S.192 - Restricting First Use of Nuclear Weapons Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
The "Restricting First Use of Nuclear Weapons Act of 2025" aims to limit the President's authority to launch a first-use nuclear strike. It requires a declaration of war by Congress that expressly authorizes such a strike before federal funds can be used for it. The bill emphasizes Congress's constitutional power to declare war and the catastrophic consequences of nuclear weapons.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would shift the decision-making power regarding first-use nuclear strikes from the President alone to Congress. This could lead to a more cautious and deliberative approach to the use of nuclear weapons. It would also require confirmation of a nuclear attack on the US or its allies before a retaliatory strike could be authorized.
Potential Benefits
- Reduces the risk of unilateral presidential action leading to nuclear war.
- Reinforces the constitutional role of Congress in decisions of war.
- Promotes a more deliberative and potentially less impulsive approach to nuclear weapons policy.
- May enhance international stability by signaling a more cautious US nuclear posture.
- Aligns US policy more closely with international norms against first use of nuclear weapons.
Potential Disadvantages
- Could be perceived as weakening US deterrence by signaling a reluctance to use nuclear weapons first.
- May create delays in responding to a nuclear attack, potentially giving an adversary an advantage.
- Could lead to political gridlock in Congress, preventing a timely response to a nuclear threat.
- May complicate military planning and strategy by adding a layer of political approval to nuclear options.
- The definition of "first-use nuclear strike" relies on confirmation by the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, which could be subject to interpretation or manipulation.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution, which grants Congress the power to declare war. It also references the War Powers Resolution, acknowledging the President's role as Commander-in-Chief but emphasizing the need for congressional authorization in certain circumstances. The bill seeks to provide checks and balances on the President's authority, reflecting the framers' intent to prevent unilateral executive action in matters of war.
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).