BRIDGE to DRC Act of 2023

The BRIDGE to DRC Act of 2023 (H.R. 4548) is a legislative proposal designed to secure U.S. access to critical minerals, such as cobalt and lithium, by strengthening the relationship between the United States and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The bill requires the President to develop a national strategy to protect these supply chains from foreign disruptions and to increase American investment in the DRC’s mining sector.

For everyday citizens, this bill aims to bolster national security and economic stability by ensuring that the raw materials needed for essential technologies—including electric vehicle batteries, fighter jets, and smartphones—remain available and affordable. Additionally, the legislation seeks to promote human rights and democratic governance in the DRC by setting benchmarks for fair elections and addressing labor concerns within the mining industry.