Biological and Chemical Weapons: Criminal Sanctions and Federal Regulations (CRS Report for Congress)
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| Release Date |
Feb. 5, 2004 |
| Report Number |
RL32220 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
Michael John Garcia, American Law Division |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
The Biological Weapons Convention and the Chemical Weapons Convention, both of which
have
been signed and ratified by the United States, obligate signatory parties to enact legislation or
otherwise restrict the development, use, and acquisition of biological and chemical weapons within
their territorial jurisdiction. In accordance with these obligations, the United States has enacted
various federal requirements and criminal sanctions applying to biological and chemical weapons.
Recent anti-terrorism legislation, such as the USA PATRIOT Act, amended many of these
provisions, broadening the scope of criminal sanctions relating to the use of biological and chemical
weapons and materials. Further, a number of miscellaneous statutory provisions dealing with
terrorism and weapons of mass destruction (WMD) also covers chemical and biological materials
in the context of restrictions on specific types of actions. Additionally, the United States has adopted
strict regulations and licensing procedures concerning the acquisition, handling, and transfer of
biological agents.
