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Gains in Global Nuclear Detection Architecture Act

Floor Speech

Date: Sept. 27, 2016
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: National Security Technology and Communication

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Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5391, the Gains in Global Nuclear Detection Architecture Act. My bipartisan bill was approved unanimously by the Committee on Homeland Security on June 8. I appreciate the support of my ranking member, Mr. Thompson, and my colleagues across the aisle, Mr. Ratcliffe and Chairman McCaul, in my efforts to advance this legislation.

In nuclear smuggling detection, we rely on the critical triad of intelligence, law enforcement, and technology. The Department of Homeland Security deploys detection technologies in maritime and border operations based on intelligence indicators and places them in the hands of well-trained DHS personnel.
At DHS, the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office, or DNDO, is responsible for the coordination of Federal efforts to detect and protect against attempts to import, possess, store, develop, or transport radioactive materials that may be used as weapons against our Nation.

DNDO, with its interagency partners, coordinates the U.S. Global Nuclear Detection Architecture, or GNDA, which is a framework for detecting, analyzing, and reporting on the smuggling of nuclear and radioactive materials.

In April 2015, the Government Accountability Office issued a report that looked at how DNDO manages its roughly $350 million research and development program. The GAO concluded that DNDO needed to do a better job of documenting the rationale for selecting the 189 research and development projects that it funds and how these projects align with the research challenges and identified gaps, especially gaps or vulnerabilities identified in the GNDA.

Subsequently, I introduced the Gains in Global Nuclear Detection Architecture Act to, among other things, help certify that the planning, selection, and future funding of nuclear detection research and development projects are targeted towards identified gaps in the GNDA. Such documentation is essential to confirm that DNDO is making the right research investments to keep the Nation secure.

I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

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