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Read. Follow. Verify.House Committee Hearing on Global Terrorism Threats
Record date · January 1, 2020
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What This Bill Does
The House Committee on Homeland Security held a hearing on September 10, 2019, to examine current global terrorism threats, including the status of ISIS and al-Qaeda. The Chairman expressed concern regarding the absence of key administration officials, including the Secretary of Homeland Security and the FBI Director, who declined the committee's invitation to testify.
This hearing serves as a formal mechanism for Congress to assess national security risks and the administration's counter-terrorism strategies, though the absence of executive branch officials limited the direct testimony from government security agencies.
Who It Affects
Groups the bill's text affects, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
The agency is subject to congressional oversight and was requested to provide testimony regarding its counter-terrorism operations.
House Committee on Homeland Security
The committee is responsible for conducting oversight of national security threats and administration policy.
Key Facts
- The hearing was held on September 10, 2019, one day before the 18th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
- The Secretary of Homeland Security, the FBI Director, and the acting director of the National Counterterrorism Center declined the committee's invitation to testify.
- The committee discussed the ongoing threat posed by ISIS and al-Qaeda despite their loss of physical territory.
- The Chairman cited a Pentagon inspector general's report suggesting ISIS is resurging in Syria following the withdrawal of U.S. troops.
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- The committee noted a recent terrorist attack in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday that resulted in over 250 deaths.
- The hearing included testimony from four expert witnesses representing various research and policy organizations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the Secretary of Homeland Security and FBI Director not present?
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News Coverage
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Discoveries
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Executive-Legislative Tension
The document captures a specific moment of friction where the House Committee on Homeland Security publicly criticized the administration for withholding key security officials from testimony.
Connected Entities
Sources
www.govinfo.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance65How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy60Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment30Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz20Current news / social attention level
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