U.S.’s Pass on Saudi Reactors Benefits China, Russia, Perry Says

  • Energy Secretary asked by Senate panel about Saudi enrichment
  • Deal to build civilian reactors could benefit U.S. companies

 Energy Secretary Rick Perry

Photographer: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg
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A U.S. failure to build civilian nuclear reactors in Saudi Arabia may allow countries that lack nuclear proliferation standards to step in, Energy Secretary Rick Perry told lawmakers.

Perry, testifying Thursday before the Senate Armed Services Committee, was asked about reports the U.S. is considering a nuclear technology-sharing agreement that wouldn’t prohibit the Saudis from enriching nuclear fuel into weapons-grade materials.