Cramer Statement on ICBM Silo Announcement

Press Release

Congressman Kevin Cramer released the following statement today after the Department of Defense announced a strategic force structure compliant with the New START Treaty which maintains 454 deployed and non-deployed Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs), and 66 deployed and non-deployed nuclear-capable B-52H heavy bombers.

"I am encouraged the President has recognized the importance of these resources in our strategic defense mission. The ICBM silos and B-52 heavy bombers at Minot Air Force Base are critical to our nuclear triad, which every day is successfully deterring other nations from developing or launching their own nuclear weapons. While the announcement is positive news, in light of our current national security threats, I would have preferred to see more silos in deployed status. I will also continue to monitor the Administration to ensure they follow the laws protecting our ICBM fleet."

The 2014 omnibus spending bill signed into law in January includes a Cramer amendment from the House defense appropriations bill prohibiting the Obama Administration from going forward with an environmental impact study on deconstructing ICBMs, the first step toward reducing or eliminating the fleet. In February, Congressman Cramer responded to reports the Pentagon was requesting the Air Force move forward with the prohibited environmental studies by calling on Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel to follow the law as written.

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