FIRST Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (22 Jul 2026): Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
What this bill does
S. 5063, the FIRST Act, would create a "Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology" (FIRST) program within the Department of State, managed by the Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security. The program would focus on promoting the international deployment of U.S. civil nuclear energy technology, particularly small modular reactors, through diplomatic engagement. Its functions would include advocating for U.S. nuclear projects and products abroad, encouraging partner countries to adopt high safety and nonproliferation standards, advising foreign governments on licensing and regulatory frameworks, supporting early-stage commercial project development such as feasibility studies and workforce training, and coordinating on technical standards with partner nations.
The bill primarily affects the State Department's diplomatic operations, U.S. nuclear industry businesses seeking export opportunities, and foreign governments considering nuclear energy partnerships with the United States. It would require the department to report to congressional foreign affairs committees within 120 days of enactment, detailing program implementation, partner countries, business engagement, and spending, and to provide annual briefings thereafter. The program would automatically terminate on June 8, 2034, unless further action is taken.
The bill was introduced in the Senate on July 22, 2026, by Senator Ted Budd along with several cosponsors, and has been referred to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. As an introduced bill, it would need committee consideration and votes in both chambers before it could become law; no further action has yet occurred.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Timeline
22 Jul 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
Common questions
- What does S. 5063 do?
- S. 5063, the FIRST Act, would create a "Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology" (FIRST) program within the Department of State, managed by the Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security. The program would focus on promoting the international deployment of U.S. civil nuclear energy technology, particularly small modular reactors, through diplomatic engagement. Its functions would include advocating for U.S. nuclear projects and products abroad, encouraging partner countries to adopt high safety and nonproliferation standards, advising foreign governments on licensing and regulatory frameworks, supporting early-stage commercial project development such as feasibility studies and workforce training, and coordinating on technical standards with partner nations. The bill primarily affects the State Department's diplomatic operations, U.S. nuclear industry businesses seeking export opportunities, and foreign governments considering nuclear energy partnerships with the United States. It would require the department to report to congressional foreign affairs committees within 120 days of enactment, detailing program implementation, partner countries, business engagement, and spending, and to provide annual briefings thereafter. The program would automatically terminate on June 8, 2034, unless further action is taken. The bill was introduced in the Senate on July 22, 2026, by Senator Ted Budd along with several cosponsors, and has been referred to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. As an introduced bill, it would need committee consideration and votes in both chambers before it could become law; no further action has yet occurred.
- Has S. 5063 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 5063. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 5063?
- S. 5063 was sponsored by Sen. Budd, Ted [R-NC] (R-NC), with 3 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 5063?
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (22 Jul 2026).
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