Fedorchak, Randall launch bipartisan Nuclear Triad Caucus

Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak (R-ND) and Congresswoman Emily Randall (D-WA) today announced the creation of the bipartisan Nuclear Triad Caucus, a new congressional caucus focused on strengthening America's strategic deterrent through education, engagement, and long-term modernization efforts.

The caucus will educate Members of Congress and staff on nuclear deterrence policy, modernization programs, and strategic force posture while elevating the importance of the three legs of the nuclear triad: intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), and strategic bombers.

North Dakota is home to two-thirds of the nuclear triad through the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile mission and the B-52 strategic bomber mission at Minot Air Force Base. Washington's 6th Congressional District is home to Naval Base Kitsap and the nation's sea-based strategic deterrent force of ballistic missile submarines.

"Nuclear deterrence remains the cornerstone of America's national security strategy, especially as we face growing threats from China, Russia, and other adversaries. The nuclear triad is our nation's shield," Fedorchak said. "North Dakota plays a central role in defending our nation through both the ICBM and strategic bomber missions. This caucus will help Members of Congress and staff better understand the importance of maintaining a strong, credible nuclear deterrent and the urgent need to modernize the systems and infrastructure that support it."

"Since World War II, the people of Washington state have played a huge role in establishing and maintaining America's nuclear deterrence capabilities - people like my dad. Our scientific and military communities remainready to protect the U.S. from national security threats," Randall said. "The bipartisan Nuclear Triad Caucus will help bring staff and Members of Congress from all ends of the political spectrum together to promote and advocate for smart, strategic deterrence policies."

The Nuclear Triad Caucus will serve as a platform for bipartisan engagement between Congress, the Department of Defense, U.S. Strategic Command, national laboratories, industry leaders, and strategic deterrence experts.

The caucus will focus on:

• Educating Members of Congress on nuclear deterrence policy and modernization efforts.

• Supporting recapitalization of the nuclear triad and nuclear command-and-control systems.

• Strengthening collaboration between Congress and the strategic deterrence community.

• Highlighting the importance of communities that host strategic deterrence missions and infrastructure.

• Advancing policies that sustain America's long-term strategic advantage.

Initial focus areas for the caucus include nuclear modernization programs, strategic force posture, missile defense and command-and-control systems, industrial base resilience, workforce recruitment and retention, and emerging threats posed by China and Russia.

For more information or to share ideas for the caucus, please email [email protected].