House Democrats Move to Block Trump Administration’s Saudi Nuclear Agreement

A group of House Democrats introduced a resolution Thursday aimed at blocking a civil nuclear cooperation agreement between the United States and Saudi Arabia, raising concerns that the deal lacks sufficient safeguards against nuclear weapons development. The agreement was formally sent to Congress in August, triggering a 90-day review period during which lawmakers have the option to pass a resolution of disapproval.

Missing Safeguards Draw Criticism

Representatives Gregory Meeks, Brad Sherman, John Garamendi, and Don Beyer argue the deal fails to prevent Saudi Arabia from enriching uranium or reprocessing nuclear waste, both of which are considered potential pathways toward developing nuclear weapons. Critics note that the United Arab Emirates agreed to stricter conditions, often called the gold standard, in its own 2009 nuclear agreement with the U.S. The Trump administration maintains that the current deal includes all nonproliferation measures required under existing law.

Israel Relations Remain an Open Question

It also remains unclear whether the deal’s implementation depends on Saudi Arabia normalizing relations with Israel. While the administration has suggested the agreement is contingent on that step, congressional aides say no such condition is explicitly written into the deal itself. Lawmakers have also called for full public disclosure of the agreement, including any classified side letters reached with Saudi officials.

Deal Involves Major Reactor Construction Project

The proposed 30-year agreement includes plans to build AP1000 nuclear reactors, a project valued at tens of billions of dollars that would benefit Westinghouse, a company jointly owned by Cameco and Brookfield Asset Management.

Uncertain Path Forward in Congress

With the House now out of session until after the November 3 midterm elections, the timing of any vote remains unclear. Notably, no nuclear related disapproval resolution has ever successfully passed Congress, and under existing law, the agreement will automatically take effect after 90 days unless lawmakers act to block it.