H.R. 1955: Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007

quandary121 · May 29, 2008

Rep. Bennie Thompson [D-MS]:

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1955) to prevent homegrown terrorism, and for other purposes, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
Quick Info
H.R. 1955: Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007
Last Action: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Status: Passed House (Bipartisan support.)

H.R. 1955
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the "Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007". SEC. 2. PREVENTION OF VIOLENT RADICALIZATION AND HOMEGROWN TERRORISM. (a) In General.--Title VIII of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 361 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new subtitle:
"Subtitle J--Prevention of Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism
"SEC. 899A. DEFINITIONS. "For purposes of this subtitle: "(1) COMMISSION.--The term `Commission' means the National Commission on the Prevention of Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism established under section 899C. "(2) VIOLENT RADICALIZATION.--The term `violent radicalization' means the process of adopting or promoting an extremist belief system for the purpose of facilitating ideologically based violence to advance political, religious, or social change. "(3) HOMEGROWN TERRORISM.--The term `homegrown terrorism' means the use, planned use, or threatened use, of force or violence by a group or individual born, raised, or based and operating primarily within the United States or any possession of the United States to intimidate or coerce the United States government, the civilian population of the United States, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives. "(4) IDEOLOGICALLY BASED VIOLENCE.--The term `ideologically based violence' means the use, planned use, or threatened use of force or violence by a group or individual to promote the group or individual's political, religious, or social beliefs. "SEC. 899B. FINDINGS. "The Congress finds the following: "(1) The development and implementation of methods and processes that can be utilized to prevent violent radicalization, homegrown terrorism, and ideologically based violence in the United States is critical to combating domestic terrorism. "(2) The promotion of violent radicalization, homegrown terrorism, and ideologically based violence exists in the United States and poses a threat to homeland security. "(3) The Internet has aided in facilitating violent radicalization, ideologically based violence, and the homegrown terrorism process in the United States by providing access to broad and constant streams of terrorist-related propaganda to United States citizens. "(4) While the United States must continue its vigilant efforts to combat international terrorism, it must also strengthen efforts to combat the threat posed by homegrown terrorists based and operating within the United States. "(5) Understanding the motivational factors that lead to violent radicalization, homegrown terrorism, and ideologically based violence is a vital step toward eradicating these threats in the United States. "(6) Preventing the potential rise of self radicalized, unaffiliated terrorists domestically cannot be easily accomplished solely through traditional Federal intelligence or law enforcement efforts, and can benefit from the incorporation of State and local efforts. "(7) Individuals prone to violent radicalization, homegrown terrorism, and ideologically based violence span all races, ethnicities, and religious beliefs, and individuals should not be targeted based solely on race, ethnicity, or religion. "(8) Any measure taken to prevent violent radicalization, homegrown terrorism, and ideologically based violence and homegrown terrorism in the United States should not violate the constitutional rights, civil rights, or civil liberties of United States citizens or lawful permanent residents. "(9) Certain governments, including the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia have significant experience with homegrown terrorism and the United States can benefit from lessons learned by those nations. "SEC. 899C. NATIONAL COMMISSION ON THE PREVENTION OF VIOLENT RADICALIZATION AND IDEOLOGICALLY BASED VIOLENCE. "(a) Establishment.--There is established within the legislative branch of the Government the National Commission on the Prevention of Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism. "(b) Purpose.--The purposes of the Commission are the following:
"(1) Examine and report upon the facts and causes of violent radicalization, homegrown terrorism, and ideologically based violence in the United States, including United States connections to non-United States persons and networks, violent radicalization, homegrown terrorism, and ideologically based violence in prison, individual or `lone wolf' violent radicalization, homegrown terrorism, and ideologically based violence, and other faces of the phenomena of violent radicalization, homegrown terrorism, and ideologically based violence that the Commission considers important. "(2) Build upon and bring together the work of other entities and avoid unnecessary duplication, by reviewing the findings, conclusions, and recommendations of-- "(A) the Center of Excellence established or designated under section 899D, and other academic work, as appropriate; "(B) Federal, State, local, or tribal studies of, reviews of, and experiences with violent radicalization, homegrown terrorism, and ideologically based violence; and "(C) foreign government studies of, reviews of, and experiences with violent radicalization, homegrown terrorism, and ideologically based violence. "(c) Composition of Commission.--The Commission shall be composed of 10 members appointed for the life of the Commission, of whom-- "(1) one member shall be appointed by the President from among officers or employees of the executive branch and private citizens of the United States; "(2) one member shall be appointed by the Secretary; "(3) one member shall be appointed by the majority leader of the Senate; "(4) one member shall be appointed by the minority leader of the Senate; "(5) one member shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives; "(6) one member shall be appointed by the minority leader of the House of Representatives; "(7) one member shall be appointed by the Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives; "(8) one member shall be appointed by the ranking minority member of the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives; "(9) one member shall be appointed by the Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate; and "(10) one member shall be appointed by the ranking minority member of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate. "(d) Chair and Vice Chair.--The Commission shall elect a Chair and a Vice Chair from among its members.
"(e) Qualifications.--Individuals shall be selected for appointment to the Commission solely on the basis of their professional qualifications, achievements, public stature, experience, and expertise in relevant fields, including, but not limited to, behavioral science, constitutional law, corrections, counterterrorism, cultural anthropology, education, information technology, intelligence, juvenile justice, local law enforcement, organized crime, Islam and other world religions, sociology, or terrorism. "(f) Deadline for Appointment.--All members of the Commission shall be appointed no later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this subtitle.
"(g) Quorum and Meetings.--The Commission shall meet and begin the operations of the Commission not later than 30 days after the date on which all members have been appointed or, if such meeting cannot be mutually agreed upon, on a date designated by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Each subsequent meeting shall occur upon the call of the Chair or a majority of its members. A majority of the members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum, but a lesser number may hold meetings. "(h) Authority of Individuals to Act for Commission.--Any member of the Commission may, if authorized by the Commission, take any action that the Commission is authorized to take under this Act. "(i) Powers of Commission.--The powers of the Commission shall be as follows: "(1) IN GENERAL.-- "(A) HEARINGS AND EVIDENCE.--The Commission or, on the authority of the Commission, any subcommittee or member thereof, may, for the purpose of carrying out this section, hold hearings and sit and act at such times and places, take such testimony, receive such evidence, and administer such oaths as the Commission considers advisable to carry out its duties. "(B) CONTRACTING.--The Commission may, to such extent and in such amounts as are provided in appropriation Acts, enter into contracts to enable the Commission to discharge its duties under this section. "(2) INFORMATION FROM FEDERAL AGENCIES.--
"(A) IN GENERAL.--The Commission may request directly from any executive department, bureau, agency, board, commission, office, independent establishment, or instrumentality of the Government, information, suggestions, estimates, and statistics for the purposes of this section. The head of each such department, bureau, agency, board, commission, office, independent establishment, or instrumentality shall, to the extent practicable and authorized by law, furnish such information, suggestions, estimates, and statistics directly to the Commission, upon request made by the Chair of the Commission, by the chair of any subcommittee created by a majority of the Commission, or by any member designated by a majority of the Commission. "(B) RECEIPT, HANDLING, STORAGE, AND DISSEMINATION.--The Committee and its staff shall receive, handle, store, and disseminate information in a manner consistent with the operative statutes, regulations, and Executive orders that govern the handling, storage, and dissemination of such information at the department, bureau, agency, board, commission, office, independent establishment, or instrumentality that responds to the request. "(j) Assistance From Federal Agencies.-- "(1) GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION.--The Administrator of General Services shall provide to the Commission on a reimbursable basis administrative support and other services for the performance of the Commission's functions. "(2) OTHER DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES.--In addition to the assistance required under paragraph (1), departments and agencies of the United States may provide to the Commission such services, funds, facilities, and staff as they may determine advisable and as may be authorized by law. "(k) Postal Services.--The Commission may use the United States mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as departments and agencies of the United States. "(l) Nonapplicability of Federal Advisory Committee Act.--The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the Commission. "(m) Public Meetings.-- "(1) IN GENERAL.--The Commission shall hold public hearings and meetings to the extent appropriate. "(2) PROTECTION OF INFORMATION.--Any public hearings of the Commission shall be conducted in a manner consistent with the protection of information provided to or developed for or by the Commission as required by any applicable statute, regulation, or Executive order including subsection (i)(2)(B). " Staff of Commission.--
"(1) APPOINTMENT AND COMPENSATION.--The Chair of the Commission, in consultation with the Vice Chair and in accordance with rules adopted by the Commission, may appoint and fix the compensation of a staff director and such other personnel as may be necessary to enable the Commission to carry out its functions, without regard to the provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing appointments in the competitive service, and without regard to the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of such title relating to classification and General Schedule pay rates, except that no rate of pay fixed under this subsection may exceed the maximum rate of pay for GS-15 under the General Schedule. "(2) STAFF EXPERTISE.--Individuals shall be selected for appointment as staff of the Commission on the basis of their expertise in one or more of the fields referred to in subsection (e). "(3) PERSONNEL AS FEDERAL EMPLOYEES.-- "(A) IN GENERAL.--The executive director and any employees of the Commission shall be employees under section 2105 of title 5, United States Code, for purposes of chapters 63, 81, 83, 84, 85, 87, 89, and 90 of that title. "(B) MEMBERS OF COMMISSION.--Subparagraph (A) shall not be construed to apply to members of the Commission. "(4) DETAILEES.--Any Federal Government employee may be detailed to the Commission without reimbursement from the Commission, and during such detail shall retain the rights, status, and privileges of his or her regular employment without interruption. "(5) CONSULTANT SERVICES.--The Commission may procure the services of experts and consultants in accordance with section 3109 of title 5, United States Code, but at rates not to exceed the daily rate paid a person occupying a position at level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United States Code. "(6) EMPHASIS ON SECURITY CLEARANCES.--The Commission shall make it a priority to hire as employees and retain as contractors and detailees individuals otherwise authorized by this section who have active security clearances. "(o) Commission Personnel Matters.-- "(1) COMPENSATION OF MEMBERS.--Each member of the Commission who is not an employee of the government shall be compensated at a rate not to exceed the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay in effect for a position at level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United States Code, for each day during which that member is engaged in the actual performance of the duties of the Commission. "(2) TRAVEL EXPENSES.--While away from their homes or regular places of business in the performance of services for the Commission, members of the Commission shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of agencies under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, while away from their homes or regular places of business in the performance of services for the Commission. "(3) TRAVEL ON ARMED FORCES CONVEYANCES.--Members and personnel of the Commission may travel on aircraft, vehicles, or other conveyances of the Armed Forces of the United States when such travel is necessary in the performance of a duty of the Commission, unless the cost of commercial transportation is less expensive. "(4) TREATMENT OF SERVICE FOR PURPOSES OF RETIREMENT BENEFITS.--A member of the Commission who is an annuitant otherwise covered by section 8344 or 8468 of title 5, United States Code, by reason of membership on the Commission shall not be subject to the provisions of such section with respect to membership on the Commission. "(5) VACANCIES.--A vacancy on the Commission shall not affect its powers and shall be filled in the manner in which the original appointment was made. The appointment of the replacement member shall be made not later than 60 days after the date on which the vacancy occurs. "(p) Security Clearances.--The heads of appropriate departments and agencies of the executive branch shall cooperate with the Commission to expeditiously provide Commission members and staff with appropriate security clearances to the extent possible under applicable procedures and requirements. "(q) Reports.--
"(1) FINAL REPORT.--Not later than 18 months after the date on which the Commission first meets, the Commission shall submit to the President and Congress a final report of its findings and conclusions, legislative recommendations for immediate and long-term countermeasures to violent radicalization, homegrown terrorism, and ideologically based violence, and measures that can be taken to prevent violent radicalization, homegrown terrorism, and ideologically based violence from developing and spreading within the United States, and any final recommendations for any additional grant programs to support these purposes. The report may also be accompanied by a classified annex. "(2) INTERIM REPORTS.--The Commission shall submit to the President and Congress-- "(A) by not later than 6 months after the date on which the Commission first meets, a first interim report on-- "(i) its findings and conclusions and legislative recommendations for the purposes described in paragraph (1); and "(ii) its recommendations on the feasibility of a grant program established and administered by the Secretary for the purpose of preventing, disrupting, and mitigating the effects of violent radicalization, homegrown terrorism, and ideologically based violence and, if such a program is feasible, recommendations on how grant funds should be used and administered; and "(B) by not later than 6 months after the date on which the Commission submits the interim report under subparagraph (A), a second interim report on such matters. "(3) INDIVIDUAL OR DISSENTING VIEWS.--Each member of the Commission may include in each report under this subsection the individual additional or dissenting views of the member. "(4) PUBLIC AVAILABILITY.--The Commission shall release a public version of each report required under this subsection. "(r) Availability of Funding.--Amounts made available to the Commission to carry out this section shall remain available until the earlier of the expenditure of the amounts or the termination of the Commission. "(s) Termination of Commission.--The Commission shall terminate 30 days after the date on which the Commission submits its final report. "SEC. 899D. CENTER OF EXCELLENCE FOR THE STUDY OF VIOLENT RADICALIZATION AND HOMEGROWN TERRORISM IN THE UNITED STATES.
"(a) Establishment.--The Secretary of Homeland Security shall establish or designate a university-based Center of Excellence for the Study of Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism in the United States (hereinafter referred to as `Center') following the merit-review processes and procedures and other limitations that have been previously established for selecting and supporting University Programs Centers of Excellence. The Center shall assist Federal, State, local and tribal homeland security officials through training, education, and research in preventing violent radicalization and homegrown terrorism in the United States. In carrying out this section, the Secretary may choose to either create a new Center designed exclusively
"(c) Auditing Mechanism.--The Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Officer of the Department of Homeland Security shall develop and implement an auditing mechanism to ensure that compliance with this subtitle does not violate the constitutional rights, civil rights, or civil liberties of any racial, ethnic, or religious group, and shall include the results of audits under such mechanism in its annual report to Congress required under section 705.". (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents in section 1(b) of such Act is amended by inserting at the end of the items relating to title VIII the following:
"Subtitle J--Prevention of Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism
"Sec..899A..Definitions. "Sec..899B..Findings. "Sec..899C..National Commission on the Prevention of Violent Radicalization and Ideologically Based Violence. "Sec..899D..Center of Excellence for the Study of Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism in the United States. "Sec..899E..Preventing violent radicalization and homegrown terrorism through international cooperative efforts.
"Sec..899F..Protecting civil rights and civil liberties while preventing ideologically based violence and homegrown terrorism.

quandary121 · May 29, 2008

Rep. Bennie Thompson [D-MS]:

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Quick Info
H.R. 1955: Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007
Last Action: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Status: Passed House (Bipartisan support.)

Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1955, the Violent Radicalization of Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007.
In May, six men were arrested for allegedly plotting to attack Fort Dix. Three of those men were United States citizens; the other three had been in the United States since they were small children. Then, again, in June, another four men were charged with plotting to attack JFK Airport by blowing up jet fuel tanks. The alleged mastermind of this plot was a United States citizen.
Today, one of the most frequently visited English language Web sites that preaches hate, violence and radicalized views of Islam is operated by a 21-year-old U.S. citizen from the comfort of his parents' home in North Carolina. Some may say these incidents are isolated cases, but I believe that they are indicative of a growing trend of homegrown terrorism in this country.
Quick Info
H.R. 1955: Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007
Last Action: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Status: Passed House (Bipartisan support.)

Homegrown terrorists no longer need to travel to Afghanistan or Pakistan to get support and training. They can simply go on the Internet to find violent propaganda and others who share their violent ideology. H.R. 1955 provides us with a strategy for how to address this very challenging Homeland Security issue. I commend Chairwoman Harman for authoring this important legislation and for championing this case.
The centerpiece of this bill is the creation of a national commission. It is a step in the right direction. National commissions have a long and successful history in this country. The Gilmore Commission, of which our chairwoman was a member, which functioned from 1993 to 1998, made 164 recommendations regarding the domestic response to terrorism. Of those 164 recommendations, all have been adopted in whole or in part by the Congress and the Federal Government.
Another commission, the National Commission on Terrorism, which operated in the early 1990s, was on the cutting edge of the terrorism debate. That commission provided the Nation with the blueprint of how to address the threat of terrorism long before the September 11 attacks.
The more recent 9/11 Commission set the tenor of our administrative and legislative response to the September 11 attack. That commission's recommendations were the bedrock of legislation I offered that was enacted into law this summer.
Quick Info
H.R. 1955: Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007
Last Action: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Status: Passed House (Bipartisan support.)

The commission established in H.R. 1955 will help build on the work of past commissions and help our Nation come up with strategies for new threats. The bill also requires our government to reach out to other nations that have experienced home grown terrorism. Learning from other nations about what works and what doesn't will better position us to prevent the spread of violent ideology in our country.
The bill also creates a center of excellence to conduct research that is desperately needed in determining the root cause of violent radicalization.
Quick Info
H.R. 1955: Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007
Last Action: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Status: Passed House (Bipartisan support.)

Quick Info
H.R. 1955: Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007
Last Action: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Status: Passed House (Bipartisan support.)

At the same time, H.R. 1955 also protects simple rights and liberties of U.S. citizens. The bill is mindful of Americans' right to free speech, freedom of association and freedom to worship. H.R. 1955 makes certain that individuals exercising these rights within lawful parameters are not singled out.
I urge my colleagues to support this important Homeland Security bill and ask them to vote in favor of passage of this important legislation.
Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Rep. Dave Reichert [R-WA]:

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Quick Info
H.R. 1955: Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007
Last Action: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Status: Passed House (Bipartisan support.)

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1955, the Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007.
As the ranking member on the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Intelligence, I would like to commend, first of all and especially, Chairwoman JANE HARMAN, who has, as the chairman says, Mr. Thompson, really done a lot of work in this area and has been at the forefront of our intelligence community in working to protect our Nation.
I also want to thank the full committee chairman, Mr. Thompson of Mississippi, for all his hard work, and our ranking member, Mr. King of New York, who could not be here today.
This truly has been a bipartisan effort. It's one of those issues that all of us in this body recognize as so critical to the protection of our citizens and our country. This legislation is focused on addressing the issue of radicalization and homegrown terrorism. While terrorist recruitment and radicalization is a worldwide problem that must be combated globally, the United States cannot afford to simply focus on eliminating terrorists abroad. It is essential that we fully understand the future and the nature of the threat here in the United States from homegrown radicals.
In the National Intelligence Estimate on the Terrorist Threat to the U.S. Homeland released in July of this year, the Director of National Intelligence and the National Intelligence Council assess, "The spread of radical Internet sites, increasingly aggressive anti-U.S. rhetoric and actions, and the growing number of radical, self-generating cells in Western countries indicate that the radical and violent segment of the West's Muslim population is expanding, including in the United States. The arrest and prosecution by U.S. law enforcement of a small number of violent Islamic extremists inside the United States--who are becoming more connected ideologically, virtually, and/or in a physical sense to the global extremist movement--points to the possibility that others may become sufficiently radicalized that they will view the use of violence here as legitimate."
Because of the freedoms of our society, and the interconnected world we live in, radical ideas spread easily. These ideas can come from overseas or from within the United States. They can come from within prisons inside of isolated religious or ethnic enclaves or on the Internet. These ideas reach people in the privacy of their homes, via the Internet, and can be similarly assessed by vulnerable individuals at schools, libraries and universities.
Unfortunately, our freedoms are being abused by individuals whose sole purpose is to destroy our way of life. While we have not seen radicalization to the extent witnessed in other Western countries like the United Kingdom, we have seen homegrown terrorist cells.
Prisoners in Sacramento state prison plotted to attack Jewish and U.S. military targets. Radicalized individuals plotted to destroy fuel tanks at JFK Airport in New York and aimed to create carnage at Fort Dix in New Jersey.
While clearly law enforcement and intelligence efforts are key to intercepting and interdicting these ideas and thoughts and efforts in our country, we need a strategy to ensure that violent, radical ideologies are contained. Because of the nature of this threat, it is essential that we understand why individuals become radicalized and what we can do to prevent radical ideologies from taking hold and spreading here in the United States.
Quick Info
H.R. 1955: Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007
Last Action: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Status: Passed House (Bipartisan support.)

Quick Info
H.R. 1695: Preventing Radicalism by Exploring and Vetting its Emergence as a National Threat...
Last Action: Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.
Status: Introduced

H.R. 1955 establishes a National Commission on the Prevention of Violent Radicalization and Ideologically Based Violence. The commission incorporates aspects of H.R. 1695, the PREVENT Act, which I introduced earlier this year. The purpose of this national commission would be to proactively get ahead of the radicalization problems so that as a Nation we can combat these radical ideologies before they become widespread within our borders.
Quick Info
H.R. 1955: Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007
Last Action: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Status: Passed House (Bipartisan support.)

In addition, H.R. 1955 includes provisions to help us learn from our international partners on how they are trying to prevent radicalization in their own countries. This issue is not new to many countries throughout the world such as the United Kingdom, and I believe it is critical for us to work with our international partners and learn from their past successes and failures.
Lastly, this legislation includes provisions that ensure privacy and civil rights are protected for all American citizens.
Again, I would like to commend Chairman Harman and Chairman Thompson for working with me and Mr. King on this legislation. I urge all my colleagues to support this bill.
I reserve the balance of my time.

quandary121 · May 29, 2008

Rep. Bennie Thompson [D-MS]:

Madam Speaker, I yield as much time as she may consume to the gentlelady from California (Ms. Harman), the chairman of the subcommittee, as well as the author of this legislation under consideration today.
Rep. Jane Harman [D-CA]:

Madam Speaker, I thank my chairman for yielding to me, and I thank my ranking member, Mr. Reichert, for his generous remarks.
Madam Speaker, on 9/11 we were attacked by foreigners who had come to this country legally. The next time and, sadly, I believe there will be a next time, my assumption is that many who attack us will already be here, and some will be U.S. citizens. Homegrown terror is a phenomenon many countries are scrambling to understand, including the British, as they are under major threat from it. Theirs is a peculiar kind with a large Pakistani population that is not well assimilated.
But America has a problem too, unique in nature, and we fail to understand it at our peril. Far from being immune to the danger of homegrown terror, think Timothy McVeigh or Theodore Kaczynski, the threat today is infinitely greater and more likely to be influenced by events in the Middle East or by the larger struggle against radical Islam.
What causes an individual or group to, first, coalesce around a set of radical principles or a charismatic leader, activities permitted by our Bill of Rights, but subsequently to embrace a violent agenda intended to inflict maximum pain and disruption on his neighbors, potential treason, is not well understood.
In recent testimony before our Intelligence Subcommittee, some common traits and characteristics emerged. Said RAND Corporation's Bruce Jenkins: "It is the same age group that is susceptible to being recruited into gangs. These are young men who are going through identity crises, looking to define themselves. If you have a narrative that exalts violence, that attempts to project that violence as a personal obligation, that offers the tantalizing prospect of clandestinity, identity, all of those are appealing to that specific age group."
Combine that personal adolescent upheaval with the explosion of information technologies and communications tools, tools which American kids are using to broadcast messages from al Qaeda, as Chairman Thompson just said, and there is a road map to terror, a retail outlet for anger and warped aspirations. Link that intent with a trained terrorist operative who has actual capability, and a "Made in the USA" suicide bomber is born.
Quick Info
H.R. 1955: Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007
Last Action: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Status: Passed House (Bipartisan support.)

Madam Speaker, H.R. 1955 was carefully constructed by DAVE REICHERT and me, as ranking member and chairman of the Homeland Security Intelligence Subcommittee. The bill passed out of subcommittee and full committee unanimously. This bill has strong bipartisan origins. As one who believes that this body's best work is done on a bipartisan basis, I think this bill is a testament. Though not a silver bullet, the legislation will help the Nation develop a better understanding of the forces that lead to homegrown terrorism and the steps we can take to stop it.
Madam Speaker, free speech, espousing even very radical beliefs, is protected by our Constitution. But violent behavior is not. Our plan must be to intervene before a person crosses that line separating radical views from violent behavior, to understand the forces at work on the individual and the community, to create an environment that discourages disillusionment and alienation, that instills in young people a sense of belonging and faith in the future.
The legislation before us today offers that opportunity. It is, I would suggest, the key to prevention. If we fail to prevent, the best we can do is manage consequences. Prevention is better. I urge an "aye" vote.
Rep. Dave Reichert [R-WA]:

Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from California (Mr. Daniel E. Lungren), the ranking member of the Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection Subcommittee.
Rep. Daniel Lungren [R-CA]:

Madam Speaker, according to the FBI testimony before our House Committee on Homeland Security: "The European and American experience shows that prisons are venues where extremists have radicalized and recruited among the inmate population."
Now, this is not just a theoretical concern. We all remember the case of Richard Reid, apprehended while attempting to detonate a bomb on a U.S.-bound commercial flight in December 2001. Well, that same Mr. Reid is believed to have been radicalized by an imam while incarcerated in Britain.
In 2005 we learned of the California prison-based case of the "Assembly of Authentic Islam." These individuals were involved in almost a dozen armed gas station robberies in the Los Angeles area, with the goal of financing terrorist operations. They were indicted by a Federal grand jury for conspiracy to levy war against the U.S. Government through terrorism.
And in April of this year, in a hearing that we held out in Torrance, California, Sergeant Larry Mead of the Gang Intelligence Unit, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, testified that "analysis shows that radicalization and recruitment in U.S. prisons is still an ongoing concern."
Similarly, in a recent report, the NYPD noted that prisons are "an excellent breeding ground for radicalization."
The key to the success of stopping the spread of radicalization is identifying how radicalization begins and eliminating its breeding grounds. We know we have difficulties with this phenomenon in our prisons, but we don't know enough about it. We need to have collaboration between the Federal prison system authorities and the State prison system authorities and within the prison system authorities themselves. We need to bring together the best thinkers on this, the best people who have experience in dealing with this already at the ground level; and, in fact, this bill does that.
Quick Info
H.R. 1955: Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007
Last Action: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Status: Passed House (Bipartisan support.)

Radicalization is not that well understood, and through this bill we will take an in-depth look at how it occurs. The commission provided for in H.R. 1955 would give our government an in-depth, multidisciplinary look at radicalization. And why is that important? Because no one has the single answer on this.
Yes, we have the background of prisons as the general background to look at the radicalization in prisons, but how does it occur? Why does it occur? And why are we seeing a rise in this at this particular time when it is perhaps most dangerous to the American people?
Quick Info
H.R. 1955: Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007
Last Action: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Status: Passed House (Bipartisan support.)

Radical Islam and its advocates around the world are a threat to America, but we have to understand we might develop a threat within the United States, as evidenced already by certain actions that have occurred. And therefore I would suggest that we vote "yes" on H.R. 1955 so we can get the facts upon which we can plan for prevention, not just taking care of the problem after it occurs.
Rep. Bennie Thompson [D-MS]:

Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Carney), the chairman of our Management and Oversight Committee.
Rep. Christopher Carney [D-PA]: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank Chairman Thompson and certainly my good friend and colleague, Chairwoman Harman, for this legislation, and for our friends across the aisle. As a freshman, it's very instructive to watch what we can do in a bipartisan manner to protect this country. I do appreciate that. A lesson not lost on me, certainly.
This past May, six suspected terrorists were charged with conspiring to attack Fort Dix. Their goal was to bring about significant destruction and mass casualties to that critical military base. These six men lived less than an hour away from my home and trained right in the Pocono Mountains of northeast Pennsylvania.
In June of this year, four men were charged with plotting to attack civil aviation by blowing up jet fuel pipelines that serve JFK. In both cases the accused individuals planned, plotted, and attempted to perpetrate their crimes on American soil. More troubling is that, according to media reports, neither cell received any assistance or had any contact with al Qaeda or any other overseas terrorist group. These two recent events demonstrate the troubling presence of homegrown terrorism in the United States.
Members of such groups are indistinguishable from traditional terrorists in that they are radicalized and sympathize with the al Qaeda cause. However, that said, they undertake their terrorist plots without training or support from a central foreign terrorist group.
Given the civil rights and liberties protections that we enjoy as all Americans, the Federal Government must be creative in its approach to combating homegrown terrorism.
Quick Info
H.R. 1955: Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007
Last Action: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Status: Passed House (Bipartisan support.)

H.R. 1955, the Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007, protects the civil rights and civil liberties of Americans and lawful permanent residents, while providing solutions for preventing future violent radicalization and homegrown terrorism.
The act creates a national commission to examine the cases of violent radicalization and homegrown terrorism. The commission will be tasked with proposing concrete recommendations and legislative strategies for mitigating these types of domestically nurtured threats.
The act also establishes Centers for Excellence for the Prevention of Radicalization that will study the social, criminal, political, psychological, and economic roots of the problem. Additionally, it will provide Homeland Security officials across the government with suggestions for preventing future radicalization and homegrown terrorism. It requires our Homeland Security officials to thoroughly examine the experiences of other nations that have experienced homegrown terrorism so that our government can learn from those experiences. I look forward to the passage of this vital piece of legislation and others that will make this Nation even more safe.
Rep. Dave Reichert [R-WA]:

Madam Speaker, it is my privilege to yield 3 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Dent), the ranking member of the Emergency Communications, Preparedness and Response Subcommittee of the Homeland Security full committee.
Rep. Charles Dent [R-PA]:

Madam Speaker, I have to add my two cents' worth, that the same folks who were training up in the Poconos near Congressman Carney's home were training about an hour from my home as well, and we all, I think, realize the nature of this homegrown threat.
Quick Info
H.R. 1955: Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007
Last Action: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Status: Passed House (Bipartisan support.)

But I want to rise today to speak in support of H.R. 1955, the Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act.
Recently, U.S. intelligence and law enforcement officials have enjoyed a number of successes in the war against violent extremism. The plot to kill soldiers at Fort Dix, the attempt to disrupt the Kennedy Airport pipeline system, and last year's conspiracy to bring down the U.S./U.K. transatlantic flights, were all disrupted by good intelligence efforts and, as a result, lives were saved.
But we cannot rest on our laurels. After all, it is still al Qaeda's stated goal to kill 4 million Americans, to bring the United States to its knees, and to impose a system of radical violent Islamism upon the Middle East, and in fact the rest of the world. We need to protect ourselves from this threat to do everything we can in order to make sure that there are no future terrorist attacks on the homeland, and the Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act would help us certainly in this effort.
Quick Info
H.R. 1695: Preventing Radicalism by Exploring and Vetting its Emergence as a National Threat...
Last Action: Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.
Status: Introduced

Quick Info
H.R. 1955: Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007
Last Action: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Status: Passed House (Bipartisan support.)

This bill's effectiveness is enhanced by the fact that it was put together in a spirit of bipartisan, much to the credit of the Chair, Ms. Harman. Earlier this year, the ranking member of the Homeland Security Committee's Intelligence, Information Sharing, and Terrorism Risk Assessment Subcommittee, Congressman DAVE REICHERT, introduced legislation, H.R. 1695, that forms the basis for the current bill, H.R. 1955. Chairwoman Harman and Ranking Member Reichert have both actively supported the current bill, which was voted out of the Homeland Security Committee without opposition in August.
Also, this bill was the subject of numerous hearings, excellent hearings, much to the credit of both of them.
This bill can help us to stop the spread of violent radicalization that has helped terrorist groups to grow their rank-and-file membership. It creates a 10-member national commission, modeled after the 9/11 Commission, which will study radicalization and come up with recommendations for defusing its power and preventing its spread. It establishes a university-based center of excellence that will study this phenomenon in depth, and it encourages international cooperation to stop the spread of this violent extremism. It authorizes the Department of Homeland Security to work with nations such as the U.K. and Israel, countries that have had a lot of experience and success in dealing with violent extremism within their borders, to develop a "best practices" methodology that can be used to help prevent radicalization and to thwart ideologically based violence.
I hope that Members will join me in supporting this bipartisan legislation aimed at protecting us against violent extremism and at making us safer here in this country.
Rep. Bennie Thompson [D-MS]: Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Perlmutter).
Rep. Ed Perlmutter [D-CO]: Madam Speaker, I thank Chairman Thompson and I want to thank Ms. Harman and Mr. Reichert for conducting a number of hearings across the country to really focus our attention on what could be a very big problem if we don't get in touch with it right now.
As the global war on terror continues, America dedicates much of its resources to tracking foreign terrorists at home and abroad. But in recent years, we have seen a rise in the number of U.S.-born criminals inspired by, but not necessarily affiliated with, groups like al Qaeda. And we have had, from Ms. Harman and Mr. Reichert and Mr. Lungren as well, a list of a number of incidents that we have seen recently.
It is vital that our Nation do what it can to understand the growing threat of homegrown terrorists and what we can do to prevent it. The Homegrown Terrorism and Violent Radicalization Act finally focuses attention on this matter. The bill establishes a national center of excellence to bring in the top minds in the world to explore the causes of radicalization. The legislation also enhances our international cooperation so we may learn from our allies who have extensive experience with homegrown terrorism.
But the centerpiece of this legislation is the establishment of a national commission to report to Congress the causes and preventive measures that we can take. The commission consists of academics, religious experts, counterintelligence officials, prison administrators, and many others with the experience provided for this input.
And I must make it clear this bill has strict oversight of the privacy officers within the Department of Homeland Security to ensure it respects personal and religious freedom.
As Americans, it is very difficult to understand why one of our citizens would want to terrorize his neighbors and countrymen. But it is a question we must face in order to protect our security. This bill tackles this head on, and I would like to thank our chairman and ranking member for bringing this bill forward.
Rep. Dave Reichert [R-WA]:

Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Florida, a member of the full Committee on Homeland Security (Ms. Ginny Brown-Waite).
Rep. Virginia Brown-Waite [R-FL]:

I thank the gentleman for yielding.
Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007. This very important bill will play a key role in protecting our homeland.
As events abroad have taught us all too frequently, homegrown extremists and terrorists pose a serious and deadly threat to the general population. The recent attacks in Great Britain, as well as the foiled plot in Germany, prove that we must prevent the spread of violent radicalization within our own borders. They do it there; we certainly need to do more here.
Here at home our intelligence and law enforcement officials have done an exceptional job of keeping America safe from such threats. Over the last 1 1/2 years, we have seen plots against the Sears Tower in Chicago, Ft. Dix in New Jersey, and JFK Airport foiled by our Nation's vigilant network of law enforcement and intelligence personnel.
The bill before us will serve to strengthen those homeland defense efforts by preventing ideologies that promote violence and terrorism from taking root in American soil.
We know that al Qaeda seeks to spread their evil philosophy everywhere, even into the minds of our own U.S. citizens. To combat radical Muslim extremists' ceaseless efforts at expansion, this bipartisan bill will create a commission to study violent radicalization and work with all levels of government both here and abroad to examine strategies to deal with this phenomena. This bill has an estimated cost of approximately $20 million. This number pales in comparison to the cost in human suffering and economic devastation a homegrown terrorist attack might bring.
As Americans, we must never give up fighting the forces of hate and violence espoused by al Qaeda, and I believe this bill is a valuable weapon in that struggle. I commend the chairwoman and Ranking Member Reichert for their tenacity in bringing this bill to the floor, and I support it.
Rep. Bennie Thompson [D-MS]:

Madam Speaker, at this time I have no further requests for time, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Rep. Dave Reichert [R-WA]:

Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Connecticut, who is a member of the full Committee on Homeland Security (Mr. Shays).
Rep. Christopher Shays [R-CT]:

Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for yielding to me.
Quick Info
H.R. 1955: Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007
Last Action: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Status: Passed House (Bipartisan support.)

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1955, the Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act, which I refer to as the Harman-Reichert bill. I appreciate that they have worked so well together on a bipartisan basis.
I like the fact that this legislation creates a 10-member national commission, modeled after the 9/11 Commission, to study violent radicalization and ideologically based terrorism in these United States.
Before September 11 we had the Hart-Rudman Commission, the Bremer Commission, the Gilmore Commission. They all told us the same basic point, that we have a terrorist threat and we need to recognize that threat, that we need a strategy to deal with this threat, and that we need to reorganize our government to implement the strategy.
Then came September 11, and we did wake up somewhat. We reorganized our government and created the Department of Homeland Security. We passed the PATRIOT Act. We reorganized our intelligence agencies and created a Director of Intelligence. And we are reforming the FISA law, but this is still an issue we are working with.
The 9/11 Commission did something very courageous. They didn't say we are confronting terrorism; they said we are confronting Islamist terrorists who would do us harm. I think it is absolutely important we pass this legislation to begin to know the effects of radical terrorism spreading throughout the entire world and working its way into the United States.
I believe with all my heart and soul that we have a level of recognition of the threat that pales in comparison to what the true threat is. I think this legislation will help awaken us a bit and help awaken others within our country that this threat must be dealt with.
We have a lot of issues that are important for our country to deal with, but our homeland security is on the top of the list. I urge passage of this legislation.

quandary121 · May 29, 2008

Rep. Bennie Thompson [D-MS]: Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.
Rep. Dave Reichert [R-WA]:

Madam Speaker, it is indeed my pleasure to yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia, who is a member of the full Committee on Homeland Security (Mr. BROUN).
Rep. Paul Broun [R-GA]: Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.
Madam Speaker, homegrown terrorism is a very dangerous threat and must not be overlooked. The United States has an obligation and a solemn duty to guard against the violent radicalization of the American population, a radicalization that has far-reaching, devastating implications.
On September 11, 2001, the world saw firsthand the damage that Islamic extremists can do to the American people. As we look within our own population, there are individuals who promote ideologies under the guise of religion, political, and social benefits that are diametrically opposed to the American values and liberties that we hold so dear. Ideologies of any kind, religious or otherwise, that are based on violence, intolerance, and hatred have no place in America.
In the past 18 months, the United States law enforcement and intelligence agencies have stopped numerous individuals and groups that promote radical political, religious, or social beliefs from carrying out terrorist attacks on American soil. I, for one, would like to know how these individuals are operating and how they are funded. Are foreign entities providing the funding for their activities? Are these individuals who promote radical political ideologies registered as foreign agents? Perhaps we need to reexamine the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938. We need to be more proactive and strike at the roots of the problem.
Quick Info
H.R. 1955: Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007
Last Action: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Status: Passed House (Bipartisan support.)

The bill that we are discussing today, H.R. 1955, is proactive instead of reactive. Britain, Spain, France, and most recently Germany and Denmark have all suffered the deadly effects of a small radicalized population that often use religion as an excuse to engage in violence and murder. The United States, thanks in large part to its alert citizenry and professional law enforcement agencies, has prevented the successful execution of several recent domestic terror threats in New York, Chicago, Florida, and elsewhere.
Studying the causes of radicalization and ideologically based violence will better inform all of us how we can prevent terrorists from spreading their messages of hate.
Quick Info
H.R. 1695: Preventing Radicalism by Exploring and Vetting its Emergence as a National Threat...
Last Action: Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.
Status: Introduced

The Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act is the work of a solid bipartisan cooperation at the subcommittee and full committee levels. Such cooperation is readily apparent as the current bill includes major aspects of H.R. 1695, Congressman Reichert's PREVENT Act, which was designed to establish a National Commission on Radicalization. The nonpartisan commission envisioned by Representatives REICHERT and HARMAN will be dedicated to comprehensively examining the phenomenon of violent radicalization so that we might better understand its root causes within the United States.
I urge my colleagues to support this important timely, bipartisan piece of legislation.
Rep. Dave Reichert [R-WA]: May I inquire as to how much time I have left.
Chair: The gentleman from Washington has 1 1/2 minutes remaining.
Rep. Dave Reichert [R-WA]: I have no additional speakers.
Rep. Bennie Thompson [D-MS]:

Madam Speaker, at this time I would like to yield such time as she may consume to the chairman of the subcommittee, Ms. Harman.
Rep. Jane Harman [D-CA]: Madam Speaker, how much time remains on this side, may I ask?
Chair: The gentleman from Mississippi has 6 minutes remaining.
Rep. Jane Harman [D-CA]:

I assure the chairman I will just take a brief amount of time.
I want to note for the body that this has been an excellent debate. We are bipartisan, we are unanimous, everyone understands the problem, and everyone wants to solve the problem. It is extremely refreshing, and I have thoroughly enjoyed this debate.
I want to make two additional points. Number one, our bill was sequentially referred to the Judiciary Committee, and the Judiciary Committee agreed to report it for it to be brought up on the consent calendar. I would especially like to thank Chairman Conyers for his cooperation and note that our staff, our excellent staff, worked out this agreement.
My second comment is that a companion bill, the identical text, has been introduced in the Senate, and referred to the Government Affairs Committee, which is the committee of jurisdiction there, and I hope that following passage here, should we be able to pass the bill today, there would be prompt action in the other body and we would have a law to send to the President to sign this fall.
In conclusion, this is a good process and I think an excellent result. It will make America more safe.
Rep. Dave Reichert [R-WA]:

Madam Speaker, I just want to reemphasize the words of Chairwoman Harman, who just spoke. This really has been a bipartisan effort; we talk a lot about that on the Hill here. And this committee, working with Ms. Harman has been, indeed, a pleasure, traveling across the country to various locations, holding hearings on this topic.
It is important for the American people to know and understand and realize there really is truly a threat here within the borders of the United States of America, and how important it is for all of us to work together because Americans working together keep this country safe and protect the freedoms that we have all enjoyed, for me, 57 years of enjoying the freedoms of this blessed country. And I want the same things for my children and my grandchildren. I want them to enjoy the same freedoms that I've had the opportunities to enjoy. In order for us to do that, both sides of the aisle have to work closely together to make sure that we pass the laws, the legislation that will accomplish that great feat.
In reminding the American people what has happened in the past 18 months in this country, the Sears Tower in Chicago in 2006; a New York-New Jersey PATH tunnel in July of 2006; Chicago-area shopping mall, December of 2006; passengers aboard a transatlantic flight from the U.K. to the U.S.; soldiers at Fort Dix in New Jersey; JFK Airport's fueling systems and others, these have been terrorist acts that have been prevented, and we need to continue that effort. Passing this legislation will accomplish that.
Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Quick Info
H.R. 1955: Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007
Last Action: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Status: Passed House (Bipartisan support.)

Rep. Bennie Thompson [D-MS]:

Madam Speaker, in closing, I urge my colleagues to join me in support of H.R. 1955. This vital legislation will put our Nation on the path to addressing an emerging threat, homegrown terrorism.
Quick Info
H.R. 1955: Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007
Last Action: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Status: Passed House (Bipartisan support.)

There is general agreement that the threat of foreign-based terrorist groups is real. We, as a Nation, have dedicated a great deal of resources to global counterterrorism. However, in some corners, there has been a kind of mindset about homeland security that believes we will be safe if we get the terrorists there before they get us here. It's the kind of mindset that ignores the fact that there are some would-be terrorists who are born here, raised and educated here, and only have lived here in the United States. For those of us who love this Nation, it is not the kind of thing that we want to acknowledge, but we must. Enactment of H.R. 1955 will put us on a course to understanding homegrown terrorism and coming up with strategies to reduce this major threat to the homeland.
Madam Speaker, I, also would like to pay tribute to the chairwoman of the committee for ushering this passage, as well as the ranking member of the committee. But I would also like to acknowledge that Ranking Member King, who had an unfortunate death in his family, is not here. He has been a source of support for this legislation and has helped get us to this point, and I would like to acknowledge that for the record.
Madam Speaker, I urge passage of this legislation.
Quick Info
H.R. 1955: Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007
Last Action: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Status: Passed House (Bipartisan support.)

Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee [D-TX]:

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1955, the Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorist Prevention Act of 2007, introduced by my distinguished colleague from California, Representative HARMAN. This important legislation recognizes the threat of homegrown terrorism and seeks to address this burgeoning problem while maintaining the civil rights and liberties of American citizens.
Since May of this year, two separate plots against strategic American targets have been foiled and prevented by American officials. What distinguishes them from previous terrorist plots against the United States is that the potential terrorists here have no contact with nor support from Al-Qaeda or any other overseas terrorist cells. America must be unique in its approach to homegrown terrorism, given the civil rights and civil liberties protections that are unique to America and enjoyed by all American citizens.
As a senior Member of the Committee on Homeland Security and Chair of the Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure, I believe we can secure our homeland and remain true to our values simultaneously. The Muslim American community has grown in size and prominence, and is an integral part of the fabric of this Nation. Muslim Americans share the same values and ideals that make this Nation great. Ideals such as discipline, generosity, peace and moderation.
Many years of civil rights jurisprudence and law have been ignored and thrown out the window when the racial profiling, harassment, and discrimination of Muslim and Arab Americans is permitted to occur with impunity. These practices show a reckless and utter disregard for the fundamental values on which our country is founded: namely, due process, the presumption of innocence, nondiscrimination, individualized rather than group suspicion, and equitable application of the law. We cannot allow xenophobia, prejudice, and bigotry to prevail, and eviscerate the Constitution we are bound to protect.
The securing of our homeland and protection of our national security is on the forefront of my agenda. However, using 9/11 as an impetus to engage in racial profiling, harassment, and discrimination of Muslim and Arab Americans is not only deplorable, it undermines our civil liberties and impedes our success in the global war on terror. We must fight our war on terror without compromising our freedoms and liberties.
Quick Info
H.R. 1955: Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007
Last Action: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Status: Passed House (Bipartisan support.)

It is precisely for these reasons that I so strongly support H.R. 1955. This Act calls for the creation of the National Commission to examine the various causes of violent radicalization and homegrown terrorism in order to propose concrete and meaningful recommendations and legislative strategies in order to alleviate these threats. It also establishes a Center of Excellence for the Prevention of Radicalization and Home Grown Terrorism that will study the social, criminal, political, psychological and economic roots of the problem as well as provide homeland security officials across the government with suggestions for preventing radicalization and homegrown terrorism. Furthermore, it requires our homeland security officials to thoroughly examine the experiences of other nations
I strongly urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this important legislation.
Rep. Bennie Thompson [D-MS]: Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Quick Info
H.R. 1955: Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007
Last Action: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Status: Passed House (Bipartisan support.)

Chair: The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Thompson) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 1955, as amended.
Chair: The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that the ayes appeared to have it.
Rep. Bennie Thompson [D-MS]: Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
Chair: Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this question will be postponed.

quandary121 · May 29, 2008

Congressional Research Service Summary

Congressional Research Service Summary

The following summary is provided by the Congressional Research Service, which is a nonpartisan government entity that serves Congress and is run by the Library of Congress. The summary is taken from the official website THOMAS.
10/23/2007--Passed House amended.
Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to add a new section concerning the prevention of violent radicalization (an extremist belief system for facilitating ideologically based violence to advance political, religious, or social change) and homegrown terrorism (violence by a group or individual within the United States to coerce the U.S. government, the civilian population, or a segment thereof in furtherance of political or social objectives).
Establishes within the legislative branch the National Commission on the Prevention of Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism to: (1) examine and report on facts and causes of violent radicalization, homegrown terrorism, and ideologically based violence in the United States; and (2) build upon, bring together, and avoid unnecessary duplication of related work done by other entities toward such goal. Requires: (1) interim reports and a final report from the Commission to the President and Congress on its findings and recommendations; (2) the public availability of such reports; and (3) Commission termination 30 days after its final report.
Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish or designate a university-based Center of Excellence for the Study of Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism in the United States to assist federal, state, local, and tribal homeland security officials, through training, education, and research, in preventing violent radicalization and homegrown terrorism in the United States. Requires the Secretary to: (1) conduct a survey of methodologies implemented by foreign nations to prevent violent radicalization and homegrown terrorism; and (2) report to Congress on lessons learned from survey results.
Prohibits Department of Homeland Security (DHS) efforts to prevent ideologically based violence and homegrown terrorism from violating the constitutional and civil rights or civil liberties of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. Directs the: (1) Secretary to ensure that activities and operations are in compliance with DHS's commitment to racial neutrality; and (2) DHS Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Officer to develop and implement an auditing system to ensure that compliance does not violate the constitutional and civil rights or civil liberties of any racial, ethnic, or religious group, and to include audit results in its annual report to Congress.
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quandary121 · May 29, 2008

In short you can be found guilty of being a terrorist if you use the internet to voice your opinions on government (an extremist belief system for facilitating ideologically based violence to advance political, religious, or social change) and homegrown terrorism (violence by a group or individual within the United States to coerce the U.S. government, the civilian population, or a segment thereof in furtherance of political or social objectives)

MikeyDB · May 29, 2008

It's not really that much of surprise. As the architecture of fear is usually assembled, it's a tried and true strategy to invoke demons and evil spirits as substantiation for everything from drowning witches to useing depleted uranium and spraying dioxin into the soil of the enemy.

Governments and "social institutions" have manufactured discontent fear and partisanship throughout the brief period of human existence. Some is religion based fear, a substitute morality that can be used to justify killing the pagan in the effort to "save" him. The formula is that given sufficient capacity and efficacy killing people is the right of the "right-thinking". It all depends who you ask or who decides who the targets "ought-to-be" that determines human history.

quandary121 · May 29, 2008

This guy tells you more about this bill than i can and if you don't want to read all of what i put take a look here for the info on it

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=szQpFJv8UBE

quandary121 · May 29, 2008

MikeyDB said:
It's not really that much of surprise. As the architecture of fear is usually assembled, it's a tried and true strategy to invoke demons and evil spirits as substantiation for everything from drowning witches to useing depleted uranium and spraying dioxin into the soil of the enemy.

Governments and "social institutions" have manufactured discontent fear and partisanship throughout the brief period of human existence. Some is religion based fear, a substitute morality that can be used to justify killing the pagan in the effort to "save" him. The formula is that given sufficient capacity and efficacy killing people is the right of the "right-thinking". It all depends who you ask or who decides who the targets "ought-to-be" that determines human history.

you ask who are the targets we are any one who happens to form a opinion on anything they consider to be a threat so if you tell me G.W.BUSH should be impeached then that could be construed as you causing dissent and that would be enough for them to lock you away !!!! simple as that m8 :idea:

MikeyDB · May 29, 2008

And this is a concept being examined in the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave?

Sounds like Machiavellian double-speak...a la Fascist regime Round Table and Snake Oil Emporium.

And when no one says anything does that mean everyone agrees?

And when no one bothers to question and demand answers is that an indicator that the ideas are a fait a compli?

Do you really think anyone is prepared to DO anything?

I'll wager they're not.

In fact I'd go so far as to suggest that there are significan numbers of people participating on Canadian Content who'd regard the redefinition of "freedom" as thwarting disclosure and silencing opinion....perfectly acceptable.

Worked before...why wouldn't it work again?

quandary121 · May 29, 2008

MikeyDB said:
And this is a concept being examined in the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave?

Sounds like Machiavellian double-speak...a la Fascist regime Round Table and Snake Oil Emporium.

And when no one says anything does that mean everyone agrees?

And when no one bothers to question and demand answers is that an indicator that the ideas are a fait a compli?

Do you really think anyone is prepared to DO anything?

I'll wager they're not.

In fact I'd go so far as to suggest that there are significan numbers of people participating on Canadian Content who'd regard the redefinition of "freedom" as thwarting disclosure and silencing opinion....perfectly acceptable.

Worked before...why wouldn't it work again?

Look even though i agree with you that this would be a dubious course of action if acted upon the very nature of this bill makes you vulnerable to be under suspicion and they only have to suspect you of coercing others in radical view points to be able to use this law against you the powers that be don't like the internet and i admit there are sites and addresses that promote violence against your country and mine but the implications of this bill means that anyone whom is seen to show any free thinking opinion and air that view they will under this bill be deemed a terrorist since 9/11 they have decided that the war on terror (which is a never ending war) which they promote allows your rights and and freedoms to be written off secretly bit by bit by laws exactly like this which believe me they will enforce to reach there ultimate goal which is as they keep expressing as the new world order there are hundreds of prison camps springing up all over America what do you think they are for ? when this and many other similarly innocuous bills become law and the police state is in place unless you are one of the elite then goodbye to you your family's your freedoms and every thing that you hold to be of any value goes down with you as you will have no rights left with witch to fight your case with ? did you read this which was said during the minutes and many other similarly changable meanings could be used against us all .!!!!:?: and its all done and said under the pretence of violent Islamic extremists :?::?::?::?:

"The spread of radical Internet sites, increasingly aggressive anti-U.S. rhetoric and actions, and the growing number of radical, self-generating cells in Western countries indicate that the radical and violent segment of the West's Muslim population is expanding, including in the United States. The arrest and prosecution by U.S. law enforcement of a small number of violent Islamic extremists inside the United States--who are becoming more connected ideologically, virtually, and/or in a physical sense to the global extremist movement--points to the possibility that others may become sufficiently radicalized that they will view the use of violence here as legitimate."
Because of the freedoms of our society, and the interconnected world we live in, radical ideas spread easily. These ideas can come from overseas or from within the United States. They can come from within prisons inside of isolated religious or ethnic enclaves or on the Internet. These ideas reach people in the privacy of their homes, via the Internet, and can be similarly assessed by vulnerable individuals at schools, libraries and universities.
Unfortunately, our freedoms are being abused by individuals whose sole purpose is to destroy our way of life. While we have not seen radicalization to the extent witnessed in other Western countries like the United Kingdom, we have seen homegrown terrorist cells.

quandary121 · May 30, 2008

Congressional Research Service Summary

The following summary is provided by the Congressional Research Service, which is a nonpartisan government entity that serves Congress and is run by the Library of Congress. The summary is taken from the official website THOMAS.
3/26/2007--Introduced.
Preventing Radicalism by Exploring and Vetting its Emergence as a National Threat (PREVENT) Act - Establishes in the legislative branch the National Commission on Radicalization and Terrorism to: (1) examine and report upon facts and causes relating to radicalization in the United States; (2) build upon the work of and work together with related advisory bodies, and review the findings of related studies and academic works; and (3) report to the President and Congress on recommendations for countermeasures to radicalization, and measures to prevent radicalization from developing and spreading, within the United States.
Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to work with the Center for Risk and Economic Analysis of Terrorism Events (CREATE), led by the University of Southern California, to evaluate the feasibility and practicality of creating further incentives for private sector critical infrastructure stakeholders to participate in the sharing of protected critical infrastructure information.

normbc9 · May 30, 2008

A little at a time they are chipping away at our Constitutional freedoms and using the threat of terror to scare us into allowing this to happen. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. We should all follow this one. It is potentially dangerous to those of us who do care.

quandary121 · May 30, 2008

normbc9 said:
A little at a time they are chipping away at our Constitutional freedoms and using the threat of terror to scare us into allowing this to happen. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. We should all follow this one. It is potentially dangerous to those of us who do care.

Thanks bud just trying to lay it on the line for you guys but this bill has already been past so just wait until they start using it on folks then see how far your freedoms have been taken away

quandary121 · May 30, 2008

The following summary is provided by the Congressional Research Service, which is a nonpartisan government entity that serves Congress and is run by the Library of Congress. The summary is taken from the official website THOMAS.
10/23/2007--Passed House amended.
Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to add a new section concerning the prevention of violent radicalization (an extremist belief system for facilitating ideologically based violence to advance political, religious, or social change) and homegrown terrorism (violence by a group or individual within the United States to coerce the U.S. government, the civilian population, or a segment thereof in furtherance of political or social objectives).
Establishes within the legislative branch the National Commission on the Prevention of Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism to: (1) examine and report on facts and causes of violent radicalization, homegrown terrorism, and ideologically based violence in the United States; and (2) build upon, bring together, and avoid unnecessary duplication of related work done by other entities toward such goal. Requires: (1) interim reports and a final report from the Commission to the President and Congress on its findings and recommendations; (2) the public availability of such reports; and (3) Commission termination 30 days after its final report.
Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish or designate a university-based Center of Excellence for the Study of Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism in the United States to assist federal, state, local, and tribal homeland security officials, through training, education, and research, in preventing violent radicalization and homegrown terrorism in the United States. Requires the Secretary to: (1) conduct a survey of methodologies implemented by foreign nations to prevent violent radicalization and homegrown terrorism; and (2) report to Congress on lessons learned from survey results.
Prohibits Department of Homeland Security (DHS) efforts to prevent ideologically based violence and homegrown terrorism from violating the constitutional and civil rights or civil liberties of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. Directs the: (1) Secretary to ensure that activities and operations are in compliance with DHS's commitment to racial neutrality; and (2) DHS Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Officer to develop and implement an auditing system to ensure that compliance does not violate the constitutional and civil rights or civil liberties of any racial, ethnic, or religious group, and to include audit results in its annual report to Congress.

quandary121 · May 30, 2008

H.R.1955
Title: To prevent homegrown terrorism, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Harman, Jane [CA-36] (introduced 4/19/2007) Cosponsors (14)
Related Bills: S.1959
Latest Major Action: 10/24/2007 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
House Reports: 110-384 Part 1ALL ACTIONS: 4/19/2007:Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E803)4/19/2007:Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.4/19/2007:Referred to House Homeland Security5/7/2007:Referred to the Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing, and Terrorism Risk Assessment.7/17/2007:Subcommittee Hearings Held.7/17/2007:Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.7/17/2007:Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote .8/1/2007:Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.8/1/2007:Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.4/19/2007:Referred to House Judiciary6/25/2007:Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property.10/16/2007 6:08pm:Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Homeland Security. H. Rept. 110-384, Part I.10/16/2007 6:09pm:Committee on Judiciary discharged.10/16/2007 6:09pm:Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 239.10/23/2007 11:05am:Mr. Thompson (MS) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.10/23/2007 11:05am:Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H11854-11862)10/23/2007 11:05am:DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1955.10/23/2007 11:49am:At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.10/23/2007 4:57pm:Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H11899-11900)10/23/2007 5:06pm:On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 404 - 6 (Roll no. 993). (text: CR H11854-11857)10/23/2007 5:06pm:Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.10/24/2007:Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

scratch · May 30, 2008

quandary121 said:
H.R.1955
Title: To prevent homegrown terrorism, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Harman, Jane [CA-36] (introduced 4/19/2007) Cosponsors (14)
Related Bills: S.1959
Latest Major Action: 10/24/2007 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
House Reports: 110-384 Part 1ALL ACTIONS: 4/19/2007:Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E803)4/19/2007:Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.4/19/2007:Referred to House Homeland Security5/7/2007:Referred to the Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing, and Terrorism Risk Assessment.7/17/2007:Subcommittee Hearings Held.7/17/2007:Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.7/17/2007:Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote .8/1/2007:Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.8/1/2007:Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.4/19/2007:Referred to House Judiciary6/25/2007:Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property.10/16/2007 6:08pm:Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Homeland Security. H. Rept. 110-384, Part I.10/16/2007 6:09pm:Committee on Judiciary discharged.10/16/2007 6:09pm:Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 239.10/23/2007 11:05am:Mr. Thompson (MS) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.10/23/2007 11:05am:Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H11854-11862)10/23/2007 11:05am:DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1955.10/23/2007 11:49am:At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.10/23/2007 4:57pm:Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H11899-11900)10/23/2007 5:06pm:On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 404 - 6 (Roll no. 993). (text: CR H11854-11857)10/23/2007 5:06pm:Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.10/24/2007:Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

...same as my last two posts on you...

quandary121 · May 30, 2008

scratch said:
...same as my last two posts on you...

Excuse me i don't think you have replied to this thread before? if your not interested go else where, as im sure you will find that your comments there will be substantial, because here your saying nothing and or adding no valid point, to me or any other person who if bothered will find that what im saying is in fact worth looking into .!!!!:idea:

quandary121 · May 30, 2008

PROPOSING A POLICE STATE In the old neighborhood they were simply called "the Suits". For the most part, they were obnoxious, abrasive and treated some of the older folks like they were the enemy, rather than outstanding American citizens.
Anyone who could speak another language was thought to be a probable communist by these guys. So, the Suits would bug telephones, break and enter private property, take anything they wanted and even beat people they didn't like. Yet, they claimed they were "defending" us.
Needless to say, the Suits were not trusted by anyone in the neighborhood, including the police.
The Suits did not need a warrant to tap telephones or burglarize homes and businesses, they said. The were the government, the G-men, the Federal Bureau of Investigation. We were to shut up about anything we saw them do and bow down in total obedience. Else, we would be next.
The FBI improved a little over the years, but not all that much. They still tend to act like they are the King's chosen representatives, with complete permission to do whatever they wish. And, many of them still display that obnoxious attitude.
So, it was no real surprise when Representative Bob Barr (R-GA) announced last week that the FBI seeks permission from Congress to return to its oppressive ways.
Rep. Barr released information exposing an effort by the Department of Justice to obtain massive new enforcement powers. Barr's press release (http://www.house.gov/barr/) says that the information was obtained from a confidential source within federal law enforcement. Among other things, the Department's "wish list" for new authority includes: An expanded definition of terrorism to include domestic crimes having no relationship to terrorism. The power to seize commercial transportation assets for federal use. The ability to commandeer personnel from other federal agencies without reimbursement. Expanded wiretap authority to allow "roving" wiretaps, and wiretaps without any court authority. Enlarged asset forfeiture provisions to allow the FBI to seize personal property in both criminal and civil matters. The establishment of a permanent "FBI Police Force". Loosening of Posse Comitatus restrictions to allow more military involvement in domestic law enforcement. And, the authority to force telephone and Internet companies to divulge information on their customers.
The proposed ability to bring in "personnel from other federal agencies" would give the FBI access to those other 60,000 armed federal agents, and one can only wonder what plans they would have for an "FBI Police Force." Added with the expanded powers the FBI already has, they want complete control to do nearly anything they please. In conjunction with the National Security Agency and their Echelon spy network, the FBI already illegally monitors most of our telephone and e-mail communications. Now they want warrantless taps on our local telephone calls, too. And, of course, they want the ability to call in the military as back up. Just like they did at Waco.
The request for "enlarged asset forfeiture provisions" is a nice touch, too. That way they can take whatever they want from anyone even suspected of wrongdoing -- those B&E's would no longer be as necessary. No proof would be necessary, either. Already, there is a bill in the Senate allowing police to confiscate any amount of cash over $10,000, just on general principles.
"These requests belong in some bizarre conspiracy novel, not in serious legislative documents being circulated at the top levels of federal law enforcement", Barr said. "These proposals represent a sneak attack on the most cherished principles of our democracy. If they become a part of our law, freedom and privacy in America will be permanently and severely diminished."
Rep. Barr reports that the Justice Department and the FBI are "shopping" this wish list in an effort to get the items placed in a spending bill without hearings or debate. In other words, these police state tactics may well be the law of the land next year.
However, we voters might have something to say about that -- if we call in time, that is. As we have reported many times, the end of a Congressional session is always the most dangerous time for liberty. This is the time the most oppressive socialists in Congress sneak their nefarious amendments into the large appropriations bills no one in Congress ever reads before approving.

quandary121 · May 30, 2008

DIVIDE, ADD, THEN CONTROLHistory is again repeating itself. Read this passage, written during the Second World War, and see if you do not agree.
n a planned society the question can no longer be on what do a majority of the people agree but what the largest single group is whose members agree sufficiently to make unified direction of all affairs possible; or, if no such group large enough to enforce its views exists, how it can be created and who will succeed in creating it.There are three main reasons why such a numerous and strong group with fairly homogeneous views is not likely to be formed by the best but rather by the worst elements of any society. By our standards the principles on which such a group would be selected will be almost entirely negative.
In the first instance, it is probably true that, in general, the higher the education and intelligence of individuals become, the more their views and tastes are differentiated and the less likely they are to agree on a particular hierarchy of values. It is a corollary of this that if we wish to find a higher degree of uniformity and similarity of outlook, we have to descend to the regions of lower moral and intellectual standards where the more primitive and "common" instincts and tastes prevail. This does not mean that the majority of the people have low moral standards; it merely means that the largest group of people whose values are very similar are the people with low standards. It is, as it were, the lowest common denominator which unites the largest number of people. If a numerous group is needed, strong enough to impose their views on the values of life on all the rest, it will never be those with highly differentiated and developed tastes -- it will be those who form the "mass" in the derogatory sense of the term, the least original and independent, who will be able to put the weight of their numbers behind their particular ideals.
If, however, a potential dictator had to rely entirely on those whose uncomplicated and primitive instincts happen to be very similar, their number would scarcely give sufficient weight to their endeavors. He will have to increase their numbers by converting more to the same simple creed.
Here comes the second negative principle of selection: he will be able to obtain the support of all the docile and gullible, who have no strong convictions of their own but are prepared to accept a ready-made system of values if it is only drummed into their ears sufficiently loudly and frequently. It will be those whose vague and imperfectly formed ideas are easily swayed and whose passions and emotions are readily aroused who will thus swell the ranks of the totalitarian party.
It is in connection with the deliberate effort of the skillful demagogue to weld together a closely coherent and homogeneous body of supporters that the third and perhaps the most important negative element of selection enters. It seems to be almost a law of human nature that it is easier for people to agree on a negative program -- on the hatred of an enemy, on the envy of those better off -- than on any positive task. The contrast between the "we" and the "they," the common fight against those outside the group, seems to be an essential ingredient in any creed which will solidly knit together a group for common action. It is consequently always employed by those who seek, not merely support of policy, but the unreserved allegiance of huge masses. From their point of view it has the great advantage of leaving them greater freedom of action than almost any positive program. The enemy, whether he be internal, like the "Jew" or the "kulak," or external, seems to be an indispensable requisite in the armory of a totalitarian leader.
That in Germany it was the Jew who became the enemy until his place was taken by the "plutocracies" was no less a result of the anti-capitalist resentment on which the whole movement was based than the selection of the kulak in Russia. In Germany and Austria the Jew had come to be regarded as the representative of capitalism because a traditional dislike of large classes of the population for commercial pursuits had left those more readily accessible to a group that was practically excluded from the more highly esteemed occupations. It is the old story of the alien races being admitted only to the less respected trades and then being hated still more for practicing them. The fact that German anti-Semitism and anti-capitalism spring from the same root is of great importance for the understanding of what has happened there, but this is rarely grasped by foreign observers.

H.R. 1955: Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007

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