Republican Congressman Andrew R. Garbarino (NY-02) was recently appointed Chairman of the influential House Committee on Homeland Security, placing him in a pivotal role impacting U.S. national security policies and federal disaster preparedness. Garbarino, recognized for his bipartisan approach and legislative expertise in cybersecurity and emergency management, will oversee critical federal agencies, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
This leadership shift holds special significance for Puerto Rico. Garbarino’s oversight directly shapes FEMA disaster funding, port security regulations, cybersecurity standards, and infrastructure resiliency—all essential to Puerto Rico’s recovery, modernization, and economic stability. Entities seeking federal support, regulatory guidance, or strategic opportunities should closely monitor Garbarino’s legislative priorities and leadership style.
Learn how MZLS supports Puerto Rico-based entities navigating FEMA and DHS compliance.
Andrew Garbarino’s rise in politics was shaped early on by his family background and upbringing on Long Island, New York. The son of Bill Garbarino, a prominent local Republican figure, he developed an early passion for public service. He attended George Washington University in Washington, D.C., earning a degree in history and classical humanities, before returning closer to home for his law studies. Garbarino specialized in tax law at Hofstra University and subsequently joined his family’s law firm in Sayville, New York, while also managing several small businesses.
His formal entry into politics occurred at the young age of 27, when he was elected to the New York State Assembly in 2012. Over his eight-year tenure, Garbarino became a respected voice on insurance issues, notably serving as the ranking minority member of the Insurance Committee and as a leader on the executive committee of the National Council of Insurance Legislators, advocating vigorously to maintain state-level authority over insurance regulations.
Garbarino’s shift to federal politics came somewhat unexpectedly in late 2019 after the retirement announcement of veteran Republican Congressman Peter King. Initially planning to defer to more senior Republican colleagues, Garbarino was persuaded by then-Congressman Lee Zeldin to pursue the opportunity. Zeldin convinced him that his successful record in Albany could translate effectively into meaningful impact in Washington, D.C. Garbarino accepted the challenge, ultimately winning both a competitive primary and general election to represent New York’s 2nd Congressional District.
In 2022, Garbarino successfully secured his second congressional term despite facing challenges from within his own party as well as renewed competition from Democrats. Addressing earlier concerns from national Republicans regarding fundraising, he significantly strengthened his campaign resources, raising over $3.5 million. Garbarino emerged victorious from a competitive Republican primary, defeating his closest challenger, Robert Cornicelli, by a margin of 53%-39%. In the general election, benefiting from incumbency and his enhanced campaign structure, he comfortably defeated Democratic challenger Jackie Gordon by 21 percentage points.
With direct experience working at his family’s law firm and managing several small enterprises on Long Island, Garbarino brings a valuable combination of legal and private-sector insight to Congress—a perspective that, in our view, many legislators lack. This private-sector background, as a small business owner and member of the NSBA I believe, enables him to understand firsthand that public policy decisions have real, practical implications beyond theoretical considerations. Garbarino co-sponsored the bipartisan Investing in Main Street Act of 2021 (H.R. 4256), aimed at expanding access to capital by allowing banks to increase their investments in Small Business Investment Companies (SBICs). Additionally, he introduced the Small Business Relief Act (H.R. 4130) in 2025, seeking to streamline regulatory burdens and enhance funding accessibility for small businesses. His legislative record consistently reflects an understanding that effective governance should mirror real-world business operations rather than abstract policy theories
Congressman Andrew Garbarino’s path to leading the influential House Homeland Security Committee is notable for his quick rise and strong bipartisan credentials.
Garbarino entered federal politics after the retirement of longtime Republican Congressman Peter King in 2019. Initially reluctant, Garbarino was encouraged by Congressman Lee Zeldin to leverage his legislative achievements in the New York State Assembly at the national level. He decisively won both the Republican primary and a highly contested 2020 general election.
In Congress, Garbarino rapidly emerged as a policy leader, notably on the Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation Subcommittee. He advanced bipartisan priorities in cybersecurity, infrastructure resilience, and disaster preparedness. When Republicans regained the House majority in 2023, Garbarino became chairman of this critical subcommittee.
His effective bipartisan leadership and proven legislative record led the GOP Steering Committee in July 2025 to appoint him Chairman of the entire Homeland Security Committee, succeeding Rep. Mark Green. Garbarino now oversees pivotal federal policy areas directly relevant to Puerto Rico, including:
His appointment signals a critical moment for Puerto Rico stakeholders, particularly in navigating federal compliance and funding opportunities under his leadership.
In official statements outlining the committee's future direction, Garbarino highlighted specific strategic priorities, signaling the committee’s proactive agenda under his leadership:
Garbarino has also emphasized the urgency of confirming a new CISA Director to lead these critical initiatives without delays or operational gaps.
These priorities represent direct opportunities for Puerto Rico’s agencies and businesses to engage proactively with federal policy, funding opportunities, and regulatory compliance.
Known on Capitol Hill for his approachable nature and pragmatic leadership, Garbarino emphasizes bipartisan solutions over partisan conflicts. Frequently described as an “affable and outgoing” lawmaker, he has established himself as a reliable partner for legislative collaboration, engaging proactively with colleagues across the aisle.
His bipartisan approach is underscored by his prominent leadership roles in key caucuses:
In these capacities, Garbarino has consistently prioritized cross-party dialogue, earning him respect from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers. His collaborative legislative style offers valuable opportunities for entities in Puerto Rico aiming to navigate federal policy complexities, especially regarding infrastructure, cybersecurity, and disaster response efforts.
Garbarino’s leadership on the Homeland Security Committee comes at a crucial juncture for Puerto Rico, particularly given the island’s reliance on federal disaster recovery programs, infrastructure resilience, and secure supply chains. His stated focus areas—including enhanced port security, modernization of disaster response capabilities, and cybersecurity infrastructure—have immediate implications for Puerto Rico’s economic and social stability.
Stakeholders in Puerto Rico, from government agencies pursuing federal grants to private-sector entities managing critical infrastructure, stand to gain clarity and predictability from Garbarino’s pragmatic and bipartisan oversight. This presents a strategic opportunity for the island to proactively engage with the committee’s evolving agenda, ensuring Puerto Rico's unique needs remain central to discussions about federal funding and regulatory guidance moving forward.
As someone who works daily with regulatory frameworks spanning FEMA, Homeland Security, and a wide array of federal agencies, I've seen firsthand the critical importance of effective, pragmatic leadership at the congressional level. Having served in the U.S. Army Reserve, participated in the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program, and led the Puerto Rico Ports Authority and in my private experience, I've experienced directly how federal policies—whether related to disaster recovery, cybersecurity, infrastructure, transportation, or border security—impact real-world operations and decision-making.
In my current role leading a team regularly navigating complex regulatory and bipartisan environments, I see significant value in Chairman Garbarino’s balanced approach. In a congressional landscape that’s productive yet more polarized than ever in recent memory, Garbarino’s bipartisan reputation and practical, results-oriented perspective offer Puerto Rico a valuable opportunity to engage proactively.
In my opinion, Puerto Rico-based stakeholders—whether public agencies, private businesses, or community leaders—should actively seek avenues to collaborate and communicate with the committee. We have a strategic chance to shape policy outcomes that directly benefit Puerto Rico’s continued recovery and economic resilience, and I urge local leaders to take full advantage of this important moment.
Anthony Maceira
Managing Member, MZLS
