Halloran Fears EMP Threat

, R-Whitestone, says he'll join those in Congress pushing for a protocol in case there is an electromagenetic pulse threat to the electric power grid, .

An electromagenetic pluse is a burst of radiation caused by a nuclear detonation, or other types of explosions. Halloran Spokesman Steven Stites said in a release that the candidate pledged to join the EMP Caucus if he is elected to Congress.

From Halloran's office:

If elected to Congress, Dan Halloran (R-Flushing) pledges to fight the the threat posed by electromagnetic pulse by joining the House’s EMP Caucus. 

An electromagenetic pulse (EMP) is a burst of electromagnetic radiation caused by a sudden explosion, such as a nuclear detonation. According to EMPACT America, a bi-partisan nonprofit organization concerned with addressing the threat of electromagnetic pulse, “EMP is one of a small number of threats that can hold our society at risk of catastrophic consequences. EMP will cover the wide geographic region within line of sight to the nuclear weapon. It has the capability to produce significant damage to critical infrastructures and thus to the very fabric of US society, as well as to the ability of the United States and Western nations to project influence and military power.”

“An electromagnetic pulse would be a truly scary thing,” said Halloran.  “Creative terrorists could use this terrifying method of attack to hurt Americans for generations.  As terrorists’ tactics evolve, our defenses must evolve with them to keep our country safe.” 

In 2005, the U.S. Congress' EMP Commission wrote, “Russian and Chinese military scientists in open source writings describe the basic principles of nuclear weapons designed specifically to generate an enhanced EMP effect, that they term 'Super-EMP' weapons. ‘Super-EMP’ weapons, according to these foreign open source writings, can destroy even the best protected U.S. military and civilian electronic systems.” 

The House Caucus, formed by Rep. Trent Franks (R-Arizona), advocates the passage of the SHIELD Act, HR 668, which was introduced on Feb. 15, 2011, but has sat in subcommittee ever since.  The SHIELD Act would put in place safeguards to prevent a massive EMP-caused disaster.

“September 11, 2001 was only eleven years ago.  But far too many politicians in Washington have forgotten all about it,” Halloran said.  “Well, I haven’t.  When I get to Washington, I will do all I can to protect our City and our country.  That includes the potential next generation of terrorist attack methods, which could mean EMP.”