Washington (dailynewyorknews) – Republicans in the House Armed Services Committee, today expressed dismay at the examination of the Obama administration to significantly reduce the U.S. nuclear rsenal.

General Martin Dempsey, head of the Joint Chiefs, told the committee that there are internal discussions on how many nuclear weapons the United States in the future. The talks, Dempsey said in his testimony before the committee, are in preparation for upcoming meetings with Russia on the issue.

Representative Trent Franks, Arizona Republican, said the idea “irresponsible folly.” Representative William “Mac” Thornberry, R-Texas, said the concept he “very concerned”.

However, your concerns may be premature, said Dempsey. He told the committee that one of the outcomes of the discussions could be that there will be reductions.

“The status quo, of course, is always an option and one that is at stake,” he said.

Dempsey declined to comment on press reports suggest the U.S. could reduce its number of nuclear warheads, which is now less than 1,600, 80%.

But he said Congress should not worry about the news.

“I encourage you not to be too concerned about media reports on what is a very broad,” said Dempsey.

Source: http://edition.cnn.com/2012/02/15/us/defense-cuts/index.html?hpt=us_c2