Foster Introduces Resolution to Promote Nuclear Security and the Work of the International Atomic Energy Agency

Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) introduced a resolution in support of the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) role in the promotion of nuclear security. The resolution reasserts the agency's position as an essential partner in ensuring international nuclear safety, and it encourages the United States to play an active role to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons.

"As the only Ph.D. physicist in Congress, I am proud to introduce this resolution to reaffirm the US’s commitment to preventing nuclear proliferation," Foster said. "The IAEA played an integral role in the success of the U.S.-brokered Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) by monitoring Iran’s uranium enrichment program and verifying their stockpile. Now that Trump has withdrawn the U.S. from that agreement and the IAEA is not able to conduct verification in Iran, the world is in a more dangerous position than before. If at some point Trump does succeed at reaching a new nuclear agreement with Iran, the IAEA will be essential for monitoring that agreement. Congress must therefore recommit to supporting the IAEA’s work to reduce the spread of nuclear weapons and materials.”

Founded in 1957, the IAEA is the organization tasked with verifying that countries comply with their commitments under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and other non-proliferation agreements.

The House resolution is cosponsored by Reps. Don Beyer (D-VA), Joaquin Castro (D-TX), Jim McGovern (D-MA), Seth Moulton (D-MA), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Ro Khanna (D-CA), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Rick Larsen (D-WA), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), and Dina Titus (D-NV).

A copy of the resolution can be found here. 

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