"The horrific terror attack in Paris, France that killed over 100 people was largely carried out by European nationals — many of whom traveled to train and fight in Syria, and then later returned to Europe and were able to move across borders without detection," Zeldin stated. "This is why we need improved border security globally and better information sharing between governments."
Under his bill, Zeldin explained, international border security standards would be enacted to "close security gaps" that currently allow foreign fighters to travel internationally.
The bill will establish a reporting system to monitor the efforts of foreign governments fighting terrorism and foreign fighter travel, and would suspend foreign assistance to those countries not taking steps to comply with such efforts, according to the statement.
At the same time, Zeldin argued, the bill would protect the United States from the spread of infectious diseases.
Prior to Tuesday’s terrorist attacks on Brussels, the US House of Representatives passed the Counterterrorism Screening and Assistance Act, Zeldin’s noted, as he vowed to continue pushing the legislation forward.
