WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Nellie Pou (D-NJ-09) joined a House Homeland Security Committee delegation of Democrats and Republicans making a one-day visit to New Orleans to assess security preparations in the run-up to Super Bowl LIX to be played in the Crescent City on February 9. Pou also joined the delegation in visiting the site of the mass killing of 15 Americans on New Year’s Day to better understand what happened at this terror attack and pay her respects.

“There is no bigger event in America than the Super Bowl. It is extraordinary to see the vast number of security personnel and agencies across all levels of government required to provide public safety for this landmark event. New Orleans, its leaders and its people have endured a lot of trials and so can speak very well to how we can best prepare for and secure major events,” said Congresswoman Pou. “I took careful notes. Globally, the only sporting event maybe bigger than the Super Bowl is the World Cup, and our own district in North Jersey will host the final match of the World Cup next summer. Like at the Super Bowl, the entire world will be watching MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.”

The Department of Homeland Security has specific designations for planned special events that bolster security-planning processes and coordination between federal, state, and local entities. The Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) designations enhance coordination of protective anti-terrorism measures and counterterrorism assets may require some federal interagency support and the Secretary of Homeland Security may appoint a federal coordinator depending on the event rating level. Super Bowl LIX and the World Cup Final have both been designated as SEAR 1 events, an event of highest risk.

Reflecting on attacks by the Trump administration on the Justice Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pou added: “Amid growing threats to Americans, I am outraged by the Trump government’s attacks on federal law enforcement and its attempts to fire prosecutors and agents. These political purges of qualified and experienced public servants threaten all of us.”