Katko announces bid to serve as top Republican on Homeland Security panel

Rep. John Katko (R-N.Y.) on Wednesday announced his candidacy to serve as the top Republican on the House Homeland Security Committee in the next Congress. 

Katko currently serves as the ranking member of the committee’s cybersecurity subcommittee. He aims to take over from current House Homeland Security Committee ranking member Mike Rogers (R-Ala.), who was elected Tuesday to serve as the top Republican on the House Armed Services Committee. 

The Homeland Security panel has jurisdiction over the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and covers areas including border security, cybersecurity, counterterrorism, election security and infrastructure protection, among other issues.

Katko said in a statement that “serving on this Committee is not simply an assignment for me–it is a passion.”

“Through the various leadership roles I’ve held in Congress and as a federal organized crime prosecutor, I’ve spent much of my life’s work on efforts that improve national security,” Katko said. “In the next two years, our nation will be forced to confront both foreseen and unforeseen threats to our national security.”

He noted that “the Committee needs a dynamic and experienced leader who can develop thoughtful solutions to our country’s most complex security issues. By working diligently and collaboratively, we can continue to improve DHS, secure our borders, address new and evolving threats, and stop the anti security agenda of the far-left.” 

Following the departure of Rogers and Rep. Pete King’s (R-N.Y.) impending retirement, Katko is one of the most senior Republicans in line for the top post based on committee seniority. 

Katko has championed cybersecurity initiatives while serving on the committee and co-sponsored legislation to provide cybersecurity support to state and local governments, enhance the security of the election process and bolster federal cybersecurity leadership.

Katko was reelected to represent New York’s 24th District in a closely contested race and has served in the House since 2015. Outside of the Homeland Security Committee, he also serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and is ranking member of the committee’s Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management.