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Nuclear and Radiological Terrorism Threat Reduction Act of 2002

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text of measure as introduced: CR S10580-10581)

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Oct 16, 2002

Nuclear and Radiological Terrorism Threat Reduction Act of 2002 - Authorizes the Secretary of State to propose that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) conclude agreements with up to five countries under which each country would provide temporary secured storage for orphaned, unused, surplus, or other radioactive material sources other than special nuclear material, nuclear fuel, or spent nuclear fuel.Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) make U.S. voluntary contributions to the IAEA for a program to provide radioactive source discovery, inventory, and recovery; (2) assist the Government of the Russian Federation to substitute solar power sources to replace radioisotope thermal generator powered units operated by the Federation and other independent states of the former Soviet Union in applications such as lighthouses, remote weather stations, unattended sensors, and remote electricity; and (3) conclude an agreement under which a foreign country would train first responders in the detection and characterization of radioactive material and contaminated areas.Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to establish a Special Representative for Inspections of Nuclear and Radiological Materials for negotiating international agreements that ensure inspection of cargoes of nuclear and radiological materials destined for the United States.Establishes a program of research and development grants concerning the detection and identification of fissile and radioactive materials.Requires a study of the use of radioactive sources in industry and of potential substitutes for those sources.

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Who introduced it

Sen. Biden, Joseph R., Jr. [D-DE] · D–DE

Committees

  • Foreign Relations Committee
5 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text of measure as introduced: CR S10580-10581)

  2. Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S10578-10580)

  3. Introduced in Senate

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

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Source last updated: Aug 19, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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