“A bill to require the approval of Congress before explosive nuclear testing may be resumed.”
No CRS summary available for this bill.
This section revises the prohibition on U.S. explosive nuclear testing (previously limited to underground testing after September 30, 1996, unless a foreign state tested after that date, with a separate funding ban on maintaining atmospheric testing capability) to bar all such testing after enactment unless (1) a foreign state conducts an explosive nuclear test after enactment or there is a technical need; (2) the President submits to Congress, at least 180 days prior, an unclassified notification (with optional classified annex) describing the proposed test, reasons (including technical need details, alternatives considered, state governor engagement, or national interest if geopolitical), timelines, costs, and other relevant information; and (3) Congress enacts an approving joint resolution. For testing in response to a foreign test, the joint resolution proceeds without expedited procedures but requires a two-thirds Senate vote. For technical need testing, expedited procedures apply: Armed Services Committees must report or be discharged within 60 calendar days of notification receipt; House floor consideration is in order within 120 days with debate limited to 24 hours; and Senate floor consideration follows similar committee timelines and waivers.