Washington, DC – Today, an amendment introduced by Representatives Lois Frankel (FL-21) and Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06) ensuring the U.S. government accounts for women’s unique roles as preventers, participants and victims of violent extremism passed in the House as part of the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020.

The amendment requires the Director of National Intelligence to submit an intelligence assessment on the relationship between women and terrorism, including an analysis of how terrorist groups violate their rights through child marriage, sexual violence and human trafficking.

“This proposal will improve U.S. counter-terrorism and peace-building efforts by focusing on women’s roles as victims, perpetrators, and preventers of violent extremism,” said Rep. Frankel. “Advancing women and girls means more secure communities and a more secure America.”

“It’s clear that gender inequality is contributing to the increase of radicalization around the world,” said Rep. Houlahan. “What is not clear is how. This legislation is critical because it requires the United States to formally start answering that question of how the role of gender both promotes and effectively combats terrorism. Arriving at an answer based on sound research is critical so that we can implement effective policy that stands up for women, recognizes the role women can and do play in countering terrorism, and works towards ending violent extremism worldwide.”

In this year’s Intelligence Authorization Act, the Democratic-led House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI) worked to ensure that the Intelligence Community has the resources, authorities, and proper oversight it needs to keep our nation safe. The legislation will now go to conference with the Senate.

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