Providing For Approval Of U.S.-australia Nuclear Energy Agreement

Floor Speech

* Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6411, which would approve the cooperation agreement between the government of the United States and the government of Australia concerning the peaceful use of nuclear energy. This important legislation will renew a long-standing agreement between one of our strongest allies and promote the safe trade of nuclear energy products.

* I thank Chairman BERMAN for his leadership in bringing this bill to the floor. I also thank the sponsor of this legislation, ILENA ROS-LEHTINEN, for her commitment to the safe, secure trade and peaceful use of nuclear energy products.

* Mr. Speaker, the United States has had an ongoing civilian nuclear cooperation agreement with Australia since 1957. Australia sells around 36 percent of its $1 billion in uranium exports to the United States. This accounts for 13 percent of our uranium supplies. This cooperation agreement also facilitates Australia's sale of uranium to other countries that will use it with technology made in the United States.

* The civilian nuclear cooperation agreement with Australia is set to renew automatically upon the 90th day of continuous session since the President's May 5 transmittal of the renewal agreement. However, it is nonetheless appropriate for us to come together to affirm this agreement with Australia, one of our closest and most strategically important allies.

* The United States and Australia have a strong relationship rooted in our shared values, historical ties, and strategic outlook. Our militaries conduct joint military exercises and fighting alongside U.S. service men and women. In addition, Australia has an excellent record on nuclear safety and has worked with the United States to fight nuclear proliferation. Australia's efforts to reduce proliferation have made them one of the world's leaders on global nuclear security and arms reduction.

* Mr. Speaker, for these reasons I urge my colleagues to join me in showing their support for this important agreement with Australia. This cooperation agreement is good for our relationship with an old ally, good for our energy sector, and good for international nuclear security.

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