The United States has not tested nuclear weapons or conducted any yield-producing nuclear weapons experiment since 1992. In a few short years, all nuclear weapons engineers and scientists that have any experience in nuclear testing and weapons design will have retired. These developments will have a profound impact on the nation’s ability to innovate, assure allies, and deter adversaries. The United States must reverse this dangerous situation in its National Nuclear Laboratories, which stems from years of neglect and underfunding. The goal of the United States should be to create a culture that does not preclude innovation, and allows the United States to develop and maintain responsive nuclear weapons options in proportion to the challenges of the 21st century.