Lee, Horsford Lead Legislation Requiring Congressional Approval for Explosive Nuclear Tests
Today, Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03) and Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04) introduced the No Nuclear Testing Without Approval Act. The legislation, which would prevent explosive nuclear tests in Nevada or anywhere else in the country without Congressional authorization, comes amid President Trump’s recently announced intention to test weapons for the first time in over three decades.
“Too many Nevadans for decades have suffered the consequences of nuclear testing and toxic radiation exposure,” said Congresswoman Susie Lee. “Experts, including those in the Trump administration, have consistently testified that explosive nuclear testing is unnecessary. We need to listen to the science, not the whims of this president. I’m proud to join Congressman Horsford in introducing this legislation ensuring innocent Nevadans will not pay the price for this president’s nuclear saber-rattling.”
“There are no winners in nuclear war, and there is no reason for this saber rattling,” said Congressman Steven Horsford. “As other nuclear powers respond to President Trump’s announcement, we are all less safe from these horrific weapons. Nevadans carried the burden of America’s domestic nuclear tests in the past, and we will not go back. By requiring Congressional authorization, the legislation Rep. Lee and I are introducing today protects our state from the radioactive fallout that poisoned our air, our land, and our people in the past.”
Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) introduced companion legislation to the No Nuclear Testing Without Approval Act in the Senate.
The Silver State is uniquely impacted by America’s past nuclear testing, which has had devastating human and environmental consequences on Nevada and neighboring states. From 1951 to 1992, the federal government conducted more than 900 nuclear tests in Nevada, releasing radioactive fallout across the American West and leaving a legacy of illness, contamination, and broken trust. Many Nevadans and downwind communities suffered from those exposures and are still waiting for justice and compensation under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA).
Congresswoman Lee has fought to ensure victims of our country’s nuclear legacy receive care for exposure to toxic radiation. Her bipartisan Presumption for Radiation or Toxin Exposure Coverage for Troops (PROTECT) Act would establish a presumption that certain veterans were exposed to radiation and other toxins at the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR), expanding their access to health care. She also pushed for extending and expanding RECA to ensure all radiation victims, including in southern Nevada, get the help they need.
Earlier this week, Lee and Horsford were joined by Senators Rosen and Cortez Masto and Rep. Dina Titus (NV-01) in sending a letter to President Donald Trump, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, and Administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Brandon Williams, expressing outrage at the administration’s intent to test nuclear weapons.
Following President Trump’s announcement, Russia announced that it is preparing to conduct its own explosive nuclear testing if the United States conducts an explosive nuclear test. The No Nuclear Testing Without Approval Act would prevent a global nuclear arms race by preventing the executive branch from unilaterally deciding to conduct explosive nuclear testing.
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