Instead of starting a new nuclear arms race, now is the time to reclaim our Nation’s position of leadership on nuclear nonproliferation efforts.

Feinstein contrasts two strategic paths for U.S. nuclear policy: escalating competition through new weapons development (“a new nuclear arms race”) versus reasserting diplomatic and treaty-based leadership aimed at limiting the spread of nuclear weapons. The quote frames nonproliferation as a domain where U.S. credibility and influence matter—implying that restraint, verification regimes, and international cooperation can enhance security more effectively than reciprocal buildup. It also signals a critique of policies that expand or modernize arsenals in ways that may provoke rivals, weaken norms like the Non-Proliferation Treaty, or undermine arms-control agreements. The underlying claim is that leadership is demonstrated by reducing risks and reinforcing global rules, not by accelerating nuclear competition.