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Landmark Chemical Security Legislation Passes House

"In the wake of the September 11th attacks, security experts immediately identified the threat of an attack on a chemical facility as one of the greatest security vulnerabilities facing the Nation," said Thompson. "After 4 years of hard work, this Congress finally got the opportunity to consider and pass this landmark homeland security bill. Passage of this legislation demonstrates the progress we make with a transparent process that is open to diverse viewpoints," Thompson stated. "We can now ensure that this vital industry, and the population that lives around these facilities, are secure," said Thompson.

H.R. 2868:

    --  Authorizes reasonable, risk-based security standards for chemical
        security.
    --  Closes a major security gap identified by both the Bush and Obama
        Administrations by establishing a security program for drinking water
        and waster water facilities.
    --  Requires all tiered facilities to assess "methods to reduce the
        consequences of a terrorist attack." Plants that voluntarily perform
        these assessments, which are sometimes called "IST" assessments, often
        find that good security equals good business.

    --  Strengthens CFATS by adding enforcement tools, protecting the rights of
        whistleblowers, and enhancing training security.

SOURCE Committee on Homeland Security