05-S1150 on May 26, 2005

OFFICIAL CONGRESSIONAL SUMMARY:

• Prohibits the export of a radiation source unless it has found specified requirements have been met.
• Establishes a mandatory tracking system for all radiation sources in the US.
• Establishes a task force to study the security of radiation sources from potential terrorist threats, including use of such radiation sources in a radiological dispersal device.
• Considers the impact on the availability of radiopharmaceuticals.
• Requires the a report to Congress on the location and status of all nuclear fuel exported by the federal government.

SPONSOR'S INTRODUCTORY REMARKS: Sen. CLINTON: Since Sept. 11, we have increased our focus on "dirty bombs," and rightly so. Most Americans are not aware of how common radioactive material is in our country. Often we think of warheads or rods used in nuclear reactors. However, we use less-radioactive materials in positive ways in our hospitals, research laboratories,

food irradiation plants, and even in smoke detectors. And although these materials have beneficial uses, the fact is that some of them, in the hands of a terrorist, could be used to make a dirty bomb that could be used to contaminate a wide area in NYC or in many other places across the country. This legislation fills in remaining gaps to enable the U.S. to more effectively control radiation sources.

1. The bill would give the Nuclear Regulatory Commission the authority and the mandate to control Radium-226 and other naturally occurring radioactive materials that for historical reasons have remained outside of federal control.
2. The bill develops a "cradle-to-grave" tracking system to ensure that we know where radiation sources of concern are at all times.
3. The bill requires the establishment of import and export controls for radiation sources.

LEGISLATIVE OUTCOME:Referred to Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works; never came to a vote.