Dick Lugar: “I asked for an assurance that over the duration of the New START treaty the Defense Department will not permit a…”

“I asked for an assurance that over the duration of the New START treaty the Defense Department will not permit a situation to arise where heavy bombers lack sufficient and credible nuclear standoff attack capability. Secretary Gates responded that the current air-launched cruise missile will be maintained through 2030 with multiple lifetime extensions and that ``the Administration is committed to providing a sufficient and credible nuclear standoff attack capability, and ensure that the bomber leg of the Triad remains fully capable of supporting U.S. deterrent requirements.'' I also sought assurance that the language in the 1251 update will in no way modify the basing of the ICBM leg of the triad nor constrain its future designs with respect to warhead loadings; that is, constraining it to meet some arms control goal of fewer warheads for ICBMs. Secretary Gates responded that ``The Administration is also committed to sustaining the silo-based Minuteman III force through 2030, as mandated by Congress'' and that ``[N]either the Update to the 1251 Report nor planning and guidance for a follow-on ICBM will constrain the flexibility of a follow-on design with respect to warhead loadings.'' Bombers will have sufficient nuclear weapons under New START. We are not going to constrain a future ICBM for purposes of arms control.”