As Trump’s Illegal Iran War Passes Two Months, Senator Markey Reintroduces Legislation to Prevent Nuclear Plant Catastrophes in War Zones

Bill Text (PDF) Washington (April 30, 2026) – Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), co-chairs of the bicameral Nuclear Weapons and Arms Control Working Group, today reintroduced the Reactors at Risk Act, legislation that would direct the Department of Defense (DoD) and the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) to develop a plan to prevent, prepare for, and mitigate the risks posed by nuclear reactors in war zones. The legislation requires a report from the DoD and the NNSA within 60 days of implementation on details of the dangers posed by nuclear reactors in recent and potential military conflicts. “After two months of Trump’s illegal and reckless Iran war, and as we pass the 40 th anniversary of the Chornobyl disaster, we must confront the dangers of building nuclear power plants in war zones,” said Senator Markey . “No matter how safe we make nuclear reactors, these facilities are simply not designed to withstand military attacks and should not be built in conflict zones. I thank Senator Merkley for his partnership on this legislation, which would reduce the risk of nuclear catastrophes and protect communities across the globe during wartime.” Senator Markey has been outspoken about the need for higher nuclear power plant safety standards and has consistently voted to prevent the Trump administration from taking further military action against Iran without congressional approval. He has also introduced legislation to restrict Saudi Arabia’s access to nuclear weapons technologies. On February 20, 2026, Senator Markey denounced news that a nuclear deal between the United States and Saudi Arabia would allow some form of uranium enrichment, which could enable Riyadh to produce nuclear material and a nuclear bomb. ###