Last week, Congressman Andy Biggs (R-AZ) sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas in response to claims that the department is misusing a $40 million taxpayer-funded counter-terrorism program to target conservatives. DHS’ Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention Grant Program (TVTP), initially designed to address al-Qaeda’s recruitment of Americans, is reportedly being used to target and suppress conservative-oriented Americans. A new report finds that DHS just spent more than $350,000 on a university program that likened conservative-oriented organizations including Fox News and The Heritage Foundation to extremist terrorist groups. Congressman Biggs’ letter demands answers from DHS regarding their usage of the program.
“President Biden’s authoritarian Department of Homeland Security is weaponizing limited taxpayer money and department resources to crush conservatives in America. This department appears to be taking guidance directly from George Orwell’s 1984 novel, in which a police state controls all speech and pummels all dissenters. America must never become that society. Secretary Mayorkas must answer my questions in full and justify why a multi-million dollar counter-terrorism program designed to prevent the next Osama Bin Laden is being used to prey on innocuous conservatives,” said Congressman Biggs.
“The Department of Homeland Security funneling grant money to extremists should shock the conscience of all Americans. The fact that the Heritage Foundation and other patriotic organizations were listed on a graphic implying such outrageous charges is just further proof as to why the left shouldn’t be allowed anywhere near the levers of power. It is also further evidence of the need for impeaching Alejandro Mayorkas. We greatly appreciate Representative Biggs and others investigating this serious issue. We have launched our own investigation as well and look forward to cooperating with Capitol Hill authorities,” said Mike Howell, Director of the Heritage Foundation’s Oversight Project.
Heritage Action for America supported the letter.
Cosigners of the letter are: Rep. Randy Weber (R-TX), Rep. Jeff Duncan (R-SC), Rep. Matt Rosendale (R-MT), Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN), Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ), Rep. Paul Gosar DDS (R-AZ), Rep. Bob Good (R-VA), Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), and Rep. Dan Bishop (R-NC), Rep. Michael Cloud (R-TX), Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), Rep. Mary E. Miller (R-IL), Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC), Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-GA), and Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-WY).
The letter may be read here.
