Article

Congress has mandated the restart of the nuclear-armed sea-launched cruise missile (SLCM-N) program, which had been under debate since its proposal in 2018. Despite the Biden Administration's efforts to cancel it, the FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act allocates $2 billion for the program, requiring the Department of Defense to prepare for initial operational capability by September 30, 2034. Supporters advocate for the missile's role in deterrence, while critics question its costs and operational implications.