AI-assisted analysis based on the official CRS summary. Source version: Jul 8, 2026. Analysis updated: Sep 20, 2026.
01 — The Text
What.
- The bill requires the Department of Homeland Security to develop and conduct an exercise simulating a terrorist attack during an extreme cold weather event (such as a polar vortex).
- The exercise scenario must involve a terrorist attack that causes cascading failures in critical infrastructure systems vital to national security, public health, or safety.
- The exercise must address how public and private entities can coordinate to mitigate cascading effects and strengthen community resilience.
- Within 60 days after the exercise concludes, DHS must submit an after-action report to Congress.
- The report must include initial exercise findings, plans for incorporating lessons learned into future operations, and any proposed legislative changes.
02 — The Stakes
So what?
- The bill establishes a requirement for domestic preparedness planning but does not specify funding, timeline for exercise completion, or mandatory implementation of recommendations.
- The after-action report is the documented deliverable; the bill does not require Congress to act on proposed legislative changes or specify oversight mechanisms.
- Effects on actual emergency response capabilities, critical infrastructure resilience, or terrorism prevention are not quantified in the official summary.
03 — The Path
Now what?
- House passed the bill on July 13, 2026, by 400–7 vote under suspension of rules.
- Senate received the bill on July 14, 2026, and referred it to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- No scheduled committee action, floor vote, or enactment date is documented.
Legislative History
Actions.
- Jul 14, 2026 — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- Jul 13, 2026 — Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Jul 13, 2026 — On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 400 - 7 (Roll no. 234). (text: CR H4394-4395)
- Jul 13, 2026 — Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 400 - 7 (Roll no. 234). (text: CR H4394-4395)
- Jul 13, 2026 — Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H4403)
- Jul 13, 2026 — At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
- Jul 13, 2026 — DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3106.
- Jul 13, 2026 — Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4394-4395)