No Nuclear Testing Act of 2025

Bill Number

S. 3090

Origin Chamber

Senate

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Armed Forces and National Security

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-10-30: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

Last Updated

2025-12-02T20:49:31Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The "No Nuclear Testing Act of 2025" aims to prevent the U.S. government from using federal funds to conduct or prepare for any explosive nuclear weapons tests that produce a yield (i.e., an explosion). It supports ongoing U.S. commitments to limit nuclear testing while allowing certain non-explosive research.

Key Provisions

• Funding Prohibition: No funds appropriated or made available for fiscal year 2026, or from prior fiscal years that remain available for obligation as of the bill's enactment, can be used to conduct or prepare for any explosive nuclear weapons test that generates any yield.
• Exception for Stewardship Activities: The prohibition does not restrict "nuclear stockpile stewardship" programs—efforts to maintain the safety and reliability of existing nuclear weapons without explosive testing—as long as they align with the "zero-yield standard" (a policy banning tests with any explosive output) and other existing legal requirements.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• This bill introduces a specific statutory ban on funding for explosive nuclear tests, reinforcing the U.S. moratorium on such tests in place since 1992 under the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (which the U.S. signed but has not ratified).
• It codifies the zero-yield standard into law, making it harder to reverse without new legislation, while clarifying that non-explosive maintenance activities (like computer simulations and subcritical experiments) remain permissible.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: The Department of Energy (DOE) and Department of Defense (DOD), which oversee nuclear weapons programs, would face restrictions on budgeting and operations, potentially shifting resources toward non-explosive testing methods and increasing reliance on advanced simulations.
• On Citizens: U.S. taxpayers would see funds redirected away from explosive testing, possibly reducing risks associated with nuclear development, though it could affect jobs in testing-related facilities.
• On International Relations: Strengthens U.S. credibility in global non-proliferation efforts, signaling commitment to arms control treaties, but might limit options for responding to nuclear advancements by adversaries like Russia or China.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Federal Agencies: Primarily the DOE's National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and DOD, responsible for nuclear weapons management.
• Scientific and Research Community: Nuclear physicists, engineers, and stockpile stewardship experts who rely on non-explosive testing.
• International Actors: Nuclear non-proliferation organizations (e.g., UN bodies), allies in arms control, and potential adversaries monitoring U.S. nuclear policy.
• Advocacy Groups: Arms control nonprofits and environmental organizations focused on reducing nuclear risks.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Establishes a clear funding restriction enforceable through congressional oversight of the federal budget (known as the "power of the purse"), potentially leading to legal challenges if agencies attempt workarounds.
• Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's authority under Article I to control appropriations, but could spark debates over executive branch flexibility in national security matters.
• Political: Reinforces bipartisan support for nuclear restraint but may fuel partisan divides on deterrence strategies, especially amid global tensions; if passed, it would require ongoing congressional approval to maintain or amend.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA]

Cosponsors (8)

Sen. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY], Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR], Sen. Welch, Peter [D-VT], Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD], Sen. Sanders, Bernard [I-VT], Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL], Sen. Alsobrooks, Angela D. [D-MD], Sen. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA]

Recent Actions

• 2025-10-30: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
• 2025-10-30: Introduced in Senate

Bill Versions

• No Nuclear Testing Act of 2025 — issued 2025-10-30 — PDF (2 pages)