Cramer: Future Of Nuclear Deterrence Important To Global Security

Press Release

Congressman Kevin Cramer called the future of nuclear deterrence as important as its rich history. "Considering what is going on in the world today, the entire nuclear triad, especially the northern tier, is very relevant to America's national security and overall global security."

He presented closing remarks today at the fifth annual Task Force 21 Triad Conference, "Nuclear Deterrence: Agenda for the Next Administration." Attending were members of Congress and their staffs, local officials and community leaders from Triad-related communities, industry representatives, contractors, academics, Department of Defense officials and public policy experts.

"In the past 50 years of the politics of national defense, we could always leave our disagreements at the water's edge," Cramer said. "It is very disheartening that we now live in a time where the low-hanging fruit of nearly unanimous support for national defense is being used for leverage for other social issues."

He described one of the joys of his nearly four years in Congress as speaking on the floor of the House a couple times a year about the importance of the mission of the nuclear triad. "Whether advocating for funds to keep our 450 ICBMS in warm status, active and ready, or for upgrades to the B52 or B2, I've always been able to stand with my colleagues and be victorious in the end."

He said this year's defense appropriations and defense authorizations bills passed by the House included his amendments for research and development for UH-1N Huey replacements and prohibiting funding to reduce ICBM alertness levels. He has been discouraged by Senate action, where only two Democrat senators, Joe Manchin and Joe Donnelly, did not vote to block the defense appropriations bill. And, President Obama has threatened to veto the defense authorizations bill.

Cramer said America must return to traditional priorities. "We have to get back to the nation and the Constitution being the top priority of the Commander-in-Chief. I plead with you to keep the fires lit," he told those attending the conference. "Never be afraid to confront the reality of deterrence and the critical role the nuclear triad serves as a defender of freedom."

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