McCaul establishes panel to prevent terrorist entry into United States

A bipartisan task force recently launched by U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX), the chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, will focus on strategies to block terrorists from entering the country and identifying gaps in information sharing and vetting practices.

The Task Force on Denying Terrorists Entry into the United States, which will be comprised of eight members of the House Homeland Security Committee, will convene in March and will provide a final report with its findings later this year.

“In the current threat environment, stopping terrorists will continue to be a top committee priority,” McCaul said. “Closing gaps in our counterterrorism screening and vetting procedures is especially important in the face of continuing global instability and the desire of ISIS and other terrorist groups to strike the west. The task force members have a difficult mission ahead of them, but the threat is real and we must act in close coordination with the administration to best protect Americans from those who wish us harm.”

U.S. Rep. John Katko (R-NY), who previously chaired the bipartisan Task Force on Combating Terrorist and Foreign Fighter Travel, was named as one of the five Republican members of McCaul’s committee. Two years ago, the Task Force on Combating Terrorist and Foreign Fighter Travel identified 32 key findings and produced 50 recommendations to improve U.S. national security capabilities, Katko said.

“These threats remain as complex and dangerous as ever, and I am pleased that Chairman McCaul has announced the formation of the Task Force on Denying Terrorists Entry into the United States,” Katko added. “This task force will delve into potential security gaps that allow terrorists to enter the United States. I am honored to be named as part of this Task Force and look forward to continuing our work to keep this country safe.”

McCaul said, “the threat of terrorist entry into the United States is real” and Congress must act in close coordination with the Trump administration to protect Americans.