A resolution now before the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee would prod the United States and other likeminded nations to step up support for the International Atomic Energy Agency’s nuclear security activities.
In his bill, Rep. Bill Foster (D-Ill.) highlighted the U.N. agency’s work after being established in 1957 to promote the peaceful use of nuclear technology and to ensure its member nations do not turn their atomic activities to weapons development.
In line with the action plan from the fourth and final Nuclear Security Summit in 2016, which noted the requirement for “reliable and sufficient resources” for the IAEA, Foster is urging his colleagues through the resolution to:
- Acknowledge the IAEA’s “indespensible role” in promoting worldwide nuclear security and safety;
- Reaffirm the United States’ “vital interest” in deterring nuclear proliferation and securing nuclear substances; and
- Encouraging IAEA member nations, including the United States, to provide sufficient resources so the IAEA can carry out its missions, including: support for ongoing ministerial meetings on nuclear security; providing “reliable and sufficient resources” to the IAEA Nuclear Security Plan; delivering “appropriate political, technical, and financial support” for the agency’s Nuclear Security Fund; and establishing a full plan for promoting private-sector contributions to the fun.
The resolution has two co-sponsors: Rep. Peter Visclosky (D-Ind.) and Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (R-Neb.).
