In a remarkable display of bipartisan unity, the United States Senate passed groundbreaking legislation to bolster America’s nuclear energy sector on Thursday, with an overwhelming vote of 88-2. This landmark decision represents one of the most significant advances in nuclear energy policy in decades, signaling a dramatic shift in how both political parties view nuclear power’s role in addressing climate change and ensuring energy security.
The only opposition came from Senator Ed Markey (D-Mass.), a long-time environmental advocate, and Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), known for his progressive stance on energy policy. Their opposition stands in stark contrast to the broad coalition of Democrats and Republicans who united behind the measure, reflecting an unprecedented consensus that nuclear energy must play a crucial role in America’s energy future.
The legislation, cleverly packaged alongside the reauthorization of the U.S. Fire Administration and critical firefighter grant programs, now heads to the president’s desk for final approval. This strategic pairing ensured smooth passage through both chambers of Congress, though it drew criticism from some lawmakers who viewed it as an unnecessary bundling of unrelated priorities.