Republicans ire over potential nuclear reductions, but history shows they are boldest cutters The USA Times

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Thursday, May 24, 2012

Republicans ire over potential nuclear reductions, but history shows they are boldest cutters

(AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

WASHINGTON - The Obama administration's consideration of sharp cuts in nuclear weapons has generated much criticism by congressional Republicans, with one lawmaker calling it "reckless lunacy."

But the historical record shows that in recent decades, it's been Republicans who have been the boldest in cutting the nuclear arsenal in the two decades since the demise of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War.

For example, under President George H.W. Bush, the number of deployed U.S. nuclear weapons dropped from 12,300 to 7,114. His son, George W. Bush, cut even further, to 1,968.

The Associated Press has reported that the Pentagon has developed options for President Barack Obama to cut as low as 300 deployed warheads, although the options have not yet gone to Obama.