Bipartisan committee leaders seek update for nuclear smuggling deterrence programs

Bipartisan leaders from the House Committee on Energy and Commerce on Monday sent a letter to Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz seeking information on the current status of the National Nuclear Security Administration’s (NNSA) nuclear smuggling detection and deterrence programs (NSDD).

“We write today because recent international developments – particularly the rise of well-funded terror groups and the curtailment of U.S.-Russian cooperation on nuclear material security – have underscored the importance of NNSA’s Nuclear Smuggling Detection and Deterrence programs,” the letter said. “These developments have prompted us to take a closer look at the status of these programs,” wrote the bipartisan leaders. They noted that information reviewed to date has highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong deterrence and detection posture at foreign ports and border crossings, in partnerships with other nations.”

The cosigners said that the NSDD has spent approximately $1 billion, prompting many of the officials to question how the organization uses expenditures, technological development and the progress of international cooperation with the program.

The letter was signed by U.S. Reps. Fred Upton (R-MI), Tim Murphy (R-PA). Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Diana DeGette (D-CO).