Trump Administration Sends 30-Year Saudi Nuclear Deal to Congress as Enrichment Plan Draws Fire
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Aug 26
Trump Administration Sends 30-Year Saudi Nuclear Deal to Congress as Enrichment Plan Draws Fire
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Aug 26
Summary
Congress received a 30-year U.S.-Saudi nuclear cooperation agreement that could let the kingdom enrich fuel for civilian reactors, formally starting the review required under Section 123 of the Atomic Energy Act.
The accord would deepen U.S.-Saudi ties and give U.S. companies a central role in building Saudi civilian nuclear infrastructure while largely excluding foreign rivals.
90 days of continuous congressional session now begin for review by the Senate Foreign Relations and House Foreign Affairs committees; the deal can take effect unless Congress passes a joint resolution rejecting it.
Democratic lawmakers have urged Congress to block the agreement, warning Saudi enrichment could spur a Middle East nuclear arms race and calling it contradictory after Trump's war with Iran over Tehran's nuclear program.
Last month, Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman signed the pact and a separate safeguards agreement, underscoring Washington's push to tighten cooperation despite proliferation concerns.