The Senate voted 88-2 to pass a major nuclear energy bill, paired with legislation reauthorizing fire programs. Only Sens. Ed Markey and Bernie Sanders opposed it. The measure streamlines approval for new nuclear plants, lowers licensing fees, and directs the NRC to explore faster environmental reviews.
Supporters say it will boost the sector, particularly small modular reactors, as the U.S. aims to triple nuclear capacity by 2050. The House advanced the package 393-13-1, with Rep. Rashida Tlaib voting “present” in protest of the nuclear provisions.
The push aligns with the Trump administration’s focus on expanding U.S. energy. Trump has ordered the NRC to speed up licenses, with projects required to start before 2029 to qualify for subsidies.
Separately, the Senate confirmed 48 of Trump’s nominees after Republicans used the “nuclear option” to overcome Democratic delays. Kimberly Guilfoyle was approved as ambassador to Greece, while Callista Gingrich will represent the U.S. in Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
