Summary of HRES 317: Urging U.S. Leadership in Nuclear Disarmament

Bill Number: HRES 317

Title: Urging the United States to lead the world back from the brink of nuclear war and halt and reverse the nuclear arms race

Status: Submitted in House

Introduced: April 09, 2025

Classification: Resolution

Purpose and Intent

HRES 317 is a resolution introduced in the House of Representatives that calls on the President of the United States to take decisive actions aimed at promoting global nuclear disarmament. The primary intent of the resolution is to urge the U.S. to lead international efforts to prevent nuclear war, halt the ongoing nuclear arms race, and work towards a world free of nuclear weapons.

Key Provisions

The resolution outlines several specific actions that the President is encouraged to pursue:

1. Global Nuclear Disarmament:

   • Actively pursue a world free of nuclear weapons as a national security imperative.
   • Engage in negotiations with the eight other nuclear-armed states to halt further nuclear arsenal buildups and to achieve verifiable agreements for nuclear disarmament.

2. Nuclear Arms Control:

   • Focus on concluding new arms control agreements with Russia and engaging China in discussions on nuclear risk reduction.
   • Encourage all nuclear-armed states to renounce the first-use option of nuclear weapons.

3. Checks and Balances:

   • Implement checks on the President's authority to order the use of nuclear weapons.
   • End the Cold War-era hair-trigger alert posture to reduce the risk of accidental nuclear conflict.

4. Nuclear Weapons Production:

   • Cease plans for new nuclear warheads and delivery systems, which would also alleviate financial burdens on taxpayers.
   • Maintain the global moratorium on nuclear explosive testing.

5. Community and Worker Protection:

   • Remediate environmental contamination from past nuclear activities and provide health monitoring and compensation for affected communities.
   • Plan for a just economic transition for workers and communities dependent on nuclear weapons-related activities.

Affected Parties

The resolution primarily targets the U.S. government and its nuclear policy, but its implications extend to:
- Nuclear-Armed States: Engaging in negotiations and arms control measures.
- U.S. Military and Civilian Workforce: Those involved in nuclear weapons development and management.
- Communities Affected by Nuclear Activities: Individuals and groups impacted by past nuclear testing and production.

Legislative Process

• Date Introduced: April 09, 2025
• Committee Referrals: The resolution has been referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Armed Services for consideration.

Sponsors

The resolution is sponsored by a diverse group of representatives, including:
- Primary Sponsor: James P. McGovern
- Notable Cosponsors: Lloyd Doggett, Paul Tonko, Rosa L. DeLauro, Ilhan Omar, and Rashida Tlaib, among others.

Conclusion

HRES 317 represents a significant call to action for the U.S. government to take a leadership role in nuclear disarmament and arms control. By urging the President to engage in international negotiations and implement domestic policy changes, the resolution aims to mitigate the risks associated with nuclear weapons and promote global security.