Reps. Horsford & Lee Co-Lead Legislation Requiring Congressional Approval for Explosive Nuclear Tests

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04) and Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03) today introduced the No Nuclear Testing Without Approval Act in the House of Representatives.

The legislation, which would prevent explosive nuclear testing in Nevada or anywhere else in the country without Congressional authorization, comes as President Trump’s recently announced intention to test weapons for the first time since 1992 compelled a response from Russia.

“There are no winners in nuclear war, and there is no reason for this saber rattling,” Congressman Steven Horsford said. “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.” 

“Too many Nevadans for decades have suffered the consequences of from nuclear testing and toxic radiation exposure,” Congresswoman Susie Lee said. “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.”

The Senate companion to the No Nuclear Testing Without Approval Act was introduced this week by Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV).

The Silver State is uniquely impacted by America’s past explosive nuclear testing, which had devastating human and environmental consequences on Nevada and neighboring states. From 1951 to 1992, the federal government conducted more than 900 explosive 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).

Earlier this week, Horsford and Lee 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.

More information is available here.

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