A bipartisan, bicameral group of 17 senior congressional staff selected by the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI) completed the inaugural edition of NTI’s new Congressional Leadership Project this month.
The exclusive program was designed to further develop senior congressional staff’s capacity to assess and address complex national security challenges. Participants engaged in a series of discussions on topics ranging from nuclear weapons policy and strategic stability, Iran’s nuclear program, dialogue with Russia and China, the role of AI across nuclear and biosecurity threats, and the global expansion of safe and secure nuclear energy. Sessions were led by NTI experts and outside specialists representing a broad range of senior-level experience across multiple prior administrations.
Cohort members participated in a culminating tabletop exercise on biosecurity, which involved examining the opportunities and risks associated with advances at the intersection of AI and the life sciences.
In addition to substance, participants noted the program’s value in strengthening cross-party and cross-chamber relationships along with the utility of building networks with experts working on nuclear, biological, and emerging technology risks.
“Congress plays a crucial role in addressing nuclear and biosecurity risks,” NTI CEO Christine Wormuth said in a session with the group. “The CLP mobilized NTI’s expertise and convening power to deliver real value for staff that contributes to informed, effective engagement from the legislative branch.”
NTI is currently accepting applications for the second cohort of the Congressional Leadership Project. More information is available here.
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The Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI) joined world leaders and policymakers at the 2026 Munich Security Conference (MSC), where NTI President and CEO Christine E. Wormuth and colleagues hosted events focused on reducing nuclear, biological, and emerging technology threats imperiling humanity.
A national security leader with more than 30 years of experience in defense policy, strategic planning, and international security, Secretary Wormuth brings an extensive record of leadership and service at the Department of Defense, the White House, and prominent think tanks.
NTI will join world leaders and policy makers at the 2025 Munich Security Conference (MSC) where NTI Co-Chair and CEO Ernest J. Moniz and colleagues will host multiple side events focused on reducing nuclear, biological, and emerging technology threats imperiling humanity.
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