Assessing Nonproliferation Efforts

Since the fall of the Soviet Union, the U.S. government, led by the Department of Energy (DOE), has spent more than $11 billion to reduce the proliferation risks posed by nuclear and radiological materials and warheads at facilities in Russia and other countries. The Departments of State and Defense have joined DOE in these efforts.

• After more than 15 years of sustained effort, many of these nonproliferation programs are coming to an end. However, questions are being raised about the sustainability of U.S.-funded security upgrades and other related assistance that DOE has provided.
  
  Highlights of GAO-07-404 (PDF)
•  In addition, DOE and other agencies are beginning to expand their nonproliferation activities beyond the former Soviet Union to countries such as China, India, Libya, North Korea, and Pakistan.
  
  Highlights of GAO-08-189 (PDF)

Given the devastating consequences that a terrorist attack using nuclear and radiological materials would have on the United States, it is important that we continue to closely monitor U.S. nuclear nonproliferation efforts to help ensure that programs are being managed and implemented effectively.

^ Back to topWhat Needs to Be Done

The Secretary of Energy and the Administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration should enhance coordination on threat reduction and nonproliferation with other involved agencies, such as the Departments of Defense and State. In addition, DOE should re-evaluate some of its nonproliferation programs to ensure they are still relevant and effective.

Highlights of GAO-07-404 (PDF)

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