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119-s-2930119th Congress

Smarter Approaches to Nuclear Expenditures Act

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

Introduced

Summary

Limits and bans on key nuclear systems to shrink the arsenal and curb modernization costs. This bill would set firm caps on deployed warheads and delivery systems while blocking several new programs and forcing regular cost reporting to Congress.

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  • Military posture: Would cap deployed strategic warheads at 1,000 and limit deployed intercontinental ballistic missiles to 150 beginning in FY2026. These caps reshape force size and deployment plans.
  • Procurement and the nuclear complex: Bars buying more than eight Columbia-class submarines and more than 80 B-21 bombers, and prohibits new ICBM and several cruise-missile and warhead programs. It also halts expansion of plutonium pit production until the NNSA submits a detailed 2026–2036 schedule.
  • Oversight and budget transparency: Requires an initial plan within 180 days, annual implementation reports, and a yearly presidential accounting of nuclear spending to identify savings against CBO’s modernization projection.

*If implemented, the changes aim at CBO-identified savings of about $15.4–$16.9 billion over the next decade while addressing roughly $946 billion in projected 2025–2034 nuclear modernization costs.*

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Ban on new nuclear delivery systems

If enacted, the bill would stop DoD funding for many new nuclear-capable delivery programs starting in fiscal year 2026. It would ban RDT&E and procurement for the LGM-35 Sentinel and any new ICBM. It would bar spending on new air-launched cruise missiles (including the long-range stand-off weapon) and on a new submarine-launched cruise missile able to carry low-yield warheads. It would also ban space-based missile defense work and funds to make the F-35 carry nuclear weapons.

Caps on nuclear forces and purchases

If enacted, the bill would limit major nuclear platforms and purchases. It would bar buying more than eight Columbia-class submarines starting in fiscal year 2026. It would limit the Air Force to 150 ICBMs and cap deployed strategic warheads at 1,000 beginning in fiscal year 2026. It would also bar DoD funds to buy more than 80 B-21 bombers in any year from FY2024 through FY2030.

Limits and cuts to warhead programs

If enacted, the bill would stop funding for several warhead and production efforts. It would bar procurement of the W-93 submarine warhead and block funds to deploy the W76-2 low-yield warhead starting in fiscal year 2026. It would stop sustainment funding for the B83-1 bomb and end funding for the Y-12 Uranium Processing Facility at Oak Ridge starting in fiscal year 2026. It would also block expansion of plutonium 'pit' production at Los Alamos or Savannah River until NNSA gives Congress a 2026–2036 integrated schedule and cost estimate.

New reports on nuclear costs

If enacted, the bill would require new, regular reports on nuclear spending and savings. The President would have to send an OMB accounting of amounts obligated and spent for each weapon and program by September 30, 2026, and yearly after that. The Defense and Energy departments would also have to submit joint plans and estimated cost savings within 180 days of enactment and then by March 1, 2026, and annually.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Markey, Edward J. [D-MA]

MA • D

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Sanders, Bernard [I-VT]

    VT • I

    Sponsored 9/29/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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