Aguilar Announces Key Endorsement of his National Security Bills
Yesterday, the New Democrat Coalition, a group of 94 House Democrats with a focus on pragmatic and solution-oriented policy, announced their endorsement of three key national security bills introduced by Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-31). The REPORT Act, the PREVENT Act, and the PROTECT Act were introduced in the wake of the deadly attack on the US Capitol on January 6th, and would ensure that lawmakers and law enforcement agencies are better prepared to detect, prevent and respond to future incidents of domestic terrorism.
“I originally introduced these bills in response to the deadly 2015 terror attack in my hometown of San Bernardino. Since their original introduction, we’ve seen dozens of incidents of domestic terrorism, including a deadly assault on our Capitol. This legislation is about using a whole-of-government approach to provide more accurate and timely intelligence to Congress and provide resources to our local law enforcement agencies so that we can stop future terror attacks before they start. I’m grateful to have the support of my New Dem colleagues, and I look forward to advancing these bills though the House,” said Aguilar.
“January 6th was one of the darkest days in American history. An armed rebellion assaulted the physical embodiment of American democracy, the United States Capitol,” said NDC Chair Suzan DelBene (WA-01). “We can never forget the events of that day or the heroic actions of the U.S. Capitol Police, who risked their lives to defend the Capitol and all who work there. The New Democrat Coalition is committed to pushing these bills forward to honor the brave men and women who defended American democracy, condemn the acts of violence that were committed, and better prepare our country for future threats of domestic terrorism.”
The REPORT Act, Aguilar’s bill to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to submit a comprehensive report to Congress following a domestic terror incident, was passed by the House of Representatives in 2017, but was not considered by the Republican-controlled Senate.
Aguilar serves as the Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus, and is a Member of the House Appropriations Committee and the Committee on House Administration.
