Senate Approves Major Nuclear Energy Bill With Overwhelming Bipartisan Support
In a rare show of unity, the U.S. Senate has overwhelmingly passed a sweeping nuclear energy package designed to streamline plant approvals, expand the nation’s power capacity, and position the United States to reclaim its role as a global leader in nuclear innovation.
The measure, which cleared the upper chamber by a decisive 88-2 vote, now heads to President Donald Trump’s desk, where it is expected to be signed into law. Only Sens. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) opposed the bill, citing concerns about nuclear safety and costs.
What the Nuclear Bill Does
The legislation seeks to accelerate the construction of new nuclear plants as many of the country’s existing reactors approach retirement. Among its most notable provisions, the bill:
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Cuts licensing fees for companies seeking to launch new nuclear projects.
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Orders the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to identify ways to streamline and shorten environmental review timelines.
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Encourages the development of small modular reactors, a next-generation technology hailed as safer and more efficient.
Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a leading supporter, called the measure “history-making,” saying it will lay the foundation for America’s future in nuclear energy. “Small modular reactors are the future, and this legislation clears the path for their development,” she told reporters.
Fire Safety Provisions Included
The nuclear package was combined with a separate bill reauthorizing the U.S. Fire Administration and expanding grants for firefighters nationwide. By linking the two measures, lawmakers ensured overwhelming bipartisan support.
The House of Representatives had already passed the combined package by a 393-13-1 vote, with Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) casting the sole “present” vote. Tlaib said she supported the fire safety measures but opposed the nuclear provisions.
Supporters Say the Bill Unlocks Industry Growth
Industry leaders and policy experts are applauding the bill as a long-overdue boost to a sector hampered by regulatory hurdles and rising costs.
“It’s a facilitator of the process by which industry has to get approvals for building these projects,” said Lesley Jantarasami of the Bipartisan Policy Center’s energy program. “It signals that nuclear power is once again a central part of America’s energy future.”
The United States currently generates about 100 gigawatts of nuclear power — roughly 19% of its total electricity. Under the new plan, federal agencies are projecting a tripling of that capacity to 400 gigawatts by 2050, enough to meet growing demand and reduce reliance on foreign energy sources.
Trump’s Push to “Unleash American Energy”
The legislation dovetails with President Trump’s broader energy agenda, which has emphasized reducing regulations and promoting domestic production across fossil fuels, renewables, and nuclear power.
During his presidency, Trump issued four executive orders directing the NRC to fast-track applications, complete reviews within 18 months, and cut unnecessary bureaucratic red tape. He has also pushed for tax incentives for new nuclear facilities, so long as construction begins before January 1, 2029.
“The United States used to be the world leader in nuclear design and construction,” Trump said earlier this year. “We will be again.”
China’s Challenge in Nuclear Development
Behind the urgency is growing concern that the U.S. has ceded ground to China, which has surged ahead in reactor construction. Beijing currently leads the world in both the number of reactors under construction and the speed with which projects are completed.
American projects, by contrast, have often faced decade-long delays and cost overruns. Supporters argue that the new bill gives the U.S. a fighting chance to reclaim its leadership role in the nuclear sector while securing energy independence.
Senate Republicans Move to Break Gridlock on Nominations
The nuclear legislation wasn’t the only historic action in the Senate this week. In a separate move, Republicans used the so-called “nuclear option” to speed up the confirmation of dozens of President Trump’s nominees who had been stalled by Democratic opposition.
By changing the chamber’s rules, Republicans were able to confirm 48 nominees in a single day, ranging from sub-Cabinet officials to ambassadors. Among them:
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Kimberly Guilfoyle, a former Fox News host and longtime Trump ally, confirmed as U.S. ambassador to Greece.
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Callista Gingrich, wife of former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, confirmed as ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) defended the move, accusing Democrats of obstructing the president’s agenda. “Senate Democrats are freezing the Senate floor, freezing the federal government, and freezing our nation’s progress,” Barrasso said. “This harms America’s safety and prevents us from moving forward.”
Nuclear Power: A Divisive but Pivotal Issue
While the bill drew overwhelming bipartisan support, not everyone is convinced nuclear expansion is the right path. Opponents like Markey and Sanders argue that nuclear plants remain too costly and carry safety risks that renewable alternatives like wind and solar do not.
Environmental groups have also raised concerns about long-term waste storage. However, proponents counter that nuclear remains the only large-scale, zero-carbon source capable of providing reliable baseload power — a necessity if the U.S. hopes to meet future energy and climate goals.
Looking Ahead
With the legislation headed to the president’s desk, supporters are calling it the most significant step in U.S. nuclear policy in decades. If fully implemented, it could reshape the American energy landscape for generations, ensuring both economic growth and national security.
For lawmakers, the bill represents something increasingly rare in Washington: a bipartisan victory. For the nuclear industry, it may mark the start of a long-awaited renaissance.
James Jenkins is a celebrated Pulitzer Prize-winning author whose work has reshaped the way readers think about social justice and human rights in America. Raised in Atlanta, Georgia, James grew up in a community that instilled in him both resilience and a strong sense of responsibility toward others. After studying political science and creative writing at Howard University, he worked as a journalist covering civil rights issues before dedicating himself fully to fiction. His novels are known for their sharp, empathetic portraits of marginalized communities and for weaving personal stories with broader political realities. Jenkins’s breakout novel, Shadows of Freedom, won national acclaim for its unflinching look at systemic inequality, while his more recent works explore themes of identity, resilience, and the fight for dignity in the face of oppression. Beyond his novels, James is an active public speaker, lecturing at universities and participating in nonprofit initiatives that support literacy and community empowerment. He believes that storytelling is a way to preserve history and inspire change. When not writing, James enjoys jazz music, mentoring young writers, and traveling with his family to explore cultures and stories around the world.
