U.S. Nuclear Weapons Tests (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
Revised Dec. 16, 2024 |
| Report Number |
IF11662 |
| Report Type |
In Focus |
| Authors |
Mary Beth D. Nikitin, Amy F. Woolf |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
| Older Revisions |
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Summary:
The United States has observed a voluntary moratorium on
nuclear explosive testing since 1992, although it has
maintained the ability to resume these tests at the Nevada
National Security Site (NNSS). Since 1993, it has used a
program known as Science-Based Stockpile Stewardship to
maintain confidence in the “safety, security, and
effectiveness” of its nuclear arsenal. Press reports in May
2020 indicated that Trump Administration officials had
discussed whether to conduct an explosive test of a U.S.
nuclear weapon. Since then, the Trump Administration and
subsequent Biden Administration statements have
reaffirmed the moratorium.
In an August 2024 video, the Department of Energy (DOE)
National Nuclear Security (NNSA) Administrator stated
that the United States has “no technical reasons” to conduct
nuclear tests. Some analysts have expressed concerns that
NNSA development of new warhead designs could “result
in demands to resume explosive testing.” Congress may
continue to face these issues as it considers authorizing and
appropriating funds for the stockpile stewardship program,
as well as modernization of the nuclear security enterprise.
