News

CFATS Legislation Advances

04/30/2014

The House Committee on Homeland Security reported on a unanimous voice vote HR 4007, legislation to provide a 3-year authorization to the CFATS program.  The program has operated without any permanent authorization since inception.  Providing authorization for the program gives certainty to the regulated community.  The legislation makes strategic policy corrections to the personnel surety program (PSP) that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed.  It provides that feedback be given to facilities about the status of individuals whose names have been submitted for the facilities for vetting, and provides individuals an opportunity to seek redress if necessary.  Most importantly, the legislation precludes DHS from requiring that covered facilities use only the Department’s proposed PSP meet the personnel surety requirements of the risk-based performance standards.  Authority to implement the PSP is currently pending final review at OMB.  IME joined with other associations in support of this legislation.  Click here to view letter attachment.