Press Releases

Rep. Loudermilk (R-GA) participated in a press conference today to announce the final report and recommendations of the Committee on Homeland Security’s Task Force on Combating Terrorist and Foreign Fighter Travel. After months of extensive review, the report indicates that security measures must be tightened in order to stem the flow of foreign fighter travel and prevent individuals from joining jihadist groups overseas, especially in Syria and Iraq.

“As a member of the Task Force on Combating Terrorist and Foreign Fighter Travel, my colleagues and I have spent a considerable amount of time assessing the threat of foreign fighter travel and working with our international allies to stop the spread of terrorism," said Rep. Barry Loudermilk. "The final report released by the Task Force today reveals significant security gaps that could potentially threaten the safety and security of our homeland, putting Americans at risk. Terrorists are becoming much more sophisticated in carrying out acts of terror, and we must adapt quickly to ensure we are keeping up with the fast-evolving security threats facing our nation.”

The Task Force, which was tasked with examining the severity of the foreign fighter threat and identifying potential security gaps, held dozens of official meetings, briefings, and site visits in the United States and abroad. The review was one of the most extensive public examinations of the U.S. government’s efforts to counter terrorist travel since the 9/11 Commission’s final report.

Among the report’s 32 findings and accompanying recommendations, the Task Force has identified the following key areas for improvement:

• To keep pace with evolving security threats, the U.S. must prioritize and overhaul its strategy for combating terrorist travel.

• To stem the flow of terrorist travel, the U.S. must develop a strategic plan to stop Americans from going overseas to train in terrorist safe havens and prevent these individuals from becoming foreign fighters.

• The expedient exchange of information is critical to catching foreign fighters, but information sharing between America our allies needs improvement.

• Gaping security weaknesses overseas – especially in Europe – are putting the U.S. homeland at risk, and basic procedures such as counterterrorism checks can go a long way toward preventing terrorists from traveling and being radicalized overseas.

• America must work with our allies to eliminate the problem at its source in Syria and Iraq, and develop a long-term strategy to prevent the emergence of additional terrorist sanctuaries.

Based on the Task Force’s findings, over 25,000 people from over 100 countries have migrated to conflict zones in Syria and Iraq since 2011, including 4,500 westerners and more than 250 Americans who have attempted to join jihadist groups. While many of these foreign fighters do not return home to plot attacks, these individuals are taking an active role in recruiting an entire new generation of terrorists, while also working to radicalize westerners online to spread terrorism back home.

“I commend Congressman Loudermilk for his work on this serious homeland security issue, a grave and growing threat from foreign fighters,” said Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX). “Sadly, global efforts have failed to stop the flow of these aspiring jihadists into Syria, and we have already seen ‘returnees’ from the conflict zone come home to America and Europe and plot acts of terror. Even more, those still on the battlefield are radicalizing their peers online and inciting them to launch homegrown attacks. In light of the task force’s findings, I urge American leaders to develop a strategy to combat terrorist and foreign fighter travel and eliminate the ISIS threat."

The final report and recommendations can be viewed here.