U.S. Nuclear Weapons Policy Essay

While it would seem on the surface that the Department for Defense should be in charge of the oversight for the nation's nuclear weapons there are many other departments that have direct and indirect involvement with nuclear weapons.
The Department of State has a hand in many different things including nuclear weapons. This department is responsible for collaborating with multiple nations on various issues including nuclear smuggling, and work to make agreements and treaties when nuclear weapons are involved.
The Bureau of International Organization Affairs works directly with the United Nations and other international agencies on a myriad of issues to include nuclear nonproliferation.
Secretary for Arms Control and International Security is the Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation. This Bureau is in charge of a broad range of nonproliferation, counter proliferation and arms control. Essentially they are in charge of ensuring weapons of mass destruction are not spread. This includes nuclear weapons as well as other mass destruction weapons.
The Department of Energy even has a role when it comes to nuclear weapons. This may seem odd but this department is in charge of ensuring America's nuclear security. They are also responsible for ensuring the safe and responsible production of nuclear weapons, protecting the environment where these weapons are produced.
Congress is responsible for the oversight of the nuclear weapons program within the United States. They delegate the oversight of the operation and maintenance of these weapons by deployed military members to the Department of Defense. Similar to the delegation of such oversight within the United States utilizing the Department of Energy. Congress also is responsible for allocating funding for nuclear activities.
While it may seem strange the Department of Commerce is also involved in nuclear weapons. They are not directly involved in the production, maintenance or actual use of the weapons. They are however, in charge of licensing exports from American companies to foreign companies. They meticulously review all export requests because while certain items may seem harmless they could actually be used to manufacture nuclear weaponry. The Department of Commerce also utilizes The Department of Energy, Department of Defense, and Department of State to assist in this process.
The Department of Security, while newly formed, is also a key player when it comes to nuclear weapons. Following the 9/11 attacks this department was formed and is responsible for making sure nuclear weapons are not smuggled across the border or through customs. They also partner with FEMA in response to nuclear weapon use and response within the United States.
Operating under the Office of the Secretary of Defense are The Missile Defense Agency and the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Policy. The entire mission of the Missile Defense Agency is to develop technology used to eradicate any incoming nuclear missiles prior to entering the United States. The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Policy is in charge of making policies that outlines the use of nuclear weapons and negotiation of agreements with foreign governments regarding nuclear arms control.