Nuclear Testing and Comprehensive Test Ban: Chronology Starting September 1992

Publication Date: August 2005

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Military and defense

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Abstract:

The Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) bans "any nuclear weapon test explosion or any other nuclear explosion." It was opened for signature in September 1996. In September 1997, President Clinton submitted it to the Senate, which rejected it in October 1999. The Bush Administration has not requested Senate consideration of the treaty. This report details actions on nuclear testing and the treaty starting with the most recent U.S. test in September 1992. It complements CRS Issue Brief IB92099, Nuclear Weapons: Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty and Nuclear Testing, which discusses earlier history, issues, and current developments, and CRS Report RS20351, Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty: Pro and Con, which presents arguments for and against the treaty. This report will be updated; see the issue brief for interim updates.