The Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held a legislative hearing on July 21 to consider bills aimed at securing American mineral dominance by modernizing geologic mapping, leveraging quantum technology, and expanding access to streamlined permitting for projects nationwide. Subcommittee Chairman Pete Stauber said, “America is blessed with vast critical mineral wealth that can help America lead the way in the 21st century, yet there are still significant barriers that prevent us from developing these resources. In today’s hearing, we closely examined three significant bills that will help us understand our true mineral wealth across the United States, as well as reduce obstacles to developing important projects. Together, these bills will move America closer to a stronger domestic supply chain and less dependence on foreign adversaries for these critical resources. I applaud Representatives Deluzio, Wittman and Hurd for championing these bipartisan initiatives, and I look forward to seeing them reach the House Floor.”
The hearing focused on three pieces of legislation intended to address challenges in identifying and accessing domestic sources of critical minerals. H.R. 9640, known as the Earth MRI Reauthorization Act of 2026 and introduced by Representative Rob Wittman of Virginia, would reauthorize the U.S. Geological Survey’s Earth Mapping Resources Initiative through 2031 while expanding its use of modern sensing technologies.
H.R. 9646, titled the Quantum-Enhanced Critical Minerals Mapping Act of 2026 and introduced by Representative Jeff Hurd of Colorado, would establish a quantum-enhanced survey within the USGS’s Earth MRI program with an aim to improve mapping efforts related to critical minerals.
Additionally, H.R. 8003—the Expanding the Fast Track Act of 2026—introduced by Representative Chris Deluzio of Pennsylvania, seeks to lower the investment threshold for projects eligible under the FAST-41 permitting process from $200 million down to $50 million.
These measures are intended to support development of domestic mineral resources while reducing reliance on foreign suppliers.