A published report says the Bush administration has told Congress its 
new strategic policy calls for many warheads, bombs and intercontinental 
missiles involved in a planned 10-year reduction of strategic nuclear 
forces to be kept in reserve. 

The Washington Post quotes congressional sources as saying the 
administration has not yet determined how many of the roughly 4,000 
nuclear warheads and bombs would be destroyed and how many stored and
available for redeployment. 

Last November, after meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, 
President Bush announced the United States would reduce its nuclear 
arsenal by two-thirds, from about 6,000 to between 1,700 and 2,200 
warheads, over the next 10 years. The promise was made in connection
with of the U.S. decision to withdraw from the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile treaty. 

Meanwhile, U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said the new strategic 
nuclear plan recommends maintaining a moratorium on nuclear testing. 

News reports have indicated that government review of U.S. nuclear 
strategy, known as the Nuclear Posture Review, might recommend the
United States resume underground nuclear testing in the years ahead. 

During a briefing for congressional staffers Tuesday, Mr. Rumsfeld 
said any indication that the report suggests resuming tests would be 
incorrect. However, Mr. Rumsfeld is quoted as saying future underground 
tests might be needed to keep the U.S. arsenal "safe" and "reliable." 
A White House spokesman is quoted as saying President Bush supports continuing the moratorium. 

The United States has had a moratorium on underground tests since 1992. 




Sources
Voice of America