Democratic Senators Move to Block U.S.-Saudi Nuclear Deal
Senators Jeff Merkley and Edward J. Markey introduced a resolution to block a nuclear cooperation agreement between the United States and Saudi Arabia.
Democratic Senators Jeff Merkley and Edward J. Markey introduced a resolution on Thursday to block a nuclear cooperation agreement, known as a 123 agreement, between the United States and Saudi Arabia. The senators argue the pact lacks essential restrictions on spent fuel reprocessing and uranium enrichment, which they claim could trigger a nuclear arms race in the Middle East and undermine U.S. efforts to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
The Trump administration defends the agreement as a tool to strengthen security and economic ties while adhering to federal nonproliferation standards. Saudi officials maintain the deal is intended to support the kingdom's energy diversification efforts.
While the resolution mandates a debate and vote following the November 3 midterm elections, it faces a difficult path in the Republican-controlled House. Some Republicans have expressed reservations; Senator John Kennedy noted the contradiction of signing a nuclear deal with one nation while conducting a military campaign to prevent another from acquiring nuclear weapons.
