Eight years into the U.S. Energy and Defense departments' Stockpile Stewardship Program, scientists and laboratory managers are cautiously optimistic that they can extend the life of the nation's nuclear arsenal for several years, although doubts remain. Further complicating Pentagon and Energy nuclear policy reviews is a growing constituency on Capitol Hill and within the national laboratories for possible resumption of underground testing. It might not occur in the near-term, but testing may ultimately be necessary to guarantee the safety and reliability of the U.S. stockpile, some officials believe.
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