Challenges to Russia's democratic development have long been of concern to Congress as it has considered the course of U.S.-Russia cooperation. Some in Congress have criticized the conduct of the election, but have endorsed continued engagement, while others have called for stepping back and reevaluating the Obama Administration's engagement policy which assists in solving mutual strategic concerns. Congress may consider the implications of another Putin presidency, lagging democratization, and human rights abuses in Russia as it debates possible future foreign assistance and trade legislation and other aspects of U.S.-Russia relations.

During the Senate debate on the new U.S.-Russian Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) in 2010, many Senators raised questions about Russian nonstrategic nuclear weapons and noted their absence from the treaty limits. The United States and Russia have not included limits on these weapons in past arms control agreements. Nevertheless, Congress may press the Administration to seek solutions to the potential risks presented by these weapons in the future. This report looks at issues for Congress to consider regarding US weapons policy in light of the START agreement.

This report provides basic information about U.S. and Russian nonstrategic nuclear weapons. It begins with a brief discussion of the differences between strategic and nonstrategic nuclear weapons. It then provides some historical background, describing the numbers and types of nonstrategic nuclear weapons deployed by both nations during the Cold War and in the past decade; the policies that guided the deployment and prospective use of these weapons; and the measures that the two sides have taken to reduce, eliminate, and, more recently, augment their forces.

Since 1992, the United States has provided more than $26 billion in assistance to the 12 states of the former Soviet Union (FSU). It continues to provide nearly $2 billion annually. This report describes the broad framework of U.S. assistance programs and policies in the region and then focuses on the FREEDOM Support Act (FSA) account under the foreign operations budget which, encompassing all U.S. objectives in the region, has often been the means by which Congress has expressed its views and sought to influence policy.

Since 1992, the United States has provided more than $26 billion in assistance to the 12 states of the former Soviet Union (FSU). It continues to provide nearly $2 billion annually. This report describes the broad framework of U.S. assistance programs and policies in the region and then focuses on the FREEDOM Support Act (FSA) account under the foreign operations budget which, encompassing all U.S. objectives in the region, has often been the means by which Congress has expressed its views and sought to influence policy.

This report describes the broad framework of U.S. assistance programs and policies in the former Soviet Union and then focuses on the foreign operations FREEDOM Support Act (FSA) account which, encompassing all U.S. objectives in the region, has often been the means by which Congress has expressed its views and sought to influence policy.

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Many in Congress and the Clinton Administration charge that Russian entities are assisting Iran in developing ballistic missiles. Russia is also building a nuclear power station and is finishing other nuclear services to, Iran. Congress has passed legislation requiring the President to impose sanctions for missile technology transfers, arms sales, nuclear technology transfers, and large-scale investments in Iran. H.R 2709, which includes the "Iran Missile Proliferation Sanctions Act of 1997," is one of several bills designed to tighten existing sanctions law. It was amended and passed by the Senate on May 22, 1998, and by the House on June 9 by very large bipartisan majorities. Nevertheless, President Clinton vetoed the bill on June 23 and said he would work to sustain the veto.

This report discusses the U.S. response to the Russian Government potentially violating the Missile Technology Control Regime. The report details the accusations made against Russia, and the progression of Iran's nuclear power program. It also highlights the connection these allegations have with respect to U.S. policy and the sanctions that were introduced by the U.S. Congress as a result.

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Script from the WBAP-TV/NBC station in Fort Worth, Texas, relating a news story about a surprise announcement which could also have an effect on the nuclear balance of power.

Script from the WBAP-TV/NBC station in Fort Worth, Texas, relating a news story about the Rangers who opened their long homestand and are about to end their two game losing streak as they lead Milwaukee.

Script from the WBAP-TV/NBC station in Fort Worth, Texas, relating a news story about Arnold Palmer who has definitely moved into the spotlight by tying for the lead with only a few golfers still left in the 2nd round of the U. S open at New York.

Script from the WBAP-TV/NBC station in Fort Worth, Texas, relating a news story about cancer experts from the United states and Russia who signed an important agreement in Moscow.

Script from the WBAP-TV/NBC station in Fort Worth, Texas, relating a news story about the German author who said that the Soviet writer who will not remain in West Germany.

Script from the WBAP-TV/NBC station in Fort Worth, Texas, relating a news story about secretary of state rogers who assured the North Atlantic allies at a meeting in Copenhagen that president Nixon will turn down any attempt by Russia's Leonid Brezhnev to settle major issues over their hands.

Script from the WBAP-TV/NBC station in Fort Worth, Texas, relating summaries about three different news stories. Pentagon officials estimated that more than a billion dollars would be needed to keep American forces in Europe, Treasury Secretary Shultz left Moscow for West Germany to discuss money issues, and President Nixon sent Congress his bid to reinstate the death penalty for certain federal crimes.

Script from the WBAP-TV/NBC station in Fort Worth, Texas, covering a news story about a Russian plane crashing near Moscow.

Script from the WBAP-TV/NBC station in Fort Worth, Texas, covering a news story about a Russian plane crashing near Moscow.

Script from the WBAP-TV/NBC station in Fort Worth, Texas, relating a news story.

Photocopy of a script from the WBAP-TV/NBC station in Fort Worth, Texas, relating a news story.