“Countering Terrorist Financing: Progress and Priorities” – U.S. Department of Justice
On September 21, 2011, Lisa Monaco, U.S. Assistant Attorney General for National Security, testified before the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Terrorism.
Monaco focused her speech on the Department's efforts to "disrupt the flow of funds and other material support to terrorist organizations." In doing so, Monaco addressed three separate issues: (1) "capacity building and technical assistant efforts with foreign governments," (2) "participation in and defense of terrorist financing laws, regulations, and processes," and (3) "the investigation and prosecution of the individuals and networks involved in financing and supporting terrorism."
First, Monaco noted several programs that the DOJ hosts to improve relationships with foreign governments. These include funding overseas Resident Legal Advisers and offering bilateral assistance to nations seeking to create counter terrorism laws. In addition, Monaco discussed the federal process by which the government designates terrorist organizations. Furthermore, the Assistant Attorney General presented several examples of recent cases where the DOJ successfully prosecuted individuals and/or organizations for providing financial support to designated terrorist organizations.
To read the entire testimony, go to Testimony.