Hastening Arms Limitations Talks Act of 2025; HALT Act of 2025
Summary
The Hastening Arms Limitations Talks Act of 2025 (HALT Act of 2025) aims to reduce and eliminate nuclear weapon threats to the United States. It outlines findings supporting arms reduction, referencing historical efforts and treaties like the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and New START Treaty. The Act emphasizes the need for international negotiations and agreements to freeze and reduce nuclear arsenals.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the HALT Act would lead to the United States pursuing a policy of nuclear arms reduction through international negotiations and agreements. This could involve verifiable freezes on testing, production, and deployment of nuclear weapons, as well as agreements on no-first-use policies and transparency measures. The Act also prohibits the use of funds for nuclear test explosions unless specific conditions are met.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced risk of nuclear conflict.
- Potential for decreased military spending.
- Improved international relations and cooperation.
- Strengthened global non-proliferation efforts.
- Enhanced national security through arms control agreements.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential weakening of the United States' deterrent if arms reductions are not reciprocated by other nations.
- Challenges in verifying compliance with international agreements.
- Possible resistance from countries unwilling to reduce their nuclear arsenals.
- Risk of technological surprise if certain weapons development is frozen.
- Impact on defense industry jobs.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The HALT Act aligns with the Constitution's broad goals of providing for the common defense and promoting the general welfare, as stated in the Preamble. Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to declare war and raise armies, implying the power to negotiate treaties related to national security. The treaty-making power is further detailed in Article II, Section 2, which requires Senate consent for treaties.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).