Biological and Chemical Weapons: Criminal Sanctions and Federal Regulations

Publication Date: February 2004

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

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Research Area: Military and defense

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Abstract:

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 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.