# § 2311. Response to threats of terrorist use of weapons of mass destruction
**(a)** **Enhanced response capability** In light of the potential for terrorist use of weapons of mass destruction against the United States, the President shall take immediate action—
**(1)** to enhance the capability of the Federal Government to prevent and respond to terrorist incidents involving weapons of mass destruction; and
**(2)** to provide enhanced support to improve the capabilities of State and local emergency response agencies to prevent and respond to such incidents at both the national and the local level.
**(b)** **Report required** Not later than January 31, 1997, the President shall transmit to Congress a report containing—
**(1)** an assessment of the capabilities of the Federal Government to prevent and respond to terrorist incidents involving weapons of mass destruction and to support State and local prevention and response efforts;
**(2)** requirements for improvements in those capabilities; and
**(3)** the measures that should be taken to achieve such improvements, including additional resources and legislative authorities that would be required.
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**Source Credit**: (Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title XIV, § 1411, Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2717.)