FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Anna Schumann
202.546.0795 #2115
CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE REPORT ESTIMATES SHOCKING COST OF NUCLEAR MODERNIZATION
Non-Proliferation Expert Calls $1.2T Sum ‘Staggering;’ Says Unnecessary Spending Draws Critical Resources from Other Pressing Military Priorities
(OCTOBER 31, 2017 — WASHINGTON) Today, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released a new report showing the 30-year cost of nuclear weapons modernization and sustainment. The report estimates that the effort will cost an alarming $1.2 trillion over the three-decade period. John Tierney, a former U.S. Congressman and the Executive Director of the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation, commented on the report:
“$1.2 trillion is a staggering sum and it’s important to remember that it only covers the existing program of record. Trump Administration officials are reportedly proposing new nuclear capabilities, including new low-yield nuclear weapons, which will increase the cost exponentially. With this report, the Congressional Budget Office has exposed a dangerous problem — the current nuclear modernization budget is growing at an unsustainable rate. This unnecessary spending is drawing critical resources away from other pressing military priorities. Congress can and should make modifications to decrease costs, while still maintaining deterrence with a safe and secure nuclear arsenal.”