Th²³² absorbs a neutron then beta(-) decays into U-233 which is directly fissile. There are several reactor designs that are “different” than traditional commercial designs...if the NRC ever gets out of the way, we might begin to make up substantial ground with other countries.
On the plus side, we were way ahead of other countries when it came to nuke accidents. 3 mile island came before Chernobyl which came before Fukushima.
China is pouring huge resources into LFTR (thorium fuel cycle) research, yet we are still debating whether it is feasible: economically feasible. If it is, then we are losing precious years versus our main competitor.