Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST) program authorization
S. 5063 | H.R.8648
S. 5063 | H.R.8648
S. 5063 - 7/22/2026
H.R. 8648 - 5/04/26
The FIRST Act in the Senate and the Framework for Oversight of Responsible Global Energy (FORGE) Act in the House of Representatives authorize the FIRST program within the Department of State, managed by the Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security. This program aims to promote the responsible use of civil nuclear energy worldwide and advocate for U.S.-based industry to meet that demand.
The FIRST program, originally established in 2021, has supported nearly 60 countries in developing their civil nuclear programs. It encourages the adoption of American nuclear technologies by providing technical support to partner countries. This includes consultation on licensing, legal and regulatory frameworks; early-stage feasibility and engineering studies that help get U.S. commercial projects off the ground abroad; training, technical resource sharing and coordination on codes and standards to support nuclear fleet deployment.
Energy security is a priority issue for every country around the world, and nations are increasingly turning to nuclear power to provide reliable, affordable and clean energy. Many countries need a partner to help them deploy nuclear power, and China and Russia are racing to fill that role. Their state-backed financing often offers predatory deals with strings attached, representing both geopolitical and security risks to the United States.
Exporting U.S. technology supports global safety and security standards, but it takes more than good engineering to secure American nuclear technology internationally. Sustained diplomatic efforts are needed to enable partner countries to build the legal and regulatory frameworks for adopting these technologies. The FIRST and FORGE Acts provide the necessary tools, combining high-level advocacy with hands-on technical support, so American companies can compete on a level playing field. This results in cleaner energy deployed globally, under the highest safety standards, backed by American innovation and American jobs.
Passing this legislation would codify the FIRST program and ensure that the U.S. can carry out critical commercial diplomacy work in support of our world-leading nuclear industry. This complements efforts to deploy American nuclear around the world, supporting work at agencies like the Export-Import Bank, the U.S. Development Finance Corporation, and others.
S. 5063
Sen. Ted Budd (R-NC)
H.R. 8648
Rep. James Baird (R-IN)
S. 5063
Sens. Christopher Coons (D-DE), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Martin Heinrich (D-NM)
H.R. 8648
Reps. William R. Keating (D-MA), Young Kim (R-CA), Pat Harrigan (R-NC)
ClearPath Action, The Breakthrough Institute, Third Way, Nuclear Energy Institute