WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer questioned National Nuclear Security Administration Administrator Jill Hruby about modernization of America’s nuclear deterrent and deeper collaboration with U.S. Strategic Command, headquartered at Offutt Air force Base in Nebraska.

She asked Hruby how the current budget proposal will help increase nuclear weapon production.

Sen. Fischer said there is no room for further delays in stock-pile modernization and long-term deterrents.

Fischer: “Can you tell me how NNSA is working with STRATCOM to assess future threats in the late 2030s and beyond, to be able to identify the likely requirements for future nuclear weapons programs?”

Hruby: “… And we've reestablished a process that used to exist -- it had gone quiet -- to have STRATCOM staff, who understand and think about deterrence needs on a daily basis, to work with our staff, who think about and understand capabilities on a daily basis. To work together more closely on and to meet regularly to define, what is the gap? And what's the best way to fill it that will exist in the late 2030s and 2040s.”

Sen. Fischer also questioned Hruby about support for sea-launched cruise missiles.

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