WASHINGTON, DC- U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Near Eastern and South and Central Asian Affairs, today expressed support for Vice President Biden’s speech on protecting our country from nuclear threats.
“I want to applaud the Administration’s efforts to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons that could end up in the hands of terrorists. This is the most serious national security threat that we face and I support the Administration’s nonproliferation efforts to secure loose nuclear material around the world, negotiate an arms agreement with Russia that has strong verification standards and ensure that the U.S. nuclear stockpile is safe, secure and effective.”
The Administration has requested an increase in funding to support the National Nuclear Security Administration and its efforts to effectively maintain our nuclear stockpile and conduct nonproliferation activities around the globe.
Senator Casey continued: “This funding would help to enhance confidence in the annual certification of the nuclear stockpile, an essential component of our nuclear posture especially since we have not conducted a nuclear weapons test since 1992. If fully funded, these scientists will also be equipped to provide technical expertise and intelligence in addressing future proliferation threats and increase our nuclear forensic capabilities.
“The Administration's 2011 budget request also bolsters the case for the eventual ratification of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. A full investment in our nuclear weapons infrastructure will mean that the United States can continue to maintain its nuclear weapons infrastructure without testing. We haven’t tested a nuclear weapon since 1992 because we now have the technical means to ensure the reliability and safety of our stockpile. I applaud the Administration’s responsible approach to securing our nuclear weapons and look forward to working to ensure that funding for these programs is protected during the appropriations process.”
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