Sponsors (4)
The bill aims to boost U.S. competitiveness and promote safer, nonproliferation-aligned SMR exports while improving oversight, but does so at added federal cost, with potential fairness and long-term security/planning risks and a limited program duration.
U.S. utilities and energy companies gain diplomatic support and early-stage project assistance to better compete for international small modular reactor (SMR) contracts, potentially expanding exports and jobs.
Partner countries (and their local communities) receive training, technical resources, and regulatory consultation to deploy SMRs more safely, reducing risks of operational accidents and improving local energy access.
The program prioritizes nonproliferation and high safety/security standards in civil nuclear exports, supporting U.S. national security and limiting spread of weapons-usable technologies.
Taxpayers may bear increased federal costs to support foreign SMR feasibility studies and projects, raising government spending.
Exporting SMR technology expands the U.S. role in long-term nonproliferation and security management, increasing ongoing oversight and potential security risks if standards are not enforced.
U.S. businesses could face political or diplomatic pushback and perceived favoritism if the program appears to advantage certain firms, raising fairness and competition concerns for smaller companies.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Creates a State Department program (FIRST) to promote responsible international deployment of civil nuclear energy—especially SMRs—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 (Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology) to promote and support responsible international deployment of civilian nuclear energy and U.S. commercial participation, with an emphasis on small modular reactors (SMRs). The program is overseen by the Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security (or designee) and uses diplomacy, regulatory and legal consultation, advocacy, early-stage commercial project support, and partner-country cooperation on training, technical resources, and standards. Requires an unclassified report (with optional classified annex) to specified congressional committees within 120 days describing implementation, outreach, partners, U.S. business engagement, and funds used, and mandates briefings within 120 days and every three months thereafter. The program and its reporting/briefing requirements expire on June 8, 2034.