The US government is eager to reclaim authority to prevent deadly substances from falling into the hands of radicals

After losing its ability to prevent deadly materials from falling into the hands of terrorists a month ago, the government is concerned for the safety of chemical sites around the nation.

Since its inception, the Department of Homeland Security has had the authority to check the security measures in place at chemical storage and usage sites. Additionally, the establishments themselves must investigate any potential hires' connections to terrorism.

However, the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards program was not renewed by Congress, and it ended on July 28. Homeland Security officials claim that this left huge gaps in the nation's security, and they are urging Congress to take swift action this week when it reconvenes. 

Alejandro Mayorkas, the secretary of homeland security, told guests of the Chemical Security Summit, which took place in northern Virginia last week, that "the risk that terrorists could access and weaponize the dangerous chemicals produced in these facilities increases by the day."