This afternoon, Congressman Michael Guest became the first freshman Republican Member of the House of Representatives in the 116th Congress to pass a piece of legislation on the House floor.
That occurred when the ‘Terrorist and Foreign Fighter Travel Exercise Act’ passed after it was considered under suspension of the rules and received broad bipartisan support.
While explaining the bill when it was introduced, Guest stated the bill enhances the U.S. government’s ability to respond to terrorism by instructing the Department of Homeland Security to develop and conduct a preparedness exercise related to the detection and prevention of terrorist and foreign fighter travel.
“I cannot stress enough the importance of H.R. 1590. This bill represents continued action in combating terrorism and ensuring the safety of our nation,” Congressman Guest said on the floor of the House of Representatives Monday afternoon. “As the threat of terrorism continues to evolve, we must remain vigilant in our resolve to combat our enemies. Our nation’s law enforcement of all jurisdictions, whether it be federal or local, need to have access to the valuable information and resources that this bill would provide so that our communities can be protected from terrorist activity.”
Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy applauded Congressman Guest’s leadership in passing important legislation for the American people.
“Republicans are doing what we came to Washington to do: get things done and put the American people first. Michael’s leadership has been front and center for not only passing his first bill through the House, but for being the first Republican freshman to do so – especially on issues relating to strengthening our country’s national security. Our country and conference are in good hands with Michael’s leadership,” Leader McCarthy said.
House Republican Whip Steve Scalise also commented on the work ethic of Congressman Guest and other freshman Republican leaders.
“As the first freshman Republican to advance legislation through the House, Rep. Michael Guest has shown his class of new members of Congress are hard at work crafting important legislation to keep America secure and prosperous. H.R. 1590 is a vital piece of legislation to keep America safe by ensuring our law enforcement agents are able to detect and prevent threats of terrorism from reaching the homeland,” said House Republican Whip Steve Scalise.
According to Guest, H.R. 1590 aligns with Goal 1 of the National Strategy to Combat Terrorist Travel from the White House.
