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Congress·In Committee·about 2 months ago

Congress Proposes New Global Network to Reduce Reliance on China for Critical Minerals

Also known as: Developing Overseas Mineral Investments and New Allied Networks for Critical Energies Act

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
Review
House
Senate
President

Impacts

Positive Impacts(5)
Student
Helps

The bill creates two new Fulbright-based programs for students and scholars in the mining field. U.S. students pursuing advanced degrees in mining, engineering, or related fields could receive fellowships to study at mining universities abroad, with costs like tuition, housing, and travel covered. International mining scholars would also come to U.S. universities to help build mining education programs, creating new mentorship and learning opportunities for American students interested in mining careers.

Federal Employee
Helps

The bill creates a new Bureau of Energy Security and Diplomacy and an Office of Energy Security Compacts within the State Department, generating new federal positions. It includes a one-year expedited hiring authority and specifically prioritizes rehiring employees who were separated from the Bureau of Energy and Natural Resources in 2025 due to a reduction in force. It also establishes career promotion tracks to GS-15 positions for civil service officers in the new office.

Small Business Owner
Helps

U.S. companies in the mining, energy, and critical minerals sectors would gain new government support when competing for projects abroad. The bill directs U.S. embassies to assist private sector entities pursuing critical mineral projects in foreign countries and creates mechanisms to leverage private capital through the Minerals Security Partnership and Energy Security Compacts.

Military Active
Helps

A more secure and diversified critical minerals supply chain directly supports the defense industrial base. Many critical minerals are essential components in military equipment, advanced weapons systems, and defense technologies. By reducing dependence on adversarial nations like China and Russia for these materials, the bill strengthens the reliability of supply chains that active military personnel depend on for equipment and readiness.

Military Veteran
Helps

Veterans with mining, engineering, or logistics backgrounds could benefit from the expanded mining workforce development programs and new fellowship opportunities created by this bill. The broader goal of strengthening national security supply chains also aligns with veterans' service interests.

Key Points

  • This bill, introduced by Representative Young Kim, aims to help the U.S. and its allies get the minerals they need for things like batteries, electronics, and defense. It focuses on creating a secure supply chain that doesn't rely on countries like China or Russia, which currently control much of the market for these materials.
  • The State Department would create a new Bureau of Energy Security and Diplomacy. This office would lead a group of allied countries to coordinate mining projects, share information, and make sure minerals are processed in ways that are fair and do not harm the environment or workers.
  • The government would sign 'Energy Security Compacts' with partner nations. These are 10-year deals that provide funding and technical help to build better energy systems and mines. The goal is to make these countries more stable while ensuring the U.S. has a steady supply of minerals like nickel and lithium.
  • To build a stronger workforce, the bill creates new fellowship programs. U.S. students could get funding to study mining in other countries, and international experts would be invited to U.S. universities to help teach new mining techniques and research better ways to extract resources.
  • The bill includes strict rules to protect American interests. It bans any projects that would cause a loss of U.S. jobs or create major environmental hazards. It also prevents the government from giving money to projects owned by the President, Vice President, or their immediate families.
EnergyForeign PolicyNational SecurityTradeEducation

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
Jan 13, 2026House

Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Jan 13, 2026

Introduced in House

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

Energy Security Compacts Council established and diplomatic strategy for critical minerals developed

Within about 6 months of enactment, the government would have a coordinated plan and interagency council in place to start negotiating mineral and energy deals with partner countries, setting the stage for new supply chain agreements.

New Bureau of Energy Security and Diplomacy becomes operational with expedited hiring

The State Department would stand up a new bureau focused entirely on energy and mineral security, with a one-year window to quickly hire specialized staff — including people previously laid off from related positions in 2025.

Related News

4 articles
The Hill·about 2 months ago

House lawmakers introduce bill to bolster supply of minerals dominated by China

Reps. Young Kim and Ami Bera introduced the DOMINANCE Act to reduce U.S. reliance on China for critical minerals. The bill authorizes 'Energy Security Compacts' with partner nations and creates a new State Department bureau to lead international mineral diplomacy.

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Politico·about 2 months ago

Bipartisan House members unveil minerals package

The DOMINANCE Act, developed in cooperation with the Trump administration, seeks to reconstitute the State Department's energy bureau and expand diplomatic efforts to compete with China for critical minerals through secure, transparent supply chains.

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Reuters·27 days ago

Washington Update: Sustainable Energy & Infrastructure — February 2026

A bipartisan coalition introduced the DOMINANCE Act, proposing the creation of a Bureau of Energy Security and Diplomacy and an Office of Energy Security Compacts. The bill aims to codify the Mineral Security Partnership and bolster U.S. mining education programs.

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Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Developing Overseas Mineral Investments and New Allied Networks for Critical Energies Act

Bill NumberHR 7037
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionReferred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(21)
D: 8R: 13

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.