Press Release

Congressman Ami Bera (D-CA) today pressed Energy Secretary Rick Perry on Saudi Arabia's nuclear ambitions and his Department's plan to stop nuclear weapons proliferation in the Middle East.

Following President Trump's decision to violate the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly known as the Iran Nuclear Deal, Congressman Bera asked Secretary Perry for an update on any Saudi talks with U.S.-based companies to provide the Kingdom with 16 nuclear reactors over 25 years. Saudi Arabia is prepared to spend $80 billion dollars on the project.

"By violating the Iran Nuclear Deal, President Trump has made it clear he doesn't value nonproliferation in the Middle East," said Congressman Bera. "Congress must ensure that the Department of Energy and Secretary Perry make a firm commitment to deter weapons proliferation in the region – including negotiating a strong 123 agreement with additional protocols. Nobody wants an arms race in the Middle East, but sadly the president's actions have pushed us closer to that reality while alienating our allies. I am grateful for Secretary Perry clarifying the administration's official position."

In the exchange – which can be viewed here – Secretary Perry committed that the U.S. would seek "an acceptable 123 [agreement] with additional protocols" that ensures Saudi Arabia only uses nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. Secretary Perry also said that if the Kingdom does not sign a 123 agreement with the U.S., "the message will be clear to the rest of the world" that Saudi Arabia is not concerned about being leaders in nonproliferation.

In March, Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sparked international concern when he stated that the Kingdom would build a nuclear bomb if Iran develops nuclear weapons. And today, Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir echoed the Crown Prince's statement, saying that Saudi Arabia would do everything they could to acquire a nuclear weapon if Iran began further enrichment of uranium. Congressman Bera is deeply concerned that President Trump will overlook the vitally important step of securing a comprehensive 123 agreement with Saudi Arabia in conjunction with the Kingdom contracting a U.S. company for peaceful nuclear power.