The U.S. Senate has approved a sweeping bipartisan bill aimed at revitalizing America’s nuclear energy industry, marking a significant legislative win aligned with President Donald Trump’s broader push to expand domestic energy production and reduce regulatory bottlenecks.
The legislation passed by an overwhelming 88–2 margin, with only Sens. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Ed Markey of Massachusetts voting against the measure. The bill now heads to the president’s desk as part of a larger legislative package that also includes the reauthorization of the U.S. Fire Administration and critical federal grant programs supporting firefighters nationwide.
Accelerating Nuclear Development
At its core, the legislation is designed to modernize and speed up the federal approval process for new nuclear power facilities—an issue that has long frustrated energy developers and policymakers alike. Many of the country’s existing nuclear plants are nearing the end of their operational lifespan, and supporters of the bill argue that failure to replace or expand capacity could undermine both energy reliability and national security.
The measure streamlines licensing requirements by lowering certain regulatory fees imposed on power companies and directing the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to shorten approval timelines. It also mandates a comprehensive review of the NRC’s environmental assessment procedures, with the goal of identifying ways to eliminate redundancy and unnecessary delays without compromising safety standards.
Focus on Small Modular Reactors
One of the bill’s most consequential elements is its emphasis on small modular reactors (SMRs)—a new generation of nuclear technology widely viewed as safer, more flexible, and more cost-effective than traditional large-scale plants.
Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), one of the legislation’s key supporters, described the vote as a pivotal moment for the future of American nuclear power.
“This is a landmark step toward making small modular reactors a practical and deployable solution,” Capito said, noting that SMRs could dramatically reshape the energy landscape by providing reliable, carbon-free power with reduced construction times and lower upfront costs.
Broad Bipartisan Support
The bill’s passage reflects rare bipartisan consensus in an otherwise polarized Congress. Energy policy experts say the wide margin underscores growing recognition that nuclear power will play a central role in meeting future electricity demand—particularly as artificial intelligence, data centers, and advanced manufacturing dramatically increase power consumption.
Lesley Jantarasami, managing director of energy programs at the Bipartisan Policy Center, said the legislation removes some of the most persistent barriers facing nuclear developers.
“This bill significantly improves the pathway for industry to secure approvals and move projects forward,” she said. “That predictability is critical for investment and long-term planning.”
House Approval and Dissent
The measure had already cleared the House with similarly lopsided support, passing 393–13–1 earlier this year. While most lawmakers backed the combined nuclear-fire package, Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) voted “present,” signaling support for the firefighter provisions while withholding approval of the nuclear components.
Aligning With Trump’s Energy Strategy
The legislation dovetails directly with President Trump’s stated goal of “unleashing American energy.” Since returning to office, Trump has repeatedly argued that excessive regulation—not technological limitations—has held back domestic energy production.
Earlier this year, the president issued a series of executive orders instructing the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to reduce regulatory burdens and impose firm deadlines on license applications. Under those directives, the NRC must now act on nuclear facility applications within 18 months, a dramatic shift from timelines that previously stretched for years.
Administration officials argue that faster approvals, combined with private-sector innovation, will restore U.S. leadership in nuclear energy at a time when competitors like China and Russia are rapidly expanding their own nuclear fleets.
What Comes Next
With the Senate vote complete, the comprehensive package is expected to be signed into law without delay. Supporters believe it will unlock billions in private investment, create high-skilled jobs, and position nuclear power as a cornerstone of America’s long-term energy strategy.
For the Trump administration, the bill represents another concrete step toward reshaping federal energy policy—one focused less on restriction and more on expansion, innovation, and energy independence.