"This nuclear investment would actually undermine US security by driving an emerging global nuclear arms race, undercutting American credibility in the pursuit of nuclear nonproliferation," Smith stated in an op-ed for the Foreign Policy.
The US Congress has previously supported a $1 trillion plan to modernize and increase country’s nuclear capabilities within 30 years.
However, Smith argued that boosting nuclear spending could backfire.
"With over 5,000 deployed and stockpiled nuclear weapons — and thousands more awaiting dismantlement — we have a nuclear force stacked with redundancy," he added.
Smith also noted that the United States can retain a credible nuclear deterrent with fewer nuclear weapons.
Earlier in the week, Smith co-introduced an amendment to defense budget that would cut funding for nuclear-capable cruise missile program by $75.8 million.
