In an unprecedented move, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas and FBI Director Christopher Wray announced Thursday, Nov. 21, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee's annual “Threats to the Homeland” hearing. refused to testify. For 15 years, both officials refused to appear before the public at this important oversight meeting.
Earlier this week, a House companion committee announced that a hearing on the subject, originally scheduled for Wednesday and with Wray and Mayorkas as witnesses, had been postponed to December, but the exact date has yet to be confirmed. Not done.
Is it too sensitive for the average person?
The decision to ignore the hearing was clearly based on the sensitive nature of the information to be discussed.
In a statement provided to the media, the FBI said it “remains committed to sharing information about the evolving threat environment facing our nation.” They added that next year's national security talks would be held behind closed doors. According to National Review, the department said:
FBI leaders have testified extensively in public about the current threat environment, and the Committee believes that further substantive discussion and additional information that can only be provided on a classified basis would be most helpful.
Similarly, a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson noted that both agencies provided lawmakers with “extensive unclassified information regarding the current threat environment” as well as providing classified briefings.
This includes the Homeland Threat Assessment released by DHS in October.
The ministry acknowledged in the document that the threat of domestic and international terrorism is likely to remain high in 2025. It also highlighted persistent risks from illegal drug trafficking, cyber and physical attacks on critical infrastructure, and foreign influence activities, particularly by China. Russia and Iran.
The DHS statement also reminded Mayorkas that he has testified before Congress 30 times. While some may admire his perseverance, his sudden reluctance to engage in public discussions about national security raises eyebrows. Perhaps America's top security officials prefer to stay out of the public eye, or perhaps they're simply tired of dodging the same questions again. After all, there are only so many things you can say about threats to homeland security without delving into uncomfortable territory, including that many of those threats are a direct result of DHS and the FBI's own policies and actions. Things like admitting it. Doing the same thing 31 times may be a bit too close to the limit.
importance of hearing
Many consider the annual hearing a pivotal event in which top U.S. security officials testify about the country's current security challenges. This hearing provides a forum for transparent discussion of a variety of threats, including terrorism, cyberattacks, and other national security concerns.
Hearings traditionally feature testimony from key figures such as the Secretary of Homeland Security, the FBI director, and the director of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC).
These meetings are critical to informing both lawmakers and the public of the strategies and measures being implemented to protect the nation. It also serves as an accountability mechanism, allowing us to scrutinize the effectiveness of current policies and identify areas for improvement.
bipartisan anger
Despite the explanations, the government officials' absence from the hearing drew harsh criticism from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.
Chairman Gary Peters (D-Mich.) voiced strong opposition to the move, calling it a “shocking departure” from the Senate's tradition of “transparency and oversight of the threats facing the nation.” .
Peters further lamented:
(Mr. Mayorkas and Mr. Wray's) choice not to testify publicly about their departments' efforts to address a wide range of national security threats deprives the American people of critical information and allows the federal government to protect the safety of Americans. depriving them of the opportunity to be publicly accountable for what they do to
According to The Hill, Peters also referenced DHS's annual review and said, “The Department of Homeland Security released a 40-page document that talks about threats to the homeland. Members would like to ask questions about that document. You have questions.”
Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) said the hearing was originally scheduled in September at the request of officials who argued that holding the hearing before the election could be seen as “too political.” It has been announced that it has been postponed. He added that the senators asked the agency to provide the number of “aliens of special interest” from DHS “for a one-month period” and received a response. The term refers to people outside the United States whose travel patterns or other actions may pose a national security risk to the country or its interests.
Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Missouri), a member of the committee, accused officials of “brazenly” trying to avoid accountability for recent controversies, including those involving FEMA and the FBI. denounced.
In a subsequent tweet, Hawley reminded the public that officials have a legal obligation to provide testimony. He called on the Senate to “summon them immediately.”
Laken Riley
Hawley argued that the motivation behind this decision stemmed, at least in large part, from the Laken Riley murder verdict. Jose Ibarra, an undocumented immigrant convicted of murdering a young woman, was sentenced Wednesday to life in prison without parole.
Hawley also called on Wray to “resign now.”
playing cards
The development comes at a critical political transition period as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office in January. President Trump has announced his intention to overhaul both DHS and the FBI, and to further monitor the actions of their current leaders.
For DHS and its incoming secretary, Kristi Noem of South Dakota, the focus will be on increasing immigration enforcement, strengthening border security and streamlining the agency's operations.
Regarding the FBI, President Trump has laid out plans to appoint new leadership that aligns with his administration's goals. This includes the possibility of replacing current FBI Director Wray before the end of his 10-year term.
These potential reviews are part of a broader effort by the incoming administration to restructure federal agencies.
