Sponsors (4)
This bill aims to boost U.S. competitiveness and promote safer nuclear exports through diplomatic, technical, and oversight support, but it requires federal funding and raises long-term proliferation, fairness, and planning risks that must be managed.
U.S. utilities and energy companies gain diplomatic backing and early-stage project assistance to help them compete for international small modular reactor (SMR) contracts.
Partner countries (and their local governments and rural communities) receive training, technical resources, and regulatory consultation that can lead to safer SMR deployments.
The program prioritizes nonproliferation and high safety/security standards in civil nuclear exports, supporting U.S. national security objectives and reducing proliferation risks if enforced.
Taxpayers may face increased federal expenditures to fund foreign SMR projects, feasibility studies, and program support.
U.S. businesses, especially smaller firms, could face political or diplomatic pushback and fairness concerns if the program is perceived to favor certain firms.
Exporting SMR technology increases the long-term burden on the U.S. and partner governments to manage proliferation and security risks if standards are not effectively enforced.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Creates a State Department program to promote and support international deployment of civil nuclear energy—especially SMRs—through diplomacy, commercial support, training, and reporting to Congress, with a 2034 sunset.
Creates a new State Department program called the Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST) to promote and support international deployment of civilian nuclear energy—especially small modular reactors (SMRs)—and to increase U.S. commercial participation through diplomacy, technical assistance, and early project support. The program is to be run by the Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security (or a designee) and must report and brief Congress on implementation, partners, outreach, U.S. business engagement, and funds used; the program and oversight requirements expire on June 8, 2034.
Introduced May 4, 2026 by James Baird · Last progress May 4, 2026