Heidi Alexander: “why are these two so necessarily linked--the treaty and the plan for nuclear weapons modernization? The answer is, if we…”

“why are these two so necessarily linked--the treaty and the plan for nuclear weapons modernization? The answer is, if we are going to reduce our number of warheads, we want to make sure we are not left with what amounts to a collection of wet matches. Defense Secretary Gates said: There is absolutely no way we can maintain a credible deterrent and reduce the number of weapons in our stockpile without either resorting to testing our stockpile or pursuing a modernization program. In a November 24 statement, Senators Kyl and Corker said they ``could not support reductions in U.S. nuclear forces unless there is adequate attention to modernizing those forces and the infrastructure that supports them.'' Senators Kyl and Corker deserve credit for untiring efforts to fund properly nuclear modernization. President Obama deserves credit for updating the nuclear modernization plan in such a significant way. I have reviewed that so-called ``1251 plan'' completed November 17 of this year, which calls for spending $85 billion over the next 10 years. I have visited our outdated nuclear weapons facilities. I am convinced the plan's implementation will make giant steps toward modernization of those facilities so that we--and our allies and adversaries--can be assured that the weapons will work if needed.”