Is there a way to expedite Congressional approval?
It has been suggested that legislation could be introduced to circumvent the Hyde Act and the Atomic Energy Act so that the agreement could be approved this year. Although it is not impossible to introduce “notwithstanding” legislation, it is highly unlikely for several reasons. No peaceful nuclear cooperation agreement has been adopted in such a manner thus far. The Hyde Act was necessary because the Administration could not make the necessary determinations under the AEA for a non-routine agreement. The Administration would thus be asking Congress to make an exception on top of the exception already made.
