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chemical

Hemp as an Agricultural Commodity

Posted Wed, 12/22/2010 - 01:00

Industrial hemp is a variety of Cannabis sativa and is of the same plant species as marijuana. However, hemp is genetically different and distinguished by its use and chemical makeup. Hemp has long been cultivated for non-drug use in the production of industrial and other goods. Some estimate that the global market for hemp consists of more than 25,000 products. It can be grown as a fiber, seed, or other dual-purpose crop.

Chemical Facility Security: Reauthorization, Policy Issues, and Options for Congress

Posted Thu, 09/03/2009 - 00:00

The granted the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) statutory authority to regulate chemical facilities for security purposes. This authority expires in October 2009. The 111th Congress is taking action to reauthorize this program, but the manner of its reauthorization remains an issue of congressional debate. The Obama Administration and some Members of Congress support an extension, either short- or long-term, of the existing authority. Other Members call for revision and more extensive codification of chemical facility security authorities.

Airport Passenger Screening: Background and Issues for Congress

Posted Thu, 04/23/2009 - 00:00

Over the next several years, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will likely face continuing challenges to address projected growth in passenger airline travel while maintaining and improving upon the efficiency and effectiveness of passenger screening operations. New initiatives to expand the role of TSA personnel beyond screening operations, as well as initiatives to improve screening efficiency and effectiveness through the deployment of new technologies, will likely require additional investment.

Nonproliferation and Threat Reduction Assistance: U.S. Programs in the Former Soviet Union

Posted Thu, 03/19/2009 - 00:00

Congress passed the Nunn-Lugar amendment, authorizing U.S. threat reduction assistance to the former Soviet Union, in November 1991, after a failed coup in Moscow and the disintegration of the Soviet Union raised concerns about the safety and security of Soviet nuclear weapons. The annual program has grown from $400 million in the DOD budget a little over $1 billion across three agencies — DOD ($415.5 million) DOE ($529.9 million) and the State Department ($71 million).