Menendez, Graham Introduce Bill to Track Iran Nuclear Efforts

WASHINGTON – Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) and Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) today introduced the Iran Nuclear Weapons Capability Monitoring Act of 2022 to establish a task force to monitor the nuclear weapons and missile capabilities of Iran.

The legislation establishes a joint task force led by the Department of State to monitor and regularly report to the appropriate congressional committees on Iran’s nuclear weapons and missile activities. The report will outline critical findings, including but not limited to, Iran’s ballistic missile activities, weaponization activities, and clandestine nuclear research.

“I am pleased to have worked with Senator Graham to introduce this bipartisan legislation in light of the dangerous advancements in Iran’s nuclear program,” said Chairman Menendez. “With Iran’s unrelenting support of terrorism, its overmatching missile programs, and defiance in the face of international censure, there is no reason why the U.S. Congress should not receive the most up to date information about Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile activities or the Administration’s diplomatic efforts to address the threats posed by them. That is exactly what this bill will do.”

“It is imperative the United States government stays focused on monitoring Iranian nuclear ambitions,” said Senator Graham. “This legislation requires reports to Congress from relevant agencies on the status of the nuclear desires of the Iranian regime in several key areas. The best way for American leaders to make sound judgments about Iran is to have the most current and reliable information available. Our legislation also requires our government to collaborate with regional allies like Israel. No matter what happens with the Iran nuclear negotiations, we must monitor the Iranian nuclear program like a hawk. I appreciate working with Senator Menendez on this legislation as he is a reliable and steadfast defender of Israel and an opponent of the Iranian regime.”

Additionally, the legislation requires that the Secretary of State submit an annual diplomatic strategy for engaging with partners and allies of the United States regarding the nuclear weapons and missile activities of Iran that will include:

• A description of efforts of the United States to counter efforts of Iran to project political and military influence.
• A description of a coordinated whole-of-government approach to use political, economic, and security related tools to address such activities.
• A comprehensive plan for engaging with allies and regional partners in all relevant multilateral fora to address such activities.

The full text of the legislation can be found here.

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