Foster Announces Bipartisan Resolution on International Atomic Energy Agency

Press Release

Today, Congressman Foster (D-IL) announced a bipartisan resolution in support of the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) role in its promotion of nuclear security. The resolution confirms the agency's role as an indispensable organization in nuclear safety and encourages the United States to play an active role to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons.

"I am proud to join my colleagues in this bipartisan initiative to prevent nuclear proliferation," Foster said. "Twenty-five years after the end of the Cold War, we must actively find ways to reduce the spread of nuclear weapons and materials. By allowing member states to work together, the IAEA plays a critical role in the reduction and security of these weapons to make the world safe for everyone."

Congressman Foster is joined by Representatives Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE) and Pete Visclosky (D-IN).

"The IAEA plays an indispensable role in protecting the world from the unthinkable," Fortenberry said. "The nightmare possibility of nuclear accidents, or use of nuclear weaponry, will plague mankind unless we have robust commitment to standards and verification of the type provided by the IAEA."

"The International Atomic Energy Agency plays a vital role in preventing nuclear proliferation, enhancing nuclear security, and facilitating worldwide access to peaceful applications of nuclear technology," Visclosky said. "As a Co-Chair of the Congressional Nuclear Security Working Group, I appreciate the initiative of Rep. Bill Foster to bring awareness to the benefits that the U.S. derives from the IAEA, and I am pleased to cosponsor his legislation."

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is the organization tasked with verifying that states comply with their commitments under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and other non-proliferation agreements, including the Iran Nuclear Deal. It was founded in 1957.

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