H.R.669 - Restricting First Use of Nuclear Weapons Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.669, the Restricting First Use of Nuclear Weapons Act of 2025, aims to limit the President's authority to initiate a nuclear strike. It requires a declaration of war by Congress that expressly authorizes such a strike before federal funds can be used for a first-use nuclear attack. The bill defines "first-use nuclear strike" as an attack without confirmation from the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff that the U.S., its territories, or its allies have already been subjected to a nuclear strike.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would shift the decision-making power regarding the first use of nuclear weapons from the President alone to Congress. This would require Congressional approval, specifically a declaration of war, before a first-use nuclear strike could be authorized. The bill aims to provide a check on presidential power and ensure broader deliberation before such a consequential action.
Potential Benefits
- Reduces the risk of unilateral presidential action leading to nuclear war.
- Reinforces the constitutional role of Congress in decisions of war.
- Promotes greater deliberation and oversight regarding the use of nuclear weapons.
- Potentially enhances international stability by signaling a more cautious approach to nuclear weapons use.
- Aligns U.S. policy more closely with international norms against first use of nuclear weapons.
Potential Disadvantages
- Could be perceived as weakening U.S. deterrence by signaling a reluctance to use nuclear weapons first.
- May create delays in responding to a potential nuclear threat, potentially endangering national security.
- Could lead to political gridlock, preventing a timely response to a crisis.
- May complicate military planning and strategy.
- The definition of "first-use nuclear strike" relies on confirmation from specific officials, which could be subject to interpretation or manipulation.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill directly addresses the constitutional allocation of war powers, particularly Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to declare war. The bill's findings explicitly reference this constitutional provision and the War Powers Resolution. By requiring a declaration of war for a first-use nuclear strike, the bill seeks to reinforce Congress's role in decisions of war and limit the President's authority to act unilaterally. The bill also acknowledges the President's role as Commander-in-Chief, but seeks to balance that power with Congressional oversight.
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).