate federal agencies. It avoids broader debates by not altering the office's core functions or budget.
• Constitutional: No significant challenges; it upholds the federal government's role in national security without infringing on states' rights or individual liberties.
• Political: The bill reflects bipartisan interest in maintaining counterterrorism infrastructure amid evolving threats. Its introduction in 2026 suggests ongoing congressional priority for homeland security, potentially setting a precedent for future extensions if threats persist. No controversial elements are introduced, keeping it as a routine reauthorization measure.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Ogles, Andrew [R-TN-5]

Recent Actions

• 2026-02-12: Referred to the Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology.
• 2026-02-11: Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2026-02-11: Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2026-02-11: Introduced in House
• 2026-02-11: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Preserving Counterterrorism Capabilities Act of 2026 — issued 2026-02-11 — PDF (2 pages)