Cao Anti-Terrorism Amendment Passes
Today, Congressman Anh "Joseph" Cao (LA-2) announced an amendment to the Chemical Security Anti-Terrorism Act of 2009 increasing security at U.S. Chemical Facilities.
The Chemical Security Anti-Terrorism Act of 2009 will improve the Homeland Security Act of 2002. The bill would extend the authority of the Secretary of Homeland Security, enhance security and protect against acts of terrorism against chemical facilities.
The bill requires a series of site visits and annual inspections, the goal of which is to ensure that facilities are fulfilling their compliance responsibilities as required law. Currently, the Department does not have an adequate amount of inspectors to fulfill this requirement.
Cao's amendment would increase the number of chemical facility inspectors by requiring the Homeland Security Secretary to hire not fewer than 100 additional inspectors in fiscal years 2010 and 2011.
Cao said: "The Department will now have more resources to keep our facilities safe and avoid backlogs. An adequate number of inspectors means increased protection from potential terrorist acts."
Congressman Cao is a member of the Committee on Homeland Security in the United States House of Representatives.