WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (IN-02) Thursday voted for legislation to boost counter-terrorism efforts and provide critical military funding to combat ISIS in the wake of last weekend’s terrorist attack in Orlando, Fla.
“The devastating terrorist attack in Orlando was a sobering reminder that we are a nation at war with radical Islamic terrorists,” Congresswoman Walorski said. “The House acted swiftly to ensure authorities are prepared to counter terrorist recruitment and our military is equipped to confront any threat. I urge the Senate to pass these critical bills immediately, and I call on the President to not only sign them into law but also outline a comprehensive strategy to defeat ISIS prevent further terrorist attacks against Americans.”
BACKGROUND
The House responded to last weekend’s terrorist attack in Orland by passing the Countering Terrorist Radicalization Act (H.R. 5471) by a vote of 402 to 15. The legislation, which combines three previously-passed anti-terrorism bills, would:
· Enhance authorities’ efforts to disrupt potential terrorist plots by allowing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to train personnel to better identify and counter radicalization;
· Require DHS to use intelligence and testimonials from former violent extremists to counter propaganda and recruitment efforts by terrorist organizations like ISIS; and
· Establish the Counterterrorism Advisory Board (CTAB), the primary anti-terrorism decisionmaking body at DHS, and ensures the CTAB is positioned to address evolving terrorist threats.
The Department of Defense appropriations bill for fiscal year 2017 (H.R. 5293), which the House passed by a vote of 282 to 138, would provide $576.3 billion in funding to improve military readiness, give troops a pay raise, maintain the U.S. military’s technological edge, and ensure the military has the tools and resources needed to defeat any enemy. Last month, the House passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which sets the nation’s defense policies and authorizes funding levels.
Walorski represents the 2nd Congressional District of Indiana, serving as a member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, House Armed Services Committee and House Committee on Agriculture.
