House Democrats Want Biden to Give Up Sole Authority to Launch Nuclear Weapons

President Joe Biden signs executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House on Jan. 20, 2021. Tom Brenner/Reuters

Several dozen House Democrats signed a letter asking President Joe Biden to give up his sole authority to launch nuclear weapons and “consider modifying” the command and control of the U.S. nuclear forces.

“Vesting one person with this authority entails real risks,” a letter from Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.) said. “Past presidents have threatened to attack other countries with nuclear weapons or exhibited behavior that caused other officials to express concern about the president’s judgment.