A Republican bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See all 4 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill creates a program in the Department of State called the Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology program, also known as the FIRST program. The program is managed by the Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security or their designee. Its job is to promote the responsible use of civil nuclear energy internationally while helping United States economic and national security interests. It also works to advocate for United States civil nuclear projects and technology through diplomacy and provides consultation to partner countries on safety, security, licensing, and legal frameworks. Additionally, the program offers early-stage commercial project development support and cooperates with partner countries on training and technical resource sharing. Finally, the bill requires reports and briefings to specific congressional committees and has a sunset date of June 8, 2034.
Yes· 3 of 11
- Scored +4
Does this make trade with other countries easier?
The bill specifically mandates diplomatic engagement to advocate for the export of United States nuclear technology and products.
- Scored +4
Does this put more money into wind, solar and other renewable power?
The bill promotes the international deployment of civil nuclear energy through small modular reactors.
- Scored +3
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?
The bill utilizes bilateral and multilateral diplomatic engagements to build partnerships around nuclear technology deployment.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Section 2(b)(1) and Section 2(b)(2): These provisions promote the deployment of civil nuclear energy internationally and advocate for U.S. businesses. This could benefit people by supporting United States economic and national security interests.
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Section 2(b)(3) and Section 2(b)(4): These sections engage in diplomacy regarding safety, security, and nonproliferation standards and provide consultation to partner countries on regulatory frameworks. This is positive because it encourages high safety standards for nuclear reactor deployment and the adoption of U.S. nuclear technology.
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Section 2(b)(5) and Section 2(b)(6): These provisions provide early-stage commercial project development support and cooperate with partner countries on training programs and technical resource sharing. This could benefit individuals by ensuring fair market access for U.S. businesses and supporting small modular reactor fleet deployment.
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Section 2(c) and Section 2(d): These sections require the Under Secretary to provide reports and briefings to appropriate congressional committees detailing program implementation, outreach, partners, and funds expended. This is positive for holding officials accountable to Congress and the people.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Based on the provided text, there are no specific sections or provisions identified that create negative consequences or burdens for individuals or groups of people in the United States.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this make trade with other countries easier? — The bill specifically mandates diplomatic engagement to advocate for the export of United States nuclear technology and products. Does this strengthen ties with allied countries? — The bill utilizes bilateral and multilateral diplomatic engagements to build partnerships around nuclear technology deployment. Does this send more money or help to other countries? — The program involves cooperation with partner countries on technical resources, training, and resource sharing. Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive? — By promoting civil nuclear energy, the bill supports national security interests which indirectly impacts the stability of the nation.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would business owners be better off under this? — The program is designed to provide market access and project development support for United States businesses. Would union members be better off under this? — Expanding the domestic nuclear export market can support job stability in the United States energy sector.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill promotes the international export of United States nuclear technology and products, which supports domestic industry growth. Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The program provides early-stage commercial project development support to help United States businesses access foreign markets.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this put more money into wind, solar and other renewable power? — The bill promotes the international deployment of civil nuclear energy through small modular reactors.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The program supports feasibility and engineering studies for nuclear technology deployment.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires regular reports and triannual briefings to appropriate congressional committees.
- 8/31/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/13/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 5/4/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Pat HarriganRepublican · North Carolina
William KeatingDemocrat · Massachusetts
Young KimRepublican · California
Derek SchmidtRepublican · Kansas