Expanding Threat Reduction and Nonproliferation Programs: Concepts and Definitions

Publication Date: October 2004

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

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Research Area: Military and defense

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Abstract:

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.