WASHINGTON, D.C. (WVDN) – U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Gary Peters (D-Mich.) have reintroduced bipartisan legislation to temporarily extend the duration of protections provided under the Support Anti-Terrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies Act (SAFETY Act) of 2002.
The Extending Anti-Terrorism Protections Act of 2025 would allow the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to reduce the backlog of renewal certifications of qualified anti-terrorism technologies (QATTs). These technologies are designed to prevent, detect, identify, or deter terrorist attacks or limit the harm that such attacks may cause. Applications to certify new QATTs are expected to rise as commercial venues prepare for major sporting events including 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.”
“The National Football League enthusiastically supports this commonsense, bipartisan legislation to update the SAFETY Act,” said Brendon Plack, SVP of Public Policy, National Football League. “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.”
“The National Hockey League supports the reauthorization of the SAFETY Act,” said Jared Maples, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Security Officer, National Hockey League. “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.”
BACKGROUND:
As part of the 2002 Homeland Security Act, the SAFETY Act was enacted to spur the private sector to develop anti-terrorism technologies and systems to protect people in the United States in civilian settings. Providing the DHS Secretary with the authority to temporarily extend the duration of the SAFETY Act’s protections is an essential part of protecting the homeland.
