Bill · S. 5063· Senate(119-S-5063)
FIRST Act
- Introduced
- 7/22/2026
- Last activity
- 7/22/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
- Sponsored by
- Ted Budd
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 2
- 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
Would business owners be better off under this?+5
The bill specifically aims to assist United States businesses in accessing international markets for nuclear technology.
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?+5
The act uses diplomatic engagement and bilateral/multilateral forums to build relationships with partner governments.
Is this likely to create jobs?+4
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. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+5Good For Union Workers+3
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves International Alliances+5Increases Foreign Aid+2Improves Veterans Benefits+1
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+4Improves Small Business Support+3
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Increases Renewable Energy Investment+4Improves Public Transit+2
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+3
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+3
- 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