Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Ted Budd (R-N.C.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.) today introduced the Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST) Act to codify the U.S. State Department’s FIRST program advocating for the responsible deployment of civil nuclear energy around the world. The bipartisan bill would ensure that U.S. economic and national security interests are prioritized as we advance our nuclear industry and continue supporting the partnerships American companies have with other countries working to expand their nuclear energy programs.
“The responsible development of civil nuclear energy, on an international scale, contributes to U.S. national security and bolsters our economy. The FIRST program has been a productive way for our nation to partner with good-faith actors who are building their nuclear arsenals, and continuing to leverage these public and private partnerships will help us advance our own energy dominance. Since North Carolina is a leader in next-generation nuclear technology, I am proud to partner with Senator Coons to bring this bipartisan solution forward and codify this program that will expand markets for our great innovators into law,” said Senator Budd.
“Nuclear energy is a source of clean and abundant power, and its growth in the U.S. and around the world will lower costs for consumers and combat climate change,” said Senator Coons. “Right now, too many nations that want to embrace nuclear power need to buy Chinese and Russian technology at huge cost, trapping them in debt. The United States should offer an alternative that keeps us on the cutting edge, strengthens our relationships around the world, and keeps Americans safe.”
“The FIRST Act would codify the State Department’s successful FIRST program and help secure America’s global energy dominance. Helping our trusted allies develop advanced nuclear energy with Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) will strengthen American competitiveness and counter advances from Communist China, Russia, and other foreign adversaries. Nebraska’s longtime nuclear pedigree means we play an important role in advancing America’s energy independence. Nebraska continues to innovate and is currently studying sites that could have the potential to host advanced small modular nuclear reactors. This bipartisan bill is critical to protecting our national security and advancing our civil nuclear capabilities around the world,” said Senator Ricketts.
U.S. Senators Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) joined the bill as co-sponsors.
Read the full bill text HERE.
BACKGROUND
Launched in 2019, the State Department’s FIRST program is a multiagency initiative that leverages public-private partnerships to strengthen U.S. leadership in civil nuclear energy. Through engagement with more than 50 partner countries seeking to deploy advanced nuclear technologies, including small modular reactors (SMRs), the program supports the development of civilian nuclear power programs that adhere to the highest international standards for nuclear security, safety, and nonproliferation.
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