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U.S. GOVERNMENT: No Fireworks on the Fourth of July?

House Judiciary Committee Chairman F. James Sensenbrenner, Jr. (R-Wis.) has urged the Departments of Justice, Transportation, and Homeland Security to resolve their dispute regarding Safe Explosives Act transport regulations for rail so fireworks can be delivered for Fourth of July celebrations.

Chairman Sensenbrenner wrote, "Currently, the lack of action on rail transport threatens to prevent the delivery of fireworks for the Fourth of July in many areas of the country. I ask that you move to issue interim regulations on rail by the end of this week so that the nation's fireworks will be delivered on time. Beyond that, I ask that you redouble your efforts to get the other necessary regulations out as quickly as possible so that further legislative action will not be necessary."

Last year, Congress passed the Safe Explosives Act to address the threat that felons, illegal aliens, and others could easily obtain explosives - a threat that has become even more serious since September 11, 2001.

"Regulations concerning transport by rail and other matters have been mired in interagency disputes....The lack of quick and decisive action has in some instances disrupted commerce while also raising serious concerns about potential security threats in transportation....The Departments of Transportation, Homeland Security, and Justice must work together to implement this law with regard to the transportation of explosives. Each is an integral part of ensuring that the security of these materials in transport is adequately addressed," Chairman Sensenbrenner added.

Written by U.S. Newswire 202-347-2770/ 05/30 11:29
TCopyright 2003, U.S. Newswire


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