WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Patrick Meehan (PA-07) today chaired a hearing of the House Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence entitled, “Unrest in the Middle East and North Africa: Ramifications for U.S. Homeland Security.”

“A lot has changed in the one month since the subcommittee last met to hear testimony on the threat posed by Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and unfortunately many of the predictions we heard from the witnesses have come to fruition in a very short time, including a teetering government on the brink of collapse in Yemen and a decrease in counterterrorism cooperation,” said Congressman Meehan. “In addition to facing an unstable government in Yemen, the United States has engaged in military operations against Libya, the Saudis have sent troops into Bahrain, protests are growing in Syria, and the Egyptian military has assumed control, calling into question long term counterterrorism relationships.”

“Today we heard compelling testimony from a distinguished panel of witnesses, continued Congressman Meehan.  “Overall, the situation in the Middle East and North Africa is changing by the day and this has major ramifications for U.S. homeland security – especially as it relates to counterterrorism and intelligence – the two areas which this subcommittee is responsible for overseeing.”