WASHINGTON, 17 September, 2026 (Nosheen): US House of Representatives Democrats have raised concerns over President Donald Trump’s proposed civil nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia and introduced a resolution of disapproval seeking to prevent the deal from taking effect. Trump sent the proposed agreement to Congress in August, triggering a 90-day review period during which lawmakers can consider a resolution to block it. Democrats and nuclear nonproliferation advocates have criticised the agreement for not explicitly preventing Saudi Arabia from enriching uranium or reprocessing nuclear waste, both of which can provide pathways to developing nuclear weapons. Four Democratic representatives — Gregory Meeks of New York, Brad Sherman and John Garamendi of California, and Don Beyer of Virginia — said the region, already affected by conflict and escalation, did not need another nuclear power. The Trump administration has maintained that the agreement includes the nonproliferation measures required under US law. It remains unclear whether the agreement is linked to Saudi Arabia normalising relations with Israel. Trump has said the pact would only take effect if Riyadh establishes such relations, while congressional aides said the agreement itself does not address the issue. Members of Congress have also called for the full agreement, including classified side letters with Saudi Arabia, to be made public. The 30-year agreement includes plans for the construction of AP1000 nuclear reactors, in a project potentially worth tens of billions of dollars. It remains unclear when the House will vote on the resolution, as Speaker Mike Johnson has sent lawmakers home until after the November 3 midterm elections. Under Section 123 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, peaceful nuclear cooperation agreements automatically take effect after 90 days unless Congress passes a resolution of disapproval to block them.