Second Bipartisan Chemical Security Bill Clears House Committee

  • Jun 24, 2011

Just weeks after the House Energy and Commerce Committee approved a seven-year extension of the current chemical security standards, the House Homeland Security Committee recently followed suit, approving H.R. 901 by a bipartisan vote of 26 to 5.

Eight Democrats voted in favor of the legislation: Rep. Hansen Clarke (MI), Rep. Henry Cuellar (TX), Rep. Kathy Hochul (NY), Rep. William Keating (MA), Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (TX), Rep. Laura Richardson (CA), Rep. Cedric Richmond (LA) and Rep. Jackie Speier (CA).

SOCMA welcomed the committee’s endorsement of the legislation which would extend the existing Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) by seven years to 2018 and give chemical facilities and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) time to more fully implement the regulation, rather than significantly altering the existing rules. During the vote, committee member Rep. Dan Lungren (R-CA), who introduced the bill, mentioned SOCMA’s opposition to including a provision on inherently safer technology (IST), which would require chemical companies to substitute materials that DHS deems hazardous with materials they consider less harmful.

"We are pleased with the expeditious approval of H.R. 908 and H.R. 901 by their respective committees and encourage House leadership to act swiftly to bring one of these chemical security bills to the floor for a vote," said Bill Allmond, SOCMA’s Vice President of Government Relations.

"SOCMA also appreciates the return of bipartisanship to this committee to ensure long-term chemical security under these standards, something that had been absent since 2006," Allmond added. "SOCMA worked hard with both sides of the aisle to encourage continued support of these comprehensive standards."

Allmond said it’s now up to House leadership to work out a compromise between the two security bills or to decide which one will advance to a vote by the full House of Representatives.

During the proceedings, the committee also approved by voice vote the following SOCMA-supported amendments to H.R. 901:
• An amendment on personnel surety, similar to that which was adopted to H.R. 908 by the House Energy and Commerce Committee
• An amendment requiring a report on harmonization between CFATS and the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA)
• An amendment setting deadlines for DHS to follow up with facilities regarding their security vulnerability assessment or site security plan 180 days after DHS receives it

Featured

  • A Look at AI

    Large language models (LLMs) have taken the world by storm. Within months of OpenAI launching its AI chatbot, ChatGPT, it amassed more than 100 million users, making it the fastest-growing consumer application in history. Read Now

  • First, Do No Harm: Responsibly Applying Artificial Intelligence

    It was 2022 when early LLMs (Large Language Models) brought the term “AI” into mainstream public consciousness and since then, we’ve seen security corporations and integrators attempt to develop their solutions and sales pitches around the biggest tech boom of the 21st century. However, not all “artificial intelligence” is equally suitable for security applications, and it’s essential for end users to remain vigilant in understanding how their solutions are utilizing AI. Read Now

  • Improve Incident Response With Intelligent Cloud Video Surveillance

    Video surveillance is a vital part of business security, helping institutions protect against everyday threats for increased employee, customer, and student safety. However, many outdated surveillance solutions lack the ability to offer immediate insights into critical incidents. This slows down investigations and limits how effectively teams can respond to situations, creating greater risks for the organization. Read Now

  • Security Today Announces 2025 CyberSecured Award Winners

    Security Today is pleased to announce the 2025 CyberSecured Awards winners. Sixteen companies are being recognized this year for their network products and other cybersecurity initiatives that secure our world today. Read Now

  • Empowering and Securing a Mobile Workforce

    What happens when technology lets you work anywhere – but exposes you to security threats everywhere? This is the reality of modern work. No longer tethered to desks, work happens everywhere – in the office, from home, on the road, and in countless locations in between. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.