(WASHINGTON) - Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement regarding notice from the Department of Homeland Security that the Secretary will publish a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register for the creation of the Ammonium Nitrate Security Program:
The publication of this long-awaited proposed regulation is a positive development. At a time when the EU and other countries are looking to regulate Ammonium Nitrate for security, it is imperative that we show leadership by striking the right balance and putting a system in place that prevents the sale of ammonium nitrate to terrorists while assuring that farmers continue to have access to this important agricultural product.
As Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, Congressman Thompson authored H.R. 1680, the Secure Handling of Ammonium Nitrate Act of 2007 which was approved, on suspension, by voice vote on Oct. 23, 2007. Subsequently, the Consolidated Appropriations for FY 2008 was enacted into law on Dec. 26, 2007 (Public Law No: 110-161) which included, at section 563, language from H.R. 1680 directing DHS to regulate the sale and transfer of ammonium nitrate by an ammonium nitrate facility to prevent the misappropriation or use of ammonium nitrate in an act of terrorism. Under this law, a final regulation was due on Dec. 27, 2008.
