Bipartisan Radicalization - Homegrown Terror Bill Passed
July 18, 2007 – The Committee on Homeland Security Committee’s Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing, and Terrorism Risk Assessment unanimously passed H.R. 1955, the “Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007.” The bill, introduced by Chair Jane Harman (D-CA) and Ranking Member Dave Reichert (R-WA), will establish a National Commission on the issue, a Center of Excellence to examine the issue over the long term, promote international cooperation, and protect civil liberties.
Chair Harman released the following statement on the bill:
“While violent radicalization and homegrown terrorism were abstract ideas as recently as six months ago, today’s publicly released National Intelligence Estimate makes clear that the ‘radical and violent segment of the West’s Muslim population is expanding, including in the United States.’” The Subcommittee’s hearing record supports the need to understand how radicals turn to violence if we are to prevent the kind of homegrown terrorist attacks we’ve seen elsewhere. This bill, which was unanimously reported today, establishes a multidisciplinary Commission that will shape Congressional action going forward.”
Ranking Member Reichert said the following:
“Given the recent pattern of terrorist activity that has been discovered in the UK, Canada, and the United States, the issue of homegrown terrorism has critical implications for the security of our nation. Identifying the patterns of radicalization, where they exist, and isolating the contributing factors can help us mitigate problems before they begin – and that’s what this legislation does. Specifically, it creates a commission much like the 9/11 Commission, with the benefit of being proactive, rather than reactive. The Commission will examine and report upon the facts and causes of radicalization inside our own borders. We held hearings across the country, and the recent attacks reinforce the need for this legislation. I’m pleased to work with Chairman Harman side-by-side in crafting this important, bipartisan bill. The highest priority for homeland security must focus on preventing terrorist attacks to save lives.”
Congressman Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the full Committee, added the following:
“While many in government would have you believe that profiling a particular race, ethnicity, or religion will lead to greater security, I beg to differ. Quite simply, you cannot ‘profile’ hate, and those that wish to do us harm are not constrained by borders, race, or al Qaeda affiliation. We don’t know how many ‘would-be terrorists’ are living right next door. The homegrown threat of violent radicalization is real. The sooner we learn all that we can about the extent and capability of this threat, the sooner we can move toward a safer America. The National Commission created by the Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007 will bring us closer to the answers that we need and I commend Representatives Harman and Reichert for this show of bipartisan support and leadership on this issue.”
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Please contact Dena Graziano or Todd Levett at (202) 225-9978
