Amendment addresses potential nuclear force reductions

U.S. Sen. John Hoeven (R-ND) joined 16 other legislators to introduce a National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) amendment that seeks to prevent the Biden administration from executing unilateral cuts to the nation’s nuclear forces.

The amendment was introduced in the wake of reports maintaining China’s nuclear arsenal is growing more rapidly than anticipated and the Biden administration’s anticipated completion of a Nuclear Posture Review (NPR) early next year with recommended nuclear force levels.

“Just this week, the Pentagon reported that China is expanding its nuclear capabilities more quickly than expected,” Hoeven, a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, said. “Reports of a rapid Chinese nuclear build up underscore the importance of continuing to modernize our nuclear triad and strengthen our deterrent. Clearly, the administration should not consider any unilateral cuts as part of its ongoing NPR, and my legislation would ensure no such cuts could occur.”

Hoeven previously joined lawmakers in emphasizing growing threats from the domestic adversaries and outlined the importance of keeping nuclear modernization efforts on schedule.

With North Dakota’s Minot Air Force Base serving as home to the B-52 bombers and the intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), Hoeven has underscored the significance of nuclear deterrence as the foundation of the nation’s defense.