Bennie Thompson

I was pleased when we were able to reach common ground on a carve-out for certain individuals who traveled to the 4 countries for diplomatic or military service.

Under this new law, most individuals who have visited Iraq, Iran, Syria, and Sudan in the last 5 years would be ineligible for visa-free travel.

This comprehensive legislation, which was signed into law by the President on December 18, seeks to strengthen passport security requirements.

I co-sponsored H.R. 158, the Visa Waiver Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act, authored by Representative Candice Miller.

This committee has a long-standing, bipartisan interest in strengthening the Visa Waiver Program.

Given the evolving threat environment, it is proper for this committee to examine both the visa security and the refugee vetting processes.

With proper vetting, we should continue to welcome vulnerable populations to this country, including Syrian refugees.

It is important that we as Federal policymakers embrace facts, not fear.

As the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Kelly) indicated, Mississippi was hit very hard with tornadoes. There were 11 deaths, and there was significant damage. We have received a disaster declaration. I want to pay a special tribute to our…

This terrible act, which multiple sources have now confirmed was indeed a bombing, renews concerns regarding international aviation cooperation.

I would like to say that our thoughts and prayers remain with the individuals who perished aboard Metrojet Flight 9268 in Egypt.

Thank you Mr. Chairman, and thank you for convening this important hearing today.

After the 1995 domestic terrorist attacks on the Alfred P. Murrah Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, there was broad recognition that Federal buildings, which are symbols of our democracy, must be protected against terrorist attacks…

The attacks were a chilling manifestation of the reach of the ISIL terrorist network in Europe.

As Americans, we stand in solidarity with our French allies.

Providing safe harbor to individuals who no longer have a home because of war and violence is a humane and American thing to do.

Those attacks, along with the explosion of a Metrojet in Egypt, remind us that the threat of terrorism has not gone away.

I thank Ms. Dorgham for being here today, and I hope she will speak to those concerns and discuss the oversight that takes place at these airports that opt out of Federal screening.

Mr. Thompson. Thank you very much. The testimony has, indeed, been very good.

I am pleased that our committee regularly conducts oversight of Federal biodefense efforts.

Former committee Member Congressman Pascrell and former Chairman King have introduced the WMD Prevention and Preparedness Act.

We should not reinvent the wheel every time there is a crisis, and we should not put biodefense on the back burner between outbreaks or attacks.

We appreciate the work of your panel, and you have my commitment that this committee will do its part to address these challenges through further oversight and legislation.

I would also like to welcome our three panelists--Senator Lieberman, Governor Ridge, and Dr. Cole--back to the committee.

I would like to thank you for holding this hearing to examine current prison countering violent extremism programs.