A Republican bill with 2 Democratic cosponsors · See all 3 cosponsors
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
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
The FIRST Act establishes the Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology program within the Department of State. Managed by the Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security, the program aims to promote the international deployment of civil nuclear energy to benefit United States economic and national security. It involves diplomatic engagement to advocate for U.S. nuclear technology and products while prioritizing high safety and nonproliferation standards. Additionally, the program provides support for commercial project development, including feasibility studies and workforce development. The Under Secretary is required to provide regular reports and briefings to appropriate congressional committees. The program is scheduled to terminate on June 8, 2034.
Yes· 3 of 11
- Scored +5
Would business owners be better off under this?
The bill specifically aims to assist United States businesses in accessing international markets for nuclear technology.
- Scored +5
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?
The act uses diplomatic engagement and bilateral/multilateral forums to build relationships with partner governments.
- Scored +4
Is this likely to create jobs?
The program supports workforce development and the launching of U.S. commercial civil nuclear projects abroad.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Economic and National Security Interests: The program promotes the deployment of civil nuclear energy to benefit the economic and national security of the United States (Section 2(b)(1)).
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Support for United States Businesses: The program advocates for nuclear projects and products sourced from U.S. businesses and provides early-stage commercial project development support, such as feasibility studies and grid integration (Section 2(b)(2) and Section 2(b)(5)).
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Ensuring Fair Market Access: The program provides support intended to ensure fair market access for United States businesses relative to state-backed competitors (Section 2(b)(5)).
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Workforce and Technical Development: The program involves cooperation with partner countries regarding training programs and technical resource sharing (Section 2(b)(6)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts or burdens are explicitly stated in the provided text.
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.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would business owners be better off under this? — The bill specifically aims to assist United States businesses in accessing international markets for nuclear technology. Would union members be better off under this? — The emphasis on workforce development within the nuclear sector provides opportunities for technical training and employment.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this strengthen ties with allied countries? — The act uses diplomatic engagement and bilateral/multilateral forums to build relationships with partner governments. Does this send more money or help to other countries? — The program involves cooperation with partner countries through training programs and technical resource sharing. Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive? — The program's focus on national security through nuclear technology deployment provides a broad positive impact to national stability.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to create jobs? — The program supports workforce development and the launching of U.S. commercial civil nuclear projects abroad. Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The bill provides early-stage commercial project development support and assistance to ensure fair market access for U.S. businesses.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this put more money into wind, solar and other renewable power? — The bill promotes the deployment of civil nuclear energy technology which serves as a low-carbon energy source. Does this improve buses, trains and other public transport? — The bill includes support for grid integration which is a key component of energy infrastructure.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The program funds feasibility and engineering studies related to small modular reactor technology.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires the Under Secretary to provide regular reports and briefings to congressional committees.
- 7/22/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
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.
Christopher CoonsDemocrat · Delaware
Martin HeinrichDemocrat · New Mexico
Pete RickettsRepublican · Nebraska