Combating Terrorism: Role of the National Guard Response Teams : Hearing Before the Subcommittee on National Security, Veterans Affairs, and International Relations of the Committee on Government Reform, House of Representatives, One Hundred Sixth Congress, First Session, June 23, 1999

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Page 3 - I ask unanimous consent that all members of the subcommittee be permitted to place an opening statement in the record and that the record remain open for 3 days for that purpose.
Page 1 - Rayburn House Office Building, Hon. Christopher Shays (chairman of the subcommittee) presiding. Present: Representatives Shays, Souder, Terry, Blagojevich, Schakowsky, and Tierney.
Page 6 - Before the Subcommittee on National Security, Veterans Affairs and International Relations Committee on Government Reform US House of Representatives On Domestic Preparedness Efforts May 26, 1999 Washington, DC Mr.
Page 10 - Agency officials also have noted that terrorists' use of nuclear weapons is the least likely scenario, although the consequences could be disastrous.
Page 10 - According to intelligence agencies, conventional explosives and firearms continue to be the weapons of choice for terrorists. Terrorists are less likely to use chemical and biological weapons than conventional explosives, 'although the likelihood that terrorists may use chemical and biological materials may increase over the next decade.
Page 10 - ... terrorists' use of nuclear weapons is the least likely scenario, although the consequences could be disastrous. According to the FBI, the threat from chemical and biological weapons is low, but some groups and individuals of concern are beginning to show interest in such weapons. This fiscal year, DOD started fielding 10 RAID teams. According to Army officials, the Secretary of Defense plans that the RAID teams will be dedicated forces for domestic incidents. The initial 10 teams are located...
Page 12 - ... Federal, state, and local officials generally agree that a chemical terrorist incident would look like a major hazardous material emergency. According to the International Association of Fire Chiefs, over 600 local and state hazardous material teams will be the first to respond to a chemical incident. If local responders are unable to manage the situation or are overwhelmed, the incident commander has access to state and federal assets. A variety of federal teams could be deployed to provide...
Page 8 - RAID teams' responsibilities and how they plan to meet these responsibilities. SUMMARY While DOD has defined the specific mission for the RAID teams, the plans for these relatively new teams and their implementation continue to evolve. We found that there are differing views among federal and state officials on the role and use of the RAID teams and how they will fit into state and federal plans to respond to WMD incidents. Among the principal federal agencies involved, Army officials believe the...
Page 8 - ... advise these authorities regarding appropriate actions, and facilitate requests for assistance to expedite the arrival of additional state and federal military assets. As you know, over the past 3 years we have studied and reported on a number of issues concerning federal agencies...
Page 3 - Byrd, but if you all would stand, raise your right hands. [Witnesses sworn.] Mr. SHAYS. Note for the record our witnesses have responded in the affirmative.

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