Nuclear Societies Urge Congress to Confirm U.S. Ambassador to IAEA
Today, the American Nuclear Society (ANS) and the Institute of Nuclear Materials Management (INMM) have urged Congress to confirm Ms. Laura Holgate as the Ambassador and U.S. Representative to the Vienna office of the United Nations and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
In a letter sent to U.S. Senators signed by ANS President Eugene S. Grecheck and INMM President Lawrence J. Satkowiak, the two societies expressed their deep concern for the continuing absence of a U.S. ambassador to the IAEA. The organizations stressed that the ongoing ambassador vacancy affects the ability of the U.S. to influence international nuclear nonproliferation efforts, most notably in maintaining vigilance in monitoring implementation of the Iran Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and addressing North Korea’s development of nuclear weapons technology and materials. The IAEA is the leading organization to monitor and ensure compliance with non-proliferation treaties and norms.
The letter notes that Holgate is “exceptionally qualified” for the position as an “expert in nuclear security and preventing the development and use of weapons of mass destruction.” ”We can think of no one better to protect U.S. non-proliferation and security interests at the IAEA “said Grecheck and Satkowiak. Laura Holgate currently serves as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Weapons of Mass Destruction Terrorism and Threat Reduction on the National Security Council.
Together, the two societies represent many of the professional men and women directly involved in the global effort to halt the proliferation of nuclear weapons, materials, and technology.
The Institute of Nuclear Materials Management (INMM) is an international professional society of 1,200 worldwide members dedicated to development and promulgation of practices for the safe, secure and effective stewardship of nuclear materials through the advancement of scientific knowledge, technical skills, policy dialogue, and enhancement of professional capabilities.
