Veto Will Prevent Congress From Taking a Step Backward on Chemical Security

Mar 30, 08:27 AM

Current Headlines: ARLINGTON, Va., March 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Legislation approved by the Senate today that faces a certain veto by the President inappropriately inserts chemical security language into the Senate Emergency Supplemental Appropriations. While members of the American Chemistry Council continue to enhance security by investing more than $3.5 billion since 9/11, misguided attempts to change legislation passed last year only threaten to delay long overdue chemical security regulations. American Chemistry Council President & CEO Jack N. Gerard issued the following statement:

"We cannot allow politics in Congress to take precedence over security by threatening to delay long overdue chemical security regulations. After five years of debate in Congress, the Department of Homeland Security is within days of issuing landmark security regulations that will protect chemical facilities across the entire country and allow states to maintain existing programs.

"The Senate legislation that will be vetoed would have created a cloud of uncertainty over the regulations and would effectively send the Department of Homeland Security back to the drawing board. The imminent DHS regulations will ensure action occurs now. If allowed, these misguided efforts in Congress will only delay the goal of securing these critical facilities across the nation."

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The American Chemistry Council (ACC) represents the leading companies engaged in the business of chemistry. ACC members apply the science of chemistry to make innovative products and services that make people's lives better, healthier and safer. ACC is committed to improved environmental, health and safety performance through Responsible Care(R), common sense advocacy designed to address major public policy issues, and health and environmental research and product testing. The business of chemistry is a $635 billion enterprise and a key element of the nation's economy. It is one of the nation's largest exporters, accounting for ten cents out of every dollar in U.S. exports. Chemistry companies are among the largest investors in research and development. Safety and security have always been primary concerns of ACC members, and they have intensified their efforts, working closely with government agencies to improve security and to defend against any threat to the nation's critical infrastructure.

American Chemistry Council

CONTACT: Scott Jensen of American Chemistry Council, +1-703-741-5834,scott_jensen@americanchemistry.com

Web site: http://www.americanchemistry.com/