H.R.1888 - Nuclear Weapons Abolition and Conversion Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1888, the Nuclear Weapons Abolition and Conversion Act of 2025, directs the United States to sign the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. It also mandates the conversion of nuclear weapons industry resources and personnel to address the climate crisis. The bill requires the President to transfer funding from nuclear weapons programs to renewable energy, infrastructure, and other social programs once all countries possessing nuclear weapons begin verifiable elimination under the treaty.
The bill expresses the sense of Congress that the U.S. should lead in nuclear disarmament. It emphasizes verifiable and irreversible elimination of nuclear weapons globally.
The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives and referred to the Committees on Foreign Affairs and Armed Services.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would commit the U.S. to a path of nuclear disarmament contingent on global participation. It would shift significant resources from defense to climate change mitigation and social programs.
The conversion of nuclear industry jobs could lead to new employment opportunities in green sectors. However, it may also cause disruption in existing defense-related industries.
International relations could be affected, depending on how other nations respond to the U.S.'s commitment to nuclear disarmament.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced risk of nuclear war and proliferation, enhancing global security.
- Increased investment in renewable energy and climate change solutions.
- Potential for job creation in green industries and infrastructure projects.
- Improved public health and environmental quality through reduced nuclear weapons production and waste.
- Reallocation of resources to address social needs like healthcare, housing, and education.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential weakening of U.S. national security if other nations do not follow suit with nuclear disarmament.
- Job losses in the nuclear weapons industry, requiring retraining and workforce transition programs.
- Economic challenges associated with converting nuclear weapons infrastructure to other uses.
- Dependence on other countries' actions for the bill's primary provisions to take effect.
- Uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of international control mechanisms for nuclear disarmament.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's provisions regarding treaties fall under the President's power to make treaties with the advice and consent of the Senate (Article II, Section 2, Clause 2). Congress has the power to appropriate funds (Article I, Section 9, Clause 7) and to provide for the common defense (Article I, Section 8, Clause 1).
The bill's focus on promoting the general welfare aligns with the Preamble of the Constitution. However, the shift in funding from defense to other areas could raise questions about the balance between national security and social programs.
There is no explicit constitutional prohibition against nuclear disarmament, but the Second Amendment could be invoked in debates about national defense implications.
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).