Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards Program Extension Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. Speaker, I rise today along with my colleague, Chairman Thompson, in strong support of H.R. 251, the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards Program Extension Act. This bill reauthorizes the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards program, more commonly known as CFATS, for 2 more years.

CFATS began as a program aimed at keeping dangerous chemicals out of the hands of terrorists. In recent years, it has grown, in large part, due to partnerships between the Department of Homeland Security and industry stakeholders working to identify high-risk facilities and ensuring appropriate security measures are in place to mitigate these risks.

The current CFATS authorization expires January 18, and swift action is needed to make sure there is no lapse in this program.

I believe this program has achieved its purpose in making Americans safer by helping chemical facilities secure dangerous substances. Mr. Speaker, I support this reauthorization and urge my colleagues in the Senate to also act with the urgency required to prevent this program from expiring.

(Mr. SHIMKUS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)
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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I urge Members to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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