EXPERTS OUTLINE PRIORITIES FOR NUCLEAR WEAPONS CONSENSUS

In an effort to find consensus on a sustainable nuclear posture for the United States, eight nuclear weapons experts suggested that modernizing the weapons complex and improving governance of the National Nuclear Security Administration should be a priority. The Pentagon-sponsored study was facilitated by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, and an agreement on priorities was signed by the Stimson Center’s Barry Blechman, former NNSA Administrator Linton Brooks, former House Democratic staffer Bob DeGrasse, former Global Strike Command chief Lt. Gen. Frank Klotz, George Perkovich of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, the Brookings Institution’s Steven Pifer, and Clark Murdock and Franklin Miller of CSIS. “The complex must be capable of reliably meeting Department of Defense requirements for Life Extension Programs in a timely and affordable manner and certifying the security, safety and reliability of the nuclear force,” the agreement said. “A major improvement is needed in cost estimating and schedule adherence for construction of complex facilities.”