Bipartisan resolution underlines support for International Atomic Energy Agency

Working together, U.S. Sens. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) introduced a resolution this week to support the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) role in promoting nuclear security.

“The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) plays a crucial role in bolstering nuclear security and guarding against the spread of nuclear weapons and materials,” Blackburn said. “We must ensure the IAEA has the resources it needs in order to strengthen our country’s nuclear security and ensure atomic energy is not exploited by bad actors around the world.”

The IAEA was founded in 1957 as an independent, intergovernmental forum for nuclear scientific and technical cooperation, with a specific focus on safe, peaceful uses of related science and technologies. In that role, it works to verify that nations comply with commitments to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation treaty and other non-proliferation agreements.

While the resolution would not provide any binding characteristics, it would act as a statement of ongoing support from the United States, signaling its intent to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, secure nuclear materials and ensure the IAEA has the tools needed to operate.

“At a time of immense global conflict, the International Atomic Energy Agency plays a critical role upholding global safety standards and peaceful nuclear operations,” Luján said. “In my home state of New Mexico, we’ve seen firsthand the impact nuclear weapons can have on the community and to the long-term health of our citizens. This resolution makes it clear that Senators on both sides of the aisle are committed to a fully funded IAEA that has the resources to carry out its vital safety mission.”

At the same time, U.S. Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL) introduced a companion resolution in the U.S. House.