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CHAIRMAN LINDER HOLDS HEARING ON THE SECURITY OF FISSILE MATERIALS ABROAD
June 28, 2005
On June 28, 2005, Congressman John Linder (R-GA), Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Prevention of Nuclear and Biological Attack, held a hearing on “Pathways to the Bomb: Security of Fissile Materials Abroad.” The hearing focused on the location and security of fissile materials around the world, including plutonium and highly enriched uranium (HEU), with a focus on states other than those of the former Soviet Union (FSU). In his opening statement, Congressman Linder also urged that there be a focus on ensuring that security programs have sound policies to make certain that there is accountability and measurable progress.
“The challenge of securing weapons-usable nuclear material around the world is a daunting task,” Linder said. “Some estimates indicate that approximately 2,400 metric tons of weapons-useable nuclear material is spread over two dozen countries – enough to build ‘hundreds of thousands of nuclear weapons.’”
Since 1992, the Federal government has worked to improve security of fissile materials and nuclear weapons in states of the former Soviet Union. However, a great deal of work remains to be done. In addition to improving the security of fissile materials in this region, the attacks of September 11, 2001, have accelerated U.S. efforts to secure fissile materials in other countries. There is growing concern, for example, that materials in Pakistan and India may require security enhancements, and a number of nuclear security experts have advocated adapting programs used in Russia to secure materials and warheads in these countries.
“The mission of this Subcommittee is to ensure that a nuclear attack on U.S. soil never occurs,” Linder continued. “As such, I want to emphasize that we will be very focused on this critical issue, and will continue to provide vigorous oversight and legislative guidance to the Department of Homeland Security in this effort.”
Witnesses at the hearing included: Mr. David Albright, Director, Institute for Science and International Security; and Ms. Rose Gottmoeller, Senior Associate, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
Immediately following the hearing, the Subcommittee received a classified briefing from relevant Federal government witnesses on the same subject matter.
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