This bill proposes to amend the Atomic Energy Defense Act, establishing a clear prohibition on the United States conducting explosive testing of nuclear weapons or any other nuclear explosion. It mandates that no such tests may be carried out by the U.S. government. Additionally, the legislation includes a provision that restricts the use of federal funds, starting from fiscal year 2026, for any activities related to explosive nuclear weapons testing or other nuclear explosions. Importantly, the bill clarifies that this prohibition does not limit the authority of the United States to conduct subcritical nuclear tests , which involve fissile materials incapable of sustaining an explosive nuclear chain reaction.
Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better
Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1096-1097)
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H4779-4780)
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1096-1097)
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H4779-4780)
Armed Forces and National Security
RESTRAIN Act
USA119th CongressHR-5894| House
| Updated: 11/19/2025
This bill proposes to amend the Atomic Energy Defense Act, establishing a clear prohibition on the United States conducting explosive testing of nuclear weapons or any other nuclear explosion. It mandates that no such tests may be carried out by the U.S. government. Additionally, the legislation includes a provision that restricts the use of federal funds, starting from fiscal year 2026, for any activities related to explosive nuclear weapons testing or other nuclear explosions. Importantly, the bill clarifies that this prohibition does not limit the authority of the United States to conduct subcritical nuclear tests , which involve fissile materials incapable of sustaining an explosive nuclear chain reaction.