This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2017, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
A bill titled "Restricting First Use of Nuclear Weapons Act of 2017" has been introduced in both the Senate and the House (S200 by Sen. Edward Markey and HR669 by Rep. Ted Lieu). This legislation would prohibit the president from launching a nuclear first strike without a declaration of war from Congress that expressly authorizes a nuclear first strike.
This should be an easy decision, all gain and no loss. It would reduce the risk of a first strike against us during global crises. A no-first-use policy would also reduce the risks of accidental or unauthorized use of nuclear weapons. The maintenance of first-strike capability 24-7, 365 days a year at a variety of locations is very expensive. Savings from changing this policy could reduce the deficit or be freed for other uses.
Our senators and representatives should be encouraged to support this legislation.
Gail Blattenberger
Salt Lake City