Prohibit a President from first-use of nuclear weapons without Congressional authorization
The US maintains a large nuclear arsenal for deterrence. Debates concern whether to modernize the arsenal, reduce warheads through arms control agreements, and whether to adopt a 'no first use' policy— pledging not to be the first to use nuclear weapons in a conflict.
Arguments For & Against
Pro Argument
The US should adopt a no-first-use nuclear policy to reduce the risk of nuclear war. Pledging not to use nuclear weapons first removes adversaries' incentive to strike preemptively out of fear, and strengthens our moral standing in the world.
Con Argument
Adopting a no-first-use policy would weaken deterrence and could embolden adversaries to use chemical, biological, or other weapons knowing we would not respond with nuclear weapons. Strategic ambiguity about when nuclear weapons might be used is a key element of deterrence.
Source document: Intl-Security-Questionnaire-National.pdf
| Type | Organization | Date | Nat | Rep | Dem | Gap | Metric |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New PPC Survey (2026) | Program for Public Consultation | February 2026 | 69% | 77% | 64% | 13% | favor |
| Deliberative Survey | Program for Public Consultation | August 2024 | 69% | 67% | 73% | 6% | favor |
Program for Public Consultation — February 2026
Do you favor or oppose a proposal that says the following: To use nuclear weapons first in response to a non-nuclear attack, the President would first have to consult Congress, and Congress would have to issue a declaration of war on the country to be attacked with nuclear weapons. The President would still have the sole authority to order the use of nuclear weapons in response to a nuclear attack.
Program for Public Consultation — August 2024
Congress passing a law that says: The President would still have the authority to use nuclear weapons in response to the launch of a nuclear strike against the U.S. or an ally. But, to use nuclear weapons first, the President would first have to consult Congress and Congress would have to issue a declaration of war on the country the U.S. would be attacking with nuclear weapons.
Related Policies
Place a high priority on upholding collective security by contributing to collective military operations or using economic sanctions in response to international aggression
80% national support
Continue to be part of NATO
83% national support
Continue to provide military aid to Ukraine
65% national support
Have nuclear arms control treaties with Russia
79% national support