H.R. 7037

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 7037 Referred in Senate (RFS)]

<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 7037

_______________________________________________________________________

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

June 9, 2026

Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations

_______________________________________________________________________

AN ACT

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) Authorization of Transfers.--The Secretary is authorized to 
transfer funds authorized to be appropriated for the operation of 
National Security Investment Programs for the purpose of establishing 
multiyear agreements (to be known as ``Energy Security Pacts'') 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.--Amounts made available pursuant to subsection (a) 
may be transferred to and merged with amounts authorized to be 
appropriated for fiscal year 2027 or any fiscal year thereafter for the 
United States Trade and Development Agency, Millennium Challenge 
Corporation, United States International Development Finance 
Corporation, or the Export-Import Bank of the United States.
(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.''.

Passed the House of Representatives June 8, 2026.

Attest:

KEVIN F. MCCUMBER,

Clerk.