Sponsors (4)
Creates a State Department program (FIRST) to promote responsible international SMR deployment and support U.S. commercial participation, with required reports and briefings to Congress.
Official title: To establish in the Department of State a Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology program, and for other purposes.
Introduced May 4, 2026 by James Baird · Last progress May 4, 2026
The bill strengthens U.S. competitiveness and promotes safer civil nuclear exports through diplomatic, technical, and oversight measures, but it increases federal costs and long-term security responsibilities, risks perceptions of favoritism, and introduces planning uncertainty with a 2034 sunset.
U.S. taxpayers and the nation benefit from prioritized nonproliferation and high safety/security standards for civil nuclear exports, reducing the risk that exported SMR technology will be misused.
U.S. utilities and energy companies gain diplomatic support and early-stage project assistance, improving their competitiveness for international small modular reactor (SMR) contracts and potential export revenue.
Partner countries' local governments and rural communities receive training, technical resources, and regulatory consultation, enabling safer SMR deployment and reducing local operational risks.
U.S. taxpayers may inherit increased long-term proliferation and security-management responsibilities if exported SMR technology and partnerships do not meet or maintain strict standards.
Taxpayers may face higher federal expenditures to fund feasibility studies and support foreign SMR projects, increasing government spending and fiscal exposure.
Small businesses and some U.S. firms could face political and diplomatic pushback or competitive disadvantage if program support is perceived to favor particular companies, raising fairness concerns.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Creates a State Department program called FIRST to promote responsible international deployment of civil nuclear energy, with a focus on small modular reactor (SMR) technology, and to support U.S. commercial participation through diplomacy, regulatory and legal advice, training, technical assistance, and early-stage commercial project support. The Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security (or designee) will manage the program, which must report to and brief designated congressional committees on implementation, partners, U.S. business engagement, and funds used; the program and reporting requirements sunset on June 8, 2034.