Pete Domenici: “The Feinstein-Kennedy amendment would prevent the NNSA from studying alternative technologies for our nuclear stockpile.…”

“The Feinstein-Kennedy amendment would prevent the NNSA from studying alternative technologies for our nuclear stockpile. It would also prevent the NNSA and DOD from studying earth-penetrating capability, which many military experts believe is an area where our existing arsenal does not provide sufficient deterrence. The robust nuclear earth penetrator is a study to determine how or if the existing B-61 and existing B-83--those are the names of nuclear weapons--might be modified to provide an added capability of underground penetration. At present, our military is unable to provide credible deterrence against deeply buried targets. Included in the President's fiscal year 2005 budget is $27.6 million in funding to undertake a feasibility study for the RNEP. With this research--and I stress research--we may be able to solve the complex engineering challenges and identify capabilities for both nuclear and conventional weapons to address the evolving tactical challenges. This is research not intended to replace any conventional weapon. It would only serve to transition from relying on large megaton city busters with more precise weapons, also providing funding for the NNSA to evaluate modification to existing weapons. It does not imply a commitment to build these weapons.”