Today, U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-05) pushed for the President to deliver a comprehensive strategy to combat terrorist use of social media to recruit extremists to carry out attacks on Americans. Rogers joined his colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to pass the Combat Terrorist Use of Social Media Act of 2015 (H.R. 3654) in response to the hijacking of this emerging global technology. 

"Unfortunately, we've witnessed the grave results of social media being used as an international recruiting tool for terrorism," said Rogers. "We know that terrorists are blatantly using sources like Twitter, Facebook and YouTube to radicalize individuals around the world in order to carry out attacks in the United States and abroad, and it's time that we disrupt their prime communication tools."

The need for this bill was highlighted by the tragedy in San Bernardino, California earlier this month where 14 people were killed and 21 people were injured by a radical Islamist married couple who used social media to pledge support of ISIS.

Although the Obama Administration committed to developing a comprehensive plan four years ago to counter terrorists' use of social media, no strategy has yet been released. 

The bill requires the President to update Congress on social media usage by terrorists, along with a summary of efforts made thus far to disrupt it, including: 

·      An evaluation of the role social media plays in radicalization in the U.S.; 

·      Analysis of how terrorists and terrorist organizations use social media; and 

·      Recommedations to improve the federal government's efforts to disrupt and counter the use of social media by terrorists.

Earlier this month, Rogers also voted for the Visa Waiver Program Improvement Act of 2015 (H.R. 158) and the American Security Against Foreign Enemies (SAFE) Act of 2015 (H.R. 4038) to help reduce threats of terrorism in America. 

Rogers has served Kentucky’s 5th Congressional District since 1981. With a focus on economic development, job creation, fighting illegal drugs and preserving Appalachia’s natural treasures, he has a reputation for listening to his constituents and fighting for the region he represents. For more information, visit http://halrogers.house.gov/ or follow Rogers on Twitter, Instagram or on Facebook.

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