Defense bill would encourage Pentagon to maintain ICBMs

Defense bill would encourage Pentagon to maintain ICBMs
By MARY CLARE JALONICK Associated Press Writer
The Associated Press - Thursday, December 22, 2005

WASHINGTON

A sweeping defense bill headed to the president's desk would urge the Pentagon to maintain 500 nuclear missiles in North Dakota, Montana and Wyoming.

The legislation would urge the Pentagon to keep all the missiles, stating that it is national policy not to decrease the current number.

Senators from the three states authored the provision before an upcoming Pentagon policy review. The nation's nuclear missile stockpile has been slowly reduced since the end of the Cold War, and officials indicated they are considering whether the number should be lowered further.

The missiles are based at the Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota, Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls, Mont., and at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyo.

Sen. Conrad Burns, R-Mont., said the provision sends an 'appropriate message' to the Pentagon.

'Officials at the Pentagon need to understand the importance of maintaining our strong nuclear posture,' he said.

The Senate cleared the bill, which sets defense policy, for President Bush's signature late Wednesday. Bush is expected to sign it.

The legislation authorizes dollars for U.S. war missions in Iraq and Afghanistan and pay raises for service members. It also requires the humane treatment of foreign terrorism suspects and directs the president to submit quarterly reports to Congress on military operations in Iraq.

'I'm glad that the Senate was able to approve a clean bill that continues to support America's troops and equip them for their missions in Iraq and Afghanistan,' said Sen. Kent Conrad, D-N.D.,"