Countering Violent Extremism Grant Program Act of 2015
Key claim: The bill would direct DHS to establish a grant program funding community counter-messaging campaigns against violent extremism, barring eligibility for groups that have knowingly funded extremist activities.
Abstract
(HR3075 · 114th Congress) Countering Violent Extremism Grant Program Act of 2015 Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Department of Homeland Security to establish a grant program to assist eligible community groups and organizations in establishing counter-messaging campaigns targeting violent extremism. Bars grant eligibility to a community group or organization that has knowingly funded activities related to violent extremism or organizations known to engage in such activities. Defines “violent extremism” to mean ideologically motivated terrorist activities. Latest action (2015-07-21): Referred to the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence.
Why this matters
The bill would codify a DHS grant channel for community-led counter-messaging against violent extremism, giving Congress recurring oversight and appropriations leverage over an activity currently conducted under general DHS authorities. The eligibility bar on organizations that have funded extremist activity signals how Congress polices downstream recipients of federal counter-terrorism dollars.