Deb Fischer Questions Defense Nominee on Modernizing Nuclear Command and Control

Nuclear Deterrence as Highest Priority

• nuclear weapons are the foundation of our national defense and nuclear deterrence is the department's highest priority mission.
• A new position was created to provide clearer leadership and greater authorities for overseeing nuclear weapons and policy.

Strategic Posture Commission Report

• 💡 The report highlighted the urgency and existential nature of the threat posed by two peer nuclear powers aligned against the US.
• ⚠️ It also noted potential threats from North Korea aiming to subvert the US-led international order.

Modernizing Nuclear Forces

• 🚀 The nominee described the current state of nuclear forces as "too old, too few," emphasizing the need to accelerate modernization of programs of record.
• ⚡ Key areas for modernization include the Long Range Strike option and other capabilities identified by Stratcom to fill potential gaps.

Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications (NC3)

• 📞 NC3 is considered the "fourth leg of the triad" and is crucial for preserving the president's decision space.
• 🔒 Ensuring NC3 resilience against cyber, space, and EMS challenges is vital, especially during the transition from legacy to new, analog to digital systems.

Coordination and Responsibility

• 🤝 The nominee will serve as the staff director of the Nuclear Weapons Council, overseeing coordination between the Department of Defense and NNSA on nuclear programs.
• ✅ This responsibility is taken seriously as a critical role in ensuring the effectiveness and readiness of nuclear capabilities.