Extends the U.S.-South Korea Civilian Nuclear Energy Agreement

Washington, D.C. – Today, the House unanimously passed H.R. 2449, bipartisan legislation that strengthens U.S.-South Korea relations.  Authored by Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, the legislation extends the U.S.-South Korea civilian nuclear agreement for two years.

Royce said: “The U.S.-South Korea alliance is critical to America’s national security.  This year, as we celebrate its 60th Anniversary, it is important that we extend the existing U.S.-South Korea civilian nuclear energy agreement, which is set to expire next year.  Passage of this legislation will prevent an unnecessary interruption in nuclear energy cooperation that would have a major negative impact on the alliance and on U.S. exporters too.  Negotiators from both countries can focus on substance instead of the clock.  The legislation now heads to the Senate for its consideration.”

Video of Chairman Royce speaking on the House floor this afternoon in support of the legislation is available HERE:

Note:   Earlier this year, Chairman Royce welcomed President Park Geun-hye, South Korea’s first female president, to Southern California where she addressed the Korean-American community to discuss the 60th anniversary of the U.S.-South Korean alliance.  Former Chairman of the U.S.-Republic of Korea Interparliamentary Exchange, Royce was also one of the leading champions of the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement.

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