Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the Cooperative Threat Reduction (CTR) program, focusing on the program's: (1) planning and funding status; and (2) recent progress in eliminating weapons of mass destruction in the former Soviet Union (FSU).

GAO found that: (1) the CTR program has facilitated Ukraine's weapons dismantlement efforts and has significantly influenced other recipient states' decisions to dismantle weapons of mass destruction; (2) the Department of Defense (DOD) has developed its first comprehensive multiyear CTR plan and has doubled program obligations and tripled program expenditures over the past 11 months; (3) the value of CTR work exceeds reported expenditure levels and program managers are adjusting their reporting systems to reflect the value of work actually performed; (4) DOD has made some progress in conducting audits and examinations in FSU states receiving CTR funds; (5) the specific material impact of CTR assistance has been limited due to the lack of certain storage facilities and the recent delivery of some CTR aid; and (6) the program needs to overcome numerous challenges and problems, such as the lack of agreement over disposal methods, to realize its long-term objectives.

Status Legend:

Review Pending-GAO has not yet assessed implementation status.

Open-Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned, or actions that partially satisfy the intent of the recommendation have been taken.

Closed-implemented-Actions that satisfy the intent of the recommendation have been taken.

Closed-not implemented-While the intent of the recommendation has not been satisfied, time or circumstances have rendered the recommendation invalid.

• Review Pending
• Open
• Closed - implemented
• Closed - not implemented

Matters for Congressional Consideration

Matter: Congress may wish to consider reducing the CTR program's fiscal year 1996 request for $104 million for support to Russian chemical weapons destruction efforts by about $34 million because of uncertainties regarding the expenditure.

Status: Closed - Implemented

Comments: Congress reduced the budget by $13.4 million.

Matter: Congress may wish to consider withholding approval to obligate any remaining funds designated for the design or construction of elements of a chemical weapons destruction facility until the United States and Russia have agreed on the results of the joint evaluation study concerning applicability of a destruction technology.

Status: Closed - Implemented

Comments: Congress precluded any funds being spent until the joint evaluation results were completed and the technology proven.