To establish the National Commission on Domestic Terrorist Attacks on the United States by Antifa, and for other purposes.
Impact
The establishment of this commission, as outlined in HB649, could significantly influence local and national responses to civil unrest and public safety protocols. It empowers the commission to hold hearings, demand testimonies, and collect documentation relevant to its investigations. The report generated by this commission is expected to provide insights into the effectiveness of current laws and procedures, impacting how law enforcement may handle similar events in the future. Given the politically charged context surrounding Antifa, this bill may also impact public discourse and legislative measures addressing domestic terrorism.
Summary
House Bill 649 aims to establish the National Commission on Domestic Terrorist Attacks on the United States by Antifa. The bill mandates the commission to investigate the involvement of Antifa in the riots that occurred in various cities across the United States in 2020, providing a detailed report on the circumstances surrounding these events. The bill stipulates that the commission must evaluate the evidence gathered by governmental agencies regarding Antifa's actions and the responsiveness of the U.S. government to these attacks. Furthermore, it outlines the commission's purpose to recommend corrective measures to prevent future incidents of domestic terrorism linked to Antifa.
Contention
Notably, the bill may stir controversy given its specific focus on Antifa, a group that has been a focal point in discussions on civil unrest and political extremism. Critics may argue that the bill could be seen as an attempt to politicize domestic terrorism, particularly in relation to specific groups. Moreover, concerns may arise regarding the implications of such a commission on civil liberties and the potential for biased investigations. The political landscape may further complicate the commission's activities as appointments to the commission are intended to reflect bipartisan representation, yet the perceived bias towards targeting particular groups remains a contentious issue.
This resolution deems certain conduct of members of antifa as domestic terrorism and designates antifa as a domestic terrorist organization. The resolution calls on the Department of Justice to (1) prosecute crimes of domestic terrorism by antifa, and (2) use all available tools and resources to combat the spread of such terrorism by antifa.
To establish the Commission on National Agricultural Statistics Service Modernization to modernize the data collection and reporting processes of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, and for other purposes.
Condemning foreign nationals in the United States who have endorsed and espoused the actions of foreign terrorist organizations (FTO) in Gaza who, on October 7, 2023, launched attacks against the State of Israel, and killed innocent Israeli and United States citizens.
To establish the Commission on National Agricultural Statistics Service Modernization to modernize the data collection and reporting processes of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, and for other purposes.
To provide for the renewed availability of funds to construct the border wall upon the deployment of the National Guard to the southern land border of the United States, and for other purposes.
Assault Weapons Ban of 2023 This bill makes it a crime to knowingly import, sell, manufacture, transfer, or possess a semiautomatic assault weapon (SAW) or large capacity ammunition feeding device (LCAFD). The prohibition does not apply to a firearm that is (1) manually operated by bolt, pump, lever, or slide action, except for certain shotguns; (2) permanently inoperable; (3) an antique; (4) only capable of firing rimfire ammunition; or (5) a rifle or shotgun specifically identified by make and model. The bill also exempts from the prohibition the following, with respect to a SAW or LCAFD: importation, sale, manufacture, transfer, or possession related to certain law enforcement efforts, or authorized tests or experiments; importation, sale, transfer, or possession related to securing nuclear materials; and possession by a retired law enforcement officer. The bill permits continued possession, sale, or transfer of a grandfathered SAW, which must be securely stored. A licensed gun dealer must conduct a background check prior to the sale or transfer of a grandfathered SAW between private parties. The bill permits continued possession of, but prohibits sale or transfer of, a grandfathered LCAFD. Newly manufactured LCAFDs must display serial number identification. Newly manufactured SAWs and LCAFDs must display the date of manufacture. The bill also allows a state or local government to use Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program funds to compensate individuals who surrender a SAW or LCAFD under a buy-back program.