FORGE Act

Summary of HR 8648 (119th Congress)

Title

To establish in the Department of State a Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology program, and for other purposes.

Purpose and intent

HR 8648 would create a U.S. government program within the Department of State to establish foundational infrastructure supporting the responsible development, deployment, and use of Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology. The overarching aim appears to be facilitating international engagement, diplomacy, and policy groundwork to advance safe, secure, and responsible SMR deployment globally, with a focus on standards, cooperation, and information sharing.

Key provisions and changes

• Establishment of a State Department program: Creates a formal program within the Department of State dedicated to foundational infrastructure for the responsible use of SMR technology. This signals a diplomatic and international-relations approach to SMR governance, beyond domestic regulatory or nuclear-safety agencies.

• Foundational infrastructure activities (typical scope):

  • Development of international norms, standards, and best practices for SMR safety, security, nonproliferation, and environmental protection.
  • Diplomatic engagement with allied and partner nations, international organizations, and industry stakeholders to harmonize approaches to SMR technology.
  • Information sharing, capacity building, and technical assistance related to SMR deployment and regulation abroad.
  • Coordination with other federal agencies (e.g., Department of Energy, Nuclear Regulatory Commission) as needed to align U.S. foreign policy with technical and regulatory frameworks.

• Administrative and procedural elements (likely, based on typical structure):

  • Designation of program leadership and reporting lines within the State Department.
  • Potential authorization of funding, grants, or administrative activities to support international partnerships (exact funding mechanisms would be defined in the bill text).
  • Timeline and milestones for establishing program elements and engaging international stakeholders.

• Policy and governance implications:

  • Emphasis on responsible use, safety, security, and nonproliferation in SMR technology on an international scale.
  • Possible alignment with U.S. climate, energy, and national security objectives by encouraging responsible SMR deployment globally.

Who and what is affected

• U.S. Department of State: Primary new program establishment within the department to oversee international efforts related to SMR technology.
• Other federal agencies (potential coordination): Interagency collaboration with agencies involved in nuclear energy, safety, diplomacy, and international development.
• International partners and stakeholders: Foreign governments, international organizations, and industry groups engaged in SMR research, development, and deployment as part of U.S. diplomatic outreach and policy alignment.
• SMR developers and operators: Indirectly affected by the development of international standards and cooperation frameworks that could influence regulatory and licensing expectations abroad.

Procedural and timeline aspects

• Introduced and referred: The bill was introduced in the House and referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs (as of May 4, 2026).
• Next steps: The committee would review, potentially amend, and vote on the bill before it could move to the full House floor. If advanced, it would proceed through the standard House legislative process, and (if passed) would require consideration by the Senate and potential signature by the President to become law.
• Budgetary timing: Any funding or financial authorities would be specified in the bill’s text or through subsequent appropriations legislation.

Notes

• The provided information reflects the bill’s stated purpose and potential scope based on its title and basic action history. The exact provisions, including any funding authorizations, specific international programs, reporting requirements, and enforcement mechanisms, would be detailed in the full bill text.