A Republican bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See all 2 cosponsors
Last activity — Subcommittee Hearings Held
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Quantum-Enhanced Critical Minerals Mapping Act of 2026," requires the Secretary of the Interior to establish a new survey program. The program focuses on using quantum gravity gradiometry to improve the discovery and characterization of critical mineral and rare earth element deposits. These surveys will take place on or near Federal lands, specifically targeting priority areas identified by the Earth MRI program. The Secretary is tasked with integrating this data into national databases and making it publicly accessible. Additionally, the act requires a detailed report to be submitted to Congress regarding the program's findings and recommendations.
Yes· 3 of 10
- Scored +4
Would business owners be better off under this?
Mining and mineral exploration companies benefit from the increased data and investment facilitation.
- Scored +4
Does this put more money into scientific research?
The bill funds new research into quantum gravity gradiometry for geological mapping.
- Scored +3
Is this likely to create jobs?
The bill aims to facilitate private-sector investment in domestic critical mineral development, which can drive industry growth and jobs.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Improved Mineral Discovery: The Secretary will conduct original quantum-enhanced geophysical surveys to improve upon existing data for finding critical mineral and rare earth element deposits (Section 3(a)).
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Increased Data Accessibility: Survey data will be integrated into the Earth MRI national minerals database and made publicly accessible (Section 3(b)(3)).
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Support for Domestic Industry: Survey data will be provided to mining and mineral exploration companies to help facilitate private-sector investment in domestic critical mineral development (Section 3(d)).
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Cost Reduction through Private Partnership: The program aims to leverage private sector investment and reduce Federal costs by carrying out surveys under cooperative research and development agreements with private quantum sensing firms (Section 3(b)(5)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts or burdens are explicitly mentioned in the provided text.
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.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to grow the economy? — By improving the discovery of critical minerals and rare earth elements, the bill supports domestic resource availability and industry expansion. Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill aims to facilitate private-sector investment in domestic critical mineral development, which can drive industry growth and jobs. Does this make it easier to run a small business? — Providing publicly accessible survey data helps mineral exploration companies access critical geological information.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would business owners be better off under this? — Mining and mineral exploration companies benefit from the increased data and investment facilitation. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — Increased mineral exploration and industry activity often occur in and benefit rural communities.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The bill funds new research into quantum gravity gradiometry for geological mapping.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The use of advanced geophysical surveys can reduce the need for speculative drilling in the environment. Does this invest in rural communities? — Identifying mineral deposits on or near Federal lands can stimulate economic activity in rural areas.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires survey data to be integrated into a national database and made publicly accessible.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive? — Securing domestic mineral supply chains can contribute to long-term national stability.
- 7/21/2026
- Subcommittee Hearings Held
- 7/16/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/14/2026
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.
- 7/13/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Salud CarbajalDemocrat · California
Gabe EvansRepublican · Colorado