Enzi, Thomas Stress Importance of Missile Force

Enzi, Thomas Stress Importance of Missile Force

U.S. Senators Craig Thomas and Mike Enzi, both R-Wyo., urged Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld to make no changes in the force of 500 nuclear armed intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) before Congress completes its authorization and appropriations process in a letter sent yesterday. The senators were joined by Senators Kent Conrad, D-N.D., Conrad Burns, R-Mont., Max Baucus, D-Mont., Robert Bennett, R-Utah, Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, and Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., in writing the letter.

F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne is home to 150 of the 500 U.S. Minuteman III missile force.

Text of the letter follows.

May 10, 2006

The Honorable Donald Rumsfeld
Secretary of Defense
Washington, D.C. 20301

Dear Mr. Secretary:

America's Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) force has a critical role in our national security and nation defense strategies. As members of the Senate ICBM Coalition, we have repeatedly stated our support for this force.

The National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2006 made clear Congress' support for an ICBM force of 500 missiles. The conference report specifically noted that the policy of the United States, as set out in the 2001 Nuclear Posture Review (NPR), is to deploy a force of 500 ICBMs. We recognize that strategic developments may compel changes in policy, but believe those changes must be made only with the Executive and Legislative branches working together.

The Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR) released earlier this year included a recommendation to reduce this force level from 500 to a level of 450, without any specific justification for this decision or citation of the changed strategic situation which would warrant a reduction in the force. While we support the continual review of our nation's defense strategy and capabilities, we believe Congress has an important role in the process.

Given that Congress has already expressed its position on the need for a 500 ICBM force, it would be inappropriate for the Department to move forward with deactivation of any missiles before Congress has considered the Department's proposals in the budget and appropriations process for fiscal year 2007. We are additionally concerned about reports that the Department is considering whether to cancel ongoing upgrades to these missiles. While we are not convinced that it is wise to retire a portion of the ICBM force today in order to free up test assets that will not be needed for a decade, our nation would be left in an even worse position if these deactivated missiles were not upgraded and hence were not usable as test assets in order to prepare for the next generation of delivery systems.

As we have stated before, a 500 missile force of ICBMs has a powerful effect on potential adversaries. We believe this force must remain robust and receive the necessary upgrades to continue to dissuade any potential adversaries. The former Air Force Chief of Staff and Commander of the U.S. Strategic Command has warned that the world's geostrategic landscape remains seriously worrisome, with China's nuclear arsenal growing, the future of Russia remaining uncertain, and with the emergence of new nuclear powers possible in North Korea and Iran. In light of these developments, the most prudent course of action would be for the United States to maintain its nuclear arsenal at the levels called for in the Administration's Nuclear Posture Review.

We look forward to working with you on maintaining our nation's ICBM force and appreciate your consideration.

Sincerely,

Michael Enzi, United States Senator
Craig Thomas, United States Senator
Kent Conrad, United States Senator
Conrad Burns, United States Senator
Max Baucus, United States Senator
Robert Bennett, United States Senator
Orrin Hatch, United States Senator
Byron Dorgan, United States Senator

http://enzi.senate.gov/icbm2.htm