01 — The Text
What.
- Requires Department of Homeland Security to design and run a practice exercise simulating a terrorist attack during extreme cold weather (like a polar vortex).
- Exercise must show how cascading failures could cripple critical infrastructure—power grids, water systems, communications—when systems are already stressed.
- DHS must submit findings and lessons learned to Congress within 60 days after the exercise concludes, plus any recommended legislative changes.
02 — The Stakes
So what?
- Emergency managers and critical infrastructure operators (utilities, hospitals, telecom) get tested coordination playbooks before a real crisis hits.
- Northern states face highest risk: cold weather plus infrastructure damage could create simultaneous breakdowns in heating, power, and emergency response.
- Taxpayers fund the exercise cost (amount not specified in bill), betting that better preparedness prevents larger disaster response costs later.
03 — The Path
Now what?
- House passed it 400–7 on July 13, 2026. Now in Senate Homeland Security Committee—typical next step is committee review and possible amendments.
- Watch for Senate action in coming weeks. Bipartisan House vote (near-unanimous) suggests Senate passage likely, but timing uncertain.
- Track bill progress at Congress.gov using bill number H.R. 3106 to see when Senate votes.
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)