Bill > S3106

This bill requires Congressional approval before the United States can conduct explosive nuclear testing, establishing a comprehensive framework for such approval. Under the proposed legislation, explosive nuclear testing can only occur if a foreign state has conducted a nuclear test or if there is a demonstrable technical need, and only after the President submits a detailed notification to Congress at least 180 days in advance. The notification must include specifics about the proposed testing, such as its purpose, technical rationale, alternative options considered, estimated timelines and costs, and potential geopolitical implications. For testing proposed due to a technical need, the bill mandates a specific congressional review process, including referral to the Armed Services Committees and requiring a joint resolution of approval. Notably, passage of such a resolution would require a two-thirds affirmative vote in the Senate. The bill precisely defines "explosive nuclear testing" as involving the compression of fissile material to exceed critical mass, while explicitly excluding subcritical experiments and certain fusion experiments. By establishing these stringent requirements, the bill aims to ensure rigorous legislative oversight of any potential U.S. nuclear weapons testing.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/3106/all-info