In a rare bipartisan move, the U.S. Senate passed a major bill with an overwhelming 88-2 vote. Former President Donald Trump reportedly expressed surprise at the outcome.
Senate Approves Bill with 88-2 Vote — Even Trump Was Taken Aback
In a remarkable display of bipartisan cooperation, the United States Senate approved the sweeping ADVANCE Act by an 88-2 vote on June 18, 2024. sidley.com+3reuters.com+3bowlesrice.com+3
The legislation, fully titled the Accelerating Deployment of Versatile, Advanced Nuclear for Clean Energy Act, aims to fast-track licensing of advanced nuclear reactors, streamline regulations, and boost U.S. nuclear energy leadership. Wikipedia+1
Sources indicate that former President Donald Trump publicly voiced surprise at the margin and speed of the passage — reflecting how even high-level party figures did not anticipate such overwhelming support.
What the Bill Does
Key provisions of the Act include:
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Giving the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) mandates to accelerate licensing of advanced nuclear technologies and partner with the Department of Energy. sidley.com+1
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Incentivising deployment of ‘next-generation’ small modular reactors (SMRs) and supporting the reuse of retired fossil-fuel sites for nuclear development. vnf.com+1
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Expanding American nuclear export capacity and revising certain fuel-cycle rules to strengthen domestic supply chains. McGuireWoods+1
Bipartisan Consensus — But Not Without Critics
Only two senators — Ed Markey (D-MA) and Bernie Sanders (I-VT) — voted against the bill. Markey called parts of it “dangerous” for communities near nuclear facilities and criticised the shift to prioritise industry over environmental cleanup. Senator Bernie Sanders
Meanwhile, supporters hailed it as a milestone for climate policy and U.S. energy security. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) called it “a major achievement for clean, reliable power.” bowlesrice.com
Why Trump’s Reaction Mattered
Trump’s surprise reflects how the bill transcended typical party lines. Although his administration championed energy dominance, the scale and bipartisan nature of this vote exceeded many expectations — further signalling a shift in how nuclear energy is viewed across both sides of the aisle.
Conclusion
With an 88-2 vote, the Senate delivered a strong bipartisan message: nuclear energy is returning to the centre of U.S. policy. The passage of this bill — and the surprise from even top political figures — may mark a turning point in how America approaches clean energy, regulation, and technology leadership.