CHAPTER 24—NUCLEAR POSTURE

        

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2022—Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title XVI, §§1631, 1632, 1634(a), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2934, 2938, added items 492b, 493a, and 499c.

2021—Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title XVI, §1631, Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 2089, added item 499b.

2019—Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title XVI, §1665(c)(2), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1774, added item 492a.

2017—Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title XVI, §§1651(b), 1652(b), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1757, 1758, added items 499 and 499a.

2013—Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title X, §1051(b)(2), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 859, added item 497a.

Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title X, §§1031(b)(1), (3)(C)(i), 1033(b)(2)(A), 1035(b), 1036(b), 1037(b)(2), 1038(b), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1918, 1919, 1921, 1924, 1925, 1927, added chapter heading and items 491 to 498.

§491. Nuclear weapons employment strategy of the United States: reports on modification of strategy

(a) Reports.—By not later than 60 days before the date on which the President implements a nuclear weapons employment strategy of the United States that differs from the nuclear weapons employment strategy of the United States then in force, the President shall submit to Congress a report setting forth the following:

(1) A description of the modifications to the nuclear weapons employment strategy, plans, and options of the United States made by the strategy so issued.

(2) An assessment of effects of such modification for the nuclear posture of the United States.

(3) The implication of such changes on the flexibility and resilience of the strategic forces of the United States and the ability of such forces to support the goals of the United States with respect to nuclear deterrence, extended deterrence, assurance, and defense.

(4) The extent to which such modifications include an increased reliance on conventional or non-nuclear global strike capabilities or missile defenses of the United States.

(b) Annual Briefings.—Not later than March 15 of each year, the Secretary of Defense shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing regarding the nuclear weapons employment strategy, plans, and options of the United States.

(c) Reports on Nuclear Posture Review Implementation Study Decisions.—During each of fiscal years 2022 through 2031, not later than 60 days before the date on which the President carries out the results of the decisions made pursuant to a Nuclear Posture Review Implementation Study that would alter the nuclear weapons employment strategy, guidance, plans, or options of the United States, the President shall—

(1) ensure that the report required by section 492a of this title is transmitted to Congress, if so required under such section;

(2) ensure that the report required under section 494(a)(2)(A) of this title is transmitted to Congress, if so required under such section; and

(3) transmit to the congressional defense committees a report providing the high-, medium-, and low- confidence assessments of the intelligence community (as defined in section 3(4) of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3003(4))) as to whether the United States will have significant warning of a strategic surprise or breakout caused by foreign nuclear weapons developments.

(Added Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title X, §1046(b)(1), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1579; amended Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title X, §§1031(a), 1032, Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1917, 1919; Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title X, §1052(b), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 861; Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title X, §1071(c)(10), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3509; Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title XVI, §1637, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2940; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title XVIII, §1801(a)(8), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 684.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was formerly part of chapter 23 of this title, prior to being transferred to this chapter by Pub. L. 112–239, §1031(a)(1).

Amendments

2023—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 118–31 substituted "pursuant to a" for "pursuant to the a" in introductory provisions.

2022—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 117–263, §1637(1), (2), struck out "2010" after "Reports on" in heading and substituted "2022 through 2031" for "2012 through 2021" and "a" for "2010" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 117–263, §1637(3), added par. (1) and struck out former par. (1) which read as follows: "ensure that the annual report required under section 1043(a)(1) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 (Public Law 112–81; 125 Stat. 1576) is transmitted to Congress, if so required;".

2014—Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 113–291 substituted "(50 U.S.C. 3003(4))" for "(50 U.S.C. 401a(4))".

2013—Pub. L. 112–239, §1031(a)(2)(A)–(D), inserted "weapons" after "Nuclear" in section catchline, substituted "nuclear weapons employment strategy" for "nuclear employment strategy" in two places in introductory provisions and "to the nuclear weapons employment strategy, plans, and options of" for "to nuclear employment strategy of" in par. (1), and added par. (4).

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 112–239, §1032(a), substituted "By not later than 60 days before the date on which the President implements" for "On the date on which the President issues" in introductory provisions.

Pub. L. 112–239, §1031(a)(2)(E), designated existing provisions as subsec. (a) and inserted heading.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 112–239, §1031(a)(2)(F), added subsec. (b).

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 113–66, §1052(b), redesignated subsec. (d) as (c) and struck out former subsec. (c). Prior to amendment, text of subsec. (c) read as follows:

"(1) The Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees written notification of an anomaly in the nuclear command, control, and communications system of the United States that is reported to the Secretary of Defense or the Nuclear Weapons Council by not later than 14 days after the date on which the Secretary or the Council learns of such anomaly, as the case may be.

"(2) In this subsection, the term 'anomaly' means any unplanned, irregular, or abnormal event, whether unexplained or caused intentionally or unintentionally by a person or a system."

Pub. L. 112–239, §1031(a)(2)(F), added subsec. (c).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 113–66, §1052(b)(2), redesignated subsec. (d) as (c).

Pub. L. 112–239, §1032(b), added subsec. (d).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Congressional Notification of Nuclear Cooperation Between Russia and China

Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title XVI, §1649, Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 601, provided that: "If the Commander of the United States Strategic Command determines, after consultation with the Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, that militarily significant cooperation between the Russian Federation and the People's Republic of China related to nuclear or strategic capabilities is likely to occur or has likely occurred, the Commander shall submit to the congressional defense committees [Committees on Armed Services and Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives] a notification of such determination that includes—

"(1) a description of the military significant cooperation; and

"(2) an assessment of the implication of such cooperation for the United States with respect to nuclear deterrence, extended deterrence, assurance, and defense."

Plan To Train Officers in Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications

Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title XVI, §1668, Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 2156, provided that:

"(a) In General.—The Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of the Air Force, the Secretary of the Navy, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Commander of the United States Strategic Command, shall develop a plan to train, educate, manage, and track officers of the Armed Forces in nuclear command, control, and communications.

"(b) Elements.—The plan required by subsection (a) shall address—

"(1) manpower requirements at various grades;

"(2) desired career paths and promotion timing; and

"(3) any other matters the Secretary of Defense considers relevant to develop a mature cadre of officers with nuclear command, control, and communications expertise.

"(c) Submission of Plan.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 13, 2018], the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives the plan required by subsection (a).

"(d) Implementation.—Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall implement the plan required by subsection (a)."

Establishment of Nuclear Command and Control Intelligence Fusion Center

Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title XVI, §1655, Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1760, provided that:

"(a) Establishment.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 12, 2017], the Secretary of Defense and the Director of National Intelligence shall jointly establish an intelligence fusion center to effectively integrate and unify the protection of nuclear command, control, and communications programs, systems, and processes and continuity of government programs, systems, and processes.

"(b) Charter.—In establishing the fusion center under subsection (a), the Secretary and the Director shall develop a charter for the fusion center that includes the following:

"(1) To carry out the duties of the fusion center, a description of—

"(A) the roles and responsibilities of officials and elements of the Federal Government, including a detailed description of the organizational relationships of such officials and the elements of the Federal Government that are key stakeholders;

"(B) the organization reporting chain of the fusion center;

"(C) the staffing of the fusion center;

"(D) the processes of the fusion center; and

"(E) how the fusion center integrates with other elements of the Federal Government.

"(2) The management and administration processes required to carry out the fusion center, including with respect to facilities and security authorities.

"(3) Procedures to ensure that the appropriate number of staff of the fusion center have the security clearance necessary to access information on the programs, systems, and processes that relate, either wholly or substantially, to nuclear command, control, and communications or continuity of government, including with respect to both the programs, systems, and processes that are designated as special access programs (as described in section 4.3 of Executive Order 13526 (50 U.S.C. 3161 note) or any successor Executive order) and the programs, systems, and processes that contain sensitive compartmented information.

"(c) Coordination.—In establishing the fusion center under subsection (a), the Secretary and the Director shall coordinate with the elements of the Federal Government that the Secretary and Director determine appropriate.

"(d) Reports.—

"(1) Initial report.—Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 12, 2017], the Secretary and the Director shall jointly submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report containing—

"(A) the charter for the fusion center developed under subsection (b); and

"(B) a plan on the budget and staffing of the fusion center.

"(2) Annual reports.—At the same time as the President submits to Congress the annual budget request under section 1105 of title 31, United States Code, for fiscal year 2019 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Secretary and the Director shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the fusion center, including, with respect to the period covered by the report—

"(A) any updates to the plan on the budget and staffing of the fusion center;

"(B) any updates to the charter developed under subsection (b); and

"(C) a summary of the activities and accomplishments of the fusion center.

"(3) Sunset.—No report is required under this subsection after December 31, 2021.

"(e) Appropriate Congressional Committees Defined.—In this section, the term 'appropriate congressional committees' means—

"(1) the congressional defense committees [Committees on Armed Services and Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives]; and

"(2) the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives and the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate."

Security of Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications System From Commercial Dependencies

Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title XVI, §1656, Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1761, provided that:

"(a) Certification.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 12, 2017], the Secretary of Defense shall certify to the congressional defense committees whether the Secretary uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system, to carry out—

"(1) the nuclear deterrence mission of the Department of Defense, including with respect to nuclear command, control, and communications, integrated tactical warning and attack assessment, and continuity of government; or

"(2) the homeland defense mission of the Department, including with respect to ballistic missile defense.

"(b) Prohibition and Mitigation.—

"(1) Prohibition.—Except as provided by paragraph (2), beginning on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 12, 2017], the Secretary of Defense may not procure or obtain, or extend or renew a contract to procure or obtain, any equipment, system, or service to carry out the missions described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (a) that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system.

"(2) Waiver.—The Secretary may waive the prohibition in paragraph (1) on a case-by-case basis for a single one-year period if the Secretary—

"(A) determines such waiver to be in the national security interests of the United States; and

"(B) certifies to the congressional committees that—

"(i) there are sufficient mitigations in place to guarantee the ability of the Secretary to carry out the missions described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (a); and

"(ii) the Secretary is removing the use of covered telecommunications equipment or services in carrying out such missions.

"(3) Delegation.—The Secretary may not delegate the authority to make a waiver under paragraph (2) to any official other than the Deputy Secretary of Defense or the co-chairs of the Council on Oversight of the National Leadership Command, Control, and Communications System established by section 171a of title 10, United States Code.

"(c) Definitions.—In this section:

"(1) The term 'congressional defense committees' has the meaning given that term in section 101(a)(16) of title 10, United States Code.

"(2) The term 'covered foreign country' means any of the following:

"(A) The People's Republic of China.

"(B) The Russian Federation.

"(3) The term 'covered telecommunications equipment or services' means any of the following:

"(A) Telecommunications equipment produced by Huawei Technologies Company or ZTE Corporation (or any subsidiary or affiliate of such entities).

"(B) Telecommunications services provided by such entities or using such equipment.

"(C) Telecommunications equipment or services produced or provided by an entity that the Secretary of Defense reasonably believes to be an entity owned or controlled by, or otherwise connected to, the government of a covered foreign country."

Security Classification Guide for Programs Relating to Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications and Nuclear Deterrence

Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title XVI, §1658, Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1763, provided that:

"(a) Requirement for Security Classification Guide.—Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 12, 2017], the Secretary of Defense shall require the issuance of a security classification guide for each covered program to ensure the protection of sensitive information from public disclosure.

"(b) Requirements.—Each security classification guide issued pursuant to subsection (a) shall be—

"(1) approved by—

"(A) the Council on Oversight of the National Leadership Command, Control, and Communications System with respect to covered programs under paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection (c) [probably should be "subsection (e)"]; or

"(B) the Nuclear Weapons Council with respect to covered programs under paragraph (3) of such subsection; and

"(2) issued not later than March 19, 2019, with respect to a covered program in existence as of such date.

"(c) Annual Notifications.—On an annual basis during the three-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 12, 2017], the Deputy Secretary of Defense, without delegation, shall notify the congressional defense committees [Committees on Armed Services and Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives] of the status of implementing subsection (a), including a description of any challenges to such implementation.

"(d) Exclusion.—This section shall not apply with respect to restricted data covered by chapter 12 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2161 et seq.).

"(e) Covered Program Defined.—In this section, the term 'covered program' means programs of the Department of Defense in existence on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 12, 2017] relating to any of the following:

"(1) Continuity of government.

"(2) Nuclear command, control, and communications.

"(3) Nuclear deterrence."

Evaluation and Enhanced Security of Supply Chain for Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications and Continuity of Government Programs

Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title XVI, §1659, Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1764, provided that:

"(a) Evaluations of Supply Chain Vulnerabilities.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than December 31, 2019, and in accordance with the plan under paragraph (2)(A), the Secretary of Defense shall conduct evaluations of the supply chain vulnerabilities of each covered program.

"(2) Plan.—

"(A) Development.—The Secretary shall develop a plan to carry out the evaluations under paragraph (1), including with respect to the personnel and resources required to carry out such evaluations.

"(B) Submission.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 12, 2017], the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees [Committees on Armed Services and Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives] the plan under subparagraph (A).

"(3) Waiver.—The Secretary may waive, on a case-by-case basis with respect to a weapons system, a program, or a system of systems, of a covered program, either the requirement to conduct an evaluation under paragraph (1) or the deadline specified in such paragraph if the Secretary certifies to the congressional defense committees before such date that all known supply chain vulnerabilities of such weapons system, program, or system of systems have minimal consequences for the capability of such weapons system, program, or system of systems to meet operational requirements or otherwise satisfy mission requirements.

"(4) Risk mitigation strategies.—In carrying out an evaluation under paragraph (1) with respect to a covered program specified in subparagraph (B) or (C) of subsection (c)(2), the Secretary shall develop strategies for mitigating the risks of supply chain vulnerabilities identified in the course of such evaluation.

"(b) Prioritization of Certain Supply Chain Risk Management Efforts.—

"(1) Instructions.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 12, 2017], the Secretary shall issue a Department of Defense Instruction, or update such an Instruction, establishing the prioritization of supply chain risk management programs, including supply chain risk management threat assessment reporting, to ensure that acquisition and sustainment programs relating to covered programs receive the highest priority of such supply chain risk management programs and reporting.

"(2) Requirements.—

"(A) Establishment.—The Secretary shall establish requirements to carry out supply chain risk management threat assessment collections and analyses under acquisition and sustainment programs relating to covered programs.

"(B) Submission.—Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees the requirements established under subparagraph (A).

"(c) Definitions.—In this section:

"(1) The term 'appropriate congressional committees' means—

"(A) the congressional defense committees [Committees on Armed Services and Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives]; and

"(B) the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives and the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate.

"(2) The term 'covered programs' means programs relating to any of the following:

"(A) Nuclear weapons.

"(B) Nuclear command, control, and communications.

"(C) Continuity of government.

"(D) Ballistic missile defense."

Statement of Policy on the Nuclear Triad

Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title XVI, §1664, Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 1128, provided that:

"(a) Sense of Congress.—It is the sense of Congress that—

"(1) the triad of strategic nuclear delivery systems plays a critical role in ensuring the national security of the United States; and

"(2) retaining all three legs of the nuclear triad is among the highest priorities of the Department of Defense and will best maintain strategic stability at a reasonable cost, while hedging against potential technical problems and vulnerabilities.

"(b) Statement of Policy.—It is the policy of the United States—

"(1) to operate, sustain, and modernize or replace the triad of strategic nuclear delivery systems consisting of—

"(A) heavy bombers equipped with nuclear gravity bombs and air-launched nuclear cruise missiles;

"(B) land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles equipped with nuclear warheads that are capable of carrying multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles; and

"(C) ballistic missile submarines equipped with submarine launched ballistic missiles and multiple nuclear warheads;

"(2) to operate, sustain, and modernize or replace a capability to forward-deploy nuclear weapons and dual-capable fighter-bomber aircraft;

"(3) to deter potential adversaries and assure allies and partners of the United States through strong and long-term commitment to the nuclear deterrent of the United States and the personnel, systems, and infrastructure that comprise such deterrent;

"(4) to ensure that the members of the Armed Forces who operate the nuclear deterrent of the United States have the training, resources, and national support required to execute the critical national security mission of the members; and

"(5) to achieve a modern and responsive nuclear infrastructure to support the full spectrum of deterrence requirements."

Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title XVI, §1652, Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3654, provided that: "It is the policy of the United States—

"(1) to operate, sustain, and modernize or replace the triad of strategic nuclear delivery systems consisting of—

"(A) heavy bombers equipped with nuclear gravity bombs and air-launched nuclear cruise missiles;

"(B) land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles equipped with nuclear warheads that are capable of carrying multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles; and

"(C) ballistic missile submarines equipped with submarine launched ballistic missiles and multiple nuclear warheads;

"(2) to operate, sustain, and modernize or replace a capability to forward-deploy nuclear weapons and dual-capable fighter-bomber aircraft;

"(3) to deter potential adversaries and assure allies and partners of the United States through strong and long-term commitment to the nuclear deterrent of the United States and the personnel, systems, and infrastructure that comprise such deterrent; and

"(4) to ensure that the members of the Armed Forces who operate the nuclear deterrent of the United States have the training, resources, and national support required to execute the critical national security mission of the members."

Executive Documents

Delegation of Reporting Functions Specified in Section 491 of Title 10, United States Code

Memorandum of President of the United States, June 19, 2013, 78 F.R. 37923, provided:

Memorandum for the Secretary of Defense

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 301 of title 3 of the United States Code, I hereby delegate to you the reporting functions conferred upon the President by section 491 of title 10, United States Code.

You are authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.

Barack Obama.      

§492. Biennial assessment and report on the delivery platforms for nuclear weapons and the nuclear command and control system

(a) Biennial Assessments.—(1) For each even-numbered year, each covered official shall assess the safety, security, reliability, sustainability, performance, and military effectiveness of, and the ability to meet operational availability requirements for, the systems described in paragraph (2) for which such official has responsibility.

(2) The systems described in this paragraph are the following:

(A) Each type of delivery platform for nuclear weapons.

(B) The nuclear command and control system.

(b) Biennial Report.—(1) Not later than December 1 of each even-numbered year, each covered official shall submit to the Secretary of Defense and the Nuclear Weapons Council established by section 179 of this title a report on the assessments conducted under subsection (a).

(2) Each report under paragraph (1) shall include the following:

(A) The results of the assessment.

(B) An identification and discussion of any capability gaps or shortfalls with respect to the systems described in subsection (a)(2) covered under the assessment.

(C) An identification and discussion of any risks with respect to meeting mission or capability requirements.

(D) In the case of an assessment by the Commander of the United States Strategic Command, if the Commander identifies any deficiency with respect to a nuclear weapons delivery platform covered under the assessment, a discussion of the relative merits of any other nuclear weapons delivery platform type or compensatory measure that would accomplish the mission of such nuclear weapons delivery platform.

(E) An identification and discussion of any matter having an adverse effect on the capability of the covered official to accurately determine the matters covered by the assessment.

(c) Report to President and Congress.—(1) Not later than March 1 of each year following a year for which a report under subsection (b) is submitted, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the President a report containing—

(A) each report under subsection (b) submitted during the previous year, as originally submitted to the Secretary;

(B) any comments that the Secretary considers appropriate with respect to each such report;

(C) any conclusions that the Secretary considers appropriate with respect to the safety, security, reliability, sustainability, performance, or military effectiveness of the systems described in subsection (a)(2); and

(D) any other information that the Secretary considers appropriate.

(2) Not later than March 15 of each year during which a report under paragraph (1) is submitted, the President shall transmit to the congressional defense committees the report submitted to the President under paragraph (1), including any comments the President considers appropriate.

(3) Each report under this subsection may be in classified form if the Secretary of Defense determines it necessary.

(d) Covered Official Defined.—In this section, the term "covered official" means—

(1) the Commander of the United States Strategic Command;

(2) the Director of the Strategic Systems Program of the Navy;

(3) the Commander of the Global Strike Command of the Air Force; and

(4) the Commander of the United States Air Forces in Europe.

(Added Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title X, §1041(a), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1573, §490a; renumbered §492, Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title X, §1031(b)(3)(A)(i), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1918; amended Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title XVI, §1642, Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3650; Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title XVI, §1666, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1774.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2019—Subsec. (d)(4). Pub. L. 116–92 added par. (4).

2014—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 113–291 inserted ", and the ability to meet operational availability requirements for," after "military effectiveness of".

2013—Pub. L. 112–239 renumbered section 490a of this title as this section.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Initial Assessment and Reports

Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title X, §1041(b), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1574, as amended by Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title X, §1031(b)(4), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1919; Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title X, §1091(b)(6), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 876, provided that: "Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 31, 2011], each covered official, as such term is defined in subsection (d) of section 492 of title 10, United States Code, shall conduct an initial assessment as described by subsection (a) of such section and submit an initial report as described by subsection (b) of such section. The requirements of subsection (c) of such section shall apply with respect to the report submitted under this subsection."

[Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title X, §1091(b), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 876, provided in part that the amendment made by section 1091(b)(6) is effective as of Jan. 2, 2013, and as if included in Pub. L. 112–239 as enacted.]

§492a. Annual report on the plan for the nuclear weapons stockpile, nuclear weapons complex, nuclear weapons delivery systems, and nuclear weapons command and control system

(a) Report Required.—

(1) In general.—Not later than 30 days after the submission to Congress of the budget of the President under section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code, for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2029, the President, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Energy, shall transmit to the congressional defense committees, the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate, and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives a detailed report on the plan for the nuclear weapons stockpile, nuclear weapons complex, nuclear weapons delivery systems, and nuclear weapons command and control system.

(2) Elements.—Each report required under paragraph (1) shall include the following:

(A) A detailed description of the plan to enhance the safety, security, and reliability of the nuclear weapons stockpile of the United States.

(B) A detailed description of the plan to sustain and modernize the nuclear weapons complex, including improving the safety of facilities, modernizing the infrastructure, and maintaining the key capabilities and competencies of the nuclear weapons workforce, including designers and technicians.

(C) A detailed description of the plan to maintain, modernize, and replace delivery systems for nuclear weapons.

(D) A detailed description of the plan to sustain and modernize the nuclear weapons command and control system.

(E) A detailed description of any plans to retire, dismantle, or eliminate any nuclear warheads or bombs, nuclear weapons delivery systems, or any platforms (including silos and submarines) which carry such nuclear warheads, bombs, or delivery systems.

(F) In accordance with paragraph (3), a detailed estimate of the budget requirements associated with sustaining and modernizing the nuclear deterrent of the United States and the nuclear weapons stockpile of the United States, including the costs associated with the plans outlined under subparagraphs (A) through (E), over the 10-year period following the date of the report, including the applicable and appropriate costs associated with the procurement, military construction, operation and maintenance, and research, development, test, and evaluation accounts of the Department of Defense. The Secretary may include information and data for a period beyond such 10-year period if the Secretary determines that such information and data is accurate and useful in understanding the long-term nuclear modernization plan.

(G) A detailed description of the steps taken to implement the plan submitted in the previous year, including difficulties encountered in implementing the plan in the previous year.

(3) Budget estimate contents and methodology.— Each budget estimate under paragraph (2)(F) shall include a detailed description of the costs included in such estimate and the methodology used to create such estimate.

(4) Extension of deadline for report.—

(A) In general.—Subject to subparagraph (B), if the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Energy jointly determine that a report required by paragraph (1) for a fiscal year will not be able to be transmitted to the committees specified in that paragraph by the time required under that paragraph, such Secretaries shall—

(i) promptly, and before the submission to Congress of the budget of the President for that fiscal year under section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code, notify those committees of the expected date for the transmission of the report; and

(ii) not later than 30 days after the submission of that budget to Congress, provide a briefing to those committees on the content of the report.

(B) Limitation.—In no case may the President transmit a report required by paragraph (1) for a fiscal year to the committees specified in that paragraph later than 60 days after the submission to Congress of the budget of the President for that fiscal year.

(b) Estimate of Costs by Congressional Budget Office.—

(1) Budgets for odd-numbered fiscal years.—Not later than July 1 of each year in which the President transmits a covered odd-numbered fiscal year report, the Director of the Congressional Budget Office shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes—

(A) an estimate of the costs during the 10-year period beginning on the date of such covered odd-numbered fiscal year report associated with fielding and maintaining the current nuclear weapons and nuclear weapon delivery systems of the United States;

(B) an estimate of the costs during such period of any life extension, modernization, or replacement of any current nuclear weapons or nuclear weapon delivery systems of the United States that is anticipated as of the date of such covered odd-numbered fiscal year report, including an estimate of the acquisition costs during such period for programs relating to such life extension, modernization, or replacement;

(C) an estimate of the relative percentage of total defense spending during such period represented by the costs estimated under subparagraphs (A) and (B); and

(D) an estimate of the relative percentage of total acquisition costs of the military departments and of the Department of Defense during such period represented by the acquisition costs estimated under subparagraph (B).

(2) Budgets for even-numbered fiscal years.—If the Director determines that a covered even-numbered fiscal year report contains a significant change that affects the estimates of the Director included in the report submitted under paragraph (1) in the year prior to the year in which such covered even-numbered fiscal year report is submitted, the Director shall submit to the congressional defense committees a letter describing such significant changes.

(3) Definitions.—In this subsection:

(A) The term "covered even-numbered fiscal year report" means a report required to be transmitted under subsection (a)(1) not later than 30 days after the submission to Congress of the budget of the President for an even-numbered fiscal year.

(B) The term "covered odd-numbered fiscal year report" means a report required to be transmitted under subsection (a)(1) not later than 30 days after the submission to Congress of the budget of the President for an odd-numbered fiscal year.

(c) Comptroller General Review.—The Comptroller General of the United States shall—

(1) periodically review reports submitted under subsection (a) for accuracy and completeness with respect to the matters described in paragraphs (2)(F) and (3) of such subsection; and

(2) submit to the congressional defense committees a summary of each such review.

(d) Independent Assessment by United States Strategic Command.—

(1) In general.—Not later than 150 days after the submission to Congress of the budget of the President under section 1105(a) of title 31, for each fiscal year the Commander of United States Strategic Command shall complete an independent assessment of any operational effects of the sufficiency of the execution, as of the date of the assessment, of the acquisition, construction, and recapitalization programs of the Department of Defense and the National Nuclear Security Administration to modernize the nuclear forces of the United States and meet current and future deterrence requirements.

(2) Contents.—Each assessment required under paragraph (1) shall include an evaluation of the ongoing execution of modernization programs associated with—

(A) the nuclear weapons design, production, and sustainment infrastructure;

(B) the nuclear weapons stockpile;

(C) the delivery systems for nuclear weapons; and

(D) the nuclear command, control, and communications system.

(3) Routing and submission.—

(A) Submission to nuclear weapons council.—Not later than 15 days after completion of an assessment required by paragraph (1), the Commander of United States Strategic Command shall—

(i) submit the assessment to the Chairman of the Nuclear Weapons Council; and

(ii) notify the congressional defense committees that the assessment has been submitted to the Chairman of the Nuclear Weapons Council.

(B) Submission to congress.—Not later than 15 days after the Chairman of the Nuclear Weapons Council receives an assessment required by paragraph (1), the Chairman shall transmit the assessment, without change, to the congressional defense committees.

(Added and amended Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title XVI, §1665(c)(1), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1773; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title XVI, §1633, Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4059; Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title XVI, §1635, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2939; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title XVI, §1633, Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 592.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section, as added and amended by Pub. L. 116–92, is based on Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title X, §1043, Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1576, as amended by Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title X, §1041(a), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1931; Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title X, §1054, Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 861; Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title XVI, §1643, Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3650; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title XVI, §1665, Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1767; Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title XVI, §1670, Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 2157; Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title XVI, §1665(a), (b), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1773, which was transferred to this chapter and renumbered as this section.

Amendments

2023—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 118–31 added subsec. (d).

2022—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 117–263 substituted "2029" for "2024".

2021—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 116–283, §1633(1), substituted "periodically review reports submitted" for "review each report".

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 116–283, §1633(2), struck out "not later than 180 days after the date on which such report under subsection (a) is submitted," before "submit to the congressional defense committees".

2019—Pub. L. 116–92, §1665(c)(1)(D), conformed section designation and catchline to the style of this title.

Pub. L. 116–92, §1665(c)(1)(A)–(C), transferred section 1043 of Pub. L. 112–81, as amended, to this chapter and renumbered it as this section. See Codification note above.

§492b. Biannual briefing on nuclear weapons and related activities

(a) In General.—On or about May 1 and November 1 of each year, the officials specified in subsection (b) shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a briefing on matters relating to nuclear weapons policies, operations, technology development, and other similar topics as requested by such committees.

(b) Officials Specified.—The officials specified in this subsection are the following:

(1) The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Acquisition.

(2) The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear, Chemical, and Biological Defense Programs.

(3) The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy.

(4) The Deputy Administrator for Defense Programs of the National Nuclear Security Administration.

(5) The Director for Strategy, Plans, and Policy of the Joint Staff.

(6) The Director for Capability and Resource Integration for the United States Strategic Command.

(c) Delegation.—An official specified in subsection (b) may delegate the authority to provide a briefing under subsection (a) to a member of the Senior Executive Service who reports to the official.

(d) Termination.—The requirement to provide a briefing under subsection (a) shall terminate on January 1, 2028.

(Added Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title XVI, §1631, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2934.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

As enacted by Pub. L. 117–263, "SEC." preceding section designation and catchline text were editorially conformed to the style used in this title.

§493. Reports to Congress on the modification of the force structure for the strategic nuclear weapons delivery systems of the United States

Whenever after December 31, 2011, the President proposes a modification of the force structure for the strategic nuclear weapons delivery systems of the United States, the President shall submit to Congress a report on the modification not less than 180 days before the intended effective date of the modification. The report shall include a description of the manner in which such modification will maintain for the United States a range of strategic nuclear weapons delivery systems appropriate for the current and anticipated threats faced by the United States when compared with the current force structure of strategic nuclear weapons delivery systems.

(Added and amended Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title X, §1031(b)(3)(B), (C)(ii), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1918, 1919; Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title X, §1091(b)(5), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 876; Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title XVI, §1634, Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 2091.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

The text of this section is based on Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title X, §1077, Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1596. Section 1077 of Pub. L. 112–81, formerly classified to section 2514 of Title 50, War and National Defense, was transferred to this section by Pub. L. 112–239, §1031(b)(3)(B)(i)–(iii).

Amendments

2021—Pub. L. 117–81 inserted "not less than 180 days before the intended effective date of the modification" after "report on the modification".

2013—Pub. L. 112–239, §1031(b)(3)(C)(ii), made technical amendments to conform section enumerator and catchline to the style of this title. See Codification note above.

Pub. L. 112–239, §1031(b)(3)(B)(iv), as amended by Pub. L. 113–66, §1091(b)(5), substituted "December 31, 2011," for "the date of the enactment of this Act".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2013 Amendment

Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title X, §1091(b), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 876, provided in part that the amendment made by section 1091(b)(5) is effective as of Jan. 2, 2013, and as if included in Pub. L. 112–239 as enacted.

§493a. Industrial base monitoring for B–21 and Sentinel programs

(a) Designation.—The Secretary of the Air Force, acting through the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics, shall designate a senior official, who shall report to the Assistant Secretary, to monitor the combined industrial base supporting the acquisition of—

(1) B–21 aircraft; and

(2) the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile weapon system.

(b) Requirements for Monitoring.—In monitoring the combined industrial base described in subsection (a), the senior official designated under such subsection shall—

(1) have the authority to select staff to assist the senior official from among civilian employees of the Department and members of the armed forces, who may provide such assistance concurrently while serving in another position;

(2) monitor the acquisition by the combined industrial base of—

(A) materials, technologies, and components associated with nuclear weapons systems; and

(B) commodities purchased on a large scale;

(3) monitor the hiring or contracting by the combined industrial base of personnel with critical skills; and

(4) assess whether personnel with critical skills and knowledge, intellectual property on manufacturing processes, and facilities and equipment necessary to design, develop, manufacture, repair, and support a program are available and affordable within the scopes of the B–21 aircraft program and the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile weapon system program.

(c) Annual Report.—At the same time as the submission of the budget of the President pursuant to section 1105(a) of title 31 for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report with respect to the status of the combined industrial base described in subsection (a).

(Added Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title XVI, §1632, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2934.)

§494. Nuclear force reductions

(a) Implementation of New START Treaty.—

(1) Sense of congress.—It is the Sense of Congress that—

(A) the United States is committed to maintaining a safe, secure, reliable, and credible nuclear deterrent;

(B) the United States should undertake and support an enduring stockpile stewardship program and maintain and modernize nuclear weapons production capabilities and capacities to ensure the safety, security, reliability, and credibility of the United States nuclear deterrent and to meet requirements for hedging against possible international developments or technical problems;

(C) the United States should maintain nuclear weapons laboratories and plants and preserve the intellectual infrastructure, including competencies and skill sets; and

(D) the United States should provide the necessary resources to achieve these goals, using as a starting point the levels set forth in the President's 10-year plan provided to Congress pursuant to section 1251 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 (Public Law 111–84; 123 Stat. 2549).

(2) Insufficient funding.—

(A) Report.—During each year in which the New START Treaty is in force, if the President determines that an appropriations Act is enacted that fails to meet the resource levels set forth in the November 2010 update to the plan referred to in section 1251 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 (Public Law 111–84; 123 Stat. 2549) or if at any time determines that more resources are required to carry out such plan than were estimated, the President shall transmit to the appropriate congressional committees, within 60 days of making such a determination, a report detailing—

(i) a plan to address the resource shortfall;

(ii) if more resources are required to carry out the plan than were estimated—

(I) the proposed level of funding required; and

(II) an identification of the stockpile work, campaign, facility, site, asset, program, operation, activity, construction, or project for which additional funds are required;

(iii) any effects caused by the shortfall on the safety, security, reliability, or credibility of the nuclear forces of the United States;

(iv) whether and why, in light of the shortfall, remaining a party to the New START Treaty is still in the national interest of the United States; and

(v) a detailed explanation of why the modernization timelines established in the 2010 Nuclear Posture Review are no longer applicable.

(B) Prior notification.—If the President transmits a report under subparagraph (A), the President shall notify the appropriate congressional committees of any determination by the President to reduce the number of deployed nuclear warheads of the United States by not later than 60 days before taking any action to carry out such reduction.

(C) Exception.—The limitation in subparagraph (B) shall not apply to—

(i) reductions made to ensure the safety, security, reliability, and credibility of the nuclear weapons stockpile and strategic delivery systems, including activities related to surveillance, assessment, certification, testing, and maintenance of nuclear warheads and strategic delivery systems; or

(ii) nuclear warheads that are retired or awaiting dismantlement on the date of the report under subparagraph (A).

(D) Definitions.—In this paragraph:

(i) The term "appropriate congressional committees" means—

(I) the congressional defense committees; and

(II) the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives.

(ii) The term "New START Treaty" means the Treaty between the United States of America and the Russian Federation on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms, signed on April 8, 2010, and entered into force on February 5, 2011.

(b) Annual Report on the Nuclear Weapons Stockpile of the United States.—

(1) Sense of congress.—It is the sense of Congress that—

(A) sustained investments in the nuclear weapons stockpile and the nuclear security complex are needed to ensure a safe, secure, reliable, and credible nuclear deterrent; and

(B) such investments could enable additional future reductions in the hedge stockpile.

(2) Report required.—Not later than March 1 of each year, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the nuclear weapons stockpile of the United States that includes the following:

(A) An accounting of the weapons in the stockpile as of the end of the fiscal year preceding the submission of the report that includes all weapons in the active and inactive stockpiles, both deployed and non-deployed, and all categories and readiness states of such weapons.

(B) The planned force levels for each category of nuclear weapon over the course of the future-years defense program submitted to Congress under section 221 of this title for the fiscal year following the fiscal year in which the report is submitted.

(c) Net Assessment of Nuclear Force Levels Required With Respect to Certain Proposals To Reduce the Nuclear Weapons Stockpile of the United States.—

(1) In general.—If, during any year beginning after December 31, 2021, the President makes a proposal described in paragraph (2)—

(A) the Commander of United States Strategic Command shall conduct a net assessment of the current and proposed nuclear forces of the United States and of other countries that possess nuclear weapons to determine whether the nuclear forces of the United States are anticipated to be capable of meeting the objectives of the United States with respect to nuclear deterrence, extended deterrence, assurance of allies, and defense;

(B) the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives the assessment described in subparagraph (A), unchanged, together with the explanatory views of the Secretary, as the Secretary deems appropriate; and

(C) the Administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a report describing the current capacities of the United States nuclear weapons infrastructure to respond to a strategic development or technical problem in the United States nuclear weapons stockpile.

(2) Proposal described.—

(A) In general.—Except as provided in subparagraph (B), a proposal described in this paragraph is a proposal to reduce the number of nuclear weapons in the active or inactive stockpiles of the United States to a level that is lower than the level on December 31, 2021.

(B) Exceptions.—A proposal described in this paragraph does not include—

(i) reductions that are a direct result of activities associated with routine stockpile stewardship, including stockpile surveillance, logistics, or maintenance; or

(ii) nuclear weapons retired or awaiting dismantlement on December 31, 2021.

(3) Termination.—The requirement in paragraph (1) shall terminate on February 1, 2025.

(d) Prevention of Asymmetry in Reductions.—

(1) Certification.—During any year in which the President recommends to reduce the number of nuclear weapons in the active and inactive stockpiles of the United States by a number that is greater than a de minimis reduction, the President shall certify in writing to the congressional defense committees whether such reductions will cause the number of nuclear weapons in such stockpiles to be fewer than the high-confidence assessment of the intelligence community (as defined in section 3(4) of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3003(4))) with respect to the number of nuclear weapons in the active and inactive stockpiles of the Russian Federation.

(2) Notification.—If the President certifies under paragraph (1) that the recommended number of nuclear weapons in the active and inactive stockpiles of the United States is fewer than the high-confidence assessment of the intelligence community with respect to the number of nuclear weapons in the active and inactive stockpiles of the Russian Federation, the President shall transmit to the congressional defense committees a report by the Commander of the United States Strategic Command, without change, detailing whether the recommended reduction would create a strategic imbalance or degrade deterrence and extended deterrence between the total number of nuclear weapons of the United States and the total number of nuclear weapons of the Russian Federation. The President shall transmit such report by not later than 60 days before the date on which the President carries out any such recommended reductions.

(3) Exception.—The notification in paragraph (2) shall not apply to—

(A) reductions made to ensure the safety, security, reliability, and credibility of the nuclear weapons stockpile and strategic delivery systems, including activities related to surveillance, assessment, certification, testing, and maintenance of nuclear warheads and strategic delivery systems; or

(B) nuclear warheads that are retired or awaiting dismantlement on the date of the certification under paragraph (1).

(4) Additional views.—On the date on which the President transmits to the congressional defense committees a report by the Commander of the United States Strategic Command under paragraph (2), the President may transmit to such committees a report by the President with respect to whether the recommended reductions covered by the report of the Commander will impact the deterrence or extended deterrence capabilities of the United States.

(Added and amended Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title X, §§1033(b)(1), (2)(B), 1034, Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1920–1922; Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title X, §1091(a)(7), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 875; Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title X, §1071(c)(10), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3509; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title X, §1081(a)(19), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1595; Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title X, §1081(a)(5), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1983; Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title XVI, §1632, Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 2090.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 1251 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010, referred to in subsec. (a)(1)(D), (2)(A), is section 1251 of Pub. L. 111–84, which is set out as a note under section 2523 of Title 50, War and National Defense.

Codification

The text of this section is based on Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title X, §1045, Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1577; Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title X, §1076(a)(19), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1949. Section 1045 of Pub. L. 112–81, formerly classified to section 2523b of Title 50, War and National Defense, was transferred to this section by Pub. L. 112–239, §1033(b)(1)(A)–(C).

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (c)(1), (2)(A), (B)(ii). Pub. L. 117–81, §1632(1), substituted "December 31, 2021" for "December 31, 2011".

Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 117–81, §1632(2), substituted "February 1, 2025" for "December 31, 2017".

2018—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 115–232 substituted "March 1 of each year" for "March 1, 2012, and annually thereafter" in introductory provisions.

2017—Subsec. (b)(2)(B). Pub. L. 115–91 substituted "of this title" for "of title 10".

2014—Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 113–291 substituted "(50 U.S.C. 3003(4))" for "(50 U.S.C. 401a(4))".

2013—Pub. L. 112–239, §1033(b)(2)(B), made technical amendments to conform section enumerator and catchline to the style of this title. See Codification note above.

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 112–239, §1033(b)(1)(D), amended par. (2) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (2) related to a Presidential report to Congress regarding resource shortfalls.

Subsec. (c)(1), (2)(A), (B)(ii). Pub. L. 113–66 substituted "December 31, 2011" for "the date of the enactment of this Act".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 112–239, §1034, added subsec. (d).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2013 Amendment

Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title X, §1033(b)(4), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1922, provided that: "The amendment made by paragraph (1)(D) [amending this section] shall take effect on October 1, 2012."

Termination of Reporting Requirements

For termination, effective Dec. 31, 2021, of provisions in subsec. (b) of this section requiring submittal of annual report to Congress, see section 1061 of Pub. L. 114–328, set out as a note under section 111 of this title.

Report on Implementation of the New START Treaty

Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title XII, §1247, Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 1066, provided that:

"(a) Report.—

"(1) In general.—During each year described in paragraph (2), the President shall transmit to the appropriate congressional committees a report explaining the reasons that the continued implementation of the New START Treaty is in the national security interests of the United States.

"(2) Year described.—A year described in this paragraph is a year in which the President implements the New START Treaty and determines that any of the following circumstances apply:

"(A) The Russian Federation illegally occupies Ukrainian territory.

"(B) The Russian Federation is not respecting the sovereignty of all Ukrainian territory.

"(C) The Russian Federation is not in full compliance with the INF treaty.

"(D) The Russian Federation is not in compliance with the CFE Treaty and has not lifted its suspension of Russian observance of its treaty obligations.

"(E) The Russian Federation is not reducing its deployed strategic delivery vehicles.

"(b) Definitions.—In this section:

"(1) Appropriate congressional committees.—The term 'appropriate congressional committees' means—

"(A) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate; and

"(B) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives.

"(2) CFE treaty.—The term 'CFE Treaty' means the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe, signed at Paris November 19, 1990, and entered into force July 17, 1992.

"(3) INF treaty.—The term 'INF Treaty' means the Treaty Between the United States of America and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on the Elimination of Their Intermediate-Range and Shorter-Range Missiles, commonly referred to as the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, signed at Washington December 8, 1987, and entered into force June 1, 1988.

"(4) New start treaty.—The term 'New START Treaty' means the Treaty between the United States of America and the Russian Federation on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms, signed on April 8, 2010, and entered into force on February 5, 2011."

[For delegation of functions vested in President by section 1247 of Pub. L. 114–92, set out above, see Memorandum of President of the United States, July 26, 2016, 81 F.R. 51773, set out below.]

Retention of Missile Silos

Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title XVI, §1644, Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3651, provided that:

"(a) Requirement.—During the period in which the New START Treaty (as defined in section 494(a)(2)(D) of title 10, United States Code) is in effect, the Secretary of Defense shall preserve each intercontinental ballistic missile silo that contains a deployed missile as of the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 19, 2014] in, at minimum, a warm status that enables such silo to—

"(1) remain a fully functioning element of the interconnected and redundant command and control system of the missile field; and

"(2) be made fully operational with a deployed missile.

"(b) Rule of Construction.—Nothing in subsection (b) shall be construed to prohibit the Secretary of Defense from temporarily placing an intercontinental ballistic missile silo offline to perform maintenance activities."

Implementation of New START Treaty

Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title X, §1056(a)(2), (3), (f), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 862–864, provided that:

"(a) Implementation.—

"(2) Consolidated budget display.—The Secretary [of Defense] shall include with the defense budget materials for each fiscal year specified in paragraph (3) a consolidated budget justification display that individually covers each program and activity associated with the implementation of the New START Treaty for the period covered by the future-years defense program submitted under section 221 of title 10, United States Code, at or about the time as such defense budget materials are submitted.

"(3) Fiscal year specified.—A fiscal year specified in this paragraph is each fiscal year that occurs during the period beginning with fiscal year 2015 and ending on the date on which the New START Treaty is no longer in force.

"(f) Definitions.—In this section:

"(1) The term 'defense budget materials' has the meaning given that term in section 231(f) of title 10, United States Code.

"(2) The term 'New START Treaty' means the Treaty between the United States of America and the Russian Federation on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms, signed on April 8, 2010, and entered into force on February 5, 2011."

"Congressional Defense Committees" Defined

Congressional defense committees has the meaning given that term in section 101(a)(16) of this title, see section 3 of Pub. L. 112–81, Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1316. See also note under section 101 of this title.

Executive Documents

Delegation of Reporting Functions Specified in Section 1045 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012, and Condition 9 of the Resolution of Advice and Consent to Ratification of the Treaty Between the United States of America and the Russian Federation on the Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms (the "New START Treaty")

Memorandum of President of the United States, Mar. 16, 2012, 77 F.R. 16649, provided:

Memorandum for the Secretary of State[,] the Secretary of Defense[, and] the Secretary of Energy

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 301 of title 3 of the United States Code, I hereby delegate to the Secretaries of Defense and Energy the reporting functions conferred upon the President by section 1045 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 (Public Law 112–81) [see Codification note above], and by section (a)(9)(B) of the Resolution of Advice and Consent to Ratification of the New START Treaty. Subsection (a)(9)(B)(iv) of the Resolution shall be fulfilled in coordination with the Secretary of State.

The Secretary of Defense is authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.

Barack Obama.      

Delegation of Authority Under Section 1247 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016

Memorandum of President of the United States, July 26, 2016, 81 F.R. 51773, provided:

Memorandum for the Secretary of State

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 301 of title 3, United States Code, I hereby order as follows:

I hereby delegate the functions and authorities vested in the President by section 1247 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 (Public Law 114–92) (the "Act") to the Secretary of State.

Any reference in this memorandum to the Act shall be deemed to be a reference to any future act that is the same or substantially the same as such provision.

You are authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.

Barack Obama.      

§495. Strategic delivery systems

(a) Annual Certification.—The President shall annually certify in writing to the congressional defense committees whether plans to modernize or replace strategic delivery systems are fully funded at levels equal to or more than the levels set forth in the November 2010 update to the plan referred to in section 1251 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 (Public Law 111–84; 123 Stat. 2549), including plans regarding—

(1) a heavy bomber and air-launched cruise missile;

(2) an intercontinental ballistic missile;

(3) a submarine-launched ballistic missile;

(4) a ballistic missile submarine; and

(5) maintaining the nuclear command and control system (as first reported under section 1043 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 (Public Law 112–81; 125 Stat. 1576)).

(b) Additional Report Matters Following Certain Certifications.—If in any year prior to the expiration of the Treaty between the United States of America and the Russian Federation on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms, signed on April 8, 2010, and entered into force on February 5, 2011 (commonly referred to as the "New START Treaty"), the President certifies under subsection (a) that plans to modernize or replace strategic delivery systems are not fully funded, the President shall include in the next annual report transmitted to Congress under section 492(a) ¹ of this title the following:

(1) A determination of whether or not the lack of full funding will result in a loss of military capability when compared with the November 2010 update to the plan referred to in section 1251 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010.

(2) If the determination under paragraph (1) is that the lack of full funding will result in a loss of military capability—

(A) a plan to preserve or retain the military capability that would otherwise be lost; or

(B) a report setting forth—

(i) an assessment of the impact of the lack of full funding on the strategic delivery systems specified in subsection (a); and

(ii) a description of the funding required to restore or maintain the capability.

(3) A certification by the President of whether or not the President is committed to accomplishing the modernization and replacement of strategic delivery systems and will meet the obligations concerning nuclear modernization as set forth in declaration 12 of the Resolution of Advice and Consent to Ratification of the New START Treaty.

(c) Prior Notification.—Not later than 60 days before the date on which the President carries out any reduction to the number of strategic delivery systems, the President shall—

(1) make the certification under subsection (a) for the fiscal year for which the reductions are proposed to be carried out;

(2) transmit the additional report matters under subsection (b) for such fiscal year, if such additional report matters are so required; and

(3) certify to the congressional defense committees whether the Russian Federation is in compliance with its strategic arms control obligations with the United States and is not engaged in activity in violation of, or inconsistent with, such obligations.

(d) Treatment of Certain Reductions.—Any certification under subsection (a) shall not take into account the following:

(1) Reductions made to ensure the safety, security, reliability, and credibility of the nuclear weapons stockpile and strategic delivery systems, including activities related to surveillance, assessment, certification, testing, and maintenance of nuclear warheads and delivery systems.

(2) Strategic delivery systems that are retired or awaiting dismantlement on the date of the certification under subsection (a).

(e) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) The term "New START Treaty" means the Treaty between the United States of America and the Russian Federation on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms, signed on April 8, 2010, and entered into force on February 5, 2011.

(2) The term "strategic delivery system" means a delivery system for nuclear weapons.

(Added Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title X, §1035(a), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1923; amended Pub. L. 112–240, title VIII, §801(a), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 2369; Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title X, §1081(a)(6), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1983; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title XVI, §1632, Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 592.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 1251 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010, referred to in subsecs. (a) and (b)(1), is section 1251 of Pub. L. 111–84, which is set out as a note under section 2523 of Title 50, War and National Defense.

Section 1043 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012, referred to in subsec. (a)(5), is section 1043 of Pub. L. 112–81, Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1576, which is not classified to the Code.

Section 492(a) of this title, referred to in subsec. (b), relates to biennial assessments by certain military officials of delivery platforms for nuclear weapons and the nuclear command and control system. Section 492a(a) of this title requires the President to transmit annual reports to Congress on certain nuclear matters.

Amendments

2023—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 118–31, in introductory provisions, substituted "prior to the expiration of the Treaty between the United States of America and the Russian Federation on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms, signed on April 8, 2010, and entered into force on February 5, 2011 (commonly referred to as the 'New START Treaty')," for "before fiscal year 2020" and "492(a) of this title" for "1043 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012".

2018—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 115–232 substituted "The" for "Beginning in fiscal year 2013, the" in introductory provisions.

2013—Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 112–240 substituted "whether the Russian Federation" for "that the Russian Federation" and inserted "strategic" before "arms control obligations".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2013 Amendment

Pub. L. 112–240, title VIII, §801(b), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 2369, provided that: "The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect as if included in the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 [Pub. L. 112–239]."

Congressional Notification of Decision To Delay Strategic Delivery System Test Event

Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title XVI, §1648, Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 600, provided that:

"(a) Notification.—Not later than five days after the Secretary of Defense makes a decision to delay a scheduled test event for a strategic delivery system, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees [Committees on Armed Services and Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives] written notice of such decision.

"(b) Report.—

"(1) In general.—Except as provided in paragraph (3), not later than 60 days after the submission of a notification required under subsection (a) with respect to a decision to delay a scheduled test event, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the decision.

"(2) Elements required.—A report submitted under paragraph (1) shall include each of the following with respect to the scheduled test event covered by the report:

"(A) A description of the objectives of the test.

"(B) An explanation for the decision to cancel the test.

"(C) An estimate of expenditures related to the cancelled test.

"(D) An assessment of the effect of the test cancellation on—

"(i) confidence in the reliability of the strategic nuclear weapons delivery system involved; and

"(ii) any research, development, test, and evaluation activities related to the test.

"(E) A plan to reschedule the test event.

"(3) Exception.—A report shall not be required under paragraph (1) in the case of a decision to delay a scheduled test event due to any of the following circumstances:

"(A) Unfavorable weather conditions.

"(B) Safety concerns.

"(C) Technical issues related to the delivery system or test facility.

"(D) Operational or security concerns at the test facility or on the test range."

Retention of Capability To Redeploy Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicles

Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title X, §1057, Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 864, as amended by Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title XVI, §1638, Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 594, provided that:

"(a) Deployment Capability.—The Secretary of the Air Force shall ensure that the Air Force is capable of—

"(1) deploying multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles to Minuteman III and Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missiles; and

"(2) commencing such deployment not later than 180 days after the date on which the President determines such deployment necessary.

"(b) Warhead Capability.—The Nuclear Weapons Council established by section 179 of title 10, United States Code, shall ensure that—

"(1) the nuclear weapons stockpile contains a sufficient number of nuclear warheads that are capable of being deployed as multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles with respect to Minuteman III and Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missiles; and

"(2) such deployment is capable of being commenced not later than 180 days after the date on which the President determines such deployment necessary."

Senses of Congress on Ensuring the Modernization of the Nuclear Forces of the United States

Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title X, §1062(a), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 866, provided that: "It is the policy of the United States to—

"(1) modernize or replace the triad of strategic nuclear delivery systems;

"(2) proceed with a robust stockpile stewardship program;

"(3) maintain and modernize the nuclear weapons production capabilities that will ensure the safety, security, reliability, and performance of the nuclear forces of the United States at the levels required by the New START Treaty; and

"(4) underpin deterrence by meeting the requirements for hedging against possible international developments or technical problems, in accordance with the policies of the United States."

Executive Documents

Delegation of Authority Pursuant to Section 1035 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013

Memorandum of President of the United States, June 29, 2015, 80 F.R. 37921, provided:

Memorandum for the Secretary of Defense

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 301 of title 3, United States Code, I hereby order as follows:

I hereby delegate to the Secretary of Defense the authority to fulfill the certification requirement specified in section 1035 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 (Public Law 112–239) [probably means section 495 of this title, as added by section 1035 of Pub. L. 112–239].

Any reference in this memorandum to section 1035 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 shall be deemed to be a reference to any future provision that is the same or substantially the same provision.

You are authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.

Barack Obama.      

¹ See References in Text note below.

§496. Consideration of expansion of nuclear forces of other countries

(a) Report and Certification.—Not later than 60 days before the President recommends any reductions to the nuclear forces of the United States—

(1) the President shall transmit to the appropriate congressional committees a report detailing, for each country with nuclear weapons, the high-, medium-, and low- confidence assessment of the intelligence community (as defined in section 3(4) of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3003(4))) with respect to—

(A) the number of each type of nuclear weapons possessed by such country;

(B) the modernization plans for such weapons of such country;

(C) the production capacity of nuclear warheads and strategic delivery systems (as defined in section 495(e)(2) of this title) of such country;

(D) the nuclear doctrine of such country; and

(E) the impact of such recommended reductions on the deterrence and extended deterrence capabilities of the United States; and

(2) the Commander of the United States Strategic Command shall certify to the appropriate congressional committees whether such recommended reductions in the nuclear forces of the United States will—

(A) impair the ability of the United States to address—

(i) unplanned strategic or geopolitical events; or

(ii) technical challenge; or

(B) degrade the deterrence or assurance provided by the United States to friends and allies of the United States.

(b) Form.—The reports required by subsection (a)(1) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.

(c) Appropriate Congressional Committees Defined.—In this section, the term "appropriate congressional committees" means the following:

(1) The congressional defense committees.

(2) The Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate.

(Added Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title X, §1036(a), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1924; amended Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title X, §1071(c)(10), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3509.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2014—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 113–291 substituted "(50 U.S.C. 3003(4))" for "(50 U.S.C. 401a(4))" in introductory provisions.

§497. Notification required for reduction, consolidation, or withdrawal of nuclear forces based in Europe

(a) Notification.—Upon any decision to reduce, consolidate, or withdraw the nuclear forces of the United States that are based in Europe, the President shall transmit to the appropriate congressional committees a notification containing—

(1) justification for such reduction, consolidation, or withdrawal; and

(2) an assessment of how member states of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, in light of such reduction, consolidation, or withdrawal, assess the credibility of the deterrence capability of the United States in support of its commitments undertaken pursuant to article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, signed at Washington, District of Columbia, on April 4, 1949, and entered into force on August 24, 1949 (63 Stat. 2241; TIAS 1964).

(b) Prior Notification Required.—

(1) In general.—The President shall transmit the notification required by subsection (a) by not later than 120 days before the date on which the President commences a reduction, consolidation, or withdrawal of the nuclear forces of the United States that are based in Europe described in such notification.

(2) Exception.—The limitation in paragraph (1) shall not apply to a reduction, consolidation, or withdrawal of nuclear weapons of the United States that are based in Europe made to ensure the safety, security, reliability, and credibility of such weapons.

(c) Appropriate Congressional Committees Defined.—In this section, the term "appropriate congressional committees" means—

(1) the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate; and

(2) the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate.

(Added Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title X, §1037(b)(1), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1926; amended Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title XVI, §1635, Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 2091.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 117–81 substituted "120 days" for "60 days".

§497a. Notification required for reduction or consolidation of dual-capable aircraft based in Europe

(a) Notification.—Not less than 90 days before the date on which the Secretary of Defense reduces or consolidates the dual-capable aircraft of the United States that are based in Europe, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a notification of such planned reduction or consolidation, including the following:

(1) The reasons for such planned reduction or consolidation.

(2) Any effects of such planned reduction or consolidation on the extended deterrence mission of the United States.

(3) The manner in which the military requirements of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) will continue to be met in light of such planned reduction or consolidation.

(4) A statement by the Secretary on the response of NATO to such planned reduction or consolidation.

(5) Whether there is any change in the force posture of the Russian Federation as a result of such planned reduction or consolidation, including with respect to the nonstrategic nuclear weapons of Russia that are within range of the member states of NATO.

(b) Dual-capable Aircraft Defined.—In this section, the term "dual-capable aircraft" means aircraft that can perform both conventional and nuclear missions.

(Added Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title X, §1051(b)(1), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 858.)

§498. Unilateral change in nuclear weapons stockpile of the United States

(a) In General.—Other than pursuant to a treaty to which the Senate has provided advice and consent pursuant to section 2 of article II of the Constitution of the United States, if the President has under consideration to unilaterally change the size of the total stockpile of nuclear weapons of the United States, or the total number of deployed nuclear weapons (as defined under the New START Treaty), by more than 20 percent, prior to doing so the President shall initiate a Nuclear Posture Review.

(b) Terms of Reference.—Prior to the initiation of a Nuclear Posture Review under this section, the President shall determine the terms of reference for the Nuclear Posture Review, which the President shall provide to the congressional defense committees.

(c) Nuclear Posture Review.—Upon completion of a Nuclear Posture Review under this section, the President shall submit the Nuclear Posture Review to the congressional defense committees prior to implementing any change described in subsection (a).

(d) Construction.—This section shall not apply to changes to the nuclear weapons stockpile resulting from obligations pursuant to a treaty to which the Senate has provided advice and consent pursuant to section 2 of article II of the Constitution.

(e) Form.—A Nuclear Posture Review under this section shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.

(f) New START Treaty Defined.—In this section, the term "New START Treaty" means the Treaty between the United States of America and the Russian Federation on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms, signed on April 8, 2010, and entered into force on February 5, 2011.

(Added Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title X, §1038(a), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1927; amended Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title X, §1091(a)(6), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 875; Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title XVI, §1633, Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 2090.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 117–81, §1633(1), added subsec. (a) and struck out former subsec. (a). Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "Other than pursuant to a treaty, if the President has under consideration to unilaterally change the size of the total stockpile of nuclear weapons of the United States by more than 25 percent, prior to doing so the President shall initiate a Nuclear Posture Review."

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 117–81, §1633(2), substituted "described in subsection (a)" for "in the nuclear weapons stockpile by more than 25 percent".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 117–81, §1633(3), substituted "obligations pursuant to a treaty to which the Senate has provided advice and consent pursuant to section 2 of article II of the Constitution" for "treaty obligations".

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 117–81, §1633(4), added subsec. (f).

2013—Pub. L. 113–66 inserted a period after the enumerator in section catchline.

§499. Annual assessment of cyber resiliency of nuclear command and control system

(a) In General.—Not less frequently than annually, the Commander of the United States Strategic Command and the Commander of the United States Cyber Command (in this section referred to collectively as the "Commanders") shall jointly conduct an assessment of the cyber resiliency of the nuclear command and control system.

(b) Elements.—In conducting the assessment required by subsection (a), the Commanders shall—

(1) conduct an assessment of the sufficiency and resiliency of the nuclear command and control system to operate through a cyber attack from the Russian Federation, the People's Republic of China, or any other country or entity the Commanders identify as a potential threat; and

(2) develop recommendations for mitigating any concerns of the Commanders resulting from the assessment.

(c) Reports Required.—(1) For each assessment conducted under subsection (a), the Commanders shall jointly submit to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, for submission to the Council on Oversight of the National Leadership Command, Control, and Communications System established under section 171a of this title, a report on the assessment that includes the following:

(A) The recommendations developed under subsection (b)(2).

(B) A statement of the degree of confidence of each of the Commanders in the mission assurance of the nuclear deterrent against a top tier cyber threat.

(C) A detailed description of the approach used to conduct the assessment required by subsection (a) and the technical basis of conclusions reached in conducting that assessment.

(D) Any other comments of the Commanders.

(2) The Council shall submit to the Secretary of Defense each report required by paragraph (1) and any comments of the Council on each report.

(3) Not later than 90 days after the date of the submission of a report under paragraph (1), the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees the report, any comments of the Council on the report under paragraph (2), and any comments of the Secretary on the report.

(d) Quarterly Briefings.—(1) Not less than once every quarter, the Deputy Secretary of Defense and the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff shall jointly provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate—

(A) a briefing on any intrusion or anomaly in the nuclear command, control, and communications system that was identified during the previous quarter, including—

(i) an assessment of any known, suspected, or potential impacts of such intrusions and anomalies to the mission effectiveness of military capabilities as of the date of the briefing; and

(ii) with respect to cyber intrusions of contractor networks known or suspected to have resulted in the loss or compromise of design information regarding the nuclear command, control, and communications system; or

(B) if no such intrusion or anomaly occurred with respect to the quarter to be covered by that briefing, a notification of such lack of intrusions and anomalies.

(2) In this subsection:

(A) The term "anomaly" means a malicious, suspicious or abnormal cyber incident that potentially threatens the national security or interests of the United States, or that is likely to result in demonstrable harm to the national security of the United States.

(B) The term "intrusion" means an unauthorized and malicious cyber incident that compromises a nuclear command, control, and communications system by breaking the security of such a system or causing it to enter into an insecure state.

(e) Termination.—The requirements of this section shall terminate on December 31, 2032.

(Added Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title XVI, §1651(a), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1756; amended Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title XV, §1534, Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 2054; Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title XVI, §1636(a), (b), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2940.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 117–263, §1636(a), amended subsec. (d) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "Not less than once every quarter, the Deputy Secretary of Defense and the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff shall jointly provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a briefing on any known or suspected critical intelligence parameter breaches that were identified during the previous quarter, including an assessment of any known or suspected impacts of such breaches to the mission effectiveness of military capabilities as of the date of the briefing or thereafter."

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 117–263, §1636(b), substituted "December 31, 2032" for "December 31, 2027".

2021—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 117–81, §1534(1), substituted "Reports" for "Report" in heading.

Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 117–81, §1534(2), substituted "For each assessment conducted under subsection (a), the Commanders" for "The Commanders" and "the assessment" for "the assessment required by subsection (a)" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 117–81, §1534(3), which directed substitution of "each report" for "the report", was executed by making the substitution in both places it appeared, to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 117–81, §1534(4), substituted "Not later than 90 days after the date of the submission of a report under paragraph (1), the Secretary" for "The Secretary" and struck out "required by paragraph (1)" before ", any comments".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Cybersecurity Enhancements for Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications Network

Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title XV, §1512, Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 542, provided that:

"(a) Establishment of Cross-functional Team.—

"(1) Establishment.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 22, 2023], and consistent with section 911(c) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114–328; 10 U.S.C. 111 note), the Secretary of Defense shall establish a cross-functional team to develop and direct the implementation of a threat-driven cyber defense construct for the systems and networks that support the nuclear command, control, and communications (commonly referred to as 'NC3') mission (in this section referred to as the 'cross-functional team').

"(2) Composition of cross-functional team.—

"(A) In general.—The cross functional team shall be composed of senior officers selected from among each of the military departments, the Defense Information Systems Agency, the National Security Agency, the United States Cyber Command, the United States Strategic Command, and any other organization or element of the Department of Defense determined appropriate by the Secretary.

"(B) Leadership.—The Secretary shall designate a senior officer from those selected under subparagraph (A) to serve as the leader of the cross-functional team.

"(C) Staff.—The Secretary shall ensure the heads of the organizations and elements specified in subparagraph (A) detail staff to support the cross-functional team in carrying out the duties under paragraph (3).

"(3) Duties.—The duties of the cross-functional team shall be to enhance the cyber defense of the systems and networks that support the nuclear command, control, and communications mission.

"(b) Required Construct, Plan of Action, and Milestones.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the leader of the cross-functional team designated pursuant to subsection (a)(2)(B) shall develop a threat-driven cyber defense construct, and associated plans and milestones, to enhance the security of the systems and networks that support the nuclear command, control, and communications mission. Such construct shall be based on—

"(1) the application of the principles of the approach to cybersecurity commonly referred to as 'zero trust architecture';

"(2) an analysis of appropriately comprehensive endpoint and network telemetry data; and

"(3) control capabilities enabling rapid investigation and remediation of indicators of compromise and threats to mission execution.

"(c) Annual Briefings.—During the 60-day period beginning on the date that is 30 days before the date on which the President submits to Congress the budget of the President pursuant to section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code, for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2028, the Secretary shall provide to the appropriate congressional committees a briefing on the implementation of this section.

"(d) Termination.—

"(1) In general.—Except as provided in paragraph (2), the cross-functional team under this section shall terminate on October 31, 2028.

"(2) Extension authority.—The Secretary of Defense may extend the date of termination under paragraph (1) as the Secretary determines appropriate.

"(e) Appropriate Congressional Committees Defined.—In this section, the term 'appropriate congressional committees' means—

"(1) the congressional defense committees [Committees on Armed Services and Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives]; and

"(2) the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives."

Ensuring Cyber Resiliency of Nuclear Command and Control System

Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title XVII, §1747, Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4140, provided that:

"(a) Plan for Implementation of Findings and Recommendations From First Annual Assessment of Cyber Resiliency of Nuclear Command and Control System.—Not later than October 1, 2021, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees [Committees on Armed Services and Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives] a comprehensive plan, including a schedule and resourcing plan, for the implementation of the findings and recommendations included in the first report submitted under section 499(c)(3) of title 10, United States Code.

"(b) Concept of Operations and Oversight Mechanism for Cyber Defense of Nuclear Command and Control System.—Not later than October 1, 2021, the Secretary shall develop and establish—

"(1) a concept of operations for defending the nuclear command and control system against cyber attacks, including specification of the—

"(A) roles and responsibilities of relevant entities within the Office of the Secretary, the military services, combatant commands, the Defense Agencies, and the Department of Defense Field Activities; and

"(B) cybersecurity capabilities to be acquired and employed and operational tactics, techniques, and procedures, including cyber protection team and sensor deployment strategies, to be used to monitor, defend, and mitigate vulnerabilities in nuclear command and control systems; and

"(2) an oversight mechanism or governance model for overseeing the implementation of the concept of operations developed and established under paragraph (1), related development, systems engineering, and acquisition activities and programs, and the plan required by subsection (a), including specification of the—

"(A) roles and responsibilities of relevant entities within the Office of the Secretary, the military services, combatant commands, the Defense Agencies, and the Department of Defense Field Activities in overseeing the defense of the nuclear command and control system against cyber attacks;

"(B) responsibilities and authorities of the Strategic Cybersecurity Program in overseeing and, as appropriate, executing—

"(i) vulnerability assessments; and

"(ii) development, systems engineering, and acquisition activities; and

"(C) processes for coordination of activities, policies, and programs relating to the cybersecurity and defense of the nuclear command and control system."

§499a. Collection, storage, and sharing of data relating to nuclear security enterprise and nuclear forces

(a) In General.—The Secretary of Defense, acting through the Director of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation, and the Administrator for Nuclear Security, acting through the Director for Cost Estimating and Program Evaluation, shall collect and store cost, programmatic, and technical data relating to programs and projects of the nuclear security enterprise and nuclear forces.

(b) Sharing of Data.—If the Director of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation or the Director for Cost Estimating and Program Evaluation requests data relating to programs or projects from any element of the Department of Defense or from any element of the nuclear security enterprise of the National Nuclear Security Administration, that element shall provide that data in a timely manner.

(c) Storage of Data.—(1) Data collected by the Director of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation and the Director for Cost Estimating and Program Evaluation under this section shall be—

(A) stored in the data storage system of the Defense Cost and Resource Center, or successor center, or in a data storage system of the National Nuclear Security Administration that is comparable to the data storage system of the Defense Cost and Resource Center; and

(B) made accessible to other Federal agencies as such Directors consider appropriate.

(2) The Secretary and the Administrator shall ensure that the Director of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation and the Director for Cost Estimating and Program Evaluation have sufficient information system support, as determined by such Directors, to facilitate the timely hosting, handling, and sharing of data relating to programs and projects of the nuclear security enterprise under this section at the appropriate level of classification.

(3) The Deputy Administrator for Naval Reactors of the National Nuclear Security Administration may coordinate with the Director of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation and the Director for Cost Estimating and Program Evaluation to ensure that, at the discretion of the Deputy Administrator, data relating to programs and projects of the Office of Naval Reactors are correctly represented in the data storage system pursuant to paragraph (1)(A).

(d) Contract Requirements.—The Secretary and the Administrator shall ensure that any relevant contract relating to a program or project of the nuclear security enterprise and nuclear forces that is entered into after December 11, 2017, appropriately includes—

(1) requirements and standards for data collection; and

(2) requirements for reporting on cost, programmatic, and technical data using procedures, standards, and formats approved by the Director of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation and the Director for Cost Estimating and Program Evaluation.

(e) Nuclear Security Enterprise Defined.—In this section, the term "nuclear security enterprise" has the meaning given that term in section 4002 of the Atomic Energy Defense Act (50 U.S.C. 2501).

(Added Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title XVI, §1652(a), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1757; amended Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title X, §1081(a)(7), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1983.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2018—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 115–232 substituted "after December 11, 2017," for "on or after the date of the enactment of this section" in introductory provisions.

§499b. Participation in United States Strategic Command strategic deterrence exercises

(a) Participation.—In the case of annual strategic deterrence exercises held by the United States Strategic Command during fiscal years 2022 through 2032—

(1) the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs is encouraged to participate in each such exercise that occurs during an even-numbered year;

(2) the Deputy Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs is encouraged to participate in each such exercise that occurs during an odd-numbered year;

(3) the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy shall participate, in whole or in part, in each such exercise;

(4) the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff shall participate, in whole or in part, in each such exercise;

(5) appropriate senior staff of the Executive Office of the President or appropriate organizations supporting the White House relating to continuity of government activities are encouraged to participate in each such exercise;

(6) appropriate general or flag officers of the military departments, and appropriate employees of Federal agencies in Senior Executive Service positions (as defined in section 3132 of title 5), shall participate, in whole or in part, in each such exercise, to provide relevant expertise to the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs and the Deputy Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs; and

(7) in the case of such an exercise for which a unified combatant command has a geographic area of responsibility relevant to the scenario planned to be used for the exercise, not fewer than two of the following individuals from that command shall participate, in whole or in part, in the exercise:

(A) The Commander.

(B) The Deputy Commander.

(C) The Director of the Joint Staff for Operations.

(D) The Director of the Joint Staff for Strategic Plans and Policy.

(b) Briefing.—Not fewer than once every four years (or more frequently if appropriate) during the period specified in subsection (a), the President shall be provided a briefing on the annual strategic deterrence exercise held by the United States Strategic Command during the year in which the briefing is provided, including the principal findings resulting from the exercise.

(c) Reports.—(1) Not later than 30 days after the completion of an annual strategic deterrence exercise described in subsection (a), the Commander of the United States Strategic Command shall submit to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Secretary of Defense a report on the exercise, which, at a minimum, shall include the following:

(A) A description of the purpose and scope of the exercise.

(B) An identification of the principal personnel participating in the exercise.

(C) A statement of the principal findings resulting from the exercise that specifically relate to the nuclear command, control, and communications or senior leader decision-making process and a description of any deficiencies in that process identified a result of the exercise.

(D) Whether the President was briefed on the exercise and the principal findings resulting from the exercise.

(2) Not later than 60 days after the completion of an annual strategic deterrence exercise described in subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees—

(A) an unedited copy of the report of the Commander submitted under paragraph (1); and

(B) any additional recommendations or other matters the Secretary considers appropriate.

(Added Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title XVI, §1631, Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 2089.)

§499c. Portfolio management framework for nuclear forces

(a) Requirement.—Not later than January 1, 2024, the Secretary of Defense shall—

(1) implement a portfolio management framework for nuclear forces of the United States that—

(A) specifies the portfolio of nuclear forces covered by the framework;

(B) establishes a portfolio governance structure for such forces that takes advantage of, or is modeled on, an existing portfolio governance structure, such as the Deputy's Management Action Group described in Department of Defense Directive 5105.79;

(C) outlines the approach of the Secretary for identifying and managing risk relating to such forces and prioritizing the efforts among such forces, including how the Secretary, acting through the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, will coordinate such identification, management, and prioritization with the Administrator for Nuclear Security using the coordination processes of the Nuclear Weapons Council; and

(D) incorporates the findings and recommendations identified by the Comptroller General of the United States in the report titled "Nuclear Enterprise: DOD and NNSA Could Further Enhance How They Manage Risk and Prioritize Efforts" (GAO–22–104061) and dated January 2022; and

(2) complete a comprehensive assessment of the portfolio management capabilities required to identify and manage risk in the portfolio of nuclear forces, including how to draw upon public and private sector resources and the program management expertise within the Defense Acquisition University.

(b) Annual Briefings; Notifications.—(1) In conjunction with the submission of the budget of the President to Congress pursuant to section 1105 of title 31 for fiscal year 2025 and each fiscal year thereafter through the date specified in subsection (c), the Secretary shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on identifying and managing risk relating to nuclear forces and prioritizing the efforts among such forces, including, with respect to the period covered by the briefing—

(A) the current and projected operational requirements for nuclear forces that were used for such identification, management, and prioritization;

(B) key areas of risk identified; and

(C) a description of the actions proposed or carried out to mitigate such risk.

(2) The Secretary may provide the briefings under paragraph (1) in classified form.

(3) If a House of Congress adopts a bill authorizing or appropriating funds that, as determined by the Secretary, provides funds in an amount that will result in a significant delay in the nuclear certification or delivery of nuclear forces, the Secretary shall notify the congressional defense committees of the determination.

(c) Termination.—The requirements of this section shall terminate 90 days after the date on which the Secretary certifies to the congressional defense committees that each of the following have achieved full operational capability:

(1) The LGM–35A Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile weapon system.

(2) The Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine program.

(3) The long-range standoff weapon program.

(4) The B–21 Raider bomber aircraft program.

(5) The F–35A dual-capable aircraft program.

(d) Nuclear Forces Defined.—In this section, the term "nuclear forces" includes, at a minimum—

(1) nuclear weapons;

(2) the delivery platforms and systems for nuclear weapons;

(3) nuclear command, control, and communications systems; and

(4) the infrastructure and facilities of the Department of Defense and the National Nuclear Security Administration that support nuclear weapons, the delivery platforms and systems for nuclear weapons, and nuclear command, control, and communications systems, including with respect to personnel, construction, operation, and maintenance.

(Added Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title XVI, §1634(a), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2938.)