Rep. Matt Shea receives national award for work on anti-terrorism legislation
Rep. Matt Shea was invited to the stage in Washington, D.C. today (Tuesday) during ACT for America’s 2015 National Conference and Legislative Briefing to receive the organization’s America National Security Eagle Award.
ACT for America is the nation’s largest grassroots national security organization, which 
trains citizens to recognize and prevent criminal and terrorist activity in the United States, while preserving constitutional civil liberties.
ACT for America Founder and President Brigitte Gabriel said Shea, R-Spokane Valley, was selected for the award because of his work and dedication to the cause of national security.
“Matt Shea has been a tireless fighter on issues of national security in Washington state for years,” said Gabriel. “Thanks to his hard work, the Revised Code of Washington now contains provisions ensuring the U.S. and Washington state constitutions will be the supreme law of the land, and blocking the establishment of religious courts.”
Shea was the prime sponsor during the 2013-14 biennium of House Bill 1392, a measure “protecting citizens from the application of foreign laws that would result in a violation of a constitutional right.” Although the measure did not receive a committee hearing, the 4th District lawmaker won approval during the 2013 legislative session on two similar amendments.
Amendment 380 to Senate Bill 5797 prohibits courts in Washington state from enforcing
a foreign law that would violate a right guaranteed by the U.S. and Washington state constitutions. In addition, Shea’s Amendment 381 to the same bill was approved, which prohibits establishment of therapeutic or specialty courts “for the purpose of applying foreign law, including foreign criminal, civil or religious law, that is otherwise not required by treaty.”
Shea was also the prime sponsor of House Bill 1247 during the 2015 session. Gabriel called the bill “anti-terrorism legislation,” which would make human decapitation an enhancement for first-degree murder charges, and extend penalties.
“This sends the message to any would-be terrorists that efforts to spread fear would be met with the harshest possible penalties under the law,” she said.
“Representative Shea has also been a leader in efforts to protect girls from the horrors of female genital mutilation,” Gabriel added, referring to his co-sponsorship of House Bill 1423 that would create a crime of the act.
“It has been said ‘all that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.’ I have proudly served my country, fighting against terrorism during combat tours in Bosnia and Iraq, but 9/11 taught us a hard lesson that we must be ever vigilant here in our homeland. We must always be prepared and ACT in defense of our country, the Constitution, and freedom,” said Shea.
“I am honored to receive this award from the nation’s largest anti-terrorism and security organization. It is humbling to have that kind of support as we work together to protect and preserve our nation’s freedom and individual rights,” added Shea.
Gabriel said the award is issued annually to state lawmakers who show exceptional leadership in national security issues.
“Matt Shea is a true patriot. Time and time again, he has answered the call and taken on the tough task of protecting his home state, our country, and our way of life,” said Gabriel. “If every state had someone like Matt Shea in the legislature, protecting our country would be far easier. I’m proud to name him the winner of this year’s National Security Eagle Award.”
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For more information about Rep. Shea, visit: www.representativemattshea.com.
Rep. Shea’s media:
Washington State House Republican Communications
www.houserepublicans.wa.gov
461 John L. O’Brien Building
P.O. Box 40600
Olympia, WA 98504-0600
