Sen. Cramer, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Protect U.S. Nuclear Forces

Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), joined SASC Ranking Member Jim Inhofe (R-OK) and Senator John Hoeven (R-ND) in introducing a National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) amendment, which would to prevent the Biden Administration from making any unilateral cuts to the nation’s nuclear forces.

This follows reports that China’s nuclear arsenal is growing more rapidly than anticipated and as the Biden administration expects to complete a Nuclear Posture Review (NPR) early next year with recommendations on nuclear force levels.

“As our adversaries continue to bolster their nuclear forces, it is crucial we do not unilaterally cut our own. The best way to deter China, Russia, and others from ever starting a nuclear war is by maintaining a credible US nuclear force” said Senator Cramer. “When Chuck Schumer finally decides to bring it to the floor, I urge my colleagues to include this amendment in the National Defense Authorization Act so we can protect our nation and continue promoting peace through strength.”

Last week Senator Cramer spoke at a press conference urging Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) to bring the NDAA to the floor. Only four times in history has the Senate begun consideration of this bill in November or later. The NDAA is crucial to the funding North Dakota’s nuclear resources, such as Minot Air Force Base’s B-52 bombers and the intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). The Senate Armed Services Committee passed the NDAA out of committee on July 21 by a vote of 23-3.

Senators Cramer and Hoeven and Ranking Member Inhofe are joined on the legislation by Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Tom Cotton (R-AR), John Cornyn (R-TX), Steve Daines (R-MT), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Josh Hawley (R-MO), John Kennedy (R-LA), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Rick Scott (R-FL), John Thune (R-SD), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Tommy Tuberville (R-AL).