Congress divided on Saudi Arabia nuclear deal over arms race fears
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Lawmakers had dramatically different reactions to the White House’s announcement of a new nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia, with Democrats concerned about accelerating a nuclear program in the Middle East and Republicans emphasizing the need for partnership in the region.
“I don’t trust anyone more than I can afford, but we have to develop allies,” Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., told Fox News Digital. “And as long as we can verify those, we have people who can verify that they’re using them for the right uses, then we’re fine.”
The Department of Energy announced details of the agreement Wednesday to support the development of a civilian nuclear energy program in Saudi Arabia by providing U.S. technology and expertise. The agreement also includes measures to ensure that nuclear materials are not diverted to weapons development.
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Lawmakers had dramatically divided reactions to the White House’s announcement of a new nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia. (Aaron Schwartz/CNP/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., called the proposal “outrageous” and Rep. Gregory Meeks, D-Y., argued that allowing Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium without stringent safeguards “could lead to a nuclear arms race.”
“The president says what we’re trying to do is prevent Iran from getting nuclear weapons, but if Saudi Arabia doesn’t meet all the protocols and so on, then it could cause an arms race where the Egyptians or others in the region want nuclear weapons,” Meeks said.
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Rep. Mark Alford, R-Miss., said Congress should play a central role in the decision to reach any final agreement and also emphasized the importance of Saudi Arabia being a regional partner.
“I think it’s important that Congress plays a role in an agreement like this, and I look forward to reviewing it,” Alford said.
“As we continue our conflict with Iran, we need like-minded partners in that region,” Alford continued. “And the reforms that Saudi Arabia is currently undergoing give me great hope and encouragement that we can move forward together to help achieve lasting peace in the region.
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Raskin also asked Fox News Digital about President Donald Trump’s family’s financial ties to Saudi Arabia.
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“Now the Trump administration is allowing the Saudis to enrich uranium,” Raskin said. “So the Saudis are enriching the Trumps, and Trump is allowing the Saudis to enrich uranium, and then we will have more nuclear weapons in the Middle East and start another nuclear arms race there.”
The deal comes as the Trump administration seeks to strengthen its partnership with Saudi Arabia while continuing to pressure Iran over its nuclear program; It’s a balancing act that Congress will likely examine in the coming months.
