The U.S. plans to spend over $1.7 trillion modernizing its nuclear arsenal over the next twenty-five years. Specifically, allocating nearly 100 billion dollars to new inter-continental ballistic missiles is detrimental to the security and well-being of America and Utah. These inordinately expensive missiles are not essential for deterring adversaries, as retaliation for any attack is assured by our survivable missile submarines.
Their only utility is to start a nuclear war first, which would be catastrophic, or attract adversaries to target them and their supporting infrastructure.
Utah would likely be attacked in such a scenario. The new Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent Systems Directorate will be housed at Hill Air Force Base, a mere 25 minutes from my home of Salt Lake.
These facilities are the “central operating location” for the land-based missiles, according to Maj. Gen. Shaun Morris. These efforts, championed by Sens. Romney and Lee and Reps. Moore and Stewart, paint a nuclear target for Kim Jong-Un or Vladimir Putin, or others, on Utah’s back, inviting unimaginable horror on innocent Utahns.
Moreover, there are economic trade-offs. While the so-called “ICBM Caucus’' touts jobs created by these missiles, that money could be better spent elsewhere. The Brown University Costs of War Project highlights government spending in health care or education creates 100-120% more jobs than defense spending. This situation is not set in stone. There are multiple bills in this session of Congress to help protect Utah from nuclear harm and buttress our economy.
The Investing In Vaccines Before Missiles Act, sponsored by Sen. Markey and Rep. Khanna, for example, would redirect funding from dangerous missiles towards the Center for Disease Control, protecting our community from being caught in a nuclear crossfire as well as deadly viruses. Call your representatives today to help fight for a safer future!
Sam Lair, Salt Lake City