ICBM Act

The "Investing in Children Before Missiles Act of 2025" proposes to halt the development of the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile program , citing significant cost overruns and schedule delays. It mandates the extension of the operational life of the existing Minuteman III missiles until at least 2050. The bill asserts that investments in the Department of Education represent a more effective use of taxpayer resources than continuing with the current Sentinel program. To achieve this, the legislation directs the transfer of all unobligated funds appropriated for the Sentinel program and the associated W87-1 warhead modification program from the Department of Defense and the National Nuclear Security Administration, respectively, to the Department of Education. These funds are specifically earmarked for Title I, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Furthermore, the bill explicitly prohibits any obligation or expenditure of fiscal year 2026 funds for either the Sentinel or W87-1 programs. The bill also requires the Secretary of Defense to contract with the National Academy of Sciences for an independent study. This study will evaluate the feasibility and costs of extending the Minuteman III's life to 2050 or beyond, comparing it with the Sentinel program's costs. It will also analyze various technical aspects, risks, and benefits of alternative approaches to the U.S. nuclear deterrent, including the survivability of other legs of the nuclear triad and the implications for strategic stability.