Senator Cornyn

Cornyn Files Budget Amendments to Protect U.S. Nuclear Capabilities

February 3, 2021

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) today released the following statement after filing two amendments to the budget resolution that would prevent the Biden Administration from scaling back U.S. nuclear capabilities:

“While our adversaries in Moscow and Beijing modernize and add to their nuclear stockpiles with no signs of slowing down, America must not be caught flat-footed,” said Sen. Cornyn. “These amendments will make sure the United States maintains a credible nuclear deterrent in the face of threats posed by Russia and China while reassuring our allies and partners from a position of strength.”

Background:

1. Nuclear Triad: This amendment reduces discretionary funds ($30 million in FY2021) available to the DoD associated with administrative or logistical costs for any reduction to the nuclear force structure and capabilities constituting the nuclear triad.

2. No Disavowal of Nuclear First Strike: This amendment reduces discretionary funds ($30 million in FY2021) available to the DoD associated with any administrative or logistical costs required for the implementation of a nuclear doctrine that prevents the United States from conducting a first strike with a nuclear weapon in defense of the United States, NATO allies, and other nations with which the United States has a Mutual Defense Treaty obligation.