Arms Control Association Press Conference, 'New Nuclear Weapons vs. Nonproliferation: The Choice Before Congress'

4/23/2003

From: Wade Boese of the Arms Control Association, 202-463-8270 ext. 104

News Advisory:

WHAT: Arms Control Association Press Conference: 'New Nuclear Weapons vs. Nonproliferation: The Choice Before Congress'

WHEN: Tuesday, April 29, 2003 9 a.m.- 10:30 a.m.

WHERE: Hall of States 444 N. Capitol St., NW Room 383

Contact: Wade Boese at (202) 463-8270 x104 to RSVP or for more information.

Congress will soon consider Bush administration proposals for additional research on developing new nuclear "bunker-buster" weapons and to repeal the existing prohibition on research into new, low-yield nuclear weapons. How will efforts to create these weapons, promoted under the Bush administration's new national security strategy, affect U.S. nuclear nonproliferation goals and global security?

Panelists:

-- Senator Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.), on the Bush administration's nuclear policy and the upcoming debate about repealing the ban on low-yield nuclear weapons research.

-- Dr. Sidney Drell, Stanford University, on the technical challenges and limited military utility of the proposed new nuclear weapons, and the impact their development may have on global efforts to curb nuclear proliferation.

-- Dr. Matthew McKinzie, Natural Resources Defense Council, on the potential effects and collateral damage of an earth-penetrating nuclear weapon on possible targets.

-- Daryl Kimball, Arms Control Association, moderator.

The Arms Control Association is an independent, nonprofit membership organization dedicated to promoting public understanding of and support for effective arms control policies.