CRS Issue Statement on Nuclear Weapons: U.S. Posture and Programs and Arms Control

Amy F. Woolf, Coordinator
Specialist in Nuclear Weapons Policy
 
Jonathan Medalia
Specialist in Nuclear Weapons Policy

George Mangan
Information Research Specialist

President Obama outlined his Administration's priorities and goals for U.S. nuclear weapons and arms control policy in a speech in Prague, in April 2009. The President stated that "the existence of thousands of nuclear weapons is the most dangerous legacy of the Cold War" and that America was committed to seeking "the peace and security of a world without nuclear weapons." He recognized that this goal would not be reached quickly, but he pledged that the United States would "reduce the role of nuclear weapons in our national security strategy, and urge others to do the same." At the same time, he indicated that "as long as these weapons exist, the United States will maintain a safe, secure and effective arsenal to deter any adversary, and guarantee that defense to our allies."

Congress has shown a continuing interest in both of these issue areas—the role of nuclear weapons in U.S. national security policy and the programs and budgets dedicated to maintaining the safety, security and reliability of the U.S. nuclear arsenal. In the FY2008 Defense Authorization Act, Congress mandated that the next Administration conduct a Nuclear Posture Review (NPR) in 2009. The Obama Administration plans to submit its report on the NPR to Congress in early March 2010. This report is to offer the Administration's conclusions on the key threats to U.S. national security, the role nuclear weapons can play in addressing these threats, and the size and structure of the future U.S. nuclear arsenal. It is also likely to highlight the relationship between U.S. nuclear weapons strategy and U.S. nonproliferation goals.


Date of Report: January 6, 2010
Number of Pages: 3
Order Number: IS40355
Price: $7.95

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