Senator Croci Calls On Governor To Enact Counter-Terrorism Measures

As New Yorkers, We Have an Obligation to do Whatever We Can to Protect Ourselves From Another Terrorist Attack

(Long Island, NY) New York State Senator Thomas Croci, Chairman of the New York State Committee on Homeland Security, alongside U.S. Congressman Lee Zeldin and others, called for immediate action from the Governor and the State Legislature to enact a historic package of homeland security and counter-terrorism measures in a special session of the Legislature.

The package of bills would be the most sweeping compilation of actions taken by the Governor and Legislature since the attacks of September 11, 2001, and aims to protect New Yorkers  through a comprehensive approach to combating terrorism by bringing forth proposals that will focus on preventing terrorist acts and being prepared to respond in the event of a future attack.

(L to R): Mayor Maura Spery, NYS Senator Thomas Croci, and U.S. Congressman Lee Zeldin Photo Credit: NYS.

“ISIS has had two years, hundreds of millions of dollars, the sanctuary and the ability to plan, train and recruit for attacks on the U.S. The FBI Director, as early as last spring, requested State and local partners help in this fight, which will occupy our lives for years to come.  This bold package is the most impactful action our state government can take to protect New York – the number one terrorist target in the world,” stated Senator Croci.

Congressman Lee Zeldin said, “The terror attack in San Bernardino, California is just one of many examples of why we need a stronger, more consistent foreign policy and terror-fighting policy on a national and state level; and serves as a reminder that we must always remain ever vigilant even in defense of our homeland. I thank Senator Croci for his leadership on the state level to keep New Yorkers safe.”

“Senator Croci and Congressman Zeldin have represented this country not only as servicemen overseas, but have also shown great leadership in combating the very real threat of terrorism in our own backyard. I offer my full support to their efforts to keep us safe here in the great state of New York,” said Mastic Beach Village Mayor Maura Spery.

“I want to thank Senator Croci for working to protect our community against any terrorist threat and for working to ensure the safety of the residents of the Town of Brookhaven with this legislative package,” said Brookhaven Town Supervisor Ed Romaine.

The following legislation and proposals are included in the package:

1. Immediate increased funding to state and local law enforcement (state, county, town andvillage police, public safety depts.), fire service, and EMS for the following: Stepped up enforcement (personnel and overtime), especially for public places and events; Increased Training and preparations for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear   (CBRN) attacks.
2. Enacting the nation’s first ever Terrorist Registry (S3464B – passed Senate).
3. Call for Mayor DeBlasio to reinstitute the NYPD’s Special Intelligence Unit.
4. Create a Special Intelligence Surveillance Unit of the State Police.
5. S4122 Statewide firearms license for retired police personnel.
6. S6032 Enabling law enforcement to enforce federal law.
7. S2942 Soliciting or providing support for an Act of Terrorism (passed Senate).
8. S4379 Assault of a member of the military (passed Senate).
9. S4520 Murder of a member of the military (passed Senate).
10. S455 Terrorism recruitment (passed Senate).
11. S5349 Terroristic threat against a police officer (passed Senate).
12. S3404Cyber security study (passed Senate).
13. S3405 Cyber terrorist crimes (passed Senate).
14. S3407 Codify cyber security Executive Order (passed Senate).
15. S6048 Iran sanctions.
16. S5842A Real ID- Require DMV to comply with federal law in the verifying of documentation submitted by licensees.
17. Permit all off-duty and peace officers to conceal carry statewide, including New York City.Prohibit municipalities and individual public employers (individual police agencies, MTA, TBTA, PA, etc.) from enacting or continuing personnel policies that prohibit concealed carry (as some currently do).
18. Special Temporary Permit to authorize active duty military, National Guard, and reserve military members within the State of New York, with weapons training, to conceal-carry throughout New York State with agreed upon parameters.
19. Request Governor support and request from Joint Terrorism Task Force regular classified homeland security/counter- terrorism briefings to select legislative leadership, in accordance with best federal government practices.

All media inquiries should be directed to Senator Croci’s Communications Specialist, Christine Geed at (631) 398-8044 (call or text) or via email at geed@nysenate.gov.  Inquiries for additional information should be directed to Senator Croci’s Press Secretary, Jennifer Romero at (631) 513-5657 or via email at jromero@nysenate.gov.