Securing America’s Critical Minerals Supply Act
Legislative Progress
Plain English Summary
AI-generated# Securing America's Critical Minerals Supply Act – Plain English Summary
This bill focuses on strengthening the United States' ability to produce and access critical minerals – a category of natural resources considered essential for modern technology, manufacturing, and national defense. Critical minerals include materials like lithium, cobalt, rare earth elements, and others used in things like electric vehicle batteries, semiconductors, military equipment, and renewable energy technology. Currently, the U.S. relies heavily on foreign countries, particularly China, for many of these materials, and this bill aims to reduce that dependency.
The legislation would likely streamline or speed up the federal permitting and review process for domestic mining projects that involve critical minerals. Bills of this type typically work to cut down on regulatory delays so that mining companies can more quickly get approval to extract these resources on American soil. This could mean adjusting how environmental reviews are conducted or setting stricter timelines for federal agencies to make decisions on mining permits.
The bill would most directly affect mining companies, energy and technology manufacturers, federal agencies, and communities near potential mining sites. Supporters generally argue it would create jobs, boost domestic industry, and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. Those with concerns often point to potential impacts on environmental protections and local communities near mining operations.
The bill passed the House of Representatives by a relatively narrow vote of 223–206 and has been sent to the Senate, where it was referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources for further review. No final Senate action has been taken yet.
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 12, 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 12, 2026Rule H. Res. 1057 passed House.
Feb 11, 2026Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 1057 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of S. 1383, H.R. 2189, H.R. 261 and H.R. 3617. The resolution provides for consideration of S. 1383, H.R. 2189, H.R. 261, and H.R. 3617 under a closed rule and provides for one motion to recommit H.R. 2189, H.R. 261, and H.R. 3617, and one motion to commit S. 1383.
Feb 11, 2026Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Feb 11, 2026On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 223 - 206 (Roll no. 64). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H2150)
Feb 11, 2026Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 223 - 206 (Roll no. 64).
Feb 11, 2026On motion to recommit Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 214 - 215 (Roll no. 63).
Feb 11, 2026Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2167-2169)
Feb 11, 2026POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on H.R. 3617, the Chair put the question on the motion to recommit and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Landsman demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
Feb 11, 2026The previous question on the motion to recommit was ordered pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XIX.
Feb 11, 2026Mr. Landsman moved to recommit to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. (text: CR H2154)
Feb 11, 2026The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
Feb 11, 2026DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 3617.
Feb 11, 2026Rule provides for consideration of S. 1383, H.R. 2189, H.R. 261 and H.R. 3617. The resolution provides for consideration of S. 1383, H.R. 2189, H.R. 261, and H.R. 3617 under a closed rule and provides for one motion to recommit H.R. 2189, H.R. 261, and H.R. 3617, and one motion to commit S. 1383.
Feb 11, 2026Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1057. (consideration: CR H2150-2154)
Feb 11, 2026Rule H. Res. 1042 failed passage of House.
Feb 10, 2026Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 1042 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 2189, H.R. 261 and H.R. 3617. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 2189, H.R. 261, and H.R. 3617 under a closed rule and provides for one hour of debate and one motion to recommit on each bill.
Feb 9, 2026Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 224.
Sep 11, 2025Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-268.
Sep 11, 2025Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-268.
Sep 11, 2025Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 23 - 21.
Jun 25, 2025Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Jun 25, 2025Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
Jun 5, 2025Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Jun 5, 2025Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy.
Jun 3, 2025Introduced in House
May 29, 2025Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
May 29, 2025Introduced in House
May 29, 2025