Kelly, Tillis Introduce Bipartisan Legislation Reaffirming U.S. Nuclear Deterrence Commitments to Allies

Today, Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) introduced the bipartisan Reaffirming Extended Nuclear Deterrence Act , legislation reaffirming U.S. extended nuclear deterrence commitments to allies and the military exercises, planning, and consultations that make those commitments credible. The legislation comes soon after Kelly and Tillis pressed the Trump administration to reverse its decision to substantially reduce joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea and urged the Administration to maintain the training necessary to preserve the readiness of the alliance. “Deterrence only works if adversaries believe you mean it. China and Russia are expanding their nuclear arsenals. North Korea keeps pushing. This is the wrong moment to leave allies confused about where we stand. We need to make clear that Congress is committed to maintaining the capability and credibility our allies are counting on,” said Kelly. “Our adversaries are increasingly testing the strength of our alliances and seeking opportunities to undermine the stability and security we have preserved for decades,” said Tillis. “It’s critical that we work with our allies to maintain a credible deterrent, strengthen our collective defense, and ensure the continued peace of the Western world and the values we share.” Background: One of the stated goals of U.S. nuclear weapons policy for the past 75 years has been to extend its nuclear deterrent to key allies in Europe and Asia. Extended deterrence has been foundational to U.S. alliances, and today, this commitment remains steadfast. However, credibly reassuring allies that the U.S. will come to their aid is a challenge. Today, that credibility is under greater strain as U.S. actions have raised questions about the durability of American commitments. At the same time, NATO countries have shown interest in nuclear-sharing or alternative nuclear arrangements. The Reaffirming Extended Nuclear Deterrence Act is a clear congressional reaffirmation that strengthens assurance, reinforces deterrence, protects U.S. national security, and restates that extended nuclear deterrence remains consistent with U.S. nonproliferation objectives, providing a signal of continuity and resolve at a time of growing uncertainty about America’s commitment to the defense of its allies. Click here to read the full text of the bill.