Number: RL33548
Title: Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty: Background and Current Developments
Authors: Jonathan Medalia, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division 
Abstract: At present, Congress addresses nuclear weapon issues in the annual National Defense Authorization Act and the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act. Congress considers the Stockpile Stewardship Program (listed as Weapons Activities), which seeks to maintain nuclear weapons without testing. The FY2008 appropriation for it is $6.356 billion; the FY2009 request is $6.618 billion. Congress also considers a U.S. contribution to a global system to monitor possible nuclear tests. The FY2008 appropriation was $23.8 million. The FY2009 request is $9.9 million; the Senate Appropriations Committee recommended providing $31.0 million. U.S. voting rights in the CTBT Organization Preparatory Commission were suspended on January 1, 2008 for not paying enough dues. The United States paid $23.8 million on February 25, restoring its voting rights.
Pages: 48
Date: September 18, 2008