Senate Homeland Security Committee Approves Three-Year CFATS Extension

  • Aug 02, 2011

In late June, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committe voted 8 to 2 to approve the Continuing Chemical Facilities Antiterrorism Security Act (S. 473), spearheaded by Ranking Member Susan Collins (R-ME). The legislation would extend the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) until October 2015.

This is the third bipartisan chemical security bill to be approved by its respective committee this Congress.

“SOCMA thanks Committee Chairman Joe Lieberman and Ranking Member Susan Collins for their many efforts in this Congress and in previous ones to achieve this sensitive balance in a fair and bipartisan manner,” said SOCMA President and CEO Lawrence D. Sloan.

“For the past two years, SOCMA has worked closely with the Committee's majority and minority staff to promote passage of reauthorizing legislation that preserves the efforts made thus far by the Homeland Security Department to implement CFATS as well as the investments made by the chemical industry to reach compliance,” Sloan added.

Included in the bill were provisions added during the committee’s consideration of similar legislation (also sponsored by Collins) last Congress in an effort to garner bipartisan support for its approval. These include voluntary technical assistance to facilities in risk reduction and emergency response training and exercise programs.

According to GcvTrack, the bill is still waiting on a vote from the full Senate.

Featured

  • Survey Shows Election Anxiety Crosses Party Lines

    New reports of election worker intimidation are raising concerns about election interference. A majority of Americans (71%) are worried about voter intimidation or safety at the polls, and 75% want security cameras at their voting place, according to a new national survey. Read Now

  • 66 Percent of Cybersecurity Pros Say Job Stress is Growing

    Sixty-six percent of cybersecurity professionals say their role is more stressful now than it was five years ago, according to the newly released 2024 State of Cybersecurity survey report from ISACA, a global professional association advancing trust in technology. Read Now

  • Live from GSX 2024: Post-Show Recap

    Another great edition of GSX is in the books! We’d like to thank our great partners for this years event, NAPCO, LVT, Eagle Eye Networks and Hirsch, for working with us and allowing us to highlight some of the great solutions the companies were showcasing during the crowded show. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • GSX

  • Research: Cybersecurity Success Hinges on Full Organizational Support

    Cybersecurity is the top technology priority for the vast majority of organizations, but moving from aspiration to reality requires a top-to-bottom commitment that many companies have yet to make, according to new research released today by CompTIA, the nonprofit association for the technology industry and workforce. Read Now

Most   Popular

Featured Cybersecurity

Webinars

New Products

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening. 3

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols. 3

  • 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. 3