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Nuclear testing

Senator Jacky Rosen Slams President Trump's Reckless Plan to Resume Nuclear Testing in Nevada

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

During a recent confirmation hearing for the nominee to be Commander of U.S. Strategic Command, Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) expressed her strong opposition to President Trump's plans to resume explosive nuclear testing on American soil. The Nevada National Security Sites, previously known as the Nevada Test Site, was the site of the majority of the United States' explosive nuclear testing from 1951 to 1992, contaminating millions of people and acres of land with radiation. Since the signing of the testing moratorium by President George H.W. Bush in 1992, the site has safely conducted non-explosive experiments to certify the reliability, safety, and effectiveness of the nuclear stockpile.

However, Senator Rosen stated that President Trump's plans to resume explosive nuclear testing would have devastating and catastrophic consequences, exposing the entire country and the world to radiation. She vowed to use her power as a senator to put a stop to this plan and protect the families in her state of Nevada.

Key Takeaways:

  • Senator Jacky Rosen has been a strong advocate for preventing the resumption of explosive nuclear testing in Nevada, highlighting the devastating consequences it would have on the environment and public health.
  • The Nevada National Security Sites, previously known as the Nevada Test Site, was the site of the majority of the United States' explosive nuclear testing from 1951 to 1992, contaminating millions of people and acres of land with radiation.
  • Since the signing of the testing moratorium by President George H.W. Bush in 1992, the site has safely conducted non-explosive experiments to certify the reliability, safety, and effectiveness of the nuclear stockpile.
  • Senator Rosen has secured promises from several Trump administration officials, including National Nuclear Security Administration Administrator Brandon Williams, Vice Admiral Scott Pappano (Ret.), and Dave Beck, nominating Deputy Administrator for Defense Programs, to not resume nuclear testing.
  • Vice Admiral Richard A. Correll, nominee to be Commander of U.S. Strategic Command, stated that he trusts the annual certification of the nuclear weapon stockpile and would provide his best military advice on the issue of resuming explosive nuclear tests in a private setting.
  • Senator Rosen expressed her commitment to working with Vice Admiral Correll to discuss the issue further and ensure that any decisions are based on data-informed assessments.

Statistics:

  • Over 2 million people and 175 acres of land were contaminated by radiation as a result of nuclear testing at the Nevada Test Site between 1951 and 1992.
  • The Nevada National Security Sites has safely conducted non-explosive experiments since 1992, with over 20 years of successful testing and certification of the nuclear stockpile.
  • 100% of the nuclear testing at the Nevada Test Site was explosive testing between 1951 and 1992.

Sources:

  • Senator Jacky Rosen's statement during the confirmation hearing for the nominee to be Commander of U.S. Strategic Command
  • Official transcript of the confirmation hearing
  • Nevada National Security Sites' website
  • Senator Jacky Rosen's official website

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