Critical Mineral Dominance Act
Legislative Progress
Plain English Summary
AI-generatedCritical Mineral Dominance Act – Plain English Summary
This bill focuses on increasing the United States' domestic production and supply of critical minerals — materials like lithium, cobalt, nickel, rare earth elements, and others that are essential for manufacturing batteries, electronics, defense equipment, and clean energy technology. Much of the U.S. currently relies on foreign countries, particularly China, for these minerals. The bill aims to reduce that dependence by streamlining the permitting process for domestic mining projects, expanding exploration on federal lands, and boosting processing and refining capacity within the United States.
The legislation would direct federal agencies to speed up the approval process for new mining and mineral processing facilities, which supporters say currently take many years to complete. It may also involve financial incentives or government support for companies working to develop domestic mineral supply chains. The bill likely sets goals or directives for agencies like the Department of Energy and the Department of the Interior to prioritize critical mineral projects as a matter of national economic and security interest.
The bill would affect a wide range of groups — including mining companies, manufacturers who use these minerals (such as automakers and defense contractors), communities near potential mining sites, and American workers in the mining and manufacturing sectors. Environmental review processes could be shortened under the bill, which may be a concern for communities and groups focused on land and water protection near proposed mining areas.
The bill passed the House of Representatives with a largely party-line vote (224–195) and has been sent to the Senate, where it was referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Its future progress in the Senate remains to be seen.
This summary is AI-generated for informational purposes. Always refer to the official bill text for legal accuracy.
Latest Action
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
February 5, 2026
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Legislative History
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Feb 5, 2026Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1032. (consideration: CR H1993-2002)
Feb 4, 2026Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Feb 4, 2026Rule provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 142 and H.R. 4090. The resolution provides for consideration of the Senate amendments to H.R. 7148. Also, the resolution provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 142 and H.R. 4090 under a closed rule and provides for one motion to recommit H.R. 4090.
Feb 4, 2026DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 4090.
Feb 4, 2026The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
Feb 4, 2026Ms. Leger Fernandez moved to recommit to the Committee on Natural Resources. (text: CR H2002)
Feb 4, 2026The previous question on the motion to recommit was ordered pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XIX.
Feb 4, 2026POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on H.R. 4090, the Chair put the question on motion to recommit and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Ms. Leger Fernandez demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
Feb 4, 2026Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2009-2010)
Feb 4, 2026On motion to recommit Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 209 - 212 (Roll no. 54).
Feb 4, 2026Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 224 - 195 (Roll no. 55). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H1994)
Feb 4, 2026On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 224 - 195 (Roll no. 55). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H1994)
Feb 4, 2026Rule H. Res. 1032 passed House.
Feb 3, 2026Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 1032 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 142 and H.R. 4090. The resolution provides for consideration of the Senate amendments to H.R. 7148. Also, the resolution provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 142 and H.R. 4090 under a closed rule and provides for one motion to recommit H.R. 4090.
Feb 3, 2026Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-387.
Nov 25, 2025Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-387.
Nov 25, 2025Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 337.
Nov 25, 2025Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Sep 17, 2025Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources Discharged
Sep 17, 2025Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 26 - 16.
Sep 17, 2025Subcommittee Hearings Held
Sep 3, 2025Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.
Jul 2, 2025Introduced in House
Jun 23, 2025Introduced in House
Jun 23, 2025Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Jun 23, 2025