Bill would extend USGS underground mineral mapping program through 2031

Q: What does this do?

HR 9640, the Earth MRI Reauthorization Act of 2026, extends funding for the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI), a USGS program that maps underground mineral, geothermal, and water resources. It provides $84 million for 2027 through 2031 and allows the program to use newer technologies like advanced geophysical sensors, digital geochemistry, and real-time data systems, while also coordinating with the USGS 3D Hydrography Program.

Q: What does it cost, and who pays?

The bill provides $84 million to fund the Earth MRI program from 2027 through 2031.

In markupH.R. 9640Latest action Sep 15, 2026

Sponsor: Robert J. Wittman · Representative · VA

AIDecoded by AI · checked against the record

Read the official text

Official title: Earth MRI Reauthorization Act of 2026

119th Congress

Topics: Environment & energy

Introduced: July 9, 2026

Read the official bill on Congress.gov

In plain words

The plain-language version comes first. The official text is always the reference.

HR 9640 extends USGS's Earth MRI mapping program for five years, from 2027-2031, with $84 million in funding.

45-second read · 5 questions answered below

What does this do?

HR 9640, the Earth MRI Act of 2026, extends funding for the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI), a USGS program that maps underground mineral, geothermal, and water resources. It provides $84 million for 2027 through 2031 and allows the program to use newer technologies like advanced geophysical sensors, digital geochemistry, and real-time data systems, while also coordinating with the USGS 3D Hydrography Program.

Who does it affect?

The bill affects the USGS and other government agencies, along with mining companies, geothermal energy developers, and researchers who use the mapping data.

Why does it matter?

Extending and updating the mapping program could affect how quickly and accurately critical minerals, geothermal energy, and hydrogen deposits are identified domestically, with implications for reliance on foreign mineral sources.

What does it cost, and who pays?

$84 million total funding
covers years 2027-2031

AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.

Based on the “Introduced in House” text of Jul 9, 2026.

After that text, a committee agreed on Sep 15, 2026 to send the bill to the full chamber with changes. This plain-language version may not reflect them.

Read the official bill on Congress.gov

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IntroducedJul 9, 2026
House committeeYou are here · Sep 15, 2026
House vote
Senate
The president's desk

Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.

Latest action: September 15, 2026 — Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by Unanimous Consent.

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