Reps. Zeldin, Rose, McCaul Reintroduce Counterterrorism Screening and Assistance Act of 2019

WASHINGTON - Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, Congressman Max Rose (D, NY-11), member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, and House Foreign Affairs Committee Lead Republican Michael McCaul (R, TX-10) reintroduced the Counterterrorism Screening and Assistance Act of 2019, which would establish international border security standards developed in conjunction with all relevant U.S. governmental departments and agencies in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, Attorney General, Director of National Intelligence (DNI), and Director of the FBI, to close security gaps that could allow foreign terrorist fighters to travel internationally. Under the legislation, U.S. resources would be utilized in the most efficient way possible with a special focus on high-risk and medium-risk countries to boost security, and a reporting system would also be established to monitor efforts of foreign governments to combat terrorism and foreign fighter travel and to suspend foreign assistance to countries not making significant efforts to comply.

The Counterterrorism Screening and Assistance Act passed the House of Representatives during the 114th Congress, by a vote of 371-2, and passed the House Foreign Affairs Committee during the 115th Congress.    

“Foreign fighter movement is a very serious challenge that has resulted in the well-recognized need for improved border security around the world and better information sharing between governments,” said Congressman Zeldin. “With the rise of terrorism at home and around the world, it is important now more than ever, that we remain ever vigilant to protect our homeland.”

“The threats we face as a country, and especially as New Yorkers, are real and ever changing,” said Congressman Rose (D, NY-11) “That’s why we must be using every tool at our disposal to ensure we are tracking and stopping terrorist threats around the world long before they make it to our shores.”

“Individuals who pose a serious threat to our national security are constantly exploring new ways to enter the United States,” said House Foreign Affairs Committee Lead Republican Michael McCaul (TX-10). “This bill will establish and elevate international border security standards and close security gaps that could allow potential terrorists and foreign fighters to infiltrate our borders. I am proud to be an original co-sponsor of Congressman Zeldin’s forward leaning and security focused legislation.”