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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), a Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee member, joined Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) and Martin Heinrich (D-NM) in introducing the Russian Suspension Agreement Extension Act of 2020, bipartisan legislation to extend and expand limits on Russian uranium imports.

“America’s nuclear energy industry should not be controlled by Vladimir Putin,” said Senator Cramer. “Our bill codifies the good work of the Trump administration and bolsters America’s economic and national security.”

“Russia continues to undercut Wyoming’s uranium producers by flooding the market with cheap nuclear fuel,” said Senator Barrasso. “Vladimir Putin and his satellite states are using uranium as a geo-political weapon. This is a threat to both our energy security and national security. The Trump administration is taking important steps to stop them. Our bipartisan legislation will codify those actions in law. It will also help revive and strengthen American uranium production. I look forward to working with members on both sides of the aisle to get this legislation passed.” 

The Russian Suspension Agreement Extension Act of 2020 will:

  • Reduce reliance on Russian uranium imports in order to protect national security;
  • Strengthen the supply chain for nuclear fuel produced in the United States;
  • Close loopholes that hurt American uranium producers; and
  • Require the secretary of Energy to submit a report updating Congress on the steps being taken to accurately measure uranium imports.

Joining Senators Cramer, Barrasso, and Heinrich as cosponsors are Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Jim Risch (R-ID), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), and Tom Cotton (R-AR).

Click here to read the legislation.

Background:

Earlier this month, Senator Cramer applauded the Trump administration for striking a preliminary deal, which this bill codifies, to limit Russian uranium imports through 2040. Senator Cramer and nine of his colleagues sent a letter to the Department of Commerce calling on the department to extend the Russian Suspension Agreement (RSA), as recommended by the Nuclear Fuel Working Group (NFWG).