Rep. Peters introduces bill to limit President’s ability to launch a nuclear strike

The submerged USS Louisiana launches a Trident nuclear missile off San Diego in File photo courtesy of the U S Navy Rep Scott Peters introduced a bill on Friday to limit a president s ability to launch a nuclear strike unless the U S was under attack Peters who represents coastal San Diego County noted in a message that there are in the present minimal safeguards that protect against the ill-conceived employment of nuclear weapons by the President His Nuclear First Strike Guard Act of would require the Secretary of Defense to certify to Congress that a presidential order to launch a first strike nuclear attack is valid and legal The statute would not limit a president s ability to defend the United States or its allies from nuclear attack that is underway America s commitment to global peace and safety means it must use its nuclear arsenal as a last resort and only after thoughtful consideration amongst its elected leadership Peters announced In an age where America s strategic competitors are investing in their nuclear capabilities and two nuclear powers in the last few days came to blows the world must know that our country will be a responsible nuclear power When India and Pakistan fought a brief battle earlier this month authorities were concerned that the countries could use their nuclear weapons Peters cited a number of influential supporters of the bill including retired Adm Bobby R Inman who led the National Protection Agency and former Secretary of Defense William J Perry as well as four Nobel Prize winners