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S3106119th Congress

No Nuclear Testing Without Approval Act

Sponsored By: Senator Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV]

Introduced

Summary

Congress would have to explicitly approve any U.S. explosive nuclear test. The bill would bar explosive nuclear testing unless the President submits at least 180 days' notice and Congress enacts a joint resolution approving the test via one of two distinct paths.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Ban on U.S. explosive testing

If enacted, the bill would bar U.S. explosive nuclear tests after enactment unless three conditions are met. First, a foreign state must have tested or officials must find a technical need. Second, the President must notify Congress at least 180 days before testing. Third, Congress must pass and the President must sign a joint resolution approving the test. The notification would include timelines, cost estimates, and a summary of Governor engagement.

Congress must approve nuclear tests

If enacted, the bill would set new steps for Congress to approve proposed explosive tests. Armed Services committees must report a joint resolution within 60 calendar days or be discharged. The House must allow a move to proceed by day 120 and can have up to 24 hours of debate. The Senate would limit technical‑need consideration to 10 hours and bar amendments. Tests responding to a foreign state's test would require two‑thirds of Senators to pass.

Definitions for explosive testing

If enacted, the bill would define "explosive nuclear testing" for future decisions. That would mean tests using explosives to assemble or compress nuclear material to go critical and release fission energy. It would exclude subcritical stockpile stewardship tests and laser or other inertial confinement fusion experiments. It would define "technical need" as a unanimous finding by the officials named in the bill.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV]

NV • D

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Rosen, Jacky [D-NV]

    NV • D

    Sponsored 11/5/2025

  • Sen. Luján, Ben Ray [D-NM]

    NM • D

    Sponsored 11/5/2025

  • Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM]

    NM • D

    Sponsored 11/5/2025

  • Sen. Kelly, Mark [D-AZ]

    AZ • D

    Sponsored 11/5/2025

  • Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE]

    DE • D

    Sponsored 11/6/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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