WASHINGTON (AP) — The government is worried about the safety of chemical facilities across the country after its power to keep dangerous substances out of the hands of extremists lapsed a month ago.
Homeland Security officials say this left gaping holes in the country's national security, and they are calling on Congress to act quickly when it returns this week.
The Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency, which falls under DHS, then determines whether the facility is considered high risk and therefore must develop a security plan.
Congress gave the department the authority to begin the chemical security program in 2006, and it went into effect the following year.
Homeland Security officials say the program's lapse has left them without a vital security tool.
Persons:
Alejandro Mayorkas, ”, Kelly Murray, Sen, Rand Paul, Paul, ” Paul, there's, Murray, she's, reauthorized, they're, Matt Fridley, “ They’re, Scott Jensen
Organizations:
WASHINGTON, Department of Homeland Security, Chemical, Homeland Security, Homeland, Chemical Security, Infrastructure Security Agency, DHS, Congress, Kentucky Republican, & Infrastructure Security Agency, American Chemistry Council
Locations:
Virginia, Kentucky