Terror suspects' travel debated in Iowa's 3rd District

U.S . Rep. Tom Latham, R-Clive, said Wednesday he favors limiting the travel of Americans seeking to help the Islamic State and other terror groups.

Latham's remarks were made as the issue was bubbling in Iowa's 3rd Congressional District campaign to succeed the 10-term Republican, who is not seeking re-election. The district covers 16 counties in southwest Iowa, including the Des Moines area and Council Bluffs.

Latham, who sits on the House Appropriations Homeland Security Committee, said in a statement issued by his office that he agrees with the FBI Director James Comey that suspension of passports should be on a case-by-case basis.

"The State Department has the authority to suspend passports. I also know that suspension, revocation of passports can be done on an expedited basis when the situation warrants in a matter of hours or days. It does not necessarily need to be a lengthy process," Latham said.

GOP nominee David Young of Van Meter said in a statement Wednesday that protecting America from the threats of the Islamic State, also called ISIS or ISIL, should be a top priority of our government.

"In Congress, I will push the administration to use every tool available to keep Iowa families safe. One of those tools is revoking the passports of self-proclaimed terrorists," he said.

Young said during a debate last week in Council Bluffs he commented that he would absolutely support revoking these passports." I sat in shock when my opponent disagreed and said she would not," he added.

Ben Miller, campaign manager for Staci Appel of Ackworth, the Democratic nominee, said Wednesday that Appel "certainly does support" the removal of passports of those associated with or found to be part of a terrorist organization, using the rule of law and existing procedures. He also said Appel is open to stronger measures as part of a comprehensive approach to ensuring national security.

Brandon Lorenz, a spokesman for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, said Appel's position is clear. "She supports taking away the passports of those who have committed terrorism," he said.