REP. TED LIEU PROPOSES LEGISLATION TO REFORM THE NUCLEAR WEAPONS LAUNCH APPROVAL PROCESS

Washington – 8/4/2016, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D | Los Angeles County) issued the following statement regarding his work on a legislative proposal to reform the nuclear weapons launch process.

“The erratic and impulsive behavior of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has highlighted the structural dangers of America’s nuclear weapons launch protocols.  Having taught the Law of War when I served on active duty, and as a graduate of Air War College, it is clear to me that the traditional checks and balances on the Executive branch do not apply when it comes to nuclear weapons.  This process needs to be fixed.

“The President does not need approval from Congress or the courts to launch nuclear weapons.  All the President needs is the concurrence of the Secretary of Defense, who is appointed by the President. 

“When Congress comes back into session, I plan to introduce legislation that requires the concurrence of leaders in Congress—who are not beholden to the President—before a nuclear strike can be launched.  We can no longer have the fate of civilization depend on just two people in the Executive Branch.”