Bill seeks to cut nuclear weapons budget

Sen. Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) reintroduced Tuesday legislation is designed to reduce the nation’s nuclear weapons budget by $75 billion over the next decade.

The Smarter Approach to Nuclear Expenditures (SANE) Act would enhance national security and cut what they deem redundant and destabilizing nuclear programs.

“The United States should fund education, not annihilation; that is our future,” Markey said. “We need sanity when crafting America’s budget priorities and more and improved nuclear weapons defies common sense. The SANE Act cuts nuclear weapons and delivery systems that we don’t need so we can invest in the people and programs that will make America safe and prosperous in the future.”

The bill reduces the purchase of Columbia-class submarines from 12 to eight, cutting the existing ICBM fleet from over 400 to 150, and trims deployed strategic warheads from approximately 1,500 to 1,000; cancels development of a new air-launched cruise missile and an associated warhead life extension program; and lowers to 80 the purchase of new B-21 long-range bombers.

“These disastrous weapons will never be the answer to solving our complex and ever-changing national security threats, especially with a reckless administration in charge of the codes,” Blumenauer said. “We should not be investing trillions of dollars of our budget on an outdated and irresponsible nuclear arsenal. There are far more important programs and initiatives that will actually help and protect the American people. This legislation will put us on the path towards a safer, nuclear-free future.”