Sponsors (5)
The bill boosts U.S. competitiveness and promotes safer, nonproliferation-focused SMR exports through diplomatic and technical support and greater transparency, but does so at increased federal cost and with longer-term security, planning, and fairness risks for taxpayers, partner governments, and industry.
U.S. utilities and energy companies gain diplomatic support and early-stage project assistance to compete for international SMR contracts, increasing export opportunities and potential revenues.
Taxpayers and the public benefit from strengthened nonproliferation and high safety/security standards embedded in U.S. civil nuclear exports, which reduce proliferation risk and support national security.
Congress and taxpayers gain greater oversight through required reports and triannual briefings on program spending and activities, improving transparency and accountability.
Taxpayers will likely bear increased federal expenditures to support foreign SMR projects and feasibility studies, raising fiscal costs.
Exporting SMR technology increases long-term proliferation and security-management responsibilities for the U.S. and partner countries if standards are not effectively enforced, creating ongoing national security risks and potential costs.
The program's 2034 sunset creates planning uncertainty for utilities, state governments, and partner countries undertaking multi-decade nuclear projects, potentially complicating investment decisions and long-term contracts.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Creates a State Department program (FIRST) to promote responsible international deployment of civil nuclear energy with emphasis on SMRs and requires near-term and triannual Congress reports and briefings.
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 (FIRST) to promote responsible international deployment of civil nuclear energy, with emphasis on small modular reactor (SMR) technology, and to support U.S. commercial participation abroad. The program will conduct diplomacy, regulatory and legal consultation, training and technical cooperation, early-stage project support, and advocacy for standards and partner-country cooperation. Requires an initial unclassified report (with optional classified annex) and briefing to specified congressional committees within 120 days of enactment and triannual briefings thereafter; tracks partners, outreach, U.S. business engagement, and funds used (including NADR funds). The program and reporting requirements sunset on June 8, 2034.