Bill · H.R. 5951· House(119-HR-5951)
No Nuclear Testing Without Approval Act
- Introduced
- 11/7/2025
- Last activity
- 11/7/2025 — 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.
- Sponsored by
- Steven Horsford
- Cosponsors
- - 3 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "No Nuclear Testing Without Approval Act" aims to require Congressional approval before the United States resumes explosive nuclear testing. Under this bill, testing can only occur if a foreign state conducts a test or if there is a specific technical need. The President must submit a detailed notification to Congress at least 180 days before the proposed testing. For testing based on technical needs, a joint resolution of approval must be passed by both Houses. In the Senate, passage of such a resolution requires the affirmative vote of two-thirds of Senators.
Yes· 3 of 7
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+7
The bill mandates detailed notifications, cost estimates, and timelines for any proposed nuclear testing to be submitted to Congress.
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+5
The bill adds significant legislative hurdles and oversight requirements before the United States can resume explosive nuclear testing.
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+3
The bill requires engagement with the Governor of the State where testing would occur, providing more local political leverage.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Increased Oversight of Nuclear Testing: The bill requires the President to provide a description of the proposed testing, a statement of reasons, and an assessment of alternative options if there is a technical need (Section 2, paragraph (2)(A)(i) and (ii)).
-
Transparency Regarding Costs and Timelines: The President must submit an estimate of the timelines and costs associated with conducting the testing (Section 2, paragraph (2)(A)(iii)).
-
Engagement with Local Leadership: If a technical need exists, the President must provide a description of engagement with the Governor of the State where the testing would occur (Section 2, paragraph (2)(A)(ii)(II)(dd)).
-
Justification for Geopolitical Testing: If testing is prompted by a geopolitical event, the President must provide a detailed explanation of why the testing is in the supreme national interest of the United States (Section 2, paragraph (2)(A)(ii)(III)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Increased Bureaucratic Requirements for Testing: The President is required to submit a formal notification at least 180 days before the proposed date of testing (Section 2, paragraph (1)(B)).
-
Strict Legislative Hurdles: For testing proposed after a foreign state conducts a test, passage in the Senate requires the affirmative vote of two-thirds of Senators, duly chosen and sworn (Section 2, paragraph (1)(C)(i)(II)).
-
Strict Legislative Hurdles for Technical Needs: For testing proposed due to a technical need, the passage of a joint resolution of approval also requires the affirmative vote of two-thirds of Senators (Section 2, paragraph (3)(D)(iii)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+7
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+5
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Rural Residents+3
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves International Alliances+1Improves Veterans Benefits+1
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Fiscal Responsibility+1
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Poverty Reduction+1
- 8/17/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 12/16/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 11/7/2025
- 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.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Susie LeeDemocrat · Nevada
Seth MoultonDemocrat · Massachusetts
Mike ThompsonDemocrat · California