U.S. Chamber Hails Department of Homeland Security

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Chamber of Commerce today praised the Department of Homeland Security for issuing the first Support Anti-Terrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies Act (SAFETY Act) certifications and designations, an important step in the quick deployment of new and innovative homeland security technologies and services.

"This announcement reaffirms that the government is serious about pushing forward with cutting edge anti-terrorism technologies and services to protect America's citizens and infrastructure," said Andrew Howell, Chamber vice president for homeland security policy. "The Chamber, and the business community at large, is committed to being an active partner in the wider use of these safety measures."

Importantly, the Department of Homeland Security reaffirmed that buyers of SAFETY Act-approved technologies and services, as well as those in the distribution and supply chain, will have the same tort protections granted to sellers of such products, according to the Chamber. Furthermore, the Department offered coverage to both small and large firms, as well as companies offering both technologies and services, and extended SAFETY Act coverage to several previously deployed anti-terror technologies.

The Chamber believes that implementing the SAFETY Act is critical to enhancing our nation's security and defense, as its liability limitations provide significant incentives for firms to deploy technologies and services that might otherwise not be available in the market.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region.

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