WASHINGTON, D.C. (Jan. 17, 2019) - Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) was appointed as the Ranking Member of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee on the Senate Armed Services Committee. The subcommittee's responsibilities include budget and policy oversight of nuclear weapons, non-proliferation, space programs, environmental cleanup and disposal, and missile defense.

"I am honored to be the Ranking Member of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee," said Senator Heinrich. "There are a number of high-profile issues currently pending before this subcommittee in the areas of space programs, nuclear deterrence, and missile defense that will have a lasting effect on our national security. The subcommittee also has jurisdiction over many of New Mexico's national security equities including Sandia National Laboratories, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Waste Isolation Pilot Plant, and the Space Rapid Capabilities Office. This new leadership role will allow me to further New Mexico's strong position as a leader in defense and national security for years to come."

Subcommittee on Strategic Forces:

  • Responsibilities: Nuclear and strategic forces; arms control and non-proliferation programs; space programs; Department of Energy defense nuclear, and defense environmental management programs; and ballistic missile defense.
  • Oversight of budget accounts: Procurement and RDT&E for DOD nuclear and strategic forces, missile defense, space systems, Department of Energy defense and non-proliferation programs.
  • Oversight of DOD and DOE officials Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear and Chemical and Biological Defense Programs; National Nuclear Security Administration; and Assistant Secretary of Energy (Environmental Management).
  • Oversight of agencies, commands, and activities: U.S. Strategic Command; space commands of the military departments; Missile Defense Agency; National Nuclear Security Administration; and Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board; Defense Threat Reduction Agency.

Senator Heinrich will continue to serve on the Emerging Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee, and will also gain a position on the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity.