Short Takes – 5-28-24

Our Chemical Facilities Are Vulnerable To Attack. RealClearDefense.com article. Pull quote: “The chemical industry hasn’t been shy about opposing excessive federal regulations, but this is one program that has proven effective. In fact, a recent survey of American Chemistry Council members found that 96 percent support restoring the program, and 85 percent are concerned that failure to do so will compromise security. And this strong support for the program extends beyond industry. Law enforcement organizations, emergency responders, and labor unions have also called on Congress to restore CFATS.”

GOP tempers expectations on appropriations bills. TheHill.com article. Pull quote: ““The floor poses some very interesting dynamics,” he said. “You got to be able to pass a rule. If you can’t pass a rule, and you’ve got to do it on suspension, and you’re not going to get Democratic votes. Inherently, there were some challenges there that we’re going to have to overcome.””

US, European nations consider vaccinating workers exposed to bird flu. Reuters.com article. Pull quote: “The decision on how and when to use the vaccine will hinge on evidence of increased transmission, severity of disease, cases in people with no link to a dairy farm and mutations in the virus, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Principal Deputy Director Nirav Shah said.”

DIU Taps the Spaceport Company to Demonstrate Novel Sea-Based Space Launch Infrastructure. ExecutiveGov.com article. Pull quote: “TSC said Tuesday the first leg of the Novel Responsive Space Delivery project calls for a capability to rapidly send satellites to space from a unique, sea-going mobile space launch complex on a regular, commercial basis.”