Should a Program Securing High-Risk Chemical Facilities From Terrorist Attacks Be Reauthorized? (H.R. 251)

What is H.R. 251?

(Updated February 20, 2020)

This bill was enacted on January 18, 2019

This bill would reauthorize the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program for two years. CFATS has regulated security at high-risk chemical facilities to prevent hazardous chemicals from being exploited in terrorist attacks since its creation in 2007. The program’s last reauthorization was in 2014, which is set to expire in January 2019.

Argument in favor

The Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program helps prevent hazardous chemicals from falling into the hands of terrorists. This bipartisan bill would allow that vital work to continue by reauthorizing the CFATS program for two years.

Argument opposed

While there may be bipartisan support for a two year reauthorization of the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards program, a shorter reauthorization would allow Congress an earlier opportunity to reform it.

Impact

Chemical facilities covered by CFATS; and Homeland Security regulators.

Cost of H.R. 251

A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.

Additional Info

In-Depth: This CFATS reauthorization bill was introduced by Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-MS) and has the support of seven bipartisan cosponsors, including four Republicans and three Democrats.

In December 2018, House Republicans passed a continuing resolution to avoid a shutdown that would’ve reauthorized CFATS until February 8, 2019, so that Congress could include a longer reauthorization in to-be-negotiated legislation funding the Dept. of Homeland Security. However, the bill stalled in the Senate, which led to the partial government shutdown.

Media:

• Dept. of Homeland Security (Context)