Restricting First Use of Nuclear Weapons Act of 2025

House Bill

H.R. 669

119th Congress

Restricting First Use of Nuclear Weapons Act of 2025

In Committee

Introduced:Nov 12, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Ted Lieu

Representative

Democratic

CA-36

Cosponsors

32

Quick Stats

Policy Area

International Affairs

Summary

This bill would prohibit the U.S. government from using federal funds to conduct a nuclear strike against another country unless Congress specifically authorizes it during a declared war. It aims to limit the president's ability to launch a nuclear attack without approval from Congress.

Latest Action

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.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This bill would prohibit the U.S. government from using federal funds to conduct a nuclear strike against another country unless Congress specifically authorizes it during a declared war. It aims to limit the president's ability to launch a nuclear attack without approval from Congress.

Last updated: 12/29/2025

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

Restricting First Use of Nuclear Weapons Act of 2023 This bill prohibits using federal funds to conduct a first-use nuclear strike unless Congress expressly authorizes such a strike pursuant to a declaration of war. A first-use nuclear strike is an attack using nuclear weapons against an enemy that did not first launch a nuclear strike against the United States, its territories, or its allies.

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Prohibits using federal funds for a first-use nuclear strike unless Congress approves it during a declared war
Aims to limit the president's power to launch a nuclear attack without Congressional authorization
Would apply to any nuclear strike against an enemy that did not first launch a nuclear attack against the U.S. or its allies

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

If this bill becomes law, it would significantly constrain the president's authority over the U.S. nuclear arsenal. It would require the president to obtain explicit approval from Congress before conducting a nuclear strike, even in situations where the U.S. has not been attacked with nuclear weapons first. This could make it more difficult for the U.S. to respond rapidly to emerging nuclear threats.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

International Affairs

Related Subjects

Congressional-executive branch relations

Military command and structure

Military operations and strategy

Nuclear weapons

Presidents and presidential powers, Vice Presidents

War and emergency powers

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

669, 119th Congress (2025). "Restricting First Use of Nuclear Weapons Act of 2025". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-669