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Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Jul 15, 2004
Prevention of Terrorist Access to Destructive Weapons Act of 2004 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit knowingly producing, acquiring, transferring, possessing, using, or threatening to use: (1) an explosive or incendiary rocket designed as a weapon to seek an aircraft; (2) any device to launch or guide such rocket; (3) parts designed for use in assembling or fabricating such a rocket or device; (4) any weapon designed or intended to release radiation or radioactivity at a level dangerous to human life; (5) any object capable of and designed or intended to endanger human life; or (6) the variola virus. (Makes exceptions for specified governmental conduct.)
Amends the Atomic Energy Act to expand the scope of provisions governing atomic weapons to prohibit transferring or receiving in interstate or foreign commerce, using, or possessing and threatening to use an atomic weapon.
Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) when such prohibited conduct shall be considered to have occurred within the jurisdiction of the United States; and (2) applicable criminal penalties, including the death penalty.
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
Expands the scope of Arms Export Control Act licensing provisions and Federal criminal code provisions regarding interception of communications, acts of terrorism transcending national boundaries, and money laundering to cover offenses under this Act.
People & committees
Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX] · R–TX
Legislative record
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Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 10, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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