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No Nuclear Testing Without Approval Act

USA119th CongressHR-5951| House 
| Updated: 11/7/2025
Steven Horsford

Steven Horsford

Democratic Representative

Nevada

Cosponsors (1)
Susie Lee (Democratic)

Rules Committee, Armed Services Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
The "No Nuclear Testing Without Approval Act" seeks to establish a stringent requirement for Congressional approval before the United States can conduct any explosive nuclear testing. This legislation amends the Atomic Energy Defense Act, prohibiting such testing unless specific conditions are met and a joint resolution of approval is enacted into law. Explosive nuclear testing would only be permitted under two circumstances: if a foreign state first conducts an explosive nuclear test, or if there is a demonstrated "technical need" for such testing. A technical need is defined as a determination by specified officials that a test is necessary to resolve issues concerning the safety, reliability, performance, or military effectiveness of a nuclear weapon type. Before any testing can proceed, the President must submit a detailed notification to Congress at least 180 days prior to the proposed test date. This notification must include a description of the testing, the reasons for conducting it (including an assessment of alternatives for technical need, or a geopolitical explanation), estimated timelines, and costs. Congressional approval then requires the passage of a joint resolution. If testing is in response to a foreign test, the resolution requires a two-thirds affirmative vote of Senators. If testing is due to a technical need, the resolution follows specific expedited procedures in both the House and Senate, also culminating in a two-thirds affirmative vote in the Senate for passage.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 116-8342
No Nuclear Testing Without Approval Act
Nov 5, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

S 119-3106
Introduced in Senate
Nov 7, 2025
Introduced in House
Nov 7, 2025
Referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, 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.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 116-8342
    No Nuclear Testing Without Approval Act


  • November 5, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    S 119-3106
    Introduced in Senate


  • November 7, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • November 7, 2025
    Referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, 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.

Congress

Related Bills

  • S 119-3106: No Nuclear Testing Without Approval Act

No Nuclear Testing Without Approval Act

USA119th CongressHR-5951| House 
| Updated: 11/7/2025
The "No Nuclear Testing Without Approval Act" seeks to establish a stringent requirement for Congressional approval before the United States can conduct any explosive nuclear testing. This legislation amends the Atomic Energy Defense Act, prohibiting such testing unless specific conditions are met and a joint resolution of approval is enacted into law. Explosive nuclear testing would only be permitted under two circumstances: if a foreign state first conducts an explosive nuclear test, or if there is a demonstrated "technical need" for such testing. A technical need is defined as a determination by specified officials that a test is necessary to resolve issues concerning the safety, reliability, performance, or military effectiveness of a nuclear weapon type. Before any testing can proceed, the President must submit a detailed notification to Congress at least 180 days prior to the proposed test date. This notification must include a description of the testing, the reasons for conducting it (including an assessment of alternatives for technical need, or a geopolitical explanation), estimated timelines, and costs. Congressional approval then requires the passage of a joint resolution. If testing is in response to a foreign test, the resolution requires a two-thirds affirmative vote of Senators. If testing is due to a technical need, the resolution follows specific expedited procedures in both the House and Senate, also culminating in a two-thirds affirmative vote in the Senate for passage.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 116-8342
No Nuclear Testing Without Approval Act
Nov 5, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

S 119-3106
Introduced in Senate
Nov 7, 2025
Introduced in House
Nov 7, 2025
Referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, 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.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 116-8342
    No Nuclear Testing Without Approval Act


  • November 5, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    S 119-3106
    Introduced in Senate


  • November 7, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • November 7, 2025
    Referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, 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.
Steven Horsford

Steven Horsford

Democratic Representative

Nevada

Cosponsors (1)
Susie Lee (Democratic)

Rules Committee, Armed Services Committee

Congress

Related Bills

  • S 119-3106: No Nuclear Testing Without Approval Act
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted