The Senate Armed Services Committee’s (SASC) fiscal 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) would authorize over $41 billion for Department of Energy national security programs while advancing provisions tied to nuclear weapons programs.
SASC has been marking up its version of the defense policy bill in closed hearings this week, and on Thursday released the executive summary of the version advancing to the Senate floor.
While the executive summary does not provide a detailed breakout of National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) accounts, the funding level would support the agency’s weapons activities, naval reactors program and broader nuclear security mission pending completion of congressional appropriations. The Secretaries of Energy and Defense would also be authorized to initiate “up to two additional nuclear weapons programs.”
The summary also said the bill would “robustly” authorize funds for DOE Atomic Energy Defense Activities, which applies to NNSA. The language specifically mentions the W80-5 warhead, which is currently being developed by NNSA and would go on the nuclear-armed sea-launched cruise missile, or SLCM-N. In a press briefing attended by Exchange Monitor affiliate Defense Daily, spokespersons for the committee said “the committee feels strongly” about SLCM-N.
The summary said it also would authorize funding the High Explosive Synthesis Formulation and Production Facility and the Tritium Finishing Facility. It specifically mentions limiting certain NNSA funds until construction is complete for these facilities, as well as until the Administrator identifies “not less than two” locations for uranium enrichment facilities.
Among the nuclear-related provisions highlighted by the committee is a modification to authorities governing the transfer of U.S. nuclear-powered attack submarines to Australia under the AUKUS security partnership. The bill would allow the transfer of up to three in-service submarines rather than one new submarine and two in-service vessels.
NNSA’s Office of Secure Transport is authorized to counter-unmanned aerial system defense measures, or counter-drone capabilities, under the draft bill.
The draft bill would require a report, with annual updates, revising the Department of Defense’s strategy to deter multiple nuclear-armed adversaries. It would also authorize establishing public-private partnerships for “nuclear effects testing capabilities.”
For the intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) program, or the current Minuteman III and future Sentinel, the bill would prohibit reductions in the number of deployed ICBMs. It would also authorize “life-of-type” procurement – meaning lasting the lifespan of a product – of ICBM parts, associated equipment and re-entry vehicles.
Additional nuclear provisions could emerge as lawmakers release bill text and report language and later reconcile the Senate measure with House-passed legislation, which has traditionally included more detailed direction on nuclear modernization and NNSA programs.
The House Armed Services Committee marked up its version of the fiscal 2027 NDAA last week, and that version of the bill now heads to the House floor.