Former National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster and other national security professionals testified before a House committee on July 21, 2026, regarding U.S. threat preparedness. The hearing addressed the security landscape 25 years after the September 11 attacks, focusing on emerging technological and geopolitical risks.
Witnesses told the committee that the United States must prioritize the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity as essential counterintelligence tools. The testimony highlighted the necessity of collaboration between private industry and the federal government to maintain national security in these technical sectors.
The discussion also covered physical and digital threats, including counter-drone operations and foreign information campaigns. Testifying experts identified China as a primary strategic concern and noted that internal factors, such as public doubt regarding election integrity, could impact the country's overall national security posture.
Additionally, the panel advocated for improved interagency intelligence sharing to prevent future security failures. McMaster and the other witnesses emphasized a proactive approach to evolving threats rather than a reactive one, specifically citing the rapid advancement of adversary capabilities in autonomous systems and cyber warfare.