Critical Minerals Supply Chain Resiliency Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 5929
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Environmental Protection
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-09: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 602.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-17T15:15:06Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose The legislation aims to streamline federal permitting for specific actions by the Secretary of Defense related to domestic production of strategic and critical materials, as authorized under Presidential Determination 2022-11 and the Defense Production Act of 1950.
Key Provisions
- Short title: The bill is named the "Critical Minerals Supply Chain Resiliency Act of 2026."
- Treatment of actions: Certain actions by the Secretary of Defense are automatically classified as "covered projects" under the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act) and added to the Permitting Dashboard, bypassing the standard eligibility requirements in that law.
- Actions covered: These include feasibility studies for mining and processing projects, by-product production at existing facilities, modernization of operations for productivity and sustainability, and other activities under section 303(a)(1) of the Defense Production Act.
- Exception: Project sponsors may opt out of this treatment upon request.
Significant Changes to Existing Law This bill modifies the application of the FAST Act's permitting framework by extending "covered project" status to qualifying defense-related critical minerals initiatives without the usual criteria. It builds on the existing Permitting Dashboard process but creates a targeted exception for actions tied to Presidential Determination 2022-11.
Potential Impacts
- Government agencies involved in permitting (such as those handling environmental reviews) may see expedited timelines for these projects.
- Citizens and communities near mining or processing sites could experience faster project development, potentially affecting local economies and environmental oversight.
- International relations may benefit from strengthened domestic supply chains, reducing dependence on foreign sources of critical materials.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- The Department of Defense and project sponsors in the mining and materials sectors.
- Federal permitting agencies responsible for reviews under the FAST Act.
- Mining companies, industrial facilities, and communities involved in or near these projects.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The measure enhances executive authority under the Defense Production Act by integrating it with FAST Act permitting tools, which could raise questions about balancing national security priorities with standard environmental and public review processes. No direct constitutional conflicts are specified in the text.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Swalwell, Eric [D-CA-14], Rep. Van Drew, Jefferson [R-NJ-2]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-09: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 602.
- 2026-06-09: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-692.
- 2026-06-09: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-692.
- 2026-04-21: Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by Voice Vote.
- 2026-04-21: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2026-04-21: Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources Discharged
- 2026-02-24: Subcommittee Hearings Held
- 2026-02-17: Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.
- 2025-11-07: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 2025-11-07: Introduced in House
- 2025-11-07: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Critical Minerals Supply Chain Resiliency Act — issued 2025-11-07 — PDF (3 pages)
- Critical Minerals Supply Chain Resiliency Act of 2026 — issued 2026-06-09 — PDF (6 pages)