Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terror Bill Passes House 404 to 6
October 23, 2007 (WASHINGTON) – Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, and Rep. Jane Harman (D-CA), Chair of the Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing, and Terrorism Risk Assessment announced passage of H.R. 1955, the “Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007.”
The bill creates a National Commission to examine the causes of violent radicalization and homegrown terrorism and propose recommendations and legislative strategies for mitigating these threats. It also establishes a Center of Excellence for the Prevention of Radicalization and Home Grown Terrorism that will study the social, criminal, political, psychological and economic roots of the problem to provide further suggestions for action to address these dangers.
Chairman Thompson issued the following statement regarding the legislation:
“This vital legislation puts our nation on the path to addressing an emerging threat—homegrown terrorism. We simply don’t know how many ‘would-be terrorists’ are living right next door. Now we will have the ability to analyze our and other nations’ experience with this critical issue, propose and adopt recommendations for a safer America, and also protect civil rights and liberties of U.S. Citizens.”
Chair Harman added the following:
“The threat of a ‘Made in the USA’ suicide bomber has never been greater,” said Harman. “This bill, though not a silver bullet, will help develop a better understanding of the root causes of homegrown terrorism, and the steps we can take to stop it. We must intervene before a person crosses the line separating radical views from violent behavior, create an environment that discourages disillusionment and alienation, and instill in young people a sense of belonging and faith in the future.”
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Please contact Dena Graziano or Adam Comis at (202) 225-9978.
To view a detailed fact sheet about this bill, please click here.
