State official seeks loaded weapons for soldiers guarding nuclear power plants
HARRISBURG – State Rep. Mike Veon wants National Guard soldiers assigned to protect the state’s nuclear power plants to have loaded weapons. And now, 199 other legislators agree with him. The state House of Representatives on Tuesday adopted a resolution crafted by Veon (D-Beaver) to put loaded guns into the hands of National Guard soldiers patrolling the state’s five nuclear power plants.
“I don’t believe this administration can continue to tell Pennsylvanians we are among the most prepared states in the nation in respect to homeland security when our soldiers aren’t even permitted to carry loaded weapons,” said Veon, whose district is located near the Beaver Valley Power Station in Shippingport.
Administration officials have declined to confirm or deny reports that soldiers can keep ammunition only in clips on their belts. Gov. Mark Schweiker is not required to obey Veon’s resolution.
“The resolution that passed is making assumptions that may or may not be true,” said Steve Aaron, a spokesman for Schweiker. “And as has been the case from day one, this administration does not comment on arming orders for our soldiers who are on patrol, particularly when this country is at war. And again we see Rep. Veon showing no regard for the soldiers and citizens living near these nuclear facilities. He’s putting them at risk by raising these issues publicly.”
But Veon said he has received several calls from soldiers and their families who disclosed that the National Guard is carrying unloaded weapons.
Both Veon and Aaron made accusations that the other wouldn’t work to resolve the dispute.
Veon’s resolution can only urge – and not force – Schweiker to direct soldiers to carry loaded weapons. Veon said he also will introduce a bill that would mandate action.
Since November, Schweiker has assigned soldiers to protect the state’s nuclear power plants in response to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.