50 U.S.C.
United States Code, 1994 Edition
Title 50 - WAR AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
CHAPTER 32 - CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL WARFARE PROGRAM
From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov

CHAPTER 32—CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL WARFARE PROGRAM

Sec.
1511.
Reports to Congress.
1512.
Transportation, open air testing, and disposal; Presidential determination; report to Congress; notice to Congress and State Governors.
1512a.
Transportation of chemical munitions.
(a)
Prohibition of transportation across State lines.
(b)
Transportation of chemical munitions not in chemical weapons stockpile.
1513.
Deployment, storage, and disposal; notification to host country and Congress; international law violations; reports to Congress and international organizations.
1514.
“United States” defined.
1515.
Suspension; Presidential authorization.
1516.
Delivery systems.
1517.
Immediate disposal when health or safety are endangered.
1518.
Disposal; detoxification; report to Congress; emergencies.
1519.
Lethal binary chemical munitions.
1519a.
Limitation on procurement of binary chemical weapons.
1520.
Use of human subjects for testing of chemical or biological agents by Department of Defense; accounting to Congressional committees with respect to experiments and studies; notification of local civilian officials.
1521.
Destruction of existing stockpile of lethal chemical agents and munitions.
(a)
In general.
(b)
Date for completion.
(c)
Environmental protection and use of facilities.
(d)
Plan.
(e)
Management organization.
(f)
Identification of funds.
(g)
Annual report.
(h)
Prohibition on acquiring certain lethal chemical agents and munitions.
(i)
Reaffirmation of United States position on first use of chemical agents and munitions.
(j)
Definitions.
(k)
Operational verification.
1522.
Conduct of chemical and biological defense program.
(a)
General.
(b)
Management and oversight.
(c)
Coordination of program.
(d)
Funding.
(e)
Management review and report.
1523.
Annual report on chemical and biological warfare defense.
(a)
Report required.
(b)
Matters to be included.
1524.
Agreements to provide support to vaccination programs of Department of Health and Human Services.
(a)
Agreements authorized.
(b)
Report.

        

§1511. Reports to Congress

The Secretary of Defense shall submit an annual report to Congress on or before January 31 setting forth the amounts spent during the preceding year for research, development, test, and evaluation of all lethal and nonlethal chemical and biological agents. The Secretary shall include in each report a full explanation of each expenditure, including the purpose and the necessity therefor. The report shall include a full accounting of all experiments and studies conducted by the Department of Defense in the preceding year, whether directly or under contract, which involve the use of human subjects for the testing of chemical or biological agents.

(Pub. L. 91–121, title IV, §409(a), Nov. 19, 1969, 83 Stat. 209; Pub. L. 93–608, §2(4), Jan. 2, 1975, 88 Stat. 1971; Pub. L. 97–375, title II, §203(a)(2), Dec. 21, 1982, 96 Stat. 1822.)

Amendments

1982—Pub. L. 97–375 inserted provision that the report include a full accounting of all experiments and studies conducted by the Department of Defense in the preceding year, whether directly or under contract, which involve the use of human subjects for the testing of chemical or biological agents.

1975—Pub. L. 93–608 substituted provisions relating to annual reports for provisions relating to semiannual reports.

Chemical Weapons Stockpile Safety Contingency Plan

Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title I, §173, Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1507, provided that:

“(a) Development of Plan.—The Secretary of Defense shall develop a plan setting forth the steps the Department of Defense would take if the chemical weapons stockpile of the United States began an accelerated rate of deterioration (or experienced any other event which called into question its continued safe storage) before a comprehensive full-scale chemical weapons disposal capability is developed. The plan shall address—

“(1) the schedule that would have to be followed to put the plan into effect;

“(2) the level of funding that would be required to put the plan into effect;

“(3) the equipment and other resources that would be required to put the plan into effect; and

“(4) an assessment of how quickly the plan could be placed into effect in the event of an emergency.

“(b) Updates.—The Secretary shall periodically update the plan developed pursuant to subsection (a) as needed.

“(c) Submission to Congress.—The Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a copy of the plan developed pursuant to subsection (a). The submission shall be made not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 5, 1990].”

Ex Ord. No. 11850. Renunciation of Certain Uses in War of Chemical Herbicides and Riot Control Agents

Ex. Ord. No. 11850, Apr. 8, 1975, 40 F.R. 16187, provided:

The United States renounces, as a matter of national policy, first use of herbicides in war except use, under regulations applicable to their domestic use, for control of vegetation within U.S. bases and installations or around their immediate defensive perimeters, and first use of riot control agents in war except in defensive military modes to save lives such as:

(a) Use of riot control agents in riot control situations in areas under direct and distinct U.S. military control, to include controlling rioting prisoners of war.

(b) Use of riot control agents in situations in which civilians are used to mask or screen attacks and civilian casualties can be reduced or avoided.

(c) Use of riot control agents in rescue missions in remotely isolated areas, of downed aircrews and passengers, and escaping prisoners.

(d) Use of riot control agents in rear echelon areas outside the zone of immediate combat to protect convoys from civil disturbances, terrorists and paramilitary organizations.

I have determined that the provisions and procedures prescribed by this Order are necessary to ensure proper implementation and observance of such national policy.

NOW, THEREFORE, by virtue of the authority vested in me as President of the United States of America by the Constitution and laws of the United States and as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the United States, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. The Secretary of Defense shall take all necessary measures to ensure that the use by the Armed Forces of the United States of any riot control agents and chemical herbicides in war is prohibited unless such use has Presidential approval, in advance.

Sec. 2. The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe the rules and regulations he deems necessary to ensure that the national policy herein announced shall be observed by the Armed Forces of the United States.

Gerald R. Ford.      

§1512. Transportation, open air testing, and disposal; Presidential determination; report to Congress; notice to Congress and State Governors

None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or any other Act may be used for the transportation of any lethal chemical or any biological warfare agent to or from any military installation in the United States, or the open air testing of any such agent within the United States, or the disposal of any such agent within the United States until the following procedures have been implemented:

(1) the Secretary of Defense (hereafter referred to in this chapter as the “Secretary”) has determined that the transportation or testing proposed to be made is necessary in the interests of national security;

(2) the Secretary has brought the particulars of the proposed transportation, testing, or disposal to the attention of the Secretary of Health and Human Services, who in turn may direct the Surgeon General of the Public Health Service and other qualified persons to review such particulars with respect to any hazards to public health and safety which such transportation, testing, or disposal may pose and to recommend what precautionary measures are necessary to protect the public health and safety;

(3) the Secretary has implemented any precautionary measures recommended in accordance with paragraph (2) above (including, where practicable, the detoxification of any such agent, if such agent is to be transported to or from a military installation for disposal): Provided, however, That in the event the Secretary finds the recommendation submitted by the Surgeon General would have the effect of preventing the proposed transportation, testing, or disposal, the President may determine that overriding considerations of national security require such transportation, testing, or disposal be conducted. Any transportation, testing, or disposal conducted pursuant to such a Presidential determination shall be carried out in the safest practicable manner, and the President shall report his determination and an explanation thereof to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives as far in advance as practicable; and

(4) the Secretary has provided notification that the transportation, testing, or disposal will take place, except where a Presidential determination has been made: (A) to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives at least 10 days before any such transportation will be commenced and at least 30 days before any such testing or disposal will be commenced; (B) to the Governor of any State through which such agents will be transported, such notification to be provided appropriately in advance of any such transportation.

(Pub. L. 91–121, title IV, §409(b), Nov. 19, 1969, 83 Stat. 209; Pub. L. 91–441, title V, §506(b)(1), Oct. 7, 1970, 84 Stat. 912; Pub. L. 96–88, title V, §509(b), Oct. 17, 1979, 93 Stat. 695.)

References in Text

This Act, referred to in provision preceding par. (1), means Pub. L. 91–121, Nov. 19, 1969, 83 Stat. 204, as amended. Provisions authorizing the appropriation of funds are not classified to the Code. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.

Amendments

1970—Pub. L. 91–441 inserted reference to the disposal of lethal chemical or biological warfare agents in the United States.

Change of Name

“Secretary of Health and Human Services” substituted for “Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare” in par. (2), pursuant to section 509(b) of Pub. L. 96–88 which is classified to section 3508(b) of Title 20, Education.

Chemical Munitions Transportation From Okinawa to the United States

Pub. L. 91–672, §13, Jan. 12, 1971, 84 Stat. 2055, provided that: “No funds authorized or appropriated pursuant to this or any other law may be used to transport chemical munitions from the Island of Okinawa to the United States. Such funds as are necessary for the detoxification or destruction of the above described chemical munitions are hereby authorized and shall be used for the detoxification or destruction of chemical munitions only outside the United States. For purposes of this section, the term ‘United States’ means the several States and the District of Columbia.”

§1512a. Transportation of chemical munitions

(a) Prohibition of transportation across State lines

The Secretary of Defense may not transport any chemical munition that constitutes part of the chemical weapons stockpile out of the State in which that munition is located on October 5, 1994, and, in the case of any such chemical munition not located in a State on October 5, 1994, may not transport any such munition into a State.

(b) Transportation of chemical munitions not in chemical weapons stockpile

In the case of any chemical munitions that are discovered or otherwise come within the control of the Department of Defense and that do not constitute part of the chemical weapons stockpile, the Secretary of Defense may transport such munitions to the nearest chemical munitions stockpile storage facility that has necessary permits for receiving and storing such items if the transportation of such munitions to that facility—

(1) is considered by the Secretary of Defense to be necessary; and

(2) can be accomplished while protecting public health and safety.

(Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title I, §143, Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2689.)

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995, and not as part of Pub. L. 91–121, title IV, §409, Nov. 19, 1969, 83 Stat. 209, which comprises this chapter.

§1513. Deployment, storage, and disposal; notification to host country and Congress; international law violations; reports to Congress and international organizations

(1) None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or any other Act may be used for the future deployment, storage, or disposal, at any place outside the United States of—

(A) any lethal chemical or any biological warfare agent, or

(B) any delivery system specifically designed to disseminate any such agent,


unless prior notice of such deployment, storage, or disposal has been given to the country exercising jurisdiction over such place. In the case of any place outside the United States which is under the jurisdiction or control of the United States Government, no such action may be taken unless the Secretary gives prior notice of such action to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. As used in this paragraph, the term “United States” means the several States and the District of Columbia.

(2) None of the funds authorized by this Act or any other Act shall be used for the future testing, development, transportation, storage, or disposal of any lethal chemical or any biological warfare agent outside the United States, or for the disposal of any munitions in international waters, if the Secretary of State, after appropriate notice by the Secretary whenever any such action is contemplated, determines that such testing, development, transportation, storage, or disposal will violate international law. The Secretary of State shall report all determinations made by him under this paragraph to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and to all appropriate international organizations, or organs thereof, in the event such report is required by treaty or other international agreement.

(Pub. L. 91–121, title IV, §409(c), Nov. 19, 1969, 83 Stat. 210; Pub. L. 91–441, title V, §506(b)(2), (3), Oct. 7, 1970, 84 Stat. 912.)

References in Text

This Act, referred to in pars. (1) and (2), means Pub. L. 91–121, Nov. 19, 1969, 83 Stat. 204, as amended. Provisions authorizing the appropriation of funds are not classified to the Code. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.

Amendments

1970—Par. (1). Pub. L. 91–441, §506(b)(2), inserted reference to disposal of lethal chemical or biological warfare agents or delivery systems for such agents.

Par. (2). Pub. L. 91–441, §506(b)(3), inserted reference to disposal of munitions in international waters.

Withdrawal of European Chemical Stockpile

Pub. L. 100–180, div. A, title I, §126, Dec. 4, 1987, 101 Stat. 1044, provided that: “Chemical munitions of the United States stored in Europe on the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 4, 1987] should not be removed from Europe unless such munitions are replaced contemporaneously with binary chemical munitions stationed on the soil of at least one European member nation of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.”

§1514. “United States” defined

Unless otherwise indicated, as used in this chapter the term “United States” means the several States the District of Columbia, and the territories and possessions of the United States.

(Pub. L. 91–121, title IV, §409(d), Nov. 19, 1969, 83 Stat. 210.)

§1515. Suspension; Presidential authorization

After November 19, 1969, the operation of this chapter, or any portion thereof, may be suspended by the President during the period of any war declared by Congress and during the period of any national emergency declared by Congress or by the President.

(Pub. L. 91–121, title IV, §409(e), Nov. 19, 1969, 83 Stat. 210.)

§1516. Delivery systems

None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act shall be used for the procurement of delivery systems specifically designed to disseminate lethal chemical or any biological warfare agents, or for the procurement of delivery system parts or components specifically designed for such purpose, unless the President shall certify to the Congress that such procurement is essential to the safety and security of the United States.

(Pub. L. 91–441, title V, §506(a), Oct. 7, 1970, 84 Stat. 912.)

References in Text

This Act, referred to in text, means Pub. L. 91–441, Oct. 7, 1970, 84 Stat. 912. Provisions authorizing the appropriation of funds are not classified to the Code. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.

Codification

Section was not enacted as part of Pub. L. 91–121, title IV, §409, Nov. 19, 1969, 83 Stat. 209, which comprises this chapter.

Section is from the Armed Forces-Military Procurement, 1971 act, Pub. L. 91–441. Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in Pub. L. 91–121, title IV, §409(f), Nov. 19, 1969, 83 Stat. 210.

§1517. Immediate disposal when health or safety are endangered

Nothing contained in this chapter shall be deemed to restrict the transportation or disposal of research quantities of any lethal chemical or any biological warfare agent, or to delay or prevent, in emergency situations either within or outside the United States, the immediate disposal together with any necessary associated transportation, of any lethal chemical or any biological warfare agent when compliance with the procedures and requirements of this chapter would clearly endanger the health or safety of any person.

(Pub. L. 91–121, title IV, §409(g), as added Pub. L. 91–441, title V, §506(b)(4), Oct. 7, 1970, 84 Stat. 912.)

§1518. Disposal; detoxification; report to Congress; emergencies

On and after October 7, 1970, no chemical or biological warfare agent shall be disposed of within or outside the United States unless such agent has been detoxified or made harmless to man and his environment unless immediate disposal is clearly necessary, in an emergency, to safeguard human life. An immediate report should be made to Congress in the event of such disposal.

(Pub. L. 91–441, title V, §506(d), Oct. 7, 1970, 84 Stat. 913.)

Codification

Section was not enacted as part of Pub. L. 91–121, title IV, §409, Nov. 19, 1969, 83 Stat. 209, which comprises this chapter.

§1519. Lethal binary chemical munitions

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, none of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this or any other Act shall be used for the purpose of production of lethal binary chemical munitions unless the President certifies to Congress that the production of such munitions is essential to the national interest and submits a full report thereon to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives as far in advance of the production of such munitions as is practicable.

(b) For purposes of this section the term “lethal binary chemical munitions” means (1) any toxic chemical (solid, liquid, or gas) which, through its chemical properties, is intended to be used to produce injury or death to human beings, and (2) any unique device, instrument, apparatus, or contrivance, including any components or accessories thereof, intended to be used to disperse or otherwise disseminate any such toxic chemical.

(Pub. L. 94–106, title VIII, §818, Oct. 7, 1975, 89 Stat. 544.)

References in Text

This Act, referred to in text, is Pub. L. 94–106, Oct. 7, 1975, 89 Stat. 531, as amended, known as the Department of Defense Appropriation Authorization Act, 1976. Provisions authorizing the appropriation of funds are not classified to the Code. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.

Codification

Section was not enacted as part of Pub. L. 91–121, title IV, §409, Nov. 19, 1969, 83 Stat. 209, which comprises this chapter.

§1519a. Limitation on procurement of binary chemical weapons

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no funds may be obligated or expended after September 24, 1983, for the production of binary chemical weapons unless the President certifies to the Congress that for each 155-millimeter binary artillery shell or aircraft-delivered binary aerial bomb produced a serviceable unitary artillery shell from the existing arsenal shall be rendered permanently useless for military purposes.

(b)(1) Funds appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations for the Army in section 101 of this Act may be used for the establishment of a production base for binary chemical munitions and for the procurement of components for 155-millimeter binary chemical artillery projectiles, but such funds may not be used for the actual production of binary chemical munitions before October 1, 1985.

(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1), before the production of binary chemical munitions may begin after September 30, 1985, the President must certify to Congress in writing that, in light of circumstances prevailing at the time the certification is made, the production of such munitions is essential to the national interest.

(3) For purposes of this subsection, “production of binary chemical munitions” means the final assembly of weapon components and the filling or loading of components with binary chemicals.

(Pub. L. 98–94, title XII, §1233, Sept. 24, 1983, 97 Stat. 695.)

References in Text

Section 101 of this Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(1), is section 101 of Pub. L. 98–94, title I, Sept. 24, 1983, 97 Stat. 618, which was not classified to the Code.

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1984, and not as part of Pub. L. 91–121, title IV, §409, Nov. 19, 1969, 83 Stat. 209, which comprises this chapter.

§1520. Use of human subjects for testing of chemical or biological agents by Department of Defense; accounting to Congressional committees with respect to experiments and studies; notification of local civilian officials

(a) Not later than thirty days after final approval within the Department of Defense of plans for any experiment or study to be conducted by the Department of Defense, whether directly or under contract, involving the use of human subjects for the testing of chemical or biological agents, the Secretary of Defense shall supply the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives with a full accounting of such plans for such experiment or study, and such experiment or study may then be conducted only after the expiration of the thirty-day period beginning on the date such accounting is received by such committees.

(b)(1) The Secretary of Defense may not conduct any test or experiment involving the use of any chemical or biological agent on civilian populations unless local civilian officials in the area in which the test or experiment is to be conducted are notified in advance of such test or experiment, and such test or experiment may then be conducted only after the expiration of the thirty-day period beginning on the date of such notification.

(2) Paragraph (1) shall apply to tests and experiments conducted by Department of Defense personnel and tests and experiments conducted on behalf of the Department of Defense by contractors.

(Pub. L. 95–79, title VIII, §808, July 30, 1977, 91 Stat. 334; Pub. L. 97–375, title II, §203(a)(1), Dec. 21, 1982, 96 Stat. 1822.)

Codification

Section was not enacted as part of Pub. L. 91–121, title IV, §409, Nov. 19, 1969, 83 Stat. 209, which comprises this chapter.

Amendments

1982—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 97–375 struck out par. (1) which directed the Secretary of Defense to supply not later than Oct. 1 of each year the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House with a full accounting of all experiments and studies conducted by the Department of Defense in the preceding twelve month period, whether directly or under contract, which involved the use of human subjects for the testing of chemical or biological agents, and designated par. (2) as subsec. (a).

Change of Name

Committee on Armed Services of House of Representatives changed to Committee on National Security of House of Representatives by House Resolution No. 6, One Hundred Fourth Congress, Jan. 4, 1995.

§1521. Destruction of existing stockpile of lethal chemical agents and munitions

(a) In general

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of Defense (hereinafter in this section referred to as the “Secretary”) shall, in accordance with the provisions of this section, carry out the destruction of the United States’ stockpile of lethal chemical agents and munitions that exists on November 8, 1985.

(b) Date for completion

(1) Except as provided by paragraphs (2) and (3), the destruction of such stockpile shall be completed by the stockpile elimination deadline.

(2) If a treaty banning the possession of chemical agents and munitions is ratified by the United States, the date for completing the destruction of the United States’ stockpile of such agents and munitions shall be the date established by such treaty.

(3)(A) In the event of a declaration of war by the Congress or of a national emergency by the President or the Congress or if the Secretary of Defense determines that there has been a significant delay in the acquisition of an adequate number of binary chemical weapons to meet the requirements of the Armed Forces (as defined by the Joint Chiefs of Staff as of September 30, 1985), the Secretary may defer, beyond the stockpile elimination deadline, the destruction of not more than 10 percent of the stockpile described in subsection (a)(1) of this section.

(B) The Secretary shall transmit written notice to the Congress of any deferral made under subparagraph (A) not later than the earlier of (A) 30 days after the date on which the decision to defer is made, or (B) 30 days before the stockpile elimination deadline.

(4) If the Secretary determines at any time that there will be a delay in meeting the requirement in paragraph (1) for the completion of the destruction of chemical weapons by the stockpile elimination deadline, the Secretary shall immediately notify the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives of that projected delay.

(5) For purposes of this section, the term “stockpile elimination deadline” means December 31, 2004.

(c) Environmental protection and use of facilities

(1) In carrying out the requirement of subsection (a) of this section, the Secretary shall provide for—

(A) maximum protection for the environment, the general public, and the personnel who are involved in the destruction of the lethal chemical agents and munitions referred to in subsection (a) of this section; and

(B) adequate and safe facilities designed solely for the destruction of lethal chemical agents and munitions.


(2) Facilities constructed to carry out this section may not be used for any purpose other than the destruction of lethal chemical weapons and munitions, and when no longer needed to carry out this section, such facilities shall be cleaned, dismantled, and disposed of in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

(3) In order to carry out subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1), the Secretary may make grants to State and local governments (either directly or through the Federal Emergency Management Agency) to assist those governments in carrying out functions relating to emergency preparedness and response in connection with the disposal of the lethal chemical agents and munitions referred to in subsection (a) of this section. Funds available to the Department of Defense for the purpose of carrying out this section may be used for such grants. Additionally, the Secretary may provide funds through cooperative agreements with State and local governments for the purpose of assisting them in processing, approving, and overseeing permits and licenses necessary for the construction and operation of facilities to carry out this section. The Secretary shall ensure that funds provided through such a cooperative agreement are used only for the purpose set forth in the preceding sentence.

(d) Plan

(1) The Secretary shall develop a comprehensive plan to carry out this section.

(2) In developing such plan, the Secretary shall consult with the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.

(3) The Secretary shall transmit a copy of such plan to the Congress not later than March 15, 1986.

(4) Such plan shall provide—

(A) an evaluation of the comparison of onsite destruction, regional destruction centers, and a national destruction site both inside and outside of the United States;

(B) for technological advances in techniques used to destroy chemical munitions;

(C) for the maintenance of a permanent, written record of the destruction of lethal chemical agents and munitions carried out under this section; and

(D) a description of—

(i) the methods and facilities to be used in the destruction of agents and munitions under this section;

(ii) the schedule for carrying out this section; and

(iii) the management organization established under subsection (e) of this section.

(e) Management organization

(1) In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall provide for the establishment, not later than May 1, 1986, of a management organization within the Department of the Army.

(2) Such organization shall be responsible for management of the destruction of agents and munitions under this section.

(3) The Secretary shall designate a general officer as the director of the management organization established under paragraph (1). Such officer shall have—

(A) experience in the acquisition, storage, and destruction of chemical agents and munitions;

(B) training in chemical warfare defense operations; and

(C) outstanding qualifications regarding safety in handling chemical agents and munitions.

(f) Identification of funds

Funds for carrying out this section, including funds for military construction projects necessary to carry out this section, shall be set forth in the budget of the Department of Defense for any fiscal year as a separate account. Such funds shall not be included in the budget accounts for any military department.

(g) Annual report

(1) Except as provided by paragraph (3), the Secretary shall transmit, by December 15 of each year, a report to the Congress on the activities carried out under this section during the fiscal year ending on September 30 of the calendar year in which the report is to be made.

(2) Each such report shall contain—

(A) a site-by-site description of the construction, equipment, operation, and dismantling of facilities (during the fiscal year for which the report is made) used to carry out the destruction of agents and munitions under this section, including any accidents or other unplanned occurrences associated with such construction and operation;

(B) an accounting of all funds expended (during such fiscal year) for activities carried out under this section, with a separate accounting for amounts expended for—

(i) the construction of and equipment for facilities used for the destruction of agents and munitions;

(ii) the operation of such facilities;

(iii) the dismantling or other closure of such facilities;

(iv) research and development; and

(v) program management; and


(C) an assessment of the safety status and the integrity of the stockpile of lethal chemical agents and munitions subject to this section, including—

(i) an estimate on how much longer that stockpile can continue to be stored safely;

(ii) a site-by-site assessment of the safety of those agents and munitions; and

(iii) a description of the steps taken (to the date of the report) to monitor the safety status of the stockpile and to mitigate any further deterioration of that status.


(3) The Secretary shall transmit the final report under this subsection not later than 120 days following the completion of activities under this section.

(h) Prohibition on acquiring certain lethal chemical agents and munitions

(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), no agency of the Federal Government may, after November 8, 1985, develop or acquire lethal chemical agents or munitions other than binary chemical weapons.

(2)(A) The Secretary of Defense may acquire any chemical agent or munition at any time for purposes of intelligence analysis.

(B) Chemical agents and munitions may be acquired for research, development, test, and evaluation purposes at any time, but only in quantities needed for such purposes and not in production quantities.

(i) Reaffirmation of United States position on first use of chemical agents and munitions

It is the sense of Congress that the President should publicly reaffirm the position of the United States as set out in the Geneva Protocol of 1925, which the United States ratified with reservations in 1975.

(j) Definitions

For purposes of this section:

(1) The term “chemical agent and munition” means an agent or munition that, through its chemical properties, produces lethal or other damaging effects on human beings, except that such term does not include riot control agents, chemical herbicides, smoke and other obscuration materials.

(2) The term “lethal chemical agent and munition” means a chemical agent or munition that is designed to cause death, through its chemical properties, to human beings in field concentrations.

(3) The term “destruction” means, with respect to chemical munitions or agents—

(A) the demolishment of such munitions or agents by incineration or by any other means; or

(B) the dismantling or other disposal of such munitions or agents so as to make them useless for military purposes and harmless to human beings under normal circumstances.

(k) Operational verification

(1) Until the Secretary of the Army successfully completes (through the prove-out work to be conducted at Johnston Atoll) operational verification of the technology to be used for the destruction of live chemical agents and munitions under this section, the Secretary may not conduct any activity for equipment prove out and systems test before live chemical agents are introduced at a facility (other than the Johnston Atoll facility) at which the destruction of chemical agent 1 and munitions weapons is to take place under this section. The limitation in the preceding sentence shall not apply with respect to the Chemical Agent Munition Disposal System in Tooele, Utah.

(2) Upon the successful completion of the prove out of the equipment and facility at Johnston Atoll, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a report certifying that the prove out is completed.

(3) If the Secretary determines at any time that there will be a delay in meeting the deadline of December 31, 1990, scheduled by the Department of Defense for completion of the operational verification at Johnston Atoll referred to in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall immediately notify the Committees of that projected delay.

(Pub. L. 99–145, title XIV, §1412, Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 747; Pub. L. 100–456, div. A, title I, §118, Sept. 29, 1988, 102 Stat. 1934; Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title I, §§171, 172, Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1507; Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title I, §151, Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1313; Pub. L. 102–484, div. A, title I, §§171, 179, Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2341, 2347; Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title I, §107(c), Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1564; Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title I, §142, Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2689.)

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1986, and not as part of Pub. L. 91–121, title IV, §409, Nov. 19, 1969, 83 Stat. 209, which comprises this chapter.

Amendments

1994—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 103–337 inserted “, including funds for military construction projects necessary to carry out this section,” after “carrying out this section” and struck out at end “Funds for military construction projects necessary to carry out this section may be set out in the annual military construction budget separately from other funds for such project.”

1993—Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 103–160 substituted “processing, approving, and overseeing” for “processing and approving”.

1992—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–484, §179(1), struck out par. (1) designation before “Notwithstanding” and struck out par. (2) which read as follows: “Such destruction shall be carried out in conjunction with the acquisition of binary chemical weapons for use by the Armed Forces.”

Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 102–484, §171, substituted “December 31, 2004” for “July 31, 1999”.

Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 102–484, §179(2), substituted “subsection (a)” for “subsection (a)(1)” in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (g)(1). Pub. L. 102–484, §179(3)(A), substituted “paragraph (3)” for “paragraph (4)”.

Subsec. (g)(2). Pub. L. 102–484, §179(3)(B), (C), redesignated par. (3) as (2), substituted “such report” for “report other than the first one” in introductory provisions, and struck out former par. (2) which read as follows: “The first such report shall be transmitted by December 15, 1985, and shall contain—

“(A) an accounting of the United States’ stockpile of lethal chemical agents and munitions on November 8, 1985; and

“(B) a schedule of the activities planned to be carried out under this section during fiscal year 1986.”

Subsec. (g)(3), (4). Pub. L. 102–484, §179(3)(D), redesignated par. (4) as (3). Former par. (3) redesignated (2).

1991—Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 102–190, §151(a), substituted “July 31, 1999” for “April 30, 1997”.

Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 102–190, §151(b), inserted at end “Additionally, the Secretary may provide funds through cooperative agreements with State and local governments for the purpose of assisting them in processing and approving permits and licenses necessary for the construction and operation of facilities to carry out this section. The Secretary shall ensure that funds provided through such a cooperative agreement are used only for the purpose set forth in the preceding sentence.”

1990—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 101–510, §171(b), substituted “November 8, 1985” for “the date of the enactment of this Act”.

Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 101–510, §172, added par. (3).

Subsec. (g)(3)(C). Pub. L. 101–510, §171(a), added subpar. (C).

Subsec. (h)(1). Pub. L. 101–510, §171(b), substituted “November 8, 1985” for “the date of the enactment of this Act”.

1988—Subsec. (b)(1), (3)(A). Pub. L. 100–456, §118(a)(1), substituted “the stockpile elimination deadline” for “September 30, 1994”.

Subsec. (b)(3)(B). Pub. L. 100–456, §118(a)(2), substituted “not later than the earlier of (A) 30 days after the date on which the decision to defer is made, or (B) 30 days before the stockpile elimination deadline” for “within 30 days after the date on which the determination to defer is made or by August 31, 1994, whichever is earlier”.

Subsec. (b)(4), (5). Pub. L. 100–456, §118(a)(3), added pars. (4) and (5).

Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 100–456, §118(b), amended subsec. (k) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (k) read as follows: “The provisions of this section shall take effect on October 1, 1985.”

Change of Name

Committee on Armed Services of House of Representatives changed to Committee on National Security of House of Representatives by House Resolution No. 6, One Hundred Fourth Congress, Jan. 4, 1995.

Chemical Demilitarization Citizens Advisory Commissions

Section 172 of Pub. L. 102–484 provided that:

“(a) Establishment.—(1) The Secretary of the Army shall establish a citizens’ commission for each State in which there is a low-volume site (as defined in section 180 [set out below]). Each such commission shall be known as the ‘Chemical Demilitarization Citizens’ Advisory Commission’ for that State.

“(2) The Secretary shall also establish a Chemical Demilitarization Citizens’ Advisory Commission for any State in which there is located a chemical weapons storage site other than a low-volume site, if the establishment of such a commission for such State is requested by the Governor of that State.

“(b) Functions.—The Secretary of the Army shall provide for a representative from the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Installations, Logistics, and Environment) to meet with each commission under this section to receive citizen and State concerns regarding the ongoing program of the Army for the disposal of the lethal chemical agents and munitions in the stockpile referred to in section 1412(a)(1) of the Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1986 (50 U.S.C. 1521(a)(1)) at each of the sites with respect to which a commission is established pursuant to subsection (a).

“(c) Membership.—(1) Each commission established for a State pursuant to subsection (a) shall be composed of nine members appointed by the Governor of the State. Seven of such members shall be citizens from the local affected areas in the State; the other two shall be representatives of State government who have direct responsibilities related to the chemical demilitarization program.

“(2) For purposes of paragraph (1), affected areas are those areas located within a 50-mile radius of a chemical weapons storage site.

“(d) Conflicts of Interest.—For a period of five years after the termination of any commission, no corporation, partnership, or other organization in which a member of that commission, a spouse of a member of that commission, or a natural or adopted child of a member of that commission has an ownership interest may be awarded—

“(1) a contract related to the disposal of lethal chemical agents or munitions in the stockpile referred to in section 1412(a)(1) of the Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1986 (50 U.S.C. 1521(a)(1)); or

“(2) a subcontract under such a contract.

“(e) Chairman.—The members of each commission shall designate the chairman of the commission from among the members of the commission.

“(f) Meetings.—Each commission shall meet with a representative from the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Installations, Logistics, and Environment) upon joint agreement between the chairman of the commission and that representative. The two parties shall meet not less often than twice a year and may meet more often at their discretion.

“(g) Pay and Expenses.—Members of each commission shall receive no pay or compensation for their involvement in their activities of the commission.

“(h) Termination of Commissions.—Each commission shall be terminated after the stockpile located in that commission's State has been destroyed.”

Alternative Disposal Process for Low-Volume Sites; Revised Disposal Concept Plan

Sections 174 and 175 of Pub. L. 102–484, as amended by Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title I, §155(b), Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1579, provided that:

“SEC. 174. ALTERNATIVE DISPOSAL PROCESS FOR LOW-VOLUME SITES.

“(a) Requirement for Alternative Process.—If the date by which chemical weapons destruction and demilitarization operations can be completed at a low-volume site using an alternative technology process evaluated by the Secretary of the Army falls within the deadline established by the amendment made by section 171 [amending this section] and the Secretary determines that the use of that alternative technology process for the destruction of chemical weapons at that site is significantly safer and equally or more cost-effective than the use of the baseline disassembly and incineration process, then the Secretary of the Army, as part of the requirement of section 1412(a) of Public Law 99–145 [subsec. (a) of this section], shall carry out the disposal of chemical weapons at that site using such alternative technology process. In addition, the Secretary may carry out the disposal of chemical weapons at sites other than low-volume sites using an alternative technology process (rather than the baseline process) after notifying Congress of the Secretary's intent to do so.

“(b) Applicability of Certain Provisions of Section 1412.—Subsections (c), (e), (f), and (g) of section 1412 of Public Law 99–145 (50 U.S.C. 1521) shall apply to this section and to activities under this section in the same manner as if this section were part of that section 1412.

“SEC. 175. REVISED CHEMICAL WEAPONS DISPOSAL CONCEPT PLAN.

“(a) Revised Plan.—If, pursuant to section 174, the Secretary of the Army is required to implement an alternative technology process for destruction of chemical weapons at any low-volume site, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a revised chemical weapons disposal concept plan incorporating the alternative technology process and reflecting the revised stockpile disposal schedule developed under section 1412(b) of Public Law 99–145 (50 U.S.C. 1521(b)), as amended by section 171. In developing the revised concept plan, the Secretary should consider, to the maximum extent practicable, revisions to the program and program schedule that capitalize on the changes to the chemical demilitarization schedule resulting from the revised stockpile elimination deadline by reducing cost and decreasing program risk.

“(b) Matters To Be Included.—The revised concept plan should include—

“(1) life-cycle cost estimates and schedules; and

“(2) a description of the facilities and operating procedures to be employed using the alternative technology process.

“(c) Applicability of Certain Provisions of Section 1412.—Subsection (c) of section 1412 of Public Law 99–145 (50 U.S.C. 1521) shall apply to the revised concept plan in the same manner as if this section were part of that section 1412.

“(d) Submission of Revised Plan.—If the Secretary is required to submit a revised concept plan under this section, the Secretary shall submit the revised concept plan during the 120-day period beginning at the end of the 60-day period following the submission of the report of the Secretary required under section 173 [106 Stat. 2342].

“(e) Limitation.—If the Secretary is required to submit a revised concept plan under this section, no funds may be obligated for procurement of equipment or for facilities planning and design activities (other than for those preliminary planning and design activities required to comply with subsection(b)(2)) for a chemical weapons disposal facility at any low-volume site at which the Secretary intends to implement an alternative technology process until the Secretary submits the revised concept plan.”

Sense of Congress Concerning International Consultation and Exchange Program

Section 178 of Pub. L. 102–484 provided that: “It is the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of State, should establish, with other nations that are anticipated to be signatories to an international agreement or treaty banning chemical weapons, a program under which consultation and exchange concerning chemical weapons disposal technology could be enhanced. Such a program shall be used to facilitate the exchange of technical information and advice concerning the disposal of chemical weapons among signatory nations and to further the development of safer, more cost-effective methods for the disposal of chemical weapons.”

“Low-Volume Site” Defined

Section 180 of Pub. L. 102–484 provided that: “For purposes of this subtitle [subtitle G (§§171–180) of title I of div. A of Pub. L. 102–484, amending this section and enacting provisions set out as notes above], the term ‘low-volume site’ means one of the three chemical weapons storage sites in the United States at which there is stored 5 percent or less of the total United States stockpile of unitary chemical weapons.”

Revision of Chemical Demilitarization Program

Pub. L. 100–180, div. A, title I, §125, Dec. 4, 1987, 101 Stat. 1043, provided that:

“(a) Definition.—For purposes of this section, the term ‘chemical stockpile demilitarization program’ means the program established by section 1412 of the Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1986 (50 U.S.C. 1521), to provide for the destruction of the United States’ stockpile of lethal chemical agents and munitions.

“(b) Environmental Impact Statement.—The Secretary of Defense shall issue the final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement on the chemical stockpile demilitarization program by January 1, 1988. The Environmental Impact Statement shall be prepared in accordance with all applicable laws.

“(c) Disposal Technologies.—(1) Funds appropriated pursuant to this Act [see Tables for classification] or otherwise made available for fiscal year 1988 for the chemical stockpile demilitarization program may not be obligated for procurement or for an Army military construction project at a military installation or facility inside the continental United States until the Secretary of Defense certifies to Congress in writing that the concept plan under the program includes the following:

“(A) Evaluation of alternate technologies for disposal of the existing stockpile and selection of the technology or technologies to be used for such purpose.

“(B) Full-scale operational verification of the technology or technologies selected for such disposal.

“(C) Maximum protection for public health and the environment.

“(2) The limitation in paragraph (1) shall not apply with respect to the obligation of funds for the technology evaluation or development program.

“(d) Alternative Concept Plan.—The Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives an alternative concept plan for the chemical stockpile demilitarization program. The alternative concept plan shall—

“(1) incorporate the requirements of subsections (b) and (c); and

“(2) specify any revised schedule or revised funding requirement necessary to enable the Secretary to meet the requirements of subsections (b) and (c).

The alternative concept plan shall be submitted by March 15, 1988.

“(e) Surveillance and Assessment Program.—The Secretary of Defense shall conduct an ongoing comprehensive program of—

“(1) surveillance of the existing United States stockpile of chemical weapons; and

“(2) assessment of the condition of the stockpile.”

1 So in original. Probably should be “agents”.

§1522. Conduct of chemical and biological defense program

(a) General

The Secretary of Defense shall carry out the chemical and biological defense program of the United States in accordance with the provisions of this section.

(b) Management and oversight

In carrying out his responsibilities under this section, the Secretary of Defense shall do the following:

(1) Assign responsibility for overall coordination and integration of the chemical and biological warfare defense program and the chemical and biological medical defense program to a single office within the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

(2) Take those actions necessary to ensure close and continuous coordination between (A) the chemical and biological warfare defense program, and (B) the chemical and biological medical defense program.

(3) Exercise oversight over the chemical and biological defense program through the Defense Acquisition Board process.

(c) Coordination of program

The Secretary of Defense shall designate the Army as executive agent for the Department of Defense to coordinate and integrate research, development, test, and evaluation, and acquisition, requirements of the military departments for chemical and biological warfare defense programs of the Department of Defense.

(d) Funding

(1) The budget for the Department of Defense for each fiscal year after fiscal year 1994 shall reflect a coordinated and integrated chemical and biological defense program for the military departments.

(2) Funding requests for the program shall be set forth in the budget of the Department of Defense for each fiscal year as a separate account, with a single program element for each of the categories of research, development, test, and evaluation, acquisition, and military construction. Amounts for military construction projects may be set forth in the annual military construction budget. Funds for military construction for the program in the military construction budget shall be set forth separately from other funds for military construction projects. Funding requests for the program may not be included in the budget accounts of the military departments.

(3) All funding requirements for the chemical and biological defense program shall be reviewed by the Secretary of the Army as executive agent pursuant to subsection (c) of this section.

(e) Management review and report

(1) The Secretary of Defense shall conduct a review of the management structure of the Department of Defense chemical and biological warfare defense program, including—

(A) research, development, test, and evaluation;

(B) procurement;

(C) doctrine development;

(D) policy;

(E) training;

(F) development of requirements;

(G) readiness; and

(H) risk assessment.


(2) Not later than May 1, 1994, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report that describes the details of measures being taken to improve joint coordination and oversight of the program and ensure a coherent and effective approach to its management.

(Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title XVII, §1701, Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1853.)

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1994, and not as part of Pub. L. 91–121, title IV, §409, Nov. 19, 1969, 83 Stat. 209, which comprises this chapter.

Consolidation of Chemical and Biological Defense Training Activities

Section 1702 of Pub. L. 103–160 provided that: “The Secretary of Defense shall consolidate all chemical and biological warfare defense training activities of the Department of Defense at the United States Army Chemical School.”

Sense of Congress Concerning Federal Emergency Planning for Response to Terrorist Threats

Section 1704 of Pub. L. 103–160 provided that: “It is the sense of Congress that the President should strengthen Federal interagency emergency planning by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other appropriate Federal, State, and local agencies for development of a capability for early detection and warning of and response to—

“(1) potential terrorist use of chemical or biological agents or weapons; and

“(2) emergencies or natural disasters involving industrial chemicals or the widespread outbreak of disease.”

§1523. Annual report on chemical and biological warfare defense

(a) Report required

The Secretary of Defense shall include in the annual report of the Secretary under section 113(c) of title 10 a report on chemical and biological warfare defense. The report shall assess—

(1) the overall readiness of the Armed Forces to fight in a chemical-biological warfare environment and shall describe steps taken and planned to be taken to improve such readiness; and

(2) requirements for the chemical and biological warfare defense program, including requirements for training, detection, and protective equipment, for medical prophylaxis, and for treatment of casualties resulting from use of chemical or biological weapons.

(b) Matters to be included

The report shall include information on the following:

(1) The quantities, characteristics, and capabilities of fielded chemical and biological defense equipment to meet wartime and peacetime requirements for support of the Armed Forces, including individual protective items.

(2) The status of research and development programs, and acquisition programs, for required improvements in chemical and biological defense equipment and medical treatment, including an assessment of the ability of the Department of Defense and the industrial base to meet those requirements.

(3) Measures taken to ensure the integration of requirements for chemical and biological defense equipment and material among the Armed Forces.

(4) The status of nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) warfare defense training and readiness among the Armed Forces and measures being taken to include realistic nuclear, biological, and chemical warfare simulations in war games, battle simulations, and training exercises.

(5) Measures taken to improve overall management and coordination of the chemical and biological defense program.

(6) Problems encountered in the chemical and biological warfare defense program during the past year and recommended solutions to those problems for which additional resources or actions by the Congress are required.

(7) A description of the chemical warfare defense preparations that have been and are being undertaken by the Department of Defense to address needs which may arise under article X of the Chemical Weapons Convention.

(8) A summary of other preparations undertaken by the Department of Defense and the On-Site Inspection Agency to prepare for and to assist in the implementation of the convention, including activities such as training for inspectors, preparation of defense installations for inspections under the convention using the Defense Treaty Inspection Readiness Program, provision of chemical weapons detection equipment, and assistance in the safe transportation, storage, and destruction of chemical weapons in other signatory nations to the convention.

(Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title XVII, §1703, Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1854.)

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1994, and not as part of Pub. L. 91–121, title IV, §409, Nov. 19, 1969, 83 Stat. 209, which comprises this chapter.

§1524. Agreements to provide support to vaccination programs of Department of Health and Human Services

(a) Agreements authorized

The Secretary of Defense may enter into agreements with the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide support for vaccination programs of the Secretary of Health and Human Services in the United States through use of the excess peacetime biological weapons defense capability of the Department of Defense.

(b) Report

Not later than February 1, 1994, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the feasibility of providing Department of Defense support for vaccination programs under subsection (a) of this section and shall identify resource requirements that are not within the Department's capability.

(Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title XVII, §1705, Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1856.)

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1994, and not as part of Pub. L. 91–121, title IV, §409, Nov. 19, 1969, 83 Stat. 209, which comprises this chapter.

“Congressional Defense Committees” Defined

Congressional defense committees means the Committees on Armed Services and the Committees on Appropriations of the Senate and House of Representatives, see section 3 of Pub. L. 103–160, 107 Stat. 1562.