Administration’s 2010 Nuclear Posture Review states programs to maintain nuclear weapons “will not support new military missions or provide for new military capabilities”
 
Washington (December 15, 2015) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) today led a group of eight Senators in a letter urging President Obama to cancel the new nuclear air-launched cruise missile. Recent reports indicate that the administration plans to develop 1,000 to 1,100 new nuclear cruise missiles, which are projected to cost between $20 to $30 billion to build. In the letter, the Senators note that this new nuclear weapon does not reflect our current national security needs, is redundant with existing nuclear and conventional options, and could lead to dramatic escalation and potential devastating miscalculations with other nuclear-armed states.
 
“Outdated and unnecessary nuclear weapons are relics of the past,” write the Senators in the letter to President Obama. “Your administration should instead focus on capabilities that keep our economy and defense strong while reducing the role of nuclear weapons.”
 
Senators signing the letter include Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Bernard Sanders (I-Vt.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Al Franken (D-Minn.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.). 
 
A copy of the letter can be found HERE.