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Smarter Approaches to Nuclear Expenditures Act

USA119th CongressS-2930| Senate 
| Updated: 9/29/2025
Edward J. Markey

Edward J. Markey

Democratic Senator

Massachusetts

Cosponsors (1)
Bernard Sanders (Independent)

Armed Services Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
The "Smarter Approaches to Nuclear Expenditures Act" seeks to curb the escalating costs and perceived excess of the United States nuclear arsenal. Findings indicate that the current nuclear force is a costly holdover from the Cold War, with projected modernization expenses potentially exceeding $1 trillion over the next decade , and that significant savings could be achieved by trimming current plans while maintaining national security objectives. To achieve these reductions, the bill imposes strict limitations on various nuclear assets and programs. It caps the number of Columbia-class submarines at eight, intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) at 150, and deployed strategic warheads at 1,000. Furthermore, it restricts the B-21 bomber fleet to 80 aircraft and prohibits the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter from carrying nuclear weapons. Key prohibitions include the research, development, or procurement of new air-launched cruise missiles (like the long-range stand-off weapon), new ICBMs (such as the LGM-35 Sentinel), and new submarine-launched cruise missiles. The bill also specifically bans the procurement and deployment of new low-yield nuclear warheads, terminates funding for the Uranium Processing Facility, and prohibits the sustainment of the B83-1 bomb and the development of space-based missile defense systems. Finally, it requires regular reports from the Secretaries of Defense and Energy on implementation plans, nuclear weapons accounting, and estimated cost savings.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 116-2727
Smarter Approaches to Nuclear Expenditures Act

Bill from Previous Congress

S 117-1862
Smarter Approaches to Nuclear Expenditures Act

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-1754
Smarter Approaches to Nuclear Expenditures Act
Sep 29, 2025
Introduced in Senate
Sep 29, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 116-2727
    Smarter Approaches to Nuclear Expenditures Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 117-1862
    Smarter Approaches to Nuclear Expenditures Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-1754
    Smarter Approaches to Nuclear Expenditures Act


  • September 29, 2025
    Introduced in Senate


  • September 29, 2025
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

Armed Forces and National Security

Smarter Approaches to Nuclear Expenditures Act

USA119th CongressS-2930| Senate 
| Updated: 9/29/2025
The "Smarter Approaches to Nuclear Expenditures Act" seeks to curb the escalating costs and perceived excess of the United States nuclear arsenal. Findings indicate that the current nuclear force is a costly holdover from the Cold War, with projected modernization expenses potentially exceeding $1 trillion over the next decade , and that significant savings could be achieved by trimming current plans while maintaining national security objectives. To achieve these reductions, the bill imposes strict limitations on various nuclear assets and programs. It caps the number of Columbia-class submarines at eight, intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) at 150, and deployed strategic warheads at 1,000. Furthermore, it restricts the B-21 bomber fleet to 80 aircraft and prohibits the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter from carrying nuclear weapons. Key prohibitions include the research, development, or procurement of new air-launched cruise missiles (like the long-range stand-off weapon), new ICBMs (such as the LGM-35 Sentinel), and new submarine-launched cruise missiles. The bill also specifically bans the procurement and deployment of new low-yield nuclear warheads, terminates funding for the Uranium Processing Facility, and prohibits the sustainment of the B83-1 bomb and the development of space-based missile defense systems. Finally, it requires regular reports from the Secretaries of Defense and Energy on implementation plans, nuclear weapons accounting, and estimated cost savings.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 116-2727
Smarter Approaches to Nuclear Expenditures Act

Bill from Previous Congress

S 117-1862
Smarter Approaches to Nuclear Expenditures Act

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-1754
Smarter Approaches to Nuclear Expenditures Act
Sep 29, 2025
Introduced in Senate
Sep 29, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 116-2727
    Smarter Approaches to Nuclear Expenditures Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 117-1862
    Smarter Approaches to Nuclear Expenditures Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-1754
    Smarter Approaches to Nuclear Expenditures Act


  • September 29, 2025
    Introduced in Senate


  • September 29, 2025
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
Edward J. Markey

Edward J. Markey

Democratic Senator

Massachusetts

Cosponsors (1)
Bernard Sanders (Independent)

Armed Services Committee

Armed Forces and National Security

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted