STRATA Act of 2026

This bill, known as the Strategic Technology and Resilient Alliances Act of 2026 (STRATA Act of 2026), establishes the Critical Minerals Innovation Partnership Program within the Department of State. Its primary purpose is to enhance United States national security, support economic competitiveness, and diversify critical mineral supply chains. The program aims to achieve this by fostering the development and adoption of innovative critical mineral technologies through partnerships with allied countries and eligible entities.

The program will accelerate research, development, and commercialization efforts in critical mineral extraction, separation, processing, refining, recycling, and substitution technologies. Eligibility for participation is extended to allied or strategically important countries and various entities, including academic institutions, non-profits, and private sector companies. However, the bill explicitly prohibits partnerships with designated countries of concern, such as the Russian Federation and the People's Republic of China, or their associated entities.

A Director, appointed by the Secretary of State, will oversee the program, coordinating with numerous federal agencies to develop multinational strategies and issue joint solicitations. Key initiatives include establishing International Centers of Excellence to advance responsible critical mineral technologies and strengthen technical capacity in partner nations. The bill also mandates a publicly accessible digital platform to centralize opportunities and facilitate participation by U.S. entities, including startups and small businesses.

Furthermore, the legislation amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize financial assistance for science and technology cooperation related to critical minerals and energy. This assistance can support projects in areas such as advanced extraction, processing, recycling, materials science, and pilot demonstration projects. Partnerships under the program must include specific objectives, responsibilities, benchmarks, and multiyear plans, with provisions for intellectual property allocation and dispute resolution.

The Director is also tasked with coordinating safeguards, including eligibility criteria, data governance, supply chain transparency requirements, and protections for sensitive technologies. The authorities granted by this Act are set to terminate ten years after its enactment, though any agreements entered into before this date will continue until their completion.