HB8648, the FORGE Act, would create a new program within the U.S. Department of State called the Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology program, or FIRST program. The program would be managed by the Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security and would focus on advancing the international deployment of civil nuclear energy, especially small modular reactors, in ways that support U.S. economic and national security interests.
The bill directs the State Department to use diplomatic engagement to promote U.S.-sourced nuclear energy projects, encourage partner countries to adopt high standards for safety, security, and nonproliferation, and provide consultation on licensing and regulatory frameworks for importing or adopting U.S. nuclear technology. It also authorizes early-stage project development support, such as feasibility and engineering studies, and cooperation on training, technical assistance, and standards coordination to help expand small modular reactor deployment abroad. The bill requires a report to Congress within 120 days of enactment and recurring briefings every 120 days thereafter, and the program would sunset on June 8, 2034.
Impact
The bill would add a new State Department foreign policy and trade promotion function focused on civil nuclear energy exports and international reactor deployment. It would not directly amend existing nuclear regulatory statutes, but it would direct diplomatic, technical, and commercial support activities using the Department of State, including possible use of funds from nonproliferation and related accounts. The measure would affect the Department of State, U.S. nuclear businesses seeking overseas markets, and partner countries considering U.S. small modular reactor technology.
Sentiment
There is limited recorded sentiment in the available materials because there are no committee transcripts or votes provided. Based on the bill text, the measure appears to be framed as a pro-export, pro-nuclear-energy initiative intended to strengthen U.S. competitiveness and promote nonproliferation and safety standards abroad. The absence of recorded opposition or amendments suggests no documented controversy in the available context, though the bill’s focus on nuclear technology and use of diplomatic resources could invite scrutiny in later debate.
Contention
The main points of potential contention are likely to be the use of State Department resources for commercial nuclear promotion, the possibility of drawing on nonproliferation-related funding for export-oriented activities, and whether the federal government should actively support U.S. nuclear firms in foreign markets. Supporters would likely emphasize national security, energy diplomacy, and market access for U.S. businesses, while skeptics may question costs, proliferation risks, and whether the program could favor industry interests over broader foreign policy priorities.