Bill directs Energy Department to secure critical mineral supplies
Passed one chamberH.R. 3617Latest action
Sponsor: John James · Representative · MI
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Securing America’s Critical Minerals Supply Act
119th Congress
Topics: Environment & energy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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The bill gives the Department of Energy legal authority to study and address risks to critical energy mineral supplies.
50-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
The bill amends the law creating the Department of Energy, adding responsibility for ensuring a steady supply of "critical energy resources" like minerals and metals used in batteries, power grids, and energy production. It directs the Secretary of Energy to study which materials are most critical, how vulnerable supply chains are, and whether the U.S. depends too heavily on foreign suppliers. The Department must report progress to Congress within two years.
Who does it affect?
The Department of Energy and its Secretary gain new legal duties and reporting requirements. Mining, manufacturing, and energy technology industries, along with countries that supply critical minerals to the U.S., could be affected over time.
Why does it matter?
The bill sets up a policy framework rather than creating specific mining projects or spending money directly. Future strategies on diversifying supply, boosting domestic mining, and recycling could affect trade relationships and, eventually, consumer costs for electronics, electric vehicles, and power systems.
AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.
Based on the “Referred in Senate” text of Feb 12, 2026.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedMay 29, 2025
- House committee
- House vote
- SenateYou are here · Feb 12, 2026
- The president's desk
Right now: it passed the House, and the official record shows nothing new since. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Recorded votes
Roll-call votes recorded since January 3, 2025.
House · · Roll call 64
As recorded
- Question
- On Passage
- Result:
- Passed
- 223
- Nay
- 206
- 0
- 3
Republicans 214 yes, 1 no, 3 not voting · Democrats 9 yes, 205 no
Official recordHow members voted
The official record lists how each member voted.Official record
House · · Roll call 63
As recorded
- Question
- On
- Result:
- Failed
- 214
- Nay
- 215
- 0
- 3
Republicans 215 no, 3 not voting · Democrats 214 yes
Official recordHow members voted
The official record lists how each member voted.Official record