Legislation1w ago
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To authorize implementation grants to community-based nonprofits to operate one-stop reentry centers.
HR8548Rep. Kamlager-Dove, Sydney [D-CA-37] (D-CA)
introduced
S3814119th CongressWALLET
ARC Act of 2026
Sponsored By: Senator Sen. Risch, James E. [R-ID]
Introduced
Summary
Creates a Department of Energy program to give conditional federal payments and stricter planning rules so large advanced nuclear projects can finish on time and on budget. It would set up an Accelerating Reliable Capacity Program and an ARC Account inside the Loan Programs Office to back qualifying projects that get Federal Financing Bank loans under EPAct 2005 sections 1703 or 1706.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.
New $3.6B ARC loan account
If enacted, the bill would create an Accelerating Reliable Capacity (ARC) Account at DOE and authorize $3.6 billion for it. The ARC Account would pay contingent amounts when qualifying nuclear projects enter service, and payments would go to the Federal Financing Bank and be applied to loan principal. A project's payment would be the lesser of 30% of its point base estimate or $1.2 billion. ARC payments could be updated quarterly only after cumulative expenses pass 120% of the point base estimate, and payments would be allowed only if the guaranteed loan is not in default.
Larger guarantees and FFB loan rule
If enacted, a qualifying project's loan would have to be made through the Federal Financing Bank (FFB) and be at least two times the amount of ARC funds provided to that project. The bill would also allow the DOE Loan Programs Office to offer enhanced guarantees up to 200% of a project's point base estimate. The Director would seek commitments from the FFB to amend or restructure loans to reflect ARC payments and any revised principal amounts.
More projects eligible for dual benefits
If enacted, the bill would expand an exception that allows some projects to receive two federal benefits. New eligible projects would include those partnered with a Federal power marketing administration or the Tennessee Valley Authority, projects supplying military installations or working with the General Services Administration, projects that use National Laboratories or user facilities for testing or permitting, and projects using nuclear fuel under the Nuclear Fuel Security Act of 2023.
Borrowers cover early cost overruns
If enacted, the bill would make borrowers responsible for all cost overruns on qualifying guaranteed loans until cumulative project expenses exceed 120% of the project's approved Class 2 point base estimate. Only after costs pass that 120% threshold could ARC expected payments be adjusted to address further overruns. This means developers must absorb most initial cost risk before federal ARC support would apply.
Stronger project planning and oversight
If enacted, borrowers seeking ARC support would have to submit a project delivery plan and Secretary‑approved planning documents before financial close. Required documents include a Class 2 cost estimate with basis‑of‑estimate and cost risk analysis, a resource‑loaded integrated project schedule with schedule risk analysis, and a labor survey analysis with labor risk analysis. Borrowers would provide rolling forecasts (at least annually), take part in quarterly progress meetings with DOE until construction ends, and the Secretary would notify certain congressional committees within 7 days after each meeting. The bill would also create an ARC Working Group to advise DOE on standards and oversight.
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Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Sen. Risch, James E. [R-ID]
ID • R
Cosponsors
Sen. Gallego, Ruben [D-AZ]
AZ • D
Sponsored 2/10/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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