11.05.21

Hoeven Leads Legislation to Ensure Biden Administration Does Not Unilaterally Cut U.S. Nuclear Forces

Amendment Comes as Pentagon Reports China’s Nuclear Arsenal is Growing Faster than Expected, Administration is Undertaking NPR

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, this week led legislation to prevent the Biden administration from making any unilateral cuts to the nation’s nuclear forces. Hoeven introduced the legislation as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), following reports that China’s nuclear arsenal is growing more rapidly than anticipated and as the Biden administration expects to complete a Nuclear Posture Review (NPR) early next year with recommendations on nuclear force levels.

“Just this week, the Pentagon reported that China is expanding its nuclear capabilities more quickly than expected,” said Hoeven. “Reports of a rapid Chinese nuclear build up underscore the importance of continuing to modernize our nuclear triad and strengthen our deterrent. Clearly the administration should not consider any unilateral cuts as part of its ongoing NPR, and my legislation would ensure no such cuts could occur.”

Hoeven was joined on the amendment by Senate Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Jim Inhofe, and Senators Marsha Blackburn, Tom Cotton, John Cornyn, Kevin Cramer, Steve Daines, Lindsey Graham, Josh Hawley, John Kennedy, Cynthia Lummis, Roger Marshall, Mitt Romney, Rick Scott, John Thune, Thom Tillis and Tommy Tuberville.

Earlier this week, Hoeven joined his colleagues in pressing for Senate consideration of the NDAA. The senator stressed the growing threats from the nation’s adversaries and outlined the need to keep U.S. nuclear modernization efforts on schedule. With Minot Air Force Base home to the B-52 bombers and the intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), the senator underscored the importance of nuclear deterrence as the foundation of our defense. 

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