including through our deployment of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery to the ROK, and the commitment to extended deterrence, guaranteed by the full spectrum of U.S. defense capabilities. . (5) On October 14, 2016, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Joseph Dunford, reaffirmed the ironclad commitment of the U.S. to defend both the ROK and Japan and provide extended deterrence guaranteed by the full spectrum of U.S. military capabilities, including conventional, nuclear, and missile defense capabilities . (6) On October 19, 2016, Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter, stated, the U.S. commitment to the defense of South Korea is unwavering. This includes our commitment to provide extended deterrence, guaranteed by the full spectrum of U.S. defense capabilities. Make no mistake: Any attack on America or our allies will not only be defeated, but any use of nuclear weapons will be met with an overwhelming and effective response. . (7) On October 19, 2016, Secretary of State John Kerry, during a joint press conference with the South Korean Foreign Minister, confirmed the United States would defend South Korea through a robust, combined defense posture and through extended deterrence including the U.S. nuclear umbrella conventional strike and missile defense capabilities. . (8) On February 3, 2017, Secretary of Defense James Mattis, during a visit to South Korea, stated, America’s commitments to defending our allies and to upholding our extended deterrence guarantees remain ironclad: Any attack on the United States, or our allies, will be defeated, and any use of nuclear weapons would be met with a response that would be effective and overwhelming. . (9) In conjunction with the sea- and land-based legs of the triad, nuclear-capable B–2, B–21, and B–52 bombers and dual-capable aircraft, including F–35 Block 4 aircraft, are vital to ensuring the credibility and flexibility of United States extended deterrence to Japan and South Korea. (b) Sense of congress It is the sense of Congress that— (1)