Download Locations

• Federation of American Scientists
• Thurgood Marshall Law Library/University of Maryland School of Law

Summary

This report focuses on a possible terrorist nuclear attack on a U.S. seaport, a lowprobability but high-consequence threat. Ports are vulnerable; an attack could cause local devastation and affect the global economy. Terrorists might obtain a bomb in several ways, though each presents difficulties. Current ability to detect a bomb appears limited. The United States is using technology, intelligence, international cooperation, etc., to try to thwart an attack. Issues for Congress include choosing a suitable level of effort, safeguarding foreign nuclear material, improving port security, and mitigating economic effects of an attack. This report will be updated as developments occur.

XML