William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021

Floor Speech

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Ms. TITUS. Mr. Speaker, I join Congressman McAdams in support of this amendment, which prohibits the Trump administration from conducting a dangerous and unnecessary explosive nuclear test. You want to see something dangerous, take a look at his foreign policy.

Mr. Speaker, for over two decades, our Nation's top scientists have conducted sophisticated tests to ensure the safety and reliability of our nuclear stockpile without detonating these weapons.

As recently as 3 weeks ago, the NNSA stated that they identify no technical reason to resume underground explosive nuclear testing. We should heed their words. They are the experts.

Moreover, conducting an explosive nuclear test encourages our adversaries, like Russia and China, to do the same. There is no good reason to risk the restart of a global arms race, especially at a time when we have the technological advantage.

An entire generation of Cold War patriots and families who worked at and lived downwind of the Nevada test site have suffered illnesses linked to radiation exposure. They know what is at risk if we allow this administration to conduct such a harmful experiment. We shouldn't do it.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.

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