The
proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (nuclear, biological,
and chemical weapons) and the means to deliver them, such as
ballistic and cruise missiles, has made the world a more dangerous
place. A number of independent commissions and a multitude of
assessments by the U.S. Intelligence Community have consistently
reported that the threat has steadily increased since the end of the
Cold War.
These threats to our national security are being fueled in no
small measure by "key supplier" countries like China, Russia, and
North Korea. China has sold nuclear components and missiles to
Pakistan, missile parts to Libya, cruise missiles to Iran, and
shared a wide variety of sensitive technologies with North Korea.
Russia has provided nuclear weapons assistance to Iran, and missile
technology to North Korea. And North Korea has provided missile
technology to a variety of countries in the Middle East and Africa,
and openly acknowledges that these sales are one of its main sources
of hard currency.
China and others have also diverted or misused many sensitive
"dual-use" technologies, which were legally acquired from United
States corporations, to further their military modernization. These
actions have occurred despite many of these countries' public
reassurances and commitments to several international
nonproliferation treaties.
All of these events lead to one bottom line: that dangers to the
United States exist and are increasing; that the unfettered sale of
"dual-use" and military-related technologies are abetting those
threats; and that the problem is being fueled by a few key suppliers
like China, Russia, and North Korea.
During his time as Chairman of the
Governmental Affairs Committee, which has jurisdiction over
proliferation, Senator Thompson has examined these issues very
closely. Over the past four years, the Government Affairs Committee
has held over a dozen hearings on the threat to our national
security posed by proliferation and exposed the Clinton
Administration's failure to vigorously enforce U.S. nonproliferation
and export control laws.
In response, Senator Thompson has introduced the China
Nonproliferation Act, which requires an annual review of
proliferation by key supplier countries, establishes clear
standards, reasonable penalties, adequate presidential waivers,
congressional oversight, and much-needed transparency. This
legislation specifically targets government entities, companies, and
individuals in "key supplier" states who provide weapons of mass
destruction, military-related technologies, or expertise to nations
that do not abide by international nonproliferation agreements and
threaten our national security interests.
Senator Thompson is also one of the four "national security
chairmen" responsible for preventing passage of the Export
Administration Act that contained provisions that significantly
weakened our export control laws. This legislation sought to loosen
controls on the export of "dual use" items, items that can be used
for military or commercial purposes, such as high performance
computers and chemical sprayers. He said that the U.S. should not be
selling technology to rogue states and others that could be possibly
used against the United States and its allies in some future
conflict.
Overall, Senator Thompson believes that the U.S. cannot continue
this charade of confronting proliferation by establishing more
commissions, and holding hearings, while passing legislation that
contributes to the problem, and ignores serious violations of
nonproliferation agreements. Nor does he believe the U.S. can afford
more empty promises from Beijing and Pyongyang. This serious threat
of proliferation requires us to act in a firm, responsible, and
balanced manner. The U.S. must send the right message abroad: the
United States will not tolerate continued proliferation of weapons
of mass destruction and related technologies.
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