The International Nuclear Energy Act of 2025 aims to develop a comprehensive, whole-of-government strategy to bolster U.S. international civil nuclear cooperation and exports. It proposes establishing an Assistant to the President and Director for International Nuclear Energy Policy within the White House to serve as a focal point for coordinating civil nuclear export policies and developing a cohesive federal strategy. Additionally, a Nuclear Exports Working Group will be formed, composed of senior federal officials, to coordinate efforts and maintain knowledge of U.S. civil nuclear exports.

This working group is tasked with establishing a 10-year civil nuclear trade strategy, including biennial targets for the export of civil nuclear technologies, materials, and fuel. The bill mandates an international initiative to modernize civil nuclear outreach to embarking civil nuclear nations, which are countries developing or expanding their nuclear energy programs, excluding certain adversarial states. This initiative focuses on improving the efficient export and import of civil nuclear technologies, providing education and training in nuclear safety and security, and coordinating with international agencies like the IAEA.

To facilitate these efforts, the President is directed to seek cooperative financing relationships for exporting civil nuclear technology to embarking nations. The bill also allows for waivers of United States competitiveness clauses to enable these financing relationships. Furthermore, it requires the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretaries of Energy and Commerce, to conduct bilateral and multilateral meetings with ally or partner nations to enhance cooperation on advanced nuclear reactor research, development, licensing, and deployment, including seeking financing arrangements to share costs.

The legislation amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to expand the Secretary of Energy's role in supporting the safe, secure, and peaceful use of civil nuclear technology in countries developing nuclear energy programs, particularly those increasing cooperation with Russia or China. It promotes the utilization of U.S. nuclear energy companies' reactors, fuel, equipment, and services through bilateral arrangements, potential waivers of competition laws, and financial assistance. For these expanded activities, the bill authorizes an appropriation of $15.5 million annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2030.

An international initiative for International Civil Nuclear Program Support is also launched, providing financial assistance and technical capacity building to embarking civil nuclear nations. This includes grants of up to $5.5 million per nation, with a maximum of five grants, and financial assistance to hire senior advisors from U.S. nuclear energy companies to aid in program establishment. This initiative is authorized with an appropriation of $50 million annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2030.

The bill mandates a biennial Cabinet-level international conference on civil nuclear safety, security, safeguards, and sustainability to foster cooperation, develop joint commitments, and address financing and liability issues. It also directs the President to consider the feasibility of establishing an Advanced Reactor Coordination and Resource Center. This center would identify qualified organizations, develop standardized models for civil nuclear programs, coordinate funding, and support multinational regulatory standards.

The bill amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to potentially ease restrictions on foreign investment from allies and partners in certain nuclear facilities, specifically for utilization facilities. Additionally, it establishes a Strategic Infrastructure Fund Working Group to explore the feasibility of a fund supporting capital-intensive infrastructure projects, including civil nuclear technologies and microprocessors, and requires a report with suggested legislative text for its establishment. A joint consultative mechanism with India is also mandated to assess nuclear cooperation and align India's nuclear liability rules with international norms.

Finally, the legislation outlines a U.S. Small Modular Reactor Initiative with objectives to demonstrate domestic SMR technology competitive against Russian and Chinese designs, promote a domestic nuclear supply chain, and develop SMRs using low-enriched uranium. To support these objectives, the bill authorizes a substantial appropriation of $1.439 billion for fiscal year 2026 for ongoing regulatory development, design, and deployment activities related to small modular reactors.