During a House Homeland Security Committee hearing prior to the congressional recess, Rep. Morgan Luttrell (R-TX) introduced H. R. 1327, entitled the ‘Syria Terrorism Threat Assessment Act,’ which would require the Secretary of Homeland Security to conduct a threat assessment of terrorist threats to the United States posed by individuals in Syria with an affiliation with a Foreign Terrorist Organization or a Specially Designated Global Terrorist Organization.
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00:00Pursuant to notice, I now call up H.R. 1327, the Syria Terrorism Threat Assessment Act.
00:12The bill was circulated in advance and printed copies are available.
00:15The clerk shall designate the bill.
00:17H.R. 1327, offered by Mr. Luttrell, to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to conduct
00:23a threat assessment of terrorist threats to the United States posed by individuals in Syria
00:28with an affiliation with a foreign terrorist organization or a specially designated global
00:33terrorist organization, and for other purposes.
00:38Without objection, the first reading of the bill is dispensed with, and it's considered
00:41read and open to amendment at any point.
00:43The gentleman from Texas, Mr. Luttrell, is recognized for five minutes on his measure.
00:47Thank you, Chairman Green, and Mr. Member Thompson for bringing this bill to the committee today.
00:51The last few months have shed light on the political uncertainty Syria is currently faced with.
00:55The region remains volatile and has become a breeding ground for violent and extremist groups.
01:01The instability has allowed terrorist organizations to establish footholds, exacerbating national
01:06security challenges.
01:08These maligned groups are using every tool at their disposal in sending the bad actors our
01:12way.
01:13We simply cannot sit back and wait for another attack on the homeland.
01:16The Syria Terrorism Threat Assessment Act ensures the Department of Homeland Security conducts
01:20an assessment of terrorist threats to the United States posed by individuals in Syria with
01:24an affiliation to a foreign terrorist organization or a specially designated global terrorist organization.
01:31By doing so, we can better examine and mitigate emerging threats from this region.
01:35This assessment is focused on identifying terrorist threats and does not constitute a ban on innocent
01:40individuals from Syria.
01:42Foreign jihadist networks and other extremist groups are actively exploiting online platforms
01:46and other means to remotely radicalize and mobilize individuals to help plan and carry out terrorist
01:51attacks abroad.
01:53Our mission is clear.
01:54We must protect American lives and prevent future attacks on our homeland by strengthening our
01:58counterterrorism efforts.
01:59Thank you again to Chairman and Ranking Member for bringing this bill up.
02:03And I want to thank Congressman Correa for co-sponsoring this with me.
02:07And Mr. Carter, welcome back to the committee, sir.
02:11It's good to have you.
02:12With that, sir, I yield back.
02:14Are there any amendments to the bill?
02:18Hearing none, the question, does anyone else wish to speak on the bill?
02:23Mr. Chairman.
02:24Mr. McKenzie, you're recognized.
02:28Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
02:29I would like to thank both the sponsor and co-sponsor of this important legislation.
02:35We have seen a very concerning situation developing in Syria where terrorist entities and terrorist
02:45sympathizers are taking charge of not only governmental operations but also key functions of life in Syria.
02:53We see humanitarian atrocities occurring and it's very concerning not only the on-the-ground situation but also what those impacts
03:02and ramifications could be for American security if those things continue and spill outside of the borders of Syria.
03:10And so I think this legislation is very important to address and recognize the situation in Syria, the potential
03:18vulnerabilities that could be caused by that instability for America going forward.
03:23And so, again, we'd like to thank both the sponsor and co-sponsor for this important legislation and would encourage a yes vote.
03:29I yield back.
03:31Gentlemen, yields.
03:31I now recognize Mr. Krayoff.
03:33Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
03:34I also want to thank the author of this legislation, Mr. Luttrell, working with me as co-author of this legislation.
03:40And let's be clear, today we're looking at a very historic moment.
03:45For the first time in 50 years, Syria is not under the Assad family rule.
03:52December 2024 marks just not the end of a regime, but it's the opening of a door for people looking for democracy, peace, dignity, self-determination.
04:04That's the Syrian people.
04:05But as my colleagues have said, the threats are there.
04:10What we now face are attempts by that little that's left by the Assad regime, Iranian-backed Hezbollah, ISIS, to exploit the vacuum to regain power.
04:23But let's be clear.
04:24This legislation, the intent, the focus here is on the real threats.
04:31ISIS, IRGC, Hezbollah, and what's left of the Assad regime.
04:37We need to continue to send the message to the Syrian people that we stand with them, stand with their efforts as they seek democracy, self-determination,
04:47and they seek to get closer to the Western countries, seek to get closer to America.
04:55We can't protect our nation while we help the Syrian people rebuild their country.
05:02We can reject terror while accepting hope.
05:07I hope my colleagues can join me in stating our support for the Syrian people, and at the same time saying we're going to work to make sure America remains safe from any terrorist threats that may come from Syria.
05:25And with that, Mr. Chairman, I yield.
05:27The gentleman yields, or does anyone else wish to speak on the bill?
05:33Are there any amendments on the bill?
05:36Hearing none, the question is on reporting the bill.
05:38H.R. 1327 of the House with a favorable recommendation.
05:41All those in favor, say aye.
05:43Aye.
05:43All those opposed, no.
05:45In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it.
05:47The motion is agreed to.
05:48Without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table.