Sec. 1654. Sense of Congress on nuclear deterrence
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/bill/114/s/2943/es/section-1654·A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
The following is the sense of Congress: The nuclear forces of the United States continue to play a fundamental role in deterring aggression against the interests of the United States and its allies in an increasingly dangerous world in which foreign adversaries, including the Russian Federation, are making explicit nuclear threats against the United States and its allies. Strong United States nuclear forces assure United States allies that the extended deterrence guarantees of the United States are credible and that the resolve of the United States remains strong even in the face of nuclear provocations, including nuclear coercion and blackmail.
The prevention of war through effective deterrence requires survivable and flexible nuclear forces that are well exercised and ready to respond to nuclear escalation if necessary. Possessing a range of capabilities and options to counter nuclear threats assures United States allies and enhances the credibility of United States nuclear deterrence by reinforcing the resolve of the United States in the minds of United States allies and potential adversaries. The declared policy of the United States with respect to the use of nuclear weapons must be coordinated and communicate clearly that the use of nuclear weapons against the United States or its vital interests would ultimately fail and subject the aggressor to incalculable consequences.
In support of a strong and credible nuclear deterrent, the United States must— maintain a nuclear force with a diverse, flexible range of nuclear yield and delivery modes that are ready, capable, and credible; afford the highest priority to the modernization of the nuclear triad, dual-capable aircraft, and related command and control elements; and ensure the broadest participation of United States allies in nuclear defense planning, training, and exercises to demonstrate the commitment of the United States and its allies and their solidarity against nuclear threats and coercion.
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization
(NATO)must make it clear at the NATO summit in Warsaw, Poland, in July 2016 that NATO has taken steps to address the nuclear provocations of the Russian Federation, particularly including steps to counter any calculation by the Russian Federation that the use of nuclear weapons against NATO members could have other than incalculable consequences for the Russian Federation. Effective deterrence requires that NATO clearly communicate that reality to the leaders of the Russian Federation, conduct realistic nuclear planning and exercises, and modernize the full suite of dual-capable aircraft and associated command and control networks and facilities.