Memphis Congressman Wants Federal Agencies To Defend Domestic Terrorism Cuts

In the wake of last weekend’s deadly rally in Charlottesville, Congressman Steve Cohen says the Homeland Security and Justice departments should be doubling their resources to combat domestic terrorism.

The Memphis Democrat this week
sent a letter to the agencies requesting an update on how they are doling out those resources to fight the risks posed by homegrown hate groups.

Shortly after the inauguration, the Trump administration froze $10 million earmarked for 30 organizations that make up Countering Violent Extremism (CVE), an initiative focusing primarily on white supremacist groups in the United States. Homeland Security is reevaluating the program, and considering renaming it as Countering Radical Islamic
Extremism.

Congressman Jim Cooper criticized the freeze and potential renaming and tells WPLN he will work to repair the damage.

Tennessee Senator Bob Corker says programs combating violent international
and
domestic extremism should constantly be reevaluated to ensure their efficacy. But he did not specify if he supports a continued freeze of CVE funds.