Restricting First Use of Nuclear Weapons Act of 2025

Senate Bill

S. 192

119th Congress

Restricting First Use of Nuclear Weapons Act of 2025

In Committee

Introduced:Jan 22, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Edward J. Markey

Senator

Democratic

MA

Cosponsors

6

Quick Stats

Policy Area

International Affairs

Summary

This bill prohibits federal funds from being used to conduct a first-use nuclear strike unless Congress has declared war and expressly authorized the strike. A first-use strike is defined as a nuclear attack without confirmation that the U.S., its territories, or allies have already been struck with nuclear weapons. The bill requires congressional approval before initiating nuclear war.

Latest Action

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This bill prohibits federal funds from being used to conduct a first-use nuclear strike unless Congress has declared war and expressly authorized the strike. A first-use strike is defined as a nuclear attack without confirmation that the U.S., its territories, or allies have already been struck with nuclear weapons. The bill requires congressional approval before initiating nuclear war.

Last updated: 1/4/2026

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

Restricting First Use of Nuclear Weapons Act of 2025 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 without confirming that there has been a nuclear strike against the United States, its territories, or its allies.

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Prohibits funding for first-use nuclear strikes without congressional authorization
Requires formal declaration of war for first strike
Defines first-use as attack without confirmed nuclear strike on U.S. or allies
Maintains authority for retaliatory strikes
Reasserts congressional war powers over nuclear weapons

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

This bill addresses constitutional concerns about executive authority over nuclear weapons. Currently, the president has sole authority to order nuclear strikes. This legislation would require congressional approval before first use, while preserving immediate retaliation capability. Supporters argue it prevents accidental nuclear war; critics contend it could undermine deterrence by limiting rapid response options.

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

192, 119th Congress (2025). "Restricting First Use of Nuclear Weapons Act of 2025". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-s-192