WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) will introduce legislation to prohibit the early release of U.S. citizens who are convicted of terrorist acts against the United States.
The legislation will amend federal law governing early release to exclude U.S. citizens who are convicted for belonging to terrorist groups or knowingly providing goods, services, or support to terrorist groups. Terror organizations are defined as those listed on the U.S. State Department’s Foreign Terrorist Organization list.
Congressman Higgins issued the following statement:
“The early release of John Walker Lindh due to ‘good behavior’ is quite disturbing. This is an unrepentant terrorist who actively fought on behalf of al-Qaeda and the Taliban. To this day, he openly subscribes to violent extremist ideologies and is, therefore, a threat to the safety and security of American citizens.”
“Our laws should prevent the early release of any convicted terrorist. This is a disgrace to the men and women who lost their lives in defense of America. We intend to address this issue and put American national security interests first.”
