The National Association of Chemical Distributors (NACD) President and CEO Eric R. Byer released the following statement after the U.S. Senate failed to pass H.R. 4470, legislation to reauthorize the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Security (CFATS) program, prior to its expiration date:

“NACD has been ringing the alarm about the approaching deadline for months. Now that the program has regrettably expired, our nation’s sensitive chemical facilities have the difficult challenge of navigating a wide range of national security risks— including physical, cyber, and emerging artificial intelligence risks—on their own. The industry will be left to manage these threats without the invaluable insight and partnership with the U.S Department of Homeland Security.

“Given the vital role of chemicals in our economy and their unique vulnerabilities, it’s imperative that we take the necessary steps to protect this critical infrastructure from a range of threats posed by the country’s adversaries. I am incredibly disappointed that the U.S. Senate failed to reauthorize the CFATS program ahead of its expiration last night, potentially leaving our nation’s security exposed. 

“NACD will continue to work with Congressional leaders to underscore the importance of this critical program and call on Congress to immediately reinstate and extend CFATS to ensure the security of the American people.”