Military Assessment of U.S. Nuclear Deterrence Requirements
January 1, 2017
Track this bill to get notified when it advances a stage. One tap to stop, anytime.
The Frame
The hearing addresses the long-term maintenance and modernization requirements for the U.S. nuclear arsenal, which impacts federal defense spending and national security policy.
Potentially affected actors named in the source documents. Mention is not a position.
U.S. Department of Defense
The department is responsible for the maintenance, operation, and modernization of the nuclear triad systems discussed.
U.S. Taxpayers
Taxpayers fund the maintenance and potential modernization of the nuclear arsenal.
Last recorded activity January 1, 2017.
Next step not available in the current record.
Summary
Key Facts
- The U.S. nuclear deterrent consists of a triad: land-based missiles, bombers, and ballistic missile submarines.
- Minuteman III missiles were first fielded in 1970.
- B-52 bombers were first deployed in the 1950s; B-2 bombers were first deployed in the 1980s.
- Ballistic missile submarines currently in service began entering service in 1981.
- Most nuclear warheads in the U.S. arsenal were designed and built in the 1970s or earlier.
- The last full test of a U.S. nuclear warhead occurred in 1991.
- The hearing was held on March 8, 2017, in the Rayburn House Office Building.
- The committee identified that nuclear command and control systems have not received sufficient recent attention.
Why It Matters
The hearing addresses the long-term maintenance and modernization requirements for the U.S. nuclear arsenal, which impacts federal defense spending and national security policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 'nuclear triad' mentioned in the hearing?
Why is the committee concerned about the age of nuclear systems?
News Coverage
Sponsors
Discoveries
Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.
Focus on Aging Infrastructure
The hearing highlights a shift in focus toward the 'aging workforce' and 'neglected facilities' as a primary risk factor for nuclear readiness, rather than just the weapons themselves.
Connected Entities
Sources
www.govinfo.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance85How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy40Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment10Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz20Current news / social attention level
Publisher tools