Reps. Van Epps and Pou Introduce National Terrorism System Overhaul

Reps. Van Epps and Pou Introduce National Terrorism System Overhaul

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Matt Van Epps (TN-07) and Congresswoman Nellie Pou (NJ-09) and, members of the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Counterterrorism andIntelligence, introduced the Modernizing and Improving the National Terrorism Advisory SystemAct, legislation to overhaul the National Terrorism Advisory System.

“When there is a credible terrorism threat, the American people deserve clear and timely information they can actually understand. This bill makes sure our national alert system works the way it should, getting accurate warnings to families, businesses, and first responders so they can take the right steps to stay safe,” said Congressman Van Epps.

“When there is a real threat to public safety, people need information they can actually understandand act on,” said Congresswoman Pou. “Our terrorism advisory system plays an important role, but it should reflect today’s threats and how people get their information in 2026. Our bipartisan legislation will help make sure alerts reach more people and provide practical, easy-to-understandinformation when it matters most.”

In 2011, the Department of Homeland Security replaced its well-known color-coded terror alert system with a new approach created to give Americans more useful information about real threats. Rather than vague warnings, the new system was designed to explain the nature of the threat, who might be affected, and what people and agencies should know.

Fifteen years later, the threat landscape has changed and so have the ways people receive information. That makes it important to take a fresh look at whether this alert system is still working as intended. By consulting with law enforcement, first responders, transportation officials, security experts, and the public, the legislation would help DHS identify ways to update the system so it is more useful for the public and for those responsible for keeping our communities safe.