Senators Seek Improved WMD Interception

Two U.S. senators have asked Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to improve methods for intercepting stolen weapons of mass destruction (see GSN, Aug. 24, 2005).

“A thorough, multifaceted nonproliferation strategy is essential to fully defend the American people,” Senator Richard Lugar (R-Ind.) and Barack Obama (D-Ill.) wrote in a letter to Rice last week. “We urge you to keep these critical initiatives foremost in importance and funding allocation.”

The two senators last year introduced legislation on detecting and reacquiring stolen weapons of mass destruction, along with securing conventional weapons. The Lugar-Obama program is based upon the Nunn-Lugar nonproliferation concept, according to a Lugar press statement.

“Our bill would … seek to get rid of artillery shells like those used in the improvised roadside bombs that have proved so deadly to U.S. forces in Iraq. In many circumstances, these are the weapons of choice of today's terrorists,” the senators’ letter states.

“The other part of the Lugar-Obama legislation would strengthen the ability of America’s friends and allies to detect and intercept illegal shipments of weapons and materials of mass destruction,” the letter adds. According to the release, the United States lacks the means to effectively support allies’ efforts to improve their ability to detect and secure weapons of mass destruction. 

Between 1993 and 2004, the International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed 650 cases of illegal trafficking of nuclear materials around the world.

Under the Nunn-Lugar program, 6,760 Soviet nuclear warheads have been deactivated and 58,000 former nuclear scientists employed, according to the press release.

“The Nunn-Lugar program has provided a solid foundation, valuable experience and measurable results. We intend the Lugar-Obama legislation to take the next critical step forward to reshape, refocus and reinvigorate our country’s nonproliferation mission,” the senators’ wrote.

They asked Rice to include money to reorganize the nonproliferation programs in her department’s budget request for fiscal 2007 (U.S. Senator Richard Lugar release, Jan. 9).

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