Congresswoman Barbara Lee condemns proposed use of low-yield nukes

Congresswoman Barbara Lee condemns proposed use of low-yield nukes

By Lynda Carson - June 14, 2018

Oakland - The Washington Post reports that Trump is poised to get $65 million in backing from Congress for his proposals for new low-yield nuclear warheads (nukes), despite an outcry from anti-nuclear advocates and attempts by Democratic lawmakers to defund or limit their introduction in the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

Most Democrats believe that low-yield nukes heightens the risk of nuclear war. Even former defense officials begged Congress not to fund new low-yield nukes, in addition to opposition from some Senators.

On June 7, 2018, Congresswoman Barbara Lee released a statement in response to the defeat of her amendment to defund $65 million allocated by the House of Representatives for low-yield nukes.

“There is no such thing as a small nuclear weapon. Spending $65 million on a low-yield nuclear weapon – with unprecedented submarine-launch capability – heightens the risk of nuclear war. We should be de-escalating tensions with our allies, not provoking a new nuclear arms race.

“I am disappointed that Congress rejected this amendment, which would have directed these funds to nuclear nonproliferation accounts. This program is critical to reducing the spread of nuclear weapons here at home and abroad. Instead of sinking more money into nuclear weapons that don’t enhance our national security, we should be preventing the proliferation of nuclear material and enforcing the treaties and arms control agreements on the books.
“Given the instability in the world and in this White House, provoking nuclear brinksmanship is beyond reckless. Congress should be building peace and diplomacy, not inviting a miscalculation with nuclear consequences.”

Reportedly, “The Senate on Wednesday (yesterday) was close to ending debate on its $716 billion NDAA. That bill contains a provision that would remove statutory restrictions on the U.S. development or deployment of such a weapon without congressional authorization.”

“That language would have granted the energy secretary new authority to carry out the weapon’s energy development phase, or any subsequent phase, without Congress’ specific approval.”

The 2019 National Defense Authorization Act is expected to reach the full Senate next week, then it needs to be reconciled with the House.

The funding for low-yield nukes wanted by the Trump regime does not include the separate funding used for Trump’s plutonium pit mission at Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Additional links are below...

Lynda Carson may be reached at tenantsrule [at] yahoo.com

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New Nuke Cruise Missile Could Go on Zumwalt-Class Destroyers: StratCom
Feb 26, 2018

https://www.military.com/dodbuzz/2018/02/26/new-nuke-cruise-missile-could-go-zumwalt-class-destroyers-stratcom.html?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=EBB%202%2F27%2F18&utm_term=Editorial%20-%20Early%20Bird%20Brief

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US Congress Set To Fund New Low-Yield Nuclear Warhead

by Tyler Durden
Wed, 05/30/2018 - 13:58


https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2018-05-30/us-congress-set-fund-new-low-yield-nuclear-warhead

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House rejects limit on new nuclear warhead
By: Joe Gould   May 23


https://www.defensenews.com/congress/2018/05/23/house-rejects-limit-on-new-nuclear-warhead/

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Former defense officials beg Congress not to fund new nuclear warhead
By: Aaron Mehta   May 23


https://www.defensenews.com/smr/nuclear-triad/2018/05/23/former-defense-officials-beg-congress-not-to-fund-new-nuclear-warhead/

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New sub-launched nuke clears congressional hurdle
By: Joe Gould  June 13, 2018


https://www.defensenews.com/congress/2018/06/13/new-sub-launched-nuke-clears-congressional-hurdle/

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The Flawed Push For New Nuclear Weapons Capabilities
Posted on Jun.29, 2017 in Nuclear Weapons, United States by Hans M. Kristensen

https://fas.org/blogs/security/2017/06/new-nukes/

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Project Atom - May 2015

http://www.nipp.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/FINAL-REPORT_ProjectAtom.pdf

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Bring Back the Nuclear Tomahawks
May 2017

https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2017-05/bring-back-nuclear-tomahawks

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Statement of General Curtis M. Scaparroti - March 23, 2017

https://www.armed-services.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Scaparrotti_03-23-17.pdf

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Strategic Deterrence Breakfast Series
2018

http://www.mitchellaerospacepower.org/strategic-deterrence-breakfast-series

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DIA Report 2017

http://www.dia.mil/Portals/27/Documents/News/Military%20Power%20Publications/Russia%20Military%20Power%20Report%202017.pdf

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Military Reporters and Editors Association Conference - Keynote Speech
By Gen. John E. Hyten | U.S. Strategic Command | March 31, 2017

http://www.stratcom.mil/Media/Speeches/Article/1153029/military-reporters-and-editors-association-conference-keynote-speech/

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20170308 - Military Assessment of Nuclear Deterrence Requirements (ID: 105640)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRwWM6X5vNk&feature=youtu.be&t=5621

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Nuclear Weapons Modernization Programs: October 29, 2013

https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CHRG-113hhrg86075/html/CHRG-113hhrg86075.htm

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Study: Traces of radioactive contamination found in homes of six Hanford workers

Originally published June 14, 2018 at 6:00 am Updated June 14, 2018 at 12:14 am

https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/study-traces-of-radioactive-contamination-found-in-homes-of-six-hanford-workers/

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