Today Congressman Mike Turner, Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, released the following statement upon the announcement of President Barack Obama’s Strategic Review of the Department of Defense:
“From the announcement today it is clear that the Administration is planning further reductions in U.S. nuclear forces. At the same time, Russia and China are modernizing and growing their forces and Iran and North Korea’s illegal programs continue to develop unchecked. The U.S. cannot be alone in disarming itself of nuclear weapons. Reductions to our nuclear deterrent should only come as a result of proportionate cuts from our adversaries as well. Further, deeper nuclear cuts will actually undermine the President’s stated shift of focus to the Pacific. Our allies across Asia, much like others around the globe, rely on a strong U.S. nuclear deterrent for their security.
“Of greatest concern, the review makes no reference to the President's commitment to pursue modernization of the U.S. nuclear deterrent. The President pledged this in order to get ratification of the New START treaty through the Senate. They are a package deal and I will continue to ensure their linkage.
“Finally, the Administration has imposed significant cuts on national missile defenses since 2009. The document offers no reassurance that the Administration has finally reprioritized missile defense plans to put national missile defense first.
“In short – this review leaves both our nation and our allies unsure of the future of our nuclear deterrent, and our ability to counteract attacks from those who seek to do us harm.”