Underwood’s Bipartisan Counter Terrorist Network Act Passes The House

WASHINGTON— Today, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood's (IL-14) bipartisan legislation to strengthen U.S. border security and improve information sharing networks between intelligence agencies passed the House of Representatives. The Counter Terrorist Network Act (H.R. 3526) authorizes U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel to collaborate with appropriate federal, state, local, tribal, and international entities to identify and dismantle networks that pose terrorist or criminal threats to the U.S. Rep. Underwood introduced this legislation with Representative John Katko (R-NY).

"As we work to address growing threats posed by domestic terrorism, we must also remain vigilant against the threats posed by al Qaeda and its affiliates, the Islamic State, and other foreign terrorist organizations that aspire to do our nation harm," said Underwood. "With the Counter Terrorist Network Act, law enforcement will have enhanced resources to help thwart threats to our country."

"As a member of the Homeland Security Committee, I believe it is imperative that our nation promotes intelligence sharing in an effort to enhance U.S. border security and counter terrorism operations. I am glad to work alongside Representative Underwood on this important bipartisan measure, which will combat the growing threats to our national security by enabling the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner to coordinate with federal, state, local, and international partners. With the passage of this measure, our nation will improve its ability to identify and dismantle networks that pose terrorist or criminal threats to our country," said Katko.

Full video of Underwood's remarks can be found here.

As Vice Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security, Underwood is committed to keeping Americans safe and strengthening our national security. In June, Underwood supported legislation to increase resources for CBP by $942 million—an increase higher than the Administration requested. This legislation provided additional barriers and repairs along high-priority sections of the border and allocated $100 million for new surveillance technology between ports of entry. The legislation also allowed CBP to hire an additional 1,200 law enforcement officers to improve nation's border security.

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