Letter by Gene Marx about the Non-proliferation Treaty

[Activist Gene Marx of Bellingham wrote to his Representative about this crucial issue]

April 21, 2026

Representative Rick Larsen,

Your support of the NPT(Non-proliferation Treaty) is more critical now than ever. The latest analysis by Olamide Samuel in Bulletin of Atomic Scientists points to the need for increased diplomacy and less military action before everything spirals out of control. According to Samuel, 

“The Trump administration’s Iran policy since June teaches a terrible lesson about nuclear proliferation: If Iran-style threshold nuclear latency does not protect against attack, if international safeguards do not shield declared nuclear facilities, and if coercion remains the answer even when diplomacy is attempted, some states may begin to conclude that only actual weaponization, not restraint, is what purchases security. That would be disastrous for the NPT system, but it is precisely the conclusion the present approach risks encouraging among some non-nuclear-weapon states.”

Shifts in policy and capability among key global players make it clear that the NPT remains a cornerstone of international security. Without strong leadership and advocacy from members of Congress, the risk of nuclear proliferation will only grow, threatening both regional and global stability.

Realizing that the US nuclear umbrella is fraying amid escalations in the Middle East and worsening relationships with Russia, China, and North Korea, Japan is discussing an amendment to its constitution regarding three non-nuclear principles: to not possess, produce, or allow the introduction of nuclear weapons into Japanese territory or territorial waters. With growing uncertainty over US security guarantees under President Trump, Tokyo’s political establishment is revisiting their practicalities. While nuclear latency is holding in Seoul, polling in South Korea supports development of indigenous nuclear weaponization (75%). Both allies have enriched stockpiles and the necessary delivery systems.

Other countries recognized as latent nuclear states –  technologically capable, a “screwdriver’s turn” of atomic weaponization – include Taiwan, Canada, Germany, Netherlands and Brazil, all capable of developing nuclear weapons within a period of months.

The 11th Review Conference of the NPT begins on April 27 in New York City, so the Middle East war and its possible devastating nuclear weapon consequences are bound to come up. This is all timely stuff and your support of the NPT, and cosponsoring – along with 56 Democratic colleagues- Rep. James McGovern’s bill, H.Res 317, Urging the United States to lead the world back from the brink of nuclear war and halt and reverse the nuclear arms race, is critical.

Thank you ahead of time for standing up for diplomacy and non-proliferation.

Your leadership is crucial in shaping a safer future for all.

Sincerely,

Gene Marx,  Bellingham