John Katko: “Our Nation has experienced a tragedy for sure. This past weekend's terrorist attack in Orlando is just the latest in an…”

“Our Nation has experienced a tragedy for sure. This past weekend's terrorist attack in Orlando is just the latest in an increasingly long list of homegrown violent extremist attacks. Our Nation is not only grieving the loss of 49 innocent people, but is also facing the reality of having witnessed the most deadly terrorist attack in the U.S. since 9/11. I am concerned about ISIS' persistence in inflicting harm to all those who disagree with their ideology. Authorities are investigating over 800 ISIS-linked cases and have discovered 89 plots against the West, including 25 in the United States, and the list is growing year after year. This body has been investigating radical extremism since I came to this Chamber 18 months ago. I was fortunate and honored to lead the bipartisan Task Force on Combating Terrorist and Foreign Fighter Travel, which highlighted many of the vulnerabilities which came to light in Orlando, Chattanooga, Garland, and San Bernardino. The nature of the task force shows that domestic radicalization has been on the rise. The issue is not a partisan issue. It is an American issue. Omar Mateen's cowardly actions are a stark reminder of the resilience of the enemy we face today. However, this Chamber, with the leadership of Speaker Ryan and Chairman McCaul, has put forth solutions. The bill before us today encapsulates several ideas that my peers and I have worked on for months that outline ways to improve our counterterrorism efforts here at home.…”