New York, NY, April 26, 2022 … ADL (the Anti-Defamation League) released the following statement concerning reports that an upcoming House vote on the Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act was postponed:
“Domestic terrorism is a top security threat, according to the intelligence community, law enforcement, and independent organizations like ADL. Because of this, we strongly reiterate our calls to promptly pass the Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act. This legislation marks a significant step in securing our communities from the threat of domestic terrorism and also creates important oversight mechanisms.
In April 2019, it was reported that the Department of Homeland Security disbanded its office to analyze domestic terrorism threats, which it was later alleged to have downplayed. The Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act would remedy these mistakes by codifying into law offices to address the threat from domestic extremists. The bill would not add new surveillance authorities, but would ensure that the government appropriately prioritizes and combats the threat within existing authorities, cementing the federal government's stance that domestic terrorism is a serious issue and one that will withstand politics. The bill would also create critical oversight functions, like ensuring transparent reporting from the federal government on the threat and instituting training on domestic terrorism threats and also anti-bias training.
We are grateful to Representative Schneider and Fitzpatrick, along with Senator Durbin in the Senate, for their work to advance this critical legislation. ADL has worked closely with both the civil rights community and police associations to secure support for this bill, The DTPA now has more than 200 cosponsors and enjoys not only bipartisan support in Congress but also broad support among the public.”