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119-s-2422119th CongressWALLET

ICBM Act

Sponsored By: Senator Markey, Edward J. [D-MA]

Introduced

Summary

Reallocates missile modernization funds to the Department of Education. This bill would pause the Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent Sentinel program, extend Minuteman III service life toward 2050, and transfer available Sentinel and W87-1 warhead funds to carry out part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311 et seq.).

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  • Families and students: Would transfer all amounts appropriated for Sentinel research, development, test, and evaluation that are available for obligation, plus W87-1 amounts available for obligation, to the Department of Education to be used for part A of title I of ESEA.
  • Defense programs and agencies: Would pause and require reevaluation of the Sentinel program and bar any funds made available for fiscal year 2026 from being obligated or spent on Sentinel or the W87-1 program.
  • Strategic forces and planners: Would require an independent National Academy of Sciences study, started within 30 days and reported in 180 days, on extending Minuteman III to 2050 or beyond and on alternatives such as missile reductions, submarine options, cost comparisons, and technical life‑extension methods. The study must exclude current or former Air Force personnel paid for Sentinel work and the NAS report must be transmitted to specified congressional committees within 210 days.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Move missile research money to schools

If enacted, the bill would transfer any Sentinel and W87-1 research money that is already appropriated and available on the date of enactment to the Department of Education. That money would be used for Title I grants to local schools that serve disadvantaged students. The transfers apply only to amounts appropriated and available for obligation as of enactment. The bill would also bar any funds for fiscal year 2026 from being spent on the Sentinel or W87-1 programs.

Study on extending Minuteman III life

If enacted, the Secretary of Defense would ask the National Academy of Sciences to study extending Minuteman III missiles to 2050 or later. The study must start within 30 days and deliver a report in 180 days, and the Secretary would send that report, without change, to key congressional committees within 210 days. The study must exclude Air Force personnel paid to work on the Sentinel program and must cover 12 topics, including a cost comparison through 2050, options to add technologies, alternatives like using Trident II D5 missiles, warhead tradeoffs (W-78 vs W-87), and effects of reducing deployed ICBMs.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Markey, Edward J. [D-MA]

MA • D

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Sanders, Bernard [I-VT]

    VT • I

    Sponsored 7/23/2025

  • Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]

    OR • D

    Sponsored 7/23/2025

  • Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD]

    MD • D

    Sponsored 7/23/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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