Today, US Rep. Ed Perlmutter, the sole member of the Colorado Delegation on the House Homeland Security Committee, joined with an overwhelming majority of the House of Representatives in passing bi-partisan legislating that will increase protection for our country. The House passed H.R. 1680, the Secure Handling of Ammonium Nitrate Act on a voice vote.
"This bill helps prevent terrorists from obtaining ammonium nitrate while maintaining easy access for our nation’s farmers," said Perlmutter. "Our committee worked closely in a bipartisan manner to craft a practical bill that protects our nation but allows our farmers to utilize important fertilizers to help their crops succeed. This is a good balance."
The bill creates a national registry to monitor the purchase and sale of ammonium nitrate and matches the names of applying farmers against the terrorist screening database.
Rep. Perlmutter was instrumental in working with both sides of the aisle to include provisions to require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to implement a prompt application and appeals process. Under the bill, DHS must approve or deny a registration application within three days, and likewise, if someone is misidentified, DHS must consider an appeal for redress within three days.
Click Here to View Congressman Perlmutter’s statement of support for H.R. 1680, the Secure Handling of Ammonium Nitrate Act, on the Floor of the House of Representatives.
