On the recordMay 18, 2016
Mr. Chair, this amendment is about ensuring that our nuclear deterrence that has protected this country for over 70 years remains strong and viable. Yesterday, this body passed a measure to keep our nukes safe. It is now time to ensure they are ready at a moment's notice. There is no reason to have a nuclear force unless they are ready. To lower the alert posture of our land-based ICBMs would result in a 2-week delay before our ICBMs would be ready to use. This would cripple our ability to respond quickly, which is the entire point of having a nuclear triad. In the military, we always hope for the best but plan for the worse. While I hope we never have to use our nuclear weapons--and, indeed, I believe everyone in this body does--to lower their posture status of land-based ICBMs would unnecessarily put us at risk. I encourage all my colleagues to support this amendment. I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Montana (Mr. Zinke). The amendment was agreed to. Amendment No. 11 Offered by Mr. Lamborn The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 11 printed in House Report 114-571.
