Chuck Schumer: “As many of you know, something I have felt very strongly about is the ability to detect nuclear devices as they might be…”

“As many of you know, something I have felt very strongly about is the ability to detect nuclear devices as they might be smuggled into this country by terrorists, either on ships in the large containers or over the Mexican or Canadian borders. The scientists at our energy labs tell us they can develop or perfect detection devices much better than Geiger counters, which is the only detection device we have now that can prevent such devices from being smuggled in, which could cause an unimaginable tragedy--if a nuclear device were smuggled into the country and exploded. The original amendment added $150 million for research. Through the good work of the chairman of the Appropriations Committee, we have now simply said that that money will come out of TSA. He has graciously agreed to protect that in conference. I think it is a happy compromise that solves the problem I have had getting research for this and the problem he has had making sure there are no new allocations. It tracks the language that Senator Hollings and Senator McCain put in the port security bill and now provides the funding without adding any additional funding. So I am glad we have a compromise and look forward to seeing this research proceed very quickly. We cannot afford to wait.”