Strategic Forces Subcommittee Chairman Scott DesJarlais said on Apr. 22 that the fiscal year 2027 budget request shows a strong commitment to maintaining and modernizing the United States’ nuclear deterrent, but questioned whether current efforts are sufficient given changing security threats.
DesJarlais made his remarks during a hearing on the Department of Defense’s budget for nuclear forces and atomic energy defense activities. The topic is important as it addresses national security and how well the country is prepared to respond to evolving global risks.
“Overall, the president’s budget request for fiscal year 2027 reflects a strong commitment to sustaining and modernizing our nuclear deterrent,” DesJarlais said in his opening statement. He highlighted an increase in funding for weapons activities at the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), noting that previous budgets had not met modernization needs since the end of the Cold War. “I appreciate the serious commitment this budget signals to addressing that challenge and ensuring our nuclear deterrent is supported by both cutting-edge scientific tools and responsive production capabilities,” he said.
Despite these positive steps, DesJarlais raised concerns about whether modernization programs are advancing quickly enough. “While there has been greater recognition that the 2010 modernization plan is necessary but not sufficient to meet the changing security environment, our posture and programs remain largely unaltered, aside from the addition of SLCM-N,” he said.
He also thanked Admiral Wolfe for his years of service as Director of Strategic Systems Programs, noting Wolfe’s retirement later this year after nearly four decades in uniform. In addition, DesJarlais described a recent visit organized by General White to Minot Air Force Base, where he observed personnel maintaining aging Minuteman missile systems first deployed in the 1970s with infrastructure dating back even further. “Their success at keeping a 55 year-old ICBM system alive is impressive, but I think what we’re asking of them is unfair,” DesJarlais said.
The House Armed Services Committee includes members such as Joe Wilson, Michael R. Turner and Robert J. Wittman according to its official website. The committee oversees national defense programs under U.S. Code according to its official website and was chaired by Rep. Mike Rogers during recent Congresses according to its official website. It influences legislation through processes like community project funding via measures such as the National Defense Authorization Act according to its official website, operates under jurisdiction defined in Rule X of House Rules according to its official website, and falls under congressional oversight for military affairs according to its official website.
DesJarlais concluded by stressing that new systems must be delivered so operators do not have rely solely on their dedication: “We owe them a better product.” He called for replacing Minuteman missiles with Sentinel systems while ensuring acquisition decisions do not shift burdens onto those responsible for operations or maintenance.