Senator Hirono Questions Trump Nominee on Resuming Nuclear Tests

Confirmation Hearing Questions

• 📌 Admiral Richard A. Correll, nominee for Commander of United States Strategic Command, was questioned by Senator Mazie Hirono during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing.
• ✅ Correll affirmed he has never made unwanted sexual requests or committed sexual harassment, nor faced discipline or entered into a settlement for such conduct.

Nuclear Testing Debate

• 💥 Senator Hirono raised concerns about President Trump's Truth Social post calling for the U.S. to resume nuclear testing, noting the last U.S. test was in 1992.
• ❓ Correll stated he was unfamiliar with the term "EIS" (Environmental Impact Statement) but acknowledged that resuming nuclear testing would likely require one under the National Environmental Policy Act due to environmental and health concerns.
• 💰 The high cost of recapitalizing the nuclear triad ($946 billion over 10 years) was contrasted with the estimated cost of $125-$150 million per nuclear test.

Strategic Implications of Resuming Tests

• 🤔 Hirono questioned the thought process behind Trump's announcement and its potential impact on adversaries like Russia and China, suggesting it might prompt them to increase their own testing.
• 💡 The existing stockpile stewardship program, which relies on supercomputers, simulations, and non-explosive experiments, was highlighted as a method to ensure nuclear weapon safety and reliability without explosive testing.
• ⚠️ Correll stated his role would be to provide military advice and support the president's priorities, but Hirono pressed for consideration of potential international responses to resumed testing.
• 💬 Hirono emphasized that Trump's quote explicitly called to "start testing our nuclear weapons on an equal basis," indicating a clear intent for resumption.