A Republican bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
In the other chamber's committee
Passed one chamber and has been handed to a committee in the other.
The committee decides whether it goes any further, and most bills that reach a committee never leave it. A committee that simply does nothing kills a bill without anyone ever voting against it, so no news from here is usually the news.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- Passed House voice vote
- In Senate committee
The House by voice vote (members called out yes or no together): no member's position on it was recorded.
What this bill would do
This bill is known as the Coordinating and Harnessing America's Recovery of Minerals Act or the CHARM Act. It amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to coordinate a National Critical Mineral Recovery Strategy. The strategy focuses on recovering critical minerals from discarded materials, including mining and metal processing waste. The Administrator must consult with other federal agencies while developing and carrying out this strategy. A report detailing the strategy and related activities must be sent to specific congressional committees and made publicly available every two years.
Yes· 3 of 20
- Scored +5
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?
The act specifically directs the EPA to minimize risks to human health and the environment during recovery.
- Scored +5
Does this put more money into wind, solar and other renewable power?
Critical minerals are essential for green technology, and this act helps secure their supply.
- Scored +5
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
Requires the EPA to provide public reports every two years on the strategy and activities.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Section 2 adding new section 2009(a)(2)(H): This provision identifies opportunities to recover critical minerals from discarded materials in a manner that minimizes risk to human health and the environment, which could protect the public.
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Section 2 adding new section 2009(b)(1): This requires the Administrator to make the strategy and activity reports publicly available, keeping citizens informed about what the government is doing.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Based on the provided text, there are no specific negative impacts or burdens for individuals or groups of people explicitly identified in the bill.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would business owners be better off under this? — Creates opportunities for businesses in the recycling and mineral recovery sectors. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — Potential economic activity in rural areas where mining waste is typically located. Would children be better off under this? — Long-term environmental protections and waste reduction benefit future generations. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Reducing environmental risks from waste sites can positively impact low-income communities often near such sites. Would Native Americans be better off under this? — Reducing the need for new primary mining on tribal lands is a potential positive. Would students be better off under this? — Opens new academic and professional paths in environmental science and metallurgy. Would union members be better off under this? — Potential for industrial jobs in mineral recovery and processing. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — Potential for new green-tech and recycling jobs.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The act specifically directs the EPA to minimize risks to human health and the environment during recovery. Does this put more money into wind, solar and other renewable power? — Critical minerals are essential for green technology, and this act helps secure their supply. Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change? — Recovering minerals from waste reduces the need for carbon-intensive primary mining. Does this better protect public land such as parks and forests? — Focusing on waste recovery can reduce the pressure to open new public lands for mining. Does this invest in rural communities? — Mineral recovery from mining waste may benefit rural areas where these waste sites are located.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to grow the economy? — Strengthening domestic supply chains for critical minerals supports long-term economic resilience and growth. Is this likely to create jobs? — Developing a national strategy for mineral recovery may stimulate new industries and jobs in recycling and processing. Does this make it easier to run a small business? — Potential for new small business opportunities in the specialized field of critical mineral recovery.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — Requires the EPA to provide public reports every two years on the strategy and activities. Does this give the federal government more power? — Directs the EPA Administrator to coordinate a national strategy, increasing federal oversight of mineral recovery.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this make trade with other countries easier? — Reducing reliance on foreign imports of critical minerals strengthens the domestic trade position.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — Developing the strategy will likely lead to increased research into mineral recovery technologies.
- 9/16/2026
- Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- 9/15/2026
- Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
- On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5676-5677)
- DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 9617.
- Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5676-5678)
- Mr. Guthrie moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
- 9/14/2026
- Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-820.
- Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 719.
- 7/21/2026
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 47 - 0.
- 7/20/2026
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 7/14/2026
- Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
- 7/9/2026
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Environment.
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Paul TonkoDemocrat · New York