Democratic Sens. Jeff Merkley and Ed Markey introduced a joint resolution of disapproval on October 15, 2026, attempting to block President Trump's 30-year civilian nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia. Critics warn the pact lacks safeguards against fuel enrichment and weapons proliferation, while the administration cites diplomatic ties linked to the Abraham Accords. The measure faces steep legislative hurdles, requiring a 60-vote threshold in the Senate and President Trump's signature to reverse the agreement.
Democratic resolution to block the deal
- ▪Sens. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Ed Markey (D-Mass.) introduced a joint resolution of disapproval on October 15, 2026 to block President Trump's civilian nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia signed in late July 2026
- ▪The Democratic joint resolution introduced by Sens. Jeff Merkley and Ed Markey invoking the Atomic Energy Act forces a vote after November 29, 2026 following a mandatory 90-day congressional review window
- ▪Sens. Jeff Merkley and Ed Markey warned that the U.S.-Saudi civilian nuclear agreement signed in late July 2026 lacks critical restrictions on uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing required to prevent nuclear weapons creation
- ▪Democrats in the House of Representatives introduced an identical measure to the joint resolution of disapproval offered by Sens. Jeff Merkley and Ed Markey
Congressional Republican reactions to the deal
- ▪Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) expressed support for Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords, a regional treaty normalizing relations with Israel, but stated he wanted more details regarding constraints on Saudi nuclear usage
- ▪Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) stated in July 2026 that IAEA inspections and non-enrichment standards in civilian programs were reassuring and that initial details about the U.S.-Saudi nuclear deal caused him no concern
- ▪Some House Republicans have raised concerns regarding the U.S.-Saudi civilian nuclear agreement signed in late July 2026 but have not committed to opposing it
Link to the Abraham Accords
- ▪Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated that negotiations over Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords would run in parallel with the civil nuclear deal signed in late July 2026
- ▪President Trump stated that the Saudi civilian nuclear deal would hinge on Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords regional normalization treaty with Israel
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