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[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 870 Enrolled Bill (ENR)]

        S.870

                     One Hundred Eighteenth Congress

                                 of the

                        United States of America

                          AT THE SECOND SESSION

         Begun and held at the City of Washington on Wednesday,
         the third day of January, two thousand and twenty four

                                 An Act

 
 To authorize appropriations for the United States Fire Administration 
 and firefighter assistance grant programs, to advance the benefits of 
                 nuclear energy, and for other purposes.

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

                   DIVISION A--FIRE GRANTS AND SAFETY

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
    This division may be cited as the ``Fire Grants and Safety Act of 
2023''.
SEC. 2. REAUTHORIZATION OF THE UNITED STATES FIRE ADMINISTRATION.
    Section 17(g)(1) of the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 
1974 (15 U.S.C. 2216(g)(1)) is amended--
        (1) in subparagraph (L), by striking ``and'' after the 
    semicolon;
        (2) in subparagraph (M)--
            (A) by striking ``for for'' and inserting ``for''; and
            (B) by striking the period and inserting ``; and''; and
        (3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraraph:
            ``(N) $95,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 through 
        2028, of which $3,420,000 for each such fiscal year shall be 
        used to carry out section 8(f).''.
SEC. 3. REAUTHORIZATION OF ASSISTANCE TO FIREFIGHTERS GRANTS PROGRAM 
AND THE FIRE PREVENTION AND SAFETY GRANTS PROGRAM.
    (a) Sunset.--Section 33(r) of the Federal Fire Prevention and 
Control Act of 1974 (15 U.S.C. 2229(r)) is amended by striking ``2024'' 
and inserting ``2030''.
    (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 33(q)(1) of the 
Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 (15 U.S.C. 2229(q)(1)) 
is amended by striking ``to carry out this section--'' and all that 
follows through ``the fiscal year described in clause (i)'' and 
inserting ``to carry out this section $750,000,000 for each of fiscal 
years 2024 through 2028''.
SEC. 4. REAUTHORIZATION OF STAFFING FOR ADEQUATE FIRE AND EMERGENCY 
RESPONSE GRANT PROGRAM.
    (a) Sunset.--Section 34(k) of the Federal Fire Prevention and 
Control Act of 1974 (15 U.S.C. 2229a(k)) is amended by striking 
``2024'' and inserting ``2030''.
    (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 34(j)(1) of the 
Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 (15 U.S.C. 
2229a(j)(1)(I)) is amended--
        (1) in subparagraph (G), by inserting ``and'' after the 
    semicolon;
        (2) in subparagraph (H), by striking ``fiscal year 2013; and'' 
    and inserting ``each of fiscal years 2024 through 2028.''; and
        (3) by striking subparagraph (I).
SEC. 5. GAO AUDIT AND REPORT.
    Not later than three years after the date of the enactment of this 
Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct an 
audit of and issue a publicly available report on--
        (1) barriers that prevent fire departments from accessing 
    Federal funds; and
        (2) the United States Fire Administration.

DIVISION B--ACCELERATING DEPLOYMENT OF VERSATILE, ADVANCED NUCLEAR FOR 
                              CLEAN ENERGY

SEC. 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
    (a) Short Title.--This division may be cited as the ``Accelerating 
Deployment of Versatile, Advanced Nuclear for Clean Energy Act of 
2024'' or the ``ADVANCE Act of 2024''.
    (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this division is 
as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Definitions.

                  TITLE I--AMERICAN NUCLEAR LEADERSHIP

Sec. 101. International nuclear export and innovation activities.
Sec. 102. Denial of certain domestic licenses for national security 
          purposes.
Sec. 103. Export license notification.
Sec. 104. Global nuclear energy assessment.
Sec. 105. Process for review and amendment of part 810 generally 
          authorized destinations.

       TITLE II--DEVELOPING AND DEPLOYING NEW NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGIES

Sec. 201. Fees for advanced nuclear reactor application review.
Sec. 202. Advanced nuclear reactor prizes.
Sec. 203. Licensing considerations relating to use of nuclear energy for 
          nonelectric applications.
Sec. 204. Enabling preparations for the demonstration of advanced 
          nuclear reactors on Department of Energy sites or critical 
          national security infrastructure sites.
Sec. 205. Fusion energy regulation.
Sec. 206. Regulatory issues for nuclear facilities at brownfield sites.
Sec. 207. Combined license review procedure.
Sec. 208. Regulatory requirements for micro-reactors.

        TITLE III--PRESERVING EXISTING NUCLEAR ENERGY GENERATION

Sec. 301. Foreign ownership.

    TITLE IV--NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE, SUPPLY CHAIN, INFRASTRUCTURE, AND 
                                WORKFORCE

Sec. 401. Report on advanced methods of manufacturing and construction 
          for nuclear energy projects.
Sec. 402. Nuclear energy traineeship.
Sec. 403. Biennial report on the spent nuclear fuel and high-level 
          radioactive waste inventory in the United States.
Sec. 404. Development, qualification, and licensing of advanced nuclear 
          fuel concepts.

                TITLE V--IMPROVING COMMISSION EFFICIENCY

Sec. 501. Mission alignment.
Sec. 502. Strengthening the NRC workforce.
Sec. 503. Commission corporate support funding.
Sec. 504. Performance metrics and milestones.
Sec. 505. Nuclear licensing efficiency.
Sec. 506. Modernization of nuclear reactor environmental reviews.
Sec. 507. Improving oversight and inspection programs.

                         TITLE VI--MISCELLANEOUS

Sec. 601. Technical correction.
Sec. 602. Report on engagement with the Government of Canada with 
          respect to nuclear waste issues in the Great Lakes Basin.
Sec. 603. Savings clause.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
    In this division:
        (1) Accident tolerant fuel.--The term ``accident tolerant 
    fuel'' has the meaning given the term in section 107(a) of the 
    Nuclear Energy Innovation and Modernization Act (Public Law 115-
    439; 132 Stat. 5577).
        (2) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the 
    Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.
        (3) Advanced nuclear fuel.--The term ``advanced nuclear fuel'' 
    means--
            (A) advanced nuclear reactor fuel; and
            (B) accident tolerant fuel.
        (4) Advanced nuclear reactor.--The term ``advanced nuclear 
    reactor'' has the meaning given the term in section 3 of the 
    Nuclear Energy Innovation and Modernization Act (42 U.S.C. 2215 
    note; Public Law 115-439).
        (5) Advanced nuclear reactor fuel.--The term ``advanced nuclear 
    reactor fuel'' has the meaning given the term in section 3 of the 
    Nuclear Energy Innovation and Modernization Act (42 U.S.C. 2215 
    note; Public Law 115-439).
        (6) Appropriate committees of Congress.--The term ``appropriate 
    committees of Congress'' means--
            (A) the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the 
        Senate; and
            (B) the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of 
        Representatives.
        (7) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the Nuclear 
    Regulatory Commission.
        (8) Institution of higher education.--The term ``institution of 
    higher education'' has the meaning given the term in section 101(a) 
    of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a)).
        (9) National laboratory.--The term ``National Laboratory'' has 
    the meaning given the term in section 2 of the Energy Policy Act of 
    2005 (42 U.S.C. 15801).

                  TITLE I--AMERICAN NUCLEAR LEADERSHIP

    SEC. 101. INTERNATIONAL NUCLEAR EXPORT AND INNOVATION ACTIVITIES.
    (a) Commission Coordination.--
        (1) In general.--The Commission shall--
            (A) coordinate all work of the Commission relating to--
                (i) import and export licensing for nuclear reactors 
            and radioactive materials; and
                (ii) international regulatory cooperation and 
            assistance relating to nuclear reactors and radioactive 
            materials, including with countries that are members of--

                    (I) the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and 
                Development; or
                    (II) the Nuclear Energy Agency; and

            (B) support interagency and international coordination with 
        respect to--
                (i) the consideration of international technical 
            standards to establish the licensing and regulatory basis 
            to assist the design, construction, and operation of 
            nuclear reactors and use of radioactive materials;
                (ii) efforts to help build competent nuclear regulatory 
            organizations and legal frameworks in foreign countries 
            that are seeking to develop civil nuclear industries; and
                (iii) exchange programs and training provided, in 
            coordination with the Secretary of State, to foreign 
            countries relating to civil nuclear licensing and oversight 
            to improve the regulation of nuclear reactors and 
            radioactive materials, in accordance with paragraph (2).
        (2) Exchange programs and training.--With respect to the 
    exchange programs and training described in paragraph (1)(B)(iii), 
    the Commission shall coordinate, as applicable, 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.
    (b) Authority To Establish Branch.--The Commission may establish 
within the Office of International Programs a branch, to be known as 
the ``International Nuclear Export and Innovation Branch'', to carry 
out the international nuclear export and innovation activities 
described in subsection (a) as the Commission determines to be 
appropriate and within the mission of the Commission.
    (c) Exclusion of International Activities From the Fee Base.--
        (1) In general.--Section 102 of the Nuclear Energy Innovation 
    and Modernization Act (42 U.S.C. 2215) is amended--
            (A) in subsection (a), by adding at the end the following:
        ``(4) International nuclear export and innovation activities.--
    The Commission shall identify in the annual budget justification 
    international nuclear export and innovation activities described in 
    section 101(a) of the ADVANCE Act of 2024.''; and
            (B) in subsection (b)(1)(B), by adding at the end the 
        following:
                ``(iv) Costs for international nuclear export and 
            innovation activities described in section 101(a) of the 
            ADVANCE Act of 2024.''.
        (2) Effective date.--The amendments made by paragraph (1) shall 
    take effect on October 1, 2025.
    (d) Interagency Coordination.--The Commission shall coordinate all 
international activities under this section with the Secretary of 
State, the Secretary of Energy, and other applicable agencies, as 
appropriate.
    (e) Savings Clause.--Nothing in this section alters the authority 
of the Commission to license and regulate the civilian use of 
radioactive materials.
    SEC. 102. DENIAL OF CERTAIN DOMESTIC LICENSES FOR NATIONAL SECURITY 
      PURPOSES.
    (a) Definition of Covered Fuel.--In this section, the term 
``covered fuel'' means enriched uranium that is fabricated outside the 
United States into fuel assemblies for commercial nuclear power 
reactors by an entity that--
        (1) is owned or controlled by the Government of the Russian 
    Federation or the Government of the People's Republic of China; or
        (2) is organized under the laws of, or otherwise subject to the 
    jurisdiction of, the Russian Federation or the People's Republic of 
    China.
    (b) 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) and part 70 of title 10, Code of Federal Regulations (or 
successor regulations), no person subject to the jurisdiction of the 
Commission may possess or own covered fuel.
    (c) License To Possess or Own Covered Fuel.--
        (1) 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) and 
    part 70 of title 10, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor 
    regulations), unless the Commission has first consulted with the 
    Secretary of Energy and the Secretary of State before issuing the 
    license.
        (2) Prohibition on issuance of license.--
            (A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (C), 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 subparagraph (B)(i)(I).
            (B) Determination.--
                (i) In general.--The determination referred to in 
            subparagraph (A) is a determination that possession or 
            ownership, as applicable, of covered fuel--

                    (I) poses a threat to the national security of the 
                United States, including because of an adverse impact 
                on the physical and economic security of the United 
                States; or
                    (II) does not pose a threat to the national 
                security of the United States.

                (ii) Joint determination.--A determination described in 
            clause (i) shall be jointly made by the Secretary of Energy 
            and the Secretary of State.
                (iii) Timeline.--

                    (I) 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.
                    (II) 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 subclause (I) of an application for a license to 
                possess or own covered fuel, in which to make the 
                determination described in clause (i).
                    (III) Commission notification.--On making the 
                determination described in clause (i), the Secretary of 
                Energy and the Secretary of State shall immediately 
                notify the Commission.
                    (IV) 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 
                subclause (III), the Commission shall notify the 
                appropriate committees of Congress, the Committee on 
                Foreign Relations of the Senate, the Committee on 
                Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate, and the 
                Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of 
                Representatives of the determination.
                    (V) Public notice.--Not later than 15 days after 
                the date on which the Commission notifies Congress 
                under subclause (IV) of a determination made under 
                clause (i), the Commission shall make that 
                determination publicly available.

            (C) Effect of no determination.--The Commission shall not 
        issue a license if the Secretary of Energy and the Secretary of 
        State have not made a determination described in subparagraph 
        (B).
    (d) Savings Clause.--Nothing in this section alters any treaty or 
international agreement in effect on the date of enactment of this Act 
or that enters into force after the date of enactment of this Act.
    SEC. 103. EXPORT LICENSE NOTIFICATION.
    (a) Definition of Low-Enriched Uranium.--In this section, the term 
``low-enriched uranium'' means uranium enriched to less than 20 percent 
of the uranium-235 isotope.
    (b) Notification.--If the Commission, after consultation with the 
Secretary of State and any other relevant agencies, issues an export 
license for the transfer of any item described in subsection (d) to a 
country described in subsection (c), the Commission shall notify the 
appropriate committees of Congress, the Committee on Foreign Relations 
of the Senate, the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the 
Senate, and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of 
Representatives.
    (c) Countries Described.--A country referred to in subsection (b) 
is a country that--
        (1) has not concluded and ratified an Additional Protocol to 
    its safeguards agreement with the International Atomic Energy 
    Agency; or
        (2) has not ratified or acceded to the amendment to the 
    Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material, adopted 
    at Vienna October 26, 1979, and opened for signature at New York 
    March 3, 1980 (TIAS 11080), described in the information circular 
    of the International Atomic Energy Agency numbered INFCIRC/274/
    Rev.1/Mod.1 and dated May 9, 2016 (TIAS 16-508).
    (d) Items Described.--An item referred to in subsection (b) 
includes--
        (1) unirradiated nuclear fuel containing special nuclear 
    material (as defined in section 11 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 
    (42 U.S.C. 2014)), excluding low-enriched uranium;
        (2) a nuclear reactor that uses nuclear fuel described in 
    paragraph (1); and
        (3) any plant or component listed in Appendix I to part 110 of 
    title 10, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations), 
    that is involved in--
            (A) the reprocessing of irradiated nuclear reactor fuel 
        elements;
            (B) the separation of plutonium; or
            (C) the separation of the uranium-233 isotope.
    SEC. 104. GLOBAL NUCLEAR ENERGY ASSESSMENT.
    (a) 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--
        (1) the civilian nuclear energy industry; and
        (2) the supply chains of the civilian nuclear energy industry.
    (b) Contents.--The study conducted under subsection (a) shall 
include--
        (1) information on the status of the civilian nuclear energy 
    industry, the long-term risks to that industry, and the bases for 
    those risks;
        (2) 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;
        (3) information on the role the United States civilian nuclear 
    energy industry plays in United States foreign policy;
        (4) information on the importance of the United States civilian 
    nuclear energy industry to countries that are allied to the United 
    States;
        (5) information on how the United States may collaborate with 
    those countries in developing, deploying, and investing in nuclear 
    technology;
        (6) 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;
        (7) an evaluation of how nuclear nonproliferation and security 
    efforts and nuclear energy safety are affected by the involvement 
    of the United States in--
            (A) international markets; and
            (B) setting civilian nuclear energy industry standards;
        (8) 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;
        (9) information on utilities and companies in the United States 
    that are involved in the civilian nuclear energy supply chain, 
    including, with respect to those utilities and companies--
            (A) financial challenges;
            (B) nuclear liability issues;
            (C) foreign strategic competition; and
            (D) risks to continued operation; and
        (10) recommendations for how the United States may--
            (A) develop a national strategy to increase the role that 
        nuclear energy plays in diplomacy and strategic energy policy;
            (B) develop a strategy to mitigate foreign competitor's 
        utilization of their civilian nuclear energy industries in 
        diplomacy;
            (C) align the nuclear energy policy of the United States 
        with national security objectives; and
            (D) modernize regulatory requirements to strengthen the 
        United States civilian nuclear energy supply chain.
    (c) Report to Congress.--Not later than 180 days after the study 
under subsection (a) is completed, the Secretary of Energy shall submit 
to the appropriate committees of Congress the study, including a 
classified annex, if necessary.
    SEC. 105. PROCESS FOR REVIEW AND AMENDMENT OF PART 810 GENERALLY 
      AUTHORIZED DESTINATIONS.
    (a) 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.
    (b) 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 
subsection (a).
    (c) 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 section, review the list in Appendix A to part 810 of 
title 10, Code of Federal Regulations, and amend such list as 
appropriate.

      TITLE II--DEVELOPING AND DEPLOYING NEW NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGIES

    SEC. 201. FEES FOR ADVANCED NUCLEAR REACTOR APPLICATION REVIEW.
    (a) Definitions.--Section 3 of the Nuclear Energy Innovation and 
Modernization Act (42 U.S.C. 2215 note; Public Law 115-439) is 
amended--
        (1) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (15) as paragraphs 
    (3), (6), (7), (8), (9), (10), (12), (15), (16), (17), (18), (19), 
    (20), and (21), 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 pre-applicant.--The term 
    `advanced nuclear reactor pre-applicant' 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).'';
        (4) by inserting after paragraph (10) (as so redesignated) the 
    following:
        ``(11) Hourly rate for mission-direct program salaries and 
    benefits.--The term `hourly rate for mission-direct program 
    salaries and benefits' means the quotient obtained by dividing--
            ``(A) 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 for a fiscal year; by
            ``(B) the productive hours assumption for that fiscal year, 
        determined in accordance with the formula established in the 
        document referred to in subparagraph (A) (or a successor 
        document).''; and
        (5) by inserting after paragraph (12) (as so redesignated) the 
    following:
        ``(13) Mission-direct program salaries and benefits.--The term 
    `mission-direct program salaries and benefits' means the resources 
    of the Commission that are allocated to the Nuclear Reactor Safety 
    Program (as determined by the Commission) to perform core work 
    activities committed to fulfilling the mission of the Commission, 
    as described in the document of the Commission entitled `FY 2023 
    Final Fee Rule Work Papers' (or a successor document).
        ``(14) Mission-indirect program support.--The term `mission-
    indirect program support' has the meaning given the 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)) (as 
amended by section 101(c)(1)(B)) is amended by adding at the end the 
following:
                ``(v) The total costs of mission-indirect program 
            support and agency support that, under paragraph (2)(B), 
            may not be included in the hourly rate charged for fees 
            assessed and collected from advanced nuclear reactor 
            applicants.
                ``(vi) The total costs of mission-indirect program 
            support and agency support that, under paragraph (2)(C), 
            may not be included in the hourly rate charged for fees 
            assessed and collected from advanced nuclear reactor pre-
            applicants.''.
    (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 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 described in section 3(1) may 
        not exceed the hourly rate for mission-direct program salaries 
        and benefits.
            ``(C) Advanced nuclear reactor pre-applicants.--The hourly 
        rate charged for fees assessed and collected from an advanced 
        nuclear reactor pre-applicant under this paragraph relating to 
        the review of submitted materials as described in the licensing 
        project plan of an advanced nuclear reactor pre-applicant may 
        not exceed the hourly rate for mission-direct program salaries 
        and benefits.''.
    (d) Sunset.--Section 102 of the Nuclear Energy Innovation and 
Modernization Act (42 U.S.C. 2215) is amended by adding at the end the 
following:
    ``(g) Cessation of Effectiveness.--Paragraphs (1)(B)(vi) and (2)(C) 
of subsection (b) shall cease to be effective on September 30, 2030.''.
    (e) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take 
effect on October 1, 2025.
    SEC. 202. ADVANCED NUCLEAR REACTOR PRIZES.
    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 limitations.--
            ``(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) Repayment and dividends not required.--
        Notwithstanding section 9104(a)(4) of title 31, United States 
        Code, or any other provision of law, an eligible entity that 
        receives 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.''.
    SEC. 203. LICENSING CONSIDERATIONS RELATING TO USE OF NUCLEAR 
      ENERGY FOR NONELECTRIC APPLICATIONS.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 270 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Commission shall submit to the appropriate 
committees of Congress a report addressing any unique licensing issues 
or requirements relating to--
        (1) the flexible operation of advanced nuclear reactors, such 
    as ramping power output and switching between electricity 
    generation and nonelectric applications;
        (2) the use of advanced nuclear reactors exclusively for 
    nonelectric applications; and
        (3) the colocation of nuclear reactors with industrial plants 
    or other facilities.
    (b) Stakeholder Input.--In developing the report under subsection 
(a), the Commission shall seek input from--
        (1) the Secretary of Energy;
        (2) the nuclear energy industry;
        (3) technology developers;
        (4) the industrial, chemical, and medical sectors;
        (5) nongovernmental organizations; and
        (6) other public stakeholders.
    (c) Contents.--
        (1) In general.--The report under subsection (a) shall 
    describe--
            (A) any unique licensing issues or requirements relating to 
        the matters described in paragraphs (1) through (3) of 
        subsection (a), including, with respect to the nonelectric 
        applications referred to in paragraphs (1) and (2) of that 
        subsection, 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 for industrial processes;
                (iv) for district heating;
                (v) in relation to energy storage;
                (vi) for industrial or medical isotope production; and
                (vii) for other applications, as identified by the 
            Commission;
            (B) options for addressing those issues or requirements--
                (i) within the existing regulatory framework;
                (ii) as part of the technology-inclusive regulatory 
            framework required under subsection (a)(4) of section 103 
            of the Nuclear Energy Innovation and Modernization Act (42 
            U.S.C. 2133 note; Public Law 115-439); or
                (iii) through a new rulemaking; and
            (C) the extent to which Commission action is needed to 
        implement any matter described in the report.
        (2) Cost estimates, budgets, and timeframes.--The report shall 
    include cost estimates, proposed budgets, and proposed timeframes 
    for implementing risk-informed and performance-based regulatory 
    guidance in the licensing of nuclear reactors for nonelectric 
    applications.
    SEC. 204. ENABLING PREPARATIONS FOR THE DEMONSTRATION OF ADVANCED 
      NUCLEAR REACTORS ON DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY SITES OR CRITICAL 
      NATIONAL SECURITY INFRASTRUCTURE SITES.
    (a) In General.--Section 102(b)(1)(B) of the Nuclear Energy 
Innovation and Modernization Act (42 U.S.C. 2215(b)(1)(B)) (as amended 
by section 201(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
                ``(vii) 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 critical national security 
                infrastructure (as defined in section 327(d) of the 
                John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for 
                Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115-232; 132 Stat. 1722)) 
                site; and
                    ``(II) pre-application activities relating to 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 critical national 
                security infrastructure (as defined in section 327(d) 
                of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization 
                Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115-232; 132 Stat. 
                1722)) site.''.

    (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall 
take effect on October 1, 2025.
    SEC. 205. FUSION ENERGY REGULATION.
    (a) Definition.--Section 11 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 
U.S.C. 2014) is amended--
        (1) in subsection e.--
            (A) in paragraph (3)(B)--
                (i) in clause (i), by inserting ``, including by use of 
            a fusion machine'' after ``particle accelerator''; and
                (ii) in clause (ii), by inserting ``if made radioactive 
            by use of a particle accelerator that is not a fusion 
            machine,'' before ``is produced'';
        (2) in each of subsections ee. through hh., by inserting a 
    subsection heading, the text of which comprises the term defined in 
    the subsection;
        (3) by redesignating subsections ee., ff., gg., hh., and jj. as 
    subsections jj., gg., hh., ii., and ff., respectively, and moving 
    the subsections so as to appear in alphabetical order;
        (4) in subsection dd., by striking ``dd. The'' and inserting 
    the following:
    ``ee. High-level Radioactive Waste; Spent Nuclear Fuel.--The''; and
        (5) by inserting after subsection cc. the following:
    ``dd. Fusion Machine.--The term `fusion machine' means a machine 
that is capable of--
        ``(1) transforming atomic nuclei, through fusion processes, 
    into different elements, isotopes, or other particles; and
        ``(2) directly capturing and using the resultant products, 
    including particles, heat, or other electromagnetic radiation.''.
    (b) Technical and Conforming Changes.--
        (1) In general.--Section 103(a) of the Nuclear Energy 
    Innovation and Modernization Act (42 U.S.C. 2133 note; Public Law 
    115-439) is amended--
            (A) in paragraph (4), by striking ``inclusive,'' and 
        inserting ``inclusive''; and
            (B) in paragraph (5)(B)(ii), by inserting ``(including 
        fusion machine license applications)'' after ``commercial 
        advanced nuclear reactor license applications''.
        (2) Definitions.--Section 3 of the Nuclear Energy Innovation 
    and Modernization Act (42 U.S.C. 2215 note; Public Law 115-439) (as 
    amended by section 201(a)) is amended--
            (A) in paragraph (1), in the matter preceding subparagraph 
        (A), by striking ``or fusion reactor'' and inserting ``reactor 
        or fusion machine'';
            (B) by redesignating paragraphs (11) through (21) as 
        paragraphs (12) through (22), respectively; and
            (C) by inserting after paragraph (10) the following:
        ``(11) Fusion machine.--The term `fusion machine' has the 
    meaning given the term in section 11 of the Atomic Energy Act of 
    1954 (42 U.S.C. 2014).''.
    (c) Report.--
        (1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
            (A) Agreement state.--The term ``Agreement State'' has the 
        meaning given the term in section 3 of the Nuclear Energy 
        Innovation and Modernization Act (42 U.S.C. 2215 note; Public 
        Law 115-439).
            (B) Fusion machine.--The term ``fusion machine'' has the 
        meaning given the term in section 11 of the Atomic Energy Act 
        of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2014).
        (2) Requirement.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
    enactment of this Act, the Commission shall submit to the 
    appropriate committees of Congress a report on--
            (A) the results of a study, conducted in consultation with 
        Agreement States and the private fusion sector, on risk- and 
        performance-based, design-specific licensing frameworks for 
        mass-manufactured fusion machines, including an evaluation of 
        the design, manufacturing, and operations certification process 
        used by the Federal Aviation Administration 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--
                (i) the results of that study; and
                (ii) the anticipated need for such guidance or 
            regulations.
    SEC. 206. REGULATORY ISSUES FOR NUCLEAR FACILITIES AT 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) 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.
        (3) 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).
        (4) 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 
    multi-unit facilities that are partially shut down.
        (5) 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 
    considering matters relating to siting and operating a production 
    facility or a utilization facility at or near a covered site to 
    support--
            (A) the reuse of existing site 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) the use of early site permits;
            (C) the utilization of plant parameter envelopes or similar 
        standardized site parameters on a portion of a larger site; and
            (D) the use of 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 identified under paragraph (1).
    (c) Licensing.--
        (1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
    enactment of this Act, the Commission shall--
            (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; or
            (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 appropriate committees of 
Congress a report describing the actions taken by the Commission under 
subsection (c)(1).
    SEC. 207. COMBINED LICENSE REVIEW PROCEDURE.
    (a) In General.--In accordance with this section, 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(b)).
    (b) Qualifications.--To qualify for the expedited procedure under 
subsection (a), an applicant--
        (1) shall submit a combined license application for a new 
    nuclear reactor that--
            (A) references a design for which the Commission has issued 
        a design certification (as defined in section 52.1 of title 10, 
        Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulation)); or
            (B) has a design that is substantially similar to a design 
        of a nuclear reactor for which the Commission has issued a 
        combined license, an operating license, or a manufacturing 
        license under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2011 et 
        seq.);
        (2) shall propose to construct the new nuclear reactor on a 
    site--
            (A) on which a licensed commercial nuclear reactor operates 
        or previously operated; or
            (B) that is directly adjacent to a site on which a licensed 
        commercial nuclear reactor operates or previously operated and 
        has site characteristics that are substantially similar to that 
        site; and
        (3) 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).
    (c) Expedited Procedure.--With respect to a combined license for 
which the applicant has satisfied the requirements described in 
subsection (b), the Commission shall, to the maximum extent 
practicable--
        (1) not later than 18 months after the date on which the 
    application is accepted for docketing--
            (A) complete the technical review process and issue a 
        safety evaluation report; and
            (B) issue a final environmental impact statement or 
        environmental assessment, unless the Commission finds that the 
        proposed agency action is excluded pursuant to a categorical 
        exclusion in accordance with the National Environmental Policy 
        Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.);
        (2) not later than 2 years after the date on which the 
    application is accepted for docketing, complete any necessary 
    public licensing hearings and related processes; and
        (3) not later than 25 months after the date on which the 
    application is accepted for docketing, make a final decision on 
    whether to issue the combined license.
    (d) Performance and Reporting.--
        (1) 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 subsection (c).
        (2) Delays in issuance exceeding 90 days.--If any deadline 
    under subsection (c) is not met by the date that is 90 days after 
    the applicable date required under that subsection, the Commission 
    shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report 
    describing the delay, including--
            (A) a detailed explanation accounting for the delay; and
            (B) a plan for completion of the applicable action.
    SEC. 208. REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR MICRO-REACTORS.
    (a) Micro-Reactor Licensing.--The Commission shall--
        (1) 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--
            (A) staffing and operations;
            (B) oversight and inspections;
            (C) safeguards and security;
            (D) emergency preparedness;
            (E) risk analysis methods, including alternatives to 
        probabilistic risk assessments;
            (F) decommissioning funding assurance methods that permit 
        the use of design- and site-specific cost estimates;
            (G) the transportation of fueled micro-reactors; and
            (H) 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
        (2) not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this 
    Act, implement, as appropriate, the strategies and guidance 
    developed under paragraph (1)--
            (A) within the existing regulatory framework;
            (B) through the technology-inclusive regulatory framework 
        to be established under section 103(a)(4) of the Nuclear Energy 
        Innovation and Modernization Act (42 U.S.C. 2133 note; Public 
        Law 115-439); or
            (C) through a pending or new rulemaking.
    (b) Considerations.--In developing and implementing strategies and 
guidance under subsection (a), the Commission shall consider--
        (1) the unique characteristics of micro-reactors, including 
    characteristics relating to--
            (A) physical size;
            (B) design simplicity; and
            (C) source term;
        (2) opportunities to address redundancies and inefficiencies;
        (3) opportunities to consolidate review phases and reduce 
    transitions between review teams;
        (4) opportunities to establish integrated review teams to 
    ensure continuity throughout the review process; and
        (5) 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.
    (c) Consultation.--In carrying out subsection (a), the Commission 
shall consult with--
        (1) the Secretary of Energy;
        (2) the heads of other Federal agencies, as appropriate;
        (3) micro-reactor technology developers; and
        (4) other stakeholders.

        TITLE III--PRESERVING EXISTING NUCLEAR ENERGY GENERATION

    SEC. 301. FOREIGN OWNERSHIP.
    (a) 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 subsection (b) if the Commission determines that 
issuance of the applicable license to that entity is not inimical to--
        (1) the common defense and security; or
        (2) the health and safety of the public.
    (b) Entities Described.--
        (1) In general.--An entity referred to in subsection (a) is an 
    alien, corporation, or other entity that is owned, controlled, or 
    dominated by--
            (A) the government of--
                (i) a country, other than a country described in 
            paragraph (2), that is a member of the Organisation for 
            Economic Co-operation and Development on the date of 
            enactment of this Act; or
                (ii) the Republic of India;
            (B) a corporation that is incorporated in a country 
        described in clause (i) or (ii) of subparagraph (A); or
            (C) an alien who is a citizen or national of a country 
        described in clause (i) or (ii) of subparagraph (A).
        (2) Exclusion.--A country described in this paragraph is a 
    country--
            (A) 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
            (B) 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).
    (c) 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''.
    (d) Savings Clause.--Nothing in this section affects the 
requirements of section 721 of the Defense Production Act of 1950 (50 
U.S.C. 4565).

    TITLE IV--NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE, SUPPLY CHAIN, INFRASTRUCTURE, AND 
                               WORKFORCE

    SEC. 401. REPORT ON ADVANCED METHODS OF MANUFACTURING AND 
      CONSTRUCTION FOR NUCLEAR ENERGY PROJECTS.
    (a) 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 (referred to in this section as the 
``report'') on manufacturing and construction for nuclear energy 
projects.
    (b) Stakeholder Input.--In developing the report, the Commission 
shall seek input from--
        (1) the Secretary of Energy;
        (2) the nuclear energy industry;
        (3) National Laboratories;
        (4) institutions of higher education;
        (5) nuclear and manufacturing technology developers;
        (6) the manufacturing and construction industries, including 
    manufacturing and construction companies with operating facilities 
    in the United States;
        (7) standards development organizations;
        (8) labor unions;
        (9) nongovernmental organizations; and
        (10) other public stakeholders.
    (c) Contents.--
        (1) In general.--The report shall--
            (A) examine any unique licensing issues or requirements 
        relating to the use, for nuclear energy projects, of--
                (i) advanced manufacturing processes;
                (ii) advanced construction techniques; and
                (iii) rapid improvement or iterative innovation 
            processes;
            (B) 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 projects;
                (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 and 
            standards; and
                (iv) requirements relating to the transport of a fueled 
            advanced nuclear reactor core from a manufacturing licensee 
            to a licensee that holds a license to construct and operate 
            a facility at a particular site;
            (C) identify safety aspects of advanced manufacturing 
        processes and advanced construction techniques that are not 
        addressed by existing codes and standards, so that generic 
        guidance may be updated or created, as necessary;
            (D) identify options for addressing the issues, 
        requirements, and opportunities examined under subparagraphs 
        (A) and (B)--
                (i) within the existing regulatory framework; or
                (ii) through a new rulemaking;
            (E) identify how addressing the issues, requirements, and 
        opportunities examined under subparagraphs (A) and (B) will 
        impact opportunities for domestic nuclear manufacturing and 
        construction developers; and
            (F) describe the extent to which Commission action is 
        needed to implement any matter described in the report.
        (2) Cost estimates, budgets, and timeframes.--The report 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.
    SEC. 402. NUCLEAR ENERGY TRAINEESHIP.
    Section 313 of division C of the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009 
(42 U.S.C. 16274a), is amended--
        (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``Nuclear Regulatory'';
        (2) in subsection (b)(1), in the matter preceding subparagraph 
    (A), by inserting ``and subsection (c)'' after ``paragraph (2)'';
        (3) in subsection (c)--
            (A) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (5); and
            (B) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
        ``(1) Advanced nuclear reactor.--The term `advanced nuclear 
    reactor' has the meaning given the term in section 951(b) of the 
    Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16271(b)).
        ``(2) Commission.--The term `Commission' means the Nuclear 
    Regulatory Commission.
        ``(3) Institution of higher education.--The term `institution 
    of higher education' has the meaning given the term in section 2 of 
    the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 15801).
        ``(4) National laboratory.--The term `National Laboratory' has 
    the meaning given the term in section 951(b) of the Energy Policy 
    Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16271(b)).'';
        (4) in subsection (d)(2), by striking ``Nuclear Regulatory'';
        (5) by redesignating subsections (c) and (d) as subsections (d) 
    and (e), respectively; and
        (6) by inserting after subsection (b) the following:
    ``(c) Nuclear Energy Traineeship Subprogram.--
        ``(1) In general.--The Commission shall establish, as a 
    subprogram of the Program, a nuclear energy traineeship subprogram 
    under which the Commission, in coordination with institutions of 
    higher education and trade schools, shall competitively award 
    traineeships that provide focused training to meet critical mission 
    needs of the Commission and nuclear workforce needs, including 
    needs relating to the nuclear tradecraft workforce.
        ``(2) Requirements.--In carrying out the nuclear energy 
    traineeship subprogram described in paragraph (1), the Commission 
    shall--
            ``(A) coordinate with the Secretary of Energy to prioritize 
        the funding of traineeships that focus on--
                ``(i) nuclear workforce needs; and
                ``(ii) critical mission needs of the Commission;
            ``(B) encourage appropriate partnerships among--
                ``(i) National Laboratories;
                ``(ii) institutions of higher education;
                ``(iii) trade schools;
                ``(iv) the nuclear energy industry; and
                ``(v) other entities, as the Commission determines to 
            be appropriate; and
            ``(C) on an annual basis, evaluate nuclear workforce needs 
        for the purpose of implementing traineeships in focused topical 
        areas that--
                ``(i) address the workforce needs of the nuclear energy 
            community; and
                ``(ii) support critical mission needs of the 
            Commission.''.
    SEC. 403. BIENNIAL REPORT ON THE SPENT NUCLEAR FUEL AND HIGH-LEVEL 
      RADIOACTIVE WASTE INVENTORY IN THE UNITED STATES.
    (a) Definitions.--In this section:
        (1) High-level radioactive waste.--The term ``high-level 
    radioactive waste'' has the meaning given the term in section 2 of 
    the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 (42 U.S.C. 10101).
        (2) Spent nuclear fuel.--The term ``spent nuclear fuel'' has 
    the meaning given the term in section 2 of the Nuclear Waste Policy 
    Act of 1982 (42 U.S.C. 10101).
        (3) Standard contract.--The term ``standard contract'' has the 
    meaning given the term ``contract'' in section 961.3 of title 10, 
    Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulation).
    (b) Report.--Not later than January 1, 2026, and biennially 
thereafter, the Secretary of Energy shall submit to Congress a report 
that describes--
        (1) the annual and cumulative amount of payments made by the 
    United States to the holder of a standard contract due to a partial 
    breach of contract under the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 (42 
    U.S.C. 10101 et seq.) resulting in financial damages to the holder;
        (2) the cumulative amount spent by the Department of Energy 
    since fiscal year 2008 to reduce future payments projected to be 
    made by the United States to any holder of a standard contract due 
    to a partial breach of contract under the Nuclear Waste Policy Act 
    of 1982 (42 U.S.C. 10101 et seq.);
        (3) the cumulative amount spent by the Department of Energy to 
    store, manage, and dispose of spent nuclear fuel and high-level 
    radioactive waste in the United States as of the date of the 
    report;
        (4) the projected lifecycle costs to store, manage, transport, 
    and dispose of the projected inventory of spent nuclear fuel and 
    high-level radioactive waste in the United States, including spent 
    nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste expected to be 
    generated from existing reactors through 2050;
        (5) any mechanisms for better accounting of liabilities for the 
    lifecycle costs of the spent nuclear fuel and high-level 
    radioactive waste inventory in the United States;
        (6) any recommendations for improving the methods used by the 
    Department of Energy for the accounting of spent nuclear fuel and 
    high-level radioactive waste costs and liabilities;
        (7) any actions taken in the previous fiscal year by the 
    Department of Energy with respect to interim storage; and
        (8) any activities taken in the previous fiscal year by the 
    Department of Energy to develop and deploy nuclear technologies and 
    fuels that enhance the safe transportation or storage of spent 
    nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive waste, including 
    technologies to protect against seismic, flooding, and other 
    extreme weather events.
    SEC. 404. DEVELOPMENT, QUALIFICATION, AND LICENSING OF ADVANCED 
      NUCLEAR FUEL CONCEPTS.
    (a) In General.--The Commission shall establish an initiative to 
enhance preparedness and coordination with respect to the qualification 
and licensing of advanced nuclear fuel.
    (b) Agency Coordination.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Commission and the Secretary of Energy shall 
enter into a memorandum of understanding--
        (1) to share technical expertise and knowledge through--
            (A) enabling the testing and demonstration of accident 
        tolerant fuels for existing commercial nuclear reactors and 
        advanced nuclear reactor fuel concepts to be proposed and 
        funded, in whole or in part, by the private sector;
            (B) operating a database to store and share data and 
        knowledge relevant to nuclear science and engineering between 
        Federal agencies and the private sector;
            (C) leveraging expertise with respect to safety analysis 
        and research relating to advanced nuclear fuel; and
            (D) enabling technical staff to actively observe and learn 
        about technologies, with an emphasis on identification of 
        additional information needed with respect to advanced nuclear 
        fuel; and
        (2) to ensure that--
            (A) the Department of Energy has sufficient technical 
        expertise to support the timely research, development, 
        demonstration, and commercial application of advanced nuclear 
        fuel;
            (B) the Commission has sufficient technical expertise to 
        support the evaluation of applications for licenses, permits, 
        and design certifications and other requests for regulatory 
        approval for advanced nuclear fuel;
            (C)(i) the Department of Energy maintains and develops the 
        facilities necessary to enable the timely research, 
        development, demonstration, and commercial application by the 
        civilian nuclear industry of advanced nuclear fuel; and
            (ii) the Commission has access to the facilities described 
        in clause (i), as needed; and
            (D) the Commission consults, as appropriate, with the 
        modeling and simulation experts at the Office of Nuclear Energy 
        of the Department of Energy, at the National Laboratories, and 
        within industry fuel vendor teams in cooperative agreements 
        with the Department of Energy to leverage physics-based 
        computer modeling and simulation capabilities.
    (c) Report.--
        (1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
    enactment of this Act, the Commission shall submit to the 
    appropriate committees of Congress a report describing the efforts 
    of the Commission under subsection (a), including--
            (A) an assessment of the preparedness of the Commission to 
        review and qualify for use--
                (i) accident tolerant fuel;
                (ii) ceramic cladding materials;
                (iii) fuels containing silicon carbide;
                (iv) high-assay, low-enriched uranium fuels;
                (v) molten-salt based liquid fuels;
                (vi) fuels derived from spent nuclear fuel or depleted 
            uranium; and
                (vii) other related fuel concepts, as determined by the 
            Commission;
            (B) activities planned or undertaken under the memorandum 
        of understanding described in subsection (b);
            (C) an accounting of the areas of research needed with 
        respect to advanced nuclear fuel; and
            (D) any other challenges or considerations identified by 
        the Commission.
        (2) Consultation.--In developing the report under paragraph 
    (1), the Commission shall seek input from--
            (A) the Secretary of Energy;
            (B) National Laboratories;
            (C) the nuclear energy industry;
            (D) technology developers;
            (E) nongovernmental organizations; and
            (F) other public stakeholders.

                TITLE V--IMPROVING COMMISSION EFFICIENCY

    SEC. 501. MISSION ALIGNMENT.
    (a) Update.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Commission shall, while remaining consistent with the 
policies of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.) and 
the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5801 et seq.) 
(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 the 
civilian use of radioactive materials and nuclear energy be conducted 
in a manner that is efficient and does not unnecessarily limit--
        (1) the civilian use of radioactive materials and deployment of 
    nuclear energy; or
        (2) the benefits of civilian use of radioactive materials and 
    nuclear energy technology to society.
    (b) Report.--On completion of the update to the mission statement 
required under subsection (a), the Commission shall submit to the 
appropriate committees of Congress a report that describes--
        (1) the updated mission statement; and
        (2) the guidance that the Commission will provide to staff of 
    the Commission to ensure effective performance of the mission of 
    the Commission.
    SEC. 502. 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 any provision 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 section 3328), United States Code, governing appointments 
    in the civil service, the Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory 
    Commission (in this section referred to as the `Chairman') may, in 
    order 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 and subject 
    to the limitations described in paragraphs (2), (3), and (4)--
            ``(A) recruit and directly appoint exceptionally well-
        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 
        exceptionally well-qualified individuals into such term-limited 
        covered positions, which may not exceed a term of 4 years.
        ``(2) Limitations.--
            ``(A) Number.--
                ``(i) In general.--The number of exceptionally well-
            qualified individuals serving in covered positions pursuant 
            to paragraph (1)(A) may not exceed 210 at any one time.
                ``(ii) Term-limited covered positions.--The Chairman 
            may not appoint more than 20 exceptionally well-qualified 
            individuals into term-limited covered positions pursuant to 
            paragraph (1)(B) during any fiscal year.
            ``(B) Compensation.--
                ``(i) Annual rate.--The annual basic rate of pay for 
            any individual appointed under paragraph (1)(A) or 
            paragraph (1)(B) may not exceed the annual basic rate of 
            pay for level III of the Executive Schedule under section 
            5314 of title 5, United States Code.
                ``(ii) Experience and qualifications.--Any individual 
            recruited and directly appointed into a covered position or 
            a term-limited covered position shall be compensated at a 
            rate of pay that is commensurate with such individual's 
            experience and qualifications.
            ``(C) Senior executive service position.--The Chairman may 
        not, under paragraph (1)(A) or paragraph (1)(B), appoint 
        exceptionally well-qualified individuals to any Senior 
        Executive Service position, as defined in section 3132 of title 
        5, United States Code.
        ``(3) Level of positions.--To the extent practicable, in 
    carrying out paragraph (1) the Chairman shall recruit and directly 
    appoint exceptionally well-qualified individuals into the excepted 
    service to entry, mid, and senior level covered positions, 
    including term-limited covered positions.
        ``(4) Consideration of future workforce needs.--When recruiting 
    and directly appointing exceptionally well-qualified individuals to 
    covered positions pursuant to paragraph (1)(A), to maintain 
    sufficient flexibility under the limitations of paragraph 
    (2)(A)(i), the Chairman shall consider the future workforce needs 
    of the Commission to carry out its responsibilities and activities 
    in a timely, efficient, and effective manner.
    ``(b) Addressing Insufficient Compensation of Employees and Other 
Personnel of the Commission.--
        ``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, 
    the Chairman may fix the compensation for 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) Applicability.--The authority under this subsection to 
    fix the compensation of employees or other personnel 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.
        ``(3) Limitations on compensation.--
            ``(A) Annual rate.--The Chairman may not use the authority 
        under paragraph (1) to fix the compensation of employees or 
        other personnel--
                ``(i) at an annual rate of basic pay higher than the 
            annual basic rate of pay for level III of the Executive 
            Schedule under section 5314 of title 5, United States Code; 
            or
                ``(ii) at an annual rate of basic pay that is not 
            commensurate with such an employee or other personnel's 
            experience and qualifications.
            ``(B) Senior executive service positions.--The Chairman may 
        not use the authority under paragraph (1) to fix the 
        compensation of an employee serving in a Senior Executive 
        Service position, as defined in section 3132 of title 5, United 
        States Code.
    ``(c) Additional Compensation Authority.--
        ``(1) For new employees.--The Chairman may pay an individual 
    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 subparagraphs (B) and (C), 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) Exceptional performance.--Exceptional performance 
        under subparagraph (A) includes--
                ``(i) leading a project team in a timely and efficient 
            licensing review to enable the safe use of nuclear 
            technology;
                ``(ii) making significant contributions to a timely and 
            efficient licensing review to enable the safe use of 
            nuclear technology;
                ``(iii) the resolution of novel or first-of-a-kind 
            regulatory issues;
                ``(iv) developing or implementing licensing or 
            regulatory oversight processes to improve the effectiveness 
            of the Commission; and
                ``(v) other performance, as determined by the Chairman.
            ``(C) 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.
                ``(iii) No bonus for senior executive service 
            positions.--No person serving in a Senior Executive Service 
            position, as defined in section 3132 of title 5, United 
            States Code, may receive a performance bonus under 
            subparagraph (A).
    ``(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 fiscal year 2026 and each fiscal year thereafter, 
    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) how the authority provided by subsection (a) is 
            being used to address the hiring needs of the Commission;
                ``(ii) the total number of exceptionally well-qualified 
            individuals serving in--

                    ``(I) covered positions described in subsection 
                (g)(1) pursuant to subsection (a)(1)(A);
                    ``(II) covered positions described in subsection 
                (g)(2) pursuant to subsection (a)(1)(A);
                    ``(III) term-limited covered positions described in 
                subsection (g)(1) pursuant to subsection (a)(1)(B); and
                    ``(IV) term-limited covered positions described in 
                subsection (g)(2) pursuant to subsection (a)(1)(B);

                ``(iii) how the authority provided by subsection (b) 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); and
                ``(v) 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
            ``(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--
        ``(1) a position in which an employee or other personnel is 
    responsible for conducting work of a highly-specialized scientific, 
    technical, engineering, mathematical, or otherwise skilled nature 
    to address a critical licensing or regulatory oversight need for 
    the Commission; or
        ``(2) a position that the Executive Director for Operations of 
    the Commission determines is necessary to fulfill the 
    responsibilities of the Commission in a timely, efficient, and 
    effective manner.
    ``(h) Sunset.--
        ``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the 
    authorities provided by subsections (a) and (b) shall terminate on 
    September 30, 2034.
        ``(2) Certification.--If, no later than the date referenced in 
    paragraph (1), the Commission issues a certification that the 
    authorities provided by subsection (a), subsection (b), or both 
    subsections are necessary for the Commission to carry out its 
    responsibilities and activities in a timely, efficient, and 
    effective manner, the authorities provided by the applicable 
    subsection shall terminate on September 30, 2039.
        ``(3) Compensation.--The termination of the authorities 
    provided by subsections (a) and (b) 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 subsection (a) or (b).''.
        (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, 2033, the Comptroller General of the United States shall 
submit to the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Committee on 
Oversight and Accountability of the House of Representatives and the 
Committee on Environment and Public Works and the Committee on Homeland 
Security and Governmental Affairs 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 exceptionally well-
    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 Commission 
    fulfill its mission;
        (4) makes recommendations to improve the Commission's strategic 
    workforce management; and
        (5) makes recommendations with respect to whether Congress 
    should extend, 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 Commission, on an annual basis, shall 
solicit applications for the Nuclear Regulator Apprenticeship Network.
    SEC. 503. COMMISSION CORPORATE SUPPORT FUNDING.
    (a) Report.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Commission shall submit to the appropriate committees of 
Congress and make publicly available a report that describes--
        (1) the progress on the implementation of section 102(a)(3) of 
    the Nuclear Energy Innovation and Modernization Act (42 U.S.C. 
    2215(a)(3)); and
        (2) whether the Commission is meeting and is expected to meet 
    the total budget authority caps required for corporate support 
    under that section.
    (b) Limitation on Corporate Support Costs.--Section 102(a)(3) of 
the Nuclear Energy Innovation and Modernization Act (42 U.S.C. 
2215(a)(3)) is amended by striking subparagraphs (B) and (C) and 
inserting the following:
            ``(B) 30 percent for fiscal year 2025 and each fiscal year 
        thereafter.''.
    (c) Corporate Support Costs Clarification.--Paragraph (10) of 
section 3 of the Nuclear Energy Innovation and Modernization Act (42 
U.S.C. 2215 note; Public Law 115-439) (as redesignated by section 
201(a)(1)) is amended--
        (1) by striking ``The term'' and inserting the following:
            ``(A) In general.--The term''; and
        (2) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(B) Exclusions.--The term `corporate support costs' does 
        not include--
                ``(i) costs for rent and utilities relating to any and 
            all space in the Three White Flint North building that is 
            not occupied by the Commission; or
                ``(ii) costs for salaries, travel, and other support 
            for the Office of the Commission.''.
    SEC. 504. 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 established under 
        paragraph (1).
            ``(B) Revisions.--After each review and assessment under 
        subparagraph (A), the Commission shall revise and improve, as 
        appropriate, the performance metrics and milestone schedules 
        described in that subparagraph to provide the most efficient 
        metrics and schedules reasonably achievable.''.
    SEC. 505. NUCLEAR LICENSING EFFICIENCY.
    (a) 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 
    those 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 those techniques and guidance; and
        ``(3) obtain approval from the Commission if establishment or 
    modification of the techniques and guidance under paragraph (1) or 
    (2) involves policy formulation.''.
    (b) 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) In General.--The provisions of''; and
            (B) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(b) Efficient Licensing Reviews.--The Commission shall provide 
for efficient and timely reviews and proceedings for the granting, 
suspending, revoking, or amending of any--
        ``(1) license or construction permit; or
        ``(2) application to transfer control.''.
    (c) 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 information that was part of the 
licensing basis of the licensed production facility or utilization 
facility.''.
    SEC. 506. MODERNIZATION OF NUCLEAR REACTOR ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEWS.
    (a) 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 the efforts of the Commission to 
facilitate efficient, timely, and predictable environmental reviews of 
nuclear reactor applications for a license under section 103 of the 
Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2133), 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 (Public Law 118-5; 137 Stat. 38);
        (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 
        applications described in subsection (a) by the Commission;
            (B) using categorical exclusions, environmental 
        assessments, and environmental impact statements prepared by 
        the Commission to streamline environmental reviews of 
        applications described in subsection (a) by the Commission;
            (C) using mitigated findings of no significant impact in 
        environmental reviews of applications described in subsection 
        (a) 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 applications described in subsection (a) 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 applications 
        described in subsection (a) 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 applications described in subsection (a) 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 applications 
        described in subsection (a) by the Commission;
            (H) establishing new categorical exclusions that could be 
        applied to actions relating to new applications described in 
        subsection (a);
            (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 
        application described in subsection (a), including in 
        proceedings in which the Commission relies on 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; and
            (L) in addition to implementing measures under paragraph 
        (3), potential revisions to part 51 of title 10, Code of 
        Federal Regulations, and relevant Commission guidance 
        documents--
                (i) to facilitate efficient, timely, and predictable 
            environmental reviews of applications described in 
            subsection (a);
                (ii) to assist decision making about relevant 
            environmental issues;
                (iii) to maintain openness with the public;
                (iv) to meet obligations under the National 
            Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.); 
            and
                (v) to reduce burdens on licensees, applicants, and the 
            Commission; and
        (3) include a schedule for promulgating a rule for any measures 
    considered by the Commission under subparagraphs (A) through (K) of 
    paragraph (2) that require a rulemaking.
    SEC. 507. IMPROVING OVERSIGHT AND INSPECTION PROGRAMS.
    (a) Definition of Licensee.--In this section, the term ``licensee'' 
means a person that holds a license issued under section 103 or 104 of 
the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2133, 2134).
    (b) Report.--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 (42 U.S.C. 2011 
et seq.) 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.
    (c) Stakeholder Input.--In developing the report under subsection 
(b), the Commission shall, as appropriate, seek input from--
        (1) other Federal regulatory agencies that conduct oversight 
    and inspections;
        (2) the nuclear energy industry;
        (3) nongovernmental organizations; and
        (4) other public stakeholders.
    (d) Contents.--The report submitted under subsection (b) shall--
        (1) 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--
            (A) use of travel resources;
            (B) planning and preparation for inspections, including 
        entrance and exit meetings with licensees;
            (C) 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; and
            (D) the cross-cutting issues program;
        (2) identify and assess measures to improve oversight and 
    inspections, including--
            (A) elimination of areas of duplicative or otherwise 
        unnecessary activities;
            (B) increased use of templates in documenting inspection 
        results; and
            (C) 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;
        (3) assess measures to advance risk-informed procedures, 
    including--
            (A) increased use of inspection approaches that balance the 
        level of resources commensurate with safety significance;
            (B) increased review of the use of inspection program 
        resources based on licensee performance;
            (C) expansion of modern information technology, including 
        artificial intelligence and machine learning, to risk-inform 
        oversight and inspection decisions; and
            (D) 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;
        (4) assess the ability of the Commission, consistent with the 
    mission of the Commission, 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;
        (5) identify recommendations resulting from the assessments 
    described in paragraphs (1) through (4);
        (6) identify specific actions that the Commission may 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 paragraph (5); and
        (7) describe when the actions identified under paragraph (6) 
    may be implemented.

                        TITLE VI--MISCELLANEOUS

    SEC. 601. 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''.
    SEC. 602. REPORT ON ENGAGEMENT WITH THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA WITH 
      RESPECT TO NUCLEAR WASTE ISSUES IN THE GREAT LAKES BASIN.
    Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
Commission shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress, the 
Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate, the Committee on Energy 
and Natural Resources of the Senate, and the Committee on Foreign 
Affairs of the House of Representatives a report describing any 
engagement between the Commission and the Government of Canada with 
respect to nuclear waste issues in the Great Lakes Basin.
    SEC. 603. SAVINGS CLAUSE.
    Nothing in this Act affects authorities of the Department of State.

                               Speaker of the House of Representatives.

                            Vice President of the United States and    
                                               President of the Senate.
```