Senator Levin's Reponse to HR 1955
Dear Mr. Paglia:
Thank you for contacting me regarding the Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act (S.1959). I appreciate hearing your views on this matter.
As you may know, S.1959 was introduced by Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) in response to a Senate Homeland Security Committee investigation into domestic radicalization. This bill would establish a National Commission on the Prevention of Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism to examine and report the facts regarding and the causes of violent radicalization, homegrown terrorism, and ideologically based violence in the United States. The commission also would study techniques used by foreign nations to prevent this type of radicalization and terrorism and would report its findings to the president and to Congress.
S.1959 also would direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish a university-based Center of Excellence for the Study of Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism. This center would assist homeland security officials in preventing violent radicalization and homegrown terrorism in the United States.
Some have expressed concern that this bill could allow an over-aggressive government to infringe on civil rights and privacy while attempting to fight terrorism. Proponents of the bill indicate that it would expressly direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to ensure that any activities to prevent ideologically based violence and homegrown terrorism do not violate the constitutional rights, civil rights, and civil liberties of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. S. 1959 has been referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs for further consideration.
While we must give law enforcement and intelligence agencies the tools they need to investigate and prevent terrorist activity, I believe we can and that we must do so under the law and our Constitution protecting the rights of Americans.
I will keep you thoughts in mind as the Committee considers this legislation. Thank you again for contacting me.
Sincerely,
Carl Levin