Oct. 11, 2011: Markey argues for cuts to nuclear weapons budget in order to fund vital programs

TODAY, Lt. General Robert G. Gard, one of the nation's leading experts on nuclear nonproliferation and national security issues, along with leading health, seniors and nuclear nonproliferation advocates joined Rep. Edward J. Markey, to call on the congressional Super Committee to cut hundreds of billions from the U.S. nuclear weapons budget before targeting programs for seniors, families and the sick.

64 members of Congress have signed a letter to the Super Committee calling for cuts to nuclear budget before slashing bedrock programs for seniors, families and most vulnerable

Currently, America is the financial caretaker for 5,000 nuclear warheads. The U.S. will spend an estimated $700 billion on nuclear weapons and related programs over the next ten years. These funds are a drain on our budget and a disservice to the next generation of Americans.

"We can save hundreds of billions of dollars by restructuring the U.S. nuclear program for the 21st century," said Rep. Markey. "We can no longer afford to rob the future to pay for unneeded weapons of the past. Now is the time to reset our priorities and invest in the people and programs to get America back on track."