National Security Legislative Wrap-Up

Congress is now in recess for the election. In its final item of national security business last week, Congress approved the U.S.-India nuclear cooperation agreement. An attempt to win approval of new sanctions on Iran failed in the Senate. The Senate is expected to return for a lameduck session in mid-November; the House schedule is not clear.

KEY 2008 NATIONAL SECURITY BILLS

U.S. - INDIA DEAL

On October 1, in the waning days of the session, the Senate approved the agreement by a vote of 86 – 13. A Dorgan (D-ND) - Bingaman (D-NM) amendment to prohibit nuclear trade with India in the event that India detonates a nuclear weapon and to impose certain reporting requirements was defeated by voice vote.

SANCTIONS ON IRAN

Just before the beginning of the election recess, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid tried to gain unanimous consent to bring up and pass new sanctions on Iran, but Republicans objected.