On the recordJuly 13, 2023
Mr. Chair, I also rise in strong opposition to this amendment. The chairman is right. Now is not the time to open the door to cutting the ICBM fleet. China's ICBM forces are rapidly expanding, and Russia's nuclear forces, the largest in the world, continue to grow, as well. In the face of these growing threats, we need to strengthen our deterrent, not weaken it. Our ICBM forces continue to play a vital role in deterrence as the most responsive leg of our nuclear triad. Unlike submarines and bombers, land-based ICBMs are always ready to execute Presidential orders and provide the day-to-day, 24/7 deterrent that our Nation relies on. They have prevented nuclear attack for 60 years. If you ever want to see nuclear proliferation in this world, start cutting our nuclear forces. All the countries that rely on us will attempt to secure their own nuclear capability. They will have no other choice. That would destabilize the world. I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment.





