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Dear Senator Lieberman and Senator Thompson: On behalf of the Alliance for the Responsible Use of Chlorine Chemistry (ARCC), a major coalition of U.S. unions and companies (www.chlorallies.org), we are writing to express our support for Congress's effort to pass strong homeland security legislation to protect America. It is incumbent on government, labor and business to work together to strengthen America's industrial infrastructure against attack. Specifically, we are writing to express the view that the physical and economic security of American jobs and infrastructure are first-line components of homeland security. As legislation is considered during this period of national self-examination and transition, the protection of U.S. jobs, communities and critical infrastructure must be deemed priorities. Some environmental activists want to attach language to the homeland security legislation in order to shut down or disrupt U.S. chemical plants. We do not support the use of the homeland security initiative to promote this agenda or other agendas not germane to the issue of protecting Americans from terrorist attacks. Where would Congress draw the line between shutting down critical infrastructure and jobs instead of improving security? As you are aware, the chemical industry has been working with the FBI, DOT and DOE since September 11 to improve security. These efforts are ongoing and expanding. We need to avoid unintended consequences, like eliminating chlorine which is the first line of defense against bioterrorism. A combination of new regulations and new voluntary initiatives will undoubtedly emerge as the nation addresses security issues over the long term. For the most part, such initiatives should arise from the activity of the newly-created office. ARCC has communicated to the Office of Homeland Security (see attached letter to Governor Ridge) that homeland security measures must protect workers' "right to security" by ensuring that sensitive information about manufacturing facilities is accessible to plant workers, first responders and other community leaders - but not to our enemies. In keeping with this approach, we now ask that Congress maintain its focus on setting up the new homeland security office and charging it with developing, through extensive intergovernmental and other consultation, ongoing improvements to U.S. homeland security that protect our people, our jobs and our workplaces from terrorist attack. We are prepared to assist in any way possible. Sincerely,
cc: Leader Thomas Daschle and Leader Trent Lott
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