Full Bill Text

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.

Full Bill Text

Full Bill Text