Miller letter to Secretary Napolitano regarding shortage of helium-3 and radiation detection devices

November 20, 2009

 

 

 

The Honorable Janet Napolitano

Secretary

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Washington D.C. 20528

 

Dear Secretary Napolitano:

 

Earlier this week, at a hearing by the Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight, the Subcommittee members learned that the Department’s three-year attempt to install a new generation of radiation detection monitors at the nation’s ports and borders was indefinitely on hold because of a dire shortage of helium-3. According to Dr. William Hagan, acting deputy director of the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO), currently no helium-3 will be used for radiation portal monitor purposes.