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| House to Consider Tightening Explosives Security Requirements |
December 23, 2005 |
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Albuquerque, NM - Congresswoman Heather Wilson today announced that she will introduce legislation next year to revise federal rules that govern the securing and safeguarding of explosives like those stolen in Albuquerque last week. She expects Congressional hearings as early as March 2006.
On Sunday, December 18, 2005, several hundred pounds of explosives and several thousand blasting caps were stolen from a private facility southwest of Albuquerque. Wilson says federal regulations seem inadequate for safeguarding large quantities of explosives and the devices needed to detonate them. That`s why she plans a legislative fix once Congress reconvenes.
"This is a huge concern," says Wilson. "I spoke to special agents with the ATF, and they confirm that the storage facility complied with all federal guidelines. There are still important questions here that need to be answered, but it seems to me we need to update these rules. We will take action on this when Congress reconvenes in January."
"There are different options to look at here," says Wilson. "We will get input from experts on security so that we get this right and improve public safety."
Wilson`s office has made initial contact with key House members on this problem and expects House hearings on the matter as early as March 2006.
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