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Democratic Leaders Address the Threat of Weapons of Mass DestructionReid and Pelosi Receive Report from National Security Advisory GroupWashington, D.C. - The failure of action by the Bush Administration to fully protect Americans from the terrorist threat of weapons of mass destruction was addressed today bySenate Democratic Leader Harry Reid and House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, who stood with members of the National Security Advisory Group, chaired by former Defense Secretary William J. Perry. Perry delivered a report to the leaders entitled, "Worst Weapons in Worst Hands: U.S. Inaction on the Nuclear Terror Threat Since 9/11, And A Path Of Action," which details the significant shortcomings by the Bush Administration to contain these weapons and materials and offers key recommendations that will help to protect Americans from this threat. "The most important threat we face is the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, yet this Administration's missteps in House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi said: "The report concludes that the The Democratic Leaders discussed their resolve to do everything possible to protect Americans from terrorism both here and abroad. As the report outlines, the Bush Administration's failure to remain focused on the nuclear threat posed by both "I urge the President and his advisors to consider carefully the plan for action described by Secretary Perry, Secretary Albright, and the National Security Advisory Group in this excellent report," Pelosi said. "Protecting the American people is a bipartisan responsibility, and Democrats stand ready to work with Republicans to protect Americans from terrorism." Reid said: "It's time we did everything we can to protect Americans and focus in on the threats we face," Reid said. "This report makes very serious recommendations, and Democrats intend to use them to put this country back on the right path. I hope my Republican colleagues will join us in taking up these recommendations and keeping Americans safe." The members of the National Security Advisory Group are William J. Perry, Madeleine K. Albright, Graham T. Allison, Samuel R. Berger, Ashton B. Carter, Wesley K. Clark, Thomas E. Donilon, Michele A. Flournoy, John D. Podesta, Susan E. Rice, John M. Shalikashvili, Wendy R. Sherman, Elizabeth D. Sherwood-Randall, and James B. Steinberg. # # # WORST WEAPONS IN WORST HANDS Report by National Security Advisory Group The gravest threat facing Americans today is a terrorist detonating a nuclear bomb in one of our cities. The National Security Advisory Group (NSAG) judges that the Bush Administration is taking insufficient actions to counter this threat. The Administration is fighting a global war on terror, but not yet a global war on WMD. REPORT ON ACTIONS TO COUNTER WMD AFTER 9/11 Actions Taken: · The invasion of · The renunciation of WMD by Qadaffi's · The exposure of the A.Q. Khan network by member states of the Proliferation Security Initiative stopped some trafficking in WMD technology, but an unknown amount is unaccounted for and the black market may still be functioning. Serious Setbacks: · · Inaction: · Efforts to secure "loose nukes," such as the Nunn-Lugar program, are little changed from their pre-9/11 levels. · Diplomatic efforts to strengthen the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty were touted by President Bush but have not produced results. ADVISORY GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS Reverse the Setbacks · · On Expedite the Securing of all "Loose Nukes": · Move from assistance to partnership. · Accelerate and strengthen U.S.-Russian cooperation. Build Russian commitment to sustain high levels of security once international assistance ends. Agree on what levels of security are needed and what standards should be met. Decide on specific deadlines for when all loose Russian nuclear weapons and materials will be contained and secured. Resolve remaining access and liability issues. Consolidate nuclear stockpiles. Develop nuclear "security culture." Exchange "best practices" for securing nukes. Work together on nuclear security in the rest of the world to ensure that every weapon and every kilogram of material worldwide is secured and accounted for. · Improve Nunn-Lugar. Streamline to remove bureaucratic obstacles. Establish who is in charge. Strengthen the Non-Proliferation Treaty System: · The |
“ Democrats are united in presenting a New Direction for America, one that will make our nation as strong as its people, one that brings opportunity, security, and prosperity to all Americans. ” Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi |
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