House Passes 13 Bills on Homeland Security, Aviation, and Election Reform; Expresses Sorrow for Senator Lindsey Graham
The House of Representatives convened on July 13, 2026, addressing a diverse legislative agenda. The day's proceedings included morning-hour debate, the passage of several bills under suspension of the rules covering topics such as aviation security, military and family travel, homeland security reporting, and election finance reform. A significant portion of the day was dedicated to expressing profound sorrow for the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham, with the House adjourning in his memory. Two bills, H.R. 3106 and H.R. 8897, had recorded votes ordered and were subsequently passed.
This chamber-day was significant due to the passage of multiple substantive bills aimed at enhancing national security, improving travel efficiency, and reforming election administration. The bipartisan support for measures like the SAFEGUARDS Act and the Measuring Illicit Fentanyl Trafficking Act indicates a commitment to addressing critical homeland security challenges. Additionally, the House's formal recognition and adjournment in memory of Senator Lindsey Graham underscored the bipartisan respect for a long-serving member of Congress.
Weatherizing Infrastructure in the North and Terrorism Emergency Readiness Act of 2025
H.R. 3106Question before the chamber
Motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3106).
The case for
Representative Kennedy of New York argued that the bill is crucial for national preparedness against terrorist threats, especially during harsh winter weather. He cited the devastating impact of Winter Storm Elliott in Buffalo, New York, in 2022, which strained emergency response, disrupted communications, and damaged critical infrastructure, claiming 47 lives. He emphasized that terrorists might exploit such extreme weather vulnerabilities. The bill mandates a Department of Homeland Security exercise focused on critical infrastructure attacks during extreme cold and requires a report to Congress on findings and security gaps, thereby strengthening coordination among emergency managers, State officials, and community partners.
The case against
No opposition was aired in the Record.
Disposition
Passed · recorded vote
The bill passed the House.
for_votes: "400", against_votes: "7", abstentions: null
Who is affected
- Emergency managers: Will participate in and benefit from a terrorism preparedness exercise focused on extreme cold weather events.
- State officials: Will participate in and benefit from a terrorism preparedness exercise focused on extreme cold weather events.
- Tribal and territorial agencies: Will participate in and benefit from a terrorism preparedness exercise focused on extreme cold weather events.
- Private sector and community stakeholders: Will participate in and benefit from a terrorism preparedness exercise focused on extreme cold weather events.
- Communities vulnerable to terrorist attacks during extreme cold weather events: Will have enhanced resilience and preparedness against such threats through improved coordination and identified security gaps.
House Expresses Profound Sorrow for Senator Lindsey Graham
highThe House adopted H. Res. 1424, expressing profound sorrow on the death of Senator Lindsey Graham, a former member of the House and current Senator from South Carolina. The resolution was agreed to by voice vote, and the House adjourned as a further mark of respect, highlighting a bipartisan moment of remembrance.
Passage of Aviation Security Legislation
highThe House passed H.R. 8770, the SAFEGUARDS Act of 2026, which aims to dedicate 9/11 passenger security fee revenue to TSA security screening purposes and technology modernization. Additionally, H.R. 9328, the Improving Travel for Military Members Act, H.R. 9391, the Reimbursable Screening Services Program Extension Act, and H.R. 9388, the One-Stop Pilot Program Extension Act, were passed, all aimed at enhancing travel efficiency and security.
Homeland Security Threat Assessment and Capabilities Preservation
mediumThe House passed H.R. 8874, the Homeland Security Capabilities Preservation Reporting Act of 2026, requiring recurring reports on urban areas no longer eligible for Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) funding. H.R. 8168, the Major Non-NATO Ally Terror Threat Assessment Act, was also passed, requiring an assessment of terrorism threats from foreign terrorist organizations in major non-NATO allies.
Combating Illicit Fentanyl Trafficking
highH.R. 8535, the Measuring Illicit Fentanyl Trafficking Act, was passed. This bill directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop performance metrics and improve information sharing related to fentanyl detection, deterrence, and seizure, based on recommendations from the Government Accountability Office.
Election Administration and Foreign Influence Reform
highThe House passed H.R. 3535, the Stop Foreign Funds in Elections Act, which prohibits foreign national contributions to State and local ballot initiatives, referenda, and recall elections. Furthermore, H.R. 8738, the FEC Administrative Improvements Act, was passed to modernize FEC electronic filing and disbursement methods, addressing outdated administrative burdens.
Terrorism Exercise for Extreme Cold Weather and Family Travel Expedited Screening
mediumThe House passed H.R. 3106, the Weatherizing Infrastructure in the North and Terrorism Emergency Readiness Act of 2025, requiring a terrorism exercise during extreme cold weather events to assess critical infrastructure resilience. It also passed H.R. 8897, the Improving Travel for American Families Act, to establish a pilot program for expedited security screening for families with young children.