08.02.19

Hoeven: U.S. Has Finalized Withdrawal From INF Treaty

Senator Continues Efforts to Modernize Nuclear Forces, Maintain Credible Nuclear Deterrent

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement after the administration finalized the nation’s withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Force (INF) Treaty as a result of Russia’s refusal to come back into compliance with the agreement. The administration initiated the withdrawal earlier this year, giving Russia six months to destroy all of its violating missiles, launchers and other equipment.

“This withdrawal from the INF treaty recognizes Russia’s long history of noncompliance and comes with the support of NATO and our allies,” said Hoeven. “Considering growing aggression from Russia, China and other adversaries, the U.S. should not unilaterally restrict itself, undermining our security and that of our allies around the world. Rather, we will develop the necessary capabilities to ensure Russia and China do not sustain a military advantage and continue modernizing our nuclear forces to maintain a credible deterrent.”

As a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, Hoeven is working to ensure updates to the nation’s nuclear forces remain on schedule so the U.S. will have a strong deterrent for decades to come. To this end, Hoeven worked to include the following priorities in the Senate’s recently-passed Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):

  • Two pieces of legislation sponsored by Hoeven to support the modernization of the nation’s intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) fleet and help ensure the replacement for the Minuteman III remains on schedule.
  • A Hoeven-cosponsored measure to ensure enough warheads are produced for the new ICBMs.
  • Authorized funding for:
    • Upgrades to the B-52, including the procurement of new engines.
    • Replacing the UH-1N Huey helicopters that provide security for the ICBM silos.
    • The new helicopter facility at the Minot Air Force Base.
    • The Long Range Stand Off (LRSO) missile to replace the aging Air Launched Cruise Missile carried on the B-52.
    • The new cruise missile nuclear warhead.
    • Sustaining the existing fleet of ICBMs.
    • The Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD) to replace the Minuteman III.

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