Iran Nuclear Proliferation Prevention Act of 1998
Latest action (20 Oct 1998): On passage Passed without objection.
What this bill does
H.R. 4851, the Iran Nuclear Proliferation Prevention Act of 1998, would amend the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to automatically apply existing limits on U.S. voluntary contributions to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) programs and projects in Iran, including work related to the Bushehr nuclear power plant. This withholding could only be lifted if the Secretary of State certified in writing to relevant congressional committees that a specific program was consistent with U.S. nonproliferation and safety goals and would not give Iran expertise useful for developing nuclear weapons. The bill also required the Secretary of State to conduct annual reviews of IAEA programs in countries covered by existing law, direct U.S. representatives to oppose IAEA programs found inconsistent with U.S. nonproliferation goals, and submit periodic reports to Congress on IAEA assistance to Iran, including funding levels, Iranian officials at the agency, and reactor completion timelines.
The bill primarily affects U.S. foreign policy and funding decisions regarding the IAEA, rather than imposing obligations on private individuals or businesses. It would constrain the Secretary of State's discretion in approving U.S. voluntary funding for IAEA activities in Iran and create new reporting obligations to Congress. Indirectly, it reflects congressional concern about Iran's nuclear program and its support for groups the U.S. has designated as engaged in terrorism.
The bill was introduced on October 19, 1998, and passed the House without objection the following day. However, it was never taken up or passed by the Senate before the 105th Congress ended, so it did not become law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Iran Nuclear Proliferation Prevention Act of 1998 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to withhold U.S. voluntary contributions from programs and projects of the International Atomic Energy Agency in Iran unless the Secretary of State makes a determination in writing to certain congressional committees that such programs and projects are consistent with U.S. nuclear nonproliferation and safety goals and will not provide Iran with training or expertise relevant to nuclear programs' development. Instructs the Secretary to review and report to the Congress annually for five years on all Agency programs and projects in specified countries to determine if they are consistent with U.S. nuclear nonproliferation and safety goals. Requires the Secretary to direct the U.S. representative to the Agency to oppose Agency programs determined inconsistent with U.S. nuclear nonproliferation and safety goals. Directs the Secretary to report annually to the Congress for five years on specified aspects of annual Agency assistance to Iran, including nuclear materials technology transfer, and inconsistencies between Agency technical assistance programs and U.S. nuclear nonproliferation and safety goals. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should pursue internal Agency reforms that will ensure that all programs funded under the Technical Cooperation and Assistance Fund are compatible with U.S. nuclear nonproliferation policy and international nuclear nonproliferation norms.
Timeline
20 Oct 1998
On passage Passed without objection.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 4851 do?
- H.R. 4851, the Iran Nuclear Proliferation Prevention Act of 1998, would amend the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to automatically apply existing limits on U.S. voluntary contributions to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) programs and projects in Iran, including work related to the Bushehr nuclear power plant. This withholding could only be lifted if the Secretary of State certified in writing to relevant congressional committees that a specific program was consistent with U.S. nonproliferation and safety goals and would not give Iran expertise useful for developing nuclear weapons. The bill also required the Secretary of State to conduct annual reviews of IAEA programs in countries covered by existing law, direct U.S. representatives to oppose IAEA programs found inconsistent with U.S. nonproliferation goals, and submit periodic reports to Congress on IAEA assistance to Iran, including funding levels, Iranian officials at the agency, and reactor completion timelines. The bill primarily affects U.S. foreign policy and funding decisions regarding the IAEA, rather than imposing obligations on private individuals or businesses. It would constrain the Secretary of State's discretion in approving U.S. voluntary funding for IAEA activities in Iran and create new reporting obligations to Congress. Indirectly, it reflects congressional concern about Iran's nuclear program and its support for groups the U.S. has designated as engaged in terrorism. The bill was introduced on October 19, 1998, and passed the House without objection the following day. However, it was never taken up or passed by the Senate before the 105th Congress ended, so it did not become law.
- Has H.R. 4851 become law?
- Not yet. As of 20 Oct 1998, H.R. 4851 is passed house (senate next).
- Who sponsored H.R. 4851?
- H.R. 4851 was sponsored by Sen. Robert “Bob” Menendez [D-NJ, 2006-2024] (Democrat-NJ), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 4851?
- On passage Passed without objection. (20 Oct 1998).
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