Fwd: National Security Update – Lights out for America? The Threat of an EMP Attack

heritage.org | Heritage research | Blog |                        July 26, 2010 Issue in Depth: Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Attack The threats posed by an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attack are not widely known by the average American, but present a huge danger to U.S. National Security. Nevertheless, this issue receives far too little attention in Congress. An EMP is a high-intensity burst of electromagnetic energy. In an attack, these particles interact and send electrical systems into chaos. The effects of a ballistic missile equipped with an EMP device would be devastating. With the electric grid fried by the resulting electromagnetic pulse, banks, air traffic, hospitals, and running water would all be compromised, leading to unprecedented crises. The threat makes the need for a comprehensive missile defense system that much more vital. The implementation of such a sys¬tem would serve to prevent an attack by dissuading those who wish to carry out such actions and sending a clear message that the U.S. takes this threat seriously. Please see our most recent research on the dangers of an EMP attack in this week's National Security Update. Latest Research: Independent Working Group: Countering the EMP Threat: The Role of Missile Defense Among the threats facing the United States are short-range ballistic missiles launched from vessels such as freighters, tankers, or container ships off our shores to detonate a warhead that could have catastrophic Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) consequences for the United States. No national strategy addresses either the EMP threat or underwrites a serious program to counter the delivery of EMP by a ballistic missile launched from a vessel off our coasts. The Heritage Foundation: Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Attack: A Preventable Homeland Security Catastrophe A major threat to America has been largely ignored by those who could prevent it. An electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attack could wreak havoc on the nation's electronic systems-shutting down power grids, sources, and supply mechanisms. An EMP attack on the United States could irreparably cripple the country. The Heritage Foundation: Time for an EMP Recognition Day On March 23, 1983, President Ronald Reagan gave a famous speech where he outlined his plans for the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), aimed at protecting America from a nuclear missile attack using land- and sea-based missile defense systems. On the anniversary of this famous oratory, however, America faces another threat, one that requires Congress's immediate attention: an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attack. The Heritage Foundation: Congress Starts Thinking Seriously About Cybersecurity - but More Thinking Needed Given the need to develop a cohesive strategy for tackling the security challenges posed by the cyber domain, it is essential that Congress digs into the difficult issues and finds smart solutions—drafting the two bills is an important first step. But even more work is required from Congress if America's cybersecurity challenges are to be successfully met. More Blogs: The Foundry: Don't Let the Lights Go Out: Defend Against EMP We've been warned. In 2004, the Commission to Assess the Threat of the United States from Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) reported that "EMP is one of a small number of threats that can hold our society at risk of catastrophic consequences." The Foundry: Iran's 'World Without America' and the EMP Threat Recent reports indicate Iran could have a nuclear bomb by 2015, if not earlier. What has been largely ignored is Iran's ability to acquire an equally destructive device, an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) weapon. Clifford D. May, president of the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, and I recently penned an article describing how Iran can achieve its destructive ends — "a world without America." The Foundry: Rethinking the Defense Budget...Yet Again Washington's latest over-used phrase—"rethinking the defense budget"—has, for many policymakers, come to mean "what can we cut next?"   More Events: July 28, 2010, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.  Location: Washington, DC The Heritage Foundation: Keeping America Free, Safe, and Prosperous: Counterterrorism in the Obama Administration Join us as Representative Peter King (R-NY) addresses counterterrorism in the Obama Administration and the future of homeland security. July 29, 2010, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Location: Washington, DC The Heritage Foundation: Skating on Stilts: Why We Aren't Stopping Tomorrow's Terrorism Drawing on his experience, former Homeland Security official Stewart A. Baker argues for building prudent new security measures around these key information networks. August 24-25, 2010 Location: Washington, DC National Defense University: The Economic Element of National Power: Economic Security is National Security This symposium seeks to illuminate and promote informed discussion on the ways in which government and commercial sector leaders must work together to reform and revitalize our national economy to support enhanced national security. Featured speakers include government officials and a wide range of private sector experts. Copyright All Rights Reserved © 2009, The Heritage Foundation The Heritage Foundation | 214 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002 | 202.546.4400