[20180205]IN10854_新型核弹头：立法规定.pdf

CRS INSIGHT Prepared for Members and Committees of Congress INSIGHTINSIGHTi i New Nuclear Warheads: Legislative Provisions name redacted Specialist in Nuclear Weapons Policy February 5, 2018 The 2018 Nuclear Posture Review (NPR) identifies a plan to “modify a small number of submarine-launched ballistic missile warheads to provide a low-yield option” so that the United States could respond promptly and penetrate an adversarys defenses after a nuclear attack. The NPR contends that this capability would strengthen nuclear deterrence, while critics argue it would lower the nuclear threshold and increase the risk of nuclear war. This Insight reviews legislation addressing research and development on new or low-yield nuclear weapons and notes that under current law, an Administration must request specific authorization and appropriations from Congress before funding new or modified warheads. It does not address the policy debate on the benefits and risks of this capability. Background During the Cold War, the United States deployed low-yield nuclear warheads with troops in Europe and Asia for potential use on the battlefield during a conflict. Although the United States withdrew battle