A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the agreement for civilian nuclear cooperation between the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia pursuant to section 123 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954.
- Sponsor
- Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]
- Last action
- Oct 15, 2026
Bottom line
This resolution aims to block a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia, reflecting congressional concerns about nuclear proliferation risks and the broader implications of such a partnership.
What it actually does
This joint resolution expresses congressional disapproval of a proposed agreement for civilian nuclear cooperation between the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which was transmitted by the President on September 14, 2026. If enacted, this resolution would prevent the nuclear cooperation agreement from taking effect, effectively blocking the U.S. from engaging in civilian nuclear trade with Saudi Arabia under the terms of the proposed agreement.
Proponents argue
Proponents of the resolution argue that the proposed agreement with Saudi Arabia lacks sufficient non-proliferation safeguards, particularly by not requiring Saudi Arabia to forgo domestic uranium enrichment and reprocessing, which are dual-use technologies that could be diverted for weapons purposes. They contend that approving such an agreement without these 'gold standard' conditions poses a significant risk to regional and global security, potentially fueling a nuclear arms race in the Middle East. Supporters also highlight concerns about Saudi Arabia's human rights record and its destabilizing actions in the region, suggesting that providing advanced nuclear technology is inappropriate under current circumstances.
Opponents contend
Opponents of the resolution (i.e., those who support the nuclear cooperation agreement) would argue that the agreement is a critical component of strengthening the U.S.-Saudi strategic partnership, which is essential for regional stability and countering the influence of rival powers like China and Russia. They might assert that the agreement includes adequate non-proliferation provisions and that blocking it would only push Saudi Arabia to seek nuclear technology from less transparent suppliers, ultimately leading to weaker international safeguards. Furthermore, they emphasize the economic benefits for U.S. nuclear companies and the importance of supporting Saudi Arabia's efforts to diversify its energy sources and meet climate goals.
The bill text is extremely short and straightforward, allowing for a quick understanding of its direct purpose.
Section 1
Congressional Disapproval of Nuclear Cooperation Agreement
This section explicitly states that 'the Congress does not favor the proposed agreement for cooperation transmitted to the Congress by the President on September 14, 2026.' Under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, a joint resolution of disapproval, if enacted into law, prevents a proposed nuclear cooperation agreement from entering into force, thereby blocking the executive branch from implementing it.
Supporters argue
Supporters of the resolution argue that this provision is essential to uphold strict U.S. non-proliferation standards, particularly by preventing the transfer of sensitive nuclear technology to a country that has not committed to foregoing domestic uranium enrichment and reprocessing. They believe it protects U.S. national security interests and prevents regional nuclear arms races.
Critics contend
Opponents of the resolution (i.e., supporters of the agreement) would argue that this provision undermines the President's foreign policy authority and could damage a critical strategic partnership. They might contend that blocking the agreement pushes Saudi Arabia towards less transparent nuclear suppliers, ultimately harming non-proliferation efforts and U.S. influence.
Tradeoffs
This provision navigates the tension between upholding strict nuclear non-proliferation principles and maintaining strategic alliances and economic competitiveness in the global nuclear market. It also highlights the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches in foreign policy decision-making.