ExecutiveOrdersEO
Notice 13159NoticeG.W. Bush · R Quiet signal

Presidential Notice 13159

Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to the Risk of Nuclear Proliferation Created by the Accumulation of Weapons-Usable Fissile Material in the Territory of the Russian Federation

This notice continues for one year a national emergency declared in 2000 that blocks Russian government property related to the Highly Enriched Uranium (HEU) Agreements from U.S. judicial process. The emergency protects assets tied to Russia's downblending of weapons-grade uranium to low-enriched uranium for peaceful commercial use, ensuring the program continues without legal interference.

Federal Register Open PDF 68 FR 35149

Impact dates

  1. Continued national emergency expires unless renewed again

Key directives

  • Continue national emergency for 1 year beyond June 21, 2003
  • Maintain blocking of Russian government property related to HEU Agreements
  • Protect such property from attachment, judgment, decree, lien, execution, garnishment, or other judicial process
  • Publish notice in Federal Register
  • Transmit notice to Congress

Timeline

Immediate

  • Continuation of asset blocking and judicial protection takes effect upon publication

Near term (90d)

  • Annual review and potential renewal required by National Emergencies Act

Long term

  • Ongoing HEU Agreements implementation and potential future renewals of emergency declaration

Risks & tensions

  • Relies on continued Russian cooperation on HEU downblending; geopolitical shifts could undermine agreement
  • Annual renewal requirement creates procedural uncertainty
  • Vague on specific metrics for determining whether emergency remains warranted
Presidential Notice 13159: Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to the Risk of Nuclear Proliferation Created by the Accumulation of Weapons-Usable Fissile Material in the Territory of the Russian Federation · Executive Orders