Los Alamos Nat. Lab. (LANL) is one of 3 Nat. Nuclear Security Admin. (NNSA) labs. that designs and develops nuclear weapons for the U.S. stockpile. LANL employees rely on sensitive and classified information and assets that are protected at different levels, depending on the risks posed if they were lost, stolen, or otherwise compromised. However, LANL has experienced several significant security breaches during the past decade. This testimony provides: (1) views on physical security at LANL, as discussed in a report issued on June 13, 2008; (2) preliminary observations on physical security at Lawrence Livermore Nat. Lab.; and (3) views on cyber security at LANL, as discussed in a Sept. 9, 2008 report. Charts and tables.

The results of an examination of issues related to the adequacy of security at the DoE Los Alamos Nat. Lab. (LANL), NM; the Dept.1s security inspection process; and the feasibility of federalizing the Dept.1s security forces. In March 1989 the contract security force at the LANL began a 10-week strike. During the strike, DoE used temporary replacements from other facilities. LANL carries out nuclear weapons R&D, design, and testing activities. Therefore, continuous, effective security is essential to protect nuclear materials, weapons, and information. This report evaluates: the adequacy of security at LANL and other DoE facilities, DoE1s oversight of protective forces, and the feasibility of establishing Fed. security forces at DoE facilities.