Key Votes

S 495 - Chemical and Biological Weapons Threat Reduction Act - Key Vote

National Key Votes

Rick Santorum voted Yea (Passage) on this legislation.

Read recent statements Rick Santorum made in this general time period.

Stages

Family

Issues

Stage Details

Legislation - Referred to Committee (House) -

Legislation - Bill Passed (Senate) (53-44) - (Key vote)

Title: Chemical and Biological Weapons Threat Reduction Act

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that would establish criminal penalties for possession of chemical or biological weapons.

Highlights:
  • Declares that it should be U.S. policy to take all appropriate measures to prevent and deter the threat or use of chemical or biological weapons.
  • Suggests that it should be U.S. policy to discourage proliferation and prohibit development of chemical or biological weapons within the U.S.
  • Requires that the death penalty or life sentence be imposed on anyone whose use of such weapons results in the death of another individual.
  • Authorizes the President to suspend a person's right to export any goods or technology from the U.S. if the individual violates any chemical or biological weapons laws.
  • Requires the President, after consulting with Congress, to impose at least 5 different sanctions for three years on any foreign government that uses chemical or biological weapons in violation of international law.
  • Mandates that the President report annually to the Speaker and specified congressional committees regarding proliferation by foreign countries, as well as foreign persons and subnational groups assisting in proliferation.
  • Expresses the sense of Congress that the armed forces should place more emphasis protecting deployed troops from chemical and biological weapons attacks.
  • Prohibits the President from issuing orders that diminish the right of law enforcement officials to use riot control agents on a domestic level.
See The Voting Record

Legislation - Introduced (Senate) -

Title: Chemical and Biological Weapons Threat Reduction Act


Sponsors

  • Jon Kyl (AZ - R) (Out Of Office)

Co-sponsors

  • Edmond Spencer Abraham (MI - ) (Out Of Office)
  • Wayne A. Allard (CO - R) (Out Of Office)
  • John D. Ashcroft (MO - ) (Out Of Office)
  • Samuel D. 'Sam' Brownback (KS - R) (Out Of Office)
  • Paul D. Coverdell (GA - R) (Out Of Office)
  • Jesse Helms (NC - R) (Out Of Office)
  • Y. Tim Hutchinson (AR - R) (Out Of Office)
  • Kay Bailey Hutchison (TX - R) (Out Of Office)
  • Chester Trent Lott Sr. (MS - R) (Out Of Office)
  • Connie Mack (FL - R) (Out Of Office)
  • Don Nickles (OK - ) (Out Of Office)
  • Robert Clinton 'Bob' Smith (NH - R) (Out Of Office)