Senate Appropriations subcommittee holds hearing on FIFA World Cup preparations

[0:00] to showcase American leadership, hospitality, and coordination, but it also presents a complex [0:05] set of security and logistical challenges that demand oversight. [0:10] I've convened, we're convening this hearing because the successful execution of the World [0:14] Cup will depend on close coordination across the federal government, including the Department [0:18] of Homeland Security, the Department of Commerce, and the Department of Justice. [0:22] DHS is leading the White House Task Force on FIFA World Cup 2026, which since its establishment [0:29] last year has overseen many of the operational and interagency coordination efforts ahead [0:34] of these games. [0:35] At the same time, DOJ, through the FBI, will play a central role in intelligence, counterterrorism, [0:41] and crisis response. [0:43] Ensuring that these efforts are aligned, resourced, and clearly communicated across all levels of [0:48] government is critical to supporting players, visitors, and host cities. [0:53] The Department of Commerce, through the International Trade Administration, is our nation's lead federal [0:57] agency on matters related to travel and tourism. [1:01] For Kansas, this effort is especially meaningful. [1:03] Kansas City will host, I should say for Kansas and Missouri, that's not my usual salutation, [1:08] but for Kansas and Missouri, this effort will be especially meaningful. [1:13] Kansas City will host multiple matches for four teams, England, Argentina, Algeria, and the [1:18] Netherlands are expected to base camp or stay in Kansas or the Kansas City region, bringing [1:23] an estimated 650,000 visitors. [1:26] This level of activity will place significant demands on local law enforcement, emergency [1:30] management, infrastructure. [1:32] Federal planning must reflect not only the needs of the largest host city, but communities [1:37] like Kansas City. [1:39] At the same time, this presents significant opportunities for Kansas City and Kansas, for [1:44] businesses and for broader travel and tourism economy. [1:47] Hotels, restaurants, small businesses, local attractions will all play a role in welcoming visitors from [1:52] around the globe. [1:54] I'm particularly interested in how the Department of Commerce and the International Trade Administration [1:58] are working to support host cities in maximizing these economic benefits, both by promoting [2:02] the United States as a destination and ensuring our communities like Kansas City are prepared [2:07] to meet the demands of increased travel and tourism. [2:10] Congress has already taken steps to support these efforts, including providing $625 million [2:15] in dedicated funding to support host cities. [2:19] As planning continues, it's our responsibility to ensure these resources are being deployed effectively, [2:24] coordination across the jurisdictions is seamless, and host city communities, not just the [2:29] designated cities like Kansas City, but surrounding towns, Lawrence and Prairie Village [2:33] and others are equipped and left with a lasting benefit from the games. [2:38] This is an important moment in our country's history. [2:41] It is an opportunity to demonstrate the strength of our coordination at every level of government [2:45] and across agencies, from federal partners and state and local law enforcement. [2:50] The way the FBI works alongside the police chief of Kansas City is exactly the kind of collaboration [2:54] that will define our success. [2:56] It's also a moment not just for the nation as a whole, but for host cities and surrounding [3:00] communities and small towns to welcome the world. [3:04] And it is an opportunity to take pride in the safety and security we provide and to showcase [3:09] the very best of the United States on a global stage. [3:12] I now recognize the chairwoman and thank her for her cooperation in this joint hearing this [3:17] morning. [3:19] Chairman Britt. [3:20] Chairwoman Britt. [3:21] Thank you, Mr. Chairman and ranking members Van Hollen and Murphy. [3:25] I appreciate putting this hearing on today. [3:28] I want to tell you all thank you for your service. [3:31] We appreciate what you do, we know the importance of it, and I hope today that we get to learn [3:36] more about how we can better support the mission that's in front of each of you. [3:40] When you're looking at the fact that we have over five million fans that are expected to [3:46] attend the upcoming World Cup, I know you've been given the responsibility to secure what [3:52] is probably one of the most visible, widely attended, and globally impactful sporting events [3:57] in the world today. [3:59] I know that responsibility is not an easy one, but we are grateful for your willingness to [4:04] take it on your shoulders. [4:05] That being said, I think it's important to note that this hearing is obviously being held [4:10] against the backdrop of a shutdown of DHS. [4:13] I want to make sure that we're doing everything possible to get DHS fully funded, to make sure [4:18] that the resources are there for each one of you and the collaboration is at full maximum potential [4:26] there. [4:28] Look, international sporting events are a great unifier. [4:30] From the Miracle on Ice in 1980s, to the Dream Team in 1992, to even just watching us beat Canada, [4:40] both men and women in the hockey arena, nothing compares to cheering on our country. [4:50] Nothing is more unifying. [4:52] I am excited for us to have that moment again. [4:54] I think we need it as a nation and help us refocus on what brings us together. [4:59] But in doing that, we want to make sure that those spaces are safe. [5:03] As someone who attends football events regularly, whether that's football championships, which [5:08] I would like to attend more of, it's been a little lax in the last few years, or it's the Super Bowl. [5:15] We want to make sure that we are giving you the tools that you need and that we're having [5:19] proper communication and collaboration to keep Americans safe. [5:24] In what's in front of us for the World Cup, we know we'll have people traveling from across [5:28] the globe to participate in these events. [5:31] So it's imperative today that we talk about where your resources are, what your mission is, [5:37] how you're making sure that you're working together, and then are there things that we need to [5:41] be doing to give you those tools? [5:43] Are there impediments in the law that allow you or inhibit you from working with local [5:48] actors in a way that you need to, local law enforcement in a way that you need to, to keep [5:53] people safe? [5:55] As the world's eyes are upon us, and they will be, we want to make sure we not only elevate [6:01] great games, but we do it in a safe and a secure environment. [6:05] So thank you all for heeding to that mission. [6:08] Thank you for your tireless service and work in completing that. [6:12] And please use today as an opportunity to make sure that we hear from you what you need to [6:18] achieve that ultimate goal. [6:20] Thank you, Mr. Chair. [6:21] Senator Bruce, thank you. [6:22] Senator Van Halen. [6:23] Thank you. [6:25] Let me thank both our chairs here today. [6:28] Like millions of Americans and people across the world, I'm a soccer fan. [6:32] I coached my kids' soccer teams when they were growing up. [6:37] And I am the co-chair of the Congressional Soccer Caucus. [6:40] Welcome, colleagues, to join that. [6:43] So I'm excited. [6:44] I'm very excited that the United States will host the 2026 FIFA World Cup Tournament. [6:49] It's a huge undertaking. [6:51] And as Senator Moran pointed out, we've already appropriated, American taxpayers have appropriated [6:57] millions of dollars to help ensure that our law enforcement officers and partners can keep [7:02] stadiums and fans safe and secure. [7:06] What I worry about most is that factors unrelated to security will dampen enthusiasm for the tournament [7:13] and reduce the economic benefits that should flow to communities that are hosting the games. [7:18] Congratulations to Kansas and Senator Moran that Kansas City will be one of those destinations. [7:25] And the World Cup is supposed to be a moment when people from all over the world from different [7:29] backgrounds join together to celebrate sport and to marvel at the skills of the players. [7:35] I second what Senator Britt said. [7:37] This should be a unifying event. [7:40] Unfortunately, the President of the United States has represented just the opposite, including [7:44] comments in the lead-up to the games and actions. [7:48] He has made his political career by sowing division, by pitting people against one another [7:53] based on race or ethnicity or religion, and he's been scaring off fans from around the [7:58] world who want to come here to cheer on their teams. [8:02] This is not speculation. [8:04] We saw warning signs last summer when the U.S. hosted FIFA's Club World Cup, which was effectively [8:11] a dress rehearsal for this summer's tournament. [8:15] It failed to meet expectations, with stadiums only 57 percent full on average. [8:22] This came as fans circulated a social media post by Customs and Border Protection declaring [8:28] that federal immigration agents would be, quote, suited and booted, unquote, at the matches. [8:35] Even top officials with FIFA are concerned about the harmful impact ice operations would have [8:42] on the World Cup fan experience. [8:45] I know the Trump administration touts the resources dedicated to expediting visa processing for [8:50] those who have purchased tickets through FIFA. [8:53] Yet it also instituted and expanded a travel ban this year, restricting entry to the United [8:59] States by nationals of 39 countries. [9:03] That ban applies to Haiti, a nation full of diehard soccer fans who would love nothing more [9:08] than to come here and cheer on their teams playing in the World Cup for the first time [9:13] in 50 years. [9:15] And unbelievably, there's still an open question as to whether or not all the FIFA World Cup [9:21] players will be able to participate in U.S. matches. [9:25] Just last week, Homeland Security Secretary Mullen threatened that customs offices could [9:30] stop processing international travelers at U.S. airports in so-called sanctuary jurisdictions. [9:37] Mind you, there is no agreed upon definition of sanctuary jurisdiction. [9:42] The term is not defined in law. [9:45] It is another excuse by the Trump administration to strike at states that have refused to blindly [9:49] support Trump's mass deportation agenda. [9:53] I would say such a move by the administration would prevent countless overseas fans from visiting [9:59] the World Cup matches at destination cities. [10:02] Fans are also rightly concerned about their data privacy and the right to free expression being [10:07] targeted. [10:08] This administration has announced plans to require tourists, including those from visa-free countries, [10:13] to hand over five years of social media activity and other personal information before being [10:18] allowed access to the United States. [10:20] I hope that our witnesses today can dispel that concern and reassure visitors who are worried [10:26] by rumors of ICE and CBP crackdowns on intrusive personal information inquiries or just that, rumors. [10:33] Finally, I have concerns with decisions made by FIFA itself when it comes to sky-high World [10:40] Cup ticket prices, the most expensive ever by far, and the new reports that FIFA misled early [10:46] ticket purchasers on where their seat locations would be, even when many paid premium prices [10:53] expecting prime seats. [10:55] When the United States and Mexico and Canada won the hosting rights in 2018, the average [11:05] ticket price for the final was estimated at just over $1,000. [11:09] Now, tickets for July 19th final are projected to start at more than $4,000. [11:16] Soccer fans from across the United States and the world are rightly frustrated that they'll [11:20] find themselves priced out. [11:22] If soccer is supposed to be accessible to all fans, then this corporate World Cup would [11:28] fall far short. [11:29] I will also say FIFA has been rife with corruption over the years and completely discredited itself [11:34] by inventing the FIFA Peace Prize and presenting it to the president who just threatened to end [11:42] a civilization. [11:43] So Mr. Chairman, all that being said, I do look forward to the testimony from the witnesses [11:48] on the security issues, but also on the concerns I raised. [11:53] Because if they were advanced, some of those decisions or policies, it will have a big chilling [11:59] impact on the fans coming here and on our local economic benefits. [12:03] Thank you. [12:05] Senator Van Hollen, thank you. [12:07] Let's now hear from our witnesses. [12:09] We'll start with Mr. O'Leary and then Admiral Toomey and then Mr. Olson. [12:14] Mr. O'Leary, you're recognized. [12:17] Good morning. [12:18] Chairman Moran, Chairwoman Britt, ranking member Van Hollen. [12:21] Ranking member Murphy and members of the subcommittee, thank you for the opportunity [12:26] to update you on the Commerce Department's preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as [12:32] they relate to travel and tourism, a vital industry that continues to receive immense [12:36] support from the subcommittee. [12:38] Thank you all for your leadership in this very important area. [12:41] My name is Robert O'Leary. [12:43] I serve as a deputy assistant secretary for travel and tourism at the International Trade [12:47] Administration within the Department of Commerce. [12:49] I'm truly honored to join you today at such an important moment for the US travel industry. [12:54] The success of the 2026 World Cup is extremely important to the Trump administration. [13:00] To underscore this importance, on March 7, 2025, President Trump signed an executive [13:05] order establishing the White House Task Force to coordinate US government efforts in support [13:10] of the 2026 World Cup. [13:13] As the executive order states, this event provides the United States the opportunity to showcase [13:18] the nation's pride in hospitality while promoting economic growth in tourism through sport. [13:25] As America's largest service export, international travel and tourism is a vital driver to the [13:29] US economy. [13:31] The World Cup is expected to draw millions of visitors from across the globe. [13:35] According to estimates from FIFA and the World Trade Organization, the tournament will contribute [13:39] over $17 billion to our nation's gross domestic product, illustrating a substantial economic [13:45] impact. [13:46] FIFA predicts that 3.5 million tickets will be purchased by international fans who are projected [13:53] to spend $6.4 billion during their travel within the United States. [13:58] When President Trump established the White House Task Force, he set out a very clear mission [14:03] to ensure the United States delivers a safe, welcoming, and memorable World Cup. [14:08] And that's exactly what the task force is working to deliver. [14:11] To help support this goal, the National Travel and Tourism Office is focused on several key [14:15] priorities. [14:17] As the official source for US government data on international visitation and spending in [14:21] the United States, we are leading task force efforts to measure the economic impact of international [14:27] visitors during the World Cup. [14:30] Beginning in January 2026, the Commerce Department introduced a modified survey of international air [14:36] travelers that now asked respondents whether they attended a World Cup match or a fan event [14:41] during their visit to the United States. [14:43] This data will help provide insight into travel demand and spending related to the World Cup. [14:48] In addition, as the US government's primary point of contact for the travel industry, [14:53] we are working with other agencies to highlight streamlined travel processes for both the tourism [14:58] industry and prospective visitors. [15:01] Our third area focuses on collaboration. [15:04] NTTO is actively working with host city committees, travel associations, and destination marketing [15:10] organizations to promote tourism throughout the United States. [15:15] Thanks to President Trump's leadership, the World Cup will be the beginning of a decade [15:20] of mega tourism events to be hosted in the United States, including America 250, the Route 66 [15:27] Centennial, the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, the Women's World Cup [15:34] in 2031, the Men's and Women's Rugby World Cups, the 2034 Winter Olympics and Paralympics in Park [15:41] City, and a potential bid for the 2035 World Expo. [15:46] Together, these events present an unprecedented opportunity for the United States to promote [15:52] the extraordinary places that make America the world's premier destination. [15:57] In closing, the Department of Commerce sincerely appreciates the opportunity to update the [16:01] committee during this pivotal moment for the travel and tourism industry. [16:06] Thank you for inviting me here today. [16:08] I look forward to answering your questions. [16:12] Thank you, sir. [16:13] Admiral. [16:17] Mr. Chairman Moran, Chairwoman Britt, ranking member Van Hollen, ranking member Murphy, [16:24] and distinguished members of the subcommittee. [16:27] Thank you for the opportunity to talk to you about the critical topic of World Cup 2026. [16:33] My name is Chris Tomney. [16:34] I am the director for the Office of Homeland Security Situational Awareness at the Department [16:39] of Homeland Security. [16:40] In addition to this role, which includes managing the nation's National Operations Center, I currently [16:47] serve as the senior coordinating official for DHS in support of the White House Task Force [16:53] on FIFA World Cup 2026. [16:56] Last May, I was appointed to this role by former Secretary Noem to serve as the department's [17:01] lead for DHS efforts supporting the White House Task Force on World Cup. [17:05] In this forum, established through Presidential Executive Order 14234, I work with my 10 counterparts [17:13] from across the interagency and the task force office to coordinate federal actions necessary [17:19] to ensure a safe, secure, and enjoyable tournament. [17:23] As you know, the summer's World Cup tournament will be the most complex and widespread sporting [17:28] event in the history of the world. [17:31] Not only will we have 78 matches across 11 host cities in the span of 39 days, but we'll also [17:39] have 39 team base camps and dozens of fan fests and watch parties across America. [17:46] The event will be a whole-of-government event coming at the same time as America's 250th birthday [17:52] celebrations. [17:54] Within DHS, I have a small team to assist with the central coordination of our department's [17:59] activities. [18:00] However, the primary mechanism by which we integrate DHS's activities is through what [18:06] we call the DHS World Cup Coordination Council. [18:10] This council is comprised of senior executives from all DHS components and offices who are [18:15] charged with coordinating activities inside their organization. [18:20] This model provides visibility and cooperation throughout the department both vertically as [18:25] well as horizontally. [18:27] Through the council and the White House Task Force structures, we work to ensure consequence [18:32] management planning, counter-unmanned aerial system operations, threats and intelligence [18:38] efforts, anti-human trafficking, and visa and visitor processes are robust. [18:44] We are finalizing enhanced information sharing processes and common operational pictures to prevent [18:50] miscommunications and to improve situational awareness during the tournament. [18:56] In the match cities, DHS's federal coordinators are the lead federal agents for the safety [19:01] and security planning in support of our state and local partners. [19:05] DHS appoints a federal coordinator to work directly with state and local authorities whenever [19:11] an event arises to a particular level of security concern, what we call a SEER level, which stands [19:17] for a special event assessment rating. [19:21] To illustrate the scale of the tournament, the number of SEER-related matches for the World Cup will [19:26] multiply our annual workload of these events several times over in just the span of a few short weeks. [19:36] These federal coordinators began working with their state, local, and host committee planners [19:40] over a year ago to help build a robust security plan for tournament activities. [19:46] Through security committees, preparedness exercises, and detailed planning, the federal coordinators [19:53] have been integral parts of tournament preparations. [19:57] The federal coordinators are supported by the special events program at DHS headquarters, [20:02] which provides the guidance, support, and assistance if federal resources are needed to fill [20:07] a gap in host city capabilities. [20:11] Because we normally only have one SEER event at a time, like a Super Bowl, DHS is usually able [20:18] to fulfill these security requests internally. [20:22] Given the scope and scale of the World Cup, the host cities have significant requirements. [20:26] To fill these requests, DHS is working with the host cities to leverage all available resources. [20:33] This includes coordinating with state and local partners through mutual aid compacts and utilizing [20:39] the $625 million appropriated by Congress as part of the FEMA grant funding spread across [20:46] the 11 cities to help defray security costs. [20:49] By taking a whole of community approach, we are working to ensure a robust security posture [20:55] at every venue. [20:57] While the federal government has significant resources, we must balance that support against [21:02] our critical enduring missions, such as protecting our aviation assets, preventing terrorism, and [21:09] securing the border. [21:10] We continue to work with our partners to ensure all security requirements are met while maintaining [21:16] our global commitments. [21:18] In conclusion, there is no part of DHS not engaged and supportive of this mission. [21:24] The dedicated men of DHS, men and women of DHS, have never wavered in their support [21:30] for this tournament. [21:32] Similarly, our interagency partners are critical for the support of every kind. [21:37] DHS is grateful for all our federal, state, local, tribal, territorial, international, as [21:45] well as our private sector partners, for without their support, we would not be able to secure [21:49] the World Cup tournament. [21:51] I want to thank you for the opportunity to be here today, and I look forward to answering [21:55] your questions. [21:56] Thank you. [21:57] Thank you, sir, very much. [21:58] Mr. Olson. [21:59] Agent Olson. [22:00] Mr. Olson. [22:02] Chair Moran, Chairwoman Britt, Ranking Member Van Hollen, Ranking Member Murphy, and members [22:07] of the subcommittee, thank you for having me here today to speak with you about the Federal [22:10] Bureau of Investigation's role in the U.S. government effort to ensure the safety and security [22:15] of the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament. [22:18] My name is Doug Olson. [22:19] I'm the Special Aiden in Charge of the FBI's Portland Field Office. [22:22] I'm also the FBI's Senior Coordinating Official, or SCO, on the White House Task Force for [22:27] the FIFA World Cup. [22:29] The sheer scale of this event and the complex global threat environment require a unified [22:35] government effort, and the task force has been a key enabler of interagency coordination. [22:40] As the FBI's SCO, I regularly engage with my task force leadership interagency partners, [22:45] and I'm lucky to have a strong relationship with my DHS counterpart, Christopher Tomney. [22:51] We're also lucky to be joined by Mr. Robert O'Leary from the Department of Commerce, whose [22:55] work with the task force and interagency will ensure the World Cup is successful from a trade [22:59] and tourism perspective. [23:01] Just as this is a whole of government effort, it's also an all of FBI effort. [23:06] All 56 FBI field offices and 63 law enforcement attache offices around the world stand ready [23:13] to support the USG as the tournament approaches and throughout the 39-day event. [23:19] Headquarters personnel work every day to support our field offices, and this effort is no different. [23:24] Our Critical Incident Response Group, or CERG, has taken a significant role in matters ranging [23:29] from special events planning to counter-unmanned aircraft system operations and intelligence coordination. [23:36] The FBI's Criminal Justice Information Services Division, Information Management Division, and CERG play [23:42] key roles in ensuring those seeking access to secure venue spaces are thoroughly vetted. [23:48] Our Counterterrorism, Criminal, Counterintelligence, and Espionage and Cyber Divisions are closely [23:54] monitoring all available information to maintain awareness of threats from potential terrorists, [24:00] cyber actors, and anyone else seeking to engage in nefarious activity related to the World Cup. [24:05] The FBI's International Operations Division and Office of Engagement ensure information is shared [24:10] with foreign partners, federal, state, local law enforcement, private sector partners, and the public. [24:16] Of course, the FBI continues its daily global operations, and we are constantly assessing the [24:22] appropriate assignment of personnel and resources to support day-to-day missions, the World Cup, [24:27] and a variety of significant events, including those associated with America's 250th anniversary. [24:33] This will be a very busy summer, and the FBI is ready. [24:36] Now I'll offer insight into a few of the most significant efforts I've been able to oversee [24:41] as the SCO. [24:42] I'll start with general special events support. [24:45] Our field office teams have excellent relationships with federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial [24:50] law enforcement. [24:51] FBI special events teams maintain close relationships and strong communication with our DHS partners [24:58] throughout the preparation and execution stages of events ranging from the Super Bowl and the [25:02] World Series to the Kentucky Derby and the Boston Marathon, to name just a few. [25:06] One of the most significant safety concerns surrounding the World Cup is the threat posed by Unmanned [25:12] Aircraft Systems, or UAS. [25:15] The FBI's counter-UAS capabilities include both detection and mitigation, and notably, [25:20] in November 2025, the FBI established the National Counter-UAS Training Center, or NACOTSE, [25:26] in Huntsville, Alabama, at Redstone Arsenal. [25:29] NACOTSE is the only federally authorized counter-UAS training and certification center for state, [25:35] local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement in the country. [25:40] Timely intelligence sharing is critical to the preservation of life and property. [25:44] To ensure the collection, analysis, and sharing of intelligence at all classification levels [25:49] is continuous and effective, the FBI has established the Intelligence Coordination Center. [25:54] This center will continue to collect, analyze, and share World Cup-related threat reporting, [25:59] law enforcement information, intelligence community products, and other relevant information throughout [26:05] the tournament. [26:06] The FBI will also manage the International Police Coordination Center, a centralized multi-agency [26:12] hub established to facilitate international police collaboration during the tournament. [26:17] Finally, in order to increase event security, the FBI is coordinating thorough records checks [26:23] of all individuals requiring accredited access to World Cup venues. [26:27] I want to stress that the entire FBI stands ready to respond to any significant event, regardless [26:33] of proximity to World Cup events. [26:36] In closing, I'm continually impressed by the efforts of my FBI colleagues and our partners [26:41] as we endeavor to host a safe, secure, and ultimately successful FIFA World Cup tournament. [26:47] The FBI could not do this alone, and the great relationship that we have with so many partners [26:52] is and will continue to be critical to our success. [26:56] I want to thank Director Tomney, Mr. O'Leary, and their teams for their consistently excellent [27:01] work. [27:02] The FBI remains committed to its core mission to protect the American people and uphold the [27:07] Constitution of the United States, and to the safety, security, and overall success of [27:13] the FIFA World Cup. [27:14] I appreciate the committee's interest in the same. [27:16] Agent, thank you very much. [27:18] I'm going to turn to Senator Britt to begin the questioning. [27:22] I appreciate this as being a joint hearing, not a usual occurrence in our full committee, [27:29] but Senator Britt, thanks for the two of us working together to make this important hearing happen. [27:33] Well, thank you, Mr. Chairman, for your leadership on this and your thoughtfulness about including [27:38] this. [27:39] It's so important that we're all talking and that we're all sharing both information, best [27:44] practices, and figure out where we fit in to keep people safe. [27:48] You mentioned something before we get into this, Mr. O'Leary, just about travel in the [27:52] United States. [27:54] Question for you, and while I know TSA is in the Department of Homeland Security, know that [27:58] you're working very well, from a commerce perspective, can you talk any at all about the effects of [28:03] the shutdown with regards to travel right now? [28:05] With some limited about the shutdown, I'll defer to- [28:14] But there have been effects as far as commerce goes and traveling. [28:18] There will likely be effects. [28:20] One of the good pieces of news I will share with this committee is that as far as international [28:25] travel, we are reporting this week that it was up 3.5 percent in March. [28:29] But generally speaking, when everyone is working and airport lines are lessened and people know [28:34] that they can get their flights on time, it does make a difference. [28:37] Yeah. [28:38] So, Admiral Toomey, I'd like to go to you. [28:41] How has the current 60-day shutdown hampered your ability to coordinate and organize for [28:46] an event of this magnitude? [28:48] Yeah. [28:49] Thank you, Chairwoman, for that question. [28:52] It has significantly impacted our operations. [28:59] If I can implore, you know, members of Congress on both sides, it's long since time to reopen [29:05] the Department of Homeland Security. [29:07] We have been shut down more days than we've been open this fiscal year. [29:14] And at a time with what's going on globally, at a time when we're going to have this historic [29:20] tournament, it's time to open our Department of Homeland Security. [29:26] It has impacted, I know the acting administrator has been up here on the Hill, have talked about [29:31] the hundreds of TSOs that have been lost during the shutdown. [29:35] We just can't replace that expertise overnight. [29:39] It has hindered our coordination with state and locals. [29:44] It has reduced our planning efforts. [29:46] With all that being said, though, let me assure this committee and the members of the public, [29:53] we will have a safe, we will have a secure, it will be an enjoyable tournament, but it [29:59] has had a negative impact on the planning. [30:01] Yeah. [30:03] And when you're looking at the funds that you could have leveraged, the additional resources [30:06] that were passed and the bipartisan bill that was passed on March 5th from the House, I [30:13] would assume that not having those funds available does negatively impact, even though you're [30:17] obviously committed to the mission. [30:19] And very specifically, the faster we get those things to you, then the better and easier it [30:23] is to do your job. [30:24] I would assume that that's a yes. [30:26] Yes, ma'am. [30:27] Absolutely. [30:28] I think it's past time that we do our job, put politics aside and figure out a pathway forward. [30:33] We've repeatedly secured major sporting events. [30:38] You mentioned specifically in your opening, but typically we do that one at a time. [30:44] My question is kind of a broad stroke, and Mr. Olson, I go to you on this. [30:48] When we're looking at a Super Bowl or a national championship game, we've got all of the resources [30:53] in one place. [30:54] At something like this, where we see events across the country, talk to me about how much [30:59] more difficult it is for you to secure such a large scale event in different multiple [31:04] locations. [31:05] And is there any additional resources that you need or support you need from Congress in [31:10] order to be able to do that job to your maximum ability? [31:13] Thanks for the question, Senator. [31:17] It is more complex. [31:19] As you mentioned, typically we have one event going on one way, but I think we do have to [31:25] remember that our state and local partners are very experienced at this. [31:28] In any given weekend in America, we have football games that are huge going on all across America [31:34] or other sporting events. [31:36] So our local partners are well experienced in securing these events. [31:41] I think the key to supporting an event as big as the World Cup is having a common operating [31:47] picture across not only the United States, but also having a common operating picture with [31:53] our partners to the north in Canada and our partners to the south in Mexico and making [31:57] sure we're sharing that common operator down to the lowest level at every single local jurisdiction. [32:03] Do you feel like you have that now? [32:05] I feel like we have the apparatus in place to do that. [32:08] I feel like the planning on this through the task force and the interagency coordination [32:13] has been unprecedented. [32:14] And I think we've had excellent... [32:15] In a good way. [32:16] In a good way. [32:17] In a good way. [32:18] Okay. [32:19] That's great to hear. [32:20] I'm almost out of time. [32:21] Admiral Toomey, let me ask you one more thing. [32:22] Without getting into specifics, what are some of the greatest challenges that you still [32:26] face in order to have a successful World Cup? [32:29] I think, again, probably our greatest challenges is, again, the multitude or threats. [32:40] We can talk more when we get to closed sessions. [32:44] I would say probably counter-drone capability. [32:49] I know Congress very wisely appropriated funding for the states, $250 million in grant funding [32:58] for counter-drone technology. [33:01] I think getting all that in place would be one of the significant... [33:05] Thank you. [33:06] Thank you. [33:07] I think the FBI have more funding there for drones and counter-drone. [33:12] It's hard to argue with that. [33:22] Your answer, Admiral Toomey, to one of Senator Britt's questions is an opportunity for me [33:27] to indicate to our committee members that we have created the opportunity to have a closed [33:32] session, a classified session, upon the conclusion of this public hearing. [33:36] And so some of you may have questions that are more appropriate for that setting. [33:41] Let me see. [33:42] I want to start with you, Mr. O'Leary. [33:44] We want to have... [33:46] We want to convey to the world that the United States is open. [33:50] We're welcoming. [33:52] We're excited to host the international soccer fans. [33:57] Much of that messaging is going to be local, chambers of commerce and local fans. [34:03] But tell me about the agencies and the federal government and the Department of Commerce that [34:12] have responsibilities here. [34:13] Yours would probably be at the forefront. [34:15] What is the U.S. government doing to convey that message just broadly? [34:21] And any specifics, the things we've done differently to promote the world coverage? [34:27] Thank you, Senator. [34:28] And first of all, let me say how glad I am that Kansas will be hosting an event. [34:34] Having worked for a hospitality company previously that was based in Kansas, I've had the opportunity [34:39] to get firsthand experience, the warmth and hospitality of the people from Kansas. [34:42] So I know there will be amazing ambassadors who will ensure that all visitors to Kansas [34:46] will have a great experience. [34:47] Thank you for your kindness. [34:48] The first political job I ever occupied was the chairman of the Kansas Commission on Travel [34:53] and Tourism. [34:54] And I'm glad that you see that we've made good stead in that regard. [34:59] It's truly an amazing state with amazing people. [35:01] So as Director Tomini and Special Agent Olsen said, we have taken a whole-of-government approach [35:07] to support the task force. [35:10] And prior to my service, prior to joining public service, I really understand what it meant [35:14] to be a whole-of-government approach. [35:15] But through this task force, I see the incredible coordination and cooperation among the agencies [35:20] to ensure we deliver on the President's agenda, which is a safe, secure, and memorable games. [35:24] So there are multiple things that we're doing. [35:26] First of all, initially, just hosting the World Cup specifically, that's a huge win for the United States [35:32] because that's going to bring millions of visitors in, as you referenced in your opening statement. [35:36] And just as importantly, that's going to generate billions of viewers who will see the games [35:41] in the United States. [35:42] And our goal is to turn those billions of viewers into millions of future visitors. [35:46] We also want to do, and we are working to make sure people who come to the United States [35:50] have a very positive experience so that when they go back, they do two things. [35:55] They determine to return to the United States as repeat visitors, but they also, importantly, [35:59] act as informal ambassadors for us to recommend travel to the United States for them as well. [36:04] So I'm very confident that when people come to the United States, as we all know, [36:08] there's not a more welcoming country, not a more welcoming people. [36:11] So the more people we can bring to the United States, the better off we're going to be for future visits. [36:16] Mr. O'Leary, we don't have anyone here from the Department of State, [36:19] but they play a significant role in providing visas to those who are entitled to come here. [36:25] Do you have any update from your perspective about the capability of fans and their access to visas? [36:34] Mr. O'Leary, I do, Senator. Thank you. [36:35] So from my understanding, the State Department has done a wonderful job. [36:38] My understanding is they have surged about 450 personnel overseas, [36:43] specifically dedicated to ensuring reduction in visa wait times. [36:47] And one accomplishment we're very proud of is we can now say that in over 72 countries where waits had previously been over one year, [36:57] the visa wait time is under 60 days. [37:00] And that's in addition to the FIFA pass that President Trump announced, [37:03] which is the Priority Advanced Scheduling System, which is for people who have tickets for the World Cup. [37:09] So there are many efforts being in place to ensure ease of travel and that people who want to come to the World Cup can come here, get the visa. [37:19] And as you know, many countries are part of the visa waiver process and can visit with simply filling out the ESTA and getting approved. [37:26] Admiral Toomey, let me follow up a bit on that arena of conversation. [37:32] No question but what our border controls at our ports of entry, our airports, land ports of entry, maritime, [37:39] need to remain rigorous in their certainty that we're 100 percent safe and secure. [37:45] I believe we should also ensure that soccer fans who visit the United States are – that their capability to do so [37:53] is efficient and effective, seamless as possible. [37:57] How do you make certain that we're safe and secure, [38:00] at the same time make the experience of getting into the United States pleasant and welcoming? [38:09] Yeah, thanks for that question, Mr. Chairman. [38:12] To kind of piggyback on Mr. O'Leary's response, [38:16] under the White House Task Force structure, there's a number of interagency working groups [38:21] that have been in place for well over a year now. [38:25] One of those working groups was on visa and visitors working group, co-chaired by both CBP and the Department of State. [38:35] Those two entities, CBP and the Department of State, have been working on, again, making it a seamless experience for those international fans who want to come visit the U.S. [38:49] For example, CBP created a public-facing website. [38:54] CBP welcomes to FIFA World Cup. [38:58] It's a website where visitors can go to. [39:02] It's both audio as well as video information to make it answer all the questions for those international visitors. [39:12] I think when they come here and they get to experience our great country, when they get to experience the great joy of going to one of these soccer matches, [39:21] rest assured that security will be both visible as well as invisible. [39:27] We take a multidimensional approach. [39:30] So, again, there will be a lot of security in place. [39:34] A lot of it will be behind the scenes, not visible to the average fan participating. [39:40] Thank you both. [39:41] Senator Capito. [39:42] Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for having this joint hearing, and thank you all for being here. [39:47] The SEGIS—this is for you, Agent—the FBI's Criminal Justice Information Division is actually located in Harrison County in West Virginia. [39:57] Just for those of you unfamiliar with it, it's the central repository for national crime data, biometrics, and identification services. [40:05] So, we house several really important issues. [40:10] So, I'm proud of that work that West Virginia's do and perform at SEGIS in Clarksburg. [40:14] They have a simple mission, which is to combat a complex threat and to equip law enforcement and intelligence partners with essential criminal justice information. [40:23] Special Agent, will you tell me, have you or do you plan to utilize SEGIS for threat intelligence and personnel screening? [40:31] Thanks for the question, Senator. [40:33] We're very proud of the work that's being done by our teams in West Virginia, and we're actually leveraging their resources right now as we speak. [40:43] The FBI is conducting name checks at FIFA's request for individuals seeking accredited access to FIFA World Cup venues. [40:52] DHS is a huge partner in this because they handle the intake of those name checks, but those checks are being processed through SEGIS' systems to ensure that everyone working behind the scenes at these venues is checked out and safe to be in there for close encounters with the public. [41:13] Well, thank you. [41:14] Well, thank you. [41:15] We're proud of our efforts there, and I know it's getting more sophisticated, more technological, and quicker as well to be helpful. [41:22] You know, I was sitting here thinking about the interoperability. [41:26] All of you have mentioned how important our local partners are, local police, city police, county deputies, and sheriffs, and then on to the state police, you know, as you go up the chain. [41:38] And I was thinking about Butler, Pennsylvania, and one of the outcomes of that was it appeared that there was not as good interoperability between the locals and the Secret Service in that particular venue. [41:54] And I'm wondering, Director Tomney, is that – how do you overcome that hurdle? [42:00] I'm sure you've thought about it a lot and probably looked into that incident to see where the failures might have been. [42:07] How do you respond to that on the communications because it has to be so instantaneous and interoperable? [42:13] Yeah, no. [42:14] Thank you for that question, Senator. [42:17] We do rely quite heavily on our state and local partners. [42:21] Right. [42:22] And again, the state and locals are in charge of the security. [42:27] We, the Fed, support them. [42:29] You know, one of the ways to build that enduring partnership is you've got to be down in the trenches with them. [42:36] That's why these federal coordinators have been in place for well over a year. [42:40] They are senior leaders who come from that local community, so they do have those long-term relationships. [42:47] Again, you know, Special Agent Olson's talked about that great work relationship between the FBI and DHS. [42:54] He and I speak multiple times every week. [42:57] All three of us, along with our additional interagency colleagues, we meet weekly with the White House Task Force. [43:05] But from a safety and security standpoint, DHS and FBI are the co-leads for the interagency. [43:11] My staff and his staff are talking multiple times every single day. [43:15] So, I ask specifically on the communication interoperability, like, should we text? [43:22] Do we have special radios? [43:24] I mean, is that something, I mean, without giving away, you know, the operational details, [43:30] I'm sure that's, like, got to be one of the crux of providing a safe venue. [43:35] Yeah, communications is historically a challenge at times. [43:40] There's ways to get around that through technologies. [43:43] There's other ways, as I used to say when I was in uniform, the exchange of hostages, [43:49] meaning we place one of our employees in someone else's command, and they do vice versa, [43:55] to make sure you don't have that miscommunications. [43:58] Right. [43:59] One of the other issues, I think, anticipating sort of goes a little bit along the line, [44:04] but we're going to have so many international folks here speaking probably hundreds of different languages. [44:11] And, you know, it's been done in other places, in places around the world where there are language barriers. [44:18] Is that something that you all think about, or is the assumption that English being the most universal language, [44:26] that all general communications are in English, or are you going to be tasked with trying to translate a lot of this, [44:35] so that the visitors, the teams, the coaches, the supporters all have an understanding of what's going on? [44:42] Yeah, Senator, thanks for the question. [44:45] Yes, that is a challenge. [44:47] One of the ways, or several of the ways, we are dealing with that is, first of all, we are putting out multilingual information on websites [44:57] for international travelers who are coming over here. [45:00] And then, as the special agent alluded to, the interagency under the FBI's leadership is setting up this international police cooperation center [45:10] where we'll have both the international law enforcement, but also reps from the local law enforcement from the host cities. [45:17] So again, again, from a language barrier, we can get, for example, an international cop talking to a local LAPD cop at this center, [45:29] if there's any sort of language. [45:31] So we will be having international law enforcement agencies also in a coordinating, yes. [45:37] Because, I mean, it's obviously going to take a lot of power to get it done. [45:40] Yes. [45:41] Yes, Senator, and I'd also add that we're fielding some translator requests for our field offices. [45:46] Okay. [45:47] We know who has what games, so there's some predictability to that as well. [45:51] Yeah. [45:52] Oh, that's good. [45:53] That's good. [45:55] Along the same lines, as we've talked a lot about the international travel, so you're mostly assuming, obviously, that's aviation. [46:03] And a lot of these cities are large enough to have handled large events to be able to bus people in and cordon off streets and all that. [46:12] But is that part of your responsibility to do the local transportation issues, or is that pretty much delegated to the locals? [46:22] Yeah. [46:23] Again, thank you, Senator, for the question. [46:26] One of the other interagency working groups under the White House Task Force is a travel and transportation work group, [46:34] co-led by both the Department of Commerce as well as the Department of Transportation. [46:39] So they are taking a whole-of-government look at transportation. [46:43] So the ground transportation as well? [46:44] Yes, ma'am. [46:45] All right. [46:46] Thank you all very much. [46:47] Thanks for what you're doing. [46:48] Thank you. [46:49] Thank you, Mr. Chair. [46:50] And I apologize I had to run out to another hearing. [46:56] But I do want to get back to some of the concerns I raised during my opening statements. [47:01] I have confidence that people are making the necessary preparations on the security and safety front. [47:08] I am very concerned that because of statements made by the president and actions taken by the Trump administration, [47:14] that we're going to be discouraging soccer fans from coming to games here, and that our communities will lose the economic benefits of that game, [47:24] or that they will be diminished. [47:26] So, Mr. O'Leary, isn't it true that you're required by law under the Visit America Act to produce annual forecasting reports on international travel and tourism industry rates, [47:41] including current and anticipated? [47:44] Isn't that one of your responsibilities? [47:46] Yes, Senator. [47:48] That is one of our responsibilities. [47:49] And you prepared one that was released in March of last year, March 2025, correct? [47:56] That was before my time, but I believe the answer is yes, Senator. [48:01] But we're now beyond a year, and the law requires that they be provided and updated annually. [48:06] Can you assure the subcommittees that you will provide that in short order? [48:12] Yes, Senator. [48:13] We provide monthly updates on international travel, inbound travel, and we are working on the final numbers for 2025, [48:22] and that should be available, I believe, by either July or August of this year, we'll have the final numbers. [48:30] So forecasting is a very large responsibility for NTTO. [48:33] Well, I know you're talking about two different things. [48:38] I want to get to actual numbers. [48:39] I'm talking about forecasts. [48:40] Okay. [48:41] You're supposed to, by law, provide us with a forecast of what you expect foreign visitors [48:50] traveling to the United States for tourism purposes or to visit the games. [48:54] Are you aware of that responsibility? [48:56] So we both forecast and we both measure the economic impact of travel and tourism. [49:01] And one of our responsibilities, as I'm sure you know, Senator, is we also work on a national travel and tourism strategy [49:08] that's done every five or 10 years. [49:10] The last one was completed in 2022, and that's a strategy we'll be working on to complete this year. [49:16] And in that strategy, we will be setting targets and goals for international visitation and travel. [49:22] Well, no, I'm aware of the strategy document. [49:25] I would point out that, unfortunately, in what our Republican colleagues called the big, beautiful bill, [49:30] they slashed funding for Brand USA by 80% as we were entering the tourism season. [49:37] But I want to come back to my question. [49:39] I mean, you are required by law just to submit these reports annually that projects expected tourism. [49:46] So will you produce that for this committee or beyond the year point? [49:52] Senator, I will work with our research staff to come up with a forecast. [49:55] And if you'd allow me to go back to the Department of Commerce, [49:57] I will get that information to you in testimony if you'd allow me to do that. [50:00] Because a lot of us are questioning why the administration has not provided that. [50:07] And I can understand why you might not want to based on previous projections, [50:12] because the report that was released in March of 2025 projected that international tourism [50:18] in the United States would increase 6.5% in 2025 and another 10% in 2026. [50:27] And that did not happen in 2025, did it? [50:30] That did not happen. [50:32] One of the reasons we're so excited about the mega events heading to the United States [50:35] is because we are expecting a very strong 10-year record of travel and tourism. [50:41] Please just answer the question. [50:44] So you, I don't mean you personally, but the department projected a 6.5% increase in tourism in 2025. [50:52] That did not happen, did it? [50:53] Correct. [50:55] In fact, I have a chart here that we asked the Congressional Service, [50:59] Congressional Research Service to put together based on the Department of Commerce numbers. [51:05] In other words, we took your numbers and this is the chart. [51:09] And if you look at June 2024 through December 2024, you can see the international, these are actual. [51:18] This is not projected. [51:19] You all projected 6% increase. [51:21] This is actual. [51:22] You can see what they were and then you can see starting right in this period, they start going down. [51:32] In other words, right after the president was sworn in. [51:36] And you can see, I don't know what that one little blue thing, but you can see a steady decline. [51:40] I mean, not even close to 6%. [51:41] Negative. [51:42] So can you understand why many of us are concerned that statements and actions by the administration are going to depress what we hope will be a good amount of tourists coming here for the World Cup? [51:56] Can you understand that concern given these numbers and the wrong projections? [52:01] Well, Senator, I think you'd be happy to know we had a 3.5 increase in March. [52:06] And I would expect that we will continue to see growth over the next decade. [52:11] This is really an amazing opportunity for the traveling tourism industry with these major events that are coming in with the World Cup, with Olympics, with the Paralympics. [52:20] So I don't think there's ever been a time. [52:23] And generally speaking, this administration has made travel a very strong priority. [52:27] One of the president's first activities actually as president-elect back in 2016, he expended his political capital to go out and win the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. [52:38] Two years later, he asked his son-in-law, Jerry Kushner, to go over and he won the FIFA World Cup for the United States. [52:44] And he also won co-host with Mexico and Canada. [52:46] So this is a president who, through his actions, has made it very clear that he prioritizes travel and tourism. [52:53] And I think, generally speaking, if you look at his private sector career, there's never been a president who's created more private sector jobs for travel and tourism. [53:00] And two of his signature initiatives, which I'm really proud to talk about, are no tax on tips and no tax on overtime. [53:08] And those are two policies that directly impact and benefit the travel and tourism industry. [53:13] Let me just, I'm going to wrap this up, but sorry you strayed into no tax on tips, which is actually something I support. [53:20] As you probably know, the no tax on tips is a cut that expires in two years, while the tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires were made permanent. [53:31] I actually have a proposal that would make all the people who benefit from tax on no tax on tips better off and permanently. [53:38] I hope the president will support that. [53:40] And look, I know there was no policy, no tax on tips before the president came up with the idea and implemented it. [53:47] There have been a number of proposals that the president put forward that if you want to talk about the lion's share, this is not a finance committee hearing, but you raised it. [53:58] If you look at the tax cuts under the so-called Big Beautiful Bill, 50% of the benefits went to the top 5% income earners and 75% of the benefits went to the top 20%. [54:17] I put forward a proposal where 100% of the tax benefits go to people who are taxpayers below. [54:26] That would be hopefully something we could all agree on, except I do pay for it with a surtax on people who make over a million dollars a year. [54:35] I don't, you raised it. [54:37] I just want to say the facts themselves, the facts from your own department should cause any reasonable person concern. [54:48] Obviously tourism will go up when you have the World Cup. [54:51] The issue is whether it will go up according to expectations, like in Kansas City. [54:57] We are investing hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars in protecting this. [55:02] So I just want to make sure that in the end, in addition to the excitement, as I said I'm a huge soccer fan, this is a good deal for the American people. [55:13] And that means making sure that we maximize the economic benefits in places like Kansas City. [55:17] Thank you. [55:18] May I say, Senator, we are completely on the same page. [55:21] Our goal is to maximize that as well. [55:23] And that is what we're working to do through the task force and through the, through these events. [55:27] And one of these I'm most excited about is I believe these events that will generate increased tourism will lead directly to increased jobs and travel and hospitality. [55:35] Which as an industry, one of its characteristics is very upwardly mobile. [55:39] So it's a great source of jobs. [55:41] It's a vital driver for the economy. [55:43] And we are, we are putting these events together to ensure that this is an amazing decade to maximize the opportunity for the travel and tourism sector. [55:50] Thank you. [55:51] Senator Shaheen. [55:52] Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for, to you and the ranking member of both committees for holding this hearing. [55:58] And thank you to our witnesses for being here. [56:00] Mr. O'Leary, I want to follow up on some of the questions that Senator Van Hollen was asking. [56:06] Because I agree, this should be an amazing opportunity for travel and tourism. [56:11] The World Cup is going to be held not just in the United States, but also in Canada and Mexico. [56:17] And I have some concern that the tariffs that the President has put on and the rhetoric against Canada, the rhetoric about deploying military forces inside Mexico are going to have some impact on those countries and their interest in participating with us. [56:37] Also, the tourism industry in New Hampshire, the state that I represent, is our state's second largest industry. [56:44] It supports 70,000 jobs. [56:47] And our largest share of foreign tourism is from Canada. [56:50] Last year, New Hampshire saw a 30% drop in tourists from Canada. [56:56] In some areas, that was more than 60%. [56:59] It's largely due to the loss of trust and goodwill because of the President's rhetoric around Canada. [57:06] So, can you talk about what steps the administration is taking to restore tourism from Canada and Mexico [57:13] and how this should be an opportunity and what you're doing to try and capitalize specifically on this opportunity? [57:19] Yes, thank you, Senator. [57:23] So, first of all, let me say we love our Canadian visitors. [57:26] We welcome Canadian travel. [57:27] And we know when Canadians come to the United States, they will have an amazing experience, which they always do. [57:31] Perhaps you should share that with President Trump. [57:33] I know President Trump also welcomes visitors from all over the world, and he loves our Canadian visitors. [57:38] So, one of the great things about the World Cup is because we're hosting it with Canada and Mexico, [57:42] it's giving us an opportunity to work directly with those countries. [57:45] And across agencies, we are working with them to make travel easier, to make it more seamless, [57:50] so that we all succeed together in the World Cup. [57:52] Can you talk a little bit more in specifics about that when you say we're working with different government agencies [57:59] to make visas more, to expedite visas for people to come through? [58:06] Can you talk about who you're working with and the increase in visas and how you're addressing that? [58:13] Because that's been an issue in terms of getting people to the U.S. [58:17] Certainly. [58:18] As I mentioned earlier, one of the things we're very proud of is our efforts. [58:23] The State Department has, from what I understand, has surged resources across the globe, about 400, 450 people. [58:30] And one of the accomplishments, it has reduced visa wait times from the previous administration [58:35] that were over one year in over 72 or 75 countries to under 60 days. [58:40] So that is making the travel process much easier. [58:43] In addition, we're working closely with our allies in Canada and Mexico to make travel easier as well. [58:49] I believe it's CBP or might be DHS has hosted multiple events with our counterparts specifically to make travel easier. [58:57] We've had conversations. [59:00] We know, for example, Seattle, there'll be many in Vancouver are hosting games [59:05] and we're working to make sure travel between those two destinations are easy as well. [59:09] As you know, ESTA is many countries are visa waiver process countries. [59:14] I recently saw a statistic that we've had a million ESTA applications [59:18] for the World Cup. [59:20] Generally speaking, I believe there's pretty strong demand for the World Cup [59:23] and a couple of barometers are number one. [59:26] You do see there's been ability to raise prices. [59:29] And secondly, an important factor when we think about the World Cup as far as the demand, [59:34] it's important to recognize the fundamental change in supply. [59:37] So this is, I believe it's because FIFA understood the mark of the United States, how much we could attract people. [59:43] They basically increased the tournament from 32 to 48 teams. [59:48] That's a 50% increase in teams. [59:50] It's a 62% increase in games and a 90% increase in actual tickets because we've gone from smaller stadiums in Qatar to the NFL-style stadiums in America. [59:59] I appreciate that. [1:00:00] And I'm sorry to interrupt, but I'm almost out of time. [1:00:03] So I just want to get in another question before it's over. [1:00:06] But again, I would point out that this is an opportunity and hopefully we will let our neighbors know that we want them here. [1:00:14] And so we won't see the continued declining numbers as Senator Van Hollen showed in his chart. [1:00:21] My next question is for you, Mr. Tommy. [1:00:25] Am I pronouncing your name correctly? [1:00:28] The Federal Emergency Management Agency issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity for $625 million for the World Cup for Security [1:00:36] and $250 million for Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems UAS. [1:00:41] The Counter UAS funding was awarded in January, but the World Cup funding was not issued until mid-March, [1:00:47] even though host cities across the country were pressing the administration to release the funds. [1:00:58] There were several news reports that showed that the reason for the holdup was because of an administrative delay. [1:01:07] Can you tell us what the administrative delay was and whether we should worry that we're going to see more administrative delays? [1:01:14] Thank you, Senator, for the question. [1:01:16] I'm not aware of any administrative delays other than the lapse in appropriations to DHS, and that has slowed many things down. [1:01:24] Is the money coming from DHS? [1:01:27] Say that? I didn't hear the question, Senator. [1:01:30] My understanding is that the money was not coming from DHS. [1:01:34] FEMA is part of DHS. [1:01:36] I understand, but the appropriation is for the World Cup, is it not, Senator Moran? [1:01:40] So, it should not be held up. [1:01:45] So, again, a lot of the planning efforts underway for the World Cup have been slowed down, [1:01:53] have been delayed due to the lapse in appropriations, individuals being furloughed, et cetera. [1:02:00] Have you shared that with House members who are holding up the agreement that the Senate passed 100-0? [1:02:05] I can assure you, Senator, all the funding has been released now. [1:02:09] FEMA GO is up and operational, so the funding is out there. [1:02:13] Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. [1:02:16] Thank you, Senator. [1:02:19] Agent Olson, let's spend a little more time. [1:02:23] I'm going to save most of my questions on security until we're in a different setting, [1:02:27] but I want to give you the chance to tell us publicly and the public about the unmanned aerial systems. [1:02:37] You indicated in your testimony that it's one of the places to have concern. [1:02:42] The FBI will be fully exercising its own authorities in respect to UAS detection and mitigation. [1:02:52] And furthermore, pursuant to the Safer Skies Act and Executive Order 14305, [1:02:58] the FBI will assist in state and local law enforcement with counter-UAS capabilities. [1:03:04] Also, we talked a little bit about the FBI's National Counter-UAS Training Center. [1:03:10] It's certified, as I understand it, 45 state and local law enforcement officers [1:03:15] with the expectation to have 61 certified by the time of the start of the games. [1:03:21] Is that sufficient? [1:03:25] It doesn't necessarily seem sufficient to me, but the question is to you. [1:03:28] Is that sufficient? [1:03:29] We've heard a bit from state and local law enforcement agencies that access to FBI training [1:03:35] is severely limited and that demand exceeds the capacity. [1:03:41] Thank you for the question, Senator. [1:03:43] You're spot on in terms of the threat. [1:03:46] The threat is very real. [1:03:47] It's growing. [1:03:48] I think these devices are easily obtained and they're evolving. [1:03:54] It makes detection and identification difficult. [1:03:57] And I think we've seen from recent conflicts that the capability and intent of bad actors [1:04:03] can be acted out utilizing these devices. [1:04:05] So it definitely is something that we're concerned about. [1:04:08] I would say, first of all, with regard to NCATSE, we're very proud of what we've done with NCATSE. [1:04:13] In order to roll out a new schoolhouse with a very good curriculum in short order, I think is unprecedented. [1:04:23] And we've been able to do it. [1:04:24] The prioritization there was to get state and local officers through in our FIFA host cities. [1:04:32] And I'm happy to say that we have at least some personnel trained in every single host city. [1:04:40] And then I would just say before we conclude to a closed session, I'd say the interagency, you know, us and our partners have a very solid plan when it comes to counter UAS. [1:04:50] Like, I'm very confident in the plan. [1:04:52] It leverages federal resources. [1:04:54] It leverages our state and local partners. [1:04:56] And it's an integrated plan to cover all the host city locations. [1:05:02] And I feel like we're in a good place there. [1:05:04] I'm happy to share more details with you in the closed session. [1:05:06] Okay. [1:05:07] Do we need to talk about training issues there? [1:05:10] The capacity to train local law enforcement? [1:05:13] I think it would be better to get into specific capacities there. [1:05:18] Okay. [1:05:19] How is things different? [1:05:21] If you're the SAC in Kansas City or the SAC in St. Louis and Kansas City has the World Cup coming, what's going on different in those offices today than would have been in the past? [1:05:35] That's a great question, Senator. [1:05:37] We have, you know, I think one of the strengths of the FBI is our field offices and those local relationships that we have between our special agents in charge. [1:05:45] And then major police chiefs in those locations. [1:05:49] I know the Kansas City PD police chief and the SAC in Kansas City have a really good relationship. [1:05:55] I think you know our deputy director Bailey went out there earlier this week and spoke with Governor Kehoe. [1:06:01] I think those folks are, like you said, year round what's different. [1:06:06] Those guys are always on the same sheet of music in terms of task forces. [1:06:09] We don't do anything really well unless we're doing it in collaboration with our state and local partners. [1:06:14] So we're always in coordination, but this is a much bigger thing to plan for. [1:06:19] So I think it calls for increased engagement, which is absolutely going on in those locations. [1:06:25] And then it calls for us to engage at the headquarters level with those SACs in both those host city locations. [1:06:32] But I would also add the base camp locations as well. [1:06:35] Some base camp locations or host cities, some aren't. [1:06:38] So we include all of those into regular calls so that we can field their concerns, resource requests. [1:06:44] And those guys are and gals are in lockstep with their state and local partners, along with all the other ways we engage through our DHS counterparts to kind of let us know what the pulse is there on the ground. [1:06:57] Thank you. [1:06:58] Senator Peters. [1:07:00] Senator Peters. [1:07:02] Senator Peters. [1:07:03] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. [1:07:04] General, thank you for being here for your updates. [1:07:06] I, in addition to serving on this committee, I'm the Ranking Member on Homeland Security and Government Affairs. [1:07:13] And for months, my staff has been requesting a bipartisan briefing from the White House FIFA taskforce to kind of understand the whole government approach. [1:07:22] government approach. Certainly, committee members on Homeland Security would like to [1:07:25] have that. Unfortunately, we have not been getting a response, so today I'd like to [1:07:30] get a commitment, if I could, from each of you that you will provide a briefing to the [1:07:34] full Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee at your earliest convenience. [1:07:40] SECRETARY KERRY, Yeah, thanks, Senator. So I can't speak on behalf of the White House [1:07:48] Task Force, but I can speak for DHS. I'd be more than happy to talk about what we're [1:07:52] doing within Homeland Security. SECRETARY KERRY, And you'll help us get the task force there [1:07:57] as well? Even though if you can't speak for them, you can certainly… [1:08:00] SECRETARY KERRY, Yes, sir. We can pass your concerns and your interest to the task force. [1:08:07] Absolutely. SECRETARY KERRY, But you're willing to stop the meeting with the full committee [1:08:09] bipartisan to do that? The other gentleman? SECRETARY KERRY, I would echo that, sir. We [1:08:14] can do the same from the FBI side. SECRETARY KERRY, Great. Thank you. Mr. Lurie? [1:08:18] MR. Yes, Senator. I can also echo that. We would do that from the Department of Commerce. [1:08:22] SECRETARY KERRY, Great. Wonderful. Thank you. Director Tamney, the Department, as you know, [1:08:27] has temporarily assigned U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers, the folks who are responsible [1:08:33] for screening travelers and also facilitating trade and travel and do a great job doing that. [1:08:38] But a lot of them have been assigned to support other agencies, the TSA and ICE operations, including [1:08:46] a good measure of immigration enforcement. And this is despite the fact you're operating already [1:08:51] with a shortage of officers. But due to the fact that they've been reassigned, I've got [1:08:55] concerns about that. So my question for you, what is D.H.'s plans to ensure that all of [1:09:00] our 328 ports of entry are adequately staffed and so they can vet visitors as well as at the [1:09:07] same time do their main mission, which is to facilitate trade during the games? [1:09:12] SECRETARY KERRY, Yeah. Thanks, Senator. So as I mentioned in my opening statement, we have [1:09:19] to balance both security for the World Cup Tournament, but also our enduring missions. We do have [1:09:24] to do the everyday mission, securing the border, securing aviation transportation system and the [1:09:30] like. I can assure the senator that, first of all, we take a whole of DHS approach. We look at sourcing our [1:09:39] security requirements across all the DHS operational components. CBP has stepped up to the plate. They have been able to, you know, [1:09:47] both meet our needs for World Cup sources of personnel, as well as continue their everyday mission. But it is a challenge. That's why this needs to be a whole government approach. We can't do it on the back of just one agency or one department. It needs to be the entire U.S. [1:10:08] U.S. interagency. But is it safe to say, then, some of these temporary assignments, at least during the games and the need to make sure that these positions are fully staffed, you'll be bringing people back to really do their main mission? [1:10:21] SECRETARY KERRY, We need to make sure we're back. And one of the things I've been talking for many months about is about intel and threats and something we can talk about in the closed session. We need to take a risk-based approach. [1:10:35] SECRETARY KERRY, Right. [1:10:36] SECRETARY KERRY, If we make everything a priority, nothing will be a priority. So we need to balance our multiple commitments. [1:10:41] SECRETARY KERRY, Right. Yeah, I understand. So, Director, I'm doing the question. I want to talk specifically about cyber threats that are facing the 11 host cities. During the 2022 Qatar World Cup, hackers tried literally billions of times to break into FIFA networks and surrounding infrastructure with varying degrees of success. The major cyber attacks were [1:11:04] The major cyber attacks on the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, just recently, were actually intercepted just days before attackers were poised to strike, potentially disrupting the games. But because of that, vigilant, we were able to get out in front of that. So my question for you is, given that we have significant, significant cuts to CISA, which is our main cybersecurity agency, what's the government's plan to protect the games from cyber attacks, given this agency, which was understaffed to begin with, and [1:11:34] is now severely understaffed. [1:11:36] SECRETARY KERRY, Again, Senator, thanks for the question. We'll be able to address that probably better in the closed session. We do have a CISA expert with us here to talk. But you are correct. We are concerned about cyber attacks during the tournament. You are also correct. We are, you know, aware that we could have potentially billions of attacks during this. It is one of the main lines of concern, [1:12:05] for us. Obviously, we know there's many ways to attack whether from the sky, cyber domains, etc. We are putting in place security enhancements to deal with that. Again, we could talk more in the closed session. [1:12:20] SECRETARY KERRY, I'd appreciate that. And Mr. Chairman, just to follow up to that, if I may, to Mr. Olson, how is the White House Task Force delineating basically cybersecurity responsibilities between CISA, FBI, other federal agencies, as well as state level? I'm hearing from state level folks that are concerned about the level of communication that's going on. And to have a whole government approach, virtually on cyber, we're going to need to close every gap that we have. And at the same time, make sure we're not duplicating efforts, because we need resources. [1:12:48] Because we need resources to use as efficiently as possible. What kind of assurances do we have that that's actually happening? [1:12:56] Yeah, I think the good thing is we delineate along the regular lines of how we separate that effort. So we investigate, we attribute. That's always been our role at the FBI. [1:13:08] And then we work with DHS to ensure that the network is secure for the next time. But we're not in charge of hardening that network or protecting. We're there to get the bad guy who committed the offense in the first place. [1:13:23] And we've just been echoing, repeating that same message to our state and local partners and when we engage with our private sector partners as well. [1:13:32] Well, some of those local partners are saying they're not getting that information. I'm concerned about that. Maybe we could have a discussion about that, particularly what I'm hearing from some local governments. [1:13:42] Are you hearing that as well? Are you concerned? Or what sort of activities are engaged to make sure? Because they're often the tip of the spear when it comes to security or the folks that are right there on the ground locally. [1:13:53] A hundred percent. Yeah, I know we have a number of private sector engagements at the field office level. We certainly do that in my area of responsibility. And they're sponsored by Cyber Division Nationwide. [1:14:05] We engage with our SACs across all 56 field offices, which cover all of our host city locations and base camp locations regularly on cyber issues. And it hasn't been raised. I think it's one of those things where you can never put enough resources [1:14:22] into the into the cyber realm. These advanced persistent threats are out there all the time. So I think we can always benefit from additional resources and tools. [1:14:31] But we definitely don't want to be lacking on the engagement side. So any insight you can provide, we'd be willing to take that back. [1:14:38] Great. We'll look forward to working with you on that. Thank you, gentlemen. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. [1:14:41] Thank you, Senator Peters. I just have one more question and then we'll close this part of our hearing. I want to talk about emergency management assistant compacts. I think this would be to you, Admiral. [1:14:54] Kansas City has the somewhat unique circumstance of being in two states. And so agreements between states to share personnel, equipment, emergency resources across those state lines is important. [1:15:09] Is DHS actively coordinating that capability? And should I feel comfortable that the necessary agreements will be in place or are in place? [1:15:20] Yeah, thanks for the question, Mr. Chairman. So I'll caveat by saying I am not an EMAC expert. But here's my understanding of how this will work. [1:15:33] So state governors can enter into these emergency management compacts with neighboring states. That is something that the federal government, that's something that DHS does not get involved with. [1:15:46] What would occur would be a state governor would issue a state declaration or a state emergency that would activate that emergency management compact with a neighboring state, which would then be able to supply the resources. [1:16:04] If the president were to declare a national declaration, then that state that had implemented the compact could then apply to FEMA via DHS for potential reimbursement. [1:16:20] But again, as far as the activation, it starts with a state declaration of an emergency that starts the compact, but it's between the states. [1:16:30] The federal government does not get involved and do you advise, does DHS advise the president or that the governor makes the request, obviously, to the president for that designation and the reimbursement that's handled by the White House, not by DHS, is it is my question? [1:16:52] I'd be hesitant to answer, Mr. Chairman, again, not. [1:16:57] I was telling you what I thought was the case or guessed us what is the case, but no reasons for both of us to continue to guess. [1:17:03] Yes, sir. [1:17:04] I understand. [1:17:06] We have no other members to ask questions here. [1:17:10] Senators may submit additional questions for the subcommittee's official hearing record. [1:17:14] We request the secretary, we request your response within 30 days of that, those additional questions. [1:17:25] The subcommittee will stand in recess subject to the call of the chair. [1:17:28] And at this point, all members and appropriately cleared staff are invited to join officials from the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security for the classified briefing. [1:17:38] This committee is in recess. [1:17:40] Thank you.