House rejects nuclear research fund switch

House rejects nuclear research fund switch

James Sterngold, Chronicle Staff Writer
Friday, May 21, 2004



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The House narrowly defeated Thursday an amendment proposed by Democrats that would have redirected millions of dollars for research into a new generation of nuclear warheads into more powerful conventional weapons to destroy deeply buried targets.

The Bush administration has fought hard for money to develop new warheads, especially ones that would burrow into the earth and destroy deep bunkers.

But arms control advocates have argued that manufacturing the new weapons would only encourage other countries to develop nuclear weapons. They also have said that using such warheads could cause indiscriminate destruction and enormous loss of life.

"By calling for the development of new, more usable nuclear weapons, the United States sends a message to our enemies and allies alike that we are ready to compete in a new arms race and that nuclear weapons are legitimate weapons that should be acquired," said Rep. Ellen Tauscher, D-Walnut Creek, one of the six co-sponsors of the amendment.


more... http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2004/05/21/MNGBJ6PLOT1.DTL

everyone is our enemy -- especially those wiley french.
never can tell what our closest allies might do.

how many allies will we have?

Nevermind.