Legislators Call for U.S. to Prioritize Chem Demil in 2007 Defense Authorization Act
Chemical Weapons Working Group
PO Box 467 Berea, KY 40403
(859) 986-7565 (859) 986-2695
www.cwwg.org
for
additional information contact:
Craig Williams: 859-986-7565
859-302-1103
for immediate release: Monday, June 26, 2006
LEGISLATORS
CALL FOR U.S. GOVERNMENT TO PRIORITIZE CHEMICAL DEMILITARIZATION IN 2007
DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT
Call Weapons
Destruction a "Homeland Security Imperative"
Frustrated with continued funding and
schedule delays in the U.S. chemical demilitarization program, legislators
introduced, and got passed, an amendment to the 2007 Defense Authorization Act
that raises the significance of the chemical weapons disposal program to a new
level of visibility and meaning. The amendment calls the program a "homeland
security imperative" and "of utmost importance to the national
security of the United States."
The amendment, authored by Senator Ken
Salazar (D-CO), was co-sponsored by Senators from Colorado, Oregon, Indiana and
Kentucky, including Senate Majority Whip, Mitch McConnell. It emphasizes the
need to pursue compliance with the Chemical Weapons Convention deadlines, now
at April 2012, or "as soon thereafter as possible." The amendment also
directs the Secretary of Defense to submit a comprehensive schedule to Congress
annually and to "make every effort to ensure adequate funding to complete
the elimination of the United States Stockpile."
Over the past two years battles have raged
over inadequate funding of the disposal program, especially in Kentucky and
Colorado. Senator Salazar said, "The Senate will not tolerate further
delays in funding or schedules on this matter."
In a statement released this afternoon,
Senator McConnell said, "The people of Madison County can rest assured
that my goal remains the same and that is to have the chemical weapons at the
Blue Grass Depot disposed of as safely and efficiently as possible."
The Chemical Weapons Working Group (CWWG)
has for years served as an advocate for safe weapons disposal, but also serves
as a watchdog on chemical demilitarization funding and schedule issues. Recently,
the CWWG revealed more Pentagon information showing that the program continues
to lag in compliance with the Chemical Weapons Convention and is not being
adequately funded.
"This amendment is a welcome sign
from the Senate," said Craig Williams, CWWG Director. "It reflects
the increased attention to this program and will hopefully put a stop to the
annual cutting of funds within the President's budget request or committees of
jurisdiction in Congress, as appeared in the House Defense Appropriations Bill
this year, " he said.
In February of this year an Arkansas
incinerator spokesperson told the press the entire stockpile would be gone by
2010. In April, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld issued a letter notifying
Congress of the U.S. being unable to meet the 2012 extended Treaty deadline. According
to Pentagon documents obtained by the CWWG, it isn't scheduled to end
operations until sometime in 2016.
"What is just as disconcerting is
that the Army's continues to misrepresent the completion dates to local
communities," said Williams. "Hopefully, with the direction to
provide annual schedules contained in the amendment, this kind of
misinformation will cease."
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Copies of the amendment are available from the CWWG office upon request.
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