Hunter Opening Statement for Armed Services Committee Hearing on Electromagnetic Pulse Threat

Jul 9, 2008
Press Release

Contact: Josh Holly; 202.226.3988

 

Hunter Opening Statement for Armed Services Committee Hearing on Electromagnetic Pulse Threat

 

Washington D.C. – U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA), Ranking Republican on the Armed Services Committee, today released the following opening statement for the committee’s hearing on threats posed by a potential electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attack:

"Thank you to my good friend, Ike Skelton, for holding today’s hearing on the threat posed by an electromagnetic pulse attack. I would also like to thank my friend, Roscoe Bartlett, who has been a strong and often lone voice in raising this important topic before the Congress.

"Our guest this morning is Dr. William Graham, the Chairman of the Commission to Assess the Threat to the United States from Electromagnetic Pulse Attack, which was established in 2001 under the leadership of this Committee. We also welcome all the EMP Commissioners here today and thank you for your dedicated service.

"Four years ago this Committee heard from the EMP Commission on its first report. The report concluded that ‘EMP is one of a small number of threats that can hold our society at risk of catastrophic consequences.’ At today’s hearing, we will get an update on the EMP threat and the current vulnerabilities of our critical infrastructures, particularly America’s critical defense infrastructures. I am very interested in hearing your testimony and reviewing the Commission’s recommendations to prevent, protect, and recover from an EMP attack, as described in your latest congressional report: Critical National Infrastructures.

"Over the years, national security experts have been concerned about the EMP threat to the United States. During the Cold War, we were principally concerned about a massive Soviet nuclear strike. We hardened a large number of our military systems to operate through a nuclear environment, but relied on mutually assured destruction to protect our cities and civilian infrastructure.

"In a post-Cold War world, we have seen a shift in the strategic environment. Nuclear proliferation has increased the risk that one of several rogue or non-state actors could detonate even a single nuclear weapon, creating widespread EMP effects. Other countries, such as Iran, may already have the capability to target the continental U.S. with a short- or medium-range missile launched from a freighter off our East Coast. Launching over the Arabian Sea, they could also effectively disable our forward deployed forces. Yesterday’s and today’s missile launches are significant reminders of this clear and present danger. This is especially troubling if Iran is also developing EMP technology. Dr. Graham, I hope you will address Iran’s intent and capability to conduct an EMP attack.

"The Commission’s 2004 report discussed at length the disabling consequences of an EMP threat to our electrical power, telecommunications, banking and finance, energy, transportation, food, and water supply infrastructures. Given America’s reliance on critical and technological infrastructure it is often difficult to imagine the scope of how our lives would be seriously altered and how our security and safety would be jeopardized if such systems were ‘knocked out’. But it is that very reliance, and our potential adversaries’ determination to focus on our perceived ‘Achilles Heel’ that we must imagine, discuss, and plan for those possibilities.

"There are some who believe that the EMP threat is only a homeland security issue. However, there is a clear nexus between defense and homeland security. I am particularly concerned about the implications of an EMP attack on our armed forces, continuity of military operations, and critical defense infrastructure. The past few years have given you an opportunity to examine this topic in greater detail, and engage the Department of Defense on measures they can take to protect our armed forces and critical defense infrastructures from the risk of EMP. This morning, I am interested in hearing your assessment of the Department of Defense’s efforts to mitigate the risks of an EMP attack at home and abroad.

"Practically speaking, we can’t afford to protect everything, everywhere. But we do need to engage in a dialogue and identify our priorities. Today’s hearing is focused on the Commission, but the longer-term dialogue must include all interested interagency partners, including the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, the Intelligence community and other relevant agencies, as well as the private sector.

"Though the likelihood of an EMP attack may be small, the consequences could be catastrophic. And for that reason alone, we can’t ignore it. On behalf of myself and this Committee I commend the EMP Commission for your efforts over the years. Thank you again for appearing before the committee. We look forward to your testimony."

 

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