On the recordJuly 14, 2017
I thank Chairman Mac Thornberry for his extraordinary leadership and for the opportunity to speak on amendment No. 76. In the past few years, we have seen a clear rise in how terrorist and extremist groups use propaganda and sophisticated messaging operations to increase their reach to recruit new members, execute attacks, and raise funds. These violent extremist organizations represent a new type of threat to the United States and our families, and we must identify how existing agencies should work together to address the threat. This amendment requires the President to submit a comprehensive interagency strategy for countering violent extremist groups that pose a threat to American families or their interests. Any plan would identify how to counter the violent messaging, combat terrorist financing, support existing law enforcement activities, support counterradicalization organizations, and offer military support. Additionally, the amendment provides for accountability by requiring an annual assessment of the progress made implementing and achieving the strategy. The time is now to bring a whole-government approach to combat violent extremism. This strategy will serve a vital role in this effort. Mr. Chairman, I urge the passage of this amendment and the en bloc package.
