The Trump administration has reportedly sent a civilian nuclear agreement signed last month with Saudi Arabia to Congress, kicking off a lengthy review process.
Per media reports using unnamed sources, the agreement was formally sent to Congress on Monday, setting up a months-long review period by the Senate Foreign Relations and House Foreign Affairs Committees.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the civilian nuclear pact will:
- “Expand American nuclear technology exports
- Create high-paying U.S. jobs and long-term economic growth
- Strengthen America’s energy and national security posture
- Reinforce global nonproliferation standards
- Deepen the strategic partnership between the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia”
The Wall Street Journal reported on the deal being sent to Congress on Tuesday.
The agreement falls under Section 123 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, which provides a review period for Congress totaling 90 days of continuous session. However, this includes a period of 30 days of continuous session for the president to consult with the committees. It is unclear if this process has already been completed.
An official told ABC News that the deal remains contingent upon Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords.
On July 23rd, a day after the deal was signed, Trump announced that the agreement would be subject to the kingdom joining the accords, which would require the majority-Muslim country to normalize relations with Israel.
Saudi Arabia has reportedly opposed normalizing relations with Israel without the creation of an independent Palestinian state.
Hellbound and Down 