Sponsors (5)
The bill strengthens U.S. competitiveness, safety training, and nonproliferation influence in global SMR markets through diplomatic and technical support, but shifts fiscal costs, long-term security and planning risks, and potential fairness concerns onto taxpayers, partners, and competing firms.
U.S. utilities and energy companies gain U.S. government diplomatic support and early-stage project assistance to better compete for international small modular reactor (SMR) contracts.
U.S. national security and taxpayers benefit because the program prioritizes nonproliferation and high safety/security standards in civil nuclear exports, reducing risks from exported technology while advancing strategic interests.
Partner countries' local governments and rural communities receive training, technical resources, and regulatory consultation to adopt safer SMR deployments, improving safety and operational capacity.
Exporting SMR technology could increase long-term proliferation and security management responsibilities for the U.S. and partner countries if safety and nonproliferation standards are not effectively enforced.
Taxpayers may bear increased federal expenditures to support foreign SMR projects and feasibility studies, raising fiscal costs.
Utilities, energy companies, and state partners face planning uncertainty because the program sunsets in 2034, complicating multi-decade project commitments and financing.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Establishes a State Department FIRST program to promote responsible international deployment of civil nuclear energy, prioritizing SMR technology, and requires reporting and regular 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
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. The program is run by the Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security (or a designee) and uses diplomacy, regulatory and legal consultation, technical cooperation, training, and early-stage commercial support to increase U.S. commercial participation abroad. Requires an unclassified report (with optional classified annex) to specified congressional committees within 120 days describing program implementation, partners, outreach, U.S. business engagement, and funds used, plus briefings within 120 days and every three months thereafter. The program and its reporting requirements expire on June 8, 2034.