No official summary available for this bill.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 7037 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 7037
To promote United States and allied energy and mineral security, and
for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
January 13, 2026
Mrs. Kim (for herself, Mr. Bera, Mr. Mast, Mr. Huizenga, Mr. Olszewski,
Mr. Shreve, Mr. Wittman, Mr. Stanton, Mr. Lawler, Mr. Panetta, Ms.
Titus, Mr. Moore of North Carolina, Mr. Castro of Texas, and Mrs.
Radewagen) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
Committee on Foreign Affairs
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To promote United States and allied energy and mineral security, and
for other purposes.
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 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 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) In General.--The Secretary is authorized to make available,
from amounts authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2026 or any
subsequent fiscal year for bilateral economic assistance (including
amounts authorized to be appropriated to the Economic Resilience
Initiative), amounts for the purpose of establishing multi-year
agreements (to be known as ``Energy Security Compacts'') 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.--Funds made available for the Economic Resilience
Initiative or otherwise determined by the Secretary to be made
available to support Energy Security Compacts may be transferred to,
and merged with, funds appropriated for fiscal year 2026 or thereafter
under the headings ``Trade and Development Agency'', ``Millennium
Challenge Corporation'', ``United States International Development
Finance-Corporate Capital Account'', ``United States International
Development Finance-Program Account'', ``Development Finance Corporate
Equity Investment Account'', and ``Export-Import Bank of the United
States-Program Account'' by any Act providing appropriations for the
Department of State and related programs.
(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.
(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;
(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;
(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;
``(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 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.''.
<all>
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
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