Stop Funding for a New Nuclear Bomber: Letter to the House

Update (5/18/2012): This amendment was rejected by a vote of 112-308.

As the House debates and votes on the defense authorization bill Reps. Markey (MA), Welch (VT) and Conyers (MI) have offered an amendment to delay the development of the new, long-range, nuclear-capable bomber by 10 years and delete $292 million in spending for FY 2013. Delaying the new bomber would save $18 billion over 10 years and still allow the Pentagon to deploy the same number of bombers as planned under New START. FCNL joined with 28 other organizations and experts to sen a letter to the House in support of the amendment. Read the letter below.

PDF Version

Support Markey-Welch-Conyers Nuclear Bomber Amendment to Save $18 Billion

May 17, 2012

Dear Representative,

The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) increases spending for several wasteful nuclear weapons and missile defense programs. In a time of an ongoing budget crisis, Congress should not waste billions of dollars on programs that do not enhance national security. In order to help reduce spending in the NDAA to a sensible and sustainable level, we urge you to support the following key floor amendment.

SUPPORT. #11. Markey (MA); Welch (VT); Conyers (MI). New Nuclear-Capable Bomber.Would delay the development of the new, long-range, nuclear-capable bomber by 10 years and delete $292 million in spending for FY 2013. Delaying the new bomber would save $18 billion over 10 years and still allow the Pentagon to deploy the same number of bombers as planned under New START.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Carol Blythe, President Alliance of Baptists

Terri S. Lodge, Director for Nuclear Security American Security Project

Eric Sapp, Executive Director American Values Network

Daryl G. Kimball, Executive Director Arms Control Association

Ambassador Robert Grey, Director Bipartisan Security Group

Katie Heald, Coordinator Campaign for a Nuclear Weapons Free World

William D. Hartung, Director, Arms and Security Project Center for International Policy

Melissa Kaplan, Deputy Director of Government Relations Citizens for Global Solutions

Bob Kinsey Colorado Coalition for Prevention of Nuclear War

David Culp, Legislative Representative Friends Committee on National Legislation (Quakers)

Bobbie Paul, Executive Director Georgia Women's Action for New Direction

Dr. Paul F. Walker, Director of Security and Sustainability Global Green USA

Tom Carpenter, Executive Director Hanford Challenge, Seattle

David Krieger, President Nuclear Age Peace Foundation

Jay Coghlan, Executive Director Nuclear Watch New Mexico

Glenn Carroll, Coordinator Nuclear Watch South, Atlanta

Marie Dennis, Co-President Pax Christi International

Kevin Martin, Executive Director Peace Action

Alicia Godsberg, Executive Director Peace Action New York State

Jon Rainwater, Executive Director Peace Action West

Jerry Stein, Coordinator of the Board Peace Farm, Amarillo, TX

David Hart, Director of Security Programs Physicians for Social Responsibility

Joel Rubin, Director of Policy and Government Affairs Ploughshares Fund

Jean Stokan Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, Institute Justice Team

Liz Woodruff, Executive Director Snake River Alliance, Idaho

Marylia Kelley, Executive Director Tri-Valley CAREs, Livermore, CA

Stephen Young, Senior Analyst, Global Security Program Union of Concerned Scientists

James E. Winkler, General Secretary United Methodist Church, General Board of Church and Society

Susan Shaer, Executive Director Women's Action for New Directions