HALT Act of 2025
Sponsored By: Representative McGovern
Introduced
Summary
This bill would push the United States to lead international arms‑control efforts toward a global, verifiable nuclear freeze and would restrict funding for explosive nuclear weapons tests. It sets negotiating goals for inspections, limits, and treaties while preserving non‑explosive stockpile work.
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- U.S. negotiators and international partners: Directs the United States to pursue verifiable freezes on testing, production, and deployment, resume on‑site inspections under New START, seek P5 ceilings at 2019 levels where feasible, and press for CTBT entry into force and a fissile material treaty.
- Congress and the President: Prohibits use of funds for explosive nuclear weapons tests beginning in fiscal year 2026 unless the President reports stockpile changes and Congress passes a joint resolution approving a test.
- Nuclear labs and stockpile managers: Preserves funding for stockpile stewardship activities that meet a zero‑yield standard so non‑explosive maintenance, safety, and simulation work can continue.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Limits federal funding for nuclear tests
If enacted, this bill would stop federal money being used for explosive nuclear weapons tests that produce any yield. It would apply to funds authorized for fiscal year 2026 and later, and to prior-year funds still available at enactment. Before funds could be spent, the President would send Congress an addendum to the report required by section 4205 of the Atomic Energy Defense Act (50 U.S.C. 2525) showing any change in the U.S. nuclear stockpile since the prior year's report. Congress would then have to pass a joint resolution approving the test. The bill would still allow stockpile stewardship activities that follow the zero-yield standard and other legal requirements.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
McGovern
MA • D
Cosponsors
Rep. Garamendi, John [D-CA-8]
CA • D
Sponsored 12/4/2025
Rep. Beyer, Donald S. [D-VA-8]
VA • D
Sponsored 12/4/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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