releases: https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=3A20C7C9-4A9E-4BE9-907A-2AE7360C8908
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
This data as json
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| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=3A20C7C9-4A9E-4BE9-907A-2AE7360C8908 | On Minot Visit, Heitkamp Secures Defense Secretarys Continued Support for Nuclear Modernization | 2016-09-26 | 2016 | 2016-09 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | MINOT, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today helped host U.S. Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter for his first visit to Minot Air Force Base, as Secretary Carter reaffirmed his commitment to modernizing the base’s intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and long-range strike bombers – two vital legs of the country’s nuclear triad. Secretary Carter’s visit comes two months after Heitkamp and U.S. Senator John Hoeven sent a bipartisan letter calling on Secretary Carter to clarify his department’s position on nuclear modernization efforts, including those in Minot. The senators’ request responded to concerns that the administration was falling behind schedule on nuclear modernization. “Minot’s airmen have shown Secretary Carter today how committed they are to our nuclear missions, and I’m glad Secretary Carter has demonstrated that he remains committed to modernizing our nuclear arsenal,” said Heitkamp. “Now more than ever, smart investments in deterrence can keep our communities and families safe. Earlier this month, after North Korea launched another nuclear test, I urged Congress to commit to modernizing our nuclear arsenal. Our defense leaders owe it to our airmen – and to families and communities across America – to keep nuclear modernization efforts on track.” Last week, Heitkamp spoke at the 5th annual Nuclear Triad Conference organized by Minot’s Task Force 21 in Washington, detailing her extensive work to protect and strengthen the U.S. nuclear arsenal. Earlier this month Heitkamp and her North Dakota, Montana and Wyoming colleagues urged House and Senate Armed Services Committee leaders for strong nuclear modernization provisions in the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act – on the heels of North Korea successfully launching another nuclear test – reinforcing that a robust nuclear deterrent is key to maintaining national security. Heitkamp announced in August that – as she had long called for – the U.S. Air Force hit key milestones in modernizing Minot’s ICBMs and developing the Long-Range Stand-Off (LRSO) cruise missile for Minot’s B-52 long-range strike bombers. The ICBMs and B-52 bombers in Minot are vital pieces of the country’s efforts to deter national security threats and keep the country safe. Heitkamp has been a strong supporter and defender of the ICBM and B-52 bomber missions since joining the U.S. Senate. When U.S. Air Force Lieutenant General Jack General Weinstein visited Minot and Grand Forks Air Force Bases earlier this year he agreed to stay engaged with Heitkamp on nuclear issues impacting Minot Air Force Base. Heitkamp has since worked with General Weinstein – including a meeting in May – to make sure the Air Force is on track in updating the base’s ICBMs and helicopters, so the airmen in Minot have the tools they need. As a co-founder of the bipartisan Senate Defense Communities Caucus, Heitkamp has consistently worked to find innovative solutions to improve conditions for servicemembers, their families, and the communities they serve. Heitkamp’s work to support ICBMs, B-52s, and the airmen at Minot Air Force Base includes: Joining U.S. Secretary of Defense and top Air Force official at Minot AFB. In 2014, Heitkamp joined then-U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel and Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James at Minot Air Force Base. During the visit, Hagel committed to investing billions of dollars to maintain and modernize our nation’s nuclear forces by improving and sustaining infrastructure and equipment, boosting servicemember morale, and increasing oversight. Pressing top Air Force officials to improve support for Minot AFB’s nuclear missions. In January 2015, Heitkamp highlighted the importance of bolstering the missions at Minot Air Force Base in a meeting with Miranda Ballentine, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations, Environment, and Energy. Leading efforts to strengthen support for ICBMs. Opposing efforts to reduce nuclear forces, Heitkamp and her colleagues in the Senate ICBM Coalition successfully convinced the Department of Defense to back off a plan to potentially reduce the number of ICBM silos. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |