[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 36 (Wednesday, February 28, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H703-H715]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     ATOMIC ENERGY ADVANCEMENT ACT

  Mr. DUNCAN. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
bill (H.R. 6544) to advance the benefits of nuclear energy by enabling 
efficient, timely, and predictable licensing, regulation, and 
deployment of nuclear energy technologies, and for other purposes, as 
amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                               H.R. 6544

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

       (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Atomic 
     Energy Advancement Act''.
       (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act 
     is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.

                 TITLE I--NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION

  Subtitle A--Efficiency, Performance, and Preparation for the Future

Sec. 101. NRC mission alignment.
Sec. 102. Nuclear licensing efficiency.
Sec. 103. Strengthening the NRC workforce.

                       Subtitle B--Fee Reduction

Sec. 111. Advanced reactor fee reduction.
Sec. 112. Advanced nuclear reactor prize.

          Subtitle C--Siting, Licensing, and Oversight Reviews

Sec. 121. Modernization of nuclear reactor environmental reviews.
Sec. 122. Nuclear for Brownfield sites.
Sec. 123. Advancement of nuclear regulatory oversight.

                TITLE II--NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY DEPLOYMENT

Sec. 201. Advanced nuclear deployment.
Sec. 202. Global nuclear cooperation.
Sec. 203. American nuclear competitiveness.

                 TITLE I--NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION

  Subtitle A--Efficiency, Performance, and Preparation for the Future

     SEC. 101. NRC MISSION ALIGNMENT.

       (a) Mission of the Commission.--
       (1) Update.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission 
     shall, while remaining consistent with the policies of the 
     Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (including to provide reasonable 
     assurance of adequate protection of the public health and 
     safety, to promote the common defense and security, and to 
     protect the environment), update the mission statement of the 
     Commission to include that licensing and regulation of 
     nuclear energy activities be conducted in a manner that is 
     efficient and does not unnecessarily limit--
       (A) the potential of nuclear energy to improve the general 
     welfare; and
       (B) the benefits of nuclear energy technology to society.
       (2) Report.--Upon completion of the update to the mission 
     statement required under paragraph (1), the Nuclear 
     Regulatory Commission shall submit to Congress a report that 
     describes--
       (A) the updated mission statement; and
       (B) the guidance that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission 
     will provide to staff of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to 
     ensure effective performance of such mission.
       (b) Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation.--Section 203 of 
     the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5843) is 
     amended--
       (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``(a) There'' and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(a) Establishment; Appointment of Director.--There'';
       (2) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1)--
       (i) by striking ``(b) Subject'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(b) Functions of Director.--Subject''; and
       (ii) by striking ``delegate including:'' and inserting 
     ``delegate, including the following:''; and
       (B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``for the discharge of 
     the'' and inserting ``to fulfill the licensing and regulatory 
     oversight'';
       (3) in subsection (c), by striking ``(c) Nothing'' and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(d) Responsibility for Safe Operation of Facilities.--
     Nothing''; and
       (4) by inserting after subsection (b) the following:
       ``(c) Licensing Process.--In carrying out the principal 
     licensing and regulation functions under subsection (b)(1), 
     the Director of Nuclear Reactor Regulation shall--
       ``(1) establish techniques and guidance for evaluating 
     applications for licenses for nuclear reactors to support 
     efficient, timely, and predictable reviews of applications 
     for such licenses to enable the safe and secure use of 
     nuclear reactors;
       ``(2) maintain the techniques and guidance established 
     under paragraph (1) by periodically assessing and, if 
     necessary, modifying such techniques and guidance; and
       ``(3) obtain approval from the Commission if establishment 
     or modification of the techniques and guidance established 
     under paragraph (1) or (2) involves policy formulation.''.

     SEC. 102. NUCLEAR LICENSING EFFICIENCY.

       (a) Efficient Licensing Reviews.--
       (1) General.--Section 181 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 
     (42 U.S.C. 2231) is amended--
       (A) by striking ``The provisions of'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(a) The provisions of''; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(b) Consistent with the declaration in section 1, the 
     Commission shall provide for efficient, timely, and 
     predictable reviews and proceedings for the granting, 
     suspending, revoking, or amending of any license or 
     construction permit, or application to transfer control, and 
     in any proceeding for the issuance or modification of rules 
     and regulations dealing with the activities of licenses.''.
       (2) Construction permits and operating licenses.--Section 
     185 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2235) is 
     amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``c. Application Reviews for Production and Utilization 
     Facilities of an Existing Site.--In reviewing an application 
     for an early site permit, construction permit, operating 
     license, or combined construction permit and operating 
     license for a production facility or utilization facility 
     located at the site of a production facility or utilization 
     facility licensed by the Commission, the Commission shall, to 
     the extent practicable, use

[[Page H704]]

     information that was part of the licensing basis of the 
     licensed production facility or utilization facility.''.
       (b) Performance Metrics and Milestones.--Section 102(c) of 
     the Nuclear Energy Innovation and Modernization Act (42 
     U.S.C. 2215(c)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (3)--
       (A) in the paragraph heading, by striking ``180'' and 
     inserting ``90''; and
       (B) by striking ``180'' and inserting ``90''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(4) Periodic updates to metrics and schedules.--
       ``(A) Review and assessment.--Not less frequently than once 
     every 3 years, the Commission shall review and assess, based 
     on the licensing and regulatory activities of the Commission, 
     the performance metrics and milestone schedules developed 
     under paragraph (1).
       ``(B) Revisions.--After each review and assessment under 
     subparagraph (A), the Commission shall revise, as 
     appropriate, the performance metrics and milestone schedules 
     developed under paragraph (1) to provide the most efficient 
     performance metrics and milestone schedules reasonably 
     achievable.''.
       (c) Clarification on Fusion Regulation.--Section 103(a)(4) 
     of the Nuclear Energy Innovation and Modernization Act (42 
     U.S.C. 2133 note; Public Law 115-439) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``Not later'' and inserting the following:
       ``(A) In general.--Not later''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(B) Exclusion of fusion reactors.--Notwithstanding 
     section 3(1), for purposes of subparagraph (A), the term 
     `advanced nuclear reactor applicant' does not include an 
     applicant for a license for a nuclear fusion reactor.''.
       (d) Technical Correction.--Section 104 c. of the Atomic 
     Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2134(c)) is amended--
       (1) by striking the third sentence and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(3) Limitation on utilization facilities.--The Commission 
     may issue a license under this section for a utilization 
     facility useful in the conduct of research and development 
     activities of the types specified in section 31 if--
       ``(A) not more than 75 percent of the annual costs to the 
     licensee of owning and operating the facility are devoted to 
     the sale, other than for research and development or 
     education and training, of--
       ``(i) nonenergy services;
       ``(ii) energy; or
       ``(iii) a combination of nonenergy services and energy; and
       ``(B) not more than 50 percent of the annual costs to the 
     licensee of owning and operating the facility are devoted to 
     the sale of energy.'';
       (2) in the second sentence, by striking ``The Commission'' 
     and inserting the following:
       ``(2) Regulation.--The Commission''; and
       (3) by striking ``c. The Commission'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``c. Research and Development Activities.--
       ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), the 
     Commission''.
       (e) Fusion Machines.--
       (1) Definition.--Section 11 of the Atomic Energy Act of 
     1954 (42 U.S.C. 2014) is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``kk. Fusion Machine.--The term `fusion machine' means a 
     particle accelerator that is capable of--
       ``(1) transforming atomic nuclei, through fusion processes, 
     into other elements, isotopes, or particles; and
       ``(2) directly capturing and using the resultant products, 
     including particles, heat, and other electromagnetic 
     radiation.''.
       (2) Technology-inclusive regulatory framework.--
       (A) In general.--Section 103(a) of the Nuclear Energy 
     Innovation and Modernization Act (42 U.S.C. 2133 note) is 
     further amended--
       (i) in paragraph (4), by adding at the end the following:
       ``(C) Fusion machine applicants.--Not later than December 
     31, 2027, the Commission shall complete a rulemaking to 
     establish a technology-inclusive, regulatory framework for 
     optional use by fusion machine applicants for new license 
     applications.''; and
       (ii) in paragraph (5)(B)(ii), by inserting ``and fusion 
     machine license applications'' after ``commercial advanced 
     nuclear reactor license applications''.
       (B) Definitions.--Section 3 of the Nuclear Energy 
     Innovation and Modernization Act (42 U.S.C. 2215 note) is 
     amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(21) Fusion machine.--The term `fusion machine' has the 
     meaning given such term in subsection kk. of section 11 of 
     the Atomic Energy Act of 1954.''.
       (3) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission 
     shall submit to Congress a report on--
       (A) the results of a study, conducted in consultation with 
     Agreement States (as defined in section 3 of the Nuclear 
     Energy Innovation and Modernization Act (42 U.S.C. 2215 note) 
     and the private fusion sector, on risk- and performance-
     based, design-specific licensing frameworks for mass-
     manufactured fusion machines (as defined in subsection kk. of 
     section 11 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as added by this 
     subsection), that includes evaluation of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration's design, manufacturing, and operations 
     certification process for aircraft as a potential model for 
     mass-manufactured fusion machine regulations; and
       (B) the estimated timeline for the Commission to issue 
     consolidated guidance or regulations for licensing mass-
     manufactured fusion machines, taking into account the results 
     of such study and the anticipated need for such guidance or 
     regulations.

     SEC. 103. STRENGTHENING THE NRC WORKFORCE.

       (a) Commission Workforce.--
       (1) General authority.--The Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 
     U.S.C. 2011 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 
     161A the following:

     ``SEC. 161B. COMMISSION WORKFORCE.

       ``(a) Direct Hire Authority.--
       ``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding section 161 d. of this 
     Act and section 2(b) of Reorganization Plan No. 1 of 1980 (94 
     Stat. 3585; 5 U.S.C. app.), and without regard to any 
     provision of title 5 (except sections 3303 and 3328), United 
     States Code, governing appointments in the civil service, if 
     the Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (in this 
     section referred to as the `Chairman') issues or renews a 
     certification that there is a severe shortage of candidates 
     or a critical hiring need for covered positions to carry out 
     the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's (in this section referred 
     to as the `Commission') responsibilities and activities in a 
     timely, efficient, and effective manner, the Chairman may, 
     during any period when such a certification is in effect--
       ``(A) recruit and directly appoint highly qualified 
     individuals into the excepted service for covered positions; 
     and
       ``(B) establish in the excepted service term-limited 
     covered positions and recruit and directly appoint highly 
     qualified individuals into such term-limited covered 
     positions, which may not exceed a term of 4 years.
       ``(2) Limitations.--
       ``(A) Merit principles.--To the maximum extent practicable, 
     any action authorized pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be 
     consistent with the merit principles of section 2301 of title 
     5, United States Code.
       ``(B) Number.--The number of highly qualified individuals 
     serving in--
       ``(i) covered positions pursuant to paragraph (1)(A) may 
     not exceed 210 at any one time; and
       ``(ii) term-limited covered positions pursuant to paragraph 
     (1)(B) may not exceed 80 at any one time.
       ``(C) Compensation.--The Chairman may not use authority 
     under paragraph (1)(A) or paragraph (1)(B) to compensate 
     individuals recruited and directly appointed into a covered 
     position or a term-limited covered position at an annual rate 
     of basic pay higher than the annual salary payable for level 
     III of the Executive Schedule under section 5314 of title 5, 
     United States Code.
       ``(D) Senior executive service position.--The Chairman may 
     not, under paragraph (1)(A) or paragraph (1)(B), appoint 
     highly qualified individuals to any Senior Executive Service 
     position, as defined in section 3132 of title 5, United 
     States Code.
       ``(3) Renewal.--The Chairman may renew a certification 
     issued or renewed under this subsection if the Chairman 
     determines there is still a severe shortage of candidates or 
     a critical hiring need for covered positions to carry out the 
     Commission's responsibilities and activities in a timely, 
     efficient, and effective manner.
       ``(4) Termination.--A certification issued or renewed under 
     this subsection shall terminate on the earlier of--
       ``(A) the date that is 10 years after the certification is 
     renewed or issued; or
       ``(B) the date on which the Chairman determines there is no 
     longer a severe shortage of candidates or a critical hiring 
     need for covered positions to carry out the Commission's 
     responsibilities and activities in a timely, efficient, and 
     effective manner.
       ``(5) Level of positions.--To the extent practicable, in 
     carrying out paragraph (1) the Chairman shall recruit and 
     directly appoint highly qualified individuals into the 
     excepted service to entry, mid, and senior level covered 
     positions, including term-limited covered positions.
       ``(b) Addressing Insufficient Compensation of Employees and 
     Other Personnel of the Commission.--
       ``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
     law, if the Chairman issues or renews a certification that 
     compensation for employees or other personnel of the 
     Commission serving in a covered position is insufficient to 
     retain or attract such employees and other personnel to allow 
     the Commission to carry out the responsibilities and 
     activities of the Commission in a timely, efficient, and 
     effective manner, the Chairman may, during any period when 
     such a certification is in effect, fix the compensation for 
     such employees or other personnel serving in a covered 
     position without regard to any provision of title 5, United 
     States Code, governing General Schedule classification and 
     pay rates.
       ``(2) Certification requirements.--A certification issued 
     or renewed under this subsection shall--
       ``(A) apply to employees or other personnel who serve in 
     covered positions;
       ``(B) terminate on the earlier of--
       ``(i) the date that is 10 years after the certification is 
     issued or renewed; or
       ``(ii) the date on which the Chairman determines that the 
     use of the authority of the

[[Page H705]]

     Chairman under this subsection to fix compensation for 
     employees or other personnel serving in a covered position is 
     no longer necessary to retain or attract such employees and 
     other personnel to allow the Commission to carry out the 
     Commission's responsibilities and activities in a timely, 
     efficient, and effective manner; and
       ``(C) be no broader than necessary to achieve the objective 
     of retaining or attracting employees and other personnel 
     serving in a covered position to allow the Commission to 
     carry out the Commission's responsibilities and activities in 
     a timely, efficient, and effective manner.
       ``(3) Renewal.--The Chairman may renew a certification 
     issued or renewed under this subsection if the Chairman 
     determines that use of the authority of the Chairman under 
     this subsection to fix compensation for employees or other 
     personnel serving in a covered position is still necessary to 
     retain or attract such employees or other personnel to allow 
     the Commission to carry out the Commission's responsibilities 
     and activities in a timely, efficient, and effective manner.
       ``(4) Applicability.--The authority under this subsection 
     to fix the compensation of employees or other personnel 
     during any period when a certification issued or renewed 
     under paragraph (1) is in effect shall apply with respect to 
     an employee or other personnel serving in a covered position 
     regardless of when the employee or other personnel was hired.
       ``(5) Retention of level of fixed compensation.--The 
     termination of a certification issued or renewed under 
     paragraph (1) shall not affect the compensation of an 
     employee or other personnel serving in a covered position 
     whose compensation was fixed by the Chairman in accordance 
     with paragraph (1).
       ``(6) Limitation on compensation.--The Chairman may not use 
     the authority under paragraph (1) to fix the compensation of 
     employees or other personnel at an annual rate of basic pay 
     higher than the annual salary payable for level III of the 
     Executive Schedule under section 5314 of title 5, United 
     States Code.
       ``(7) Experts and consultants.--
       ``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), the 
     Chairman may--
       ``(i) obtain the services of experts and consultants in 
     accordance with section 3109 of title 5, United States Code;
       ``(ii) compensate those experts and consultants for each 
     day (including travel time) at rates not in excess of the 
     rate of pay for level IV of the Executive Schedule under 
     section 5315 of that title; and
       ``(iii) pay to the experts and consultants serving away 
     from the homes or regular places of business of the experts 
     and consultants travel expenses and per diem in lieu of 
     subsistence at rates authorized by sections 5702 and 5703 of 
     that title for persons in Government service employed 
     intermittently.
       ``(B) Limitations.--The Chairman shall--
       ``(i) to the maximum extent practicable, limit the use of 
     experts and consultants pursuant to subparagraph (A); and
       ``(ii) ensure that the employment contract of each expert 
     and consultant employed pursuant to subparagraph (A) is 
     subject to renewal not less frequently than annually.
       ``(c) Additional Compensation Authority.--
       ``(1) For new employees.--The Chairman may pay a person 
     recruited and directly appointed under subsection (a) a 1-
     time hiring bonus in an amount not to exceed $25,000.
       ``(2) For existing employees.--
       ``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), an employee 
     or other personnel who the Chairman determines exhibited 
     exceptional performance in a fiscal year may be paid a 
     performance bonus in an amount not to exceed the least of--
       ``(i) $25,000; and
       ``(ii) the amount of the limitation that is applicable for 
     a calendar year under section 5307(a)(1) of title 5, United 
     States Code.
       ``(B) Limitations.--
       ``(i) Subsequent bonuses.--Any person who receives a 
     performance bonus under subparagraph (A) may not receive 
     another performance bonus under that subparagraph for a 
     period of 5 years thereafter.
       ``(ii) Hiring bonuses.--Any person who receives a 1-time 
     hiring bonus under paragraph (1) may not receive a 
     performance bonus under subparagraph (A) unless more than one 
     year has elapsed since the payment of such 1-time hiring 
     bonus.
       ``(d) Implementation Plan and Report.--
       ``(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
     of enactment of this section, the Chairman shall develop and 
     implement a plan to carry out this section. Before 
     implementing such plan, the Chairman shall submit to the 
     Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of 
     Representatives, the Committee on Environment and Public 
     Works of the Senate, and the Office of Personnel Management a 
     report on the details of the plan.
       ``(2) Report content.--The report submitted under paragraph 
     (1) shall include--
       ``(A) evidence and supporting documentation justifying the 
     plan; and
       ``(B) budgeting projections on costs and benefits resulting 
     from the plan.
       ``(3) Consultation.--The Chairman may consult with the 
     Office of Personnel Management, the Office of Management and 
     Budget, and the Comptroller General of the United States in 
     developing the plan under paragraph (1).
       ``(e) Delegation.--The Chairman shall delegate, subject to 
     the direction and supervision of the Chairman, the authority 
     provided by subsections (a), (b), and (c) to the Executive 
     Director for Operations of the Commission.
       ``(f) Information on Hiring, Vacancies, and Compensation.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Commission shall include in its 
     budget materials submitted in support of the budget of the 
     President (submitted to Congress pursuant to section 1105 of 
     title 31, United States Code), for each fiscal year beginning 
     after the date of enactment of this section, information 
     relating to hiring, vacancies, and compensation at the 
     Commission.
       ``(2) Inclusions.--The information described in paragraph 
     (1) shall include--
       ``(A) an analysis of any trends with respect to hiring, 
     vacancies, and compensation at the Commission;
       ``(B) a description of the efforts to retain and attract 
     employees or other personnel to serve in covered positions at 
     the Commission;
       ``(C) information that describes--
       ``(i) if a certification under subsection (a) was in effect 
     at any point in the previous year, how the authority provided 
     by that subsection is being used to address the hiring needs 
     of the Commission;
       ``(ii) the total number of highly qualified individuals 
     serving in--

       ``(I) covered positions pursuant to subsection (a)(1)(A); 
     and
       ``(II) term-limited covered positions pursuant to 
     subsection (a)(1)(B);

       ``(iii) if a certification under subsection (b) was in 
     effect at any point in the previous year, how the authority 
     provided by that subsection is being used to address the 
     hiring or retention needs of the Commission;
       ``(iv) the total number of employees or other personnel 
     serving in a covered position that have their compensation 
     fixed pursuant to subsection (b);
       ``(v) if a certification under subsection (a) or (b) was 
     terminated or was not in effect at any point in the previous 
     year, why such a certification was terminated or was not in 
     effect;
       ``(vi) the attrition levels with respect to term-limited 
     covered positions appointed under subsection (a)(1)(B), 
     including the number of individuals leaving a term-limited 
     covered position before completion of the applicable term of 
     service and the average length of service for such 
     individuals as a percentage of the applicable term of 
     service; and
       ``(vii) the number of experts and consultants retained 
     under subsection (b)(7); and
       ``(D) an assessment of--
       ``(i) the current critical workforce needs of the 
     Commission and any critical workforce needs that the 
     Commission anticipates in the next five years; and
       ``(ii) additional skillsets that are or likely will be 
     needed for the Commission to fulfill the licensing and 
     oversight responsibilities of the Commission.
       ``(g) Covered Position.--In this section, the term `covered 
     position' means a position in which an employee or other 
     personnel is responsible for conducting work of a scientific, 
     technical, engineering, mathematical, legal, managerial, or 
     otherwise highly specialized or skilled nature.''.
       (2) Table of contents.--The table of contents of the Atomic 
     Energy Act of 1954 is amended by inserting after the item 
     relating to section 161 the following:

``Sec. 161A. Use of firearms by security personnel.
``Sec. 161B. Commission workforce.''.
       (b) Government Accountability Office Report.--Not later 
     than September 30, 2032, the Comptroller General of the 
     United States shall submit to the Committee on Energy and 
     Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
     Environment and Public Works of the Senate a report that--
       (1) evaluates the extent to which the authorities provided 
     under subsections (a), (b), and (c) of section 161B of the 
     Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (as added by this Act) have been 
     utilized;
       (2) describes the role in which the highly qualified 
     individuals recruited and directly appointed pursuant to 
     section 161B(a) of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (as added by 
     this Act) have been utilized to support the licensing of 
     advanced nuclear reactors;
       (3) assesses the effectiveness of the authorities provided 
     under subsections (a), (b), and (c) of section 161B of the 
     Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (as added by this Act) in helping 
     the Nuclear Regulatory Commission fulfill its mission;
       (4) makes recommendations to improve the Nuclear Regulatory 
     Commission's strategic workforce management; and
       (5) makes recommendations with respect to whether Congress 
     should enhance, modify, or discontinue the authorities 
     provided under subsections (a), (b), and (c) of section 161B 
     of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (as added by this Act).
       (c) Annual Solicitation for Nuclear Regulator 
     Apprenticeship Network Applications.--The Nuclear Regulatory 
     Commission, on an annual basis, shall solicit applications 
     for the Nuclear Regulator Apprenticeship Network.

                       Subtitle B--Fee Reduction

     SEC. 111. ADVANCED REACTOR FEE REDUCTION.

       (a) Definitions.--Section 3 of the Nuclear Energy 
     Innovation and Modernization Act (42 U.S.C. 2215 note; Public 
     Law 115-439) is amended--

[[Page H706]]

       (1) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (15) as 
     paragraphs (3), (6), (7), (8), (9), (10), (11), (14), (15), 
     (16), (17), (18), (19), and (20), respectively;
       (2) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
       ``(2) Advanced nuclear reactor applicant.--The term 
     `advanced nuclear reactor applicant' means an entity that has 
     submitted to the Commission an application for a license for 
     an advanced nuclear reactor under the Atomic Energy Act of 
     1954 (42 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.).'';
       (3) by inserting after paragraph (3) (as so redesignated) 
     the following:
       ``(4) Advanced nuclear reactor preapplicant.--The term 
     `advanced nuclear reactor preapplicant' means an entity that 
     has submitted to the Commission a licensing project plan for 
     the purposes of submitting a future application for a license 
     for an advanced nuclear reactor under the Atomic Energy Act 
     of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.).
       ``(5) Agency support.--The term `agency support' has the 
     meaning given the term `agency support (corporate support and 
     the IG)' in section 170.3 of title 10, Code of Federal 
     Regulations (or any successor regulation).''; and
       (4) by inserting after paragraph (11) (as so redesignated) 
     the following:
       ``(12) Mission-direct program salaries and benefits.--The 
     term `mission-direct program salaries and benefits' has the 
     meaning given such term in section 170.3 of title 10, Code of 
     Federal Regulations (or any successor regulation).
       ``(13) Mission-indirect program support.--The term 
     `mission-indirect program support' has the meaning given such 
     term in section 170.3 of title 10, Code of Federal 
     Regulations (or any successor regulation).''.
       (b) Excluded Activities.--Section 102(b)(1)(B) of the 
     Nuclear Energy Innovation and Modernization Act (42 U.S.C. 
     2215(b)(1)(B)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(iv) The total costs of mission-indirect program support 
     and agency support that, under paragraph (2)(B)(ii), may not 
     be included in the professional hourly rate charged for fees 
     assessed and collected from advanced nuclear reactor 
     applicants.
       ``(v) The total costs of mission-indirect program support 
     and agency support that, under paragraph (2)(C)(ii), may not 
     be included in the professional hourly rate charged for fees 
     assessed and collected from advanced nuclear reactor 
     preapplicants.''.
       (c) Fees for Service or Thing of Value.--Section 102(b) of 
     the Nuclear Energy Innovation and Modernization Act (42 
     U.S.C. 2215(b)) is amended by striking paragraph (2) and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(2) Fees for service or thing of value.--
       ``(A) In general.--In accordance with section 9701 of title 
     31, United States Code, the Commission shall assess and 
     collect fees from any person who receives a service or thing 
     of value from the Commission to cover the costs to the 
     Commission of providing the service or thing of value.
       ``(B) Advanced nuclear reactor applicants.--The 
     professional hourly rate charged for fees assessed and 
     collected from an advanced nuclear reactor applicant under 
     this paragraph relating to the review of a submitted 
     application for an advanced nuclear reactor may not--
       ``(i) exceed the professional hourly rate for mission-
     direct program salaries and benefits of the Nuclear Reactor 
     Safety Program; and
       ``(ii) include the costs of mission-indirect program 
     support and agency support.
       ``(C) Advanced nuclear reactor preapplicants.--The 
     professional hourly rate charged for fees assessed and 
     collected from an advanced nuclear reactor preapplicant under 
     this paragraph relating to the review of submitted materials 
     as described in the licensing project plan of such advanced 
     nuclear reactor preapplicant may not--
       ``(i) exceed the professional hourly rate for mission-
     direct program salaries and benefits of the Nuclear Reactor 
     Safety Program; and
       ``(ii) include the costs of mission-indirect program 
     support and agency support.
       ``(D) Calculation of hourly rate.--In this paragraph, the 
     professional hourly rate for mission-direct program salaries 
     and benefits of the Nuclear Reactor Safety Program equals the 
     quotient obtained by dividing--
       ``(i) the full-time equivalent rate (within the meaning of 
     the document of the Commission entitled `FY 2023 Final Fee 
     Rule Work Papers' (or a successor document)) for mission-
     direct program salaries and benefits of the Nuclear Reactor 
     Safety Program (as determined by the Commission) for a fiscal 
     year; by
       ``(ii) the productive hours assumption for that fiscal 
     year, determined in accordance with the formula established 
     in the document referred to in clause (i) (or a successor 
     document).''.
       (d) Sunset.--Section 102(f) of the Nuclear Energy 
     Innovation and Modernization Act (42 U.S.C. 2215(f)) is 
     amended to read as follows:
       ``(f) Cessation of Effectiveness.--Paragraphs (1)(B)(v) and 
     (2)(C) of subsection (b) shall cease to be effective on 
     September 30, 2029.''.
       (e) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section 
     shall take effect on October 1, 2024.

     SEC. 112. ADVANCED NUCLEAR REACTOR PRIZE.

       Section 103 of the Nuclear Energy Innovation and 
     Modernization Act (Public Law 115-439; 132 Stat. 5571) is 
     amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(f) Prizes for Advanced Nuclear Reactor Licensing.--
       ``(1) Definition of eligible entity.--In this subsection, 
     the term `eligible entity' means--
       ``(A) a non-Federal entity; and
       ``(B) the Tennessee Valley Authority.
       ``(2) Prize for advanced nuclear reactor licensing.--
       ``(A) In general.--Notwithstanding section 169 of the 
     Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2209) and subject to the 
     availability of appropriations, the Secretary is authorized 
     to make, with respect to each award category described in 
     subparagraph (C), an award in an amount described in 
     subparagraph (B) to the first eligible entity--
       ``(i) to which the Commission issues an operating license 
     for an advanced nuclear reactor under part 50 of title 10, 
     Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations), for 
     which an application has not been approved by the Commission 
     as of the date of enactment of this subsection; or
       ``(ii) for which the Commission makes a finding described 
     in section 52.103(g) of title 10, Code of Federal Regulations 
     (or successor regulations), with respect to a combined 
     license for an advanced nuclear reactor--

       ``(I) that is issued under subpart C of part 52 of that 
     title (or successor regulations); and
       ``(II) for which an application has not been approved by 
     the Commission as of the date of enactment of this 
     subsection.

       ``(B) Amount of award.--Subject to paragraph (3), an award 
     under subparagraph (A) shall be in an amount equal to the 
     total amount assessed by the Commission and collected under 
     section 102(b)(2) from the eligible entity receiving the 
     award for costs relating to the issuance of the license 
     described in that subparagraph, including, as applicable, 
     costs relating to the issuance of an associated construction 
     permit described in section 50.23 of title 10, Code of 
     Federal Regulations (or successor regulations), or early site 
     permit (as defined in section 52.1 of that title (or 
     successor regulations)).
       ``(C) Award categories.--An award under subparagraph (A) 
     may be made for--
       ``(i) the first advanced nuclear reactor for which the 
     Commission--

       ``(I) issues a license in accordance with clause (i) of 
     subparagraph (A); or
       ``(II) makes a finding in accordance with clause (ii) of 
     that subparagraph;

       ``(ii) an advanced nuclear reactor that--

       ``(I) uses isotopes derived from spent nuclear fuel (as 
     defined in section 2 of the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 
     (42 U.S.C. 10101)) or depleted uranium as fuel for the 
     advanced nuclear reactor; and
       ``(II) is the first advanced nuclear reactor described in 
     subclause (I) for which the Commission--

       ``(aa) issues a license in accordance with clause (i) of 
     subparagraph (A); or
       ``(bb) makes a finding in accordance with clause (ii) of 
     that subparagraph;
       ``(iii) an advanced nuclear reactor that--

       ``(I) is a nuclear integrated energy system--

       ``(aa) that is composed of 2 or more co-located or jointly 
     operated subsystems of energy generation, energy storage, or 
     other technologies;
       ``(bb) in which not fewer than 1 subsystem described in 
     item (aa) is a nuclear energy system; and
       ``(cc) the purpose of which is--
       ``(AA) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in both the power 
     and nonpower sectors; and
       ``(BB) to maximize energy production and efficiency; and

       ``(II) is the first advanced nuclear reactor described in 
     subclause (I) for which the Commission--

       ``(aa) issues a license in accordance with clause (i) of 
     subparagraph (A); or
       ``(bb) makes a finding in accordance with clause (ii) of 
     that subparagraph;
       ``(iv) an advanced reactor that--

       ``(I) operates flexibly to generate electricity or high 
     temperature process heat for nonelectric applications; and
       ``(II) is the first advanced nuclear reactor described in 
     subclause (I) for which the Commission--

       ``(aa) issues a license in accordance with clause (i) of 
     subparagraph (A); or
       ``(bb) makes a finding in accordance with clause (ii) of 
     that subparagraph; and
       ``(v) the first advanced nuclear reactor for which the 
     Commission grants approval to load nuclear fuel pursuant to 
     the technology-inclusive regulatory framework established 
     under subsection (a)(4).
       ``(3) Federal funding limitation.--
       ``(A) Exclusion of tva funds.--In this paragraph, the term 
     `Federal funds' does not include funds received under the 
     power program of the Tennessee Valley Authority established 
     pursuant to the Tennessee Valley Authority Act of 1933 (16 
     U.S.C. 831 et seq.).
       ``(B) Limitation on amounts expended.--An award under this 
     subsection shall not exceed the total amount expended 
     (excluding any expenditures made with Federal funds received 
     for the applicable project and an amount equal to the minimum 
     cost-share required under section 988 of the Energy Policy 
     Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16352)) by the eligible entity 
     receiving the award for licensing costs relating to the 
     project for which the award is made.
       ``(C) Repayments and dividends not required.--
     Notwithstanding section 9104(a)(4) of title 31, United States 
     Code, or any other

[[Page H707]]

     provision of law, an eligible entity that received an award 
     under this subsection shall not be required--
       ``(i) to repay that award or any part of that award; or
       ``(ii) to pay a dividend, interest, or other similar 
     payment based on the sum of that award.''.

          Subtitle C--Siting, Licensing, and Oversight Reviews

     SEC. 121. MODERNIZATION OF NUCLEAR REACTOR ENVIRONMENTAL 
                   REVIEWS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (in 
     this section referred to as the ``Commission'') shall submit 
     to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the 
     Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House 
     of Representatives a report on the efforts of the Commission 
     to facilitate efficient, timely, and predictable 
     environmental reviews of nuclear reactor applications, 
     including through expanded use of categorical exclusions, 
     environmental assessments, and generic environmental impact 
     statements.
       (b) Report.--In completing the report under subsection (a), 
     the Commission shall--
       (1) describe the actions the Commission will take to 
     implement the amendments to the National Environmental Policy 
     Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) made by section 321 of 
     the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023;
       (2) consider--
       (A) using through adoption, incorporation by reference, or 
     other appropriate means, categorical exclusions, 
     environmental assessments, and environmental impact 
     statements prepared by other Federal agencies to streamline 
     environmental reviews of nuclear reactor applications by the 
     Commission;
       (B) using categorical exclusions, environmental 
     assessments, and environmental impact statements prepared by 
     the Commission to streamline environmental reviews of nuclear 
     reactor applications by the Commission;
       (C) using mitigated findings of no significant impact in 
     environmental reviews of nuclear reactor applications by the 
     Commission to reduce the impact of a proposed action to a 
     level that is not significant;
       (D) the extent to which the Commission may rely on prior 
     studies or analyses prepared by Federal, State, and local 
     governmental permitting agencies to streamline environmental 
     reviews of nuclear reactor applications by the Commission;
       (E) opportunities to coordinate the development of 
     environmental assessments and environmental impact statements 
     with other Federal agencies to avoid duplicative 
     environmental reviews and to streamline environmental reviews 
     of nuclear reactor applications by the Commission;
       (F) opportunities to streamline formal and informal 
     consultations and coordination with other Federal, State, and 
     local governmental permitting agencies during environmental 
     reviews of nuclear reactor applications by the Commission;
       (G) opportunities to streamline the Commission's analyses 
     of alternatives, including the Commission's analysis of 
     alternative sites, in environmental reviews of nuclear 
     reactor applications by the Commission;
       (H) establishing new categorical exclusions that could be 
     applied to actions relating to new nuclear reactors 
     applications;
       (I) amending section 51.20(b) of title 10, Code of Federal 
     Regulations, to allow the Commission to determine on a case-
     specific basis whether an environmental assessment (rather 
     than an environmental impact statement or supplemental 
     environmental impact statement) is appropriate for a 
     particular nuclear reactor application, including in 
     proceedings in which the Commission relies upon a generic 
     environmental impact statement for advanced nuclear reactors;
       (J) authorizing the use of an applicant's environmental 
     impact statement as the Commission's draft environmental 
     impact statement, consistent with section 107(f) of the 
     National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 
     4336a(f));
       (K) opportunities to adopt online and digital technologies, 
     including technologies that would allow applicants and 
     cooperating agencies to upload documents and coordinate with 
     the Commission to edit documents in real time, that would 
     streamline communications between--
       (i) the Commission and applicants; and
       (ii) the Commission and other relevant cooperating 
     agencies;
       (L) in addition to implementing measures under subsection 
     (c), potential revisions to part 51 of title 10, Code of 
     Federal Regulations, and relevant Commission guidance 
     documents, to--
       (i) facilitate efficient, timely, and predictable 
     environmental reviews of nuclear reactor applications;
       (ii) assist decision-making about relevant environmental 
     issues;
       (iii) maintain openness with the public;
       (iv) meet obligations under the National Environmental 
     Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.); and
       (v) reduce burdens on licensees, applicants, and the 
     Commission; and
       (3) include a schedule for promulgating the rule required 
     under subsection (c).
       (c) Rulemaking.--Not later than 2 years after the 
     submission of the report under subsection (a), the Commission 
     shall promulgate a final rule implementing, to the maximum 
     extent practicable, measures considered by the Commission 
     under subsection (b)(2) that are necessary to streamline the 
     Commission's review of nuclear reactor applications.

     SEC. 122. NUCLEAR FOR BROWNFIELD SITES.

       (a) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Brownfield site.--The term ``brownfield site'' has the 
     meaning given the term in section 101 of the Comprehensive 
     Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 
     1980 (42 U.S.C. 9601).
       (2) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the Nuclear 
     Regulatory Commission.
       (3) Covered site.--The term ``covered site'' means a 
     brownfield site, a retired fossil fuel site, or a site that 
     is both a retired fossil fuel site and a brownfield site.
       (4) Production facility.--The term ``production facility'' 
     has the meaning given the term in section 11 of the Atomic 
     Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2014).
       (5) Retired fossil fuel site.--The term ``retired fossil 
     fuel site'' means the site of 1 or more fossil fuel electric 
     generation facilities that are retired or scheduled to 
     retire, including multiunit facilities that are partially 
     shut down.
       (6) Utilization facility.--The term ``utilization 
     facility'' has the meaning given the term in section 11 of 
     the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2014).
       (b) Identification of Regulatory Issues.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Commission shall evaluate the 
     extent to which modification of regulations, guidance, or 
     policy is needed to enable efficient, timely, and predictable 
     licensing reviews for, and to support the oversight of, 
     production facilities or utilization facilities at covered 
     sites.
       (2) Requirement.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the 
     Commission shall consider how licensing reviews for 
     production facilities or utilization facilities at covered 
     sites may be expedited by--
       (A) siting and operating a production facility or a 
     utilization facility at or near existing site infrastructure 
     to support the reuse of such infrastructure, including--
       (i) electric switchyard components and transmission 
     infrastructure;
       (ii) heat-sink components;
       (iii) steam cycle components;
       (iv) roads;
       (v) railroad access; and
       (vi) water availability;
       (B) using early site permits;
       (C) using plant parameter envelopes or similar standardized 
     site parameters on a portion of a larger site; and
       (D) using a standardized application for similar sites.
       (3) Report.--Not later than 14 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Commission shall submit to the 
     appropriate committees of Congress a report describing any 
     regulations, guidance, and policies evaluated under paragraph 
     (1).
       (c) Licensing.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Commission shall, based on the 
     evaluation under subsection (b)--
       (A) develop and implement strategies to enable efficient, 
     timely, and predictable licensing reviews for, and to support 
     the oversight of, production facilities or utilization 
     facilities at covered sites; and
       (B) initiate a rulemaking to enable efficient, timely, and 
     predictable licensing reviews for, and to support the 
     oversight of, production facilities or utilization facilities 
     at covered sites.
       (2) Requirements.--In carrying out paragraph (1), 
     consistent with the mission of the Commission, the Commission 
     shall consider matters relating to--
       (A) the use of existing site infrastructure;
       (B) existing emergency preparedness organizations and 
     planning;
       (C) the availability of historical site-specific 
     environmental data;
       (D) previously completed environmental reviews required by 
     the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 
     et seq.);
       (E) activities associated with the potential 
     decommissioning of facilities or decontamination and 
     remediation at covered sites; and
       (F) community engagement and historical experience with 
     energy production.
       (d) Report.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Commission shall submit to the 
     Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public 
     Works of the Senate a report describing the actions taken by 
     the Commission under subsection (c)(1).

     SEC. 123. ADVANCEMENT OF NUCLEAR REGULATORY OVERSIGHT.

       (a) Implementing Lessons Learned From the COVID-19 Health 
     Emergency.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Commission shall submit to the 
     appropriate committees of Congress a report on actions taken 
     by the Commission during the public health emergency declared 
     by the Secretary of Health and Human Services under section 
     319 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247d) on 
     January 31, 2020, with respect to COVID-19.
       (2) Contents.--The report submitted under paragraph (1) 
     shall--
       (A) identify any processes, procedures, and other 
     regulatory policies that the Commission revised or 
     temporarily suspended during the public health emergency 
     described in paragraph (1);
       (B) examine how any revision or temporary suspension of a 
     process, procedure, or other

[[Page H708]]

     regulatory policy identified under subparagraph (A) affected 
     the ability of the Commission to license and regulate the 
     civilian use of radioactive materials in the United States to 
     protect public health and safety, promote the common defense 
     and security, and protect the environment;
       (C) discuss lessons learned from the matters described in 
     subparagraph (B);
       (D) list actions that the Commission has taken or will take 
     to incorporate into the licensing and oversight activities of 
     the Commission, without compromising the mission of the 
     Commission, the lessons described in subparagraph (C); and
       (E) describe when the actions listed under subparagraph (D) 
     were implemented or may be implemented.
       (b) Advancing Efficient, Risk-informed Oversight and 
     Inspections.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Commission shall develop and 
     submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report 
     that identifies specific improvements to the nuclear reactor 
     and materials oversight and inspection programs carried out 
     pursuant to the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 that the Commission 
     may implement to maximize the efficiency of such programs 
     through, where appropriate, the use of risk-informed, 
     performance-based procedures, expanded incorporation of 
     information technologies, and staff training.
       (2) Stakeholder input.--In developing the report under 
     paragraph (1), the Commission shall, as appropriate, seek 
     input from--
       (A) the Secretary of Energy;
       (B) the National Laboratories;
       (C) the nuclear energy industry; and
       (D) nongovernmental organizations that are related to 
     nuclear energy.
       (3) Contents.--The report submitted under paragraph (1) 
     shall--
       (A) assess specific elements of oversight and inspections 
     that may be modified by the use of technology, improved 
     planning, and continually updated risk-informed, performance-
     based assessment, including--
       (i) use of travel resources;
       (ii) planning and preparation for inspections, including 
     entrance and exit meetings with licensees;
       (iii) document collection and preparation, including 
     consideration of whether nuclear reactor data are accessible 
     prior to onsite visits or requests to the licensee and that 
     document requests are timely and within the scope of 
     inspections;
       (iv) the cross-cutting issues program; and
       (v) the scope of event reporting required by licensees to 
     ensure decisions are risk-informed;
       (B) identify and assess measures to improve oversight and 
     inspections, including--
       (i) elimination of areas of duplicative or otherwise 
     unnecessary activities;
       (ii) increased use of templates in documenting inspection 
     results; and
       (iii) periodic training of Commission staff and leadership 
     on the application of risk-informed criteria for--

       (I) inspection planning and assessments;
       (II) agency decision making processes on the application of 
     regulations and guidance; and
       (III) the application of the Commission's standard of 
     reasonable assurance of adequate protection;

       (C) assess measures to advance risk-informed procedures, 
     including--
       (i) increased use of inspection approaches that balance the 
     level of resources commensurate with safety significance;
       (ii) increased review of the use of inspection program 
     resources based on licensee performance;
       (iii) expansion of modern information technology, including 
     artificial intelligence and machine learning to risk inform 
     oversight and inspection decisions; and
       (iv) updating the Differing Professional Views or Opinions 
     process to ensure any impacts on agency decisions and 
     schedules are commensurate with the safety significance of 
     the differing opinion;
       (D) assess the ability of the Commission, consistent with 
     its obligations to provide reasonable assurance of adequate 
     protection of health and safety pursuant to the Atomic Energy 
     Act of 1954, to enable licensee innovations that may advance 
     nuclear reactor operational efficiency and safety, including 
     the criteria of the Commission for timely acceptance of 
     licensee adoption of advanced technologies, including digital 
     technologies;
       (E) identify recommendations resulting from the assessments 
     described in subparagraphs (A) through (D);
       (F) identify specific actions that the Commission will take 
     to incorporate into the training, inspection, oversight, and 
     licensing activities, and regulations of the Commission, 
     without compromising the mission of the Commission, the 
     recommendations identified under subparagraph (E); and
       (G) describe when the actions identified under subparagraph 
     (F) may be implemented.
       (c) Office and Facility Space Review.--
       (1) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United 
     States shall--
       (A) review office and other facility space requirements of 
     the Commission; and
       (B) submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a 
     report, with recommendations, on the results of such review.
       (2) Contents.--The report described in paragraph (1) shall 
     include--
       (A) an examination of--
       (i) the costs associated with the headquarters, regional 
     offices, and technical training center of the Commission, 
     including examination of--

       (I) costs that do not support the Commission's mission, 
     including rent subsidies for other Federal agencies; and
       (II) opportunities to reduce future costs through reduction 
     in unnecessary office space, consolidation of offices, use of 
     advanced information technology, or any other appropriate 
     means; and

       (ii) current and anticipated office and facility 
     requirements to efficiently accomplish the mission of the 
     Commission; and
       (B) recommendations to Congress, the Commission, and the 
     General Services Administration for actions that may assist 
     in reducing office and facility costs to licensees and 
     taxpayers.
       (d) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term 
     ``appropriate committees of Congress'' means the Committee on 
     Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate.
       (2) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the Nuclear 
     Regulatory Commission.
       (3) Licensee.--The term ``licensee'' means a person that 
     holds a license issued under section 103 or section 104 of 
     the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2133; 2134).

                TITLE II--NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY DEPLOYMENT

     SEC. 201. ADVANCED NUCLEAR DEPLOYMENT.

       (a) Enabling Preparations for Advanced Nuclear Reactor 
     Demonstrations on Federal Sites.--
       (1) In general.--Section 102(b)(1)(B) of the Nuclear Energy 
     Innovation and Modernization Act (42 U.S.C. 2215(b)(1)(B)) is 
     further amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(vi) Costs for--

       ``(I) activities to review and approve or disapprove an 
     application for an early site permit (as defined in section 
     52.1 of title 10, Code of Federal Regulations (or any 
     successor regulation)) to demonstrate an advanced nuclear 
     reactor on a Department of Energy site or any site or 
     installation that is critical national security 
     infrastructure (as defined in section 327(d) of the John S. 
     McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 
     2019); and
       ``(II) pre-application activities relating to an early site 
     permit (as so defined) to demonstrate an advanced nuclear 
     reactor on a Department of Energy site or any site or 
     installation that is critical national security 
     infrastructure (as defined in section 327(d) of the John S. 
     McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 
     2019).''.

       (2) Effective date.--The amendment made by paragraph (1) 
     shall take effect on October 1, 2024.
       (b) Regulatory Requirements for Micro-reactors.--
       (1) Micro-reactor licensing.--The Nuclear Regulatory 
     Commission (in this subsection referred to as the 
     ``Commission'') shall--
       (A) not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of 
     this Act, develop risk-informed and performance-based 
     strategies and guidance to license and regulate micro-
     reactors pursuant to section 103 of the Atomic Energy Act of 
     1954 (42 U.S.C. 2133), including strategies and guidance 
     for--
       (i) staffing and operations;
       (ii) oversight and inspections;
       (iii) safeguards and security;
       (iv) emergency preparedness;
       (v) risk analysis methods, including alternatives to 
     probabilistic risk assessments;
       (vi) decommissioning funding assurance methods that permit 
     the use of design- and site-specific cost estimates;
       (vii) the transportation of fueled micro-reactors; and
       (viii) siting, including in relation to--

       (I) the population density criterion limit described in the 
     policy issue paper on population-related siting 
     considerations for advanced reactors dated May 8, 2020, and 
     numbered SECY-20-0045;
       (II) licensing mobile deployment; and
       (III) environmental reviews; and

       (B) not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of 
     this Act, implement, as appropriate, the strategies and 
     guidance developed under subparagraph (A)--
       (i) within the existing regulatory framework;
       (ii) through the technology-inclusive, regulatory framework 
     to be established under section 103(a)(4)(A) of the Nuclear 
     Energy Innovation and Modernization Act (42 U.S.C. 2133 note; 
     Public Law 115-439); or
       (iii) through a pending or new rulemaking.
       (2) Considerations.--In developing and implementing 
     strategies and guidance under paragraph (1), the Commission 
     shall consider--
       (A) the unique characteristics of micro-reactors, including 
     characteristics relating to--
       (i) physical size;
       (ii) design simplicity; and
       (iii) source term;
       (B) opportunities to address redundancies and 
     inefficiencies;
       (C) opportunities to consolidate review phases and reduce 
     transitions between review teams;
       (D) opportunities to establish integrated review teams to 
     ensure continuity throughout the review process; and

[[Page H709]]

       (E) other relevant considerations discussed in the policy 
     issue paper on policy and licensing considerations related to 
     micro-reactors dated October 6, 2020, and numbered SECY-20-
     0093.
       (3) Consultation.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the 
     Commission shall consult with--
       (A) the Secretary of Energy;
       (B) the heads of other Federal agencies, as appropriate;
       (C) micro-reactor technology developers; and
       (D) other stakeholders.
       (c) Expedited Subsequent Combined Licenses.--
       (1) In general.--In accordance with this subsection, the 
     Nuclear Regulatory Commission (referred to in this subsection 
     as the ``Commission'') shall establish and carry out an 
     expedited procedure for issuing a combined license pursuant 
     to section 185 b. of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 
     2235).
       (2) Qualifications.--To qualify for the expedited procedure 
     under paragraph (1), an applicant--
       (A) shall submit a combined license application for a new 
     nuclear reactor based off a previously licensed design;
       (B) shall propose to construct the new nuclear reactor on 
     or adjacent to a site on which a nuclear reactor already 
     operates or previously operated; and
       (C) may not be subject to an order of the Commission to 
     suspend or revoke a license under section 2.202 of title 10, 
     Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulation).
       (3) Expedited procedure.--With respect to a combined 
     license for which the applicant has satisfied the 
     requirements described in paragraph (2), the Commission 
     shall, to the maximum extent practicable--
       (A) not later than 1 year after the application is accepted 
     for docketing, issue a draft environmental impact statement;
       (B) not later than 18 months after the application is 
     accepted for docketing--
       (i) complete the technical review process; and
       (ii) issue a safety evaluation report and final 
     environmental impact statement;
       (C) not later than 2 years after the application is 
     accepted for docketing, complete any necessary public 
     licensing hearings and related processes; and
       (D) not later than 25 months after the application is 
     accepted for docketing, make a final decision on whether to 
     issue the combined license.
       (4) Performance and reporting.--
       (A) Delays in issuance.--Not later than 30 days after the 
     applicable deadline, the Executive Director for Operations of 
     the Commission shall inform the Commission of any failure to 
     meet a deadline under paragraph (3).
       (B) Delays in issuance exceeding 90 days.--If any deadline 
     under paragraph (3) is not met by the date that is 90 days 
     after the applicable date required under such paragraph, the 
     Commission shall submit to the Committee on Environment and 
     Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and 
     Commerce of the House of Representatives a report describing 
     the delay, including a detailed explanation accounting for 
     the delay and a plan for completion of the applicable action.
       (d) Pilot Program for Nuclear Power Purchase Agreements.--
       (1) In general.--Subtitle B of title VI of the Energy 
     Policy Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-58; 119 Stat. 782) is 
     amended by adding at the end the following:

     ``SEC. 639A. LONG-TERM NUCLEAR POWER PURCHASE AGREEMENT PILOT 
                   PROGRAM.

       ``(a) Establishment.--The Secretary may establish a pilot 
     program under which the Secretary may enter into at least one 
     long-term power purchase agreement for power generated by a 
     commercial nuclear reactor with respect to which an initial 
     operating license is issued by the Nuclear Regulatory 
     Commission after January 1, 2024.
       ``(b) Consultation.--In establishing a pilot program under 
     this section, the Secretary shall consult with the heads of 
     other Federal departments and agencies that may benefit from 
     purchasing nuclear power for a period of longer than 10 
     years, including the Secretary of Defense.
       ``(c) Period of Agreement.--Notwithstanding any other 
     provision of law, an agreement entered into pursuant to this 
     section to purchase power from a commercial nuclear reactor 
     shall be made for a period of at least 10 years and not more 
     than 40 years.
       ``(d) Priority.--In carrying out this section, the 
     Secretary shall prioritize entering into long-term power 
     purchase agreements for power generated by first-of-a-kind or 
     early deployment commercial nuclear reactors that will 
     provide reliable and resilient power--
       ``(1) to high-value assets for national security purposes; 
     or
       ``(2) for other purposes that the Secretary determines are 
     in the national interest, including for remote off-grid 
     scenarios or grid-connected scenarios that provide 
     capabilities commonly known as `islanding power capabilities' 
     during an emergency.
       ``(e) Rates.--A long-term power purchase agreement entered 
     into under this section may not be at a rate that is higher 
     than the average market rate, unless the agreement is for 
     power generated by a commercial nuclear reactor described in 
     subsection (d).
       ``(f) Advanced Funding.--The Secretary--
       ``(1) may not enter into any power purchase agreement under 
     this section unless funds are specifically provided for such 
     purposes in advance in appropriations Acts enacted after the 
     date of enactment of this section; and
       ``(2) may only enter into such a power purchase agreement 
     if the full extent of anticipated costs stemming from such 
     agreement is recorded as an obligation up front and in full 
     at the time such agreement is made.''.
       (2) Table of contents.--The table of contents of the Energy 
     Policy Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-58; 119 Stat. 594) is 
     amended by inserting after the item relating to section 639 
     the following:

``Sec. 639A. Long-term nuclear power purchase agreement pilot 
              program.''.

     SEC. 202. GLOBAL NUCLEAR COOPERATION.

       (a) Global Nuclear Energy Assessment Study.--
       (1) Study required.--Not later than 1 year after the date 
     of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Energy, in 
     consultation with the Secretary of State, the Secretary of 
     Commerce, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection 
     Agency, and the Commission, shall conduct a study on the 
     global status of--
       (A) the civilian nuclear energy industry; and
       (B) the supply chains of the civilian nuclear energy 
     industry.
       (2) Contents.--The study conducted under paragraph (1) 
     shall include--
       (A) information on the status of the civilian nuclear 
     energy industry, the long-term risks to such industry, and 
     the basis for such risks;
       (B) information on how the use of the civilian nuclear 
     energy industry, relative to other types of energy 
     industries, can reduce the emission of criteria pollutants 
     and carbon dioxide;
       (C) information on the role the United States civilian 
     nuclear energy industry plays in United States foreign 
     policy;
       (D) information on the importance of the United States 
     civilian nuclear energy industry to countries that are allied 
     to the United States;
       (E) information on how the United States may collaborate 
     with such countries in developing, deploying, and investing 
     in nuclear technology;
       (F) information on how foreign countries use nuclear energy 
     when crafting and implementing their own foreign policy, 
     including such use by foreign countries that are strategic 
     competitors;
       (G) an evaluation of how nuclear nonproliferation and 
     security efforts and nuclear energy safety are affected by 
     the involvement of the United States in--
       (i) international markets; and
       (ii) setting civilian nuclear energy industry standards;
       (H) an evaluation of how industries in the United States, 
     other than the civilian nuclear energy industry, benefit from 
     the generation of electricity by nuclear power plants;
       (I) information on utilities and companies in the United 
     States that are involved in the civilian nuclear energy 
     supply chain, including, with respect to such utilities and 
     companies--
       (i) financial challenges;
       (ii) nuclear liability issues;
       (iii) foreign strategic competition; and
       (iv) risks to continued operation; and
       (J) recommendations for how the United States may--
       (i) develop a national strategy to increase the role 
     nuclear energy plays in diplomacy and strategic energy 
     policy;
       (ii) develop a strategy to mitigate foreign competitor's 
     utilization of their civilian nuclear energy industries in 
     diplomacy;
       (iii) align its nuclear energy policy with national 
     security objectives; and
       (iv) remove regulatory barriers to the development of the 
     United States civilian nuclear energy supply chain.
       (3) Report to congress.--Not later than 6 months after the 
     study is conducted under paragraph (1), the Secretary of 
     Energy shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress 
     a report, including a classified annex as necessary, on the 
     results of such study.
       (b) Program to Train and Share Expertise.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Energy, in 
     consultation with the Secretary of State and the Commission, 
     shall develop and carry out a program under which the 
     Secretary of Energy shall train foreign nuclear energy 
     experts and standardize practices.
       (2) Requirements.--In carrying out the program developed 
     under paragraph (1), the Secretary of Energy shall--
       (A) issue guidance for best safety practices in the global 
     civilian nuclear energy industry based on practices 
     established in the United States;
       (B) train foreign nuclear energy experts on the operation 
     and safety and security practices used by the United States 
     civilian nuclear energy industry;
       (C) review global supply chain risks for foreign civilian 
     nuclear energy industries;
       (D) identify weaknesses and concerns found in foreign 
     civilian nuclear energy industries; and

[[Page H710]]

       (E) establish partnerships with foreign countries that have 
     developed or are developing civilian nuclear energy 
     industries.
       (3) Foreign nuclear energy expert.--In this subsection, the 
     term ``foreign nuclear energy expert'' does not include a 
     person who is from a country--
       (A) in which intellectual property theft is legal;
       (B) that takes actions to undermine the civilian nuclear 
     energy industry or other critical industries of the United 
     States; or
       (C) which the Secretary of Energy determines is inimical to 
     the interest of the United States.
       (c) International Nuclear Reactor Export and Innovation 
     Activities.--
       (1) Coordination.--The Commission shall--
       (A) coordinate all work of the Commission relating to--
       (i) issuing a license for the import or export of a nuclear 
     reactor under section 103 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 
     (42 U.S.C. 2133); and
       (ii) international regulatory cooperation and assistance 
     relating to nuclear reactors; and
       (B) support--
       (i) the consideration of international technical standards 
     to assist the design, licensing, and construction of advanced 
     nuclear systems;
       (ii) efforts to help build competent nuclear regulatory 
     organizations and legal frameworks in foreign countries that 
     are seeking to develop civilian nuclear energy industries; 
     and
       (iii) exchange programs and training provided in 
     coordination with the Secretary of State to foreign countries 
     relating to civilian nuclear energy industry regulation and 
     oversight to improve nuclear technology licensing.
       (2) Consultation.--In supporting exchange programs and 
     training under paragraph (1)(B)(iii), the Commission shall 
     consult with--
       (A) the Secretary of Energy;
       (B) the Secretary of State;
       (C) the National Laboratories;
       (D) the private sector; and
       (E) institutions of higher education.
       (3) Nuclear reactor export and innovation branch.--The 
     Commission may establish within the Office of International 
     Programs of the Commission a branch, to be known as the 
     ``International Nuclear Reactor Export and Innovation 
     Branch'', to carry out the nuclear reactor export and 
     innovation activities described in paragraph (1) as the 
     Commission determines appropriate.
       (4) Exclusion of international activities from the fee 
     base.--
       (A) In general.--Section 102 of the Nuclear Energy 
     Innovation and Modernization Act (42 U.S.C. 2215) is 
     amended--
       (i) in subsection (a), by adding at the end the following:
       ``(4) International nuclear reactor export and innovation 
     activities.--The Commission shall identify in the annual 
     budget justification international nuclear reactor export and 
     innovation activities described in section 202(c)(1) of the 
     Atomic Energy Advancement Act.''; and
       (ii) in subsection (b)(1)(B), as amended by the preceding 
     provisions of this Act, by adding at the end the following:
       ``(vii) Costs for international nuclear reactor export and 
     innovation activities described in section 202(c)(1) of the 
     Atomic Energy Advancement Act.''.
       (B) Effective date.--The amendments made by subparagraph 
     (A) shall take effect on October 1, 2024.
       (d) Denial of Certain Domestic Licenses for National 
     Security Purposes.--
       (1) Definition of covered fuel.--In this subsection, the 
     term ``covered fuel'' means enriched uranium that is 
     fabricated into fuel assemblies for nuclear reactors by an 
     entity that--
       (A) is owned or controlled by the Government of the Russian 
     Federation or the Government of the People's Republic of 
     China; or
       (B) is organized under the laws of, or otherwise subject to 
     the jurisdiction of, the Russian Federation or the People's 
     Republic of China.
       (2) Prohibition on unlicensed possession or ownership of 
     covered fuel.--Unless specifically authorized by the 
     Commission in a license issued under section 53 of the Atomic 
     Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2073), no person subject to the 
     jurisdiction of the Commission may possess or own covered 
     fuel.
       (3) License to possess or own covered fuel.--
       (A) Consultation required prior to issuance.--The 
     Commission shall not issue a license to possess or own 
     covered fuel under section 53 of the Atomic Energy Act of 
     1954 (42 U.S.C. 2073) unless the Commission has first 
     consulted with the Secretary of Energy and the Secretary of 
     State before issuing the license.
       (B) Prohibition on issuance of license.--
       (i) In general.--Subject to clause (iii), a license to 
     possess or own covered fuel shall not be issued if the 
     Secretary of Energy and the Secretary of State make the 
     determination described in clause (ii).
       (ii) Determination.--

       (I) In general.--The determination referred to in clause 
     (i) is a determination that possession or ownership, as 
     applicable, of covered fuel poses a threat to the national 
     security of the United States that adversely impacts the 
     physical and economic security of the United States.
       (II) Joint determination.--A determination described in 
     subclause (I) shall be jointly made by the Secretary of 
     Energy and the Secretary of State.
       (III) Timeline.--

       (aa) Notice of application.--Not later than 30 days after 
     the date on which the Commission receives an application for 
     a license to possess or own covered fuel, the Commission 
     shall notify the Secretary of Energy and the Secretary of 
     State of the application.
       (bb) Determination.--The Secretary of Energy and the 
     Secretary of State shall have a period of 180 days, beginning 
     on the date on which the Commission notifies the Secretary of 
     Energy and the Secretary of State under item (aa) of an 
     application for a license to possess or own covered fuel, in 
     which to make the determination described in subclause (I).
       (cc) Commission notification.--On making the determination 
     described in subclause (I), the Secretary of Energy and the 
     Secretary of State shall immediately notify the Commission.
       (dd) Congressional notification.--Not later than 30 days 
     after the date on which the Secretary of Energy and the 
     Secretary of State notify the Commission under item (cc), the 
     Commission shall notify the appropriate committees of 
     Congress of the determination.
       (ee) Public notice.--Not later than 15 days after the date 
     on which the Commission notifies Congress under item (dd) of 
     a determination made under subclause (I), the Commission 
     shall make that determination publicly available.
       (iii) Effect of no determination.--The prohibition 
     described in clause (i) shall not apply if the Secretary of 
     Energy and the Secretary of State do not make the 
     determination described in clause (ii) by the date described 
     in subclause (III)(bb) of that clause.
       (e) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term 
     ``appropriate committees of Congress'' means each of the 
     following:
       (A) The Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of 
     Representatives.
       (B) The Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of 
     Representatives.
       (C) The Committee on Environment and Public Works of the 
     Senate.
       (D) The Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the 
     Senate.
       (E) The Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate.
       (2) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the Nuclear 
     Regulatory Commission.

     SEC. 203. AMERICAN NUCLEAR COMPETITIVENESS.

       (a) Process for Review and Amendment of Part 810 Generally 
     Authorized Destinations.--
       (1) Identification and evaluation of factors.--Not later 
     than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
     Secretary of Energy, with the concurrence of the Secretary of 
     State, shall identify and evaluate factors, other than 
     agreements for cooperation entered into in accordance with 
     section 123 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 
     2153), that may be used to determine a country's generally 
     authorized destination status under part 810 of title 10, 
     Code of Federal Regulations, and to list such country as a 
     generally authorized destination in Appendix A to part 810 of 
     title 10, Code of Federal Regulations.
       (2) Process update.--The Secretary of Energy shall review 
     and, as appropriate, update the Department of Energy's 
     process for determining a country's generally authorized 
     destination status under part 810 of title 10, Code of 
     Federal Regulations, and for listing such country as a 
     generally authorized destination in Appendix A to part 810 of 
     title 10, Code of Federal Regulations, taking into 
     consideration, and, as appropriate, incorporating factors 
     identified and evaluated under paragraph (1).
       (3) Revisions to list.--Not later than one year after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, and at least once every 5 
     years thereafter, the Secretary of Energy shall, in 
     accordance with any process updated pursuant to this 
     subsection, review the list in Appendix A to part 810 of 
     title 10, Code of Federal Regulations, and amend such list as 
     appropriate.
       (b) Licensing Domestic Nuclear Projects in Which United 
     States Allies Invest.--
       (1) In general.--The prohibitions against issuing certain 
     licenses for utilization facilities to certain aliens, 
     corporations, and other entities described in the second 
     sentence of section 103 d. of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 
     (42 U.S.C. 2133(d)) and the second sentence of section 104 d. 
     of that Act (42 U.S.C. 2134(d)) shall not apply to an entity 
     described in paragraph (2) of this subsection if the Nuclear 
     Regulatory Commission determines that issuance of the 
     applicable license to that entity is not inimical to--
       (A) the common defense and security; or
       (B) the health and safety of the public.
       (2) Entities described.--
       (A) In general.--An entity referred to in paragraph (1) is 
     an alien, corporation, or other entity that is owned, 
     controlled, or dominated by--
       (i) the government of--

       (I) a country, other than a country described in 
     subparagraph (B), that is a member of the Organization for 
     Economic Co-operation and Development on the date of 
     enactment of this Act; or
       (II) the Republic of India;

[[Page H711]]

       (ii) a corporation that is incorporated in a country 
     described in subclause (I) or (II) of clause (i); or
       (iii) an alien who is a citizen or national of a country 
     described in subclause (I) or (II) of clause (i).
       (B) Exclusion.--A country described in this subparagraph is 
     a country--
       (i) any department, agency, or instrumentality of the 
     government of which, on the date of enactment of this Act, is 
     subject to sanctions under section 231 of the Countering 
     America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (22 U.S.C. 9525); 
     or
       (ii) any citizen, national, or entity of which, as of the 
     date of enactment of this Act, is included on the List of 
     Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons maintained 
     by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of 
     the Treasury pursuant to sanctions imposed under section 231 
     of the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act 
     (22 U.S.C. 9525).
       (3) Technical amendment.--Section 103 d. of the Atomic 
     Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2133(d)) is amended, in the 
     second sentence, by striking ``any any'' and inserting 
     ``any''.
       (4) Savings clause.--Nothing in this subsection affects the 
     requirements of section 721 of the Defense Production Act of 
     1950 (50 U.S.C. 4565).
       (c) Licensing Considerations Relating to Use of Nuclear 
     Energy for Nonelectric Applications.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (in 
     this subsection referred to as the ``Commission'') shall 
     submit to the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House 
     of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and 
     Public Works of the Senate a report addressing any unique 
     licensing issues or requirements relating to--
       (A) the flexible operation of advanced nuclear reactors, 
     such as ramping power output and switching between 
     electricity generation and nonelectric applications;
       (B) the use of advanced nuclear reactors exclusively for 
     nonelectric applications; and
       (C) the collocation of advanced nuclear reactors with 
     industrial plants or other facilities.
       (2) Stakeholder input.--In developing the report under 
     paragraph (1), the Commission shall seek input from--
       (A) the Secretary of Energy;
       (B) the nuclear energy industry;
       (C) technology developers;
       (D) the industrial, chemical, and medical sectors;
       (E) nongovernmental organizations; and
       (F) other public stakeholders.
       (3) Contents.--The report under paragraph (1) shall 
     describe--
       (A) any unique licensing issues or requirements relating to 
     the matters described in subparagraphs (A) through (C) of 
     paragraph (1), including, with respect to the nonelectric 
     applications referred to in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of that 
     paragraph, any licensing issues or requirements relating to 
     the use of nuclear energy--
       (i) for hydrogen or other liquid and gaseous fuel or 
     chemical production;
       (ii) for water desalination and wastewater treatment;
       (iii) for heat used in industrial processes;
       (iv) for district heating;
       (v) in relation to energy storage;
       (vi) for industrial or medical isotope production; and
       (vii) other applications, as identified by the Commission;
       (B) options for addressing such issues or requirements--
       (i) within the existing regulatory framework;
       (ii) through the technology-inclusive, regulatory framework 
     to be established under section 103(a)(4)(A) of the Nuclear 
     Energy Innovation and Modernization Act (42 U.S.C. 2133 note; 
     Public Law 115-439); or
       (iii) through a new rulemaking;
       (C) the extent to which Commission action is needed to 
     implement any matter described in the report; and
       (D) cost estimates, proposed budgets, and proposed 
     timeframes for implementing risk-informed and performance-
     based regulatory guidance for licensing advanced nuclear 
     reactors for nonelectric applications.
       (d) Report on Advanced Methods of Manufacturing and 
     Construction for Nuclear Energy Projects.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (in 
     this subsection referred to as the ``Commission'') shall 
     submit to the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House 
     of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and 
     Public Works of the Senate a report on advanced methods of 
     manufacturing and construction for nuclear energy projects.
       (2) Stakeholder input.--In developing the report under 
     paragraph (1), the Commission shall seek input from--
       (A) the Secretary of Energy;
       (B) the nuclear energy industry;
       (C) the National Laboratories;
       (D) institutions of higher education;
       (E) nuclear and manufacturing technology developers;
       (F) the manufacturing and construction industries;
       (G) standards development organizations;
       (H) labor unions;
       (I) nongovernmental organizations; and
       (J) other public stakeholders.
       (3) Contents.--
       (A) In general.--The report under paragraph (1) shall--
       (i) examine any unique licensing issues or requirements 
     relating to the use, for nuclear energy projects, of--

       (I) advanced manufacturing techniques; and
       (II) advanced construction techniques;

       (ii) examine--

       (I) the requirements for nuclear-grade components in 
     manufacturing and construction for nuclear energy projects;
       (II) opportunities to use standard materials, parts, or 
     components in manufacturing and construction for nuclear 
     energy applications; and
       (III) opportunities to use standard materials that are in 
     compliance with existing codes and standards to provide 
     acceptable approaches to support or encapsulate new materials 
     that do not yet have applicable codes or standards;

       (iii) identify safety aspects of advanced manufacturing 
     processes and advanced construction techniques that are not 
     addressed by existing codes and standards, so that generic 
     guidance for nuclear energy projects may be updated or 
     created as necessary by the Commission;
       (iv) identify options for addressing the issues, 
     requirements, and opportunities examined under clauses (i) 
     and (ii)--

       (I) within the existing regulatory framework; or
       (II) through a new rulemaking; and

       (v) describe the extent to which Commission action is 
     needed to implement any matter described in the report.
       (B) Cost estimates, budgets, and timeframes.--The report 
     under paragraph (1) shall include cost estimates, proposed 
     budgets, and proposed timeframes for implementing risk-
     informed and performance-based regulatory guidance for 
     advanced manufacturing and construction for nuclear energy 
     projects.
       (e) Extension of the Price-Anderson Act.--
       (1) Extension.--Section 170 of the Atomic Energy Act of 
     1954 (42 U.S.C. 2210) (commonly known as the ``Price-Anderson 
     Act'') is amended by striking ``December 31, 2025'' each 
     place it appears and inserting ``December 31, 2065''.
       (2) Liability.--Section 170 of the Atomic Energy Act of 
     1954 (42 U.S.C. 2210) (commonly known as the ``Price-Anderson 
     Act'') is amended--
       (A) in subsection d. (5), by striking ``$500,000,000'' and 
     inserting ``$2,000,000,000''; and
       (B) in subsection e. (4), by striking ``$500,000,000'' and 
     inserting ``$2,000,000,000''.
       (3) Report.--Section 170 p. of the Atomic Energy Act of 
     1954 (42 U.S.C. 2210(p)) (commonly known as the ``Price-
     Anderson Act'') is amended by striking ``December 31, 2021'' 
     and inserting ``December 31, 2061''.
       (4) Definition of nuclear incident.--Section 11 q. of the 
     Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2014(q)) is amended, in 
     the second proviso, by striking ``if such occurrence'' and 
     all that follows through ``United States:'' and inserting a 
     colon.
       (f) Risk Pooling Program Assessment.--
       (1) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall carry 
     out a review of, and submit to the Committee on Energy and 
     Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
     Environment and Public Works of the Senate a report on, the 
     Secretary of Energy's actions with respect to the program 
     described in section 934(e) of the Energy Independence and 
     Security Act of 2007 (42 U.S.C. 17373(e)).
       (2) Contents.--The report described in paragraph (1) shall 
     include--
       (A) an evaluation of the Secretary of Energy's actions to 
     determine the risk-informed assessment formula under section 
     934(e)(2)(C) of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 
     2007 (42 U.S.C. 17373(e)(2)(C)); and
       (B) a review of the Secretary of Energy's methodology to 
     collect information to determine and implement the formula.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
South Carolina (Mr. Duncan) and the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. 
Pallone) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from South Carolina.


                             General Leave

  Mr. DUNCAN. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and 
include extraneous material in the Record on the bill.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from South Carolina?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. DUNCAN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, I rise in support of my bill, H.R. 6544, the Atomic 
Energy Advancement Act. I first thank my colleague and friend, the 
ranking member of the Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Subcommittee, 
for leading this effort with me, Congresswoman Diana DeGette.
  Madam Speaker, this is a package of nuclear bills and is comprised of 
the

[[Page H712]]

work of many members of the Committee on Energy and Commerce on both 
sides of the aisle. I thank them for their work in advancing the use of 
nuclear energy here in the United States.
  The Atomic Energy Advancement Act will advance durable, bipartisan 
policy that will expand nuclear energy and its many benefits for the 
Nation, while maintaining the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's global 
gold standard for safety.
  Our goal is to bring America's nuclear promise back into alignment 
with the goals that Congress established when passing the Atomic Energy 
Act. This ushered in the age of the peaceful use of the atom, 
demonstrating American leadership around the world and the amazing 
benefits of nuclear power.
  The NRC Mission Alignment Act provision in this bill, which I 
authored, does just that. It directs the NRC to update its mission 
statement to include that its licensing and regulation of nuclear 
energy activities will be conducted in a manner that is efficient and 
does not unnecessarily limit the potential of nuclear energy.
  The NRC should not be an impediment but rather a facilitator of 
nuclear advancement in America.
  There are many provisions in this bill that modernize the NRC and 
advance nuclear technology deployment, including American technology 
exports. For example, the bill requires the NRC to provide efficient, 
timely, and predictable reviews; strengthens the NRC workforce to 
address the new technologies coming down the pike; reduces hourly fee 
rates for advanced nuclear reactor licenses; avoids duplicative 
environmental reviews; updates the DOE's nuclear expert reviews; and 
extends the critical liability protections necessary for nuclear 
investment.
  Now more than ever, it is essential that America lead in nuclear 
energy, especially as our adversaries work actively to undercut our 
strength. Russia and China are seeking to dominate the nuclear markets 
and supply chains for these technologies. America can and must continue 
to set the global nuclear standard, and the Atomic Energy Advancement 
Act will ensure that we do.
  Madam Speaker, I thank my colleagues on the Committee on Energy and 
Commerce, as well as all who have had input on this bipartisan 
legislation. I thank them for their work and dedication.
  Madam Speaker, I urge support for this bill, and I reserve the 
balance of my time.
                                         House of Representatives,


                                 Committee on Foreign Affairs,

                                 Washington, DC, February 6, 2024.
     Hon. Cathy McMorris Rodgers,
     Chair, Committee on Energy and Commerce, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chair Rodgers: Thank you for consulting with the 
     Committee on Foreign Affairs on the text of H.R. 6544, the 
     Atomic Energy Advancement Act, and incorporating requested 
     edits. I agree that Foreign Affairs may be discharged from 
     further consideration of the bill, so that it may proceed 
     expeditiously to the House Floor.
       This agreement is made with the understanding that it does 
     not in any way diminish or alter the jurisdiction of the 
     Committee on Foreign Affairs, or prejudice our jurisdictional 
     prerogatives on this measure or similar legislation in the 
     future.
       I would appreciate it if you could include this letter in 
     your committee report on the bill, or place it into the 
     Record during Floor consideration. I look forward to 
     continuing to work together as this measure moves through the 
     legislative process.
           Sincerely,
                                                Michael T. McCaul,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

                                         House of Representatives,


                             Committee on Energy and Commerce,

                                 Washington, DC, February 7, 2024.
     Hon. Michael T. McCaul,
     Chairman, Committee on Foreign Affairs, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman McCaul: Thank you for your letter concerning 
     H.R. 6544, the ``Atomic Energy Advancement Act.'' I 
     appreciate your willingness to forgo action on the bill so 
     that it may proceed expeditiously to the House Floor.
       I agree that your decision to forgo action on this bill 
     does not in any way diminish or alter the jurisdiction of the 
     Committee on Foreign Affairs, or prejudice that Committee's 
     jurisdictional prerogatives on this measure or similar 
     legislation in the future.
       As you requested, I will include a copy of our exchange of 
     letters in the Committee on Energy and Commerce's report on 
     H.R. 6544, and I will place it in the Congressional Record 
     during consideration of the bill on the House floor.
       Thank you again for your assistance on this matter.
           Sincerely,
                                           Cathy McMorris Rodgers,
     Chair.
                                  ____

                                         House of Representatives,


                  Committee on Science, Space, and Technology,

                                Washington, DC, February 13, 2024.
     Hon. Cathy McMorris Rodgers,
     Chair, Committee on Energy and Commerce, House of 
         Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chair Rodgers: I am writing concerning H.R. 6544, the 
     ``Atomic Energy Advancement Act'', which was referred 
     primarily to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, with an 
     additional referral to the Committee on Science, Space, and 
     Technology.
       H.R. 6544 contains provisions within the Committee on 
     Science, Space, and Technology's Rule X jurisdiction. As a 
     result of your having consulted with the Committee and to 
     expedite this bill for floor consideration, the Committee on 
     Science, Space, and Technology will forego action on the 
     bill. This is being done based on our mutual understanding 
     that doing so will in no way diminish or alter the 
     jurisdiction of the Committee on Science, Space, and 
     Technology with respect to the appointment of conferees, or 
     to any future jurisdictional claim over the subject matters 
     contained in the bill or similar legislation.
       I would appreciate your response to this letter confirming 
     this understanding, and would request that you include a copy 
     of this letter and your response in the Congressional Record 
     during the floor consideration of this bill. Thank you in 
     advance for your cooperation.
           Sincerely,
                                                   Frank D. Lucas,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

                                         House of Representatives,


                             Committee on Energy and Commerce,

                                Washington, DC, February 13, 2024.
     Hon. Frank D. Lucas,
     Chairman, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, 
         Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Lucas: Thank you for your letter concerning 
     H.R. 6544, the ``Atomic Energy Advancement Act.'' I 
     appreciate your willingness to forgo action on the bill so 
     that it may proceed expeditiously to the House Floor.
       I agree that your decision to forgo action on this bill 
     does not in any way diminish or alter the jurisdiction of the 
     Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, or prejudice 
     that Committee's jurisdictional prerogatives on this measure 
     or similar legislation in the future.
       As you requested, I will include a copy of our exchange of 
     letters in the Committee on Energy and Commerce's report on 
     H.R. 6544, and I will place it in the Congressional Record 
     during consideration of the bill on the House floor.
       Thank you again for your assistance on this matter.
           Sincerely,
                                           Cathy McMorris Rodgers,
                                                            Chair.

  Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6544, the Atomic 
Energy Advancement Act. This bill makes important changes to the 
Nuclear Regulatory Commission to ensure that our Nation will be able to 
license the advanced nuclear reactors that could play a vital role in 
combating the climate crisis.
  H.R. 6544 will ensure that developers of advanced reactors are not 
asked to pay more than their fair share of their licensing costs. It 
will also help create commonsense pathways to site nuclear reactors on 
brownfield sites and sites that already have a nuclear reactor. Most 
importantly, it will do these things while ensuring that nothing about 
the NRC's core mission of safety is compromised.
  Madam Speaker, the legislation will also help the NRC attract and 
retain staff, which is critical since the Commission needs to be at 
full capacity to license the fleet of new reactors that will apply for 
licenses over the next decade.
  This was a particularly important provision championed by Energy, 
Climate, and Grid Security Subcommittee Ranking Member DeGette, and I 
am very happy that it was included in this package.
  I also thank Chair Duncan for the bipartisan way in which this 
package of bills was assembled. This is how Congress should always 
work. We held bipartisan oversight hearings, issued a joint request for 
information, had a legislative hearing to solicit feedback on the 
proposals, and eventually moved the legislation through committee, with 
Democrats and Republicans working together every step of the way. As a 
result, the bill before us today is much stronger than the bill that 
was first introduced.
  The bill is certainly not perfect. It is a product of compromise, and 
like all

[[Page H713]]

compromises, no one got everything they wanted. Further compromise will 
be necessary as we work together with the Senate to find a path forward 
to get this bill to the President's desk.
  Madam Speaker, this is a strong bill that will protect communities 
while unlocking our Nation's nuclear potential. It will help lower 
emissions and ensure that new nuclear plants have a place in our 
Nation's energy economy, all while ensuring protection of public health 
and safety. I hope it is something all Members can support.
  Madam Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote on this bill, and I reserve the 
balance of my time.
  Mr. DUNCAN. Madam Speaker, Ranking Member Pallone and his staff have 
been very good to work with the majority staff on this bill, and I 
thank them for that.
  Last year, when I was given the opportunity to chair the Energy, 
Climate, and Grid Security Subcommittee, Chairwoman Cathy McMorris 
Rodgers and I had a lot of talk about nuclear energy. This is a 
culmination of a lot of that initial discussion.
  Madam Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from 
Washington (Mrs. Rodgers), the chair of the Committee on Energy and 
Commerce.
  Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Madam Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman 
from the Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Subcommittee for yielding.
  Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this legislation, H.R. 
6544, the Atomic Energy Advancement Act.
  We have worked very hard, and most agree that a robust and growing 
nuclear industry is critical for reducing emissions and providing 
reliable and affordable clean energy to Americans.
  Nuclear energy can help us build durable, economic, and strategic 
relationships around the world, especially as the influence of China 
and Russia in this industry grows. We know our allies are eager for 
American leadership and technology, and our nuclear industry is ready 
to lead.
  The Energy and Commerce Committee has a rich history of plowing the 
hard ground necessary to legislate, coming together on solutions that 
improve people's lives and that make our country stronger and 
prosperous.
  H.R. 6544 continues that leadership, and I am grateful for the 
leadership of the chairman of the subcommittee, Jeff Duncan, as well as 
the ranking member, Diana DeGette, and the ranking member of the full 
committee, Frank Pallone, for working together so that we can move this 
legislation forward, helping to maintain a robust and growing nuclear 
industry, which is vital to delivering reliable, affordable, and clean 
energy to all Americans.
  This much-needed modernization of our regulatory framework will 
restore America's nuclear dominance; encourage innovation; enable 
industry to deploy safe, reliable nuclear energy; and usher in a new 
era of U.S. energy leadership.
  Madam Speaker, I urge support of the Atomic Energy Advancement Act.
  Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentlewoman from 
Massachusetts (Mrs. Trahan), a member of the committee.
  Mrs. TRAHAN. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding and 
for his leadership on this important issue as ranking member of the 
House Energy and Commerce Committee.
  Madam Speaker, I rise in support of this bipartisan legislation, in 
particular, the important changes it makes to how we regulate 
commercial fusion energy.
  Last spring, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission took an important vote 
to regulate commercial fusion energy under its existing regulatory 
framework--specifically, the byproduct materials framework. This was a 
critical step toward unlocking commercialized fusion energy, and it was 
made possible by a recognition that fusion does not need to be 
regulated the same way as fission.
  Since then, the Congressional Fusion Energy Caucus, which I have the 
honor of co-chairing alongside Representatives  Don Beyer, Jay 
Obernolte, and Chuck Fleischmann, put pen to paper on the Fusion Energy 
Act, which will codify the Commission's decision and provide the fusion 
industry the regulatory certainty that it needs to continue pursuing 
their innovative research and development.

  During consideration of this package in December, we offered the 
Fusion Energy Act as an amendment, which was adopted unanimously and is 
included in this legislation today.
  I cannot overstate the importance of passing this package because 
fusion is the game changer. A future with fusion means thousands of 
good-paying, family-sustaining, clean energy jobs that we will create 
along the way.
  Fusion unlocks a future where energy production is no longer tied to 
access to a resource. It means an endless supply of baseload clean 
energy, without any emissions. It means dictators like Vladimir Putin 
won't be able to manipulate energy markets to suit their needs.
  Madam Speaker, but make no mistake, both our allies and our 
adversaries are racing to unlock fusion energy. The U.K. is investing 
660 million pounds; Germany recently announced a 1-billion-euro 
investment; and China has already invested 1.8 billion in their state-
owned facilities, with plans to massively ramp up over the next decade.
  In China, there is no private industry investment in fusion. It is 
all government-controlled, and that is a huge competitive advantage 
that we have on them.
  What the United States does best is innovate through public-private 
partnerships that leverage Federal research dollars with the work 
happening at cutting-edge startups and businesses across our country.
  One of those companies, Commonwealth Fusion Systems, is located in 
the district I represent. Since its founding roughly 5 years ago, CFS 
has raised more than $2 billion in private investment, employs over 600 
people, and is well on its way to building SPARC, a fusion machine that 
will achieve net energy and demonstrates that producing commercial 
fusion energy in just a few years is possible.
  Madam Speaker, if we are going to beat China to fusion, then it is 
absolutely critical that we provide companies like CFS with the 
regulatory certainty that they need. Passing this bipartisan package 
does just that.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this important, 
commonsense legislation that will advance commercial fusion energy.
  Mr. DUNCAN. Madam Speaker, I agree that with fusion SMR advanced 
nuclear technology, the nuclear renaissance is right before us.
  Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. 
Weber), my good friend.
  Mr. WEBER of Texas. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for 
yielding.
  Madam Speaker, I am proud that the Energy and Commerce Committee is 
championing nuclear energy, a clean, safe, and reliable energy source 
for which America should be paving the way.
  Going forward, it must be a significant component of America's energy 
profile, and to make that happen, we need to cut the red tape at the 
Nuclear Regulatory Commission, expediting environmental reviews for 
nuclear reactors.
  Time and time again, the environmental review process takes entirely 
way too long. My bill, the Modernize Nuclear Reactor Environmental 
Reviews Act, is a part of this Atomic Energy Advancement Act. It will 
reduce duplicative efforts and speed up the review process for nuclear 
reactor applications.
  Madam Speaker, let me reiterate: Nuclear is clean and safe and plays 
a critical role in putting reliable as well as dispatchable energy onto 
our grid.
  I am proud to see that Diana DeGette and Frank Pallone and their 
staff are working with us. It is encouraging that we are working across 
the aisle. I urge my colleagues to support this critical bill to 
advance nuclear energy in the United States of America.

                              {time}  1615

  Mr. DUNCAN. Madam Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman 
from Pennsylvania (Mr. Joyce).
  Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman and 
the chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy for yielding.
  Madam Speaker, Pennsylvania has a long and proud history of 
developing energy innovation. From the first oil

[[Page H714]]

well in 1859 to leading the way on natural gas development to 
Westinghouse's work developing nuclear energy in the 1950s, the 
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has been a leader in producing the power 
that Americans, and the entire world, rely on to keep their homes warm 
and their refrigerators cold.
  For decades, the United States has been a leader in the development 
of new technologies and innovation with regard to nuclear energy.
  As demands on our Nation's electric grid continue to grow, small 
modular and microreactors are poised to be the next generation of 
clean, safe, and reliable nuclear technology.
  It is vital that these reactors are permitted efficiently in order to 
allow American consumers to utilize the energy they rely on each and 
every day.
  Madam Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support this legislation.
  Mr. DUNCAN. Madam Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman 
from Kentucky (Mr. Guthrie), the chair of the Subcommittee on Health.
  Mr. GUTHRIE. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.
  I rise in support today of H.R. 6544, the Atomic Energy Advancement 
Act.
  I represent western Kentucky coal communities, including Muhlenberg, 
McLean, and Ohio Counties. Unfortunately, Washington Democrats' war on 
coal has resulted in the loss of good-paying jobs and key energy 
production for our Commonwealth and our Nation.
  I introduced the Nuclear for Brownfields Site Preparation Act, which 
is included in this package, to ensure that we continue to use 
Kentucky's experienced energy workers to bring back American energy 
independence and ensure our leadership as an energy producer. We have 
an opportunity to repurpose sites, like retired coal facilities, to 
reinstate American energy dominance.
  I am committed to making sure we have affordable, reliable energy 
from a diverse energy portfolio, while empowering communities who 
powered our Nation for generations to help us continue to keep the 
lights on for years to come.
  Madam Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support this legislation.
  Mr. DUNCAN. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
Georgia (Mr. Carter), who will probably talk about what is going on at 
Plant Vogtle, the newest reactors to have been constructed in our 
lifetime.
  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for 
yielding.
  America used to be the leader in nuclear energy. It should be one of 
the key parts of our energy security and the awe of the globe. However, 
we have allowed it to deteriorate and for other countries to take the 
lead on the global stage.
  Instead, Russia and China are building a larger and larger presence 
in global nuclear power. Together, the two account for nearly 70 
percent of reactors under construction or being planned worldwide.
  The United States cannot stand by and allow China and Russia to be 
the standard bearers of nuclear energy. Just imagine the nuclear 
proliferation implications, let alone the economic ones. Don't be 
fooled. This is just another way for China and Russia to exert 
influence and manipulate countries around the globe. We have seen it 
with the Belt and Road Initiative, and with nuclear plants, this means 
decades and decades of developing countries tied to China.
  Thankfully, this doesn't have to be the case. We can have a new 
American nuclear renaissance. This bill, the Atomic Energy Advancement 
Act, will provide important steps to do so.
  We have proved that in the State of Georgia with the two newest 
reactors built in this country in over 30 years.
  This bill includes reforms to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to 
increase licensing efficiency, strengthen our nuclear workforce, make 
advanced nuclear technology more accessible through fee reductions, 
modernize reviews, and other important improvements to how nuclear is 
approached in the U.S.
  I am pleased to have my bill, the Global Nuclear Energy Assessment 
and Cooperation Act, which I introduced along with Representative Scott 
Peters from California, included as a section of this bill.
  This bill will take a multipronged approach to promoting nuclear 
energy around the globe by providing global nuclear energy assessment, 
providing a program for training and sharing of expertise, and provide 
for an International Nuclear Reactor Export and Innovation Branch.
  This will inspire coordination, research, and development for the 
U.S. and our allies, which is extremely important.
  Lastly, it will prohibit the import of nuclear fuel assemblies from 
hostile foreign nations, including Russia and China.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentleman has expired.
  Mr. DUNCAN. Madam Speaker, I yield an additional 15 seconds to the 
gentleman from Georgia.
  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, this will encourage energy 
independence and prevent our country from being reliant on our enemies 
for our nuclear energy needs.
  My hope is that my bill will be just one small part of improving the 
global competition for nuclear energy. This is how we begin to secure a 
safe, reliable energy future for the United States of America and 
democracies across the globe.
  Mr. DUNCAN. Madam Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  As you have heard today, the Atomic Energy Advancement Act is really 
setting America up to get ready for what is next. What is next is 
advanced nuclear reactors and small modular reactors. As the 
gentlewoman from Massachusetts said, the possibility of fusion is very 
exciting.
  There are the industries that could be set up around the nuclear hub 
of these advanced reactors, jobs that will be created, keeping that 
intellectual property here in America, and addressing our supply issues 
for critical components, enriched uranium, the fuel that is necessary 
to make these reactors work. Lessening the Nation's dependence on 
Russia and China for nuclear technology or nuclear fuel just makes 
sense to a lot of folks in America.
  In order to get ready for that nuclear renaissance that I mentioned 
earlier, we have got to make sure that the government agencies, 
specifically the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, is truly prepared as 
they move into the 21st century in the advancement of nuclear energy in 
this country.
  We have got friends and allies who are looking to the United States 
to export the technology to help their countries meet their energy 
independence needs, to be cleaner in their energy production, and 
lessen their dependence on foreign adversaries.
  For example, we were in the Czech Republic last spring, and they 
commissioned both small modular reactors and traditional light-water 
reactors. They were looking to the United States. They were looking to 
the NRC. They were looking to America to lead and help them as they 
develop their nuclear technology and their nuclear energy development 
in their countries. Poland was the same way with light-water reactors, 
the future of SMRs.
  I think about what is going on in this country with SMR development. 
I think about what our neighbors in Canada are doing up in Ontario with 
probably the first SMR that will be full-scale brought online. Nuclear 
development is important to the cleaner energy future for America.
  Madam Speaker, I don't have other speakers on this side, and I 
reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time for 
closing.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join us in supporting H.R. 
6544, the Atomic Energy Advancement Act.
  This bipartisan bill, which passed out of the Energy and Commerce 
Committee in December, includes a number of policies designed to 
facilitate the deployment of advanced nuclear reactor technologies 
while not compromising on safety.
  The bill will ensure that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission is up to 
the job and prepared for the potential license applications for new 
reactor designs that are expected to come its way over the next decade.
  Included in this package are provisions co-led by Democratic Members, 
including language that would:

[[Page H715]]

  First, allow the NRC to retain its current workforce and attract new 
talent to license new reactors;
  Second, lower the regulatory costs imposed upon new reactor 
developers so they are only paying for the expenses they are directly 
incurring;
  Third, ease the processes allowing for demonstration reactors at 
Department of Energy sites, sites with critical national security 
infrastructure, and brownfield sites;
  Fourth, make it easier to co-locate new nuclear reactors on sites 
with currently operating reactors; and
  Fifth, allow for DOE to enter into long-term agreements to purchase 
electricity from a new nuclear reactor.
  Now, I would say nuclear energy is a vital source of zero-carbon 
baseload power. It is imperative in our fight against the worsening 
climate crisis that we strengthen the NRC's regulatory processes so the 
agency is prepared to license 21st century reactors in a timely fashion 
that does not compromise on safety or public health. H.R. 6544 will do 
just that.
  Again, I intend to vote for the bill while it is on the floor under 
suspension, and we urge all Members to join us in supporting the 
legislation.
  Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. DUNCAN. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from 
Georgia (Mr. Allen), who represents Augusta, Georgia, where Plant 
Vogtle is.
  Mr. ALLEN. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6544, the 
bipartisan Atomic Energy Advancement Act, which aims to incentivize and 
advance nuclear energy production in the United States.
  An all-of-the-above strategy is critical to reclaiming American 
energy dominance. As the Nation's largest source of clean energy, 
nuclear has a pivotal role to play.
  Included in today's legislation is a bill I sponsored, the Nuclear 
Licensing Efficiency Act, which would improve the licensing review 
process for future nuclear projects by establishing updated procedures 
and timelines for reviewing nuclear licensing applications.
  With the first two nuclear reactors built in over three decades in 
the United States located at Plant Vogtle, in my district, Georgia 12, 
we are leading our Nation's nuclear future. As we saw through the 
construction process, nuclear projects in the U.S. are often bogged 
down by burdensome licensing and permitting processes that result in 
unnecessary delays and cost overruns.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentleman has expired.
  Mr. DUNCAN. Madam Speaker, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the 
gentleman from Georgia.
  Mr. ALLEN. Madam Speaker, by modernizing the inefficient procedures 
that hamper our nuclear energy expansion, we can fully embrace the 
reliability of clean, 24/7 nuclear energy.
  I am proud to have my bill as part of this broader, bipartisan Atomic 
Energy Advancement Act to improve our nuclear energy regulatory 
process.
  Madam Speaker, I strongly urge a ``yes'' vote on H.R. 6544.
  Mr. DUNCAN. Madam Speaker, I am thankful, once again, for the 
bipartisan nature of this legislation. I thank Ranking Member DeGette 
on the subcommittee and Ranking Member Pallone and their staff for all 
they have done. Let's get this passed. Let's work with our Senate 
colleagues. Let's get something to the President's desk and get 
something signed into law to move the Nation forward.
  Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. WILLIAMS of New York. Madam Speaker, I want to begin by thanking 
the Energy and Commerce Committee and Subcommittee Chairman Duncan for 
leading on this issue.


 =========================== NOTE =========================== 

  
  On February 28, 2024, page H715, in the second column, the 
following appeared: Madam Speaker, I want to begin by thanking the 
Energy and Commerce Committee and
  
  The online version has been corrected to read: Mr. WILLIAMS of 
New York. Madam Speaker, I want to begin by thanking the Energy 
and Commerce Committee and


 ========================= END NOTE ========================= 


  The Atomic Energy Advancement Act is an urgent and necessary package 
of bipartisan, commonsense reforms that will help unleash the full 
potential of America's commercial nuclear energy.
  According to the Department of Energy, the United States will require 
at least 200 gigawatts of new electric power generation by 2030 to 
replace aging infrastructure and to meet growing energy needs. This 
demand will be impossible to fulfill without federal support for 
nuclear energy.
  The Atomic Energy Advancement Act contains numerous, sensible 
regulatory reforms and market incentives that will empower the nuclear 
industry to provide affordable, resilient, reliable, and responsible 
power for Americans. Among these much-needed provisions are 
requirements that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission commits to 
efficiency and streamlines the licensing of safer and more affordable 
nuclear reactors.
  Right now is the time for America to go all-in on nuclear power.
  This package gives a modern regulatory framework to bring safe, 
clean, and affordable power. It unleashes American innovation, ensuring 
future generations of Americans energy abundance and energy 
independence.
  I look forward to voting in support of this bill, and I encourage my 
colleagues to do the same.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Duncan) that the House suspend the 
rules and pass the bill, H.R. 6544, as amended.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. DUNCAN. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further 
proceedings on this motion will be postponed.

                          ____________________