Counter Terrorist Network Act

Floor Speech

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Ms. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3526, the Counter Terrorist Network Act. I introduced the bipartisan Counter Terrorist Network Act with my colleague from New York, Representative Katko, to ensure that the Department of Homeland Security has the tools it needs to work effectively with international partners to prevent foreign terrorist organizations from carrying out attacks on U.S. soil.

As we work to address growing threats posed by domestic terrorism, we must also remain vigilant against the threats posed by al-Qaida and its affiliates, the Islamic State, and other foreign terrorist organizations that aspire to do our Nation harm.

With the Counter Terrorist Network Act, law enforcement will have enhanced resources to help thwart threats to our country. The Counter Terrorist Network Act authorizes the National Targeting Center, which is housed within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, to collaborate with international security agencies to disrupt and dismantle terrorist networks.

Importantly, it authorizes CBP to assign National Targeting Center personnel to overseas posts to improve information sharing about terrorist networks and help prevent entry to the U.S. by travelers who are known or suspected of being associated with a terrorist network.

NTC--that is the National Targeting Center--personnel play an important role in the safety of our country, including my community in northern Illinois. We know that in fiscal year 2015, CBP was able to prevent 22,000 high-risk travelers from traveling to the U.S. through the collaboration between the NTC and other predeparture screening programs. This number represents previously unknown high-risk travelers who were found to pose a national security or terrorist threat.

The successful partnerships and programs that CBP has built with other law enforcement partners in furtherance of their antiterrorism and homeland security mission warrant congressional support. As we work to address growing threats posed by domestic terrorism, we must also remain vigilant against the threats posed by al-Qaida and its affiliates, the Islamic State, and other foreign terrorist organizations that continue to aspire to do our Nation harm.

I would note that similar language overwhelmingly passed the House in 2018, and I urge my colleagues to again support the Counter Terrorist Network Act.

Lastly, Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Chairman Thompson and his staff on the House Committee on Homeland Security for all of their invaluable work on this legislation.

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