WASHINGTON, DC-- Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Susan Collins (R-ME), who authored the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Act with Senator Joseph Lieberman (D-CT), released this reaction to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Chertoff’s statement today on the importance of chemical security legislation:
“I am very pleased that this Administration has recognized the importance of enacting chemical security legislation this year. Despite the fact that homeland security experts have long identified the threat of a terrorist attack against a chemical facility as one of our nations greatest vulnerabilities, we have yet to pass legislation to provide the Department of Homeland Security the authority it needs to require chemical facilities to conduct vulnerability assessments and to implement security plans.”
“The potential devastation that an attack on a chemical facility could cause, the sheer number of these facilities, the current lack of security at some plants, and the clearly stated intent of terrorists to cause maximum harm to the American people and to our economy make these measures necessary.
“Secretary Chertoff today outlined principles that are critical components of the Collins-Lieberman chemical security bill. I look forward to continuing my discussions with Secretary Chertoff as we work to move this legislation forward.”