DeGette Urges Strengthened Efforts

Congresswoman Diana DeGette (D-CO), Chief Deputy Whip, called on the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security to strengthen their efforts to combat domestic organizations that engage in racial and ethnic-based threats and violence such as white supremacists, neo-Nazis and the KKK.

“It has become obvious that organizations founded on white supremacy, anti-Semitism, and racism believe that they no longer need to hide in the shadows of obscurity, but instead can openly and publicly spread fear and terror in our communities,” DeGette wrote in a letter to Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Acting Homeland Security Secretary Elaine Duke. “A strong and consistent response from federal law enforcement and homeland security officials is necessary to address this threat and prevent it from growing further.”

DeGette also raised the concern that Life After Hate, an organization dedicated to fighting white nationalist extremism, did not receive funding for a grant that was awarded during the Obama Administration through the Counter Violent Extremism (CVE) Program, and that in fact no other organizations with a similar focus have received CVE grants.

“It is imperative that the federal government use every constitutionally available tool to safeguard all of our citizens against the threats posed by white supremacists, neo-Nazis, the KKK, and other such organizations,” DeGette wrote. “I respectfully request your prompt response in this matter.”