Restricting First Use of Nuclear Weapons Act of 2025
Rep. Lieu Introduces Bill to Prevent Nuclear First Strikes Without Congressional Approval
This bill was recently introduced and is currently being reviewed by the House Committees on Foreign Affairs and Armed Services. It is in the early stages of the legislative process and has no upcoming votes scheduled at this time. The bill is considered active as it waits for committee consideration.
Legislative Progress
This proposal has been introduced in several past sessions of Congress but has never gained enough support to pass. Many lawmakers worry it would limit the ability to react quickly during a national security crisis.
Key Points
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
Active-duty military personnel involved in nuclear operations would face a new legal framework for nuclear launch authority. Under current policy, they must follow the president's sole order to launch; this bill would add a requirement that Congress has declared war before a first strike can proceed. This changes the chain of command dynamics for first-use scenarios, though retaliatory strikes remain unaffected.
“No Federal funds may be obligated or expended to conduct a first-use nuclear strike unless such strike is conducted pursuant to a war declared by Congress that expressly authorizes such strike.”
Milestones
Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Related News
2 articlesNo More Hiroshima, No More Nagasaki, No More War, No More Hibakusha – OpEd
Analysis of current U.S. nuclear policy notes that bills like the Restricting First Use of Nuclear Weapons Act (H.R. 669/S. 192, 2025) would prohibit funding for first-use strikes without a congressional declaration of war, though such measures have historically faced significant political hurdles.
Warren, Smith introduce bill to bar US from using nuclear weapons first
While covering an earlier iteration, this report details the long-standing legislative effort by Democrats to establish a 'no first use' policy in law, a movement that culminated in the 2025 reintroduction of the Restricting First Use of Nuclear Weapons Act.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Restricting First Use of Nuclear Weapons Act of 2025
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
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