Lawmakers express National Security Council nuclear policy concerns

A group of lawmakers recently forwarded correspondence to the National Security Council to express concerns regarding nuclear policy.

U.S. Sens. Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Jim Inhofe (R-OK) joined U.S. Reps. Mike Rogers (R-AL), Michael McCaul (R-TX), and Devin Nunes (R-CA) in sending the letter to
Biden administration officials regarding reports the National Security Council blocked the Department of Defense (DoD) from recommendations regarding domestic nuclear declaratory policy changes through the ongoing Nuclear Posture Review (NPR).

“It would be unwise and irresponsible to muzzle the considered advice of the U.S. government’s foremost experts on nuclear deterrence issues at the DoD and throughout the interagency,” the legislators wrote. “It would also deprive the President of your views, the views of NATO allies and those of our allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region.”

The legislators have requested administration officials provide written assurance they will submit appropriate recommendations regarding changes to the domestic nuclear declaratory policy during the NPR.

“We urge you to ensure the [Nuclear Posture Review], including any potential change in U.S. nuclear declaratory policy, addresses the increasingly dangerous strategic environment, allies’ views and concerns, as well as the deteriorating condition of U.S. nuclear forces relative to the modernization efforts underway in the People’s Republic of China and the Russian Federation,” the legislators concluded.