FIRST Act
Sponsored By: Senator Budd, Ted [R-NC]
Introduced
Summary
Promote responsible deployment of U.S.-sourced small modular reactor technology abroad. This bill would create a State Department program to advocate for U.S. civil nuclear exports, push high safety and nonproliferation standards, and help partners adopt reactor licensing, workforce, and grid plans.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Help for U.S. small reactor exports
This bill would create a FIRST program at the Department of State. The Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security, or a designee, would run the program. It would promote responsible international deployment of civil nuclear energy. It would advocate for projects, technology, and products sourced or exported from U.S. businesses. The program would give licensing and regulatory advice, feasibility and engineering studies, grid integration help, workforce development, and training with partner countries. The State Department would report to the House Foreign Affairs and Senate Foreign Relations Committees within 120 days and brief them within 120 days and annually. The required report must list contributing partners and detail funds spent, including any funds from Nonproliferation, Anti-Terrorism, Demining, and Related Programs. The program authority would terminate on June 8, 2034.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Budd, Ted [R-NC]
NC • R
Cosponsors
Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE]
DE • D
Sponsored 7/22/2026
Sen. Ricketts, Pete [R-NE]
NE • R
Sponsored 7/22/2026
Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM]
NM • D
Sponsored 7/22/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov