Douglas Guarino writes DHS halted work under the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards initiative due to the government shutdown.
Thompson told Global Security Newswire an explosion at a fertilizer plant in Texas earlier this year highlighted the need to minimize the risk of accidental or malicious detonation..
A Senate aide told Global Security Newswire that CFATS employees were furloughed due to the shutdown but could be recalled if a chemical incident occurs.
DHS officials are seeking ways to continue the program despite the shutdown, a Republican aide said to Global Security Newswire.