US drops deadline for nuclear arms upgrade

The government agency responsible for the US nuclear stockpile has dropped a deadline for ramping up production of a key atomic weapons part at Los Alamos National Laboratory, lending credence to concerns about delays and cost overruns voiced by some lawmakers. The NSAA seeks to produce 80 plutonium pits annually, with the Savannah River Site in South Carolina scheduled to ramp up production to 50 ppy by 2030. The White House is requesting $18.8 billion for nuclear weapons activities, including $5.6 billion for modernization of production. Some lawmakers questioned the ability of the agency to deliver within the budgetary and time constraints. The White House is requesting $18.8 billion for nuclear weapons activities, including $5.6 billion for modernization of production.