[House Report 110-384]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
110th Congress Rept. 110-384
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
1st Session Part 1
======================================================================
VIOLENT RADICALIZATION AND HOMEGROWN TERRORISM PREVENTION ACT OF 2007
_______
October 16, 2007.--Ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. Thompson of Mississippi, from the Committee on Homeland Security,
submitted the following
R E P O R T
[To accompany H.R. 1955]
[Including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office]
The Committee on Homeland Security, to whom was referred
the bill (H.R. 1955) to prevent homegrown terrorism and for
other purposes, having considered the same, report favorably
thereon with an amendment and recommend that the bill as
amended do pass.
CONTENTS
Page
Purpose and Summary.............................................. 7
Background and Need for Legislation.............................. 7
Hearings......................................................... 7
Committee Consideration.......................................... 8
Committee Votes.................................................. 8
Committee Oversight Findings..................................... 9
New Budget Authority, Entitlement Authority, and Tax Expenditures 9
Congressional Budget Office Estimate............................. 9
Statement of General Performance Goals and Objectives............ 10
Congressional Earmarks, Limited Tax Benefits, and Limited Tariff
Benefits....................................................... 11
Federal Mandates Statement....................................... 11
Advisory Committee Statement..................................... 11
Constitutional Authority Statement............................... 11
Applicability to Legislative Branch.............................. 11
Section-by-Section Analysis of the Legislation................... 11
Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported............ 13
Committee Correspondence......................................... 22
The amendment is as follows:
Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the
following:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Violent Radicalization and Homegrown
Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007''.
SEC. 2. PREVENTION OF VIOLENT RADICALIZATION AND HOMEGROWN TERRORISM.
(a) In General.--Title VIII of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6
U.S.C. 361 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new
subtitle:
``Subtitle J--Prevention of Violent Radicalization and Homegrown
Terrorism
``SEC. 899A. DEFINITIONS.
``For purposes of this subtitle:
``(1) Commission.--The term `Commission' means the National
Commission on the Prevention of Violent Radicalization and
Homegrown Terrorism established under section 899C.
``(2) Violent radicalization.--The term `violent
radicalization' means the process of adopting or promoting an
extremist belief system for the purpose of facilitating
ideologically based violence to advance political, religious,
or social change.
``(3) Homegrown terrorism.--The term `homegrown terrorism'
means the use, planned use, or threatened use, of force or
violence by a group or individual born, raised, or based and
operating primarily within the United States or any possession
of the United States to intimidate or coerce the United States
government, the civilian population of the United States, or
any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social
objectives.
``(4) Ideologically based violence.--The term `ideologically
based violence' means the use, planned use, or threatened use
of force or violence by a group or individual to promote the
group or individual's political, religious, or social beliefs.
``SEC. 899B. FINDINGS.
``The Congress finds the following:
``(1) The development and implementation of methods and
processes that can be utilized to prevent violent
radicalization, homegrown terrorism, and ideologically based
violence in the United States is critical to combating domestic
terrorism.
``(2) The promotion of violent radicalization, homegrown
terrorism, and ideologically based violence exists in the
United States and poses a threat to homeland security.
``(3) The Internet has aided in facilitating violent
radicalization, ideologically based violence, and the homegrown
terrorism process in the United States by providing access to
broad and constant streams of terrorist-related propaganda to
United States citizens.
``(4) While the United States must continue its vigilant
efforts to combat international terrorism, it must also
strengthen efforts to combat the threat posed by homegrown
terrorists based and operating within the United States.
``(5) Understanding the motivational factors that lead to
violent radicalization, homegrown terrorism, and ideologically
based violence is a vital step toward eradicating these threats
in the United States.
``(6) The potential rise of self radicalized, unaffiliated
terrorists domestically cannot be easily prevented through
traditional Federal intelligence or law enforcement efforts,
and requires the incorporation of State and local solutions.
``(7) Individuals prone to violent radicalization, homegrown
terrorism, and ideologically based violence span all races,
ethnicities, and religious beliefs, and individuals should not
be targeted based solely on race, ethnicity, or religion.
``(8) Any measure taken to prevent violent radicalization,
homegrown terrorism, and ideologically based violence and
homegrown terrorism in the United States should not violate the
constitutional rights, civil rights and civil liberties of
United States citizens and lawful permanent residents.
``(9) Certain governments, including the United Kingdom,
Canada, and Australia have significant experience with
homegrown terrorism and the United States can benefit from
lessons learned by those nations.
``SEC. 899C. NATIONAL COMMISSION ON THE PREVENTION OF VIOLENT
RADICALIZATION AND IDEOLOGICALLY BASED VIOLENCE.
``(a) Establishment.--There is established within the legislative
branch of the Government the National Commission on the Prevention of
Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism.
``(b) Purpose.--The purposes of the Commission are the following:
``(1) Examine and report upon the facts and causes of violent
radicalization, homegrown terrorism, and ideologically based
violence in the United States, including United States
connections to non-United States persons and networks, violent
radicalization, homegrown terrorism, and ideologically based
violence in prison, individual or `lone wolf' violent
radicalization, homegrown terrorism, and ideologically based
violence, and other faces of the phenomena of violent
radicalization, homegrown terrorism, and ideologically based
violence that the Commission considers important.
``(2) Build upon and bring together the work of other
entities and avoid unnecessary duplication, by reviewing the
findings, conclusions, and recommendations of--
``(A) the Center of Excellence established or
designated under section 899D, and other academic work,
as appropriate;
``(B) Federal, State, local, or tribal studies of,
reviews of, and experiences with violent
radicalization, homegrown terrorism, and ideologically
based violence; and
``(C) foreign government studies of, reviews of, and
experiences with violent radicalization, homegrown
terrorism, and ideologically based violence.
``(c) Composition of Commission.--The Commission shall be composed of
10 members appointed for the life of the Commission, of whom--
``(1) one member shall be appointed by the President from
among officers or employees of the executive branch and private
citizens of the United States;
``(2) one member shall be appointed by the Secretary;
``(3) one member shall be appointed by the majority leader of
the Senate;
``(4) one member shall be appointed by the minority leader of
the Senate;
``(5) one member shall be appointed by the Speaker of the
House of Representatives;
``(6) one member shall be appointed by the minority leader of
the House of Representatives;
``(7) one member shall be appointed by the Chairman of the
Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives;
``(8) one member shall be appointed by the ranking minority
member of the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of
Representatives;
``(9) one member shall be appointed by the Chairman of the
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the
Senate; and
``(10) one member shall be appointed by the ranking minority
member of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental
Affairs of the Senate.
``(d) Chair and Vice Chair.--The Commission shall elect a Chair and a
Vice Chair from among its members.
``(e) Qualifications.--Individuals shall be selected for appointment
to the Commission solely on the basis of their professional
qualifications, achievements, public stature, experience, and expertise
in relevant fields, including, but not limited to, behavioral science,
constitutional law, corrections, counterterrorism, cultural
anthropology, education, information technology, intelligence, juvenile
justice, local law enforcement, organized crime, Islam and other world
religions, sociology, or terrorism.
``(f) Deadline for Appointment.--All members of the Commission shall
be appointed no later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this
subtitle.
``(g) Quorum and Meetings.--The Commission shall meet and begin the
operations of the Commission not later than 30 days after the date on
which all members have been appointed or, if such meeting cannot be
mutually agreed upon, on a date designated by the Speaker of the House
of Representatives. Each subsequent meeting shall occur upon the call
of the Chair or a majority of its members. A majority of the members of
the Commission shall constitute a quorum, but a lesser number may hold
meetings.
``(h) Authority of Individuals to Act for Commission.--Any member of
the Commission may, if authorized by the Commission, take any action
that the Commission is authorized to take under this Act.
``(i) Powers of Commission.--The powers of the Commission shall be as
follows:
``(1) In general.--
``(A) Hearings and evidence.--The Commission or, on
the authority of the Commission, any subcommittee or
member thereof, may, for the purpose of carrying out
this section, hold hearings and sit and act at such
times and places, take such testimony, receive such
evidence, and administer such oaths as the Commission
considers advisable to carry out its duties.
``(B) Contracting.--The Commission may, to such
extent and in such amounts as are provided in
appropriation Acts, enter into contracts to enable the
Commission to discharge its duties under this section.
``(2) Information from federal agencies.--
``(A) In general.--The Commission may secure directly
from any executive department, bureau, agency, board,
commission, office, independent establishment, or
instrumentality of the Government, information,
suggestions, estimates, and statistics for the purposes
of this section. The head of each such department,
bureau, agency, board, commission, office, independent
establishment, or instrumentality shall, to the extent
authorized by law, furnish such information,
suggestions, estimates, and statistics directly to the
Commission, upon request made by the Chair of the
Commission, by the chair of any subcommittee created by
a majority of the Commission, or by any member
designated by a majority of the Commission.
``(B) Receipt, handling, storage, and
dissemination.--Information shall only be received,
handled, stored, and disseminated by members of the
Commission and its staff consistent with all applicable
statutes, regulations, and Executive orders.
``(j) Assistance From Federal Agencies.--
``(1) General services administration.--The Administrator of
General Services shall provide to the Commission on a
reimbursable basis administrative support and other services
for the performance of the Commission's functions.
``(2) Other departments and agencies.--In addition to the
assistance required under paragraph (1), departments and
agencies of the United States may provide to the Commission
such services, funds, facilities, and staff as they may
determine advisable and as may be authorized by law.
``(k) Postal Services.--The Commission may use the United States
mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as departments
and agencies of the United States.
``(l) Nonapplicability of Federal Advisory Committee Act.--The
Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the
Commission.
``(m) Public Meetings.--
``(1) In general.--The Commission shall hold public hearings
and meetings to the extent appropriate.
``(2) Protection of information.--Any public hearings of the
Commission shall be conducted in a manner consistent with the
protection of information provided to or developed for or by
the Commission as required by any applicable statute,
regulation, or Executive order.
``(n) Staff of Commission.--
``(1) Appointment and compensation.--The Chair of the
Commission, in consultation with the Vice Chair and in
accordance with rules adopted by the Commission, may appoint
and fix the compensation of a staff director and such other
personnel as may be necessary to enable the Commission to carry
out its functions, without regard to the provisions of title 5,
United States Code, governing appointments in the competitive
service, and without regard to the provisions of chapter 51 and
subchapter III of chapter 53 of such title relating to
classification and General Schedule pay rates, except that no
rate of pay fixed under this subsection may exceed the maximum
rate of pay for GS-15 under the General Schedule.
``(2) Staff expertise.--Individuals shall be selected for
appointment as staff of the Commission on the basis of their
expertise in one or more of the fields referred to in
subsection (e).
``(3) Personnel as federal employees.--
``(A) In general.--The executive director and any
employees of the Commission shall be employees under
section 2105 of title 5, United States Code, for
purposes of chapters 63, 81, 83, 84, 85, 87, 89, and 90
of that title.
``(B) Members of commission.--Subparagraph (A) shall
not be construed to apply to members of the Commission.
``(4) Detailees.--Any Federal Government employee may be
detailed to the Commission without reimbursement from the
Commission, and during such detail shall retain the rights,
status, and privileges of his or her regular employment without
interruption.
``(5) Consultant services.--The Commission may procure the
services of experts and consultants in accordance with section
3109 of title 5, United States Code, but at rates not to exceed
the daily rate paid a person occupying a position at level IV
of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United
States Code.
``(6) Emphasis on security clearances.--The Commission shall
make it a priority to hire as employees and retain as
contractors and detailees individuals otherwise authorized by
this section who have active security clearances.
``(o) Commission Personnel Matters.--
``(1) Compensation of members.--Each member of the Commission
who is not an employee of the government shall be compensated
at a rate not to exceed the daily equivalent of the annual rate
of basic pay in effect for a position at level IV of the
Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United States
Code, for each day during which that member is engaged in the
actual performance of the duties of the Commission.
``(2) Travel expenses.--While away from their homes or
regular places of business in the performance of services for
the Commission, members of the Commission shall be allowed
travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at
rates authorized for employees of agencies under subchapter I
of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, while away from
their homes or regular places of business in the performance of
services for the Commission.
``(3) Travel on armed forces conveyances.--Members and
personnel of the Commission may travel on aircraft, vehicles,
or other conveyances of the Armed Forces of the United States
when such travel is necessary in the performance of a duty of
the Commission, unless the cost of commercial transportation is
less expensive.
``(4) Treatment of service for purposes of retirement
benefits.--A member of the Commission who is an annuitant
otherwise covered by section 8344 or 8468 of title 5, United
States Code, by reason of membership on the Commission shall
not be subject to the provisions of such section with respect
to membership on the Commission.
``(5) Vacancies.--A vacancy on the Commission shall not
affect its powers and shall be filled in the manner in which
the original appointment was made. The appointment of the
replacement member shall be made not later than 60 days after
the date on which the vacancy occurs.
``(p) Security Clearances.--The heads of appropriate departments and
agencies of the executive branch shall cooperate with the Commission to
expeditiously provide Commission members and staff with appropriate
security clearances to the extent possible under applicable procedures
and requirements.
``(q) Reports.--
``(1) Final report.--Not later than 18 months after the date
on which the Commission first meets, the Commission shall
submit to the President and Congress a final report of its
findings and conclusions, legislative recommendations for
immediate and long-term countermeasures to violent
radicalization, homegrown terrorism, and ideologically based
violence, and measures that can be taken to prevent violent
radicalization, homegrown terrorism, and ideologically based
violence from developing and spreading within the United
States, and any final recommendations for any additional grant
programs to support these purposes. The report may also be
accompanied by a classified annex.
``(2) Interim reports.--The Commission shall submit to the
President and Congress--
``(A) by not later than 6 months after the date on
which the Commission first meets, a first interim
report on--
``(i) its findings and conclusions and
legislative recommendations for the purposes
described in paragraph (1); and
``(ii) its recommendations on the feasibility
of a grant program established and administered
by the Secretary for the purpose of preventing,
disrupting, and mitigating the effects of
violent radicalization, homegrown terrorism,
and ideologically based violence and, if such a
program is feasible, recommendations on how
grant funds should be used and administered;
and
``(B) by not later than 6 months after the date on
which the Commission submits the interim report under
subparagraph (A), a second interim report on such
matters.
``(3) Individual or dissenting views.--Each member of the
Commission may include in each report under this subsection the
individual additional or dissenting views of the member.
``(4) Public availability.--The Commission shall release a
public version of each report required under this subsection.
``(r) Availability of Funding.--Amounts made available to the
Commission to carry out this section shall remain available until the
earlier of the expenditure of the amounts or the termination of the
Commission.
``(s) Termination of Commission.--The Commission shall terminate 30
days after the date on which the Commission submits its final report.
``SEC. 899D. CENTER OF EXCELLENCE FOR THE STUDY OF VIOLENT
RADICALIZATION AND HOMEGROWN TERRORISM IN THE
UNITED STATES.
``(a) Establishment.--The Secretary of Homeland Security shall
establish or designate a university-based Center of Excellence for the
Study of Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism in the United
States (hereinafter referred to as `Center') following the merit-review
processes and procedures and other limitations that have been
previously established for selecting and supporting University Programs
Centers of Excellence. The Center shall assist Federal, State, local
and tribal homeland security officials through training, education, and
research in preventing violent radicalization and homegrown terrorism
in the United States. In carrying out this section, the Secretary may
choose to either create a new Center designed exclusively for the
purpose stated herein or identify and expand an existing Department of
Homeland Security Center of Excellence so that a working group is
exclusively designated within the existing Center of Excellence to
achieve the purpose set forth in subsection (b).
``(b) Purpose.--It shall be the purpose of the Center to study the
social, criminal, political, psychological, and economic roots of
violent radicalization and homegrown terrorism in the United States and
methods that can be utilized by Federal, State, local, and tribal
homeland security officials to mitigate violent radicalization and
homegrown terrorism.
``(c) Activities.--In carrying out this section, the Center shall--
``(1) contribute to the establishment of training, written
materials, information, analytical assistance and professional
resources to aid in combating violent radicalization and
homegrown terrorism;
``(2) utilize theories, methods and data from the social and
behavioral sciences to better understand the origins, dynamics,
and social and psychological aspects of violent radicalization
and homegrown terrorism;
``(3) conduct research on the motivational factors that lead
to violent radicalization and homegrown terrorism; and
``(4) coordinate with other academic institutions studying
the effects of violent radicalization and homegrown terrorism
where appropriate.
``SEC. 899E. PREVENTING VIOLENT RADICALIZATION AND HOMEGROWN TERRORISM
THROUGH INTERNATIONAL COOPERATIVE EFFORTS.
``(a) International Effort.--The Secretary shall, in cooperation with
the Department of State and other Federal Government entities, as
appropriate, conduct a survey of methodologies implemented by foreign
nations to prevent violent radicalization and homegrown terrorism in
their respective nations.
``(b) Implementation.--To the extent that methodologies are
permissible under the Constitution, the Secretary shall use the results
of the survey as an aid in developing a national policy in the United
States on addressing radicalization and homegrown terrorism.
``(c) Reports to Congress.--The Secretary shall submit a report to
Congress that provides--
``(1) a brief description of the foreign partners
participating in the survey; and
``(2) a description of lessons learned from the results of
the survey and recommendations implemented through this
international outreach.
``SEC. 899F. PROTECTING CIVIL RIGHTS AND CIVIL LIBERTIES WHILE
PREVENTING IDEOLOGICALLY BASED VIOLENCE AND
HOMEGROWN TERRORISM.
``(a) In General.--The Department of Homeland Security's efforts to
prevent ideologically based violence and homegrown terrorism as
described herein shall not violate the constitutional rights, civil
rights, and civil liberties of United States citizens and lawful
permanent residents.
``(b) Commitment to Racial Neutrality.--The Secretary shall ensure
that the activities and operations of the entities created by this
subtitle are in compliance with the Department of Homeland Security's
commitment to racial neutrality.
``(c) Auditing Mechanism.--The Civil Rights and Civil Liberties
Officer of the Department of Homeland Security will develop and
implement an auditing mechanism to ensure that compliance with this
subtitle does not result in a disproportionate impact, without a
rational basis, on any particular race, ethnicity, or religion and
include the results of its audit in its annual report to Congress
required under section 705.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents in section 1(b) of
such Act is amended by inserting at the end of the items relating to
title VIII the following:
``Subtitle J--Prevention of Violent Radicalization and Homegrown
Terrorism
``Sec. 899A. Definitions.
``Sec. 899B. Findings.
``Sec. 899C. National Commission on the Prevention of Violent
Radicalization and Ideologically Based Violence.
``Sec. 899D. Center of Excellence for the Study of Violent
Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism in the United States.
``Sec. 899E. Preventing violent radicalization and homegrown terrorism
through international cooperative efforts.
``Sec. 899F. Protecting civil rights and civil liberties while
preventing ideologically based violence and homegrown terrorism.''.
Purpose and Summary
The purpose of H.R. 1955 is to prevent homegrown terrorism,
and for other purposes.
Background and Need for Legislation
The promotion of ideologically-based violence and homegrown
terrorism exists in the United States and poses a threat to
homeland security; in particular, the Internet has aided in
facilitating ideologically-based violence and the homegrown
terrorism process in the United States by providing access to
broad and constant streams of terrorist-related propaganda to
United States citizens. While the United States must continue
its vigilant efforts to combat international terrorism, it must
also strengthen efforts to combat the threat posed by homegrown
terrorists based and operating within the United States.
Understanding the motivational factors that lead to homegrown
terrorism is a vital step toward eradicating these threats in
the United States. The potential rise of self radicalized,
unaffiliated terrorists domestically cannot be easily prevented
through traditional Federal intelligence or law enforcement
efforts, and requires the incorporation of State and local
solutions.
Individuals prone to ideologically-based violence span all
races, ethnicities, and religious beliefs, and individuals
should not be targeted based solely on race, ethnicity, or
religion. In view of this, any measure taken to prevent
ideologically-based violence and homegrown terrorism in the
United States should not violate the constitutional rights,
civil rights and civil liberties of United States citizens and
lawful permanent residents. Moreover, certain foreign
governments, including the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Northern Ireland, Canada, and the Commonwealth of Australia
have significant experience with homegrown terrorism and the
United States can benefit from lessons learned by those
nations.
Homegrown terrorism is a multifaceted and significant
threat that must be addressed in a robust and thoughtful
manner. H.R. 1955 provides necessary and valuable tools to
prevent violent radicalization within the United States and
enhance security against the threat posed by violent
radicalization and homegrown terrorism.
Hearings
On March 14, 2007, the Subcommittee on Intelligence,
Information Sharing, and Terrorism Risk Assessment held a
hearing entitled ``The Department of Homeland Security State
and Local Fusion Center Program: Advancing Information Sharing
While Safeguarding Civil Liberties.'' The Subcommittee received
testimony from Mr. Charles E. Allen, Chief Intelligence
Officer, Office of Intelligence and Analysis, Department of
Homeland Security, Mr. Daniel W. Sutherland, Officer for Civil
Rights and Civil Liberties, Department of Homeland Security,
and Mr. Hugo Teufel, Privacy Officer, Department of Homeland
Security.
On April 5, 2007, the Subcommittee on Intelligence,
Information Sharing, and Terrorism Risk Assessment held a field
hearing in Torrance, California entitled ``Radicalization,
Information Sharing and Community Outreach: Protecting the
Homeland from Homegrown Terror.'' The Subcommittee received
testimony from Mr. John J. Neu, Chief of Police, Torrance
Police Department, Torrance, California; Mr. William J.
Bratton, Chief of Police, Los Angeles Police Department; Los
Angeles, California; Ms. Janice K. Fedarcyk, Special Agent in-
Charge, Counterterrorism Division, Los Angeles Field Office,
Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Justice; Sgt.
Larry Mead, Deputy Sheriff, Los Angeles County Sheriff's
Department, Los Angeles, California; Ms. Sireen Sawaf,
Director, Southern California Government Relations, Muslim
Public Affairs Council; Mr. Brian Jenkins, Senior Advisor, RAND
Corporation; and Mr. David Gersten, Director, Civil Rights and
Civil Liberties Programs, Department of Homeland Security.
Committee Consideration
H.R. 1955 was introduced by Ms. Harman and Mr. Reichert on
April 19, 2007, and referred to the Committee on Homeland
Security, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Within the Committee on Homeland Security, H.R. 1955 was
referred to the Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information
Sharing, and Terrorism Risk Assessment.
On July 17, 2007, the Subcommittee on Intelligence,
Information Sharing, and Terrorism Risk Assessment met in open
markup session and ordered H.R. 1955 forwarded to the Full
Committee for consideration, amended, by voice vote.
On August 1, 2007, the Full Committee met in open markup
session and ordered H.R. 1955 favorably reported to the House
of Representatives, as amended, by voice vote.
Committee Votes
Clause 3(b) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of
Representatives requires the Committee to list the record votes
on the motion to report legislation and amendments thereto.
On July 17, 2007, the Subcommittee on Intelligence,
Information Sharing, and Terrorism Risk Assessment met in open
markup session and ordered H.R. 1955 forwarded to the Full
Committee for consideration, amended, by voice vote.
The following amendment was offered:
An Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute offered by Ms.
Harman (#1), was AGREED TO by voice vote.
On August 1, 2007, the Full Committee met in open markup
session and ordered H.R. 1955 favorably reported to the House
of Representatives, as amended, by voice vote.
The Committee considered a Committee Print showing the text
of H.R. 1955 as agreed to by the Subcommittee.
The Committee adopted the bill, as amended by the Committee
Print, by voice vote.
Committee Oversight Findings
Pursuant to clause 3(c)(1) of rule XIII of the Rules of the
House of Representatives, the Committee has held oversight
hearings and made findings that are reflected in this report.
New Budget Authority, Entitlement Authority, and Tax Expenditures
In compliance with clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules
of the House of Representatives, the Committee finds that H.R.
1955, the Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism
Prevention Act of 2007, would result in no new or increased
budget authority, entitlement authority, or tax expenditures or
revenues.
Congressional Budget Office Estimate
The Committee adopts as its own the cost estimate prepared
by the Director of the Congressional Budget Office pursuant to
section 402 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974:
U.S. Congress,
Congressional Budget Office,
Washington, DC, September 17, 2007.
Hon. Bennie G. Thompson,
Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security,
House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
Dear Mr. Chairman: The Congressional Budget Office has
prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 1955, the Violent
Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007.
If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be
pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Mark
Grabowicz.
Sincerely,
Robert A. Sunshine
(For Peter R. Orszag, Director).
Enclosure.
H.R. 1955--Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention
Act of 2007
Summary: H.R. 1955 would direct the Department of Homeland
Security (DHS) to establish a university-based Center of
Excellence for the Study of Violent Radicalization and
Homegrown Terrorism in the United States. The bill also would
establish a commission to investigate the causes of terrorist
acts committed by persons raised or living in the United States
and would require DHS to prepare reports on certain issues
relating to domestic terrorism. CBO estimates that implementing
H.R. 1955 would cost $22 million over the 2008-2012 period,
assuming appropriation of the necessary amounts. Enacting H.R.
1955 would not affect direct spending or revenues.
H.R. 1955 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector
mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA)
and would impose no costs on state, local, or tribal
governments.
Estimated Cost to the Federal Government: The estimated
budgetary impact of H.R. 1955 is shown in the following table.
The costs of this legislation fall within budget function 750
(administration of justice).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By fiscal year, in millions of dollars--
--------------------------------------------
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHANGES IN SPENDING SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATION
Estimated Authorization Level...................................... 6 6 4 4 4
Estimated Outlays.................................................. 4 6 4 4 4
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Basis of estimate: H.R. 1955 would direct DHS to establish
a university-based Center of Excellence for the Study of
Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism in the United
States. The center would coordinate research on terrorism with
other academic institutions. The bill also would establish 10-
member commission to examine the causes of terrorist acts
committed by persons raised or living in the United States. The
commission would report its findings and recommendations to the
Congress over the next two years. Finally, the bill would
require DHS to prepare reports on certain issues relating to
terrorism in the United States.
Assuming appropriation of the necessary amounts and based
on information provided by DHS on the cost of conducting
similar activities, CBO estimates that the agency would spend
about $22 million over the 2008-2012 period to implement the
legislation. Of that amount, $4 million a year would be used to
support the new Center of Excellence. The remaining amount
would be spent over the next two years for studies and reports
required by the bill, primarily those to be carried out by the
new commission.
Intergovernmental and private-sector impact: H.R. 1955
contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as
defined in UMRA and would impose no costs on state, local, or
tribal governments.
Estimate prepared by: Federal Costs: Mark Grabowicz; Impact
on State, Local, and Tribal Governments: Melissa Merrell;
Impact on the Private Sector: Paige Piper/Bach.
Estimate approved by: Peter H. Fontaine, Assistant Director
for Budget Analysis.
Statement of General Performance Goals and Objectives
Pursuant to clause 3(c)(4) of rule XIII of the Rules of the
House of Representatives, H.R. 1955, contains the following
general performance goals, and objectives, including outcome
related goals and objectives authorized.
The purpose of this legislation is to prevent homegrown
terrorism, and for other purposes. Pursuant to clause 3(c)(4)
of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, H.R.
1955 contains the following general performance goals and
objectives, including outcome-related goals and objectives
authorized: H.R. 1955 adds a new section 899C to the Homeland
Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 361 et seq.), which requires the
Commission established in the Act to be appointed no later than
60 days after enactment of the Act, and also requires the
Commission to hold its first meeting no later than 30 days
after all the Commissioners have been appointed (or, if there
is not mutual agreement, on a date designated by the Speaker of
the House of Representatives). New section 899E requires the
Secretary of Homeland Security to submit a report to Congress.
Congressional Earmarks, Limited Tax Benefits, and Limited Tariff
Benefits
In compliance with rule XXI of the Rules of the House of
Representatives, this bill, as reported, contains no
congressional earmarks, limited tax benefits, or limited tariff
benefits as defined in clause 9(d), 9(e), or 9(f) of the rule
XXI.
Federal Mandates Statement
The Committee adopts as its own the estimate of Federal
mandates prepared by the Director of the Congressional Budget
Office pursuant to section 423 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform
Act.
Advisory Committee Statement
No advisory committees within the meaning of section 5(b)
of the Federal Advisory Committee Act were created by this
legislation.
Constitutional Authority Statement
Pursuant to clause 3(d)(1) of rule XIII of the Rules of the
House of Representatives, the Committee finds that the
Constitutional authority for this legislation is provided in
Article I, section 8, clause 1, which grants Congress the power
to provide for the common Defense of the United States.
Applicability to Legislative Branch
The Committee finds that the legislation does not relate to
the terms and conditions of employment or access to public
services or accommodations within the meaning of section
102(b)(3) of the Congressional Accountability Act.
Section-by-Section Analysis of the Legislation
Section 1. Short title
This section indicates that H.R. 1955 may be cited as the
``Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act
of 2007.''
Section 2. Prevention of radicalization and homegrown terrorism
This section amends Title VIII of the Homeland Security Act
of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 361 et seq.) by adding at a new subtitle
entitled: ``Subtitle J--Prevention of Homegrown Terrorism.''
Section 899A. Definitions
This section defines, for the purposes of this Act, the
terms ``Commission,'' ``Violent Radicalization,'' ``Homegrown
Terrorism,'' and ``Ideologically Based Violence.''
Section 899B. Findings
This section sets forth findings concerning violent
radicalization and homegrown terrorism in the United States and
the need to address those threats. The Committee believes that
homegrown terrorism is a multifaceted and significant threat
that must be addressed in a robust, thoughtful manner.
Section 899C. National Commission on the Prevention of Violent
Radicalization and Ideologically Based Violence
This section establishes within the Legislative Branch of
the Government a National Commission on the Prevention of
Violent Radicalization and Ideologically Based Violence. This
section also describes the purposes of the Commission.
This section also instructs that the Commission shall be
composed of ten members and specifies how such members shall be
chosen. Moreover, this section declares that individuals
appointed to the Commission shall be qualified to serve, and
that such qualification shall be based on professional
qualifications, achievements, public stature, experience, and
expertise in relevant fields, and includes a list of some
relevant fields.
This section requires the Commission to be appointed no
later than 60 days after enactment of this Act and authorizes
the Commission to elect a Chair and Vice Chair from among its
members. Moreover, it requires the Commission to hold its first
meeting no later than 30 days after all of the Commissioners
have been appointed or, if there is not mutual agreement, on a
date designated by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
This section also enumerates the Commission's powers and
authorities.
This section clarifies that the Federal Advisory Committee
Act does not apply to the Commission. It also provides for
public meetings of the Commission, staff and personnel, travel,
security clearances, retirement benefits, vacancies, reporting
requirements, publication of reports, dissenting or individual
views, availability of funds, and termination of the
Commission.
The Committee notes that, given the unique issues
surrounding the American approach, it is important to create a
national commission that will bring together the ``best minds''
from relevant fields of expertise and, for the first time,
address the homegrown terrorism threat from a collaborative
public, private and academic-sector perspective. The Committee
observes that this model has been successful with other vexing
national problems, such as the Hart-Rudman Commission's
examination of national security policies and processes; the
National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United
States' review of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks; and
the National Commission on Terrorism's examination of United
States terrorism policy pre-9/11.
Section 899D. Center of Excellence for the Study of Violent
Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism in the United States
This section directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to
establish a university-based Center of Excellence, or designate
an existing Center of Excellence, as a Center of Excellence for
the Study of Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism in
the United States tasked with assisting Federal, State, local
and tribal homeland security officials through training,
education, and research. The Committee believes that the
creation of a Center of Excellence for the Prevention of
Radicalization and Home Grown Terrorism will help to provide
homeland security officials across the government with
solutions to these threats.
Section 899E. Preventing violent radicalization and homegrown terrorism
through international cooperative efforts
This section directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, in
conjunction with the Department of State and other federal
government entities, to survey the methodologies used by
foreign nations in addressing violent radicalization and
homegrown terrorism. This provision also directs the Secretary
to consider these methods when formulating United States
policies addressing violent radicalization and homegrown
terrorism, if the methods used by foreign nations do not
conflict with safeguards erected by the United States
Constitution. In addition, this section requires the Secretary
to submit a report to Congress describing the foreign nations
included in the survey, the lessons learned from the results of
the survey, and recommendations for implementation.
The Committee observes that other countries, such as the
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the
Commonwealth of Australia, the Federal Republic of Germany, the
Kingdom of Spain, and Canada, have confronted and continue to
confront homegrown terrorism. Thus H.R. 1955 requires the
United States to reach out to these countries in an effort
benefit from the lessons they have learned in the process.
However, this legislation also recognizes that the American
approach must be unique. The Committee understands that because
the civil rights and liberties of American citizens and our
lawful permanent residents are embedded in our system of
government and our way of life, our approach to homegrown
terrorism must be consistent with those rights and liberties.
Section 899F. Protecting civil rights and civil liberties while
preventing ideologically based violence and homegrown terrorism
This section declares that, in its efforts to prevent
ideologically based violence and homegrown terrorism, the
Department of Homeland Security shall not violate the
constitutional rights, civil rights, and civil liberties of
United States citizens and lawful permanent residents.
Moreover, this section provides that, while carrying out
the policies set forth in this Act, the Department shall
administer such policies in accordance with its commitment to
racial neutrality. This provision also directs the Civil Rights
and Civil Liberties Officer of the Department to develop and
implement an auditing mechanism to ensure that a particular
race, ethnicity, or religion is not disproportionately affected
by the policies implemented pursuant to this Act, unless it is
deemed lawful and appropriate, based on information received.
It also requires the Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Officer
to include the results of such audit in its annual report to
Congress.
Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported
In compliance with clause 3(e) of rule XIII of the Rules of
the House of Representatives, changes in existing law made by
the bill, as reported, are shown as follows (new matter is
printed in italic and existing law in which no change is
proposed is shown in roman):
HOMELAND SECURITY ACT OF 2002
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) * * *
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is
as follows:
* * * * * * *
TITLE VIII--COORDINATION WITH NON-FEDERAL ENTITIES; INSPECTOR GENERAL;
UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE; COAST GUARD; GENERAL PROVISIONS
* * * * * * *
Subtitle I--Information Sharing
* * * * * * *
Subtitle J--Prevention of violent radicalization and homegrown terrorism
Sec. 899A. Definitions.
Sec. 899B. Findings.
Sec. 899C. National Commission on the Prevention of Violent
Radicalization and Ideologically Based Violence.
Sec. 899D. Center of Excellence for the Study of Violent Radicalization
and Homegrown Terrorism in the United States.
Sec. 899E. Preventing violent radicalization and homegrown terrorism
through international cooperative efforts.
Sec. 899F. Protecting civil rights and civil liberties while preventing
ideologically based violence and homegrown terrorism.
* * * * * * *
TITLE VIII--COORDINATION WITH NON-FEDERAL ENTITIES; INSPECTOR GENERAL;
UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE; COAST GUARD; GENERAL PROVISIONS
* * * * * * *
Subtitle J--Prevention of violent radicalization and homegrown
terrorism
SEC. 899A. DEFINITIONS.
For purposes of this subtitle:
(1) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the
National Commission on the Prevention of Violent
Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism established
under section 899C.
(2) Violent radicalization.--The term ``violent
radicalization'' means the process of adopting or
promoting an extremist belief system for the purpose of
facilitating ideologically based violence to advance
political, religious, or social change.
(3) Homegrown terrorism.--The term ``homegrown
terrorism'' means the use, planned use, or threatened
use, of force or violence by a group or individual
born, raised, or based and operating primarily within
the United States or any possession of the United
States to intimidate or coerce the United States
government, the civilian population of the United
States, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of
political or social objectives.
(4) Ideologically based violence.--The term
``ideologically based violence'' means the use, planned
use, or threatened use of force or violence by a group
or individual to promote the group or individual's
political, religious, or social beliefs.
SEC. 899B. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds the following:
(1) The development and implementation of methods and
processes that can be utilized to prevent violent
radicalization, homegrown terrorism, and ideologically
based violence in the United States is critical to
combating domestic terrorism.
(2) The promotion of violent radicalization,
homegrown terrorism, and ideologically based violence
exists in the United States and poses a threat to
homeland security.
(3) The Internet has aided in facilitating violent
radicalization, ideologically based violence, and the
homegrown terrorism process in the United States by
providing access to broad and constant streams of
terrorist-related propaganda to United States citizens.
(4) While the United States must continue its
vigilant efforts to combat international terrorism, it
must also strengthen efforts to combat the threat posed
by homegrown terrorists based and operating within the
United States.
(5) Understanding the motivational factors that lead
to violent radicalization, homegrown terrorism, and
ideologically based violence is a vital step toward
eradicating these threats in the United States.
(6) The potential rise of self radicalized,
unaffiliated terrorists domestically cannot be easily
prevented through traditional Federal intelligence or
law enforcement efforts, and requires the incorporation
of State and local solutions.
(7) Individuals prone to violent radicalization,
homegrown terrorism, and ideologically based violence
span all races, ethnicities, and religious beliefs, and
individuals should not be targeted based solely on
race, ethnicity, or religion.
(8) Any measure taken to prevent violent
radicalization, homegrown terrorism, and ideologically
based violence and homegrown terrorism in the United
States should not violate the constitutional rights,
civil rights and civil liberties of United States
citizens and lawful permanent residents.
(9) Certain governments, including the United
Kingdom, Canada, and Australia have significant
experience with homegrown terrorism and the United
States can benefit from lessons learned by those
nations.
SEC. 899C. NATIONAL COMMISSION ON THE PREVENTION OF VIOLENT
RADICALIZATION AND IDEOLOGICALLY BASED VIOLENCE.
(a) Establishment.--There is established within the
legislative branch of the Government the National Commission on
the Prevention of Violent Radicalization and Homegrown
Terrorism.
(b) Purpose.--The purposes of the Commission are the
following:
(1) Examine and report upon the facts and causes of
violent radicalization, homegrown terrorism, and
ideologically based violence in the United States,
including United States connections to non-United
States persons and networks, violent radicalization,
homegrown terrorism, and ideologically based violence
in prison, individual or ``lone wolf'' violent
radicalization, homegrown terrorism, and ideologically
based violence, and other faces of the phenomena of
violent radicalization, homegrown terrorism, and
ideologically based violence that the Commission
considers important.
(2) Build upon and bring together the work of other
entities and avoid unnecessary duplication, by
reviewing the findings, conclusions, and
recommendations of--
(A) the Center of Excellence established or
designated under section 899D, and other
academic work, as appropriate;
(B) Federal, State, local, or tribal studies
of, reviews of, and experiences with violent
radicalization, homegrown terrorism, and
ideologically based violence; and
(C) foreign government studies of, reviews
of, and experiences with violent
radicalization, homegrown terrorism, and
ideologically based violence.
(c) Composition of Commission.--The Commission shall be
composed of 10 members appointed for the life of the
Commission, of whom--
(1) one member shall be appointed by the President
from among officers or employees of the executive
branch and private citizens of the United States;
(2) one member shall be appointed by the Secretary;
(3) one member shall be appointed by the majority
leader of the Senate;
(4) one member shall be appointed by the minority
leader of the Senate;
(5) one member shall be appointed by the Speaker of
the House of Representatives;
(6) one member shall be appointed by the minority
leader of the House of Representatives;
(7) one member shall be appointed by the Chairman of
the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of
Representatives;
(8) one member shall be appointed by the ranking
minority member of the Committee on Homeland Security
of the House of Representatives;
(9) one member shall be appointed by the Chairman of
the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental
Affairs of the Senate; and
(10) one member shall be appointed by the ranking
minority member of the Committee on Homeland Security
and Governmental Affairs of the Senate.
(d) Chair and Vice Chair.--The Commission shall elect a Chair
and a Vice Chair from among its members.
(e) Qualifications.--Individuals shall be selected for
appointment to the Commission solely on the basis of their
professional qualifications, achievements, public stature,
experience, and expertise in relevant fields, including, but
not limited to, behavioral science, constitutional law,
corrections, counterterrorism, cultural anthropology,
education, information technology, intelligence, juvenile
justice, local law enforcement, organized crime, Islam and
other world religions, sociology, or terrorism.
(f) Deadline for Appointment.--All members of the Commission
shall be appointed no later than 60 days after the date of
enactment of this subtitle.
(g) Quorum and Meetings.--The Commission shall meet and begin
the operations of the Commission not later than 30 days after
the date on which all members have been appointed or, if such
meeting cannot be mutually agreed upon, on a date designated by
the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Each subsequent
meeting shall occur upon the call of the Chair or a majority of
its members. A majority of the members of the Commission shall
constitute a quorum, but a lesser number may hold meetings.
(h) Authority of Individuals to Act for Commission.--Any
member of the Commission may, if authorized by the Commission,
take any action that the Commission is authorized to take under
this Act.
(i) Powers of Commission.--The powers of the Commission shall
be as follows:
(1) In general.--
(A) Hearings and evidence.--The Commission
or, on the authority of the Commission, any
subcommittee or member thereof, may, for the
purpose of carrying out this section, hold
hearings and sit and act at such times and
places, take such testimony, receive such
evidence, and administer such oaths as the
Commission considers advisable to carry out its
duties.
(B) Contracting.--The Commission may, to such
extent and in such amounts as are provided in
appropriation Acts, enter into contracts to
enable the Commission to discharge its duties
under this section.
(2) Information from federal agencies.--
(A) In general.--The Commission may secure
directly from any executive department, bureau,
agency, board, commission, office, independent
establishment, or instrumentality of the
Government, information, suggestions,
estimates, and statistics for the purposes of
this section. The head of each such department,
bureau, agency, board, commission, office,
independent establishment, or instrumentality
shall, to the extent authorized by law, furnish
such information, suggestions, estimates, and
statistics directly to the Commission, upon
request made by the Chair of the Commission, by
the chair of any subcommittee created by a
majority of the Commission, or by any member
designated by a majority of the Commission.
(B) Receipt, handling, storage, and
dissemination.--Information shall only be
received, handled, stored, and disseminated by
members of the Commission and its staff
consistent with all applicable statutes,
regulations, and Executive orders.
(j) Assistance From Federal Agencies.--
(1) General services administration.--The
Administrator of General Services shall provide to the
Commission on a reimbursable basis administrative
support and other services for the performance of the
Commission's functions.
(2) Other departments and agencies.--In addition to
the assistance required under paragraph (1),
departments and agencies of the United States may
provide to the Commission such services, funds,
facilities, and staff as they may determine advisable
and as may be authorized by law.
(k) Postal Services.--The Commission may use the United
States mails in the same manner and under the same conditions
as departments and agencies of the United States.
(l) Nonapplicability of Federal Advisory Committee Act.--The
Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply
to the Commission.
(m) Public Meetings.--
(1) In general.--The Commission shall hold public
hearings and meetings to the extent appropriate.
(2) Protection of information.--Any public hearings
of the Commission shall be conducted in a manner
consistent with the protection of information provided
to or developed for or by the Commission as required by
any applicable statute, regulation, or Executive order.
(n) Staff of Commission.--
(1) Appointment and compensation.--The Chair of the
Commission, in consultation with the Vice Chair and in
accordance with rules adopted by the Commission, may
appoint and fix the compensation of a staff director
and such other personnel as may be necessary to enable
the Commission to carry out its functions, without
regard to the provisions of title 5, United States
Code, governing appointments in the competitive
service, and without regard to the provisions of
chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of such
title relating to classification and General Schedule
pay rates, except that no rate of pay fixed under this
subsection may exceed the maximum rate of pay for GS-15
under the General Schedule.
(2) Staff expertise.--Individuals shall be selected
for appointment as staff of the Commission on the basis
of their expertise in one or more of the fields
referred to in subsection (e).
(3) Personnel as federal employees.--
(A) In general.--The executive director and
any employees of the Commission shall be
employees under section 2105 of title 5, United
States Code, for purposes of chapters 63, 81,
83, 84, 85, 87, 89, and 90 of that title.
(B) Members of commission.--Subparagraph (A)
shall not be construed to apply to members of
the Commission.
(4) Detailees.--Any Federal Government employee may
be detailed to the Commission without reimbursement
from the Commission, and during such detail shall
retain the rights, status, and privileges of his or her
regular employment without interruption.
(5) Consultant services.--The Commission may procure
the services of experts and consultants in accordance
with section 3109 of title 5, United States Code, but
at rates not to exceed the daily rate paid a person
occupying a position at level IV of the Executive
Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United States
Code.
(6) Emphasis on security clearances.--The Commission
shall make it a priority to hire as employees and
retain as contractors and detailees individuals
otherwise authorized by this section who have active
security clearances.
(o) Commission Personnel Matters.--
(1) Compensation of members.--Each member of the
Commission who is not an employee of the government
shall be compensated at a rate not to exceed the daily
equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay in effect
for a position at level IV of the Executive Schedule
under section 5315 of title 5, United States Code, for
each day during which that member is engaged in the
actual performance of the duties of the Commission.
(2) Travel expenses.--While away from their homes or
regular places of business in the performance of
services for the Commission, members of the Commission
shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in
lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for employees
of agencies under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title
5, United States Code, while away from their homes or
regular places of business in the performance of
services for the Commission.
(3) Travel on armed forces conveyances.--Members and
personnel of the Commission may travel on aircraft,
vehicles, or other conveyances of the Armed Forces of
the United States when such travel is necessary in the
performance of a duty of the Commission, unless the
cost of commercial transportation is less expensive.
(4) Treatment of service for purposes of retirement
benefits.--A member of the Commission who is an
annuitant otherwise covered by section 8344 or 8468 of
title 5, United States Code, by reason of membership on
the Commission shall not be subject to the provisions
of such section with respect to membership on the
Commission.
(5) Vacancies.--A vacancy on the Commission shall not
affect its powers and shall be filled in the manner in
which the original appointment was made. The
appointment of the replacement member shall be made not
later than 60 days after the date on which the vacancy
occurs.
(p) Security Clearances.--The heads of appropriate
departments and agencies of the executive branch shall
cooperate with the Commission to expeditiously provide
Commission members and staff with appropriate security
clearances to the extent possible under applicable procedures
and requirements.
(q) Reports.--
(1) Final report.--Not later than 18 months after the
date on which the Commission first meets, the
Commission shall submit to the President and Congress a
final report of its findings and conclusions,
legislative recommendations for immediate and long-term
countermeasures to violent radicalization, homegrown
terrorism, and ideologically based violence, and
measures that can be taken to prevent violent
radicalization, homegrown terrorism, and ideologically
based violence from developing and spreading within the
United States, and any final recommendations for any
additional grant programs to support these purposes.
The report may also be accompanied by a classified
annex.
(2) Interim reports.--The Commission shall submit to
the President and Congress--
(A) by not later than 6 months after the date
on which the Commission first meets, a first
interim report on--
(i) its findings and conclusions and
legislative recommendations for the
purposes described in paragraph (1);
and
(ii) its recommendations on the
feasibility of a grant program
established and administered by the
Secretary for the purpose of
preventing, disrupting, and mitigating
the effects of violent radicalization,
homegrown terrorism, and ideologically
based violence and, if such a program
is feasible, recommendations on how
grant funds should be used and
administered; and
(B) by not later than 6 months after the date
on which the Commission submits the interim
report under subparagraph (A), a second interim
report on such matters.
(3) Individual or dissenting views.--Each member of
the Commission may include in each report under this
subsection the individual additional or dissenting
views of the member.
(4) Public availability.--The Commission shall
release a public version of each report required under
this subsection.
(r) Availability of Funding.--Amounts made available to the
Commission to carry out this section shall remain available
until the earlier of the expenditure of the amounts or the
termination of the Commission.
(s) Termination of Commission.--The Commission shall
terminate 30 days after the date on which the Commission
submits its final report.
SEC. 899D. CENTER OF EXCELLENCE FOR THE STUDY OF VIOLENT RADICALIZATION
AND HOMEGROWN TERRORISM IN THE UNITED STATES.
(a) Establishment.--The Secretary of Homeland Security shall
establish or designate a university-based Center of Excellence
for the Study of Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism
in the United States (hereinafter referred to as ``Center'')
following the merit-review processes and procedures and other
limitations that have been previously established for selecting
and supporting University Programs Centers of Excellence. The
Center shall assist Federal, State, local and tribal homeland
security officials through training, education, and research in
preventing violent radicalization and homegrown terrorism in
the United States. In carrying out this section, the Secretary
may choose to either create a new Center designed exclusively
for the purpose stated herein or identify and expand an
existing Department of Homeland Security Center of Excellence
so that a working group is exclusively designated within the
existing Center of Excellence to achieve the purpose set forth
in subsection (b).
(b) Purpose.--It shall be the purpose of the Center to study
the social, criminal, political, psychological, and economic
roots of violent radicalization and homegrown terrorism in the
United States and methods that can be utilized by Federal,
State, local, and tribal homeland security officials to
mitigate violent radicalization and homegrown terrorism.
(c) Activities.--In carrying out this section, the Center
shall--
(1) contribute to the establishment of training,
written materials, information, analytical assistance
and professional resources to aid in combating violent
radicalization and homegrown terrorism;
(2) utilize theories, methods and data from the
social and behavioral sciences to better understand the
origins, dynamics, and social and psychological aspects
of violent radicalization and homegrown terrorism;
(3) conduct research on the motivational factors that
lead to violent radicalization and homegrown terrorism;
and
(4) coordinate with other academic institutions
studying the effects of violent radicalization and
homegrown terrorism where appropriate.
SEC. 899E. PREVENTING VIOLENT RADICALIZATION AND HOMEGROWN TERRORISM
THROUGH INTERNATIONAL COOPERATIVE EFFORTS.
(a) International Effort.--The Secretary shall, in
cooperation with the Department of State and other Federal
Government entities, as appropriate, conduct a survey of
methodologies implemented by foreign nations to prevent violent
radicalization and homegrown terrorism in their respective
nations.
(b) Implementation.--To the extent that methodologies are
permissible under the Constitution, the Secretary shall use the
results of the survey as an aid in developing a national policy
in the United States on addressing radicalization and homegrown
terrorism.
(c) Reports to Congress.--The Secretary shall submit a report
to Congress that provides--
(1) a brief description of the foreign partners
participating in the survey; and
(2) a description of lessons learned from the results
of the survey and recommendations implemented through
this international outreach.
SEC. 899F. PROTECTING CIVIL RIGHTS AND CIVIL LIBERTIES WHILE PREVENTING
IDEOLOGICALLY BASED VIOLENCE AND HOMEGROWN
TERRORISM.
(a) In General.--The Department of Homeland Security's
efforts to prevent ideologically based violence and homegrown
terrorism as described herein shall not violate the
constitutional rights, civil rights, and civil liberties of
United States citizens and lawful permanent residents.
(b) Commitment to Racial Neutrality.--The Secretary shall
ensure that the activities and operations of the entities
created by this subtitle are in compliance with the Department
of Homeland Security's commitment to racial neutrality.
(c) Auditing Mechanism.--The Civil Rights and Civil Liberties
Officer of the Department of Homeland Security will develop and
implement an auditing mechanism to ensure that compliance with
this subtitle does not result in a disproportionate impact,
without a rational basis, on any particular race, ethnicity, or
religion and include the results of its audit in its annual
report to Congress required under section 705.
* * * * * * *
Committee Correspondence