Kirsten Gillibrand actually said...

What can or should DOD do to preempt the growth and spread of al Qaeda and its adherents and affiliates?

as al Qaeda's footprint expands in a decentralized manner, so too must its funding streams.

is the funding coming primarily through criminal activities like kidnap for ransom, piracy, or drug and arms smuggling?

This is absolutely necessary to protect our Nation against what is becoming a leading security threat.