Today, H.R. 1590: The Terrorist and Foreign Fighter Travel Exercise Act, a bill authored by Congressman Michael Guest (MS-03), was signed into law by President Donald J. Trump. The bill promotes the identification and determent of terrorist travel and enhances the United States government’s ability to respond to terrorism by instructing the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop and conduct a preparedness exercise related to the detection and prevention of terrorist and foreign fighter travel.
“This exercise will help equip our law enforcement agents with the information and training they need to respond to terrorist activity,” Guest said. “As a former prosecutor, I worked closely with members of our law enforcement agencies. I am pleased that this bill supports President Trump’s National Strategy to Combat Terrorist Travel, and I expect that future law enforcement agents who are charged with protecting our nation from foreign threats will be better prepared to prevent and respond to terrorist activity in our country. I am grateful to my congressional colleagues and President Trump for their support of this legislation.”
Throughout the legislative process, Congressman Guest received praise from leaders of the Republican Party.
The Committee on Homeland Security Ranking Member Mike Rogers applauded Guest’s commitment and leadership in addressing national security issues. “DHS must be ready and able to respond to the ever-evolving threat landscape. The Terrorist and Foreign Fighter Travel Exercise Act furthers this goal by helping to identify and stop terrorist and foreign fighter travel. Rep. Guest is proving he has what it takes to lead on national security issues. I applaud his efforts to get this bill across the finish line and signed into law,” Ranking Member Rogers said.
Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy applauded Congressman Guest’s leadership in passing important legislation for the American people. “Republicans are doing what we came to Washington to do: get things done and put the American people first. Michael’s leadership has been front and center for not only passing his first bill through the House, but for being the first Republican freshman to do so – especially on issues relating to strengthening our country’s national security. Our country and conference are in good hands with Michael’s leadership,” Leader McCarthy said.
House Republican Whip Steve Scalise also commented on the work ethic of Congressman Guest and other freshman Republican leaders. “Rep. Michael Guest has shown his class of new members of Congress are hard at work crafting important legislation to keep America secure and prosperous. H.R. 1590 is a vital piece of legislation to keep America safe by ensuring our law enforcement agents are able to detect and prevent threats of terrorism from reaching the homeland,” said House Republican Whip Steve Scalise.
Click here for the full text of H.R. 1590.
Congressman Michael Guest Press Release
10/9/2019
