Democrats rebuff GOP push for low-yield nuclear weapons
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House Democrats rebuffed attempts by Republicans Wednesday to authorize funding for so-called low-yield nuclear weapons that the Trump administration says are key to deterring Russia.
Republicans put forward two amendments to fund the weapons in a defense bill, but both were rejected in a voice vote Wednesday. A formal roll-call vote on the amendments is planned for later.
Armed Services Committee Chairman Adam Smith, D-Wash., eliminated funding in the legislation for low-yield nuclear weapons that could be placed on submarines. He said the weapons increase the likelihood of nuclear conflict.
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Republican Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming accused Smith of "disarming" America "unilaterally."
Critics of low-yield nuclear weapons warn they could spark another nuclear arms race.
The issue will likely re-emerge in the Republican-controlled Senate. The House and Senate will have to negotiate a final version of the annual policy bill before it becomes law.