[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 96 (Monday, June 8, 2026)]
[House]
[Pages H3957-H3965]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
{time} 1640
DEVELOPING OVERSEAS MINERAL INVESTMENTS AND NEW ALLIED NETWORKS FOR
CRITICAL ENERGIES ACT
Mr. MAST. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill
(H.R. 7037) to promote United States and allied energy and mineral
security, and for other purposes, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
H.R. 7037
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Developing
Overseas Mineral Investments and New Allied Networks for
Critical Energies Act'' or the ``DOMINANCE Act''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act
is as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Findings and purpose.
Sec. 3. Definitions.
TITLE I--MINERALS SECURITY PARTNERSHIP AUTHORIZATION
Sec. 101. International cooperation to secure critical minerals supply
chains.
Sec. 102. Minerals Security Partnership authorization.
Sec. 103. United States membership in the International Nickel Study
Group.
Sec. 104. Diplomatic strategy for securing critical minerals.
Sec. 105. Mechanism to support critical mineral projects in foreign
countries.
TITLE II--ENERGY SECURITY COMPACTS
Sec. 201. Energy Security Compacts.
Sec. 202. Office of Energy Security Compacts.
Sec. 203. Energy security compact structure.
Sec. 204. Energy Security Compacts Council.
Sec. 205. Congressional notification.
Sec. 206. Government Accountability Office.
TITLE III--DEPARTMENT OF STATE AUTHORIZATIONS
Sec. 301. Assistant Secretary for Energy Security and Diplomacy.
Sec. 302. Bureau of Energy Security and Diplomacy.
Sec. 303. Critical Mineral Mining Fellowship Program.
Sec. 304. Visiting Mining Scholars Program.
Sec. 305. Amendment to the Mutual and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961.
Sec. 306. Definitions.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.
(a) Findings.--It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) the United States is heavily dependent on the People's
Republic of China for the production, processing, and
refinement of many key critical minerals and materials;
(2) the Government of the People's Republic of China has
weaponized its dominance of critical mineral production and
has intentionally created overcapacity and sold products at
below-market rates in order to gain market share and move up
the value chain;
(3) it is in the economic and national security interests
of the United States to prevent further inroads by strategic
competitors into key sectors such as energy infrastructure,
critical and rare earth minerals, and other supply chains
essential to United States industrial capacity and strategic
security;
(4) a reliable, resilient, and diversified supply chain for
energy and critical minerals is essential to meet the
defense, manufacturing, technological, and energy needs of
the United States;
(5) energy security is a fundamental component of United
States national security, economic stability, and foreign
policy strategy;
(6) the United States must utilize available trade
enforcement mechanisms, as well as other appropriate policy
tools, to counter coercive economic practices by strategic
competitors and complement the growth of a robust domestic
critical minerals industry;
(7) United States strategic interests are best served by
reducing reliance on adversarial nations for energy and
critical minerals, ensuring reliable and affordable
electricity for industrial and strategic supply chains,
expanding commercial opportunities for United States energy
technologies, and securing diversified and reliable access to
critical minerals for the United States and allied economies;
and
(8) Government financing, development, and diplomatic tools
should all be deployed in a manner that maximizes the
mobilization of private capital, strengthens cooperation with
allies and partners, and advances the statutory objectives of
United States foreign policy, economic development, and
national security--thereby making the United States safer,
stronger, and more prosperous.
(b) Purpose.--The purpose of this Act is to--
(1) reduce the dependence of the United States and partner
countries on strategic competitors for energy, critical
minerals, and related technologies;
(2) support economic growth and energy-sector modernization
in partner countries through responsible and transparent
development of domestic energy and mineral resources;
(3) advance United States national security and foreign
policy objectives through strategic investments, policy
coordination, and expanded cooperation with allies and
partners;
(4) establish a coordinated interagency mechanism to align
United States diplomatic, development, trade, and financing
tools;
(5) strengthen the commercial competitiveness of United
States energy and critical mineral companies in global
markets; and
(6) secure a diversified and resilient supply and
processing capacity for critical minerals necessary for
United States industry, energy systems, and defense
requirements, as well as those of allied and partner
countries.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Ally; allied country.--The term ``ally'' or ``allied
country'' means--
(A) any country described in section 2350a(a)(2) of title
10, United States Code; and
(B) any member country of an organization listed in such
section.
(2) Appropriate congressional committees.--The term
``appropriate congressional committees'' means--
(A) the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Committee on Ways
and Means, and the Committee on Appropriations of the House
of Representatives; and
(B) the Committee on Foreign Relations, the Committee on
Finance, and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate.
(3) Assistant secretary.--The term ``Assistant Secretary''
means the Assistant Secretary for Energy Security and
Diplomacy, as established in section 301.
(4) Country compact team.--The term ``Country Compact
Team'' means a dedicated team formed by the Director for
Energy Security Compacts to manage the day-to-day activities
related to the development, negotiation, implementation, and
monitoring of the Energy Security Compacts.
(5) Critical mineral.--The term ``critical mineral'' means
any mineral on the list of critical minerals required by
section 7002(c)(3) of the Energy Act of 2020 (30 U.S.C.
1606(c)(3)) on or after January 1, 2026.
(6) Department.--The term ``Department'' means the
Department of State.
(7) Partner country.--The term ``partner country'' means
any country eligible for an Energy Security Compact under
title II.
(8) Processed.--The term ``processed'', with respect to a
critical mineral, means the mineral has undergone the
activities that occur after critical mineral ore is extracted
from a mine up through its conversion into a metal, metal
powder, or a master alloy.
(9) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of State.
(10) Under secretary.--The term ``Under Secretary'' means
the Under Secretary for Economic Affairs.
TITLE I--MINERALS SECURITY PARTNERSHIP AUTHORIZATION
SEC. 101. INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION TO SECURE CRITICAL
MINERALS SUPPLY CHAINS.
(a) Statement of Policy on Critical Mineral Supply
Chains.--It is the policy of the United States--
(1) to collaborate with allies and partners of the United
States to build secure and resilient critical mineral supply
chains, including in the mining, processing, reclamation and
recycling, and valuation of critical
[[Page H3958]]
minerals, as well as with respect to advanced manufacturing
that includes critical minerals;
(2) to prioritize the development and production of
critical minerals domestically, including both to supply
domestic needs and for export to allies and partners that
participate in secure and resilient supply chains for
critical minerals;
(3) to reduce or eliminate reliance on critical mineral
supply chains controlled by the People's Republic of China,
the Russian Federation, Iran, or any other strategic
competitor to the United States;
(4) to work with allies and partners on enhancing
evaluation capability, tracing, and technology in trusted
countries that produce critical minerals to avoid the export
of mined and processed critical minerals to adversaries of
the United States;
(5) to identify and implement market-based incentives for
the purposes of facilitating the creation and maintenance of
secure and resilient critical mineral supply chains,
including for reclamation and recycling of critical mineral
resources from waste streams, in collaboration with allies
and partners;
(6) to prioritize securing critical mineral supply chains
in the United States foreign policy, including through the
use of economic tools to invest responsibility in
beneficiation and value-adding projects in partner countries
in a manner that both benefits local populations and bolsters
the supply of critical minerals to the United States;
(7) to work with allies and partners to address the
distortive effects of predatory economic, pricing, and market
manipulation practices used by the People's Republic of China
the Russian Federation, Iran, or any other strategic
competitor of the United States;
(8) to coordinate policy tools and investments with allies
and partners to accelerate the development of transparent,
traceable, diversified, and fair markets for critical
minerals and rare earths; and
(9) that collaboration with allies and partners to build
secure and resilient critical mineral supply chains shall not
replace United States efforts to increase domestic
development and production or recycling of critical minerals.
(b) International Negotiations Relating to Protecting
Critical Mineral Supply Chains.--
(1) In general.--The President may negotiate an agreement
with the governments of foreign countries for the purposes of
establishing a coalition to--
(A) facilitate the transparent mining, processing, supply,
and procurement of critical minerals;
(B) facilitate advanced manufacturing that includes
critical minerals; and
(C) secure an adequate supply of critical minerals and
relevant products, manufacturing inputs, and components that
are heavily dependent on critical mineral resources for the
United States and other members of the coalition (in this
title referred to as ``member countries'').
(2) Negotiating objectives.--The overall objectives for
negotiating an agreement described in paragraph (1) shall
be--
(A) to establish mechanisms for member countries to build
secure, resilient, and transparent supply chains for critical
minerals, including in--
(i) the mining, refinement, processing, and valuation of
critical minerals; and
(ii) advanced manufacturing of products, components, and
materials that are dependent on critical minerals;
(B) to improve economies of scale and joint cooperation
with international partners in securing access to and means
of production throughout the supply chains of critical
minerals and manufacturing processes dependent on critical
minerals;
(C) to establish mechanisms, with appropriate market-based
disciplines, that provide and maintain opportunities among
member countries for creating industry economies of scale to
attract joint investment among member countries, including--
(i) cooperation on joint projects, including cost-sharing
on building appropriate infrastructure to access deposits of
critical minerals; and
(ii) creation or enhancement of national and international
programs to support the development of robust industries by
providing appropriate sector-specific incentives, such as
political risk and other insurance opportunities, financing,
and other support, for--
(I) transparent mining and processing of critical minerals;
(II) manufacturing of products, components, and materials
that are dependent on critical minerals and are essential to
consumer technology products or have important national
security implications; and
(III) associated transportation needs that are tailored to
the handling, movement, and logistics management of critical
minerals and products, components, and materials that are
dependent on critical minerals;
(D) to establish market-based rules for member countries
regarding adoption of qualifying tax and other incentives to
stimulate investment to ensure a fair playing field among
member countries;
(E) to establish recommended best practices to protect--
(i) labor rights;
(ii) the natural environment and ecosystems near critical
mineral industrial sites;
(iii) the safety of communities near critical mineral
industrial activities through consultation; and
(iv) supply chain diversity;
(F) to advance economic growth in developing countries with
critical mineral reserves, including for the benefit of the
citizens of such countries;
(G) to establish rules allowing for the establishment of a
consortium that is resourced and empowered to bid and compete
in acquiring and securing potential deposits of critical
minerals in countries that are not member countries;
(H) to establish a mechanism for joint resource mapping
with procedures for equitable sharing of information on
potential deposits of critical minerals not less frequently
than annually;
(I) to establish appropriate mechanisms for the recognition
and enforcement by a member country of judgements relating to
environmental and related harms caused by mining operations
within such member country in contravention of the laws of
such country; and
(J) to improve supply chain security among member countries
by providing for national treatment investment protections
among member countries that are equal to, or better than, the
standards set forth in the United States model bilateral
investment treaty.
(3) Congressional consultation required.-- In the course of
negotiations described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall,
not less frequently than annually, consult with the Committee
on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate, and shall keep
such committees fully apprised of such negotiations.
(c) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed to alter any other provision of United States
domestic law or regulation applicable to critical minerals.
SEC. 102. MINERALS SECURITY PARTNERSHIP AUTHORIZATION.
(a) In General.--The Secretary, acting through the Under
Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the
Environment, may lead United States participation in a
``Minerals Security Partnership'', for the following
purposes:
(1) To identify and support investment and advocate for
commercial and military use critical mineral mining,
processing, and refining projects that enable robust, secure,
and transparent critical mineral supply chains, in
consultation with the other Federal agencies, as appropriate.
(2) To coordinate with relevant regional bureaus to develop
regional diplomatic engagement strategies related to critical
minerals projects and to identify projects that are
priorities.
(3) To coordinate with United States missions abroad on
projects, programs, and investments that enable robust and
secure critical mineral supply chains.
(4) To coordinate with current and prospective members of
the Minerals Security Partnership.
(5) To establish a mechanism for information-sharing with
members of the Minerals Security Partnership.
(6) To establish policies and procedures, and if necessary,
to provide funding to facilitate cooperation on joint
projects with members of the Minerals Security Partnership
and any related organizations established by the Minerals
Security Partnership (including the Mineral Security
Partnership Forum), including those related to cost-sharing
agreements, political risk insurance, financing, equity
investments, pricing mechanisms, procurement, and other
support, in coordination with other Federal agencies, as
appropriate.
(7) To coordinate with Development Finance Institutions,
Export Credit Agencies, multilateral banks, and private banks
headquartered in Minerals Security Partnership member
countries to promote information exchange and co-financing
through the Minerals Security Partnership Finance Network.
(8) To identify individuals within the Bureau of Energy
Security and Diplomacy to monitor and coordinate responses to
trade measures or policies that may adversely affect United
States and allied country supplies of critical minerals or
investments in third-country critical mineral markets,
especially investments supported by the Minerals Security
Partnership.
(9) To establish procedures to prevent, review, and deter
critical mineral asset sales to prohibited foreign entities
(as such term is defined in section 7701 of the Internal
Revenue Code) by companies within the jurisdiction of
Minerals Security Partnership and Minerals Security
Partnership Forum member countries.
(10) To establish a framework for the transparent
evaluation of member countries' compliance and effectiveness
in fulfilling the purposes listed in paragraphs (1) through
(9) of this section.
(11) To identify and recommend priority countries for
future engagement, including through an Energy Security
Compact described in section 201 or any other relevant
alliance between the United States and a foreign country
related to securing and diversifying critical mineral supply
chains.
(b) Database.--As part of the Minerals Security
Partnership, the Secretary, acting through the Under
Secretary, may establish and maintain a database of critical
mineral projects for the purpose of providing high quality
and up-to-date information to the
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private sector in order to spur greater investment, increase
the resilience of global critical minerals supply chains, and
boost United States supply of critical minerals.
(c) Exchange of Information With the Minerals Security
Partnership.--
(1) Procedure.--The Secretary, acting through the Under
Secretary, shall develop a procedure for the collection,
handling, and transmission of commercial information or data
that is provided by other Federal departments and agencies
and transmitted to members of the Minerals Security
Partnership.
(2) Limitations.--The procedure required in paragraph (1)
shall include the following limitations:
(A) Any information or data which is geological or
geophysical information or a trade secret or commercial or
financial information shall, prior to transmittal, be
aggregated, accumulated, or otherwise reported in such a
manner as to avoid, to the fullest extent feasible,
identification of any person from whom the United States
obtained such information.
(B) The limitations on disclosure described in the
following:
(i) section 11(d) of the Energy Supply and Environmental
Coordination Act of 1974 (15 U.S.C. 796(d));
(ii) section 14(b) of the Federal Energy Administration Act
of 1974 (15 U.S.C. 773(b));
(iii) section 9 of title 13, United States Code;
(iv) the first section of the Act of January 27, 1938,
entitled ``An Act to make confidential certain information
furnished to the Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Commerce, and
for other purposes'' (15 U.S.C. 176a);
(v) section 1905 of title 18, United States Code; and
(vi) section 252 of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act
of 1975 (42 U.S.C. 6274).
(3) Exceptions.--
(A) International energy emergency.--Notwithstanding
paragraph (2), the Secretary may make any information or data
available to members of the Minerals Security Partnership
during an international energy supply emergency.
(B) Presidential certification.--Notwithstanding paragraph
(2), the Secretary may make any information or data available
to members of the Minerals Security Partnership if the
President certifies, after opportunity for presentation of
views by interested persons, that the Minerals Security
Partnership has adopted and is implementing security measures
such that such information or data will not be disclosed by
member countries of the Minerals Security Partnership or the
agencies or employees of such countries to any person or
foreign country without having been aggregated, accumulated,
or otherwise reported in such manner as to avoid
identification of any person from whom the United States
obtained such information or data.
(d) Mineral Security Partnership Staff.--The Secretary
shall prioritize staffing the Mineral Security Partnership
with individuals who have the following qualifications:
(1) Substantive knowledge and experience in issues related
to critical minerals supply chains and the application of
such supply chains to strategic industries, including in the
defense, energy, and technology sectors.
(2) Substantive knowledge and experience in large-scale
multi-donor project financing and related technical and
diplomatic arrangements, international coalition-building,
development finance, and project management.
(3) Substantive knowledge and experience in trade and
foreign policy, defense-industrial base policy, or national
security-sensitive supply chain issues.
(e) Private Sector and Civil Society Coordination.--The
Secretary, acting through the Under Secretary for Economic
Growth, Energy, and the Environment, shall ensure close
coordination between the Department, the private sector, and
relevant civil society groups regarding the implementation of
this section.
(f) Project Selection.--
(1) In general.--The United States, through participation
in the Minerals Security Partnership, shall prioritize
projects that advance the national and economic security
interests of the United States and allies and partners of the
United States.
(2) Criteria requirements.--The United States shall
advocate for the Minerals Security Partnership to use
environmental, societal, and governance standards, including
as criteria for project selection, that are consistent with
United States law or international agreements approved by
Congress.
(3) Private sector collaboration.--The Department shall
coordinate with the private sector to leverage expertise and
ensure projects supported by the Minerals Security
Partnership are catalyzed by private sector investments and
commercial offtake, with priority to the United States,
through the Minerals Investment Network for Vital Energy
Security and Transformation (commonly known as ``MINVEST'').
SEC. 103. UNITED STATES MEMBERSHIP IN THE INTERNATIONAL
NICKEL STUDY GROUP.
(a) United States Membership.--The President may accept the
Terms of Reference of and maintain membership of the United
States in the International Nickel Study Group.
(b) Payments of Assessed Contributions.--For fiscal year
2026 and each fiscal year thereafter, the United States
assessed contributions to the International Nickel Study
Group may be paid from amounts authorized to be appropriated
under section 8 of the United Nations Participation Act of
1945 (22 U.S.C. 287e).
SEC. 104. DIPLOMATIC STRATEGY FOR SECURING CRITICAL MINERALS.
(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in consultation
with the heads of other relevant Federal agencies, shall
develop a strategy for securing the supply chains of a
diverse set of critical minerals.
(b) Elements.--The strategy required by subsection shall--
(1) include--
(A) a review of the roles and responsibilities of offices
and positions within the Department engaged, as of the date
of the enactment of this Act, in efforts to secure critical
mineral supply chains; and
(B) processes to ensure that such offices coordinate and
deconflict such efforts;
(2) leverage use of United States financial, commercial,
and development assistance tools and resources to advance the
critical mineral policies of the United States;
(3) include targeted engagement plans for both countries
that are allies or partners of the United States and
countries with significant proven or estimated deposits of
critical minerals or processing capacity for minerals
critical to national security interests;
(4) provide for coordination with relevant Federal agencies
to align trade policies to address both price volatility and
incentivize the sourcing of critical minerals from trusted
suppliers;
(5) strengthen collaboration with countries that are allies
and partners of the United States, and leverage the
leadership role of the United States in multilateral
institutions engaged on critical mineral issues to shape
international standards;
(6) extend the diplomatic and commercial advocacy support
of the United States to private sector entities throughout
critical mineral supply chains; and
(7) facilitate coordination with countries that are allies
and partners of the United States to--
(A) identify best practices and develop coordinated
standards for critical mineral projects;
(B) protect against inhumane labor practices; and
(C) minimize adverse environmental and social impacts from
the critical minerals supply chain.
(c) Briefing Required.--Not later than 210 days after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall provide a
briefing on the strategy developed under subsection (a) to--
(1) the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Permanent
Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of
Representatives; and
(2) the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Select
Committee on Intelligence of the Senate.
SEC. 105. MECHANISM TO SUPPORT CRITICAL MINERAL PROJECTS IN
FOREIGN COUNTRIES.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that
United States private sector entities competing for critical
mineral projects abroad need support from the United States
Government.
(b) Support for Critical Mineral Projects.--The Secretary
shall direct an appropriate official or office of the
Department to establish a mechanism and process for the
United States to provide support for critical mineral
projects in foreign countries, which may include--
(1) a mechanism for certifying that critical mineral
projects uphold labor rights and minimize environmental
impacts; and
(2) a process for United States private sector entities to
engage with United States embassies in foreign countries for
support when pursuing critical mineral projects in such
countries.
TITLE II--ENERGY SECURITY COMPACTS
SEC. 201. ENERGY SECURITY COMPACTS.
(a) Authorization of Transfers.--The Secretary is
authorized to transfer funds authorized to be appropriated
for the operation of National Security Investment Programs
for the purpose of establishing multiyear agreements (to be
known as ``Energy Security Pacts'') with partner countries to
enhance the energy and economic security and stability of the
United States and such partner countries, including through
efforts to counter economic coercion through the
diversification of critical mineral and energy supply chains.
(b) Transfers.--Amounts made available pursuant to
subsection (a) may be transferred to and merged with amounts
authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2027 or any
fiscal year thereafter for the United States Trade and
Development Agency, Millennium Challenge Corporation, United
States International Development Finance Corporation, or the
Export-Import Bank of the United States.
(c) Consultation and Notification.--The transfer authority
provided by this section is in addition to any other transfer
authority provided by law, and is subject to--
(1) prior consultation with--
(A) the Committee on Appropriations and the Committee on
Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives; and
(B) the Committee on Appropriations and the Committee on
Foreign Relations of the Senate; and
(2) the regular notification procedures of such committees.
[[Page H3960]]
(d) Assistance for the Development and Implementation of
Compacts.--The Director for Energy Security Compacts may--
(1) enter into contracts for required technical support
related to Energy Security Compacts;
(2) make grants to any partner country for the purpose of
building the administrative or technical capacity necessary
to facilitate the development and implementation of an Energy
Security Compact between the United States and such country;
and
(3) form Country Compact Teams with a designated lead, who
will regularly engage with the Council, to carry out the
implementation of the Compact.
(e) Limitations.--
(1) Prohibition on military assistance and training.--
Assistance under this section may not include military
assistance or military training for a country.
(2) Prohibition on assistance relating to united states job
loss or production displacement.--Assistance under this
section may not be provided for any project that is likely to
cause a substantial loss of United States jobs or a
substantial displacement of United States production.
(3) Prohibition on assistance relating to environmental,
health, or safety hazards.--Assistance under this section may
not be provided for any project that is likely to cause a
significant, unmitigable environmental, health, or safety
hazard.
(4) Foreign aid transparency and accountability act
compliance.--None of the funds authorized to be appropriated
or otherwise made available by this Act may be obligated or
expended for an Energy Security Compact unless the compact
and all associated activities comply with the monitoring,
evaluation, performance measurement, and public reporting
requirements of section 4 of the Foreign Aid Transparency and
Accountability Act of 2016 (22 U.S.C. 2394c).
(5) Limitation relating to the president and vice
president.--None of the funds authorized to be appropriated
or otherwise made available by this Act may be obligated or
expended to provide any grant, contract, loan, or other
financial assistance to an entity in which the President, the
Vice President, or an immediate family member (as such term
is defined in section 1128(j) of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 1320a-7(j))) of the President or Vice President holds,
directly or indirectly, any ownership interest or serves in
any managerial, officer, director, or board capacity.
(f) Report Required.--Not less frequently than annually
until the date that is five years after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Director for Energy Security
Compacts shall submit to the appropriate congressional
committees, the Executive Office of the President, the
National Security Council, and the Secretary a report
describing--
(1) the current status of activities authorized under this
title;
(2) any obstacles to the implementation of such activities;
and
(3) any updates to the multiyear financial plan developed
pursuant to section 203(c)(6).
SEC. 202. OFFICE OF ENERGY SECURITY COMPACTS.
(a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish an Office
of Energy Security Compacts, which shall perform such
functions related to the administration and implementation of
the Energy Security Compacts described in section 201 as the
Assistant Secretary may prescribe.
(b) Director for Energy Security Compact.--The Office of
Energy Security shall be led by a Director for Energy
Security Compacts who shall be responsible to the Assistant
Secretary for all matters pertaining to the administration
and implementation of the Energy Security Compacts described
under section 201 and such other related duties as the
Secretary may from time to time designate.
(c) Responsibilities.--In addition to the responsibilities
described under subsection (a), the Director for Energy
Security Compacts shall be responsible for supporting the
Department's participation in and leadership of the Economic
Resilience Initiative and the Energy Security Compacts
Council, including for all matters pertaining to the
following:
(1) Drafting the contribution of the Secretary to the
strategy identified in section 7030(d) of the Further
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 (Public Law 119-37).
(2) Leading the development, negotiation, and management of
all Energy Security Compacts funded through the Economic
Resilience Initiative.
(3) Consulting and coordinating with agencies and
departments that are members of the Energy Security Council
to develop prospective Energy Security Compacts and implement
ongoing Energy Security Compacts, as appropriate.
(4) Serving as the recipient for--
(A) solicited proposals under the Energy Security Compact;
and
(B) unsolicited proposals for projects to be considered for
inclusion in any Energy Security Compact by national,
regional, and local governments and private corporations.
(5) Signing joint agency agreements, transferring or
receiving appropriated funds with any department, agency, or
independent establishment of the United States Government
(with the consent of the head of such department, agency, or
establishment) for the purpose of developing, implementing,
or otherwise participating in an Energy Security Compact
described under section 301, including for the use as credit
subsidy.
(6) Coordinating with other donor entities, including
countries that are allies and partners of the United States,
the Minerals Security Partnership, and other multilateral
fora, for the purposes of deconflicting, augmenting, and
leveraging, where appropriate, Energy Security Compact
workplans with the development and financing activities
performed by others.
(d) Personnel.--The Director for Energy Security Compacts
may--
(1) detail staff to a collaborating agency head with
relevant sectoral, financial, or regional expertise for the
negotiation or implementation of an Energy Security Compact;
(2) request core agency heads and collaborating agency
heads detail personnel to the Office of Energy Security
Compacts with relevant sectoral, financial, or regional
expertise for the negotiation or implementation of an Energy
Security Compact; and
(3) appoint, without regard to the provisions of sections
3309 through 3318 of title 5, United States Code, candidates
directly to positions in the competitive service, as defined
in section 2102 of that title.
(e) Termination.--The authority provided under this section
shall terminate on the date that is 10 years after the date
of the enactment of this Act.
(f) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary for Economic
Affairs shall submit to the appropriate congressional
committees a report that contains plans to attract and retain
diplomatic, policy, legal, and technical expertise for civil
service officers in the Office of Energy Security Compacts,
including career promotion tracks to supervisory and non-
supervisory GS-15 positions.
SEC. 203. ENERGY SECURITY COMPACT STRUCTURE.
(a) In General.--Each Energy Security Compact should
increase reliable access to energy, electricity, or critical
minerals for both parties to the Energy Security Compact, for
the purpose of stimulating economic growth, enabling follow-
on private sector investment, supporting the commercial
competitiveness of United States companies, or diversifying
relevant supply chains.
(b) Prior Analysis Required.--Before establishing an Energy
Security Compact, the Office of Energy Security Compacts, in
collaboration with the Energy Security Compact Council, shall
conduct a constraints analysis of the energy sector and
supply-chain segments needed to strengthen the partner
country's energy security, consistent with United States
energy security risks and commercial opportunities.
(c) Energy Security Compact Elements.--Each Energy Security
Compact shall contain--
(1) a constraints analysis of the energy sector which
identifies insufficiencies in the energy sector and supply-
chain segments needed to ensure the partner country's energy
security, consistent with United States energy security risks
and commercial opportunities;
(2) specific objectives that the partner country and the
United States expect to achieve during the term of the Energy
Security Compact, including--
(A) increased energy production, reliability, and
affordability in the partner country;
(B) economic growth in the partner country that may reduce
the need for foreign assistance;
(C) improved access to energy, in consultation with
affected communities and civil society; and
(D) improved infrastructure that enables access to critical
minerals mining and processing;
(3) the responsibilities of the partner country and the
United States in the achievement of such objectives;
(4) regular quantitative benchmarks to measure, where
appropriate, progress toward achieving such objectives;
(5) an identification of the intended impact of the
activities carried out in accordance with the Energy Security
Compact;
(6) a multiyear financial plan, updated annually until the
expiration of the term of the Energy Security Compact, that--
(A) estimates the amount of contributions, commitments, and
other participation to be provided by the Department, Core
Agencies, Collaborating Agencies, the partner country, and
other entities;
(B) ensures compacts with low-income countries incorporate
and are complementary to development programs administered by
other United States agencies and departments, so that United
States funds are used to improve feasibility for private
sector investment to further development goals;
(C) identifies proposed mechanisms to implement the plan
and provide oversight of the plan; and
(D) describes how the requirements described in paragraphs
(1) through (5) will be met, including the role of the
private sector in the achievement of such requirements;
(7) as appropriate, a description of the current and
potential participation of other donors, including countries
that are allies and partners of the United States or
collaborating agencies in the achievement of such objectives;
(8) a description of how oversight and transparency of the
foreign assistance provided through the Economic Resilience
Initiative will be maintained;
[[Page H3961]]
(9) as appropriate, a process or processes for
considering--
(A) solicited proposals under the Energy Security Compact;
and
(B) unsolicited proposals by national, regional, and local
units of government and private corporations;
(10) a requirement that open, fair, competitive, and
transparent procedures are used in the administration of
grants or cooperative agreements or the procurement of goods
and services for the accomplishment of objectives under the
Energy Security Compact;
(11) the strategy of the partner country to sustain
progress made toward achieving such objectives after
expiration of the Energy Security Compact;
(12) a description of the role of both core and
collaborating agencies in any design, implementation, and
monitoring of programs and activities funded through the
Energy Security Compact; and
(13) a description of any contribution, as appropriate,
from the partner country relative to its national budget and
taking into account the prevailing economic conditions,
toward meeting the objectives of the Energy Security Compact.
(d) Eligibility.--A country shall be considered eligible
for support under this section if--
(1) the per capita income of the country is not greater
than the World Bank loan threshold or the country is eligible
for support from the International Bank for Reconstruction
and Development or the International Development Association
graduation process at the beginning of the year in which
negotiations are initiated;
(2) the country has been identified as strategically or
commercially important for the United States by the Director
for Energy Security Compacts, Secretary, a member of the
National Security Council, or the President;
(3) the Assistant Secretary determines that the country has
the capacity and commitment to implement the Energy Security
Compact; and
(4) the country is not a foreign country of concern, as
such term is defined in section 10612(a) of Public Law 117-
167 (42 U.S.C. 19221(a)).
(e) Prohibition on Taxation.--In addition to the elements
described in subsection (c), each Energy Security Compact
shall contain a provision stating that assistance provided by
the United States under the Energy Security Compact shall be
exempt from taxation by the government of the partner
country.
(f) Approval.--Each Energy Security Compact shall be
recommended by the Director for Energy Security Compacts and
approved by the Secretary before the United States enters
into such an Energy Security Compact.
(g) Duration.--The duration of each Energy Security Compact
may not exceed 10 years.
(h) Subsequent and Concurrent Compacts.--A partner country
that has entered into, and has in effect, an Energy Security
Compact under this section may enter into, and concurrently
have in effect, additional Energy Security Compacts.
(i) Report Regarding Increase or Extension of Assistance.--
Not later than 15 days after making a determination to
increase or extend assistance under an Energy Security
Compact with a partner country, the Secretary, acting through
the Director for Energy Security Compacts, shall submit to
the appropriate congressional committees a written report
that contains--
(1) a justification for such a determination;
(2) a detailed summary of the proposed increase in, or
extension of, assistance under the Energy Security Compact;
and
(3) a copy of the full text of the amendment to the Energy
Security Compact.
SEC. 204. ENERGY SECURITY COMPACTS COUNCIL.
(a) Establishment.--Not later than 90 days after the date
of enactment of this Act, the President should establish an
Energy Security Compacts Council (in this title referred to
as ``the Council'') to coordinate and implement the Energy
Security Compacts identified in this section.
(b) Composition.--The Council shall be chaired by the
Secretary and be composed of principal officers of executive
departments from the following agencies:
(1) The United States International Development Finance
Corporation.
(2) The Department of Energy.
(3) The United States Trade and Development Agency.
(4) The Export-Import Bank of the United States.
(5) The Department of Commerce.
(6) The United States Trade Representative.
(7) The Department of Defense.
(8) The Department.
(9) The Department of the Interior.
(10) Any other Federal agency or organization that the
President determines to be appropriate.
(c) Vacancies.--Where there is a vacancy in the office of a
principal officer of an executive department, the individual
acting in that capacity shall serve as a member of the
Council until a new principal officer of the executive
department is appointed.
(d) Delegation.--The principal officer of an executive
department may delegate a senior official (as described in
section 1(d) of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of
1956 (22 U.S.C. 2651a(d))) to serve on the Council, as
appropriate.
(e) Duties.--The Council shall--
(1) meet not less frequently than quarterly;
(2) coordinate Energy Security Compact-related activities
of the core and collaborating agencies;
(3) make annual recommendations to the Director for Energy
Security Compacts, taking into account the stated priorities
of the National Security Council and the President, regarding
the prioritization of eligible countries for Energy Security
Compact negotiation; and
(4) make recommendations to improve interagency
collaboration for the purposes of promoting energy security
and United States national security interests abroad.
(f) Sunshine Act Compliance.--Meetings of the Council are
subject to section 5532b of title 5, United States Code
(commonly referred to as the ``Government in the Sunshine
Act'').
SEC. 205. CONGRESSIONAL NOTIFICATION.
Not later than 30 days before entering into an Energy
Security Compact, the Director for Energy Security Compacts
shall--
(1) notify and consult with the appropriate congressional
committees regarding such Compact;
(2) transmit to the appropriate congressional committees
the text of such Compact; and
(3) provide to the appropriate congressional committees an
in-person briefing regarding such Compact.
SEC. 206. GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE.
The Government Accountability Office shall, not later than
2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act and
annually thereafter, submit to Congress an evaluation of the
efficiency and development impact of projects supported by an
Energy Security Compact.
TITLE III--DEPARTMENT OF STATE AUTHORIZATIONS
SEC. 301. ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR ENERGY SECURITY AND
DIPLOMACY.
(a) Establishment.--There is authorized to be in the
Department an Assistant Secretary for Energy Security and
Diplomacy who shall be responsible to the Under Secretary for
Economic Affairs for all matters pertaining to the
formulation and implementation of international energy,
energy technology, critical minerals, and relevant supply
chain policies in the conduct of foreign policy by the
Department, including, as appropriate, to protect United
States energy security interests, lead the coordination of
energy programs carried out by United States Government
agencies abroad, and such other related duties as the
Secretary may from time to time designate.
(b) Responsibilities.--In addition to the responsibilities
described under subsection (a), the Assistant Secretary shall
maintain continuous observation and coordination of all
matters pertaining to the development of policies to secure
access to international energy markets and diversify critical
mineral supply chains in the conduct of foreign policy,
including, as appropriate, the following:
(1) Representing the Secretary in interagency efforts to
develop the international energy policy of the United States.
(2) Leading the analysis, formulation, and implementation
of international policies aimed at protecting and advancing
United States energy interests.
(3) Effectively managing United States bilateral and
multilateral relations and, as directed by the Secretary,
representing the Secretary in relevant international fora and
organizations, including the International Energy Agency, to
bolster global energy security and advance the interests of
the United States.
(4) Ensuring that analyses of the national security and
economic security implications of global energy developments
are reflected in the decision-making processes within the
Department.
(5) Incorporating energy and critical mineral security
priorities into the activities of the Department.
(6) Coordinating energy activities of the Department with
relevant Federal departments and agencies, including the
Departments of Energy, Commerce, Defense, and Interior, and
the United States International Development Finance
Corporation to promote United States energy security and
energy development to support United States national security
readiness.
(7) Coordinating the Department's engagement with foreign
governments regarding protection of onshore and offshore
critical energy infrastructure from sabotage or other
deliberate interference by malign foreign actors.
(8) Analyzing and developing policies to counter the use of
energy and critical minerals infrastructure and supply chain
dependencies by adversaries to coerce, influence, or
manipulate the United State and allied countries.
(9) Coordinating energy security and other relevant
functions within the Department, as appropriate.
(10) Working internationally to--
(A) support the development of energy technologies, natural
resources, critical minerals, and supply chains for the
benefit of the United States and United States allies and
trading partners for their energy security and economic
development needs;
(B) promote secure and diversified energy and critical
minerals supply chains, and a well-functioning global market
for energy resources, energy technologies, critical minerals;
[[Page H3962]]
(C) develop new policies and regulatory frameworks,
multilateral initiatives, and other tools to protect allied
onshore and offshore critical energy infrastructure from
sabotage or other deliberate interference by malign foreign
actors;
(D) counter the weaponization of energy and critical
mineral dependencies by adversaries;
(E) resolve international disputes regarding the
exploration, development, production, or distribution of
energy and critical minerals resources where United States
strategic interests are present;
(F) support the economic and commercial interests of United
States persons operating in the energy markets of foreign
countries; and
(G) support and coordinate international efforts to
alleviate energy poverty, enhance energy access and energy
efficiency to promote United States strategic interests, and
offer alternatives to adversary initiatives for United States
allies and partners.
(11) Conducting public diplomacy with regard to United
States international energy policy to strengthen transparency
and good governance.
(12) Performing such other duties as the Under Secretary
for Economic Affairs may from time to time designate.
(c) Implementation Report.--Not later than 180 days after
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Assistant
Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional
committees a report on the status of efforts by the
Department to establish the Bureau of Energy Security and
Diplomacy required in section 302, including a description of
current and projected staffing levels and resources deployed
to execute the responsibilities described in paragraph (b).
(d) Annual Report.--Not later than one year after the date
of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for
three years, the Assistant Secretary shall submit to Congress
a report on the United States international energy strategy
and the actions taken by the Bureau to fulfill such strategy.
SEC. 302. BUREAU OF ENERGY SECURITY AND DIPLOMACY.
(a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a Bureau
of Energy Security and Diplomacy, which shall perform such
functions related to the formulation and implementation of
international energy, energy technology, critical minerals,
and relevant supply chain policies, as the Under Secretary
for Economic Affairs may prescribe.
(b) Assistant Secretary.--The Assistant Secretary shall be
the head of the Bureau.
(c) Bureau Employment.--
(1) Temporary expedited hiring authorities.--For a period
of one year beginning on the date of the enactment of this
Act, the Secretary may--
(A) appoint employees to the Bureau whose expertise aligns
with the responsibilities listed in section 301(b) without
regard to the provisions of title 5, United States Code,
regarding appointments in the competitive service; and
(B) fix the basic compensation of such employees without
regard to chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of such
title regarding classification and General Schedule pay
rates.
(2) Priority appointments.--The Secretary shall prioritize
the appointment of employees to the Bureau--
(A) who were separated from employment with the Bureau of
Energy and Natural Resources in 2025 as a result of a
reduction in force; and
(B) whose expertise aligns with the responsibilities listed
in section 301(b).
(d) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that
the Assistant Secretary should be a standing participant in
the Investment Committee or any other interagency working
group established at or chaired by the White House National
Security Council or National Economic Dominance Council to
coordinate and implement United States policy regarding
international critical mineral and energy supply chain
diversification.
SEC. 303. CRITICAL MINERAL MINING FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM.
The Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961
(22 U.S.C. 2451 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``SEC. 116. CRITICAL MINERAL MINING FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM.
``(a) Establishment.--There is authorized to be established
the Critical Mineral Mining Fellowship Program (referred to
in this section as the `Fellowship Program') within the J.
William Fulbright Educational Exchange Program.
``(b) Purposes.--The purposes of the Fellowship Program
are--
``(1) to advance foreign policy priorities of the United
States by promoting studies, research, and international
exchange in the mining industry;
``(2) to send United States citizens who are enrolled in or
have received a degree from an accredited postsecondary
institution in the United States to mining institutions in
foreign countries, in order to build the capacity of the
United States mining workforce;
``(3) to develop a robust and skilled workforce that can
support and fill the gaps within the United States' growing
domestic critical mineral supply chain; and
``(4) to reduce dependency on foreign energy and critical
mineral supplies and enhance competitiveness of the United
States within the global critical mineral marketplace.
``(c) Administration.--The Bureau of Educational and
Cultural Affairs of the Department of State (referred to in
this section as the `Bureau') shall administer the Fellowship
Program in accordance with policy guidelines established by
the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board (referred to in this
section as the `Board'), in consultation with binational
Fulbright Commissions, mining industry leaders, institutions
of higher education, governments of foreign countries, and
United States Embassies in the foreign countries described in
subparagraphs (A) and (B) of subsection (d)(4).
``(d) Selection of Fellows.--
``(1) In general.--The Board shall select qualified
individuals to participate in the Fellowship Program and
ensure a broad geographic representation in order to develop
region-specific specialties.
``(2) Number of fellows.--The Bureau shall determine the
number of fellows selected each year.
``(3) Criteria for fellows.--
``(A) Participation requirements.--Each fellow shall--
``(i) have a conferred bachelor's or equivalent degree
before the start of the Fellowship Program period;
``(ii) be a student currently enrolled in an institution of
higher education in the United States completing an advanced
degree in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or a
field relating to the mining industry; or
``(iii) have had a conferred postdoctoral degree for not
longer than five years before the start of the Fellowship
Program period.
``(B) Post-completion requirement.--Upon completion of the
Fellowship Program, demonstrate intent to seek employment in
a mining profession that directly benefits the growth,
progress, and development of the mining industry in the
United States Government, an academic institution, a private
sector company, or any organization approved by the Bureau.
``(4) Eligible universities.--United States fellows shall
attend universities approved by the Bureau, in consultation
with the Committee on Foreign Affairs in the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the
Senate, that have a mining program and are located in a
foreign country. To the extent practicable, the Bureau should
prioritize fellow enrollment in higher education mining
programs in--
``(A) member countries of the Minerals Security
Partnership; or
``(B) any country identified by the Bureau, in consultation
with the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the
Senate, as containing sufficiently qualified mining programs.
``(5) Outreach.--To the extent practicable, the Bureau
shall conduct outreach at United States undergraduate and
graduate institutions the Bureau determines are likely to
produce a range of qualified applications for the Fellowship
Programs.
``(e) Structure.--
``(1) Fellowship requirements.--To achieve the purposes
described in subsection (b)--
``(A) each fellow selected pursuant to subsection (d)(1) is
encouraged to arrange placement in a mining education program
at an eligible university in a foreign country;
``(B) each fellow shall--
``(i) participate in advanced coursework, research
projects, and practical training opportunities offered by the
host institution;
``(ii) engage with faculty advisors and industry partners
to gain hands-on experience through internships, laboratory
work, and field studies relevant to the mining industry;
``(iii) serve as a cultural and academic ambassador of the
United States, fostering mutual understanding in the academic
and professional mining community of the foreign country;
``(iv) participate in professional development activities,
such as conferences, workshops, and seminars, to expand
knowledge of global best practices in mining engineering and
related fields; and
``(v) build and strengthen networks with international
peers, faculty, and industry professionals to facilitate
ongoing collaboration and knowledge exchange; and
``(C) the Bureau shall, for each fellow, approve a work
plan that identifies the target objectives for the fellow,
including specific duties and responsibilities relating to
those objectives.
``(2) Fellowship period.--
``(A) In general.--Each fellowship under this section shall
continue for a period determined by the Bureau, which,
whenever feasible, may not be less than one year.
``(B) Renewal.--A renewal for a second year may be granted
only with the approval of the Bureau in consultation with a
United States embassy or the Fulbright Commission.
``(f) Fellowship Award.--The Bureau shall provide each
fellow in the Fellowship Program with an allowance that is
equal to the amount needed for the fellow's reasonable costs
during the fellowship period, including--
``(1) mandatory university fees, including tuition,
associated with graduate study;
``(2) living expenses, including housing, basic food costs,
and daily transportation;
``(3) essential textbooks and other academic materials;
``(4) mandatory visa application, immigration fees, and
other essential pre-departure requirements;
[[Page H3963]]
``(5) relocation expenses, including airline and rail
travel;
``(6) research allowance, including essential travel to
field sites and laboratory work; and
``(7) other reasonable costs approved by the Bureau.
``(g) Reports.--Not later than one year after the date of
completion of the Fellowship Program by the initial cohort of
fellows selected under subsection (d), and annually
thereafter, the Secretary of State shall submit to the
Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives
and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate a report
providing information on the implementation of the Fellowship
Program, including--
``(1) the demographics and geographical origins of the
fellows who completed a Fellowship Program fellowship during
the preceding 1-year period;
``(2) a description of the academic placements of the
fellows and the relation of such placements to the
development of United States region-specific specialties
under the Fellowship Program, including participant feedback
on program implementation and feedback on lessons learned;
and
``(3) a plan for factoring lessons learned and acquired
skills based knowledge into future Fellowship Program
programming.''.
SEC. 304. VISITING MINING SCHOLARS PROGRAM.
The Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961
(22 U.S.C. 2451 et seq.), as amended by section 303, is
further amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 117. VISITING MINING SCHOLARS PROGRAM.
``(a) Establishment.--There is authorized to be established
the Visiting Scholars Mining Program (referred to in this
section as the `Visiting Scholars Program') within the J.
William Fulbright Educational Exchange Program.
``(b) Purpose.--The purpose of the Visiting Scholars
Program is to bring mining academics and professionals to the
United States to--
``(1) build and expand the United States mining education
programs at institutions of higher education;
``(2) bolster workforce development programs; and
``(3) advance research and development initiatives in the
mining industry and adjacent fields.
``(c) Administration.--The Bureau of Educational and
Cultural Affairs (referred to in this section as the
`Bureau') shall administer the Visiting Scholars Program in
accordance with policy guidelines established by the
Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board (referred to in this
section as the `Board'), in consultation with binational
Fulbright Commissions, mining industry leaders, institutions
of higher education, foreign governments, and United States
Embassies in the foreign countries described in clause (i) or
(ii) of subsection (d)(3)(B).
``(d) Selection of Visiting Mining Scholars.--
``(1) In general.--The Board shall select qualified
individuals to participate in the Visiting Scholars Program,
each of whom is not a citizen of the United States and--
``(A) is employed as a mining professional, practitioner,
or operator in a foreign country; or
``(B) is employed as an academic working at an institution
of higher education in a foreign country with a mining
education program, as approved by a Fulbright Commission or
United States embassy, in consultation with the Committee on
Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate.
``(2) Number of fellows.--The Bureau shall determine the
number of fellows selected each year, which, whenever
feasible, shall be not fewer than 10.
``(3) Eligible visiting mining scholars.--
``(A) Requirements.--Visiting mining scholars may not be
citizens of the United States, and shall be--
``(i) a citizen of a country where another Fulbright
Foreign Student Program operates; and
``(ii) a citizen of a country that has expertise or
specialized knowledge or engages in practices that could
benefit the mining industry.
``(B) Preferred countries.--To the extent practicable, the
Board should prioritize selection of visiting mining scholars
who live or work in--
``(i) a member country of the Minerals Security
Partnership; or
``(ii) any country identified by the Bureau, in
consultation with the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the
House of Representatives and the Committee on Foreign
Relations of the Senate, as containing individuals that have
academic expertise or specialized knowledge or engage in
practices that could benefit the mining industry.
``(4) Outreach.--To the extent practicable, the Bureau
shall conduct outreach, in coordination with United States
embassies, mining industry leaders, and mining institutions
in foreign countries that are likely to produce a range of
qualified applicants for the Visiting Scholars Program.
``(e) Structure.--
``(1) Program requirements.--To carry out the purpose
described in subsection (b)--
``(A) each individual selected pursuant to subsection
(d)(1) who is coming to the United States as a visiting
mining scholar shall arrange placement in a United States
academic institution approved by the Bureau;
``(B) each visiting mining scholar should--
``(i) consult with faculty members to provide technical
assistance on how to develop or expand a mining education
program at the host institution of higher education;
``(ii) assist in the development and review of mining
education curricula, including course syllabi, laboratory
modules, and fieldwork components;
``(iii) participate in collaborative research projects with
faculty, students, and third-party research institutions,
focusing on innovative mining technologies, sustainable
mining practices, and resource management;
``(iv) facilitate partnerships between the host institution
and mining organizations, government agencies, and other
institutions to foster academic exchange, research
collaboration, and workforce development;
``(v) mentor undergraduate and graduate students interested
in mining education, offering guidance on academic projects
and career development; and
``(vi) contribute to the development of outreach programs
aimed at increasing awareness of the mining industry as a
career path and to increase awareness of the types of mining
professions available; and
``(C) the bureau shall, for each visiting mining scholar,
approve a work plan that identifies the target objectives for
the scholar, including specific duties and responsibilities
relating to those objectives.
``(2) Eligible united states institutions.--Visiting mining
scholars shall be placed in a United States institution of
higher education approved by the Bureau that--
``(A) demonstrates a commitment to developing or expanding
academic programs in the mining industry;
``(B) possesses existing faculty expertise or research
activity in the mining industry or related extractive fields;
``(C) provides institutional support and resources, such as
laboratory facilities, field sites, or equipment, relevant to
mining education and research, including in geology;
``(D) demonstrates a commitment to integrate the visiting
scholar into curriculum development, faculty training, or
workforce pipeline initiatives in mining;
``(E) demonstrates a plan for sustaining mining or critical
mineral resources programs beyond the duration of the
visiting scholar's placement;
``(F) can provide evidence of student interest or regional
workforce demand for mining education programs or training;
and
``(G) agrees to provide mentoring, administrative support,
and opportunities for the visiting scholar to engage with
students, faculty, and local industry.
``(3) Scholarship period.--
``(A) In general.--The duration of each scholarship period
under this section shall be determined by the Bureau and
shall, whenever feasible, be not less than three months and
not more than one year.
``(B) Exceptions.--Any exception to the duration of the
scholarship period described in subparagraph (A) shall be
submitted by the visiting mining scholar to and approved by
the Bureau before such exception takes effect.
``(f) Scholarship Award.--The Bureau shall provide each
visiting mining scholar under this section with an allowance
to cover the scholar's reasonable costs of living during the
scholarship period.
``(g) Reports.--Not later than one year after the date of
completion of the Visiting Mining Scholars Program by the
initial cohort of scholars selected under subsection (d), and
annually thereafter, the Secretary of State shall submit to
the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the
Senate a report providing information on the implementation
of the Visiting Scholars Program, including--
``(1) the demographics and geographical origins of the
cohort of scholars who completed a Visiting Scholars Program
during the preceding 1-year period;
``(2) the United States universities that visiting scholars
were placed in;
``(3) the foreign universities or other post-graduate
institutions that the cohort of scholars were chosen from;
``(4) a description of academic placements selected, under
the Visiting Scholars Program, including participant feedback
on program implementation and feedback on lessons learned;
and
``(5) a plan for factoring lessons learned into future
programming.''.
SEC. 305. AMENDMENT TO THE MUTUAL AND CULTURAL EXCHANGE ACT
OF 1961.
Section 112(a) of the Mutual Educational and Cultural
Exchange Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2460(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (9), by striking ``; and'' and inserting a
semicolon;
(2) in the first paragraph designated as paragraph (10), by
striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon;
(3) by redesignating the second paragraph designated as
paragraph (10) as paragraph (11);
(4) in paragraph (11), as so redesignated, by striking the
period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and
(5) by adding at the end the following:
``(12) the Mining Fellowship Program established under
section 116, which provides funding for studies, research,
and international exchange for students seeking or completing
advanced degrees from United States institutions of higher
education in self-arranged placements with universities
[[Page H3964]]
with mining education programs in foreign countries; and
``(13) the Visiting Mining Scholars Program established
under section 117, which provides funding for international
mining academics, practitioners, professionals and operators
in self-arranged placements with universities in the United
States.''.
SEC. 306. DEFINITIONS.
The Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961
(22 U.S.C. 2451 et seq.), as amended by section 303 and
section 304, is further amended by adding at the end the
following:
``SEC. 118. DEFINITIONS.
``In this Act:
``(1) Advanced degree.--The term `advanced degree' means a
master's or doctoral degree from an institution of higher
education.
``(2) Critical mineral.--The term `critical mineral'--
``(A) means any mineral on the list of critical minerals
required by section 7002(c)(3) of the Energy Act of 2020 (30
U.S.C. 1606(c)(3)) on or after January 1, 2026; and
``(B) includes gold and copper.
``(3) Institution of higher education.--The term
`institution of higher education', unless otherwise provided
in this Act, has the meaning given such term in section
101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1001(a)).
``(4) Mining education program.--The term `mining education
program' means an academic program related to the mining
industry.
``(5) Mining industry.--The term `mining industry' means
the mining industry of the United States, consisting of
activities related to naturally occurring metal and nonmetal
critical minerals, including the following:
``(A) Geological mapping, geophysical surveying,
geochemical sampling, and management of geological data.
``(B) Mineral system analysis, exploration, and resource
delineation, including exploratory drilling and resource
estimation and classification.
``(C) Project development, feasibility studies, financing,
and permitting.
``(D) Mine construction, extraction, and operational
support activities.
``(E) Mineral processing, beneficiation, smelting,
refining, chemical conversion, and separation.
``(F) Material conversion and advanced materials
manufacturing.
``(G) Transportation, logistics, and handling of
intermediate and finished material products.
``(H) Reclamation, remediation, reuse, recycling, and
recovery of materials from primary and secondary sources,
including mine waste and end-of-life products.
``(6) Mining profession.--The term `mining profession'
means the body of jobs directly relevant to the mining
industry.''.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Florida (Mr. Mast) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Bera) each
will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Florida.
General Leave
Mr. MAST. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may
have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and insert
extraneous material.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Florida?
There was no objection.
Mr. MAST. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 7037, the DOMINANCE Act,
introduced by Chairwoman Kim and Ranking Member Bera.
Battles are won with the right tools and the right team, often before
the first shot is ever fired. Today, America's readiness depends on
more than just troops, tanks, and ships. It depends on supply chains
that power our economy and power our military.
The minerals used in fighter jets, missile systems, semiconductors,
advanced communications technologies, and energy infrastructure are
essential to American strength. When those supply chains are
vulnerable, the United States of America is, in turn, vulnerable.
For decades, Beijing pursued a deliberate strategy to dominate
critical mineral supply chains. Today, China controls much of the
world's processing and refining capacity for the minerals that underpin
our industrial base and our national defense.
Last year, Beijing reminded the world how easy it can weaponize that
dominance when it restricted exports of critical rare earth materials,
disrupting global markets without firing a shot.
Congress cannot afford to ignore that warning. That is why I am proud
to be a supporter of the DOMINANCE Act. This legislation strengthens
America's ability to work with our allies, mobilize investment, and
build resilient supply chains for critical minerals and energy
technologies our economy and our military depend on.
I commend Chairwoman Kim and Ranking Member Bera for their leadership
on this issue.
Mr. Speaker, the readiness of our country cannot be improvised. It
has to be protected every day. I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. BERA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 7037, the
Developing Overseas Mineral Investments and New Allied Networks for
Critical Energies Act, or the DOMINANCE Act.
Over the past year, through hearings, briefings, and engagement with
industry, government, and our international partners, one fact has
become increasingly clear: Securing reliable access to critical
minerals is not a Democratic or Republican issue, it is an American
issue.
Today, the People's Republic of China controls roughly 90 percent of
global rare earth processing capacity. That concentration creates a
strategic vulnerability for the United States and our allies, and
Beijing has demonstrated its willingness to leverage that dominance
through export restrictions and other forms of economic coercion.
The United States must continue expanding domestic mining,
processing, refining, and recycling capacity. However, building secure
and resilient supply chains cannot be accomplished by the United States
acting alone. We need stronger partnerships with trusted allies and
partners. We need coordinated investment strategies, and we need a
whole-of-government approach that aligns our diplomatic, development,
and economic tools to reduce dependence on vulnerable supply chains.
This is exactly what the DOMINANCE Act does. The bill establishes a
Bureau of Energy Security and Diplomacy at the Department of State, led
by a Senate-confirmed Assistant Secretary. This Bureau will serve as
the focal point for U.S. international energy and critical minerals
policy, ensuring greater coordination across agencies and stronger
engagement with allies and partners.
This diplomatic capacity is increasingly important in a world where
geopolitical instability, such as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz,
can disrupt energy markets with significant economic consequences for
our country and our constituents.
Second, the legislation formally authorizes the United States'
participation in the Forum on Resource Geostrategic Engagement, or
FORGE. FORGE builds upon the successful work of the Biden
administration's Minerals Security Partnership by bringing together
like-minded countries to coordinate investments, share information, and
advance strategic partnerships and projects that strengthen supply
chain resilience.
Authorizing U.S. participation ensures that America remains at the
table, working with our partners to diversify sources of critical
minerals and reduce reliance on strategic competitors.
Third, the bill creates energy security pacts that align the
capabilities of the State Department, the Development Finance
Corporation, EXIM, USTDA, MCC, the Department of Commerce, and other
agencies in support of strategic energy and mineral projects overseas.
These partnerships will help mobilize private sector investment,
strengthen economic resilience, support developing economies, and
counter efforts by authoritarian governments to use economic dependence
as a tool of coercion.
The legislation also invests in the workforce needed to secure our
energy future. It expands educational and workforce development
opportunities through initiatives such as the Critical Minerals Mining
Fellowship Program and the Visiting Mining Scholars Program, helping
develop the expertise needed to support secure and sustainable mineral
supply chains.
Lastly, the bill strengthens U.S. diplomatic and national security
capacity by expanding Foreign Service Institute training on energy and
critical minerals issues and by codifying a special adviser for
critical minerals and supply
[[Page H3965]]
chains on the National Security Council to help coordinate a whole-of-
government strategy.
Taken together, these provisions represent a comprehensive approach
to one of the most important strategic challenges facing our country.
The DOMINANCE Act sends a clear message that the United States is
committed to working with allies and partners to build secure,
diversified, and resilient critical mineral supply chains. It also
provides the certainty that businesses and investors need to make long-
term investments in transparent, sustainable, and secure energy and
mineral projects around the world.
I thank Chairwoman Young Kim for her partnership on this important
bill. I am proud that this bill received a unanimous vote in the House
Foreign Affairs Committee. I urge my colleagues to support this
bipartisan bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. MAST. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the
gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Kim), the chairwoman of the
Subcommittee on East Asia and Pacific.
Mrs. KIM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 7037, the
Developing Overseas Mineral Investments and New Allied Networks for
Critical Energies, or DOMINANCE Act.
Critical minerals are the foundation of military power, industrial
strength, and economic security. They enable fighter jets,
semiconductors, batteries, and energy infrastructure. They increasingly
determine which nations lead the modern world and which ones fall
behind.
Today, far too many of these supply chains are controlled by China,
creating a strategic vulnerability the United States cannot afford to
ignore.
Over the past year, Congress has taken a serious look at this
challenge. Last July, the Foreign Affairs Committee's East Asia and
Pacific Subcommittee held a hearing on breaking China's chokehold on
critical mineral supply chains. The message was clear: America must
boost domestic production while building a coordinated strategy with
our allies and trusted partners.
We have also spent the past year listening to the companies,
manufacturers, and investors building these supply chains, including
Freeport-McMoRan, MP Materials, KoBold Metals, and the National
Association of Manufacturers.
Earlier this year, my colleague Congressman Bera and I traveled to
Peru to see firsthand the opportunities and challenges facing critical
mineral development. Across all of these conversations, one consistent
theme emerged--America needs a durable, long-term strategy.
The Trump administration has advanced important initiatives, such as
FORGE, Pax Silica, and Project Vault. I recognize administration
officials David Copley, Jacob Helberg, and Ben Black for their
leadership in advancing America's energy and mineral security
interests.
Yet Congress must ensure these efforts endure beyond any single
administration. As China executes a decades-long plan, America cannot
afford to shift strategies every few years. That is why Representative
Bera and I introduced the bipartisan DOMINANCE Act.
This legislation aligns America's diplomatic, financing, and
strategic tools to strengthen critical mineral and energy supply chains
with our trusted partners.
I thank Congressman Pete Stauber of Minnesota, chairman of the House
Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources, for his
leadership on domestic mining. I also thank Congressman Rob Wittman
for his leadership on strengthening our defense industrial base, and
Congressman John Moolenaar for confronting the challenges posed by
the Chinese Communist Party.
{time} 1650
The DOMINANCE Act complements their work by ensuring international
efforts reinforce, not replace, U.S. domestic production and industrial
resilience.
The bill establishes the Bureau of Energy Security and Diplomacy at
the State Department. It creates long-term energy security pacts with
our allies and partners. It authorizes the Forum on Resource
Geostrategic Engagement, FORGE, and improves interagency coordination.
It supports key investments in energy supply chains, launches mining
fellowship and exchange programs to build future talent, codifies key
White House positions, and requires specialized training for Foreign
Service officers in critical posts around the world.
This legislation is about economic security, industrial strength, and
national security. The United States must stop depending on China for
the materials that power the modern world.
The DOMINANCE Act ensures that America and its allies, not our
adversaries, shape the future of global energy and critical mineral
supply chains.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
Mr. MAST. Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close, and I reserve the
balance of my time.
Mr. BERA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time for the
purpose of closing.
Mr. Speaker, this legislation will strengthen critical mineral supply
chains by bolstering U.S. cooperation with our allies and partners,
instituting needed reforms at the State Department, and making our
supply chains more resilient and less susceptible to the type of choke
holds that the PRC has employed against us.
The DOMINANCE Act is a critical step forward.
Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support this bill. I thank
the partnership of Chairwoman Kim as well as Chairman Mast and all the
others who put this legislation together.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. MAST. Mr. Speaker, critical minerals are the lifeblood of
American industry, our military-industrial complex, and so many items
or tools that we use in our day-to-day way of life.
This bill is an important step toward reasserting control over what
is the American economic destiny.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Goldman of Texas). The question is on
the motion offered by the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mast) that the
House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 7037, as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
____________________