Panel would target homegrown terror

A commission proposed by key senators would study the emergence of homegrown terrorists and how U.S. citizens become radicalized through ideologies to commit acts of violence.

The National Commission on the Prevention of Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism is the brainchild of Sen. Joe Lieberman, Connecticut independent and chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, the ranking Republican member.

"The homeland security committee's extensive and ongoing investigation into homegrown terrorism has confirmed to our committee that this is a real and growing threat to our nation's security," Miss Collins said.

"The attacks in London and Madrid, as well as the recent thwarted attacks in the U.S., were the work of homegrown terrorists inspired by, but not directly linked, to al Qaeda," Miss Collins said. "But we do not yet fully understand what inspires someone to become a violent terrorist.

"If we have a better understanding of the origins of violent extremist behavior, we can disrupt terrorist plans." Washington Times