H.R. 4685: Investing in Children Before Missiles Act of 2025

This bill, titled the Investing in Children Before Missiles Act of 2025, aims to halt the development of the new Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) program and extend the operational life of the existing Minuteman III missiles until at least 2050. Additionally, it seeks to redirect the funds previously allocated for the Sentinel program towards education, particularly through the Department of Education.

Key Provisions of the Bill

• Pause the Sentinel Program: The bill requires that the Sentinel program, which is meant to replace the current Minuteman III missiles, be paused and reassessed due to its significant cost overruns and delays.
• Extend Minuteman III Life: It emphasizes that the Minuteman III missiles should continue to operate safely until at least 2050, rather than being replaced as initially planned.
• Redirect Savings to Education: Funds designated for the Sentinel program and related nuclear weapon upgrades will be transferred to the Department of Education, especially for initiatives under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.

Funding Transfers

The bill mandates the following funding transfers:

• All funds appropriated to the Department of Defense for the Sentinel program will be redirected to the Department of Education.
• Funds allocated for the development of the W87–1 nuclear warhead modification will also be transferred to the educational sector.

Prohibition on Fund Usage

The bill prohibits any appropriated funds for fiscal year 2026 from being used to support the Sentinel program or the W87–1 warhead modification program.

Study on Minuteman III Extension

An independent study is to be conducted to evaluate the feasibility and costs associated with extending the life of the Minuteman III missiles. This study will include:

• A comparison of extending the Minuteman III missiles versus deploying the Sentinel program.
• Analyzing potential technological advancements that could be incorporated into the extension program.
• Assessing the risks and benefits of various life extension methodologies for the missile systems.

This study must be conducted by the National Academy of Sciences and should involve a wide range of experts, excluding individuals with prior affiliations to the Sentinel program within the Air Force.

Reporting Requirements

Results from the study must be reported to the Secretary of Defense within 180 days after the bill's enactment, with a subsequent report submitted to Congress within 210 days.

Relevant Companies

None found