Terrorism from Syria could be headed straight for the U.S. border, and lawmakers from both sides are stepping up. A new bipartisan initiative aims to identify potential threats before they reach American soil, focusing on alarming developments in Syria where terrorists now control more territory. For once, Democrats are working with the Republicans to protect the American people.
At a glance:
• House lawmakers from both parties are pushing legislation to track terrorists before they reach the U.S. border
• The Syria Terrorism Threat Assessment Act would require Homeland Security to evaluate threats from Syria
• Reps. Lou Correa (D-Calif.) and Morgan Luttrell (R-Texas) are leading the bipartisan effort
• Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group with al Qaeda ties, recently gained control in Syria
• The legislation comes as concerns mount about terrorists exploiting America’s vulnerable borders
Lawmakers Unite Against Terrorism Threat
A rare display of bipartisan cooperation is emerging in Congress as representatives from both sides of the aisle work to prevent potential terrorists from reaching American borders. The Syria Terrorism Threat Assessment Act, introduced by Rep. Lou Correa (D-Calif.) and Rep. Morgan Luttrell (R-Texas), aims to strengthen national security by identifying threats before they materialize on U.S. soil.
The legislation, should it pass, will require the Department of Homeland Security to conduct thorough evaluations of terror threats originating from Syria, where the political landscape has dramatically shifted. This news comes as Syria experiences major power changes following the toppling of longtime dictator Bashar Assad by opposition groups led by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).
HTS is recognized by the U.S. government as a terrorist organization with established connections to al Qaeda. Their rise to power, with Ahmad al-Sharaa becoming Syria’s interim leader, has raised serious concerns about national security implications for the United States and its border security apparatus.
Border Security Takes Center Stage
The proposed legislation reflects a brand new approach to border security that extends America’s defensive perimeter beyond the technical border. By focusing on identifying and assessing risks from individuals in Syria with ties to Foreign Terrorist Organizations or Specially Designated Global Terrorist Organizations, lawmakers hope to prevent threats before they reach U.S. territory.
The bill comes amid growing concerns about the vulnerability of America’s borders to exploitation by terrorist elements. The situation in Syria, with HTS now controlling significant territory, presents a particularly urgent scenario that has brought together lawmakers who often disagree on border policy.
The bill will face a vote in the House Homeland Security Committee before potentially moving to the full House for consideration. Its bipartisan backing suggests growing recognition among lawmakers that terrorism threats require coordination across party lines for the sake of national security.
Syria’s Evolving Threat Landscape
The rapidly changing political landscape in Syria has significantly altered the terrorism risk assessment for U.S. homeland security officials. After opposition forces led by HTS successfully toppled Assad’s regime, counterterrorism experts have expressed concern about the potential for Syria to become a launching pad for attacks against Western targets, including the United States.
The bill ensures DHS will actively monitor and assess individuals in Syria who may have connections to terrorist organizations. This intelligence-gathering effort represents a shift toward prevention rather than reaction, with lawmakers hoping to identify potential threats before they attempt to cross into the United States.
