The U.S. nuclear industry is trying to insure that it does not get left in the dust as the rest of the world moves to a New Paradigm. Two bills currently before the House and the Senate, would do to the U.S. nuclear industry what has already been done to the space industry by the Wolf Amendment: Cut it off from China, the largest and fastest-advancing economy in the world.
The two bills in question are S.1260, the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act, sponsored by Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Todd Young (R-IN); and the Eagle Act, H.R.3524, sponsored by Greg Meeks (D-ID). Although they are not “companion” bills, they would each effectively codify in law a ban on cooperation between America and China in the construction of new nuclear power plants, a ban implemented in 2019 by Donald Trump. According to Congress.gov , S.1260 passed the Senate on June 8, by a vote of 68-32. The House bill remains in committee, but is almost certain to pass if it comes to the floor.