FORGE Act

Bill Number

H.R. 8648

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

International Affairs

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-05-04: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Last Updated

2026-05-14T08:08:25Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The FORGE Act (Framework for Oversight of Responsible Global Energy Act) establishes the FIRST program (Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology) within the U.S. Department of State. Its goal is to promote the safe, secure, and responsible global deployment of civil nuclear energy—especially small modular reactors (SMRs, which are compact, factory-built nuclear power units)—while advancing U.S. economic and national security interests through exports of U.S. technology.

Key Provisions

• Program Management: Overseen by the Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security (or designee).
• Core Functions:
• Promote responsible international use of civil nuclear energy benefiting U.S. interests.
• Advocate for U.S.-sourced nuclear projects in diplomatic talks.
• Push partner countries to adopt top safety, security, and nonproliferation standards for SMRs.
• Advise on best practices for legal and regulatory frameworks to import or use U.S. nuclear technology.
• Offer early project support (e.g., feasibility studies) to help U.S. firms compete fairly abroad.
• Collaborate on training, resource sharing, and standards for SMR deployment.
• Reporting and Oversight:
• Initial report due 120 days after enactment, covering implementation, outreach, partners, U.S. business engagements, and funding (unclassified, with optional classified annex).
• Triannual briefings to Congress with the same details.
• Definitions:
• "Appropriate congressional committees": House Foreign Affairs and Senate Foreign Relations Committees.
• "U.S. business": As defined in existing export law (generally U.S.-owned firms).
• Sunset Clause: Program ends on June 8, 2034.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Creates a new program within the State Department; no direct amendments to prior laws.
• Leverages existing funding sources like Nonproliferation, Anti-Terrorism, Demining, and Related Programs.

Potential Impacts

• Government Agencies: Adds diplomatic and coordination duties to the State Department, with required reporting to Congress.
• Citizens and Businesses: Boosts opportunities for U.S. nuclear firms by supporting exports and countering foreign competitors.
• International Relations: Strengthens U.S. influence in global nuclear standards, safety, and nonproliferation through bilateral/multilateral diplomacy; may enhance partnerships while prioritizing U.S. technology.

Main Stakeholders

• U.S. Government: Department of State (lead), congressional foreign affairs committees (oversight).
• U.S. Businesses: Civil nuclear sector companies exporting reactors, technology, and services.
• Foreign Entities: Partner governments adopting SMRs, international forums on nuclear energy.
• Other: Training programs and technical collaborators.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Formalizes State Department role in commercial nuclear promotion without new appropriations specified (uses existing funds); temporary nature via sunset limits long-term commitment.
• Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's powers over foreign commerce and national security; enhances executive diplomacy under congressional oversight.
• Political: Positions U.S. as leader in "responsible" nuclear tech amid global competition (e.g., from state-backed rivals); emphasizes nonproliferation to address proliferation risks from SMR spread.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Baird, James R. [R-IN-4]

Cosponsors (3)

Rep. Keating, William R. [D-MA-9], Rep. Kim, Young [R-CA-40], Rep. Harrigan, Pat [R-NC-10]

Recent Actions

• 2026-05-04: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
• 2026-05-04: Introduced in House
• 2026-05-04: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Framework for Oversight of Responsible Global Energy Act — issued 2026-05-04 — PDF (6 pages)