Key Votes

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

National Key Votes

Joe Biden, Jr. voted Nay (Passage) on this legislation.

Read recent statements Joe Biden, Jr. 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)