The House Homeland Security Committee passed H.R. 2868, the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Act of 2009. Rep. Clarke, Chair of the Emerging Threats, Cyber Security and Science and Technology Subcommittee made the following remarks:

“I proudly support H.R. 2868. I commend Chairman Thompson and the committee staff for working tirelessly to develop and pass this bill. 

When chemical companies don’t follow their own sector’s ‘best practices,’ they put their frontline workers at great risk. That is why I am a strong advocate for provisions in the bill that require worker participation in the development of vulnerability assessments and site security plans; proper security training for workers; and whistleblower protections for workers who report non-compliance.

I am particularly pleased to see that language from an Amendment that I sponsored with the gentleman from Pennsylvania, Representative Carney, is included in section 2103(g) of the ANS.

This provision will establish a Worker Training Grants Program and will direct the Secretary of DHS to award grants to non-profit organizations with demonstrated experience in implementing and operating successful worker or first responder health and safety training programs. This grant program will provide chemical facility workers, first responders and emergency response providers with the training and skills they need to help protect employees, the facility, and the environment from the effects of a chemical facility terrorist attack.

As a New Yorker who witnessed 9/11 firsthand, I am proud to cosponsor a homeland security bill that will provide adequate training to workers in the danger zone, as well as the men and women first responders who fearlessly risk their lives to rescue those workers and protect our critical infrastructure.”

The bill will now go to the House Energy and Commerce Committee for further consideration.
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