Finding ORE Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 2969
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Energy
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-02-24: Subcommittee Hearings Held
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-25T08:07:30Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Finding Opportunities for Resource Exploration Act (H.R. 2969), also known as the Finding ORE Act, aims to promote international scientific and technical cooperation in mapping critical minerals (essential materials like lithium or cobalt used in technology and energy) and rare earth elements (a group of 17 metals vital for electronics and defense). It seeks to strengthen the security and reliability of global supply chains for these resources by enabling the U.S. to partner with other countries.
Key Provisions
- Authority for Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs): The Secretary of the Interior, through the Director of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), may enter into MOUs with agencies from "partner foreign countries" (nations that supply critical minerals or rare earth elements) to collaborate on mapping these resources.
- Objectives of MOUs:
- Assist partners in mapping their mineral reserves.
- Give U.S. or allied companies (from countries with mutual defense agreements, like NATO members) the first chance to develop discovered resources.
- Encourage private investment, including through U.S. financing tools like the International Development Finance Corporation and Export-Import Bank, prioritizing projects that process minerals in the U.S. or allied nations.
- Protect mapping data from access by unauthorized entities in non-partner or non-allied countries (e.g., preventing sharing with adversaries).
- Cooperative Activities Allowed Under MOUs:
- Collecting and analyzing geological, geophysical, and remote sensing data.
- Creating maps and assessments of mineral potential.
- Scientific collaboration for sustainable resource management.
- Training programs for government and private sector officials on geoscience, mineral management, environmental standards, and workplace safety.
- Educational partnerships with U.S. universities and research centers.
- Coordination between U.S. federal agencies, universities, research groups, and private companies with partner country entities.
- Procedural Requirements:
- Notify Congress at least 30 days before signing an MOU.
- Collaborate with the Secretary of State on selecting partners, negotiating, and implementing MOUs.
- Consult with private sector stakeholders to identify promising partners and align MOUs with business interests.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces new authority for the Secretary of the Interior to negotiate international MOUs specifically for mineral mapping, which was not previously authorized in this targeted way. It builds on existing definitions from laws like the Energy Act of 2020 (for critical minerals) and the Higher Education Act of 1965 (for universities) but does not amend them directly. Instead, it creates a framework to leverage U.S. geological expertise abroad, potentially expanding the USGS's international role beyond current domestic-focused mandates.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Enhances the USGS and Department of the Interior's role in global resource mapping, requiring coordination with the State Department; may increase administrative workload for notifications and consultations but could access new international data for U.S. benefit.
- Citizens: Could improve access to affordable critical minerals and rare earths for consumer products (e.g., batteries, smartphones) by diversifying supply chains away from single countries, reducing risks of shortages or price spikes.
- International Relations: Strengthens ties with allied and partner nations through technical aid and investment, while protecting against data leaks to rivals; may foster diplomatic leverage in resource diplomacy but could strain relations with non-partner suppliers if perceived as exclusionary.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- U.S. Government Entities: Department of the Interior (via USGS), Department of State, and Congress (for oversight).
- Private Sector: U.S. and allied companies in mining, exploration, and processing, who gain preferential development rights and financing opportunities.
- Foreign Governments and Entities: Partner countries (e.g., those rich in minerals like Australia or Canada) and their agencies, benefiting from technical assistance and training.
- Educational and Research Institutions: U.S. universities and research centers, involved in training and data analysis.
- Broader Economy: Industries reliant on critical minerals, such as renewable energy, defense, and electronics manufacturers.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Establishes data protection requirements in MOUs, potentially creating enforceable international agreements under U.S. administrative law; ensures compliance with existing export controls on sensitive geological data without new statutory penalties.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's powers over foreign affairs and commerce (Article I, Section 8), delegating implementation to the executive branch while requiring congressional notification to maintain oversight.
- Political: Advances U.S. strategic goals in countering dominance by countries like China in rare earth supplies, promoting "friend-shoring" (shifting supply chains to allies); may spark debates on environmental impacts of mining abroad or the balance between private investment incentives and national security.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Wittman, Robert J. [R-VA-1]
Cosponsors (12)
Rep. Castor, Kathy [D-FL-14], Rep. Moolenaar, John R. [R-MI-2], Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Houlahan, Chrissy [D-PA-6], Rep. Gimenez, Carlos A. [R-FL-28], Rep. Stevens, Haley M. [D-MI-11], Rep. Torres, Ritchie [D-NY-15], Rep. Cline, Ben [R-VA-6], Rep. McDonald Rivet, Kristen [D-MI-8], Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7], Rep. Harrigan, Pat [R-NC-10]
Recent Actions
- 2026-02-24: Subcommittee Hearings Held
- 2026-02-17: Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.
- 2025-04-17: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 2025-04-17: Introduced in House
- 2025-04-17: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Finding Opportunities for Resource Exploration Act — issued 2025-04-17 — PDF (6 pages)