Washington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Jane Harman (D-Venice), chair of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing & Terrorism Risk Assessment, sent a letter to the ACLU regarding H.R. 1995, The Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007. The legislation, which recently passed the House by a vote of 404-6, seeks to understand the root causes of violent domestic radicalization and fosters cooperation with other countries to learn about their experiences with homegrown terror. Below is the full text of Harman’s letter:

 

November 28, 2007

Ms. Caroline Fredrickson

Director, Washington Legislative Office

American Civil Liberties Union

915 15th Street NW, 6th Floor

Washington, DC  20005

 

Dear Ms. Fredrickson:

I have read your letter of November 21, and find it confusing.  At the same time you discuss the ACLU’s efforts to express concern about HR 1955, and attach suggested revisions (some of which we believe would improve the legislation) you also state that, even if your changes are accepted, it is unlikely the ACLU will support the bill because it focuses on speech and belief.

This makes me wonder why you took the time to suggest changes (which are in addition to changes you proposed and that were largely incorporated into HR 1955 in March) – and, frankly, whether anything I and Committee members have been saying for months is being heard.  HR 1955 is not about interfering with speech or belief – the hearing record makes that abundantly clear.  Radical speech, as I have said repeatedly, is protected under our Constitution.

I have always admired the ACLU’s efforts to protect free speech, even when that is unpopular – and my voting record over seven terms in Congress reflects how strongly I agree with you.  But ideologically based violence is not a protected act – it is a crime.  Our bill would establish a diverse, well-qualified, nonpartisan, short-term commission to make recommendations to Congress so it can better understand and hopefully take responsible steps to prevent ideologically based violence.  This is not the “thought police” and surely it is not censorship.  404 members of the House agreed just weeks ago.

Because the House has passed HR 1955, the focus now shifts to the Senate.  But regardless of which chamber is involved, it seems counterproductive to invest more time in further meetings or negotiations when you have announced your steadfast opposition in advance.

Are you in fact interested in working with us and the Senate on the bill?

 

                                                                                       Sincerely,

 

JANE HARMAN

 

 

cc:        Chairman Bennie G. Thompson, Committee on Homeland Security

            Ranking Member Peter King, Committee on Homeland Security

            Members of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing & Terrorism Risk Assessment

            Ms. Nadine Strossen

            Ms. Ramona Ripston