123 GO Act

Bill Number

H.R. 4263

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

International Affairs

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-06-30: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on Armed Services, Energy and Commerce, Financial Services, and Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Last Updated

2026-06-11T23:26:42Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

The "123 GO Act" (H.R. 4263) aims to strengthen the United States' position in the global nuclear energy market by promoting exports of nuclear technology, fuel, equipment, and services. It focuses on diplomatic efforts to secure international agreements and reduce barriers to U.S. nuclear trade, while supporting national security interests tied to advanced nuclear reactors.

Key Provisions

• Sense of Congress (Section 2): Expresses congressional support for Executive Order 14299, which promotes the deployment of advanced nuclear reactor technologies to advance U.S. national security.
• Negotiation of 123 Agreements (Section 3): Directs the Secretary of State to:
• Lead diplomatic negotiations for "123 agreements" (peaceful nuclear cooperation pacts under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, which allow sharing of nuclear materials and technology without weapons-related risks).
• Pursue at least 20 new such agreements by January 3, 2029.
• Renegotiate or renew any expiring 123 agreements within 10 years of the bill's enactment.
• Program to Enhance Global Competitiveness (Section 4): Requires the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretaries of Commerce and Energy (and after review by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy), to create a program supporting U.S. nuclear suppliers, investors, and lenders in competing for foreign projects. Key elements include:
• Speeding up government-to-government agreements on nuclear energy and fuel supply chains with potential export destinations.
• Encouraging countries to join the Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage (an international treaty that standardizes liability for nuclear accidents to facilitate trade).
• Identifying and recommending ways to reduce legal or regulatory obstacles to U.S. nuclear exports.
• Advocating for foreign countries to favor U.S. nuclear products in their procurement decisions.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill does not directly amend prior laws but introduces new mandates on federal agencies to prioritize and accelerate nuclear export diplomacy. It builds on the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 by setting specific targets (e.g., 20 new agreements) and creating a coordinated inter-agency program, which could streamline processes that previously lacked such explicit deadlines or collaborative frameworks.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: Increases workload for the Departments of State, Commerce, and Energy, requiring enhanced diplomatic coordination and policy reviews. This could lead to more efficient export processes but may strain resources without additional funding.
• On Citizens: Indirect benefits for U.S. workers and businesses in the nuclear sector through potential job growth and economic opportunities from expanded exports. No direct effects on individual rights or taxes are outlined.
• On International Relations: Strengthens U.S. ties with partner nations interested in nuclear energy, potentially countering influence from competitors like Russia or China in global nuclear markets. It promotes safer international nuclear trade by encouraging treaty adherence, which could reduce risks of accidents or disputes.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• U.S. Nuclear Industry: Suppliers, investors, and lenders who stand to gain from easier access to foreign markets and reduced export barriers.
• Federal Government Agencies: Primarily State, Commerce, Energy departments, and White House offices involved in oversight and implementation.
• Foreign Governments and Entities: Countries seeking nuclear technology imports, who may benefit from U.S. partnerships but face pressure to adopt international liability standards.
• Broader U.S. Economy: Indirectly affected through enhanced competitiveness in a high-tech sector vital for energy security.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Reinforces the Atomic Energy Act's framework for controlled nuclear exports, ensuring compliance with non-proliferation standards (e.g., no support for weapons programs). The bill's directives are advisory in tone but binding as enacted law, potentially inviting future lawsuits if targets like the 20 new agreements are unmet.
• Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's powers over foreign commerce and treaties (Article I, Section 8), without infringing on executive negotiation authority, as it directs rather than overrides the President.
• Political: Signals bipartisan support for U.S. energy leadership and national security, tying into broader goals of technological innovation and reducing reliance on foreign nuclear suppliers. It could influence future trade negotiations but risks diplomatic tensions if perceived as overly aggressive promotion of U.S. interests.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Self, Keith [R-TX-3]

Cosponsors (4)

Rep. Burchett, Tim [R-TN-2], Rep. Baumgartner, Michael [R-WA-5], Rep. Kim, Young [R-CA-40], Rep. Shreve, Jefferson [R-IN-6]

Recent Actions

• 2025-06-30: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on Armed Services, Energy and Commerce, Financial Services, and Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2025-06-30: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on Armed Services, Energy and Commerce, Financial Services, and Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2025-06-30: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on Armed Services, Energy and Commerce, Financial Services, and Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2025-06-30: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on Armed Services, Energy and Commerce, Financial Services, and Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2025-06-30: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on Armed Services, Energy and Commerce, Financial Services, and Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2025-06-30: Introduced in House
• 2025-06-30: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• 123 GO Act — issued 2025-06-30 — PDF (3 pages)