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New law prohibits transfer of chemical weapons

Associated Press
Fri, May 13, 2005

WASHINGTON A new law signed by President Bush includes a provision blocking the Defense Department from studying the feasibility of moving chemical weapons materials across state lines.

The measure was included in a special bill authorizing an additional 82 (B) billion dollars for Iraq and Afghanistan and fighting terrorism worldwide. The president signed the measure yesterday, a day after it was given final approval by the Senate.

The Army announced in April that chemical weapons transport across state lines was no longer under consideration, after lawmakers objected.

The new law also blocks the Defense Department from redirecting any money earmarked for chemical weapons disposal at the Colorado site or the Blue Grass Army Depot in Kentucky.

Kentucky Republican Senator Mitch McConnell tacked on the provision, which ensures that 813 (M) million dollars appropriated to the two sites in previous budgets will not be transferred elsewhere.