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Updating Nuclear Security Standards: How Long Can the Department of Energy Afford to Wait?
House Committee on Government Reform Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging Threats, and International Relations
House Committee on Government Reform
Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging Threats, and International Relations
Abstract
The Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging Threats, and International Relations of the House Committee on Government Reform investigated the Department of Energy's (DOE) efforts to enhance nuclear facility security. The inquiry reveals persistent security lapses and issues within DOE's National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and the Office of Energy, Science and Environment (ESE). The DOE, responsible for safeguarding nuclear weapons and materials, faces challenges in improving security against post-9/11 threats. The investigation, prompted by concerns over facility security, uncovers problems with the Design Basis Threat (DBT) implementation, inconsistent application across facilities, and the need for cost-effective consolidation of nuclear facilities housing special materials. Protective forces experience readiness and retention issues. Recommendations included establishing a coordinated security policy, improving DBT implementation, and developing plans for material consolidation and force improvement. Regular reporting to congressional oversight committees is also advised.
Date
2006-04-25
Document Type
House Committee Approved Report
Serial Number
109-435.H
Document Length
32 pages
Congress
109
Relation
DOI
Keywords
Committee Approved Reports
PAP Major Code
16: Defense
PAP Minor Code
1614: Military Nuclear and Hazardous Waste Disposal, Military Environmental Compliance
Related Hearings
House Committee on Government Reform, Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging Threats and International Relations, hearing on "Nuclear Security: Can DOE Meet Physical Facility Security Requirement," 108th Cong., H.Hrg. 108-207, (2004, April 27)
House Committee on Government Reform, Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging Threats and International Relations, hearing on "Emerging Threats: Assessing Nuclear Weapons Complex Facility Security," 108th Cong., H.Hrg. 108-62, (2003, June 24)
House Committee on Government Reform, Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging Threats and International Relations, hearing on "Emerging Threats: Assessing Nuclear Weapons Complex Facility Security," 108th Cong., H.Hrg. 108-62, (2003, June 24)