for a potential adversary. (14) The size, dispersal, and global reach of the ICBM force of the United States ensures that no adversary can escalate a crisis beyond the ability of the United States to respond. (15) A potential attacker would be forced to expend far more warheads to destroy the ICBMs of the United States than the United States would lose in an attack, because of the deployment of a single warhead on each ICBM of the United States. (16) The ICBM force provides a persistent deterrent capability that reinforces strategic stability. (17) ICBMs are the cheapest delivery system for nuclear weapons for the United States to operate and maintain. (18) United States Strategic Command has validated military requirements for the unique capabilities of ICBMs. (19) In a 2014 analysis of alternatives, the Air Force concluded that replacing the Minuteman III missile would provide upgraded capabilities at lower cost when compared with extending the service life of the Minuteman III missile. (20) The Minuteman III replacement program, known as the ground-based strategic deterrent, is expected to provide a land-based strategic deterrent capability for 5 decades after the program enters service. (b) Sense of the Senate It is the sense of the Senate that— (1) land-based ICBMs have certain characteristics, including responsiveness, persistence, and dispersal, that enhance strategic stability and magnify the deterrent value of the air and sea-based legs of the nuclear triad of the United States