Letter From NASA Administrator Griffin and Secretary of State Rice Regarding the Iran Nonproliferation Act and the ISS

JUN 27 2005

The Honorable Sherwood Boehlert
Chairman
Committee on Science
House of Representatives

Dear Mr. Chairman:

Thank you for your letter regarding your views on NASA’s current plans for the International Space Station (ISS) and the potential purchase of goods and services from Russia that may be prohibited by the Iran Nonproliferation Act of 2000 (INA).

As the United States implements the Vision for U.S. Space Exploration, the Administration recognizes the necessity for effective cooperation with Russia to further our space exploration goals. At the same time, it is imperative that we maintain appropriate nonproliferation policy and objectives in our relationship with Russia.

Over the last several months, the Department of State and NASA have been participating in an interagency coordination process related to INA. The interagency group has proposed addressing he issues you have raised via an amendment to the INA, which is still being vetted within the Administration and is expected to be delivered to Congress in the Very near future.

The proposed amendment will seek a balanced approach which maintains U.S. proliferation principles and objectives, while also maintaining the U.S.-Russia space partnership. Significantly, the proposed amendment intends to sustain the INA’s core nonproliferation provisions in Sections 1-5.

We look forward to beginning a dialogue with your Committee to ensure that space policy and nonproliferation issues are adequately addressed. We would like to acknowledge your commitment and leadership on this important issue and would be please to discuss our ongoing efforts in greater detail, at your convenience.

Sincerely

[Signed]

Michael D. Griffin
Administrator
National Aeronautics and Space Administration

[Signed]

Condoleezza Rice
Secretary of State