Committee on Homeland Security will come to order. Committees meeting today 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. Don served nearly 30 years in the air force and is experienced in cybersecurity and Airborne Reconnaissance will prove greatly beneficial to this committee. Thank you, sir, for being here. Thank you, chairman. I now recognize myself for an opening statement. I would like to thank each of the witnesses, acting secretary elaine duke, fbi director christopher wray, and ctc director nick rasmussen, for joining us today. You represent thousands of patriotic men and women who go to work every day to insure the safety of their fellow americans. Everyone on this committee is extremely grateful for your service and director rasmussen, for over two decades, you have helped navigate an unprecedented landscape in combat terrorism around the globe. You have been a great partner to me and to this committee. And i would like to call you a friend. And we all wish you the best of luck in i hate to say retirement whatever you do after this. This past year has been a particularly devastating one. In just the last month, we witnessed around terror attack in downtown new york, and over the summer, parts of america including my home state of texas. Were greatly impacted by hurricanes and other natural disasters. We also saw several heinous acts of violence that included the Mass Shootings in las vegas, sutherland springs, and the hatefueled homicides in portland and charlottesville. 10tens of millions of americans also felt the effects of cyberattacks. These are just a few of the horrors that hit our homeland. Islamic terrorism, over the thanksgiving break, an isis affiliated 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. And the aftermath of 9 11, the department of Homeland Security was created to prevent 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. By using encrypted technology and by spreading incessant propaganda 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 their 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 is also susceptible to this line of attack. Terrorists are answering the call to kill westerners using whatever means necessary wherever they are. And while our enemies are always adjusting their tactics, we know that our aviation sector is still their 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. Consequently, 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 capabilities and use all of our economic and military resources to dry up their funding and crush them on the battlefield. When it comes to Border Security, another ongoing challenge is keeping our borders secure. Human traffickers, gangs like ms13, drug smugglers and potential terrorists are continually 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 drugs and human traffickers at our ports of entry and will help identify visa overstays through the full deployment of a biometric entry exit system, which the 9 11 commission recommended. Our homeland cannot be secure without strong borders. And i look forward to getting this bill to the floor. 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 people who braved dangerous conditions to support one another. Texans helping texans. I was also impressed by the quick actions taken by our heroic First Responders and by the Emergency Response at the 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, well be able to successfully rebuild these communities that were shattered by these powerful storms. On the issue of cybersecurity, americas Cybersecurity Networks are under attack. In september, we learned that equifax has 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, that they may have had their personal information stolen from a cyber attack in 2016. This cannot continue. Fortunately, our committee has made strengthening dhs cybersecurity a top priority. In 2014, Bipartisan Committee efforts resulted in the enactment of legislation that provided dhs expedited hiring authorities, insured dhs is assessing its cybersecurity workforce, and clarified the departments role in cybersecurity in federal networks. In 2015, the cybersecurity act provided Liability Protections for public to private and private to 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 dhs cyber office to better protect digital america. And finally, on the issue of domestic terror attacks. Domestic terror attacks and violence ignited by White Supremacists, the kkk, or anyone else who preached prejudice must not be tolerated. As i stated before, threatening the safety of others and 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 type 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 dont check our party affiliation. And theres certainly other threats from ballistic missiles, weapons of mass destruction programs in north korea and iran, to the continued undermining of american interests by nation states, including russia. As we face these threats, we must put our Homeland Security before partisanship and politics. Im proud to say this committee has had a long track record of doing just that. We have improved information sharing for counterterrorism efforts, increased support for First Responders, in july passed the first ever 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 im hopeful that the senate will finally take up this vital bill as soon as possible. So with that, i want to thank you again. These very prominent and important witnesses, for appearing here before this committee. And with that, i recognize the Ranking Member. Thank you. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Thank you for holding this hearing on keeping america secure from terrorism. Hang on just a minute. Id also like to thank both panels of witnesses for today. In the wake 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 the Terror Threat from right here at home. Incidents like the 2015 killing of nine churchgoers by a white supremacist at Mother Emanuel Church in charleston, and the hatefueled violence that left a young woman dead 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. One thing, it means were showing to this parasitic class that this is our country, built by our forefathers, going to remain our country. Were stepping off the internet in a big way. Last night at the torch walk, there were hundreds and hundreds of us. People realize theyre not itemed individuals, theyre part of a larger whole because we have been spreading our means. We have been organizing on the internet, and so now theyre coming out. And now, as you can see today, we greatly outnumber the antiwhite, antiamerican filth. And at some point, we will have enough power that we will clear them from the streets forever. That which is dejenerate in white countries will be removed. You think showing up in physical space helps let people know that, like, there are more like them. Were starting to slowly unveil a little bit of our power level. You aint seen nothing yet. Unfortunately, President Trump insists on fueling the fire of hatred and extremism in America Calling marches in charlottesville very fine people. And just yesterday, retweeting inflammatory antimuslim videos posted by a far right british organization. James clapper, the former director of national intelligence, called trumps retweeting of the videos bizarre and disturbing. And said his action undermines 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 befitting the office he holds. Also, though they cannot say so themselves, the president s actions make the already difficult job of the witnesses joining us on the first panel today even harder. The department of Homeland Security, federal bureau of investigations, and National Counterterrorism center play key roles in securing the homeland 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 their missions, consistent with our american laws and values. Since much of our focus is typically on foreign terrorists, today im especially interested in hearing how the wimszs assess the threat from domestic extremists and terrorist 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 had hoped to have naacp testify as well. But their invitation was issued less than 24 hours prior to the hearing, and the late notice prevents their participation today. I look forward to inviting them to testify at a future hearing. In closing, i want to say that we know there are those around the world who seek to come here and do americans harm. Those charged with preventing such attacks have the unwavering support of all the members of this committee, consistent with the laws and values of our nation. I hope that some attention and resources will be dedicated to fighting domestic extremism and terrorism here at home to insure the security of all americans. Again, i thank the chairman for holding todays hearing and look forward to a productive discussion. I yield back. Ranking member yields back. Other members are reminded Opening Statements may be submitted for the record. Pleased to have two distinguished panels of witnesses before us today. Our first Panel Includes the honorable elaine duke, acting secretary of the United States department of Homeland Security. The honorable christopher wray, director of the fbi. And the honorable nicolas rhola rasmuss rasmussen, director of the National Counterterrorism center. The witnesses have full written statements that will appear in the record. Chair now recognizes secretary duke for an opening statement. Good morning, chairman mccall, Ranking Member thompson, and distinguished members of this committee. Its my honor to testify here before you this morning on behalf of the men and women of department of Homeland Security who shield our nation from threats every single day, often in extremely dangerous environments. Were reminded of that this past week when we lost Border Patrol agent martinez in the line of duty. I truly appreciate and know our country appreciates his service and sacrifice. While we do not know for certain the circumstances of his death, we do know that 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 the Border Patrol, his son said, i want to defend my country from terrorists. I want to prevent terrorists and drugs from coming into our country, and he loved his job. I want to begin by noting right now that the terrorist threat in our country equals and in many ways exceeds the period around 9 11. We are seeing a surge in terrorist activity because the fundamentals of terrorism have changed. Our enemies are crowdsourcing their violence online and promoting a doityourself approach that involves using any weapons their 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 heinous attack. I also want to make it clear that dhs is not standing on the sidelines as these threats proliferate, and we will not allow frequent terrorism to become the new normal. The primary international Terror Threat facing our country is from global jihadist groups. However, the department is also focused on the threat of domestic terrorism. Idealogically motivated violence here in the United States 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. The line is blurred and the threats are connected and across border. 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 board to keep dangerous individuals and goods from entering the United States. That includes building a wall on the southwest border and cracking down on Transnational Criminal Organizations that bring drugs, violence, and other threats to our communities. IlLegal Immigration puts our communities and country at risk, which is why our Border Security strategy is multilayered and includes robust interior enforcement operations to deter and prevent illegal entry. Were also strengthening everything from traveler screening to information sharing. We now require all foreign governments to share Critical Data with us on terrorists and criminals and to help us confidently identify their nationals. We mu