119-HR-2969 Journalist Public Summary

Public Summary: H.R. 2969 — Finding Opportunities for Resource Exploration ("Finding ORE") Act

Headline Summary: A bipartisan bill to let the Interior Department sign cooperation agreements with mineral‑rich partner countries to map critical minerals and rare earths, give U.S. and allied firms the first shot at developing finds, encourage processing in the U.S./allies, and safeguard the data. (congress.gov)

What It Does: The bill authorizes the Secretary of the Interior (through the U.S. Geological Survey) to enter memoranda of understanding with partner countries to share geoscience expertise and map mineral deposits. In negotiating those MOUs, the Secretary must: (1) help partners map resources; (2) ensure U.S. or allied companies get a right of first refusal to develop the resources; (3) facilitate private investment, including via DFC and EXIM financing that prioritizes processing in the U.S. or allied nations; and (4) protect mapping data from access by non‑allied entities. It also requires 30‑days’ notice to Congress before any MOU is signed and calls for training on environmental and workplace standards. (congress.gov)

Why It Matters: Clean‑energy, defense, and tech supply chains rely on a small number of countries for mining and especially refining of key materials, making them vulnerable to disruptions. Recent analyses show concentration in refined materials has increased since 2020, and U.S. data continue to show notable import reliance for several critical minerals, often with China as a major source—hence the push to diversify through mapping and partnerships. (iea.org)

• Who’s For It: Sponsored by Rep. Rob Wittman (R‑VA) and backed by 11 bipartisan cosponsors, including original cosponsors Reps. Kathy Castor (D‑FL), John Moolenaar (R‑MI), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D‑IL), Michael Lawler (R‑NY), Chrissy Houlahan (D‑PA), Carlos Gimenez (R‑FL), Haley Stevens (D‑MI), and Ritchie Torres (D‑NY), with later additions such as Reps. Ben Cline (R‑VA), Kristen McDonald Rivet (D‑MI), and Eugene Simon Vindman (D‑VA). (congress.gov)
• Supporters’ Rationale (as reflected in the bill text): strengthen supply‑chain security, draw private investment with development finance tools, and keep sensitive mapping data out of adversaries’ hands. (congress.gov)

• Who’s Against It: No formal opposition is recorded yet, but likely critiques of similar measures include concerns that a “right of first refusal” could be seen as protectionist or infringe on partner‑country sovereignty, that public‑backed financing could favor large firms, and that expanded mining raises environmental and community‑consent risks—even as the bill adds training on environmental and workplace standards. (congress.gov)

What’s Next: As of February 18, 2026, the bill remains at the “Introduced” stage and has been referred to the House Natural Resources Committee’s Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources (February 17, 2026). Congress.gov also lists a related committee meeting scheduled for February 24, 2026. (congress.gov)