Department Of Homeland Security Won't Have Regulatory Authority For Chemical Industry Security

WASHINGTON — In one of the final acts of the 107th Congress, President Bush won approval for creation of a Department of Homeland Security with a 90 to 9 approval vote by the Senate Nov. 19.  Eventually, some 170,000 government employees from 22 agencies will be folded into the new entity.  As in the House-passed measure, the bill does not contain any new regulatory authority for chemical industry security.  It now goes to the White House for signature after House leaders agree to some technical provisions in the Senate version.  Bush has indicated he will nominate Tom Ridge, current head of Homeland Security, as secretary of the new department.