Chairman Asks Energy Secretary For Security Initiatives Update WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Joe Barton, R-Texas, chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Chairman Ed Whitfield, R-Ky., last week sent a letter to Department of Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman, asking for an update on the implementation of the department’s security initiatives. March 10, 2005 The Honorable Samuel W. Bodman Secretary Department of Energy 1000 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20585 Dear Secretary Bodman: We are writing to you regarding the Department of Energy’s (DOE) ongoing and planned security initiatives. As you know, the Department’s security posture has been in continual review since September 11, 2001. Great strides have been made to upgrade physical security across the nuclear weapons complex, and a great deal of work remains. Former Secretary Abraham took a leadership role in defining a vision and initiating the implementation of several very important security initiatives. In May of 2004, he outlined at least fourteen objectives to improve security. These objectives focused on several important areas including information/cyber security, the research and application of new security technologies, and a re-examination of the design basis threat (DBT). Some of these initiatives are already complete, but several initiatives – including nuclear material consolidation – will take years to plan and implement. Attached is a list and description of each security initiative. Please review this list and provide an explanation on the current progress of each initiative. Of course, Secretary Abraham’s initiatives should not be considered a final list of ideas for improving security. We also welcome your insight on any additional security plans you may have already developed. Thank you for your attention to this matter. If you have any questions, please contact us directly or have a member of your staff contact XXXXXX of the Committee staff at (202) XXX-XXXX. Sincerely,   Joe Barton Chairman Ed Whitfield Chairman Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations cc: The Honorable John D. Dingell, Ranking Member The Honorable Ralph M. Hall, Chairman, Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality The Honorable Rick Boucher, Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality The Honorable Bart Stupak, Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Attachment ####