U2 frontman Bono has provided a novel suggestion to a US Senate committee for combating Islamic State and extremism — send in comedians Amy Schumer, Chris Rock and Sacha Baron Cohen.

Addressing a Senate sub-committee that oversees funding for campaigns against violent extremism, the rock star and anti-poverty campaigner said using violence in response to the groups is to "speak their language".

"[But] if you laugh at them when they're goose-stepping down the street, then it takes away their power," he said.

"So I am suggesting that the Senate send in Amy Schumer and Chris Rock and Sacha Baron Cohen, thank you."

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But continuing on a more serious note, Bono appealed for a "Marshall Plan" to provide aid to the Middle East, much like the massive relief the US provided to rebuild Europe and counter extremism after World War II.

"When aid is structured properly, with a focus on fighting poverty and improving governance, it could just be the best bulwark we have against the extremism of our age," he said.

Bono urged US lawmakers to act quickly to counteract "an existential crisis" in Europe, with nationalist parties rising in several countries and even Britain considering leaving the European Union.

The hearing took place as lawmakers put the final touches on a new spending plan that may include steep international aid cuts.

But Republican senator Lindsey Graham, the panel's chairman, has called for a multi-billion-dollar aid program to address the crisis in the Middle East and deal with millions of refugees fleeing violence in Syria, Iraq and other countries.

Backers of the plan say defeating Islamic State and other militant groups, and preventing the rise of new ones, will require humanitarian aid and economic development.

"I'm a pretty hawkish fellow, but I learned a long time ago … that you are not going to win this war by killing terrorists," Senator Graham said.

There was no response from Rock or Cohen, but Schumer tweeted "holy shit" when she saw Bono's comments.

ABC/Reuters