Young, Heck lead efforts to bring oversight to Countering Violent Extremism Task Force

Bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Reps. Todd Young (R-IN) and Joe Heck (R-NV) on Thursday would bring oversight to a task force designed to help counter radicalization and extremism.

The Countering Violent Extremism Task Force Oversight Act, H.R. 5911, which was introduced by Young, Heck and U.S. Rep. John Delaney (D-MD), would establish an oversight mechanism for President Barack Obama’s Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) Task Force.

“The ability of foreign terrorist organizations to radicalize citizens within our national borders is a security weakness we must address,” Young said. “No matter your political affiliation, we all have a vested interest in making certain this counter-terror task force has more to it than just a hard-hitting title. Oversight is one of our key responsibilities as members of Congress, and even more vital, is our responsibility to keep the people who sent us here safe in the communities where they live, raise families, and work. This legislation allows us to assess whether current efforts to counter violent extremism are in fact working, or, if a different approach is needed to prevent future attacks.” 

Heck commended the formation of the CVE Task Force, but added that steps must be taken to ensure that its working and strategic adjustments are made to keep up with ever-evolving radicalization techniques.

“Providing Congress with this key oversight tool will reassure Americans that we are using every possible resource to protect them from violent extremists who wish to attack our communities,” Heck said. “I commend my colleagues Todd Young and John Delaney for their leadership on this important issue and look forward to working with them to enact this legislation.”