H.R. 8648 — FORGE Act

This section establishes within the Department of State the Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology program (FIRST program), to be managed by the Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security (or designee). The FIRST program shall (1) promote responsible international deployment of civil nuclear energy benefiting U.S. economic and national security interests; (2) advocate for U.S.-sourced civil nuclear energy projects, technology, and products through bilateral and multilateral diplomacy; (3) engage partner governments on safety, security, and nonproliferation standards for civil nuclear reactors, including small modular reactors; (4) consult with partner countries on licensing, legal, and regulatory frameworks for adopting U.S. nuclear infrastructure, technology, or products; (5) support early-stage commercial project development (e.g., feasibility and engineering studies) for U.S. civil nuclear projects abroad to ensure fair market access; and (6) cooperate with partners on training, technical resource sharing, and codes and standards for small modular reactor deployment. This section further requires the Under Secretary (or designee) to submit to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, within 120 days of enactment, an unclassified report (with optional classified annex) and triannual briefings thereafter detailing program implementation, diplomatic activities, contributing partners, cooperation, outreach to additional partners, U.S. business engagements, and funds expended (including from Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining, and Related Programs). This section terminates the FIRST program on June 8, 2034.