National Security Watch: Loosening nukes
A little-known provision buried in a pending energy bill on Capitol Hill is making some nuclear security experts very nervous. The legislation aims to lubricate international trade in uranium to nuclear plants that make radioactive materials–known as medical isotopes–used in hospital machines that diagnose and treat illnesses. Medical groups and isotope manufacturers say existing controls could lead to a shortage of these materials and therefore hinder medical treatment. Nuclear watchdogs, however, say the move would weaken controls on exports of bomb-grade uranium. "This legislation would increase the threat of terrorists' stealing bomb-grade uranium to make a full-fledged nuclear weapon–not merely a dirty bomb–to use against us," says Alan J. Kuperman, a professor at the University of Texas–Austin and a senior policy analyst at the Nuclear Control Institute.
In 1992, Congress passed a law that would allow the government to export bomb-grade uranium only if the receiving company agrees to eventually switch to low-enriched uranium, which cannot be used to make nuclear bombs as highly enriched uranium can. The provision, supported by Sen. Christopher S. "Kit" Bond, a Missouri Republican, would essentially eliminate that requirement. Congressional aides for Sen. Charles Schumer, a New York Democrat, told U.S.News that the lawmaker, who was the original sponsor of the 1992 law, opposes the provision. Yet the energy bill, one of President Bush's highest priorities, is expected to pass in the Senate after a few weeks of debate.
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