Should Counter-Radicalization Programs Be Consolidated Into One Office In DHS? (H.R. 2899)
Do you support or oppose this bill?
What is H.R. 2899?
(Updated January 31, 2017)
This bill would establish an Office for Countering Violent Extremism within the Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS) that coordinates all DHS efforts related to preventing the radicalization of potential recruits for extremist groups.
The leader of this office would be the highest-ranking federal official in the entire federal government that is focused on stopping the radicalization of Americans, and would coordinate with other agencies in those efforts.
A counter-messaging program would be created that uses social media platforms and other technologies to actively fight against the propaganda used by extremist groups.
All funding that is currently set aside for counter-radicalization within DHS would be transferred to this new office as part of the consolidation efforts.
Argument in favor
While it appears that intelligence agencies and law enforcement have a handle on tracking extremists after they’ve been radicalized, there needs to be a concerted effort by DHS to stop the problem before it progresses.
Argument opposed
A new office within DHS focused on counter-radicalization isn’t necessary, existing agencies with task forces focused on the issue simply need to do a better job of collaborating their efforts and communicating.
Impact
Americans who are radicalized and recruited by extremist groups, DHS employees who focus on counter-radicalization, and DHS.
Cost of H.R. 2899
The CBO estimates that implementing this legislation would cost about $41 million over the 2016-2020 period.
Additional Info
In-Depth: The lead sponsor of this legislation — Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX) — cited the ongoing efforts by extremist groups to radicalize
young Americans to their cause as an urgent reason to pass this
legislation:
“Terrorists at home and overseas are bringing the battle into our homes through the internet. We cannot afford to complacently watch the threats mushroom. It is time for action, and to treat this issue like the priority that it is… These terrorists prey on potential recruits online, and after they spend hours on the internet, reading and chatting in dark spaces with terrorists, it is too late. We have to work on the front end to prevent the radicalization from happening in the first place.”
This bill was passed unanimously by the House Homeland Security Committee via voice vote, but it is not without its detractors. It has been criticized as not doing enough to engage with groups that may be vulnerable to anti-American propaganda in ways that demonstrate a commitment to the principles of freedom of religion and equality. Some of this legislation’s supporters have pointed out that to be a success, this program must not single out particular groups for additional scrutiny, and needs to counteract violent extremism of all sorts.
Of Note: A report compiled by the House Homeland Security Committee cited failures by the U.S. intelligence community to recognize the threat of Al Qaeda’s operations in America prior to the 1993 and 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center. There have been several notable attacks carried out by radicalized Americans in the post-9/11 era, including 2009 shootings at a military recruiting office in Little Rock and at Fort Hood, in addition to the Boston Marathon bombing, among other incidents.
Media:
- House Homeland Security Committee Press Release
- CBO Cost Estimate
- Security Debrief
- Washington Times
- Brennan Center (Opposed)
- The Hill (Opposed)
- Reason (Opposed)
(Photo Credit: Flickr user Elliott Brown)
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