Linked statement

“I want the House to pass this bill. It requires a report on terrorist groups operating in countries that are major U.S. allies outside of NATO. These allies get special military benefits, but we need better watch over them to make sure we know what terrorist threats exist there.”

“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 8168, the Major Non-NATO Ally Terror Threat Assessment Act. The Major Non-NATO Ally Terror Threat Assessment Act requires the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Director of National Intelligence, to submit a report to Congress assessing terrorism threats from designated terrorist organizations operating in countries designated by the United States as a major non-NATO ally. Major non-NATO allies benefit from expedited procedures in the foreign military sales process, and this status also makes them desirable for foreign military financing. Major non-NATO allies are also eligible for enhanced defense research collaboration and the positioning of U.S. defense equipment. Over time, there has been inconsistent oversight of the major non- NATO allies program, and today there are situations where U.S. designated terrorist organizations are present or operating in countries that have also been designated major non-NATO allies. This legislation will strengthen oversight of the program to ensure the United States has an adequate threat picture when it comes to terrorist activity in designated major non-NATO allies. Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Van Epps for his leadership and encourage my colleagues to support this bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.”