Bipartisan National Security Officials Call on Congress to Prevent Nuclear Terrorism
Media Contacts: Jack Brosnan, Program Manager, Partnership for a Secure America, 202-293-8580;
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Secretary Jeh Johnson Joins PSA Advisory Board
Washington, DC – Today, Partnership for a Secure America (PSA) welcomes Secretary Jeh Johnson as a member of the organization’s renowned bipartisan Advisory Board. Johnson served as the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security from December 2013 to January 2017. He is widely recognized for his pragmatic leadership and is credited with building a more effective, cohesive DHS.
Prior to leading the Department of Homeland Security, Secretary Johnson served as General Counsel to the U.S. Department of Defense from 2009-2012 where he was a primary legal architect of the Obama administration’s military counterterrorism mission. From 1998 to 2001, Johnson was General Counsel of the U.S. Air Force under the Clinton Administration.
By joining the PSA Advisory Board, Johnson becomes the 23rd member of this distinguished bipartisan group.
“I am honored to join PSA’s Advisory Board,” said Johnson. “Bipartisanship is crucial to overcoming the challenges we currently face to our national security. These challenges are not partisan and solving them demands significant collaboration across the aisle. I very much believe in PSA’s mission and look forward to supporting PSA’s efforts to promote bipartisan solutions.”
“We are pleased to welcome Secretary Johnson to the PSA Advisory Board,” said Nathan Sermonis, PSA Executive Director. “Secretary Johnson’s extensive experience, notable leadership, and commitment to bipartisanship will bring new insight to our mission, and we look forward to working together.”
PSA is a nonprofit founded by former U.S. Representative Lee Hamilton (D-IN) and the late U.S. Senator Warren Rudman (R-NH) to promote bipartisanship on foreign policy and national security issues facing the country today. Utilizing the leadership of its Advisory Board, PSA has unique credibility and experience to generate space for thoughtful discussion and craft effective policy that advances America’s national interests.
First-Ever Study Finds Congressional Attention on Nuclear Security Waning as Nuclear Terrorism Threat Persists
For Immediate Release: July 26, 2016
Media Contacts: Nathan Sermonis, Executive Director, Partnership for a Secure America, (202) 293-8580; Jack Brosnan, Program Associate, Partnership for a Secure America, 202-293-8580; Kingston Reif, Director for Disarmament and Threat Reduction Policy. Arms Control Association, 202-463-8270 ext. 104; Tony Fleming, Director for Communications and Operations, Arms Control Association, 202-463-8270 ext. 110
(Washington, D.C.)—A new report from Partnership for a Secure America and the Arms Control Association reveals a concerning diminution of congressional leadership and interest in critical efforts to prevent nuclear terrorism.
The report, Empowering Congress on Nuclear Security: Blueprints for a New Generation, assesses current congressional staff attitudes about nuclear security and explores the role of Congress and case studies in congressional leadership on this issue. The report also offers action items for lawmakers in enhancing nuclear security efforts and reducing global stockpiles of nuclear materials.
“As the threat of nuclear terrorism continues to loom, America must maintain its leadership of global efforts to keep dangerous nuclear and radiological materials out of the wrong hands,” said Nathan Sermonis, Executive Director of Partnership for a Secure America. “Unfortunately, congressional interest has steeply declined with nuclear security faded from the headlines. We need, however, an all-of-government approach to advance the most effective measures against this threat.”
This joint report, made possible by funding provided by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, comes at a time when national attention on the security of nuclear and radioactive materials is decreasing even as these materials remain at risk from theft and more countries express interest in nuclear research and development.
“Despite significant progress in securing and eliminating nuclear materials around the world and the continued dedicated leadership role of several lawmakers, there is a need for Congress to play a more active role in shaping nuclear security policy,” noted Kingston Reif, Director for Disarmament and Threat Reduction Policy at the Arms Control Association. “We provide an important blueprint to build upon Congress’ historic bipartisan achievements on nuclear security and engage a new generation of policy advisers on Capitol Hill.”
To mark the publication of the report, Partnership for a Secure America and the Arms Control Association will be hosting an invitation-only event July 26 on Capitol Hill for congressional staff. The event will feature Ambassador Linton Brooks, Ambassador Bonnie Jenkins, and General Frank Klotz.
For more information about the report, please contact Partnership for a Secure America at info@psaonline.org or (202) 293-8580, or the Arms Control Association at kingston@armscontrol.org or (202) 463-8270 ext. 104.
The full report, Empowering Congress on Nuclear Security: Blueprints for a New Generation, is available online.