Legis Daily

Finding ORE Act

USA119th CongressHR-2969| House 
| Updated: 2/24/2026
Robert J. Wittman

Robert J. Wittman

Republican Representative

Virginia

Cosponsors (11)
Ritchie Torres (Democratic)Chrissy Houlahan (Democratic)Carlos A. Gimenez (Republican)Kristen McDonald Rivet (Democratic)Eugene Simon Vindman (Democratic)Haley M. Stevens (Democratic)Raja Krishnamoorthi (Democratic)John R. Moolenaar (Republican)Kathy Castor (Democratic)Ben Cline (Republican)Michael Lawler (Republican)

Energy and Mineral Resources Subcommittee, Natural Resources Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
The Finding ORE Act authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the U.S. Geological Survey, to enter into memoranda of understanding with partner foreign countries. These agreements are designed for scientific and technical cooperation in mapping critical minerals and rare earth elements. The primary goal is to enhance the security and resilience of international supply chains for these vital resources. In negotiating these MOUs, the Secretary must ensure several key objectives are met. This includes assisting partner countries in mapping their reserves and ensuring that private companies headquartered in the United States or an allied foreign country are offered the right of first refusal for further development. The bill also facilitates private-sector investment, leveraging preferential financing from entities like the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, with a focus on processing minerals in the U.S. or allied nations. Cooperative activities under these MOUs encompass a wide range of efforts, such as data acquisition and analysis, prospectivity mapping, and training and capacity building in geoscience and mineral resource management. Importantly, the bill mandates that mapping data generated through these activities must be protected against unauthorized access by entities from non-participating or non-allied countries. The Secretary is also required to collaborate with the Secretary of State and consult with the private sector throughout the process.
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Timeline
Apr 17, 2025
Introduced in House
Apr 17, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Jun 18, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

S 119-1463
Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Risch with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
Feb 17, 2026
Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.
Feb 24, 2026
Subcommittee Hearings Held
  • April 17, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • April 17, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.


  • June 18, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    S 119-1463
    Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Risch with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.


  • February 17, 2026
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.


  • February 24, 2026
    Subcommittee Hearings Held

Energy

Related Bills

  • S 119-1463: Finding ORE Act
Employment and training programsGeography and mappingMaterialsMetalsMiningPublic-private cooperationStrategic materials and reserves

Finding ORE Act

USA119th CongressHR-2969| House 
| Updated: 2/24/2026
The Finding ORE Act authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the U.S. Geological Survey, to enter into memoranda of understanding with partner foreign countries. These agreements are designed for scientific and technical cooperation in mapping critical minerals and rare earth elements. The primary goal is to enhance the security and resilience of international supply chains for these vital resources. In negotiating these MOUs, the Secretary must ensure several key objectives are met. This includes assisting partner countries in mapping their reserves and ensuring that private companies headquartered in the United States or an allied foreign country are offered the right of first refusal for further development. The bill also facilitates private-sector investment, leveraging preferential financing from entities like the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, with a focus on processing minerals in the U.S. or allied nations. Cooperative activities under these MOUs encompass a wide range of efforts, such as data acquisition and analysis, prospectivity mapping, and training and capacity building in geoscience and mineral resource management. Importantly, the bill mandates that mapping data generated through these activities must be protected against unauthorized access by entities from non-participating or non-allied countries. The Secretary is also required to collaborate with the Secretary of State and consult with the private sector throughout the process.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
Apr 17, 2025
Introduced in House
Apr 17, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Jun 18, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

S 119-1463
Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Risch with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
Feb 17, 2026
Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.
Feb 24, 2026
Subcommittee Hearings Held
  • April 17, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • April 17, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.


  • June 18, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    S 119-1463
    Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Risch with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.


  • February 17, 2026
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.


  • February 24, 2026
    Subcommittee Hearings Held
Robert J. Wittman

Robert J. Wittman

Republican Representative

Virginia

Cosponsors (11)
Ritchie Torres (Democratic)Chrissy Houlahan (Democratic)Carlos A. Gimenez (Republican)Kristen McDonald Rivet (Democratic)Eugene Simon Vindman (Democratic)Haley M. Stevens (Democratic)Raja Krishnamoorthi (Democratic)John R. Moolenaar (Republican)Kathy Castor (Democratic)Ben Cline (Republican)Michael Lawler (Republican)

Energy and Mineral Resources Subcommittee, Natural Resources Committee

Energy

Related Bills

  • S 119-1463: Finding ORE Act
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
Employment and training programsGeography and mappingMaterialsMetalsMiningPublic-private cooperationStrategic materials and reserves