The security measures we took after 9/11 helped prevent another such tragedy. However, the threat of nuclear, radiological, chemical or biological weapon attack still exists. Chemical weapons such as sarin, and biological weapons like anthrax, are difficult to deploy since these agents must remain in high-enough concentrations to be harmful even after being dispersed in water or the air - unless they are deployed in confined spaces. Security experts are most worried about a portable nuclear weapon, or terrorists attaching radioactive material to conventional explosives to produce a “dirty bomb.” It is possible a dirty bomb may not kill many people but it could disrupt and contaminate a large area. Improved radioactivity monitoring at our ports has reduced the chance of nuclear devices being smuggled into our country, and many nations have taken steps to prevent the theft of radiological material. We have also had some success securing this surplus material from other nations. For these reasons, security experts say we haven’t yet been attacked by terrorists using nuclear or radiological devices. However, there still remains much of these materials worldwide and terrorists are actively trying to acquire them.

Pending Legislation: H.R.4873 - FADS Act
Sponsor: Rep. Madison Cawthorn (NC)
Status: House Subcommittee on Europe, Energy, the Environment and Cyber (Foreign Affairs)
Chair: Rep. William Keating (MA)