Statement by the Honorable Michael Burgess, MD

Reducing the Threat of Nuclear Terrorism: A Review of the Department of Energy’s Global Threat Reduction Initiative

May 24, 2005

Thank you Mr. Chairman, and thank you for holding this important hearing.

This hearing resumes a continuation of the committee’s oversight regarding nuclear materials and facilities. As I expressed in the last hearing, I am deeply concerned about the lack of safety and security surrounding some nuclear facilities. While this hearing focuses more on securing high-risk nuclear and radiological materials around the world rather than focusing on domestic facilities, the potential threat of terrorism remains the same and deserves Congress’ full attention; I support the Chairman’s investigation of this pressing issue.

In the post 9-11 world that we live in today, our national security has become the most important issue facing our nation. We must do everything within our power to ensure that we do not become victims of terrorisms again. The Global Threat Reduction Initiative aims to accomplish this mission by identifying, securing, recovering and facilitating the disposition of these materials around the world that pose a threat to the United States and the international community. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss this program today.

Again, Mr. Chairman, I thank you for this crucial hearing in which we can address some of these essential concerns regarding nuclear materials and the security of our nation.