This bill restricts the federal government's ability to spend money on first-use nuclear strikes—attacks using nuclear weapons when the other country has not already launched a nuclear attack. Under the proposed law, before launching such a strike, the Secretary of Defense must notify Congress's top leaders within seven days and certify that the President's decision is valid and legal. However, the bill includes three exceptions where this notification requirement does not apply: if Congress has declared war, if the U.S. or its allies are responding to an actual nuclear attack, or if early warning systems detect an incoming missile headed for U.S. or allied territory. The bill specifically defines "allies" as NATO members, Japan, South Korea, and Australia. The legislation aims to ensure congressional awareness and involvement in decisions about initiating nuclear warfare while preserving the military's ability to respond quickly to immediate nuclear threats.