Sec. 1641. Establishment of nuclear sea-launched cruise missile program
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/bill/118/hr/2670/rh/section-1641·A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall establish and commence implementation of a nuclear sea-launched cruise missile program (referred to in this section as the SLCM-N Program ). The purposes of the SLCM-N Program shall be— to provide the United States with a needed nonstrategic nuclear capability and make that capability available to the Department of Defense; to strengthen tailored deterrence of regional adversaries; and to assure allies and partners of the United States of the Nation’s commitment to their defense.
Under the SLCM-N Program, the Secretary of Defense shall— accelerate and conclude research and development activities for nuclear sea-launched cruise missiles and transition such missiles to the procurement and fielding phases; conduct a concept of operations study to inform the fielding of nuclear sea-launched cruise missiles aboard platforms identified by the Navy, including the Virginia class submarine; designate the nuclear sea-launched cruise missile as an Acquisition Category ID (ACAT ID) program in accordance with Department of Defense Instruction 5000.85, titled Major Capability Acquisition , dated November 4, 2021; and ensure that the missiles developed under the program achieve initial operational capability not later than September 30, 2031.
Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator for Nuclear Security shall initiate phase 6.2 of the nuclear sea-launched cruise missile warhead designated W80–4 ALT. Nothing in this section shall be construed to supersede or otherwise alter the organizational relationships and responsibilities of departments and agencies of the Federal Government regarding oversight and management of ongoing activities relating to the nuclear sea-launched cruise missile.