A bipartisan bill aimed at addressing illicit gold mining in the Western Hemisphere has passed the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The legislation, known as the U.S. Legal Gold and Mining Partnership Act, was introduced by Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.).
The proposed law would require the Secretary of State to develop a comprehensive strategy to combat illegal gold mining activities that are linked to money laundering, sanctions evasion, and terrorist financing.
Senator Cruz said, “America’s enemies use illicit gold mining to launder money, evade sanctions, and finance terrorism, undermining American national security and the safety of Americans and our allies. This legislation will provide new tools to counter these dangers. I commend my colleagues on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for advancing this bill, and I urge the Senate to swiftly pass this legislation.”
Senator Cornyn added, “Criminal organizations and authoritarian actors will do whatever it takes to enrich themselves, and that includes illegally mining and trafficking gold throughout Latin America. By fostering greater cooperation between the State Department, partner governments, and the private sector, this legislation would help combat the threat illicit gold mining poses to the Western Hemisphere and ensure this illegal activity that bankrolls cartels is rooted out once and for all.”
“Illicit gold mining leads to human rights abuses, organized crime, and instability,” said Senator Kaine.“I’m glad that the Senate Foreign Relations Committee passed our bipartisan legislation to combat illegal mining in our neighborhood. I look forward to working with my colleagues to get this bill across the finish line and boost prosperity and security in the hemisphere.”
Senator Rosen stated,“Advancing this bipartisan bill is an important step towards developing a strategy to cut off a key source of funding for bad actors in the Western Hemisphere. Cartels illicitly mine and traffick gold to fund their criminal activities, and collaboration between the State Department, partner governments, and the private sector can help us combat this and improve security and stability in our region.”
If enacted into law, the act would require several federal agencies—including those under the State Department—to create a multi-year plan against illegal gold operations. It also calls for an investigation into Venezuela’s role in illicit gold trade as well as establishing public-private partnerships aimed at building responsible supply chains.
Ted Cruz continues his legislative work following his electoral victories over Colin Allred in 2024 with 53.1% of votes; Beto O’Rourke in 2018 with 50.9%; and Paul Sadler in 2012 with 56.5%.
