Sens. Rubio, Menendez question US-Saudi nuclear cooperation

Sens. Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Bob Menendez (D-NJ) forwarded correspondence Tuesday to Secretary of Energy Rick Perry seeking clarity regarding the nation’s nuclear cooperation with Saudi Arabia.

In the letter, Rubio and Menendez expressed concern and sought clarification about the Administration’s approval of multiple licenses for companies to sell nuclear energy technology and support to Saudi Arabia. The senators noted that the United States does not have a framework pact for bilateral nuclear cooperation known as a 123 Agreement with Saudi Arabia.

The senators also stated that the Department of Energy took the step of authorizing the transfer of certain nuclear energy technologies and assistance to the Kingdom in the absence of a 123 Agreement.   

“The Kingdom has engaged in many deeply troubling actions and statements that have provoked alarm in Congress and led lawmakers to begin the process of reevaluating the U.S.-Saudi relationship and our long-term stability and interests in the region,” the senators wrote. “We therefore believe the United States should not be providing nuclear technology or information to them at this time.”

Rubio and Menendez said they are concerned about the nuclear proliferation risk associated with Saudi Arabia’s nuclear program and have requested Perry provide Congress with detailed information about his decision to authorize the nuclear technology transfer.

The senators have also formally requested the Government Accountability Office open a review into the Trump Administration’s nuclear negotiations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.