From capitol hill, this runs just shy of three hours. Committee on Homeland Security will come to order to examine the most serious threats confronting our homeland. Before i recognize myself for an opening statement, i would like to take a moment to welcome the newest member of our committee, don bacon. He served nearly 30 years in the air force and his experience in Cyber Security and airborne reconnaissance. He will prove greatly beneficial to this committee. Thank you, sir for being here. I now recognize myself for an opening statement. I would like to thank each of the witnesses, elaine duke, christopher ray, cdc director nick for joining us today. You represent thousands of patriotic man and women who go to work every day to ensure the safety of their fellow americans. Everyone on this committee is extremely grateful for your director, two anades, you helped navigate unprecedented landscape in terrorism around the globe. I would like to call you a friend. And we all wish you the best of luck, and i hate to say retirement, in whatever you do after this. This past year has been a particularly devastating one. In just the last month, we witness another terror attack in downtown new york, and over the summer, parts of america, including my home state of texas. We are greatly impacted by hurricanes and other metal disasters. Several heinous acts of violence that included the Mass Shootings in las vegas, sutherland springs, and the hatefueled homicides in portland and charlottesville. Tens of millions of americans also felt the effects of cyber others from hackers and cyber criminals. These are just a few of the horrors that hit our homeland. Islamist terrorism over thanksgiving break, an isisaffiliated group attacked a mosque in northern sinai that left 300 people, including 27 children, dead. While this attack was thousands of miles away, it was a reminder of the savage nature of an enemy that always has our homeland in its sights. , thee aftermath of 9 11 department of Homeland Security preventted to further attacks, and i believe we are better prepared than we were 16 years ago. However, in that time, al qaeda has expanded its Global Presence , and isis has conquered parts of countries, slaughtered innocent civilians, and inspired new followers. Inspired new followers. By using encrypted technology propagandaading across the internet, jihadists are recruiting new members and planning new attacks. This has been obvious by a series of vehicle homicides across europe. Cities known for the history and culture like paris, berlin, london, nice, barcelona and brussels are becoming more familiar as terror targets. The attack on halloween in new york was proof that our homeland was also susceptible to this line of attack. Answering the call to kill westerners using whatever means necessary, wherever they are. Enemies are always adjusting their tactics, we know that our aviation sector is still there crown jewel of targets. Earlier this month our committee was briefed about aspects of airport security. To our dismay, it was made clear that we have a long ways to go. We must do more to address the threat also posed by foreign fighters who have fled the battlefield and remain one flight away. We have identified key areas that need improvements and look forward to working with the tsa to see them through. To help defeat terrorists, we must work with private Tech Companies to limit their communication capability and use all of our economic and military resources to dry up their funding and crushed them on the battlefield. When it comes to Border Security, another ongoing challenges keeping our border secure. Drug traffickers, gangs, smugglers and potential terrorists are always looking for new ways to sneak into our country. We must do whatever we can to stop this illegal entry, especially those who wish to do us harm. In october, this committee took a big step in the right direction by passing the Border Security for america act. This legislation which i introduced calls for building additional physical barriers, including a wall, fencing, new technology, and a surge in personnel. It targets drug and human traffickers at our ports of entry and will help identify these the over stays through the full deployment of a biometric system which the 9 11 commission recommended. Our homeland cannot be secure without strong borders and i look forward to getting this bill forward. Natural disasters. This years Hurricane Season devastated many cities and towns in my home state of texas, in louisiana, florida, puerto rico, and the u. S. Virgin islands. After Hurricane Harvey i personally toured much of the wreckage back home. Roads were flooded, homes destroyed, and many people lost their lives. However, i was amazed by the strength demonstrated by the people who braved dangerous conditions to support one another. Texans helping texans. Also impressed by the quick action taken by our heroic First Responders and by the Emergency Response of federal, state and local levels thanks to a coordinated effort led by fema. A broader recovery will take a long time, but i know that if we continue to Work Together, we will be able to successfully rebuild these key entities that were shattered these communities that were shattered by these powerful storms. Security,ue of cyber americas Cyber Security networks are under attack. In september we learned equifax had been successfully hacked and 145. 5 Million People may have been affected by the breach. Last week it was also reported that 57 Million People use uber. Theirhey may have had personal information stolen from a cyber attack in 2016. This cannot continue. Fortunately, our committee has made strengthening Cyber Security a top priority. Bipartisan Committee Efforts resulted in the enactment of legislation that provided dhs, expedited hiring authorities, insured dhss assessing a Cyber Security workforce and clarified patrol in Cyber Security federal networks. Security actyber provided Liability Protections from public to private and private the private cyber threat information sharing. We have had some success but we need to do better. And that is why this committee passed a bill to elevate the operational capabilities of dhss cyber office to better protect digital america. Finally, on the issue of domestic terror attacks. Domestic terror attacks and violence ignited by white or anyonets, the kkk, else who preaches prejudice, must not be tolerated. As i have stated before, threatening others in using intimidation tactics to advance political or religious beliefs is simply unacceptable in the United States. Too often we are seeing that our differences lead to violence, and this must be stopped. As a nation, we should stand together and reject any kind of hatred that seeks to divide our neighbors as enemies. This is an issue we will explore further in our second panel. In conclusion, Homeland Security must be bipartisan. The terrorists do not check our party affiliation. And there are certainly other threats, from ballistic missiles, weapons of mass destruction, programs in north korea and iran, to the continued undermining of American Interest by nationstates including russia. As we face the threats, we must put our Homeland Security before partisanship and politics. I am practicing to say that this committee has had a long trek record of doing just that. We have improved information sharing for counterterrorism efforts, increased read support for First Responders, in july past the firstever comprehensive reauthorization of dhs with an overwhelming bipartisan support. This reauthorization will allow dhs to more faithfully carry out its mission of safeguarding our homeland, our people and our values. And i am hopeful that the senate will finally take up this vital bill as soon as possible. So with that, i want to thank again these very prominent and important witnesses for appearing here be keeping ameria secure from terrorism. Hang on just a minute here. I would also like to thank both panels of witnesses for today. Of the disturbing rise of domestic terrorism in recent years, democratic members of this committee have repeatedly asked for a hearing on this important topic. While this hearing is our annual one examining worldwide threats, a great deal of our conversations will likely be focused on a Terror Threat from right here at home. Incidents like the 2015 killing by a whiterchgoers supremacist at Mother Emmanuel Church in charleston and hatefueled violence that left a young woman violent and 19 others injured during a white supremacist rally in charlottesville earlier this year, highlight the threat posed by domestic extremists. Domestic terrorist organizations have even adopted some of the same techniques for recruitment and radicalization as foreign terrorist organizations, using the internet to reach followers and coordinate their actions. For one thing, it means we are showing to this vermin that this is our country. Its going to remain our country. We are stepping off the internet in a big way. Last night at the torch walk there were hundreds and hundreds of us. People realize they are not individuals. They are part of a larger whole. Now they are coming out. As you can see, we greatly outnumbered the antiwhite, antiamerican filth. At some point we will have enough power to clear them from the streets forever. That which is degenerate in white countries will be removed. So you think showing up in physical space lets people know they are more like them . We are starting to slowly unveil a little bit of our power. You aint seen nothin yet. Unfortunately President Trump insists on fueling the fire of hatred and extremism in america, calling the marchers in charlottesville very fine people, and just yesterday retweeting a far right british organization. The former director of National Intelligence calls trumps retweeting of the videos bizarre and disturbing and says his actions undermine our relationship with our friends and allies. Americans should be able to look to our president for a steady hand and responsible leadership in uncertain times, but unfortunately President Trump consistently conducts himself in a way that jeopardizes our security and is not a fitting the office not befitting the office he holds. And so they cannot say so themselves, the president s actions make the already difficult job of the witnesses joining up on the panel today even harder. The department of Homeland Security, federal bureau of investigation, and National Counterterrorism center play key roles in securing the homeland for him from terrorists both foreign and domestic. I hope to hear from these Witnesses Today about the challenges they face, what emerging threats we should be aware of, and how congress can support them in ways consistent with our american laws and values. Since much of our focus is typically on foreign terrorist, today i am especially interested on hearing how the witnesses assess the threat from domestic terrorists groups and learning what can be done to protect us from this rising concern. I also look forward to hearing from our second panel of witnesses on this topic later this morning. They bring special expertise on domestic extremism and terrorism issues, and i hope members will hear what they have to say and engage in a thoughtful dialogue. The Southern Poverty Law Center in particular is dedicated to fighting hate and seeking justice and equality for all americans. And i look forward to their recommendations for countering the ideologies that are inspiring violence in america. I hope to have naacp testify as for the invitation was issued less than 24 hours prior to the healer in hearing and the late notice prevents their participation today. I invite them to testify in a future hearing. In closing, i want to say that we know that those around the world who seek to come here and do americans harm, those charged with reprinting attacks they have all the support of the members of the committee consistent with the laws and values of our nation. I hope that resources will be dedicated to fighting domestic extremism and terrorism here at home to ensure the security of all americans. Again, i thank the chairman for holding todays hearing and look forward to a productive discussion. I yield the back. The Ranking Member yields back. Other members are reminded Opening Statements were pleased to have two distinguished panelists before us. Includes the acting secretary of the United States department of Homeland Security. The director of the fbi. And the director of the National Counterterrorism center. Writtenesses have full statements that will appear in the record. The chair recognizes secretary duke for an opening statement. Distinguishedg members of this committee. It is my honor to testify here before you this morning on behalf of the men and women of the department of Homeland Security who shield our nation from threats every single day, often in extremely dangerous environments. We are reminded of that this past week when he lost a Border Patrol agent in the line of duty. No our appreciate and country appreciates his service and sacrifice. While we do not know for certain the circumstances of his death, we do know he courageously chose a dangerous job with dhs because it was so important to our nations security. When his father was asked why his son chose Border Patrol, he said he wanted to prevent terrorists and drugs from coming into our country, and he loved his job. Noting rightin by now that the Terror Threat in our country equals and in many aroundeeds the period 9 11. We are seeing a surge in terrorist activity because the fundamentals have changed. Aey are promoting doityourself approach that involves using any weapons that followers can get their hands on. We saw this just last month here on our own soil when a terrorist killed and wounded pedestrians in new york city using a rented vehicle. But new yorkers rallied, and they refused to be intimidated by this attack. I also want to make it clear standing on the sidelines as these threats proliferate and we will not allow frequent terrorism to become the new normal. The primary international Terror Threats facing our country is from global jihadist groups. Department is also focused on the threat of domestic terrorism. Ideologicallymotivated violence here in the u. S. Is a danger to our nation, our people, and our values. We are tackling the overall Terror Threat in the United States headon in two ways. First we are rethinking Homeland Security for this new age. There is no longer a home game and an away game. Has blurred and the threats have connected and have crossed the borders. Thats why dhs is moving towards a more integrated approach bringing together intelligence, operations, interagency agreement, and International Action like never before. Second, we are raising the bar on our Security Posture across the border to keep dangerous individuals in good from entering the u. S. Which includes building a wall on the southwest border in cracking down on Transnational Criminal Organizations that bring drugs, violence and other threats to our communities. Puts ourmmigration country at risk which is why our Border Security strategy is multilayered and includes robust operations to deter and prevent illegal entry. We are also strengthening everything from traveler screening to information sharing. Forow require all governments to share Critical Data with us on terrorists and criminals and to help us confidently identify the nationals. We must know who is coming into our country and make sure they do not pose a threat. That is why i recommended, and the president approved, tough but tailored restrictions against countries that pose a risk and are not complying with our security requirements. We are trying to stay a step ahead of emerging threats. We are planning to launch a new office of countering weapons of mass destruction next week to consolidate and elevate dhss efforts to fight against chemical, radiological, and nuclear threats. Separately and additionally, our global and Aviation Security plan is making it harder for terrorists to target u. S. Bound aircraft with explosions explosives. We aresame time rededicating ourselves to terrorism prevention to keep terrorisms terrorists from radicalizing our people. Our newly reorganized terrorism prevention hardship will be discharge. Finally we have stepped up dhss efforts to protect soft targets will will not only help better defend our country against terrorists but against tragedies let we have witnessed like those in las vegas and texas. Americans are alarmed by the spike in terrorist attacks. We are engaging with congress on legislation that will establish a new component dedicat