Commission On The Prevention of WMD Proliferation and Terrorism - History

History

The creation of the Commission, which was established by House Resolution 1, implements a key recommendation of the independent, bipartisan 9/11 Commission to address the grave threat that the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction poses to our country.

In its first year, the Commission assessed the nation’s current activities, initiatives, and programs aimed at preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and terrorism while providing a clear, comprehensive strategy with concrete recommendations to achieve this crucial goal. The Commission issued its report in December 2008.

During its second year of activity, the Commission is working to improve understanding of its findings—and to turn those concrete recommendations into actions. Specifically, the Commission is focusing on activities relating to:

■Threat awareness, which helps generate urgency, particularly in this time of many competing government priorities

■Bioterrorism, which the Commission identified as the most likely threat

■Nuclear proliferation, which most of the recommendations address

■Government reform, especially steps that will make addressing bio and nuclear threats more effective

■Citizen/community engagement, to encourage an engaged citizenry.