11.29.12

Hoeven Nuclear Triad Amendment to DoD Authorization Affirms Senate Support for Nation's Nuclear Deterrent

Senator's Triad Measure Passes U.S. Senate, DOD Authorization Awaits Passage

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today said an amendment he authored and attached to the Department of Defense (DOD) Authorization Act will help to ensure that the nation maintains a strong and credible nuclear deterrent well into the future. The DOD authorization bill is currently under consideration on the Senate floor. Hoeven serves on the Appropriations Committee’s Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee.

The measure affirms Senate support for retaining and modernizing the three legs of America’s nuclear triad: land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) and nuclear-capable heavy bomber jets, as well as submarine-launched ballistic missiles. Minot AFB is the home of two legs of the triad: the 5th Bomb Wing and 91st Missile Wing.

To further strengthen the nation’s nuclear deterrent, the language of the amendment affirms the importance of modernizing the various parts of the triad, including all of the triad delivery systems, specifically ICBMs and bombers, as well as submarines. In addition, the warheads that the delivery systems carry need to be updated, upgraded and refunded. The language underscores the importance of keeping our nuclear deterrent viable and credible.

“This language puts the Senate on record supporting all three legs of one of the nation’s most effective military deterrents, and Minot is home to two of them,” Hoeven said. “They help to make our country safer.”

Hoeven said the legs are complimentary, with each leg reinforcing the overall effectiveness of our deterrent. The submarine-launched ballistic missiles provide an invisible, mobile and survivable deterrent. The bombers provide a visible, long-range deterrent that can be recalled if necessary. The land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles, like those based in North Dakota, provide a persistent, dispersed and cost-effective deterrent to any nation considering an attack on the U.S. homeland.