Sponsors (4)
The bill boosts U.S. SMR exporters and strengthens nonproliferation and safety cooperation abroad, at the cost of using taxpayer-backed support that may provoke geopolitical pushback, create environmental liabilities overseas, and raise fairness concerns.
Small U.S. civil nuclear companies gain U.S. diplomatic backing and coordinated commercial support that improves their market access for small modular reactor (SMR) exports versus state-backed competitors.
Partner countries and U.S. national security benefit from assistance on licensing, safety, and workforce training that strengthens reactor safety abroad and advances coordinated nonproliferation, reducing the risk that sensitive technologies reach bad actors.
Congress and the public gain increased oversight and transparency through required unclassified reports and annual briefings on program activities and spending.
U.S. taxpayers (and indirectly competing firms) may finance subsidies or the use of nonproliferation program funds to support early-stage commercial activities for private U.S. companies.
Promotion of U.S. civil nuclear exports could provoke geopolitical tensions and diplomatic backlash from rival exporters, raising foreign-policy and security risks.
Expanded overseas SMR deployment could create long-term environmental and waste-management liabilities or safety concerns for host communities if issues arise.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Establishes a State Department program to promote responsible international deployment of small modular reactors and requires reporting and briefings to Congress.
Official title: Establish in the Department of State a Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology program, and for other purposes.
Introduced July 22, 2026 by Theodore Paul Budd · Last progress July 22, 2026
Establishes a Department of State program to promote the responsible international deployment of civil nuclear energy—especially small modular reactors (SMRs)—to advance U.S. economic and national security interests. The Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security (or designee) will manage the program and carry out diplomacy, safety and nonproliferation engagement, regulatory and licensing consultation, early-stage commercial project support, workforce development, and technical cooperation. Requires an unclassified report (with possible classified annex) and briefings to the House Foreign Affairs and Senate Foreign Relations Committees within 120 days of enactment and annually thereafter describing program activities, partners, U.S. business engagement, and funds spent; defines key terms and sunsets the program on June 8, 2034.