Today, U.S. Senators John Barrasso and Mike Enzi, both R-Wyo., successfully included an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that urges the Administration to retain the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) leg of our nation’s nuclear triad.

The bipartisan amendment, which was co-sponsored by Senators Max Baucus (D-MT), Kent Conrad (D-ND), Orrin Hatch (R-UT), John Hoeven (R-ND), and Jon Tester (D-MT) specifically calls on the Department of Defense to maintain its ICBM force and preserve the silos as a reserve force.

“Congress must take action to maintain America’s ability to deliver nuclear weapons from the air, land and sea,” said Barrasso. “If we allow further reductions in our ICBM force, we will compromise our national security while other countries move forward. My amendment will help strengthen our ability to protect Americans and our allies.”

“Maintaining a strong ICBM force is critical part of protecting our country,” said Enzi. “They are not only cost-effective and reliable, they are a visual reminder that America stands ready to protect itself and its allies from any who would do us harm. This amendment helps preserve our ICBM force and the important role Wyoming plays in keeping America strong and free.”