Congress Unanimously Passes Sherman Nonproliferation Legislation

Washington, D.C. – Today, the House unanimously passed H.Res.825, urging the United States to continue its leadership in supporting the Treaty on the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and the global nonproliferation regime, introduced by Congressman Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks), who formerly chaired the Asia and Nonproliferation Subcommittee, along with Congressman Banks, and the Chair and Ranking Member of the Asia Subcommittee Ami Bera (D-CA) and Ted Yoho (R- FL).

The resolution reaffirms that a strong nonproliferation regime is in the best interest of the United States and expresses continued support for the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. The resolution urges the United States to continue to be a leader in supporting the NPT and the global nonproliferation regime by encouraging opportunities for cooperation with other nuclear weapons states to reduce the number and role of nuclear weapons and, encouraging the U.S. to work towards a successful 2021 NPT Review Conference.

“We face many challenges with nuclear nonproliferation and arms control,” said Congressman Sherman. “For 11 years I served as chair or ranking member of the subcommittee with jurisdiction over nonproliferation, and I have authored legislation to reign in the spread of technologies that allow for the production of fuel for nuclear weapons.  Likewise, I have authored a provision to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would prohibit the submission of a nuclear cooperation agreement with a country that does not sign and implement an Additional Protocol with the IAEA. All of the countries that have nuclear weapons outside the NPT have used a civilian program as cover for a military program. The United States must continue to be a leader in upholding the nonproliferation regime, as the more nuclear weapons states there are in the world, the more likely we are to face nuclear war.”

“The United States should continue to strengthen the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty to address continuing proliferation challenges and promote a safer world,” said Congressman Bera. “Today’s passage of this bipartisan House Resolution emphasizes our unified support for the NPT.”

The resolution also calls for strong U.S. leadership at the 5-year NPT Review Conference, which was delayed until 2021 due to coronavirus pandemic.