WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman August Pfluger's (TX-11) legislation to address terror threats posed by online radicalization passed unanimously by voice vote through the U.S. House of Representatives.
The Generative AI Terrorism Risk Assessment Act requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to conduct annual assessments of threats to the U.S. posed by terrorist organizations, such as ISIS and al Qaeda, utilizing generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) applications for terrorist activity.
In response to his legislation's passage, Rep. Pfluger said, “I spent two decades as a fighter pilot, flying combat missions in the Middle East against terrorist organizations. Since then, I have witnessed the terror landscape evolve into a digital battlefield shaped by the rapid rise of artificial intelligence. To confront this emerging threat and stop terrorist organizations from weaponizing AI to recruit, train, and inspire attacks on U.S. soil, I am proud that the House passed my Generative AI Terrorism Risk Assessment Act today. While my uniform has changed, my mission to protect the United States from all enemies, foreign and domestic, has not. From the cockpit to serving as Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence, I know how critical it is for our policies and capabilities to keep pace with the threats of tomorrow. That is exactly what my legislation ensures.”
Watch Rep. Pfluger's remarks on the House floor ahead of his legislation's passage HERE or by clicking the image below:
Several key House Republican leaders praised Rep. Pfluger for his leadership on this critical legislation and its passage:
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson said, “This year, in my home state of Louisiana, terrorist propaganda led to the New Year’s Day attack in New Orleans that killed 14 innocent people. Today, the House passed the Generative AI Terrorism Risk Assessment Act to ensure we stay ahead of emerging threats and prevent terrorist organizations from pushing propaganda and exploiting generative AI to radicalize, recruit, and spread violence on American soil. I applaud Representative Pfluger’s leadership to bring this urgent issue to light and advance proactive, bipartisan legislation to strengthen our national security and protect the American people from online extremism inspired by foreign adversaries.”
House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Andrew Garbarinosaid, “As terrorist groups leverage generative AI to help spread propaganda, recruit members, and plan attacks, I am proud the House passed Congressman Pfluger’s 'Generative AI Terrorism Risk Assessment Act' to ensure DHS is consistently monitoring how this emerging technology could be used by bad actors to threaten the homeland. I urge the Senate to send this legislation to President Trump’s desk so that DHS is prepared to face the fast‑moving threats stemming from online radicalization.”
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise said, “The Generative AI Terrorism Risk Assessment Act takes a critical step towards protecting our nation from foreign terrorists using advanced technologies for nefarious purposes. Terrorist organizations continuously explore new methods to recruit and radicalize lone wolf actors around the globe, posing significant risk to our national security. I’m glad to see Rep. Pfluger’s legislation, which will prepare us to respond to this growing danger by requiring DHS to hold annual assessments of the threats posed by terrorist organizations using these technologies, pass the House. When it comes to our national security, we must always be one step ahead.”
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer said, “As terrorists use generative artificial intelligence to radicalize and recruit, it’s imperative that our nation stays ahead of potential threats from this new technology and ensures it never gets into the wrong hands. Thanks to Chairman Pfluger for leading this effort to provide more tools to tackle these threats head-on.”
Read more about Rep. Pfluger's Generative AI Risk Assessment Act in The Daily Signal and Newsweek by clicking the images below.
During the hearing, the subcommittee found that FTOs use GenAI for online radicalization by producing highly convincing propaganda videos to fabricate events and manipulate the perceptions of potential recruits. Known terrorist organizations such as ISIS and al-Qaeda have even gone as far as to have AI “workshops” to train members on its use.
In September, Rep. Pfluger's bill was advanced through the House Committee on Homeland Security. Learn more about the markup and watch his remarks in support of his legislation here.
