Expanding Threat Reduction and Nonproliferation Programs: Concepts and Definitions (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
Oct. 5, 2004 |
| Report Number |
RS21840 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
Amy F. Woolf, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
President Bush, Members of Congress, and analysts outside government have suggested that
the
United States provide threat reduction and nonproliferation assistance to nations outside the former
Soviet Union. Some propose expanding assistance to contain proliferation; others support programs
to stop terrorists from acquiring weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Some support assisting only
those nations with WMD programs; others support assistance for any nation with WMD materials
or knowledge. Some support assistance with the storage or elimination of weapons; others believe
the United States should "lock down" all WMD materials. Some believe the United States can fund
expanded programs from the existing budget for nonproliferation and threat reduction assistance;
others support large increases in the existing budget. The report of the 9/11 Commission called for
continued support for threat reduction assistance. H.R. 10 , the 9/11 Recommendations
Implementation Act, calls for a review of U.S. policy in this area. This report will be updated as
needed.
