The House Rules Committee voted Wednesday to consider a version of the fiscal 2025 National Defense Authorization Act that includes a provision to restore nuclear capabilities to the B-52 bomber, but not an amendment restoring the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act.
Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Ala.), on behalf of Rep. August Pfluger (R-Texas), proposed an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that requires the Air Force secretary to coordinate with the STRATCOM commander to restore the B-52 bomber’s nuclear capabilities. The amendment was adopted by voice vote.
Rogers said since the nuclear capabilities of the B-52 were removed with the New START treaty, the U.S. needs to think about a post-New START world.
“The treaty expires in 2026 and the prospect of Russia coming to the table for serious arms control is incredibly unlikely, so we need to be prepared to face a nuclear environment without any treaty limitations,” Rogers said. “That’s what this amendment does. It takes reasonable steps to ensure that we prepared for a future threat environment that is more competitive and unconstrained by treaties”
Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.), in opposition to this amendment, said the Department of Defense is not interested in restoring the B-52 bomber, but rather in investing in the B-21 as a nuclear-capable bomber.
“This would cost a great deal of money,” Smith said. “Also, they are currently trying to extend the life of a number of B-52s out to 2050, which they’re confident they can do. This would be another added expense to that.”
The House Rules Committee also adopted a bloc of amendments that include codifying the National Nuclear Security Administration as the interagency lead on nuclear forensics, as well as directing the DoD to compile a list of opportunities to deploy nuclear reactors.
Notably, Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-N.M.) expressed disappointment that House Speaker Mike Johnson did not urge a vote on extending, or include an amendment extending the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act.
The committee adjourned, with the NDAA unresolved, and will continue to bring amendments to the floor Thursday at 10 a.m. Eastern Time.
