Preventing Terrorism: Assessing the Nation’s Progress

In its report to the American people in 2004, the 9/11 Commission warned that “the greatest danger of another catastrophic attack in the United States will materialize if the world’s most dangerous terrorists acquire the world’s most dangerous weapons.”

Congress heeded that warning in 2007 when it established the Commission on the Prevention of Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferation and Terrorism. Republicans and Democrats alike recognize that stopping terrorists from obtaining nuclear and biological weapons must be an urgent national priority.

The mandate of our Commission is to build on the work of the 9/11 Commission and complete a critical task: to assess our nation’s progress in preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and terrorism, and to provide a roadmap to greater security with concrete recommendations for improvement.

We’re examining the government’s current policies and programs, identifying gaps in our government’s prevention strategy and recommending ways to close them when we issue our report in December.

Since May, we have interviewed over 200 experts inside and outside of government. We have met with counterterrorism and intelligence officials here at home and abroad who are working to stop proliferation and terrorism.

Seven years after the tragic events of September 11, 2001, the threat of a terrorist attack on the United States is still very real. We are not yet safe. There is more that can and must be done. The security of the United States – and the world – depends on it.

Bob Graham, Chairman

Jim Talent, Vice Chairman