§2404. Deputy Administrator for Defense Programs
(a) In general
There is in the Administration a Deputy Administrator for Defense Programs, who is appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.
(b) Duties
Subject to the authority, direction, and control of the Administrator, the Deputy Administrator for Defense Programs shall perform such duties and exercise such powers as the Administrator may prescribe, including the following:
(1) Maintaining and enhancing the safety, reliability, and performance of the United States nuclear weapons stockpile, including the ability to design, produce, and test, in order to meet national security requirements.
(2) Directing, managing, and overseeing the nuclear weapons production facilities and the national security laboratories.
(3) Directing, managing, and overseeing assets to respond to incidents involving nuclear weapons and materials.
(c) Relationship to laboratories and facilities
The head of each national security laboratory and nuclear weapons production facility shall, consistent with applicable contractual obligations, report to the Deputy Administrator for Defense Programs.
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