Maryland Senate Bill SJ2

Maryland 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/29/24
• Refer: 1/29/24

Caption

Use of Nuclear Weapons

Impact

If passed, SJ2 would align the Maryland General Assembly with the 'Back from the Brink' resolution, which aims to reduce the likelihood of nuclear weapons' use. Moreover, it encourages Maryland's Congressional Delegation to support House Resolution 77, which seeks to endorse international treaties aimed at nuclear disarmament. The resolution highlights the financial burdens related to nuclear armament, which divert resources from pressing domestic issues, including food insecurity among military families in Maryland.

Summary

Senate Joint Resolution 2 (SJ2) addresses the pressing issue of nuclear weapon proliferation and the associated risks. This resolution emphasizes the need for urgent action to prevent the catastrophic consequences of nuclear warfare. The legislation draws attention to the dangerous implications of the U.S. and Russia controlling 90% of the world's nuclear arsenal and highlights the potential for unintended nuclear conflict due to human or mechanical failure. It stresses the importance of multilateral negotiations to mitigate these risks, especially in the context of increasing global tensions among nuclear powers.

Contention

The resolution expresses concern over the ongoing expenditure of $1.7 trillion allocated to enhancing the U.S. nuclear arsenal over three decades, which is seen as exacerbating the arms race and undercutting social welfare priorities. The call to action promotes not only the de-escalation of nuclear tensions but also advocates for a re-evaluation of military spending priorities in favor of addressing poverty and food insecurity. Some legislators may oppose this bill, arguing about national defense and the role of nuclear deterrents in ensuring global stability, citing potential risks associated with disarmament without a robust verification framework.