(CNSNews.com) - A Democrat-sponsored bill intended to prevent "homegrown terrorism" has passed the House and now goes on to the Senate.

H.R. 1955 creates (but does not fund) a national commission to examine the causes of violent radicalization and homegrown terrorism and propose recommendations and legislative strategies for mitigating these threats, the sponsors said.

It also establishes a Center of Excellence for the Prevention of Radicalization and Home Grown Terrorism that's supposed to study the social, criminal, political, psychological and economic roots of the problem.

Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) called the legislation vital: "We simply don't know how many 'would-be terrorists' are living right next door," he said in a news release.

"Now we will have the ability to analyze our and other nations' experience with this critical issue, propose and adopt recommendations for a safer America, and also protect civil rights and liberties of U.S. Citizens."

Another sponsor, Rep. Jane Harman (D-Calif.), said the threat of a "'Made in the USA' suicide bomber" has never been greater:

"This bill, though not a silver bullet, will help develop a better understanding of the root causes of homegrown terrorism, and the steps we can take to stop it," she said.

"We must intervene before a person crosses the line separating radical views from violent behavior, create an environment that discourages disillusionment and alienation, and instill in young people a sense of belonging and faith in the future."