US bolsters defense with $1 trillion to revamp nuclear weapons

The United States will pay approximately $946 billion to sustain, operate, and modernize the nation's nuclear weapons, according to a report from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released last month. The funding averages $95 billion annually and will be allocated to the nation's fleet of bombers, submarines, and missiles meant to deliver the weapons, as well as related support and manufacturing infrastructure.

According to the report, $357 billion will be used to "operate and sustain current and future nuclear forces and other supporting activities;" $309 billion to "modernize strategic and tactical nuclear delivery systems and weapons they carry;" $72 billion to "modernize facilities and equipment for the nuclear weapons laboratory complex;" $79 billion to "modernize command, control, communications, and early-warning systems;" and $129 billion to "cover potential additional costs in excess of projected budgeted amounts estimated using historical cost growth."