March 2026: Call on Congress to Extend the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty

BACKGROUND: Currently, the US and Russia each have over 5,000 nuclear weapons. Since 2011, the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) has put agreed upon limits on both the United States and Russia’s nuclear weapons. But this important treaty expired on February 5, 2026. If nothing replaces New START, both the United States and Russia could rapidly expand their nuclear weapons arsenals. This would likely push China to follow suit, further raising tensions between all three countries.

But there is hope: Russia recently expressed its intention to abide by treaty limits even without a renewed formal agreement. The United States should follow Russia’s lead, stand by existing limits, and begin negotiations toward a renewed treaty.

To help keep the New START treaty limits in place and avoid a dangerous and costly nuclear arms race, Rep. Bill Foster (IL) introduced House Resolution 100, H.Res. 100, in the House, and Sen. Edward Markey (MA) introduced a companion Senate Resolution S.Res. 61 in the Senate. 

Supporting these resolutions shows the U.S. is serious about maintaining important limits that keep everyone safer.

ACTION: Contact your Representative and Senators and urge them to cosponsor these resolutions that call on the United States in cooperation with Russia to pursue a follow-on agreement to New Start. The Resolutions call on both countries to adhere to the limits of the New START treaty until the new framework is negotiated. They also call for talks with China to reduce nuclear risks.

• House: H.J. Res 100

• Senate: S.J. Res 61

CONTACT:  Your Representative & Senators in Congress

• Web: www.senate.gov, www.house.gov; leave a message via “Contact” on his/her website

• Tel: 202-224-3121 (Capitol switchboard – ask for his/her office & leave a message)

• Mail: Senator or Representative (first and last name) U.S. Senate, Washington, D.C. 20510 or U. S. House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. 20515 

Note: If you live in MA or in Rep. Bill Foster’s District in IL, write to Senator Markey or to Representative Foster and thank them for their leadership on this critically important issue.

Send a letter-to-the-editor or your local paper on this topic to educate others. This is one of the best ways to make a difference on this issue.