The U.S. Senate passed legislation to strengthen the nuclear energy sector with an 88-2 vote, opposed by Senators Ed Markey (D-Mass.) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). The bill, combined with reauthorization for the U.S. Fire Administration and firefighter grants, now heads to the president’s desk. It aims to accelerate new nuclear plant approvals, reduce licensing fees, and streamline environmental reviews. Supporters see small modular reactors as the future, while critics, like Edwin Lyman of the Union of Concerned Scientists, warn it may weaken safety regulations. The House passed it 393-13-1, with some Democratic opposition