Hearing on Detecting Nuclear Weapons

The Subcommittees on Prevention of Nuclear and Biological Attack and on Emergency Preparedness, Science, and Technology of the House Committee on Homeland Security conducted a hearing on detecting nuclear weapons and radiological materials. Mr. Vayl Oxford, Domestic Nuclear Detection Office, Department of Homeland Security, testified regarding current nuclear detection equipment and regarding equipment under development. Mr. Gene Aloise, Government Accountability Office (GAO), testified regarding problems in coordinating nuclear detection programs among the various agencies and regarding the effectiveness of radiation equipment currently deployed. Ms. Bethann Rooney, Port Security Manager, Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, testified concerning, among other things, the high rate of false positive alarms from radiation portal monitors and the lack of monitoring equipment for ro-ro cargo. (HK Law)