H.R. 8648, Nuclear Export Promotion & Diplomacy. Quorum's AI analysis reads it as a trade-off: gains for some, costs for others.
H.R. 8648 · Mixed
What it does
The FORGE Act establishes a State Department program (FIRST) to promote U.S. small modular reactor technology and civil nuclear projects abroad through diplomatic engagement, regulatory consultation, and commercial development support.
The analysis names U.S. small modular reactor (SMR) manufacturers (e.g., NuScale, X-energy, TerraPower) — and 3 more groups — among the beneficiaries.
The trade-off
The FIRST program explicitly directs State Department diplomatic resources to advocate for U.S. nuclear businesses in bilateral and multilateral forums, blurring the line between foreign policy and commercial promotion.
Transparency scores 72%, with a medium warning level and no detached riders.
Who is behind it
Filed by James Baird. Cosponsored by Pat Harrigan, William Keating and Young Kim.