WHAT THE LAW DOINCongress, in plain words

H.R. 1608 · 119th Congress

Department of Homeland Security Vehicular Terrorism Prevention and Mitigation Act of 2025

Passed HouseTransportation and Public Works
IntroducedFeb 26, 2025
Passed HouseNov 17, 2025
Passed SenateNot yet
To PresidentNot yet
Became lawNot yet

Where it stands

Passed House. Latest step, Nov 18, 2025: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. The House passed it 400–15. All 4 of Iowa's representatives voted yes in the House. It would change 0 sections of existing law and would add 2 new provisions of its own.

How this bill changes the law

Sourced

H.R. 1608 doesn't change any existing section of law. It would create 2 new provisions of its own. Read from the bill text as sent to the Senate (Nov 18, 2025).

New provisions of the bill's own

  • Sec. 2 Findings
  • Sec. 3 Report on emerging threats and countermeasures related to vehicular terrorism
What the words would change: every change, in place (0)

Today's wording of each part of the law, with what would be struck out and added. Each change also gives the bill's own instruction, word for word.

    From the bill's official text on GovInfo and the U.S. Code, latest edition, which may not yet show changes made since.

    What it does

    Sourced

    Department of Homeland Security Vehicular Terrorism Prevention and Mitigation Act of 2025

    This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to submit a report to Congress on the department's efforts to prevent, deter, and respond to vehicular terrorism (i.e., an action that utilizes automotive transportation to commit terrorism). DHS must submit the report in coordination with the Transportation Security Administration and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

    Among other things, the report on vehicular terrorism must include

    • an assessment of the current and emerging threats;

    • a review of higher-risk locations and events that may be vulnerable, including critical infrastructure sites (e.g., airports and government facilities);

    • a description of DHS’s coordination efforts with federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement agencies related to prevention; and

    • recommendations for the research, development, and deployment of technologies to detect, deter, and mitigate vehicular terrorism.

    DHS must submit a classified report to Congress, but may include an unclassified executive summary. DHS must publish the executive summary on the department's website.

    In addition, DHS must brief Congress on the report's findings, conclusions, and recommendations.

    Official summary by the Congressional Research Service (Introduced in House, Feb 26, 2025).

    Our plain-language breakdown, with what it means for you and the case for and against, is written once a bill starts to move.

    What has happened

    Sourced
    1. Nov 18, 2025Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.Senate
    2. Nov 17, 2025Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.House floor actions
    3. Nov 17, 2025On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 400 - 15 (Roll no. 286). (text: CR H4681-4682) Roll call recordHouse floor actions
    4. Nov 17, 2025Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 400 - 15 (Roll no. 286). (text: CR H4681-4682) Roll call recordLibrary of Congress
    5. Nov 17, 2025Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H4691-4692)House floor actions
    6. Nov 17, 2025At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.House floor actions
    7. Nov 17, 2025DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1608.House floor actions
    8. Nov 17, 2025Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4681-4682)House floor actions
    9. Nov 17, 2025Mr. Garbarino moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.House floor actions
    10. Aug 8, 2025Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 180.House floor actions
    11. Aug 8, 2025Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Homeland Security. H. Rept. 119-222.House floor actions
    12. Aug 8, 2025Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Homeland Security. H. Rept. 119-222.Library of Congress
    13. Apr 9, 2025Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.House committee actions
    14. Apr 9, 2025Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session HeldHouse committee actions
    15. Apr 9, 2025Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence DischargedHouse committee actions
    16. Apr 9, 2025Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security DischargedHouse committee actions
    17. Feb 26, 2025Referred to the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence.House committee actions
    18. Feb 26, 2025Referred to the Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security.House committee actions
    19. Feb 26, 2025Referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.House floor actions
    20. Feb 26, 2025Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress
    21. Feb 26, 2025Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress

    Show key steps only

    Recorded votes

    Sourced
    1. Nov 17, 2025 · HousePassed 400–15
      Iowa: Randy Feenstra yes, Ashley Hinson yes, Mariannette Miller-Meeks yes, Zachary Nunn yes
      On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended · needed two-thirds
      R 193 yes, 15 noD 207 yes, 0 noEach member · Record

    Cosponsors

    • Troy A. Carter D-LA-2
    • Rep. Mark E. Green R-TN-7