U.S. Representative Mike Rogers (R-AL), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement on the Biden administration's announcement on cooperation between the U.S. and South Korea on nuclear deterrence.
"President Biden came into office promising to reduce the role of nuclear weapons in the world amid the most complex security environment in decades. As China and Russia expanded their nuclear arsenals, he pushed for adjustments to U.S. nuclear declaratory policy against ally and partner wishes. He also tried to slash key nuclear programs such as the nuclear sea launched cruise missile (SLCM-N) and B83 gravity bomb – both of which are crucial to maintaining deterrence in the Pacific. It's because of President Biden's policies that countries like South Korea are now questioning whether they can rely on U.S. extended deterrence and makes statements like today's announcement necessary.
"While enhancing dialogue with our allies is always useful, I believe it is insufficient to address the growing North Korean threat. Deterrence depends on our military capabilities. If the administration was serious about reassuring our allies and strengthening deterrence, it would be announcing concrete steps to invest in those capabilities, not the establishment of another consultative body."
