House Republicans Cut Anti-Terrorism Funding

From ThinkProgress (see link below) 

House Republicans Cut Funding That Protects Us From Nuclear Terrorism

On Feb 11, 2011 ". . . House Republicans put forth a “continuing resolution” (CR) to fund the government past March 4th that was filled with spending cuts. 


"While this came as no surprise, one focus of the cuts is causing some heads to turn. House Republicans are choosing to significantly cut the National Nuclear Security Administration’s nonproliferation programs, the sole purpose of which is to prevent terrorists from getting their hands on loose nuclear weapons and materials. 


"While Republicans have talked about the need to inflict pain in their budget, doing so in a way that increases the risk of the nuclear annihilation of an American city is perhaps taking the pledge too far.


[. . .]


The danger of a terrorist acquiring nuclear materials is very real. A softball-sized amount of highly enriched uranium can demolish an entire city. Yet in many countries, nuclear materials remain highly insecure, leaving them susceptible to theft. For years nuclear materials have floated on the black market and it is known that Al Qaeda has sought to purchase them.


[. . .]


The amount of funding required for these programs is also a drop in the bucket when compared to the current cost of the wars in Afghanistan and the total Pentagon budget.



Link to the report at ThinkProgress:

ThinkProgress » House Republicans Cut Funding That Protects Us From Nuclear Terrorism