Senators back legislation to increase nuclear plant security

Senate Environment and Public Works Chairman James Jeffords, I-Vt., and three Democratic committee members vowed today to approve legislation this year to beef up security at the nation's nuclear power plants.

The pledge comes after President Bush called for tighter security at nuclear plants and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission warned that reactors could be terrorist targets.

"We must do everything within our means to ensure that our nuclear power plants are safe and secure," Jeffords said.

Jeffords and Democratic Sens. Harry Reid of Nevada, Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut and Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York introduced legislation in November to bolster nuclear security. Reps. Edward Markey, D-Mass., and Nita Lowey, D-N.Y., introduced companion legislation in the House.