WASHINGTON, D.C. - Montana's Congressman, Denny Rehberg,  today sent a letter to President Barack Obama urging him to re-think plans to dramatically reduce America’s arsenal of Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs).  Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls is home to the 341st Missile Wing, a mission already in jeopardy because of President Obama’s New Strategic Arms Reduction (START) Treaty.

“No one ever wants to use our nuclear weapons, and the best way to make sure that never happens is to maintain a strong arsenal that can act as a deterrent to our enemies,” said Rehberg.  “Malmstrom plays a key role in keeping our nation and our families safe, and the base is a critical part of the local community and economy.  President Obama and his allies in the Senate seem far too eager to make decisions that will undermine both our national defense and our local economy.  That’s why I’m asking them to re-think those plans.”

It was reported that the President ordered the National Security Council (NSC) to develop a plan for drastic reductions of up to 80% for deployed strategic nuclear weapons.  This is far beyond the deep cuts already included in the New START Treaty.

Denny’s full letter to the President is below:

Dear Mr. President:

I’m writing to express serious concerns regarding the recent news that you ordered the National Security Council (NSC) to develop a plan for drastic reductions of our nuclear arsenal.  One of our top federal responsibilities is national security, which is why I oppose any policy that could put American families at risk.

Even though your FY2013 budget request failed to include much needed and promised funding for nuclear modernization, I was relieved to see that it promised to “sustain the nuclear triad of bombers, missiles and submarines to ensure we continue to have a safe, reliable and effective nuclear deterrent.”  That’s why I find these recent reports regarding the Nuclear Posture Review (NPR) Implementation Study so concerning.

According to press reports, the NPR Implementation Study is considering options to cut the U.S. nuclear force by up to 80% of our deployed strategic weapons.  This would go well beyond the proposed level of cuts outlined in the New START Treaty and cut our nuclear deterrent to numbers not seen since the early-1950s.  In fact, an 80% reduction would leave us with a level of around 300 deployed weapons, which some open sources indicate may be less than China’s current deployment. 

At the same time that your Administration contemplates drastically reducing our nuclear capabilities, Russia and China are continuing to increase and upgrade theirs.  China has developed several new ICBM’s to be deployed on mobile launchers and in fixed silos.  Russia has also developed several new ICBM’s and is in the process of producing a new heavy ICBM, which will reportedly be capable of carrying more than 10 warheads.  I would also like to point out that according to the latest data exchange conducted pursuant to the New START Treaty, Russia is increasing their number of deployed ICBM’s while at the same time we are decreasing ours.

While the current fiscal crisis threatens our economic future, we must not try to solve that problem by taking shortcuts with national security.  I believe your Administration should heed the conclusions of the Strategic Posture Commission and Nuclear Posture Review, which reaffirmed the importance of a robust nuclear triad, and halt any further reductions in our nuclear arsenal.

Sincerely,