On the recordJune 12, 2024
Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. This amendment would require the Air Force to begin restoring nuclear capabilities to B-52 bombers that had this capability removed under the New START Treaty. The treaty expires in 2026, and the prospect of Russia coming to the table for serious arms control discussions is incredibly unlikely, so we need to be prepared to face a nuclear environment without any treaty limitations. That is what this amendment does. It takes reasonable steps to ensure that we are prepared for a future threat environment that is more competitive and unconstrained by treaties. I urge my colleagues to support the amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.
