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The Federation of American Scientists is committed to informing public debate about critical issues affecting our nation's future. At our Policy Action Center you will find information about current FAS projects and policy positions, as well as interactive ways to personally become involved in making a difference.
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Digital Promise
On February 7, 2008 the US House of Representative voted to approve the Higher Education authorization bill that includes a provision creating a National Center for Learning Science and Technology Trust Fund. The Federation of American Scientists supports the Center’s mission to provide financing for research, development, and demonstration of advanced information technologies that can transform education, training, and lifelong learning. The House bill will now go to conference with the Senate where many members have indicated their strong support.
Read about the Learning Federation at FAS
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Government Secrecy
The next President of the United States could single-handedly do what years of advocacy, investigation, legislation and litigation have yet to fully accomplish, namely to uncover the concealed record of the Bush Administration's two terms in office on everything from warrantless wiretapping to extraordinary rendition.
Link:
More on the Government Secrecy Project
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Man-portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS)
In the wrong hands, Man-portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS) pose an acute threat to commercial airliners and military aircraft. The Federation of American Scientists supports a multifaceted, global approach to ending the illicit proliferation and use of these weapons.
Links:
ASMP Issue Brief No. 1: MANPADS Proliferation
Commentary on recent MANPADS-related developments
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US - India Nuclear Cooperation Agreement
Oppose additional concessions that will weaken nuclear non-proliferation! Check back for our online petition to send to your Representative asking them to support H. Res. 711 and do not allow the Bush Administration to grant dangerous exceptions to India on nuclear trade.
Links:
Congressman Ed Markey talks about the US - India Nuclear Cooperation Agreement
United States and India Nuclear Cooperation Promotion Act of 2006
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Global Nuclear Energy Partnership (GNEP)
The Global Nuclear Energy Partnership (GNEP) is a Bush administration plan managed by the United States Department of Energy. GNEP plans to reverse decades of domestic nuclear policy by promoting the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel for use in nuclear power reactors. Reprocessing creates plutonium, the same material that is used in making nuclear weapons; therefore GNEP will increase the amount of nuclear weapon material available for use or potential theft or sale. GNEP also promises states purchasing US reactor fuel that the US will "recover" this fuel when it has been spent. This will bring more radioactive waste into our country, where there is no permanent repository available, and will create potential environmental hazards or terrorist targets when this material is transported.
Links:
FAS information on GNEP
U.S. Department of Energy information on GNEP
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Reliable Replacement Warheads (RRW)
The Reliable Replacement Warhead (RRW) is an ill-advised initiative by the Bush administration managed by the United States Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). The RRW program was working to develop a brand new nuclear weapon design for the first time in decades, even though our current stockpile is already being refurbished and no new designs are necessary. Designing new nuclear weapons undermines our credibility as a force for global nonproliferation; the Congress agreed, and ended funding for this program in 2007. President Bush's proposed FY2009 budget has allocated $10 million in direct funding for RRW (with an additional $20 million in indircect funding), defying Congress and continuing the administration's push for the creation of a new generation of nuclear weapons.
Click here for more information from the Strategic Security blog. _____________________________________________________________________________________
