Jan 30, 2025 - Politics & Policy

Scoop: Congressional delegation to review Super Bowl security

Skyscrapers and a lamp post with a Super Bowl LIX sign on it are seen next to the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. — The Caesars Superdome in New Orleans being prepared for the Super Bowl on Jan. 16, 2025. Photo: Chris Graythen/Getty Images.

A congressional delegation will visit New Orleans on Monday to review security for the Super Bowl — an unusual step that underscores heightened tension around the Feb. 9 event, Axios has learned.

Why it matters: The city is taking extraordinary security measures for the Super Bowl in the wake of the deadly New Year's Day terrorist attack on Bourbon Street.

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said Wednesday that law enforcement will conduct bag checks at checkpoints in the French Quarter between Feb. 5 and 10.
Vehicle traffic will also be restricted in the area, and coolers and ice chests will be prohibited — measures responding to the methods used by the New Year's Day attacker.

Driving the news: The delegation will be led by Rep. Dale Strong (R-Ala.), the chair of the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology, a spokesperson for the panel told Axios.

Lawmakers will visit the site of the New Year's Day attack with officials from the Department of Homeland Security, FBI and New Orleans police.
They will then tour the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and the Caesars Superdome and be briefed by NFL and law enforcement officials.

Zoom in: Strong will be joined in New Orleans by Reps. Julie Johnson (D-Texas), Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) and Nellie Pou (D-N.J.).

Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional details and corrected to reflect that the visit is Monday (not Friday).

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Scoop: Congressional delegation to review Super Bowl security

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