Critical Minerals Supply Chain Resiliency Act

H.R. 5929, the Critical Minerals Supply Chain Resiliency Act, would amend federal law to accelerate the development of domestic critical mineral resources. The bill would add mineral-related projects authorized under the Defense Production Act of 1950 to the list of covered projects eligible for expedited permitting through the FAST-41 program. This would apply to Secretary of Defense-directed feasibility studies for mineral processing projects, recovery of minerals from existing mines and mine waste, and initiatives focused on modernization, workforce safety, and environmental sustainability.

The bill addresses concerns about U.S. dependence on foreign sources for critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements that are essential for military equipment, electronics, and renewable energy technologies. Supporters argue that streamlining permitting processes would help the United States develop its own mineral supplies more quickly and reduce reliance on countries like China, which currently dominates global mineral processing. The bill is currently under consideration by the House Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources following a hearing held in February 2026.