LIFE IN THE ERA OF HOPE AND CHANGE: ‘Important Time’ to Prep Country for Chemical Weapons Attacks. “The head of the nation’s chemical defense program warned that the nation faces ‘an important time’ when it comes to addressing the potential for toxic attacks and the federal government is working with local agencies to both defend against assaults and go over how to respond should one occur. Appearing before the House Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response and Communications, Dr. Mark Kirk, director of the Chemical Defense Program in the Department of Homeland Security, reminded lawmakers that chemical agents are used to kill or incapacitate large numbers of people, cause permanent or long-lasting harm, contaminate critical infrastructure and create uncertainty, fear and panic.”