U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Gary Peters (D-Mich.) have reintroduced a bipartisan bill aimed at temporarily extending protections under the Support Anti-Terrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies Act (SAFETY Act) of 2002. The proposed Extending Anti-Terrorism Protections Act of 2025 is intended to help the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) address a backlog in renewal certifications for qualified anti-terrorism technologies (QATTs).
These technologies are used to prevent, detect, identify, or deter terrorist attacks, as well as limit their potential harm. Lawmakers expect an increase in certification applications as commercial venues prepare for major international sporting events such as the World Cup and Olympics.
“As we prepare for major events like the World Cup and Olympics, it is critical that our security technologies are up to date and readily available to protect the public. The SAFETY Act has been instrumental in spurring innovation and providing the necessary tools to deter and respond to terrorist threats. By temporarily extending these protections, our bipartisan bill ensures that DHS has the ability to cut through backlogs, keep effective technologies in place, and continue safeguarding communities across the country,” Senator Capito said.
“Congress must ensure that the Department of Homeland Security has every tool they need to keep the American public safe from acts of terror,” said Senator Peters. “This commonsense, bipartisan bill will help ensure that the critical technologies needed to combat terrorism can be deployed wherever they’re needed.”
Brendon Plack, Senior Vice President of Public Policy at the National Football League, voiced support for the legislation: “The National Football League enthusiastically supports this commonsense, bipartisan legislation to update the SAFETY Act. This legislation provides the Department of Homeland Security the needed discretion to temporarily extend SAFETY Act liability protections when the renewal application for a stadium or other critical infrastructure is unnecessarily delayed. This new authority will help to prevent lapses in critical security and liability protections at venues throughout the country. We urge Congress to pass this measure as soon as possible.”
Jared Maples, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Security Officer at the National Hockey League, also endorsed reauthorization: “The National Hockey League supports the reauthorization of the SAFETY Act. The protections it provides are a vital tool in helping us safeguard our fans, players and staff, and in ensuring that NHL games remain secure and welcoming environments. Extending these protections will allow leagues, teams and venues to continue investing in innovative security measures and best practices that protect the public while enhancing the overall game-day experience.”
The SAFETY Act was originally enacted as part of the 2002 Homeland Security Act with a goal of encouraging private sector development of anti-terrorism technologies for civilian use. Granting DHS temporary extension authority over these protections is seen by supporters as an important measure for national security.
