The Increasing Threat of Nuclear Weapons

Floor Speech

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Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, the time for nuclear weapons stockpiling is over. Instead, we should focus on the United States leading the world in disarmament and diplomacy.

As the ultimate weapon of war, nuclear weapons should be an absolute last resort or no resort. With the U.S. having enough nuclear weapons to destroy the world, they become more than a deterrent. They become a threat to ourselves and the rest of the world.

Today's landscape paints a picture of even more reasons to act swiftly. The last remaining agreement limiting the world's two largest arsenals is set to expire in 2026, and China has increased its arsenal from 100 to 300 nuclear weapons on their long-range missiles.

At the same time, Russian President Vladimir Putin has refused to take up President Biden's offer to discuss a new nuclear arms control framework. China's leaders have also rejected U.S. offers for follow-up talks on nuclear risk reduction and arms control issues.

As indiscriminate killers, nuclear weapons will not be the answer to our current or future problems. It is in the world's best interests and the United States', as the leader of these interests, that we reengage in efforts to produce a new framework with Russia and China to further cap and reduce nuclear arsenals.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. McGovern for being a leader on this important issue and bringing us together to discuss it.

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