Twenty-Five Years After 9/11: The Evolving Terrorism Landscape and State's Counterterrorism Response

The House Foreign Affairs Committee Republicans held a subcommittee hearing on September 17, 2026, to examine the evolving global terrorism landscape and the Department of State's counterterrorism efforts. The discussion focused on the State Department's coordination role, counterterrorism strategy updates, and challenges posed by terrorist groups such as ISIS, Al-Qaeda, and Iranian proxies. Key procurement-related topics included the designation of foreign terrorist organizations and the use of sanctions and security assistance to disrupt terrorist financing and logistics. The hearing also addressed the impact of emerging technologies like AI and drones on terrorism and the need for enhanced interagency coordination and resource allocation. Members expressed concerns about the elimination of certain counterterrorism programs, the politicization of counterterrorism efforts, and the importance of maintaining strong partnerships with allies, particularly in regions like Syria, Nigeria, Pakistan, and the Philippines. While no specific contract awards or RFPs were discussed, the testimony highlighted ongoing counterterrorism programming with active funding, such as $44 million in the East Asia-Pacific region, and emphasized the need for consistent resourcing and congressional support to sustain these efforts.