Washington, D.C. (February 7, 2007) Today, Reps. Ben Chandler (D-KY), Sue Myrick (R-NC), Bud Cramer (D-AL), and Kay Granger (R-TX) announced they have started the new Congressional Anti-Terrorism Caucus. The caucus is a bipartisan effort to educate Members of Congress and the general public about the threat to our country from extremism and jihadist terrorists.
"It has been five years since September 11th, and there is still so much we don't understand about terrorism,” said Congressman Chandler. “We need to learn more about the people, the ideology and the motivation behind terror attacks. The creation of this important caucus could not be more timely.”
"Terrorists don’t target Democrats or Republicans. They target Americans, and this is why we must face this issue as Americans,” said Rep. Myrick. “Members of Congress and the American public must know the threats we face from radical jihadist terrorists.”
“One of the most critical issues facing Congress and the American public today is the threat of terrorism,” said Rep. Cramer. “I look forward to working with all members of this important Caucus to more thoroughly understand the basis of the terrorists’ beliefs and their justification for violence so we can better address these problems.”
“This is a bipartisan effort to educate Members of Congress about the very real, very grave threat we’re facing from terrorism,” said Rep. Granger.
There are currently more than 70 Members of this caucus. It meets twice a month where Members receive briefings from terrorism experts. A few of the subjects that will be discussed in the next several months include terrorist use of the Internet, terrorist financing methods, and ideological differences between moderate Muslims and extremists.
This caucus will help provide Members with more detailed information on terrorism so that Congress can create better policy and provide better oversight in regards to terrorist threats. In addition, this caucus will help Members start an informed dialogue with the public regarding terrorism so that all Americans better understand the extent of the threat we face.
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