H.R. 3106: Weatherizing Infrastructure in the North and Terrorism Emergency Readiness Act of 2025
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Sponsored by Rep. Kennedy, Timothy M. [D-NY-26] · 1 cosponsor
Plain-English Summary
Weatherizing Infrastructure in the North and Terrorism Emergency Readiness Act of 2025 This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to develop and conduct an exercise to enhance collective domestic preparedness for and response to a terrorist attack during an extreme cold weather event (e.g., an event caused by a polar vortex when Arctic air expands southward). The scenario in the exercise must involve a terrorist attack causing cascading effects on critical infrastructure (i.e., systems and assets of vital importance to national security, public health, or safety) and must address how public and private entities can coordinate to mitigate such effects and bolster community resilience. Within 60 days after completion of the exercise, DHS must submit to Congress an after-action report including the initial findings of the exercise, plans for incorporating lessons learned into future operations, and any proposed legislative changes.
Current Status
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
What Problem This Addresses
Coordinating emergency responses during simultaneous crises is highly complex, and critical infrastructure remains vulnerable when extreme weather events coincide with physical or cyber terrorist attacks. Current federal planning may lack the specific, simulated exercises needed to ensure public and private entities can effectively collaborate to mitigate cascading infrastructure failures under polar vortex conditions.
Outlook
The legislation has demonstrated strong bipartisan momentum, passing the House of Representatives by an overwhelming 400-7 vote in July 2026. While its smooth passage and unanimous committee support suggest a favorable outlook, its final enactment remains subject to Senate legislative scheduling and committee consideration.
Arguments From Supporters
Proponents argue that proactive, scenario-based exercises are essential for identifying gaps in national readiness before a real-world disaster occurs. They contend that simulating the intersection of severe winter weather and terrorism will help secure vital public-private infrastructure and save lives by fostering robust community resilience.
Arguments From Opponents
There is no organized public or legislative opposition to this bill, as demonstrated by its near-unanimous bipartisan support in the House. A theoretical concern from fiscal conservatives might center on the administrative costs or resource allocation required of DHS to conduct new exercises and compile reports.
Where Both Sides Agree
Lawmakers widely agree that protecting critical infrastructure from dual-threat emergencies is a vital national security priority. There is also broad consensus that the Department of Homeland Security is the appropriate lead agency to coordinate these preparedness efforts with private sector partners.
Core Disagreement
No significant policy disagreements have surfaced during the legislative process regarding the scope or execution of the bill. Any potential debates would likely be confined to minor administrative details, such as the exact timing and parameters of the mandated exercise.
Constitutional Basis Cited
The sponsor cites the Necessary and Proper Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 18) as the constitutional authority for this legislation. This clause empowers Congress to enact laws necessary to carry out the federal government's authorized powers, including national defense and homeland security operations.
Economic Considerations
The bill's direct economic impact would likely be limited to minor administrative costs incurred by DHS to design the exercise and prepare the subsequent report to Congress. If successful, the insights gained could potentially prevent billions of dollars in economic disruption by safeguarding critical energy and utility infrastructure from failing during extreme weather emergencies.
Sections beyond the plain-English summary are AI-synthesized analysis based on the sourced legislative record from Congress.gov, read, edited where needed, and approved by a human editor before publication. Full methodology: Editorial & Methodology.
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