“Terrorism is about spreading fear. As we combat violent extremism and the spread of dangerous propaganda, we must recognize that hateful ideology originates both overseas and at home. Since the 9/11 attacks, domestic terrorists have killed more people in the United States than foreign terrorist organizations. Numerous domestic terror acts, including those at the Seattle Jewish Federation, Planned Parenthood in Colorado, Oklahoma City, the Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, the Sikh Temple in Wisconsin and the Holocaust Museum in Washington, DC, have made clear that violent extremism is not limited to a single ideology, nor does it always breed on foreign soil.

“Earlier this week, the House of Representatives considered H.R. 4820, the Combating Terrorist Recruitment Act. Notably, this bill weakens national security by excluding domestic terror organizations from its focus and ignoring that terrorists are inspired by a broad number of religious, political and ideological beliefs.

“Our national security approach must build people-to-people ties, address the root causes of extremism and empower local partners to prevent violent extremism, both here and abroad. In the Puget Sound region, we have seen the damage that hateful and violent rhetoric inflicts on our local community centers and places of worship. We must remain vigilant in our fight against terror networks that seek to do us harm. By opening our eyes to the realities of foreign and domestic terror networks, we can work together to build a more just and peaceful society as we keep America safe.” 

“Earth Day is an annual reminder that each individual has a role to play in protecting and preserving our environment. The Pacific Northwest has a proud history of supporting the environmental movement and I am honored to represent a district that truly understands the importance of curbing climate change and caring for our environment.

“I believe that we must continue to fight for communities, both around the world and here in the U.S., who are the most vulnerable to unpredictable temperatures, rising sea levels, and extreme weather. In addition to environmental and structural damages inflicted by extreme climate events, people with lower incomes often experience more negative health effects than other groups, making climate change a public health crisis. As the second-largest emitter, with only about five percent of the world’s population, it is the responsibility of the U.S. to lead by example in reducing carbon emissions and supporting renewable energy technologies.

“Earth Day 2016 is an opportunity for the international community to come together to combat the very real threat of climate change. April 22, 2016 marks the first day that the Paris Agreement formed at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change will be open for signature. This agreement calls for global cooperation on addressing the causes and effects of climate change. We must take decisive action now to reduce the impacts of global climate change in order to protect our planet for the generations to come.”