Policy Resolution LJE-19-25

WHEREAS, the President of the United States currently has the sole authority to launch a nuclear attack without any required consultation or any system of check and balances;

WHEREAS, the first use of nuclear weapons against any other nuclear-armed nation would result in retaliation and invite the near total destruction of any state;

WHEREAS, even a single nuclear detonation comparable to those dropped during World War II would have a devastating impact on all Americans;

WHEREAS, Americans have the right to live a life free from the threat of the reckless use of nuclear weapons; and

WHEREAS, use and detonation of even a small number of nuclear weapons would have catastrophic human, environmental and economic consequences globally – impacting everyone on the planet.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) urges the U.S. Congress to take all necessary steps to establish a system of check and balances with regard to the first use of nuclear weapons and to ensure that the President does not have the sole and unchecked authority to launch nuclear weapons, except in circumstances of retaliation; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the NBCSL send a copy of this resolution to the President of the United States, the Vice President of the United States, members of Congress, and other federal and state government officials as appropriate.

• SPONSOR: Representative Carol Ammons (IL)
• Committee of Jurisdiction: Law, Justice, and Ethics Policy Committee
• Certified by Committee Chair: Representative Reginald Meeks (KY)
• Ratified in Plenary Session: Ratification Date is November 30, 2018
• Ratification is certified by: Representative Gregory W. Porter (IN), President