# Congress Proposes Critical Minerals Council

Representatives Susie Lee and Russ Fulcher introduced the bipartisan National Critical Minerals Council Act on October 6, 2026, with companion legislation introduced in the Senate. The proposal would establish a council to coordinate federal strategy, research, workforce development, and oversight related to domestic critical-mineral resources. It signals possible future priorities for federal supply-chain and research activity, but the legislation has not been enacted and announces no solicitation, award, or dedicated funding.

- The proposed council could shape future federal coordination and priorities affecting critical-mineral research, domestic supply, and workforce development.
- Mining, processing, research, and workforce organizations can assess how their capabilities align with these proposed areas; the bill itself does not create a current procurement opportunity.
- Procurement professionals should distinguish the proposed framework from funded requirements: no contract value, solicitation, or implementation timeline is provided in the signal.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Energy & Utilities, Defense & Military
**Topics:** Policy
**Published:** October 06, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. House of Representatives
- U.S. Senate
- U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI)
- U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
- U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

### Key Quotes
> That’s why I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the bipartisan, bicameral National Critical Minerals Council Act. This commonsense legislation will ensure the United States continues to grow our domestic supply of critical minerals, strengthening our national security and energy grid.
> — Susie Lee, U.S. Representative

> We need a national strategy on critical minerals now.
> — John Hickenlooper, U.S. Senator

> Our bill establishes a National Critical Minerals Council to unite all federal investment, research, and development on critical minerals under a single national strategy.
> — Kevin Cramer, U.S. Senator

### Sources
- [Representatives Lee, Fulcher Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Establish National Critical Minerals Council, Federal Strategy on Critical Minerals | Representative Susie Lee](https://susielee.house.gov/media/press-releases/representatives-lee-fulcher-introduce-bipartisan-bill-establish-national) - LEE