US announces nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia that could enable kingdom to enrich uranium - US politics live

Key Points:

• The Trump administration signed a 30-year nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia allowing the kingdom to enrich uranium for nuclear reactors, raising concerns over safeguards against weaponization as the deal awaits Congressional review.
• The agreement aims to strengthen U.S.-Saudi commercial ties and promote nuclear nonproliferation, involving U.S. firms like Westinghouse, but faces scrutiny due to the potential risks amid ongoing U.S.-Iran tensions over uranium enrichment.
• Separately, the U.S. House passed a $1.15 trillion defense policy bill amid opposition from Democrats concerned about the war with Iran and voting restrictions, while Senate Republicans introduced the Clarity Act to regulate cryptocurrency use by public officials through 2029.
• Measles cases in the U.S. have reached a 35-year high in 2026, with over 2,295 cases reported, attributed mainly to unvaccinated individuals and highlighting gaps in public health infrastructure and vaccination coverage.
• Former CDC officials warn that the U.S. public health system is underprepared for future pandemics due to funding cuts and staffing shortages, which have weakened the country’s ability to prevent and manage infectious disease outbreaks like Ebola, hantavirus, and measles.