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Bill Named for N.J. Man Killed by Rental Truck Used in 2017 NYC Terror Attack Passes U.S. House  (Jonathan D. Salant, NJ.com)
The U.S. House on Tuesday passed legislation designed to make it harder for terrorists to rent cars and trucks to use to carry out attacks. The bill, which passed, 379-51, is named for Darren Drake of New Milford, one of eight people were killed in a 2017 terrorist attack in New York City. Officials said Sayfullo Saipov, an Uzbek national who gave a Paterson address to authorities, used a rented truck to mow down people on a Manhattan bike path. It would require the Department of Homeland Security Department to develop guidelines to help car rental agencies and automotive dealerships to help identify people who might want the vehicle to commit a terrorist attack, and to require the companies to report suspicious behavior. “This crucial legislation will provide rental companies and car dealers with the vital information they need to flag and stop potential terrorist threats in their tracks,” said the bill’s chief sponsor, Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-5th Dist., when the bill was debated last month.(The actual vote was postponed until Tuesday night). “We can take no chances when it comes to terrorism, which is why this bill will help ensure all rental companies report suspicious behavior at every point of sale,” the New Jersey Democrat said.

Terrorism Threat to UK Lawmakers Substantial After Colleague Murder -Patel  (Michael Holden, Reuters)
British interior minister Priti Patel said on Wednesday that the terrorism threat level to members of parliament was now deemed substantial, days after lawmaker David Amess was stabbed to death at a public meeting in his constituency. It means the direct threat to politicians is the same as the overall national threat level, which means an attack is considered likely. “The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC) has conducted an independent review on the risk facing members of parliament,” Patel told parliament. “While we do not see any information or intelligence which points to any credible, specific or imminent threat, I must update the House (of Commons) that the threat level facing members of this house is now deemed to be substantial.” (Cont.)