▶ 0:19:17>> hearing will come to order. Welcome to our distinguished witnesses this afternoon and thank you for appearing before us today and for your testimony. For the first time in our history, the united states faces the challenge of simultaneously deterring two nuclear adversaries. Russia and china continue to modernize and diversify their nuclear forces.
▶ 0:19:44With china modernizing at a breathtaking pace that has consistently exceeded our estimates. For years, this committee has heard from the department of energy and defense and her own nuclear modernization efforts are at the number one priority. However, that rhetoric has too often fail to be backed up by action. This was the primary reason that this subcommittee pressed for the creation of the new assistant secretary of defense for nuclear matters.
▶ 0:20:15Who would be responsible for both nuclear policy and nuclear programs. And I am pleased to have Dr. kadlec with us today to discuss this new role. Thankfully we are starting to turn the corner and make progress with nuclear modernization. Today we welcome two panels of witnesses. Our first panel, we have Dr. david beck from the national nuclear security administration. Mr.
▶ 0:20:42Timothy walz, from the department of energy, and admiral william houston from that naval nuclear propulsion program. I'm pleased to see that the president's fy 27 budget request includes a significant increase in funding for nmsa, in particular the weapons activities account.
▶ 0:21:05These additional resources will be critical to supporting weapons modernization programs I'm a planning for future systems and recapitalizing our nuclear enterprise. On our second panel, have general dale white, the air force directing program manager for critical weapon systems.
▶ 0:21:26General stephen davis from air force global strike command, by's admiral johnny wolfe, and as I mentioned earlier, the honorable robertkadlec, the assistant secretary of defense for nuclear deferments, chemical, biological defense policy and programs. I appreciate your efforts to move nuclear modernization forward.
▶ 0:21:56With that, center, you're recognize for any remarks. >> thank you, I want to thank our witnesses for joining us, this is an annual hearing in preparation for our national defense authorization bill later this spring. There's so much to discuss, I want to keep my comments pretty short. First I want to acknowledge that this is vice admiral wolfe's last appearance before the subcommittee. I'm sure his terribly sad about that.
▶ 0:22:24He has been the director of the navy strategic systems program since 2018, 8 years. You have been responsible for the cradle to grave development of the navy's fleet ballistic missile program, you been a friend and truly trusted advisor to this subcommittee and I want to thank you and acknowledge 38 years of service.
▶ 0:22:46I look forward to hopefully probably working with your replacement, given the tremendous responsibility of -- -- that this program entails. This is a unique hearing and that it combines the defense nuclear programs at the department of energy with those of the department of defense.
▶ 0:23:05The in nsa is the busiest since it has been in the 1980's, while at the same time modernizing manhattan near production facilities.
▶ 0:23:18I've been to some of those facilities and I can honestly say they are some of the few facilities in our government that meet that criteria likewise the department of defense has conducted once in a generation modernization of its -- of our triad, once in several generations I would say.
▶ 0:23:38At the same time ensuring the existing triad can remain safe, secure, and effective is the bedrock of our national defense deterrence policy. With two near peer adversaries, russia and china.
▶ 0:23:58I want to know what issues you face in maintaining the existing delivery systems, many dating to that 60's, while like in nsa, conducting a multi-decade long modernization of icbms, bombers, and ballistic missile submarines.
▶ 0:24:13I just came from an intelligence briefing without revealing anything that's classified, I can say that chinese concentration and acceleration there nuclear armament effort is something to be taken extremely seriously and it reminds us of the importance of deterrence, which as I said is a mainstay and cornerstone of our defense strategy. It has worked for 75-80 years and is something that must be maintained.
▶ 0:24:41It is our best way to keep the peace. Mr. wass, I haven't forgotten you, you have one of the most complicated programs of all in cleaning up former nuclear weapon production sites. In him for a loan, there are 55 million gallons of nuclear waste, 177 storage tanks near the columbia river. I want to know how you are proceeding on this effort. Again, I appreciate our witnesses joining us and I look forward to the testimony. Thank you. >> thank you, senator king.
▶ 0:25:13At this time I like to recognize the members of the panel for their opening statements. Mr. beck, you are recognized.
▶ 0:25:24Mr. Beck: Thank you, chairwoman fischer, ranking member king, thank you for the opportunity to testify before you today with my esteemed colleagues. America's nuclear deterministic ultimate guarantor of our freedom and the final backstop against aggression. Today the stability that deterrent provides is under direct and accelerated threat. Russia and china are engaged in unprecedented third bill but that is rapidly eroding america's strategic advantage.
▶ 0:25:51Mr. Beck: What under presidents -- president trump's leadership, nsa is responding with urgency, agility, and determination to strengthen deterrence. Our top road is clear, modernization of new third stockpile's and dasher meeting nuclear deterrent objectives. Where executing the full program of record ahead of current schedules. We are exercising the capability to rapidly prototype new weapons.
▶ 0:26:18Mr. Beck: We are surging production of plutonium pits, uranium components, high explosives, and other critical materials. We are enhancing our critical skills workforce while rebuilding the aging infrastructure that defends our entire enterprise, faster, smarter, and a lower cost. To drive these results come the office of defense programs has issued sweeping transformation injected's to our laboratories come plans come and site, in addition to our extensive baseline program. These are not incremental tweaks.
▶ 0:26:47Mr. Beck: Their fundamental shifts in culture, tactical execution, management processes and accountability. Their demanding results from ourselves and our partners across the enterprise. Over the next three years, these changes will deliver some of the nsa's most significant achievements in decades.
▶ 0:27:05Mr. Beck: Warheads for new delivery systems delivered ahead of schedule, demonstration of next generation hard and deeply buried targets defeat capabilities, unprecedented confidence and reliability of our aging stockpile, discipline, timely production restored across the complex, infrastructure projects completed faster and cheaper. 100 plutonium pits manufactured for the future stockpile.
▶ 0:27:31Mr. Beck: We are overhauling the way in nsa executes capital construction, placing the right leaders in charge, allotting authority with accountability, transparently measuring progress , adopting commercial best practices, streamlining acquisition, excepting prudent risk, and cutting through overly burdensome regulations. The goal is simple, deliver critical projects on time and on budget to support the deterrence mission. We are already seeing major progress.
▶ 0:27:59Mr. Beck: Evans programs are ahead of schedule and the nsa continues to deliver on time to the department of war. Production at los alamos has surged significantly in fy 2026. The lep for project at los alamo's realize 300% efficiency over prior three-year average performance. Uranium processing facility is nearly complete with first casting doubt plan for 2028 and overall commission accelerated.
▶ 0:28:28Mr. Beck: Rapid capability prototypes are being executed. Production continues to ramp up and enabling more agile stockpile operation. The liquid him -- lithium production system has been overhauled for commercial speed construction. Maintaining a safe, secure and effective nuclear deterrent is not just important, it's united states most urgent national security imperative. Working closely with the department of war, nnsa will deliver.
▶ 0:28:56Mr. Beck: The significant budget increases highlights a growing requirements of deterrence. With this fy 2027 budget request, we are asking the congress to make further investments need to deliver peace through strength and atomic strength against determined adversaries who respect only capability and resolve pretty thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today. I look forward to your questions.
▶ 0:29:20Chair Fischer: Thank you, Mr. beck. Welcome, secretary walsh, you're recognized for your opening statement. Sec. Walsh; chairwoman fischer, ranking member king, thank you for the opportunity to speak to you today is the head of department of energy's office of environmental management. As an army veteran, I am grateful for your dedication to our nation security and the vital work you do.
▶ 0:29:51Chair Fischer: With president trump's fiscal year 2027 budget, our mission is clear. We are putting americans first by cleaning up environmental legacy sites and protecting our communities. Our focus is on transforming former nuclear sites into centers for advanced energy and innovation, helping drive down electricity costs and create new opportunities. Environmental management supports the department of energies three core pillars.
▶ 0:30:19Chair Fischer: First, we work with the nnsa and naval reactors to clean up legacy nuclear waste sites and make room for new national security missions. Second, we clear space for cutting-edge research at our national labs. Third, we champion energy dominance and re-industrialization, leading to job creation and strengthening our national security.
▶ 0:30:45Chair Fischer: We are delivering results rapidly by accelerating cleanup, restoring sites, and revitalizing local economies. Our 20/40 vision is to turn major legacy sites into hubs for nuclear energy, advanced manufacturing, and ai infrastructure, saving time and billions of dollars on our cleanup mission.
▶ 0:31:08Chair Fischer: By leveraging risk-based approach and ai, we are finding the best technical solutions to speed up cleanup and reduce risks. Affordable, reliable energy is essential for our prosperity.
▶ 0:31:24Chair Fischer: At oak ridge, tennessee, cleaned land now supports uranium enrichment, fuel fabrication, and development of small modular reactors, creating jobs and solutions for america's energy needs. In south carolina, the savannah river site is restarting age canyon to reprocess used nuclear fuel and plutonium for advanced nuclear reactors.
▶ 0:31:54Chair Fischer: Saving the taxpayers $350 million. In nevada and idaho, our cleanup and facility upgrades support nuclear development and national security priorities. Our core commitment remains to protect people and the environment, which cleanup completed at 92 sites, we are focused on the remaining 14 sites.
▶ 0:32:17Chair Fischer: The 2027 budget shows our strong commitment to safely advancing our mission, turning liabilities into opportunities for security, energy, and jobs. Thanks to congressional support and industry partnerships, we are addressing the impacts of past nuclear programs and evolving to be a results driven organization that prioritizes environmental protection and public health.
▶ 0:32:44Chair Fischer: Our work lays the foundation for safer, cleaner, and more prosperous communities nationwide. We look forward to working with congress to advance our progress , strengthen national security, and support affordable american energy. Thank you for your service to our nation. God bless our military, and god bless america.
▶ 0:33:05Chair Fischer: Thank you, Mr. secretary. Admiral houston, welcome, good to see you. You are recognized for your opening comments.
▶ 0:33:15Adm. Houston: Thank you for the opportunity to testify today. Your continued support for than naval nuclear propulsion program is essential to the maritime dominance delivered by the nine states navy, nuclear powered submarines and aircraft carriers. Every day warships are conducting operations in a demanding environment. They operate with technical experience, robust infrastructure and unrelated support of improving our edge.
▶ 0:33:47Adm. Houston: Maritime operations of today's new third fleet are the result of decades of investment in research and development of materials, refined procedures and adherence to the highest standards. As I have in past testimony, I want to assure you that the funding request before you as a result of a rigorous and demanding look at our current and future operations that provide the nation with its unmatched capability. This year, naval reactors will prioritize three key areas and two priority projects. First our people.
▶ 0:34:16Adm. Houston: The people within the naval nuclear propulsion enterprise are essential to the management and oversight of the work we perform for a nation. Second, we continue our intense focus on research and development of technologies that reduce overall cost savings, shorten construction timelines and consistently enhance fleet capabilities. Finally, we will modernize and sustain the critical infrastructure for our dedicated doe laboratories.
▶ 0:34:43Adm. Houston: I'm also seeking your continued support for two national priority projects. The first is finalizing development in fiscal year 27 of the columbia class ballistic missile submarine reactor plant, directly supporting the navy's number one acquisition priority and a key strategic asset.
▶ 0:35:02Adm. Houston: The second project is the construction of the naval spent fuel handling facility in idaho which will bring long-term reliable processing of spent fuel from the navy's nuclear fleet well into the second half of the century. We continue to experience challenges with this project but I been to the site multiple times in the last year and progress is visible. In closing, you're strong and enduring support enables -- enables naval reactors to succeed and continue to excel in every pursuit.
▶ 0:35:30Adm. Houston: I respectfully urge your continued support across our efforts this year. Thank you.
▶ 0:35:33Chair Fischer: Thank you, admiral, for your comments. Mr. beck, I'd like to begin with a few questions for you. The fy 27 budget request for weapons activities includes roughly 13% increase compared to last year. When we factor in the reconciliation funding. Can you explain to this committee and to the public why such an increase is necessary?
▶ 0:36:01Mr. Beck: Senator, thank you for the question. We have the unique situation worldwide with our adversaries. We currently have seven. Call modernization efforts underway. We just completed two. I will refer to my notes to make sure I get this exactly right.
▶ 0:36:27Mr. Beck: The -- the 6112 was completed, the 6113 fp was completed, the first production unit. -- phase one's, we also have a number of significant construction projects that are moving into construction. Some are nearly complete, but others are just beginning. That is a very heavy lift, because we have not modernized our stockpile infrastructure for quite some time.
▶ 0:37:00Mr. Beck: Particularly focused on plutonium, uranium, and lithium.
▶ 0:37:03Chair Fischer: Thank you. As you know, in the fy 26 ndaa that formerly established a rapid capabilities program within the nnsa. Many of us are concerned about the time that all of this is taking, so can you tell me how are these rapid capability teams enhancing nnsa ability to quickly address emerging mission
▶ 0:37:34Chair Fischer: Needs and do so without disrupting some of the current modernization programs that are already underway?
▶ 0:37:41Mr. Beck: Senator, thank you for that question. The rapid capabilities effort is well underway. We are working very closely with the department of war. We have recently had a meeting at stratcom to prioritize what was needed for the war fighter. We're working on prototypes to support that, and conceptual designs at this point, and it is actually helping us move forward with greater speed and urgency.
▶ 0:38:09Mr. Beck: We are using some of the skills we have developed over the last several years to do so we have a dedicated small team working on providing the infrastructure and the preliminary hardware that is needed for these efforts, so it is very encouraging and going quite well.
▶ 0:38:28Chair Fischer: You are with nnsa , with the department of energy. You just mentioned working with the department of war and working with stratcom. How are those relationships?
▶ 0:38:46Chair Fischer: Is there open dialogue, good cooperation, a seamless transfer of information so that we can see things move faster?
▶ 0:39:02Mr. Beck: Senator, yes, exactly that. I work very closely with Dr. kad lec, and admiral correll at stratcom, and we have an agreement where there are no surprises, that we will be open and transparent with each other, and that's been executed quite well with them and their staffs and the relationship is quite good. I've been very happy with how that has worked out, so thank you for that question.
▶ 0:39:32Chair Fischer: An pit production, as we are looking at los alamos, how are you going to ramp up pit production there until spano rivers ready? Tell us a little bit about that. Mr. beck called and within a week of having been sworn in, I went to los alamos and we brainstormed ideas with experts across the complex, particularly at los alamos leadership, and came up with hundreds of ideas.
▶ 0:40:03Chair Fischer: A couple dozen of them really move the needle on how to expedite pits. We are positioned not aware what we thought we were going to build in this fiscal year will significantly increase that number. We built those in the first half of the year. We have found some small, well, significant things that we could do to expedite production.
▶ 0:40:26Chair Fischer: We are reducing retention, improving retention and attrition of the workforce through some actions that we made on compensation, and we've also made some changes in the regulatory environment there. So we are seeing dramatic increases in the pit production rates and we expect that to continue for years ahead.
▶ 0:40:48Chair Fischer: In this setting, can you tell us just exactly where you are with pit production, and what was the requirement? I always call it the hopeful requirement, where we are now.
▶ 0:41:07Mr. Beck: I requirement by law is to make 80 pits in a year by 2030, and we have set a goal to make 100 collectively through december 28, which means that in order to get there from here, we will have made between 30 and 50 pits per year. We are moving closer to the objective.
▶ 0:41:29Mr. Beck: While it's a very big stretch to get to 80 year, we have a chance to do so now we are demonstrating that the capability and the yield and the process which I monitor monthly with metrics is moving forward quite nicely, and we have the whole complex of attention, we work with savannah river and los alamos and a number of other members of the enterprise to expedite pit production and it is going quite well, I'm happy to report.
▶ 0:41:58Chair Fischer: Thank you. Senator king.
▶ 0:42:01Sen. King: Anka, Mr. beck, the nnsa and the national labs are the national repository for knowledge about nuclear weapons, and nuclear -- all matters nuclear. I was wondering if there are nnsa personnel or personnel from any of the national labs in islamabad this week to advise our negotiators on the issue of iran's nuclear capability.
▶ 0:42:29Mr. Beck: Senator, thanks for the question. I do not know. I don't know the answer to that question, I will get back to you.
▶ 0:42:39Sen. King: I depreciated. I think that something, frankly I think it is something you should know it is hard for me and imagine that people from your department more detailed than you wouldn't know about it but I will look forward to your response. The reconciliation plan last summer appropriated $3.1 billion to nnsa. We are still waiting for a spend plan. Could we have that, please?
▶ 0:43:09Sen. King: That was under the one big beautiful bill act. $3.1 billion to nnsa, and we would like to see what the plan is for allocating those funds.
▶ 0:43:21Mr. Beck: Senator, we have a plan for that. We have delivered it in part, I know that we haven't given the complete plan to you because there's been some questions about allocation with respect to the letter of intent involved with that. We are working with your staff to finalize that and as soon as we have that, we will provide that to you. I suspect within the next 30 days.
▶ 0:43:46Sen. King: Mr. walsh, I understand you have finally been able to operate the plant takes low-level waste and turns it into glass. Is that in actual operation? Is it working?
▶ 0:44:02Mr. Walsh: It is, but a plant that is 25 years in the making at a cost of $1 billion today which is a remarkable amount of money, starting up finally, and working through the kinks to get to full operational capacity, which we think may take up to another year. So we are currently pursuing a glass plus ground approach.
▶ 0:44:27Sen. King: That was sort of a follow-up, that's less expensive, is that proving out?
▶ 0:44:35Mr. Wass: It's not a novel technology, we been doing that across the complex and specifically at savannah river for the last 10 years, and ramped up that production now, we are treating about 9 million gallons of tangk waste the year in the savannah river. Were hoping that in the next year we will get through department of a collet -- ecology.
▶ 0:45:00Mr. Wass: We've been having meetings with that, there's a lot of relationship building that we had to do their, and more importantly, it's about leadership, it's about setting expectation and outcomes, and starting to move with a real sense of urgency.
▶ 0:45:15Sen. King: So are you bullish on this approach?
▶ 0:45:17Sec. Walsh: We are very bullish on it.
▶ 0:45:20Sen. King: Oak ridge site is being rebuilt, I've hundred thousand square feet, very large facility. What is the status of that asset? Is that going to be taken down? That's a lot of space that could be used at oak ridge.
▶ 0:45:40Sec. Walsh: [indiscernible] we just completed alpha-2, which was one of the key buildings there, taken down, and we are in the process of going through decontamination and decommissioning of the next series of buildings. That will be taken down in a similar fashion.
▶ 0:46:06Sec. Walsh: >> admiral, we haven't made fuel for nuclear submarine since 1992. The first question is, is it now necessary to begin that process again, given the expansion of the submarine fleet, the aircraft carriers and also -- what is the status? Where do we stand on fuel for these nuclear propulsion plans.
▶ 0:46:34Adm. Houston: Thank if that question. Our supply will last us at our current plan tribute we do need to develop a plan, we are working very closely with nnsa to develop that. We have some pilot programs that n810 can talk about further if you want.
▶ 0:46:57Adm. Houston: But it's absolute critical that we do start working on the development of enrichment capability that will first be for the weapons program and then for our program and absolutely critical. We are talking months to shift our window, it's not a large impact on our program and that is, those figures I quote you for the 20 50's is based on our current, which is one plus two plus our carrier bill program.
▶ 0:47:29Sen. King: So you would characterize the fuel situation is serious but not critical at this moment, but we need to begin the process to be sure that we don't have a gap, is that a fair summary?
▶ 0:47:41Sec. Walsh: That is absolutely correct, senator.
▶ 0:47:46Sen. King: Be sure the record shows that phrase, absolutely correct.
▶ 0:47:50Sec. Walsh: I would add that is part of the nnsa program to develop that and that's where he put some of the larger progress to ensure it is cost conscious across the programs nnsa has to execute.
▶ 0:48:04Chair Fischer: Thank you, senator king. We will ask a couple more questions while we wait to see if other members are going to come to the hearing. Admiral, we think of aucus and the big undertaking and the important undertaking that we see with it, and your part in that implementation, sometimes people say why are we doing this ?
▶ 0:48:33Chair Fischer: What is in it for the united states? What are the australians providing to us? How would you respond to that?
▶ 0:48:41Adm. Houston: Thank you for the question, senator. It's a tremendous ally. It's a key partner in the western pacific for us. A key partner in every conflict since the middle of world war I, close and trusted, very close maritime relationship. I actually qualified under australian submarine for command on those very close relationships. They share a heavyweight torpedo, they share a combat system.
▶ 0:49:08Adm. Houston: The submarine rotational forces west, the first phase of aucus will include rotational basing in starling, the west coast naval base. We are on track for that to be executed in the 2027-2028 timeframe there and made rate progress. It is condition based within sovereign ready for us to sell them virginia class submarines.
▶ 0:49:36Adm. Houston: The australians have performed exceptionally well in our training pipeline. There sailors are on more than half of our fast tech submarines in the western pacific right now, performing superbly and contributing to us.
▶ 0:49:51Adm. Houston: They have contributed tremendous amounts, two billion dollars to our submarine industrial base, and for my program alone, it's over $600 million to expand our infrastructure and help with american jobs that help drive for completion of our nuclear enterprise, our naval nuclear propulsion program, so an absolutely key partner, senator.
▶ 0:50:12Chair Fischer: Thank you, admiral. Mr. secretary, who knew were talking about the number sites that have already been cleaned up and you mentioned there were 14 left, what most concerns you about those sites, and are you confident that you will be able to remediate them? >> our biggest challenge right now is hampered, obviously.
▶ 0:50:43Chair Fischer: It represents 40% of our budget, and I feel like we haven't had clear direction and leadership and alignment out there, but under my leadership and the team we have in place now, I'm confident that we are going to finally tackled the takeaways mission out there. I feel like this is really our breakout year.
▶ 0:51:04Chair Fischer: We are making great progress on taking down old gaseous diffusion plants at portsmouth and paducah, just like we did at k 25 in oak ridge. Progress is going really well in savannah river. One of the critical aspects to nnsa's mission and our completion mission really is keeping whip up and running and operational.
▶ 0:51:33Chair Fischer: Some of the infrastructure there is vintage, but still operational, and we are repairing that and just coming out of a shut down. Last year we upgraded our hvac system. We have plenty of capacity to go, but that is a critical aspect of our cleanup mission that we will stay focused on.
▶ 0:51:55Chair Fischer: Thank you. Mr. back, on nnsa's enterprise blueprint concept, that is shaping the long-range planning for modernization for our critical infrastructure. How is that going? Are you new to this position in this administration and you look at that, what are your feelings about it?
▶ 0:52:24Mr. Back: The enterprise loo print is a very good business tool to project modernization efforts over the next 25 years. I'm personally a little frustrated that is not fast enough and cost too much, so we are working, as I mentioned in my earlier remarks, working to fix that problem and speed things up using commercial standards where possible and try to provide things at lower cost.
▶ 0:52:50Mr. Back: The plan to have that updated within the next few months and we will provide you, as we -- status as we move forward. We've already made significant progress on lap for and the uranium processing facility and lithium processing facility and we will be able to provide that update with the enterprise blueprint tool that we have.
▶ 0:53:13Chair Fischer: How would you define success? Is that being able to go faster at lower cost as part of that?
▶ 0:53:21Mr. Beck: The success is to provide the war fighter department of war what they need when they needed, and we have not yet done that and we plan to do so.
▶ 0:53:30Chair Fischer: Exactly.
▶ 0:53:31Mr. Beck: We have antiquated facilities in many cases that are still providing the materials that are needed, but they have significant risk with them and we want to reduce that risk and give the war fighter what is needed when they need it.
▶ 0:53:47Chair Fischer: Thank you, sir. Senator king.
▶ 0:53:52Sen. King: : thank you, Mr. beck, if you could check within the next one to four hours as to whether there are nnsa or national people advancing art negotiators in islamabad and get us the answer to that before the close of business tomorrow, I would appreciate it. That's a pretty straightforward question.
▶ 0:54:11Mr. Beck: That is a function handled by the nonproliferation office, and I know I checked, there are some people advising people and I don't believe we have anyone there but I will check and verify that for you within 24 hours.
▶ 0:54:27Senator King: I appreciate that. I know we've talked a little bit about savannah river. Can you give us a progress report and timing, how we expect that? You talked about pitts at los alamos. Are remaking our breasts converting -- are you making progress converting that facility?
▶ 0:54:50Mr. Beck: Yes, senator, it is. I've been to savannah river tries in the first three months on the job here and have toured the monks facility and looked hard at how we approach that. The first step was to go to savannah river and brainstorm how savannah river could help sell the most make pitts now.
▶ 0:55:10Mr. Beck: The next step will be to go forward and try to figure out how to get the savannah river plutonium processing facility done faster. Right now it's projected to producepits in 2035.
▶ 0:55:29Sen. King: Eisenhower retook europe in 11 months. 2034?
▶ 0:55:35Mr. Beck: Our intent is to dramatically improve the timeline on that facility by changing the strategy and perhaps some of the leadership involved.
▶ 0:55:46Sen. King: I will look forward to updates on that. Admiral, I understand we are moving away in our training in the nuclear navy from actual units to simulators. Is that happening, and can you discuss that? Is that going to improve and make training more effective and faster?
▶ 0:56:07Adm. Houston: Senator, that is correct. We operate full-scale submarines generally with actual reactors that we run. I would say that simulators doesn't do it credit.
▶ 0:56:24Adm. Houston: There are full-scale models of submarines in their engine room and we operate them and is not with an actual reactor, but the full-scale size and replica is so accurate that if I took an operator on there, they may not understand whether they are on an actual submarine or an actual training platform. The valves operate the same way.
▶ 0:56:47Adm. Houston: If you have steam coming out of a bowel, there will actually be steam come out of the -- come out of a valve, there will be steam come out of this replica. Going into operation in 2035, we have completed the design on it. We already operate these at our prototype training sites to supplement our training already, and we will have three more built and they are all going to be built in charleston. It will give us better training than what we can get with our prototypes right now.
▶ 0:57:17Adm. Houston: They will be higher up time and they will actually increase our throughput significantly.
▶ 0:57:21Sen. King: Think you very much. Thank you for that initiative.
▶ 0:57:25Chair Fischer: Thank, senator king. Think you, gentlemen, I appreciate you being here today. If we have questions for the record, we will get those to you and then you will have a short time period to get the answers back to us. Think you again, I appreciate it. With that, I would welcome up our panel number two please.
▶ 0:59:02Chair Fischer: I'd like to welcome the members of our second panel at the hearing today. We have secretary robert kadlec, who is he assistant secretary of defense for nuclear deterrence, chemical and biological defense policy and programs. General dale lied with the U.S.
▶ 0:59:24Chair Fischer: Air force, director, critical major weapon systems, department of the air force, general steven davis, united states air force commander, air force global strike command, and vice admiral johnny wolfe, jr., united states navy, director for strategic systems programs, department of the navy. Welcome to all of you. Let's begin with your opening statements. Secretary kadlec, we will begin with you.
▶ 0:59:56Mr. Kadlec: Thank you for the opportunity to testify before you today. I for you with the message with a message that is stark and sobering, as your alluded to during your opening statement. For the first time in our nations history, we will face the challenge of deterring two nuclear peers, china and russia, simultaneously. As well as regional powers with growing capabilities. This is not a hypothetical future problem this is a now crisis.
▶ 1:00:24Mr. Kadlec: China is engaged in a breathtaking and opaque expansion of its nuclear arsenal while russia, with the world's largest arsenal, continues to modernize its forces, integrating new kinds of nuclear weapons into its strategy for coercion. Both adversaries have sophisticated nuclear weapons, significantly outnumbering U.S. add to this challenge is north korea. Who's missiles now can reach the american homeland.
▶ 1:00:52Mr. Kadlec: The picture becomes alarmingly clear, we are in a new and more dangerous era. The 2020 strategic posture commission highlighted the inefficiencies and risk we've allowed to fester in our nuclear enterprise. For too long, we've operated under a business as usual model that reflected a benign security environment. Programs were delayed, hard decisions deferred, and taking risks were avoided. Now we must with that model.
▶ 1:01:19Mr. Kadlec: We have to act with urgency, while we take steps to accept risk a properly to confront these challenges. Through the modernization and diversification of U.S. nuclear forces and the recapitalization of our in c3 capabilities, the president's fy 2020's systemic budget request prioritize the nuclear deterrent as a foundation of america's defense, approximately 5% of the total budget.
▶ 1:01:47Mr. Kadlec: The modernization and diversification of our nuclear deterrent, r submarines, our missiles, our bombers and in c3's is not a choice but an imperative. As secretary hegseth said recently, nothing else matters if we don't get this right. Mystic celery these critical programs wherever possible to deliver the next generation cap -- we must accelerate these programs as soon as possible. We must also accelerate and develop additional theater nuclear forces.
▶ 1:02:18Mr. Kadlec: Such capabilities are essential to managing installation and ensuring the U.S. is never subject to blackmail. Finally, we must supercharge our defense industrial base. Turning U.S. arsenal capable of producing a scale and speed with unmatched quality. The cost of investing in our nuclear forces and supporting capabilities and infrastructure is significant. However, the cost of failure is a world whether risk of miscalculation and catastrophic conflict is unacceptably high.
▶ 1:02:48Mr. Kadlec: That is a price we cannot afford to pay. We owe it to the war fighter, to the american people and our posterity to ensure that our freedom, that are arsenal of freedom remains ready, reliable, and resolute. The time to act is now. Thank you, and I look forward to your questions.
▶ 1:03:04Chair Fischer: Thank you, Mr. secretary. General light, welcome. We would welcome your comments at this time.
▶ 1:03:13General White: On behalf of the secretary of war, pete hegseth and the honorable steve feinberg, thank you for the opportunity to testify on the bottom work of the direct reporting portfolio manager for critical major weapon systems. Office was established by secretary hegseth to provide urgent, unified focus on a select group of weapon systems.
▶ 1:03:36General White: Critical to the nation's's defense, these programs, sentinel, icbm, minutemen three icbm, be 21 rader, family of systems, 47 cca family of systems, require a higher level of leadership and operational urgency to ensure their timely delivery and execution.
▶ 1:03:57General White: In alignment with the national defense strategy, the role is two fold, to relentlessly prioritize the programs most consequential to the security and prosperity of the american people and to drive the transformation of the acquisition process to equip the U.S. military with the world's most decisive and lead the war fighting capabilities.
▶ 1:04:15General White: Success demands on outcomes focus culture that delivers capabilities to the war fighter at the speed of reveling -- relevance and this requires an accelerated pace and a transparent partnership with the industrial base. The core purpose of the critical major weapon systems is to enable war fighters by delivering decisive capability at the speed of relevance. My mission is guided by three golden rules.
▶ 1:04:42General White: Empowered execution, integration over independence, revitalized relationship with the industrial base. Empowered execution, program executive offices are fully empowered to execute with urgency under the dirt from concept or morale is service their strategic temperance -- and dismantle bureaucratic obstacles in the process. Integration over independence.
▶ 1:05:07General White: I function as the direct milestone decision authority for this portfolio I'm assuring frictionless and absolute integration with the department of the air force and other stakeholders. This streamlined structure deliberately avoids replicating traditional oversight layers to accelerate decision-making.
▶ 1:05:27General White: I realize industrial partnerships, we are instituting a new paradigm a partnership with industry, removing beyond a transactional relationship to one built on transparency I'm a collaboration, and shared accountability. We expect our industry partners to embrace modular, open system architectures to foster innovation, create opportunities for emerging companies him and deliver superior performance at a lower cost.
▶ 1:05:52General White: This portfolio directly underpins a 2026 national defense strategy and contains the critical capabilities that service the ultimate guarantor of our national sovereignty. As the nds in equivocal he states, united states should never, will never be left vulnerable to nuclear blackmail. Two of the programs are dedicated to modernizing nuclear surety while the third, minutemen three come is focused on sustaining it until the replacement is fielded. Defending the U.S.
▶ 1:06:20General White: Homeland is the bedrock of homeland defense as a robust and modern nuclear deterrent, with both china and russia aggressively modernizing their nuclear forces, it is absolutely imperative that U.S. modernization programs proceed with urgency. They be 21 rader and sentinel are a credible deterrent for nuclear -- future generations.
▶ 1:06:47General White: The minutemen three fleet remains/on high alert 247 as a retaliatory force. The cornerstone of the future bomber force, to be 21, is in his flight test campaign with physical production advancing daily. This product -- progress or further evidenced by the word of two lots, one in december of 2025 and another march 2026.
▶ 1:07:11General White: The first aircraft mains on track for delivery to ellsworth air force base in 2027, with a plan fleet of at least 100 aircraft, in a recent agreement with northrop grumman to increase annual capacity by 25%. As a land-based foundation of the nuclear triad, the department is firmly committed to ensuring minutemen three force remain safe, secure, and effective until sentinel is fielded.
▶ 1:07:36General White: Over $2 billion is allocated and leifer operations with crucial investments continuing at the little mound test facility to modernize testing equipment and will also support the future sentinel program. The sentinel program is advancing with clear focus in a 2026 with initial operational could ability -- capability in the 20 30's.
▶ 1:08:01General White: Assembling the first three stage ground test missile and breaking ground on a prototype launched in february 2026, the first missile pad launch is ghetto for 2027. Programs within the portfolio sustaining and executing the sentinel program are the bedrock of our nation's nuclear security and sovereignty and it sends an unequivocal message to your adversaries and allies.
▶ 1:08:28General White: I thank you again for the opportunity to testify and look forward to your questions.
▶ 1:08:32Chair Fischer: Thank you, general. Next, welcome general davis. We are ready for your comments.
▶ 1:08:39Gen. Davis: Thank you, chairwoman fischer and senator king. I want to extend my sincere thanks to this committee and congress for your continued support and specifically your commitment to the air force nuclear and conventional long-range strike missions. This committee recognizes the existential threats to our nation.
▶ 1:09:00Gen. Davis: With acm precedent and challenge of deterring two peer nuclear adversaries, china and russia, who both present -- possess modern and diverse arsenals, while at the same time north korea continues to attempt to expand and modernize its nuclear arsenal. Increasing coronation among these rivals underscores the urgent need for a capable, flexible, and modern nuclear force. Efforts global strike command provides our nation's combat ready forces for nuclear and conventional long-range strike.
▶ 1:09:28Gen. Davis: A highest priority is to judge -- the term conflict and should deterrence fail, to win decisively. Today that nation is being executed at ever increasing tempo. Our bomber force remains in high demand across multiple theaters. Over the last year the command has played pivotal roles in military operations -- including a fighter, midnight hammer, absolute resolve and more recently, epic fury. These missions have required long distance communication.
▶ 1:10:01Gen. Davis: Global strike command conducted over 150 bomber sorties, 48 of which were round-trip from the united states. These missions were minimum of 18 hours in duration with those in the U.S. taken as long as 40 hours. We've executed every task with precision and professionalism. However, these efforts have come at a cost would continue to deliver under ever-increasing strain. Where operating on tight margins and your continued support is invaluable.
▶ 1:10:30Gen. Davis: To meet these no fail missions we must sustain our current forces while simultaneously modernizing our tile legs -- two legs of the project. This is a monument test that includes replacement of her aging weapons programs for fielding of the be 21 modernization, b-52 as well as bella being in delivering the long-range standoff weapon.
▶ 1:10:55Gen. Davis: Two of these systems are deemed so important to the future of national security that the secretary of war created the direct reporting or folio manager who reports to the deputy secretary of war. General dwight with both service and department for acquisition authorities, has significantly streamlined and accelerated acquisition decisions which provide responsiveness to field the systems on time with the required capabilities.
▶ 1:11:21Gen. Davis: This unprecedented approach would critical to delivering nice when he first century platforms with the capabilities needed to stay ahead of ever-increasing threats. Nuclear deterrence remains a bedrock of our military strength and is foundational to defense of our nation and our allies. Our conventional long-range dry capabilities are equally vital, providing the president with the full range of options to deter aggressions and would necessary defeat any potential adversary.
▶ 1:11:46Gen. Davis: Efforts global strike command makes united states the only nation with the ability to conduct worldwide long-range strike missions any time or any place. Of course none of this is possible without our stryker airman. There string, dedication, determine and grit are the key to these remarkable capabilities. However, air force global strike command remains at an inflection point.
▶ 1:12:14Gen. Davis: Critical modernization programs have begun was stable and consistent resources we can reduce risks and build momentum. Must continue to safely and securely operate legacy nuclear systems with limited margins of fielding the new systems. Success relies as it has in the past on the hard work and dedication of our airmen. Today I respectfully request your continued support as we confront these challenges and continued to guarantee the safety and nation security. Thank you, and I look forward to answering your questions.
▶ 1:12:44Chair Fischer: Thank you, general davis. Admiral wolfe, first of all I like to thank you for your service, and it has been a pleasure having you come before this subcommittee the last eight years. And the information you have provided me as chairman and ranking member during that time has been invaluable. So I thank you for that. And you are recognized for your comments.
▶ 1:13:12Wice Adm. Wolfe: Chairman fisher, ranking member king, it is an honor to be here today. I like to thank congress for its continued support in providing the navy with resources required to execute our assigned mission. I like to begin by assuring you that the navy's nuclear forces, the bedrock of our national security, are safe, secure, effective, and credible.
▶ 1:13:36Wice Adm. Wolfe: As a navy command that provides cost-effective safe, effective and secure c based strategic deterrent solution, ssp is interested to provide cradle-to-grave lifecycle support to three critical programs. The trident to defined strategic weapon system, the navies conventional prompt strike hypersonic -- shoppers bond program and the nuclear missile program.
▶ 1:14:00Wice Adm. Wolfe: These are three of our nation's highest priority acquisition programs with your support, they ensure the navy is delivering peace through strength. Ssp ensures the highest levels of readiness and modernization of the trident strategic weapon system, as the most survivable leg of our nuclear triad, the ballistic missile submarine force provides an unyielding foundation for assured response against any adversary. That force stands at a critical juncture.
▶ 1:14:29Wice Adm. Wolfe: Decades of strategic foresight have delivered an unparallel capability about to maintain our advantage in the face of evolving threats, we must build on these decisions and prioritize the modernization of our nuclear infrastructure and our industrial base. Strong domestic industrial base is the foundation of a credible deterrent.
▶ 1:14:51Wice Adm. Wolfe: Using resources authorized by this committee, c1 ensuring the timely production and delivery of critical, strategic weapon systems components while fostering american jobs, and technological superiority. Our modernization needs cannot succeed without investing in research and development, investing in the critical skills for our workforce, and the facilities needed to produce, sustain, and certify our strategic systems.
▶ 1:15:22Wice Adm. Wolfe: Our infrastructure is also at an inflection point. Existing facilities are reaching their thirty-year recapitalization windows as we enter into a once in a generation modernization of both the trident strategic weapons system, and our ballistic missile submarine platform.
▶ 1:15:37Wice Adm. Wolfe: Over the past year, navy has made incredible progress moving forward with development of the sea launched cruise missile nuclear, as the program moves at an extremely aggressive pace to deliver a limited operational capability and an initial operational capability. Ssp's mission, strategic deterrence is critical in this nation. It is the foundation of the national security strategy, and as a top priority of our secretary of war.
▶ 1:16:05Wice Adm. Wolfe: In order to accomplish ssp sustainment missions, we must have trained, skilled employees on board. Systems do not design, test, and build themselves. People do. Which is what makes our people our greatest asset.
▶ 1:16:21Wice Adm. Wolfe: As the 14th director of strategic assistance programs, I'm honored to represent them, and I have faith and confidence in the safety, security, effectiveness and credibility of our navy's strategic deterrent due to the proficiency and professionalism of these dedicated service members and civilians who have made deterrence their life's work.
▶ 1:16:45Wice Adm. Wolfe: The 15th director will inherit a legacy of proven success that will enable the community to grow and take challenges we have not yet begun to imagine. With continued congressional support and stable on-time funding, our navy will continue to effectively defend our nation and preserve peace for future generations. This will be my last time sitting in front of this committee. I would like to thank you for your support of ssp, and more specifically, your support of me during my time as the director.
▶ 1:17:16Wice Adm. Wolfe: You have allowed us to accelerate these critical national programs. I'm humbled and honored to have been entrusted to lead an organization so critical to our nation's security. I'm proud of the work of my team and I have accomplished over the last eight years that I have been director of ssp. Indeed, across my 38 year in naval service career. Thank you for the opportunity to testify today and I look forward to your questions.
▶ 1:17:42Chair Fischer: Thank you, admiral wolfe. I would like to start with you, sir, with questions. With the fy 26 ndaa that directed the department and nsa to provide a limited operational capability by 2032. How is the navy working in order to meet that timely?
▶ 1:18:08Admiral Wolfe: Thank you for the question. We are doing extremely well. We have taken on the challenge, we have stood up our program office, we are building the workforce in partnership within an essay. We have identified opportunities to do just that, accelerate where we wanted the program of record to be. I could not be proud -- cannot be more proud of the team of how we get this to critical technology into our war fighter's hands sooner than what you have asked us to do.
▶ 1:18:36Admiral Wolfe: The partnership and the fleet as well. We are lockstep and how we are not only going to develop the capability, but once it's there, how they will catch it and deploy it when the time comes.
▶ 1:18:50Chair Fischer: Thank you. Why is it important to have that? I always stress that it gives the president options. We have to move faster to get the president those options.
▶ 1:19:03Admiral Wolfe: You are absolutely right. Every action we can provide to provide options to our decision-makers is critical. Particularly in this environment as we have heard with not just one but two strategic competitors. Everything we can do to put that capability in our war fighter's hands as quickly as we can is absolutely critical.
▶ 1:19:23Chair Fischer: Thank you. I mused to Dr., secretary kadlec , good to see you. I appreciated that your written testimony included strong support for the slick men program and your comments on how it will "complement our existing capabilities and provide the president a persistent, survivable, nuclear presence without dependence on host nations."
▶ 1:19:54Chair Fischer: I strongly agree that the president needs those options, and I look forward to working with you and that nuclear weapons council on this. I also on to bring up another topic. Nc3. How is the department prioritizing that nuclear command control and communications?
▶ 1:20:18Chair Fischer: And specifically, how is your office working with services to ensure that they are appropriately prioritizing that nc3 modernization?
▶ 1:20:28Sec. Kadlec: Senator, I would describe it as you have in the past. The fourth leg of the triad. Whirly, it is the -- really, it is the first leg of the triad. It is the most important piece of the triad we have, particularly when we consider connecting the sustainment of existing systems to future systems. Analog-to-digital.
▶ 1:20:51Sec. Kadlec: It has the highest priority in my office, and quite frankly, thanks to the reorganization that was mandated by 1635, weaving corporate -- we have incorporated the nc3 office into my oversight. And we have a very capable individual driver who is managing that.
▶ 1:21:13Sec. Kadlec: We are working through all of these issues to basically get a functional review of this, which was recently done at the four star level, that the secretary for acquisition. We will take you forward to a nuclear decision hopefully soon with our deputy secretary. We think this is really key in light of not just the transition phase but the evolving threat landscape that we have to keep on top of this all the time.
▶ 1:21:45Sec. Kadlec: And we will be working with the services individually and collectively, as well as stratcom, the functional manager for the nc3 enterprise.
▶ 1:21:53Chair Fischer: Have you started working with the services at this point in time or is that in the future?
▶ 1:21:58Sec. Kadlec: We have started mostly at the os w level. And with stratcom. I was on a call today with admiral chorale talking about this issue, how we can bring more focus to certain elements around the future threat. We will be working down to the individual service level as well.
▶ 1:22:19Chair Fischer: In future conversations we have, could you provide me with more information on first of all, specifically, what services and what their focus is going to be with regard to nc3?
▶ 1:22:37Sec. Kadlec: Topically, I can say that with the air force in the navy, with the development of the c130, it is obviously a navy program. But we are focusing on those two particular areas, as well as looking at the next which is a stratcom air force program.
▶ 1:23:02Chair Fischer: Thank. Senator king.
▶ 1:23:04Sen. King: Thank you, madam chair. I think it is worth commenting and noticing that everybody said that they are -- that they're part of the triad was the bedrock. I think that is a good way to look at it. And I hope you all continue to consider it in that way. Secretary kadlec, your position was created last year. In order to consolidate responsibility for nuclear policy. One of my favorite maxims of management is, one throat to choke.
▶ 1:23:35Sen. King: That's you. The whole idea was to consolidate and to bring in together one office all of these diverse issues of nuclear policies. I have heard rumors that secretary colby has been building another office within his office on nuclear policies. Is there any truth to those rumors? Is that something -- our way back to splitting things up again?
▶ 1:23:59Sec. Kadlec: I'm not familiar with what you are offering at this point. I do know I work with and speak with, undersecretary colby regularly on these issues. However, we are participants of that.
▶ 1:24:19Sen. King: That's what I wanted to follow-up on the question is, do you feel the coordination and cooperation and integration is working?
▶ 1:24:28Sec. Kadlec: It's like anything, a work in progress. But it is working. We are advancing the cause in terms of trying to address these issues. I think the nuclear strategy review is a case in point where we are advancing this collectively between stratcom, the war fighter, and hopefully other cocom's in the future, as well as policy in our office of acquisition, to bring this all together that hereto for probably didn't exist.
▶ 1:25:02Sen. King: That is exactly the purpose of your office. Pursue it with vigor, as they say.
▶ 1:25:04Sec. Kadlec: It is a size 16 caller.
▶ 1:25:05Sen. King: Just to advise. We have all talked today about the importance of the deterrent in order to protect the continental united states. Part of our deterrent is our extended deterrent, the so-called nuclear umbrella. My concern is our allies may be losing confidence in that commitment, whether they are european or in asia.
▶ 1:25:30Sen. King: I think that would be a great -- a geostrategic mistake of high order because we don't want more and more countries feeling they have to develop their own nuclear capacity that would lead to greater proliferation risk and other destabilizing risks. Talk to me about -- it bothers me, let me put a fine point on this.
▶ 1:25:57Sen. King: The unclassified version of the national defense strategy didn't mention extended deterrence or are nuclear umbrella at all. Can you reassure me this is still part of the U.S. nuclear policy?
▶ 1:26:09Sec. Kadlec: I can. It has been a matter of public comments undersecretary colby, subject to europe, and I think in the case of how we vote with our feet, we do have nuclear weapons for doug -- that are deployed with our dual capable aircraft, and work with our allies in that way. That hasn't changed one iota, at least in the current sense.
▶ 1:26:36Sec. Kadlec: I think the key thing here is what is sometimes confused with demanding that we have a strong convention of defense with our allies in europe and asia to ensure that it provides a backstop.
▶ 1:26:55Sen. King: That extended deterrence should still be there. We don't want every country in the world to develop their own nuclear been. That is a separate issue. Stepping up in terms of their percent of gdp. General white, I know we have spent all afternoon on this, but there was a breach in the sentinel.
▶ 1:27:19Sen. King: How are we doing in getting back on schedule and getting to a place where we can have control of the budget and deliver the project before those minutemen 3 's age out?
▶ 1:27:28Gen. White: I would submit to you that we are doing very well, as we have had discussions numerous times. I think the progress is very focused in the sense that, a lot of the planning has been done, the restructure will be done in 2026, and we will enter the milestone b phase and get that together. Getting everyone aligned on a vision of what we need to do, cost estimation will be complete in the summer. We have gone through the requirements process with the folks on the panel with me here today.
▶ 1:28:02Gen. White: What we are dealing with the launch silo that we just started in february. We are also working on the missile side and the ability to do our first pad launch in 2027. The restructure is near-complete. Milestone b will be done this year. We will have sensitive process with prototyping on the silo side, as well as on the ground launch in terms of the pad launch for 2027.
▶ 1:28:30Sen. King: I hope you will give some thought to the structure of the contracts that will be involved. You were involved in the b 21 project. Is that correct?
▶ 1:28:37Gen. White: Yes.
▶ 1:28:38Sen. King: I think that is one of the most successful defense contracts acquisitions we have done in many years. I hope we can think about the lessons learned there to apply to this project in terms of sharing the risk on development, but having fixed-price on actual implementation. I think that is an important part of how this proceeds.
▶ 1:28:58Gen. White: And I think you will find over time, one of the first things I did was look deeply into the acquisition strategy whether it is the most effective approach as we enter that milestone, making sure we have the right structure in place that will ensure we have the capability delivered to our war fighters.
▶ 1:29:15Sen. King: Thank you. Admiral wolfe, thank you for your work and your work with this committee has been invaluable over the years. Fair winds and following seas.
▶ 1:29:26Chair Fischer: Thank you. Admiral wolfe, can you provide us with an update on the life extension program for the trident?
▶ 1:29:34Admiral Wolfe: Yes, ma'am. We are on plan. As we have worked through that, we are looking at what the red architecture is going to be. We are looking at with funding that this committee has given us, to look to accelerate that program, to figure out how we can pull some of the testing to the lectern early. Getting this new workforce trained, getting them to learn how to do this business. That is where we are ad.
▶ 1:30:05Admiral Wolfe: We have gotten all of the milestones to date.
▶ 1:30:08Chair Fischer: So it is on track?
▶ 1:30:10Admiral Wolfe: Yes, ma'am.
▶ 1:30:11Chair Fischer: 2039?
▶ 1:30:13Admiral Wolfe: That is when we deploy the first --
▶ 1:30:16Chair Fischer: Are we on, -- are we on track? 8 admiral wolfe: yes admiral
▶ 1:30:21Wolfe: , we are definitely on track.
▶ 1:30:22Chair Fischer: Thank you. What do you think the biggest risk, so you can timely execute these milestones?
▶ 1:30:33Admiral Wolfe: I think the biggest risk is making sure we get the industrial base backup to where they can actually execute this program at capacity. Then on the government side, it really is understanding all the testing that we are going to need to do. Both from the pad and platform before we start deploying in 2039. That is what we are focused on right now. Getting all of that capacity, and getting all of the systems where they need to get so we concert testing.
▶ 1:31:02Chair Fischer: Thank you you. General davis, can you provide us with an update on the say ox program.
▶ 1:31:11Gen. Davis: Absolutely. That program is classed -- past milestone b. The team is working very hard, they have acquired four aircraft in engineering manufacturing and development that they are converting into platforms. We are expecting the first aircraft to show up at omaha, which has been identified as the main operating base in the early 20 30's. That program is on track.
▶ 1:31:42Gen. Davis: Obviously, there is a lot of work between now and that time.
▶ 1:31:45Chair Fischer: Are you going to be able to prevent a capability gap between that?
▶ 1:31:49Gen. Davis: We absolutely will be able to keep nayoc up and operating. It is a very expensive platform to maintain. Any actions we can take that will moves it forward and we are looking at a couple of those will be worth the taxpayers money.
▶ 1:32:09Chair Fischer: Thank you. General white, you have been in the war about -- the role about five months.
▶ 1:32:17Gen. White: That's right.
▶ 1:32:20Chair Fischer: How do you think the authorities that you have been given, how does that help you cut through all of the bureaucratic red tape? Are we giving you what we need, what we hoped would happen?
▶ 1:32:39Gen. White: Gen. White: I would say a resounding yes. Some of the major acquisition decisions I have made in the first several months, we probably have cut the time by 60% to 70%. A large reason for that is as you have probably heard me state publicly is we have a very large staff. I have 23 people. The reason I have 23 people is because there are thousands of people working these programs. What they did not need was another extended layer of oversight.
▶ 1:33:06Gen. White: We are focused on expertise like strategic advisor which provides legal advice, I have an expert in budget, contacting, and an operator as my deputy who is a former b-2 pilot and has experience in global strike command. Gives me the ability to support these programs. I have a vast experience in many of these. I can look in and see where they need help and be able to expedite decision-making so we can deliver these capabilities.
▶ 1:33:35Gen. White: I would say the authorities far exceed acquisition. But they have allowed me to have that freedom to maneuver within these programs.
▶ 1:33:44Chair Fischer: Back to sentinel, how are you ensuring that we are going to have a capable minutemen three until sentinel is going to be fully deployed?
▶ 1:34:02Gen. White: First and foremost as you will see in the 2027 budget, we resource it. They have done that. You will also see an increase over time as we get more modernization programs in place to ensure that system not only remains sustainable, but in an era where it is maintainable. We will upgrade where we need to along the way. You will have my commitment and the commitment of my team make sure we continue that. You will see the air force standing with me side-by-side on making sure we get that done.
▶ 1:34:31Gen. White: There is certainly no confusion on the importance of making sure it is maintainable, sustainable and online.
▶ 1:34:37Chair Fischer: I certainly appreciate the updates that you give comest -- that you give senator king and myself. Those are extremely helpful. It only helps instill confidence in the position you have, that it is working and that we are able to move ahead. For general white and general davis, how are you both working together, along with admiral corrado, to ensure that stratcom's requirements will be met with all of these programs?
▶ 1:35:14Gen. White: I will lead off. First and foremost, it is not just admiral correll and general davis. It is also Dr. kadlec.
▶ 1:35:17Chair Fischer: Sorry to have left you out.
▶ 1:35:19Gen. White: The success of our ability to be --
▶ 1:35:23Chair Fischer: We should throw in admiral wolfe as well. 8
▶ 1:35:30Admiral Wolfe: We do work together in many areas.
▶ 1:35:33Gen. White: So the idea is simply that we operate a single mind and we are well integrated. There is. It's the first thing I said when we came on board. My ability for the four of us to work together on these major programs will be the foundation of my success.
▶ 1:35:54Gen. Davis: We have a routine battle rhythm where admiral correll, general white and I get together every two weeks. I meet with admiral white every other week to discuss these programs. Past that, I have the -- have had the opportunity to work with a general white and admiral correll on previous jobs. I think that keeps everything flight and allows us to have frank conversations about the needs of the program and keep moving this forward.
▶ 1:36:16Gen. White: The alignment at this point is as strong as it has probably ever been across all of these different positions. We have to maintain that to execute the outcomes we want.
▶ 1:36:28Chair Fischer: Thank you very much. Senator king, did have other questions?
▶ 1:36:32Sen. King: I wanted to make an observation because we are all talking in detail. One of the issues we are facing is a difficult budget situation. The deficit is now a national security issue. It's going to have to be addressed. The unfortunate truth is it has fallen to the lot of all of us to modernize the entire nuclear triad at once. Probably in retrospect, we should have been doing pieces of it over the last 30 plus years.
▶ 1:37:00Sen. King: Plus, as we heard previously, we are having to modernize the nuclear weapon production as well as the triad platforms. I refer to it as the pig in the budgetary python. It is a lump moving through that we will have to swallow in order to maintain the basic bedrock of our national security strategy, which is deterrence.
▶ 1:37:29Sen. King: Deterrence consists of capacity and will. Our adversaries have to understand that we have both. And what you were working on right now is the capacity part. And I believe that is what is so important about the work we are doing in sentinel, the b 21, and also in columbia. I think it is important to look on this as a bigger picture, in terms of appropriations and expenses. This is not something that will continue forever.
▶ 1:38:01Sen. King: We will get through these new programs. It is unfortunate from a budgetary perspective that we have to do it all at once. But it is nonetheless so critical to national security. I want to thank all of you for the work you are doing. Secretary kadlec, I really appreciate the role you are playing, and be aggressive. Don't let them poach on your authority here.
▶ 1:38:27Sen. King: It is very important to have that central coordinator function. Thank you very much for your testimony today. Thank you, madam chair.
▶ 1:38:38Chair Fischer: Thank you, senator king. I think it's important for all of you and also for our committee as a whole to remind the american people that the first duty of congress is for the defense of this country. It is for national security. And as all of you say, the deterrents that our nuclear forces provide is the bedrock of that security. Thank you for the important work you do. Thank wolfe you again, admiral wolfe.
▶ 1:39:08Chair Fischer: Wish you well in the future. We are adjourned. [captioning performed by the national captioning institute, which is responsible for its caption content and accuracy. Visit