February 2, 2007—Today, U.S. Representative Trent Franks (AZ-02) announced he has joined the new Congressional Anti-Terrorism Caucus.  The caucus is a bipartisan effort to educate Members of Congress, and the general public, about the threat to our country from extremism and jihadist terrorists. 

Franks asserted, “The time is upon us to resolutely rise together to defeat terrorism, militarily and otherwise.  The alternative is to subordinate this and future generations to nuclear terrorism and forsake peace and freedom as we know it. We must understand the nature of America’s enemy and this new caucus will help achieve this end.”

“Terrorists don’t target Democrats or Republicans.  They target Americans, and this is why we must face this issue as Americans,” said Rep. Myrick.  “Members of Congress and the American public must know the threats we face from radical jihadist terrorists.  This caucus will give Congress the tools and resources it needs to inform the public about these threats, as well as help them make more informed decisions when it comes to terrorist issues.”    

There are currently more than 70 Members of this caucus, which is co-chaired by Rep. Sue Myrick (R-NC), Bud Cramer (D-AL), Kay Granger (R-TX), and Ben Chandler (D-KY).  It meets twice a month where Members receive briefings from terrorism experts.  A few of the subjects that will be discussed in the next several months include terrorist use of the internet, terrorist financing methods, and ideological differences between moderate Muslims and extremists.

This caucus will help provide Members with more detailed information on terrorism so that Congress can create better policy and provide better oversight in regards to terrorist threats.  In addition, this caucus will help Members start an informed dialogue with the public regarding terrorism so that all Americans better understand the extent of the threat we face.

Congressman Franks is serving his third term in the U.S. House of Representatives, is a member of the Committee on Armed Services, Committee on the Judiciary, and is Ranking Member on the Constitution Subcommittee