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Energy Secretary Chris Wright confirms U.S.-Saudi nuclear cooperation; Congress to review under Atomic Energy Act
Summary
Energy Secretary Chris Wright was reported to have confirmed a nuclear cooperation agreement between the United States and Saudi Arabia. Administration speakers said the accord would emphasize high safety and safeguards, could provide "billions" for the U.S. nuclear industry, and will require congressional review under the Atomic Energy Act.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright has confirmed a nuclear cooperation agreement between the United States and Saudi Arabia, and administration spokespeople said the deal would emphasize strict safety standards and trigger a congressional review under the Atomic Energy Act.
A presenter at the briefing described President Trump’s approach to the Middle East as focused on commerce rather than conflict and characterized Saudi Arabia as a long-standing U.S. ally. "This will be top level, highest standards for nuclear safety and safeguards ever done," the presenter said, adding that U.S. nuclear technology and companies would figure prominently in implementation.
A separate speaker said the administration estimates the agreement would provide "billions" of dollars for the U.S. nuclear industry as American firms design reactors for export. The same speaker noted that the agreement must be reviewed by Congress and that, under the Atomic Energy Act, lawmakers may consider a resolution of disapproval.
The briefing did not provide the text of the agreement, specific commercial terms, an exact dollar estimate, or a timeline for congressional review. It also did not include on-the-record responses from Saudi officials. The next public step identified in the briefing was congressional review under the Atomic Energy Act; no formal votes or committee dates were announced during the remarks.
