Thank you for contacting me about the Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terror Act. I share your concern for protecting the constitutional rights to assemble and speak freely. Freedom of speech is the bedrock of our democracy; indeed, the very first item in our Bill of Rights reinforces the tremendous importance of free speech in our system of government.

This bill seeks to establish two commissions to study “violent radicalization and homegrown terrorism” and to assist law enforcement in preventing these forms of extremism. It appears that this bill is primarily directed towards studying the causes of terrorism and making policy recommendations about how to alter our counter-terrorism strategy. However, I understand your concern that the wording of this legislation could limit the ability of legitimate advocacy groups to engage in free speech without government interference. Whenever our freedoms are at stake, Congress must carefully evaluate and craft legislation to avoid infringing on constitutional rights.

While the House of Representatives passed the Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terror Act, the Senate has yet to fully vet this legislation. It was referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs in August of 2007 and has not been debated since. When and if the full Senate considers the bill, I can assure you that I will pay close attention to the bill’s possible effects on our liberties.

Thank you for contacting me about this important issue. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future if I can ever be of assistance to you on this, or any other matter.

Sincerely,

Charles E. Schumer
United States Senator