Email from Rep. McCaul Kicking Off the World Cup Today is a proud day for our nation, as the United States will soon host a FIFA World Cup match for the first time in 30 years. As chairman of the Task Force on Enhancing Security for Special Events in the United States, I have worked diligently to ensure top-notch security at these games and future events on American soil. Over the past several months, my task force has conducted hearings with expert witnesses, successfully pushed for host cities to receive security grants, and spearheaded critical legislation to counter drone threats at our stadiums. Ahead of the first game, I joined my colleagues on the task force in touring the headquarters of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). We discussed the agency’s strategy in the midst of hurricane season — as well as how to spread awareness about emergency preparedness during the World Cup. With millions of fans gathering to support their favorite teams, we will continue working to ensure that host cities, athletes, and fans can safely enjoy the sport that has brought us all together. Click here to watch the PSA video I filmed urging the public to plan ahead. I look forward to cheering on Team USA tonight! McCaul and other Homeland Security Committee members at FEMA headquarters Funding Crucial Agencies at the Department of Homeland Security This week — after more than four months of Democrats' obstruction — Republicans proudly passed nearly $70 billion in funding for ICE and Customs and Border Protection. These agencies play crucial roles in defending our homeland during mass gatherings. ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations department, for example, received $108.5 million in this package to help combat child trafficking, which is all too common at large-scale sporting events. I was proud to vote to pass this important bill, which Democrats held hostage for far too long in order to score political points with their bases and hamstring the Trump administration’s immigration efforts. With the FIFA World Cup underway, DHS must be operating at full capacity to detect potential threats and protect American lives. Supporting Tibetans' Religious Freedom, Ability to Select Dalai Lama Successor In 2024, I led a bipartisan delegation to Dharamsala, India, and had the honor of sitting down with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Despite facing decades of persecution at the hands of the Chinese Communist Party, he is one of the most remarkable persons I have ever met — full of warmth, wisdom, and humor. At one point he looked at me and smiled, and told me he plans to live to 110. However, the question of who succeeds the Dalai Lama is coming, and the CCP is already trying to hijack this process — handing itself the authority to approve the next Dalai Lama and exert control over the Tibetan people. That’s why, at this week's House Foreign Affairs Committee markup, I introduced an amendment that makes it undeniably clear that the U.S. government recognizes the Dalai Lama’s succession as a private spiritual matter governed entirely by his office — and the CCP has no role.  When I met with His Holiness, he told me, “I will not be reborn in China, but rather in freedom." We must honor that wish by ensuring that this decision rests with him and his people — not with a government that has spent decades trying to erase them. Click to watch Joining ABC's "This Week" with Martha Raddatz We were told the Russians would win the war in Ukraine in four days. Here we are four years later, and the Ukrainians are still fighting. Their innovation and modernization of warfare — including their impressive drone technology — has surprised the world. The fact that they are pushing the Russians back now in the occupied territories — with the Russian army facing approximately 30,000 casualties a month — speaks volumes. I joined Martha Raddatz on ABC's "This week" to discuss how the tide of the war is turning and what I’m doing in Congress to support Ukraine’s fight against tyranny and oppression. Click to watch ICYMI: McCaul Joins PBS News Hour "[This conflict with Iran] only ends in [one of] two ways: through a negotiation — which we're all hopeful for — or by force." Click to watch Click here to view this email as a webpage. www.mccaul.house.gov Washington, D.C. 2300 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: 202-225-2401 Fax: 202-225-5955 Austin 11614 FM 2244 Suite 160 Austin, TX 78738 Phone: (512) 770-8929 Fax: (512) 473-0514 College Station 175 Century Square Drive Suite 210 College Station, TX 77840 Phone: (979) 431-6480 Fax: (979) 431-5180 Rep. McCaul | Rayburn House Office Building | Washington, DC 20515 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice