Elise M. Stefanik

Stefanik Leads Intelligence Committee 9/11 Commission Hearing on Emerging Threats

Position: The release states that policymakers, law enforcement, and the intelligence community must think more proactively about emerging threats such as great power competition, artificial intelligence, drones, and biotechnology, and should take preemptive action against adversaries. It frames a failure of imagination before 9/11 as a lesson to avoid repeating.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In case you missed it, House Republican Leadership Chairwoman Elise Stefanik led an Intelligence Committee hearing on new and emerging threat streams since the attacks on 9/11. This hearing is part of a year-long bipartisan review of the 9/11 Commission Report recommendations ahead of the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks later this year. Read a full transcript of her opening statement as prepared for delivery: Elise Stefanik: A "failure of imagination" was one of the key failures leading up to the September 11 attacks. At the time, Afghanistan seemed very distant to most Americans. Islamist terrorism was known but not considered an impending threat. Using aircraft as weapons seemed far-fetched. But was it that far-fetched? Al Qaeda and other terrorist groups had used suicide vehicles before to wreak havoc. They used other modes of transportation as well. In the USS Cole attack, for example, al Qaeda used a boat. So, was it such stretch of imagination that al Qaeda might leap to other vehicles, like aircraft? In retrospect, the answer is easy: No. Using aircraft as weapons was not out of the question. The problem was a failure of imagination by policymakers, law enforcement, and in the IC. That is the core objective of today's hearing. We cannot afford another failure of imagination. The risks are too high. The threats that have emerged over the last 25 years are much broader and more complex than were present at the time of September 11. Some of these threats include great power competition, artificial intelligence, foreign malign influence campaigns, drones, hostile use of emerging biotechnologies, and vulnerabilities littered throughout our critical infrastructure. We need our IC and law enforcement agencies to think creatively, proactively, and seek innovative ways to get ahead of the new threats we are seeing today. We must go on offense. We need to take preemptive moves to thwart our adversaries. With all the challenges we are confronted with today, we cannot allow ourselves to become complacent. To be sure, this is an immense challenge that we must tackle head on. That is why this Task Force on the 9/11 Commission has held hearings, hosted briefings with the IC and law enforcement officials, visited the Pentagon 9/11 Memorial, and will visit the memorials in Shanksville and New York City. The American people are counting on us to forge a path forward in an uncertain future. I look forward to continuing this important discussion with our excellent panel of witnesses on confronting the next generation of threats facing our nation and want to thank them for participating in today's hearing. Permalink: https://stefanik.house.gov/2026/7/stefanik-leads-intelligence-committee-9-11-commission-hearing-on-emerging-threats 2211 Rayburn House Office Building

Stefanik Leads Intelligence Committee Review of Post 9/11 Intelligence Reforms

Position: The release describes a congressional review of post-9/11 intelligence reforms and states that the nation must adapt its intelligence and national security institutions to emerging threats, including drones, foreign influence operations, cyberattacks, biothreats, and AI. It does not endorse a specific pending bill or policy change.

House Republican Leadership Chairwoman Elise Stefanik led an Intelligence Committee hearing to discuss the progress made on intelligence-related recommendations made in the 9/11 Commission Report and identify possible gaps and areas for improvement. This hearing is part of a year-long bipartisan review of the 9/11 Commission Report recommendations ahead of the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks later this year. Read a full transcript of her opening statement as prepared for delivery: Elise Stefanik: Thank you to Chairman Crawford, Ranking Member Himes, and my Co-Chair Congressman Gottheimer for working with me to convene today's vitally important hearing. This is our FIFTH hearing or briefing as part of this commission. Twenty-five years ago, our Nation endured the September 11th terrorist attacks that were beyond comprehension and forever changed the course of American history. In the aftermath of 9/11, it became clear that our national security and intelligence architecture needed to evolve to meet a rapidly changing threat landscape. The reforms that followed strengthened coordination, intelligence sharing, and our ability to detect and disrupt threats on our homeland. Today's hearing is an opportunity to examine those reforms, assess what has worked, identify areas that require modernization, and ensure we continue adapting to emerging threats of today and the future. The purpose of this commission is to review the effectiveness of the reforms that emerged from the 9/11 Commission Report and to evaluate whether our intelligence and national security institutions are fully equipped to address today's challenges and tomorrow's threats. While the world has changed dramatically over the past twenty-five years, one reality remains constant: America continues to face determined adversaries who seek to exploit vulnerabilities and undermine our national security. We are now confronting a rapidly evolving threat environment that includes advanced drone technologies, foreign malign influence operations, cyberattacks, biothreats, and artificial intelligence developments with profound national security implications. Congress has a responsibility to confront these issues directly. We must ensure that our national security and intelligence institutions remain agile, forward-looking, and prepared to stay ahead of the evolving threat landscape before our adversaries can exploit gaps. Today we are joined by a panel of witnesses who played significant roles in strengthening our intelligence community and national security framework in the years following 9/11. Thank you all for being here today. I look forward to your testimony and to a thoughtful discussion on how we continue protecting the American people in an increasingly complex threat environment. Permalink: https://stefanik.house.gov/2026/6/stefanik-leads-intelligence-committee-review-of-post-9-11-intelligence-reforms 2211 Rayburn House Office Building

Stefanik Advances Historic Wins for Fort Drum, Rome Labs, Upstate New York, the North Country, and America in the FY27 National Defense Bill

Position: Stefanik states she voted to advance the FY27 National Defense Authorization Act out of committee and describes its provisions for defense modernization, emerging technologies, military readiness, and servicemember quality of life, including funding for Fort Drum, the 10th Mountain Division, and Rome Labs.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, House Republican Leadership Chairwoman Elise Stefanik, a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, voted to advance the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 out of Committee. "Today, as a senior Member of the House Armed Services Committee, I was proud to help lead and shape this year's national defense bill to strengthen our military in the face of rapidly evolving threats. This legislation restores peace through strength by rebuilding our defense industrial base, modernizing our military acquisition system, accelerating emerging technologies, and increasing the readiness and lethality of America's fighting force," said Chairwoman Stefanik. "As the leading advocate for Fort Drum, the 10th Mountain Division, Rome Labs, and Upstate New York, I am proud to announce that I secured critical provisions and funding priorities that will strengthen our national security, support military families, expand cutting-edge defense innovation, and reinforce New York's 21st Congressional District as a cornerstone of America's defense and technological superiority. These provisions directly support President Trump's America First national security agenda and ensure the United States remains the strongest military power in the world." The FY27 NDAA authorizes $1.15 trillion in investment in national defense modernization, emerging technologies, military readiness, missile defense, and servicemember quality of life - areas that I have led on throughout my tenure in Congress. The House version of the NDAA will next be considered by the full House of Representatives. Chairwoman Stefanik secured numerous provisions to support Fort Drum, the 10th Mountain Division, Rome Labs, Upstate New York, military families, America's defense industrial base, and our strategic allies, including the following: Strengthening Fort Drum and the 10th Mountain Division Delivering Major Wins for Rome Labs, Upstate New York, and the North Country Supporting Military Families and Servicemembers Supporting America's Ally Israel Confronting Communist China and Foreign Adversaries Keeping Pace with Emerging Technologies in the 21st Century Strengthening America's National Defense Permalink: https://stefanik.house.gov/2026/6/stefanik-advances-historic-wins-for-fort-drum-rome-labs-upstate-new-york-the-north-country-and-america-in-the-fy27-national-defense-bill 2211 Rayburn House Office Building

Stefanik, Cotton Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Propel America's Robotics Superiority, Protect U.S. National Security

Position: The release advocates for federal legislation to ban the federal government from purchasing robotics manufactured in countries deemed adversarial (specifically China) and to protect U.S. robotics innovation and national security from foreign technological threats.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Chairwoman of House Republican Leadership, along with Senators Tom Cotton (R-AR) and Chuck Schumer (D-NY), introduced the American Security Robotics Act to propel and protect America's robotics superiority while safeguarding U.S. national security and citizens' data. "One of America's greatest strengths is the ingenuity of our people—our visionaries, inventors, engineers, and dedicated workers. We must continue to promote and propel America's robotics superiority while safeguarding our privacy and national security from adversaries. This is why I am introducing bicameral, bipartisan legislation with my colleague, Senator Cotton," said Stefanik. "Robots made by Communist China threaten Arkansans' privacy and our national security. Our bill will ban the federal government from buying and operating these devices made in countries that wish us harm," said Cotton. "The Chinese Communist Party has shown that they are willing to lie and cheat to get ahead at the expense of the American people and our national security. They are running their standard playbook—this time in robotics—trying to flood the U.S. market with their technology, which presents real security risks and threats to Americans' privacy and American research and industry. We must protect our country from these threats, starting with a ban on the federal government buying this CCP technology," said Schumer. The American Security Robotics Act would: Permalink: https://stefanik.house.gov/2026/3/stefanik-cotton-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-propel-america-s-robotics-superiority-protect-u-s-national-security 2211 Rayburn House Office Building 137 Margaret Street, Suite 100

Stefanik Statement on Trump Administration Lawsuit Against Harvard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Chairwoman of House Republican Leadership, released the following statement: "This is the absolute correct decision by the Trump Administration to sue Harvard for failing to protect Jewish students. This is after years of Congressional oversight work that I was proud to lead in holding Harvard accountable." Permalink: https://stefanik.house.gov/2026/3/stefanik-statement-on-trump-administration-lawsuit-against-harvard 2211 Rayburn House Office Building 137 Margaret Street, Suite 100

Truman Scholarship Foundation Board Member Elise Stefanik Introduces Legislation to 'Clean House' of Organization's Radical Left-Wing Bias

Position: Congresswoman Stefanik introduced legislation to reform the Truman Scholarship Foundation to address what she characterizes as left-wing bias in scholarship awards and to establish new eligibility requirements including a code of conduct for applicants.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY), a designated Republican appointee to the Truman Scholarship Foundation's Board of Trustees, introduced the Truman Scholarship Clean House Act which would affect top-down change and help rid the foundation of its deeply embedded left-wing bias. "It is unfortunate and inappropriate that the Truman Scholarship Foundation continues to award scholarships to radical left-wing students—even criminals— rather than address the glaring political imbalance within its organization. Multiple data analyses have revealed the systemic underrepresentation of conservative scholarship recipients. I shared my concerns earlier this year at the board meeting. My legislation would finally reform the Truman Scholarship Foundation to promote an ideologically diverse class of recipients and ensure that only law-abiding students receive these scholarships," said Stefanik. The Truman Scholarship Clean House Act would radically reform the scholarship program by: The legislation would also establish a code of conduct that scholarship applicants must meet with requisites including: Stefanik released a letter last year to the organization's Board of Trustees, urging immediate action to address troubling patterns of political imbalance in the Foundation's scholarship award process. The House Education and Workforce Committee will mark up the Truman Scholarship Clean House Act next week, the first step toward advancing the legislation into law. Permalink: https://stefanik.house.gov/2026/3/truman-scholarship-foundation-board-member-elise-stefanik-introduces-legislation-to-clean-house-of-organization-s-radical-left-wing-bias 2211 Rayburn House Office Building 137 Margaret Street, Suite 100

Stefanik, Cotton Introduce Legislation to Ban CCP-Sponsored Companies from Receiving U.S. Defense Contracts

Position: The release advocates for legislation that would ban Chinese Communist Party-affiliated entities from receiving U.S. Department of War transportation contracts and prohibit Chinese nationals from operating trucks carrying military cargo, citing national security concerns.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Chairwoman of House Republican Leadership, and Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) introduced the Trucking Security and CCP Disclosure Act to ban Communist Chinese entities from receiving sensitive U.S. transportation contracts, while also prohibiting Chinese nationals from operating trucks carrying Department of War (DoW) cargo. "Most Americans would be shocked to learn that U.S. law does not already prohibit Communist China's military from receiving transportation contracts tied to American defense projects. This bicameral legislation closes that loophole by establishing a clear firewall between the Chinese Communist Party and Department of War contracts. American tax dollars should never benefit our greatest adversary at the expense of U.S. national security," said Stefanik. "Communist China continues spying on American military technology by exploiting truck drivers handling Department of War cargo. My bill will require anyone handling military freight to be properly vetted to ensure our adversaries cannot gain access to valuable information," said Cotton. As senior Members of the Armed Services Committees and Intelligence Committees, Stefanik and Cotton are working to include the Trucking Security and CCP Disclosure Act in the FY'27 National Defense Authorization Act. Permalink: https://stefanik.house.gov/2026/3/stefanik-cotton-introduce-legislation-to-ban-ccp-sponsored-companies-from-receiving-u-s-defense-contracts 2211 Rayburn House Office Building 137 Margaret Street, Suite 100

'Significant Security Vulnerabilities': Stefanik, Scott Sound Alarm on China-Backed Company for Misleading Customers, Targeting Military Consumers

Position: Stefanik and Scott urge federal investigation into a China-backed company for security vulnerabilities in consumer products sold to military personnel, citing documented encryption failures and potential foreign surveillance risks.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY) and Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) sent a letter to Department of Commerce (DOC) Secretary Howard Lutnick and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr, urging a formal investigation into the CCP-sponsored Anker Innovations for inviting potential foreign surveillance into Americans' homes and targeting military consumers. "Anker, through its Eufy brand, has a documented history of significant security vulnerabilities related to its security camera business and has been accused of misleading the public about these issues. In 2025, the State of New York secured a $450,000 settlement from companies distributing Eufy home security products after finding that "video streams from the cameras were not always securely encrypted and could be accessible to anyone with the relevant link without authentication," the lawmakers wrote. " . . . Anker offers many of these systems on U.S. military exchange websites, and for direct sales. Anker also provides up to a 20% discount on its Eufy products to current and former U.S. military, their spouses and dependents. While these are retail sales, rather than direct Department of War procurement, the FCC has previously noted that the presence of high-risk network-connected devices in sensitive physical locations can constitute a security risk," they continued. As senior Members of the House Armed Services Committee and Senate Armed Services Committee, respectively, Stefanik and Scott also requested that the DOC and FCC respond to questions concerning Anker Innovation's ownership structure and whether its products transmit data to servers located in China. Today's letter highlights Stefanik's broader policy priority to combat CCP influence that poses heightened risks to U.S. national security and consumer safety. Permalink: https://stefanik.house.gov/2026/3/significant-security-vulnerabilities-stefanik-scott-sound-alarm-on-china-backed-company-for-misleading-customers-targeting-military-consumers 2211 Rayburn House Office Building 137 Margaret Street, Suite 100

Stefanik Statement on Operation Epic Fury

Position: Stefanik expresses support for military action against Iran to prevent nuclear weapons development and protect U.S. national security, characterizing Iran as a state sponsor of terrorism that has harmed American service members.

SARATOGA, N.Y. - Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), Chairwoman of House Republican Leadership, released the following statement: "As a senior Member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Select Committee on Intelligence, I have always been consistent that Iran cannot have nuclear weapons capabilities that would threaten the national security of the United States. Iran is the world's largest sponsor of terror and has targeted, killed, and wounded U.S. service members and civilians throughout the Middle East over the past decades including soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division. Additionally, the sick Iran regime controlled by the blood-thirsty ayatollah terrorists have destroyed a nation, continued to pursue nuclear weapons threatening America and all of humanity, slaughtered innocent Iranians, and shed blood across the Middle East including of Americans. I know President Trump has to make some of the most difficult decisions imaginable and there is no decision more serious that military action to protect our national security and American lives. God Bless our brave men and women in uniform. The American people are praying for your safety." Permalink: https://stefanik.house.gov/2026/2/stefanik-statement-on-operation-epic-fury 2211 Rayburn House Office Building 137 Margaret Street, Suite 100

Stefanik, Kean, Tenney Renew Push to Invest in Warfighting Capabilities at Fort Drum

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Representatives Elise Stefanik (NY-21),Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07), and Claudia Tenney (NY-24) sent a letter to Daniel Driscoll, Secretary of the Army, renewing their call for the Army to establish a Close Combat Innovation Cell (CCIC) in partnership with the North Country's 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum and Picatinny Arsenal. "We urge the Army to take the next practical step and allocate $20 million out of last year's budget reconciliation package's $500 million for 'development, production, and integration of' counter-UAS funding to sustain and expand CCIC activities executed by Troika Solutions' Accelerated Capabilities Team (ACT), in direct partnership with the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Armaments Center (DEVCOM AC) at Picatinny Arsenal and the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum. This is a prudent, immediate-use investment that aligns resources to a proven construct, leverages existing infrastructure and authorities, like OTAs that are supported by President Trump, and delivers near-term operational impact while informing longer-term programmatic decisions," the lawmakers wrote. Their letter follows the Army's completion of the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) briefing and report that confirmed a CCIC would improve close combat lethality and adaptability in contested, multi-domain environments. Stefanik and Kean previously sent a letter to Driscoll this past October, expressing their support for the Army's Memorandum of Agreement between the 10th Mountain Infantry Division at Fort Drum, U.S. Army's DEVCOM AC, and Picatinny Arsenal to establish a CCIC. Permalink: https://stefanik.house.gov/2026/2/stefanik-kean-tenney-renew-push-to-invest-in-warfighting-capabilities-at-fort-drum 2211 Rayburn House Office Building 137 Margaret Street, Suite 100