Mike McCaul

When I heard that 73 airport workers had ties to terrorism, when I got that news, well, first of all, I couldn't believe it.

I also strongly support H.R. 2770, the Keeping Our Travelers Safe and Secure Act, introduced by Ranking Member Rice.

I am co-sponsoring H.R. 2750, the Improved Security Vetting for Aviation Workers Act, introduced by Chairman Katko.

As we stare down these threats, Congress and the American people need confidence in our defenses.

I am here because I want to show my support on this issue, which affects more Americans than we know.

It is a global phenomenon. So our outreach internationally has been important as well.

I want to first pull up on the screen what I consider to be an internet conspiracy to conduct a terrorist attack.

Thank you, Director Steinbach.

This attack exemplifies a new era in which terrorism has gone viral.

These cases are a reminder of the dangers posed by individuals radicalized through social media.

These tactics are a sea change for spreading terror, and they require from us a paradigm shift in our counterterrorism intelligence and in our operations.

The Committee on Homeland Security will come to order.

The purpose of this hearing is to receive testimony regarding the increasing threat from violent Islamist extremist groups.

The Iraqi governance must take the lead in designing, executing and maintaining military operations.

Surely you know that number. Right?

American hostages should be the priority, not be placed on the sidelines.

Now is the time to increase the pressure to release these American hostages.

What does that say about our negotiating partner? Are they really acting in good faith?

I believe that music can bring people together in bad parts of the world. It can defeat radical Islamists; it can defeat the face of terror.

I believe enactment of this bill into law will go a long way in improving U.S international broadcasting efforts to strengthen our public diplomacy around the world.

From my own point of view. I would like to see the U.N. Security Council resolution stay in force until the IAEA has made a determination that Iran's program is indeed peaceful.

Also would like to see Iran commit to not conduct illicit nuclear trade.

I think it should be done before the sanctions are relieved.

I personally think that resolving the IAEA's concerns about past and possibly ongoing nuclear weapons research and development work is critically important.

I respect you greatly and I respect what NASA does, but what you've basically told me is that there is no option, there is no plan within the next two years if the Russians pull out, other than hoping like hell that they don't.