September 23, 2014

New York Times Criticizes Plans to Modernize Nuclear Deterrent

By ExchangeMonitor

Calling plans to modernize the nation’s weapons complex and nuclear arsenal “unwise and beyond what the nation can afford,” the New York Times editorial board yesterday accused the Obama Administration of “backsliding” on its nuclear promises and suggested money earmarked for modernization would be better spent on nuclear security. “The administration is making a foolish trade-off—pouring money into modernization while reducing funds that help improve security at nuclear sites in Russia and other countries where terrorists or criminals could get their hands on nuclear materials,” the Times said in the editorial.

The editorial followed a lengthy story by the Times Monday that chronicled plans to modernize the nation’s nuclear deterrent, which according to the Congressional Budget Office could cost $355 billion over the next decade. At the same time, funds for nuclear nonproliferation were cut in Fiscal Year 2015, a decision that the Times criticized. “Investing in nuclear security protects Americans more than unwise investment in new nuclear weapons,” the newspaper said.

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