Sheila Jackson Lee: “First, I certainly want to thank all of the sponsors of this bill, and I thank Mr. Schneider for all of the important…”

“First, I certainly want to thank all of the sponsors of this bill, and I thank Mr. Schneider for all of the important work that has been done on this legislation. With the consideration of H.R. 5602, the Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act, the House takes affirmative steps in this time to address the rising menace of domestic terrorism and white supremacy. This bill creates three offices, one each within the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to monitor, investigate, and prosecute cases of domestic terrorism. These newly created offices would focus their resources based on data collected on the most significant threats with specific emphasis on white supremacist terrorism. Additionally, pursuant to this bill, DOJ and DHS would issue joint biennial reports to Congress assessing the state of domestic terrorism threats. Let me say, Mr. Speaker, that this legislation is not based on a whim. It is not based on someone's taste or distaste; likes or dislikes. This is based on facts. And as we continue to view the modeling of domestic terrorism, we will begin to continue to respond to it legislatively. But now we have a solid base of information dealing with the issues of growing white supremacy.…”