Chambliss IntroducesLegislation to Support the Establishment of an International Fuel Bank to Protect Against Nuclear Weapons Proliferation 
Proposal builds upon former Senator Sam Nunn’s Nuclear Threat Initiative

WASHINGTON (July 5, 2007) – U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, has introduced legislation to support the creation of an international nuclear fuel bank to protect against nuclear weapons proliferation. Specifically, the bill would support the establishment of an international regime for the assured supply of nuclear fuel for peaceful means and would authorize voluntary contributions to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The initial proposal for a nuclear fuel bank originated with former U.S. Senator Sam Nunn, D-Ga., who testified during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing in May, and highlighted the growing number of countries developing uranium enrichment, which could be used for nuclear weapons programs. 

   “The growing concern of emerging nuclear threats highlights the importance and urgency with which this issue must be addressed,” said Chambliss. “This bill is a necessary step toward ensuring our national security and protecting against nuclear weapons proliferation. I’m pleased to build upon Senator Nunn’s Nuclear Threat Initiative to strengthen global security by introducing this bill in the Senate.” 

   The bill mirrors H.R. 885 which was introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressman Tom Lantos on February 7, 2007 and passed the House June 18th. 

Background:

   Since 1945, it has been the policy of the United States to prevent an increase in the number of states that possess nuclear weapons, the means to create them, as well as the technology to produce both nuclear reactor fuel and nuclear weapons material, particularly uranium enrichment. The Chambliss bill addresses this goal by supporting the establishment of an independent international nuclear fuel bank that would guarantee reactor fuel to countries that choose not to pursue their own enrichment plants and are in good standing with existing international nuclear safeguards commitments. The bill authorizes $50 million to support the establishment of an IAEA International Nuclear Fuel Bank which would match $50 million offered by the Nuclear Threat Initiative for the same purposes. 

   The proposed fuel bank is critical to global security and prevents regimes from using their development of nuclear fuel as a smoke screen for nuclear weapons development. The fuel bank would be an integral part on a multi-tiered system to supply nuclear fuel at market prices. Countries who meet certain conditions would have a definite supply of nuclear fuel as long as the countries choose not to pursue national uranium enrichment.

   It is vital to global security that the development of nuclear power for peaceful purposes is monitored stringently in accordance with the guidelines set out by the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). However, in the current global climate it is necessary to take further steps to ensure the security of United States as well as the entire world. 

   Countries, such as Iran and North Korea, have made claims that the lack of a reliable international supply of nuclear fuel has driven them to develop their own nuclear programs, which have the potential to produce weapons grade plutonium and uranium. The Chambliss bill would effectively address this problem. 

   Senator Chambliss is also a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.