National Security & Emergency Preparedness Issues

American business has a multifaceted stake in a strong national defense and a homeland security policy that safeguards Americans while also protecting their mobility, their freedom and their way of life.  If terrorism or the threat of it chokes off our ability to move people and goods in a global economy, we will pay a tremendous price in growth and prosperity.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce National Security and Emergency Preparedness Department provides Chamber members a forum to shape the institution's efforts to both increase homeland security and ensure the openness and mobility that are critical to our economy.  This message is advanced through Congressional testimony, regulatory filings, meetings with Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials, media outreach and public forums with elected officials and members of the business community.  The Task Force focuses on providing policy guidance and recommendations on critical homeland security issues affecting our economy.

The Chamber recently announced that the Homeland Security Division is expanding to the National Security and Emergency Preparedness Department in order to address the critical need for pre-planned and coordinated responses to natural disasters and global security issues.

Critical issues facing the National Security and Emergency Preparedness Department include the following:

• Critical Infrastructure and Cyber Security Protection: The Chamber is committed to the development of strong public-private partnerships to protect our nation's critical infrastructure, 85% of which is owned and operated by the private sector.  The Chamber works closely with DHS and the Congress to develop strategies to protect critical infrastructure, facilitate information sharing, and effectively manage risks.
• Transportation and Supply Chain Security:  The free-flow of goods and people across our borders is the lifeblood of the American economy.  Businesses increasingly rely upon global supply chains and efficient transportation systems for just-in-time delivery of goods.  The Chamber vigorously opposes imposing costly mandates on businesses that threaten to disrupt our economy, while doing little to enhance security.  The Chamber supports risk-based measures that strike a balance between enhancing security, while facilitating legitimate trade and travel.
• Emergency Preparedness and Response: Ensuring that businesses have access to the necessary tools and information for maintaining continuity in the event of a natural or man-made disaster is a top Chamber priority.  The Chamber participates in the National Exercise Program, provides comments on national strategies and guidance documents, and serves as a conduit for private sector input on federal disaster logistics.  The Chamber routinely undertakes efforts to educate businesses on how to prepare and respond against a pandemic outbreak.
• Export Control Modernization The Chamber is working to advance a modernized export control regime that is efficient, predictable, and timely and supports United States commercial competitiveness and national security.  The Chamber is a founding member of the Coalition for Security and Competitiveness and this important export control modernization coalition has introduced a number of key recommendations that have been incorporated in a series of presidential directives.
• SAFETY Act Implementation: The SAFETY Act provides liability protection to promote the development of qualified anti-terror technologies.  The Chamber works with DHS and the Congress to ensure that this critical risk mitigation tool remains available to protect businesses that are developing products and services that are essential in the fight against terrorism.
• National Guard and Reserve Policy: Working with the Department of Defense and other associations, the Chamber seeks to strengthen the employer- reserve community partnership and develop strategies with private sector input to enhance the predictability of National Guard and Reserve call-ups.