Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terror Bill Passes House
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 recently 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."