Katko Launches Investigation Into Terror Watchlists

Press Release

U.S. Representative John Katko (NY-24), Chair of the of House Homeland Security Committee's Subcommittee on Transportation Security, today called on the nation's top counterterrorism officials to provide details that many Americans seek surrounding the U.S. terrorist watchlists.

Katko expressed his shock and concern -- echoed by many Americans -- in the wake of the San Bernardino shooting, to learn that neither of the identified shooters was on any of the U.S. government's terrorist watchlists, despite having been radicalized for well over a year, according to Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigations James Comey. Additionally, Katko noted the failure of the TSA to identify 73 aviation workers who had potential links to terrorism earlier this year.

Representative Katko stated, "These examples raise serious questions about the methodology used to identify potential terrorist threats and appropriately place individuals on terrorist watchlists. I am deeply concerned that we are failing to identify the real and current threats, while placing innocent Americans on lists that restrict their freedom of movement and travel."

"Terrorist watchlists, including the no-fly list, are often based on incomplete information and unreasonable suspicions," continued Katko. "While I understand that the redress process has greatly improved over the last several years, there remains a lack of robust and complete due process for individuals who learn they are on the watchlist."

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