Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the top Republican on the Strategic Forces Subcommittee, released the following statement after successfully securing critical provisions on nuclear deterrence, munitions production, and other priorities in the FY23 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):

 “Yet again, a bipartisan Congress had to step in and counter President Biden’s misguided, inadequate defense proposals. Our efforts are essential to ensuring the United States is fully prepared to withstand the challenges of an increasingly dangerous world. I am particularly pleased that this year’s NDAA makes significant investments in strengthening our nuclear deterrent and expanding munitions production, among other key priorities. Let’s get this bill signed into law without delay,” said Senator Fischer.

Senator Fischer’s Top Wins in the FY23 NDAA

1. Strengthening Nuclear Deterrence

The Biden administration’s misguided budget proposal attempted to cancel the Sea-Launched Cruise Missile (SLCM) program, a key enhancement to our nuclear triad. Senator Fischer championed language that:

  • Authorizes $25 million for the Dept. of Defense and $20 million for the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) to continue research and development of a nuclear-capable sea-launched cruise missile system. 

The Biden administration’s budget proposal also attempted to retire the B83 – a thermonuclear gravity bomb designed to defeat hard and deeply buried targets. Senator Fischer led efforts to include language that:

  • Limits the retirement of the B83 until a suitable replacement capability can be identified.

NOTE: A recent Dept. of Defense report noted China will at least triple its nuclear arsenal by 2035. 

2. Expanding Munitions Production

For months, Senator Fischer has highlighted how underinvestment in munitions production capacity impacts America’s ability to meet the threats of the 21st century. Senator Fischer helped secure provisions to:

  • Provide multi-year procurement authority for certain munitions and authorize $2.7 billion for additional munitions production and capacity expansion. 
  • Require the Sec. of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to produce an annual report on the U.S. industrial base and potential constraints for munitions production. 

3. Holding Putin and Russia Accountable

As Russia continues to wage a war of aggression against Ukraine, Senator Fischer has called for increased measures to isolate Russia and hold Putin accountable. Senator Fischer championed a provision that:

  • Prohibits U.S. cooperation with the Russian military for the next five years and the sharing of missile defense information with Russia indefinitely.

4. Combating China’s Propaganda Efforts in Hollywood

The Chinese Communist Party often looks to leverage its economic ties to Hollywood to pre-emptively censor “threatening” content and promote pro-China propaganda. Senator Fischer spearheaded a provision that: 

  • Prohibits the Dept. of Defense from participating in entertainment projects with ties to the Chinese government.

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