ICYMI: Rep. Fong Discusses World Cup and LA28 Security with DHS Secretary Mullin

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: This week, Rep. Vince Fong (CA-20) questioned Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin in the House Committee on Homeland Security.

Following DHS being shut down, and ahead of the FIFA World Cup and Los Angeles 2028 Olympics coming to California, Rep. Fong asked about DHS' preparedness for the major international events.

"As a Californian, we certainly are concerned about the planning for the World Cup, as well as the L.A. Olympics in 2028," Fong said. "[We're in a] heightened threat environment. Clearly, the two homeland security shutdowns were not good. And certainly, we, as Republicans, we've been trying to give you the resources that you need. With that being said, these two international events will test every level of our homeland security operations. As the Secretary, now, what are the top vulnerabilities that keep you up at night, and what resources do you need to address these challenges?

"Biggest concern I have is, honestly, with drone defense," said Secretary Mullin. "Our countermeasures with drones is a, I wouldn't say a vulnerability, but it is one of the areas that we are struggling with every single day…"

Rep. Fong went on to ask about missed milestones due to Democrats' decision to shut down DHS for more than two months:

"You had mentioned earlier…that, because of the shutdowns, we've missed milestones in the planning of the Olympics and, and the World Cup. I wonder if you could go into a little bit more specifics in terms of how you and your department are trying to catch up."

Secretary Mullin responded:

"We had to start prioritizing when we came back alive, you know, after 76 days of being shut down is why I say we came back alive, we started having to prioritize what we can put efforts to, because during the shutdown, we weren't able, because we didn't have the employees, and we didn't have the department to be able to start issuing these FEMA grants that we need to run with all the host cities in for the Olympics and also FIFA…"

To watch the full exchange, click here.