§2455a National Nuclear Security Administration authority for urgent nonproliferation activities

Summary

The Energy Secretary can spend up to 10 percent of the yearly money for the National Nuclear Security Administration’s nonproliferation programs on urgent work to stop the spread of nuclear or radiological weapons, materials, technology, or expertise. This can be done even if other laws would normally block those actions, but only after the Energy Secretary and the Secretaries of State and Defense agree in writing that the threat is urgent, that some laws would get in the way, and that spending the money is necessary. At least 15 days before using the funds, the Energy Secretary must notify the proper congressional committees in writing. The notice must include the written decision, the planned activities, the expected time frame, and the expected costs. “Appropriate congressional committees” means the House Committees on Foreign Affairs, Armed Services, and Appropriations, and the Senate Committees on Foreign Relations, Armed Services, and Appropriations.