WASHINGTON, D.C. — A US Congressional report suggests further security crackdowns are required at the Canada-US border, where it is too easy to slip through radioactive material into the US according to Senators.

The report accused Canada of harbouring terrorists who could easily cross into the US carrying harmful devices or materials.

“It’s so hard to believe there’s been so little progress in plugging these gaping security holes,” Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley, said during a Capitol Hill hearing. “They’re simply wide open, waiting to be crossed by anyone carrying anything, even a dirty bomb or a suitcase-type nuclear device.”

The report said American investigators were successful in transporting duffel bags with simulated radioactive material across the border.

US Senator Ken Salazar of Colorado suggested too much emphasis has been placed on the Mexico border and not enough on the northern ports of entry. There are about 12,000 border patrol officers working on the US-Mexico border and only about 1,000 enforcing the northern border. Salazar also suggested there are more international terrorist groups active in Canada than anywhere else in the world.

“We work hand and glove with American authorities dealing with any kinds of threats or potential threats,” Prime Minister Stephen Harper told the Canadian Press in response. “We are making significant investments as well, in both processes and people (by) hiring more border guards. So we’re doing our bit.”

– With files from the Canadian Press