U.S. VP: Much more must be spent to ensure nuclear capabilities

U.S. Vice President Joe Biden says the US must spend significantly more to ensure the readiness of American nuclear warheads.

U.S. Vice President Joe Biden said, "Capabilities like an adaptive missile defensive shield, conventional warheads with world-wide reach and others that are developing and being developed, will enable us to reduce the role of nuclear weapons as other nuclear powers begin to draw down even further, just as we wish to do. With these modern capabilities, even with deep nuclear reductions, we will remain undeniably strong and in a position to defend our interests against all, all our enemies."

Biden wants more cash for US nukes

Biden's making the case for the big jump in spending so scientists can make certain the aging US nuclear stockpile remains ready for use, if needed, without test explosions. The new administration budget allocates 7 billion US dollars for scientists and laboratories that maintain warhead readiness - an increase of about 13.5 percent and one of the largest in the next spending plan. The 2011 budget also calls for spending an additional 5 billion dollars on those projects over the next five years. The vice President also says Iran should face "real consequences" due to its nuclear development activities.