U.S. Senator Jerry Moran requested on Mar. 27 that Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin provide an update on the department’s security preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Kansas City and other upcoming global sporting events across the United States.
Moran said these major events present an opportunity to highlight American leadership, hospitality, and security coordination. He is seeking more information about how DHS is assessing host cities’ readiness, coordinating with federal, state, and local agencies, and assigning special designations to support response capabilities as preparations continue.
“These moments present an extraordinary opportunity to showcase American leadership, hospitality, and security coordination on the world stage,” Moran said. “I am encouraged by the work underway across DHS components and with federal, state, and local partners to ensure these events are safe and successful. At the same time, given the scale of these events and the evolving threat environment in the United States, I would appreciate additional clarity on how the Department is approaching preparedness, coordination, and support for all host cities as preparations accelerate.”
In his letter to Secretary Mullin congratulating him on his confirmation as Secretary of Homeland Security, Moran outlined several specific questions regarding benchmarks used by DHS to assess readiness across multiple host cities; intelligence sharing; operational coordination; interagency communication; engagement with governors and mayors; National Special Security Event designations; activation of Emergency Management Assistance Compact agreements; reimbursement mechanisms under a potential Presidential declaration; allocation of resources for base camps hosting multiple teams; training efforts; technology improvements; ongoing public safety challenges beyond event dates.
Last April Moran introduced legislation aimed at providing federal funding for local communities’ transportation needs during the World Cup. As part of reconciliation legislation enacted last year he helped secure $59.5 million for Kansas City region municipalities toward safety measures related to this event. In August 2024 he led a call among colleagues urging creation of a White House Task Force focused on preparation efforts.
Moran has served seven terms representing Kansas’s 1st Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives before joining Senate committees such as Veterans’ Affairs and Agriculture according to his official website. He earned degrees in economics from Fort Hays State University and University of Kansas before obtaining a Juris Doctor from University of Kansas School of Law according to his official website. Early in his career he worked as a banker prior to entering Congress according to his official website.
Looking ahead Moran said he welcomes continued collaboration with DHS: “I look forward to continued collaboration to ensure the success of these events.”
