03/29/2024

Rep. Robert Pittenger

Spread the love
Rep. Robert Pittenger

WASHINGTON – In response to several terrorist attacks carried out by European citizens who had traveled to Syria or Libya for training, Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09) has co-sponsored the Counterterrorism Screening and Assistance Act (H.R. 1196).

“A teenager from York County has twice been arrested for attempting to join ISIS.  A teenager from Morganton was arrested after plotting to kill hundreds of innocent people in support of ISIS.  Both men could have traveled to Syria or Libya for training and then returned home to carry out a terrorist attack,” said Congressman Pittenger.  “The threat is real, and we must enhance capabilities for monitoring and intercepting terrorists attempting to travel to the United States.”

This new legislation, which Congressman Pittenger co-sponsored with Congressman Lee Zeldin (NY-01) and Homeland Security Chairman Michael McCaul (TX-10):

*Requires a “report card” to help identify weak spots in the border security efforts of foreign governments.

*Accelerates delivery of border security technology to partner countries with the greatest risk for foreign fighter or terrorist travel.

*Allows the Secretary of State to suspend all non-humanitarian, non-trade foreign assistance to any country which doesn’t meet minimum border security standards.

“ISIS is a global threat, and therefore we must partner with foreign governments to identify and intercept terrorists as they attempt to travel between training centers and their homeland.  Later this month, I will host a counterterrorism forum for representatives of 30 nations from across Europe, Asia, and Africa, where we will discuss the need for appropriate information sharing.  We will also discuss joint efforts to intercept the money terrorists use to finance their acts of evil.”

Congressman Pittenger is Chairman of the Congressional Task Force on Terrorism and Unconventional Warfare, and Vice Chairman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Terrorism and Illicit Finance.

About Author