Legislation introduced in Senate Foreign Relations Committee to support U.S. competitiveness against Russia and China for global nuclear trade

“If the U.S. doesn’t lead on nuclear energy development, Russia and China will. This bill will give us the tools we need to compete with these authoritarian aggressors and build long-lasting nuclear energy deals that benefit our economy and ensure America remains the leader on nuclear energy for generations to come,” said Chairman Risch.

“With the International Nuclear Energy Act, we’re not asking for a seat at the table—we’re setting the agenda on global nuclear development,” said Senator Lee. 

The International Nuclear Energy Act would:

• Support the establishment of an office to coordinate civil nuclear exports strategy; establish financing relationships; promote regulatory harmonization; enhance safeguards and security; promote standardization of licensing framework; and create a nuclear exports working group.
• Create programs to facilitate international nuclear energy cooperation to develop financing relationships, training, education, market analysis, safety, security, safeguards and nuclear governance required for a civil nuclear program.
• Require a cabinet-level biennial summit focused on nuclear safety, security, and safeguards, and to enhance cooperative relationships between private industry and government.
• Establish a Strategic Infrastructure Fund Working Group to determine how to best structure a Fund to finance projects critical to national security.

Several versions of the "International Nuclear Energy Act" have been introduced in recent years, each aiming to strengthen U.S. global leadership in nuclear energy. These bills generally focus on establishing a whole-of-government strategy for nuclear exports, enhancing interagency coordination, and supporting civil nuclear cooperation with allies. Versions have varied slightly in scope and emphasis—some prioritizing advanced reactor deployment, others focusing on export controls, financing mechanisms, or expanding DOE-led initiatives abroad.

A more detailed breakdown of the just introduced version of INEA is set forth below:

I. Purpose

The International Nuclear Energy Act of 2025 is designed to establish a coordinated, whole-of-government strategy to enhance U.S. leadership in the global civil nuclear sector. The bill facilitates international nuclear cooperation and streamlines nuclear exports, particularly of advanced reactor technologies. It aims to ensure U.S. competitiveness, support clean energy objectives, counter influence from adversaries like Russia and China, and help ally or partner nations and developing countries launch civil nuclear programs.

II. Key definitions

• Advanced Nuclear Reactor: Includes fission and fusion reactors with modernized safety, efficiency, and environmental performance.
• Ally or Partner Nation: OECD members, India, or countries designated by the Secretary of State.
• Embarking Civil Nuclear Nation: Countries developing or expanding nuclear programs (excluding adversarial or sanctioned states).
• Civil Nuclear Activities: Encompass construction, operation, regulation, financing, fuel management, decommissioning, and nonproliferation.
• U.S. Nuclear Energy Company: U.S.-based firms involved in the nuclear energy industry.

III. Creation of White House nuclear export police office 

• The bill urges the President to establish an “Office of the Assistant to the President and Director for International Nuclear Energy Export Policy” within the National Energy Dominance Council. This Assistant would:
• Coordinate international nuclear policy and export strategies.
• Develop a cohesive U.S. strategy for foreign engagement and investment in nuclear energy.
• Collaborate across agencies and with foreign allies to ensure legal and technical frameworks are in place to support civil nuclear trade.

IV. Nuclear exports working group 

A new interagency “Nuclear Exports Working Group” would:

• Report to the White House and coordinate quarterly with advisory bodies like the Civil Nuclear Trade Advisory Committee.
• Develop a 10-year civil nuclear trade strategy with biennial export targets.
• Collaborate with federal agencies and private industry to align U.S. exports with global clean energy demand.

V. Engagement with embarking nations 

The President, or the Assistant, is directed to lead an initiative to modernize U.S. civil nuclear outreach. This includes:

• Working with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and providing direct education, training, and regulatory support.
• Expanding outreach to financial institutions and private investors.
• Promoting exports of U.S. civil nuclear technology and services to developing markets.

VI. Cooperative financing relationships 

To compete with state-backed financing from Russia and China, the bill authorizes:

• U.S. support for financing arrangements between ally nations and embarking nations.
• Consideration and waivers of “U.S. competitiveness clauses” (e.g., patent waivers) that may hinder international cooperation.
• Coordination by the Assistant and other officials to align financing with broader U.S. strategic objectives.

VII. Bilateral and multilateral collaboration on advanced reactors 

Within two years, the Secretary of State must initiate meetings with at least five ally nations to:

• Advance collaboration on R&D, demonstration, and deployment of advanced nuclear reactors.
• Develop agreements and cost-sharing mechanisms for these efforts.
• Emphasize the role of U.S. companies in such deployments.
• Submit a report to Congress on potential partnerships and project agreements.

VIII. Amendment to the Energy Policy Act of 2005 

Section 959B is amended to:

• Promote the use of U.S. technology and companies in foreign nuclear projects.
• Enable bilateral and multilateral commitments to use U.S. reactors, fuel, services, and technology.
• Allow the Department of Energy (DOE) to waive competition requirements when necessary.
• Support IAEA activities and workshops on nuclear safety, finance, liability, and international cooperation.

The act authorizes $15.5 million from 2026–2030 for these efforts.

IX. International support for embarking nations 

The State Department, DOE, and the Assistant will lead a major initiative to assist new nuclear countries via:

A. Financial assistance

Up to $5.5 million per grant (maximum five per country) to support:

• Development of civil nuclear infrastructure.
• Building technical capacity and regulatory frameworks.

B. Deployment of Senior Nuclear Advisors

The U.S. may fund advisors—hired through U.S. nuclear companies—to help recipient countries with:

• Financing and licensing frameworks.
• Technology assessments and project planning.
• Regulatory readiness and community engagement.

Total authorized funding: $50 million over FY2026–2030.

C. Oversight

The Inspectors General of DOE and State must create a joint strategic oversight plan and conduct audits to prevent fraud or abuse.

X. Biennial global conference

A recurring international civil nuclear conference will be convened, focusing on:

• Nuclear safety, safeguards, sustainability, and community engagement.
• Establishing global financing and licensing frameworks.
• Promoting alternatives to Russian and Chinese nuclear offerings.
• Encouraging development of a global civil nuclear liability regime and shared best practices in cybersecurity, reactor safety, and waste management.

XI. Advanced reactor coordination and resource center

The President is instructed to assess the feasibility of creating an “Advanced Reactor Coordination and Resource Center” to:

• Develop model project documentation and market analyses.
• Identify qualified vendors and develop project structures.
• Support multinational standards and IAEA technical assistance.
• Help fund and locate the center if deemed feasible.

XII. Strategic infrastructure fund working group

A new White House-led working group would study the creation of a fund to support capital-intensive strategic projects (civil nuclear and microprocessors). Its duties include:

• Designing the fund’s governance and investment approach.
• Advising agencies and Congress on its structure.
• Submitting a report with legislative recommendations within one year.

The Secretary of State (or designee) would administer the fund if created.

XIII. U.S. - India joint consultative mechanism

A permanent bilateral consultative mechanism with India will be established to:

• Monitor implementation of the 2008 U.S.–India Civil Nuclear Agreement.
• Align India’s nuclear liability regime with global norms.
• Coordinate diplomatic engagement to advance joint nuclear goals.

An annual report to Congress will be required for five years.

XIV. Rule of construction

The bill reaffirms that it does not modify or supersede the Atomic Energy Act’s requirements, including Section 123 agreements for nuclear cooperation.

Conclusion

The International Nuclear Energy Act of 2025 represents a sweeping legislative effort to reassert U.S. leadership in the global nuclear market. By centralizing export coordination, increasing strategic financing tools, and enhancing bilateral/multilateral cooperation, the Act aims to provide the United States with a long-term, competitive edge in deploying safe, secure, and advanced civil nuclear technologies worldwide.

Authored by Amy Roma and Valerie Marshall.