Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL)
Expressing support for the strengthening of United States-Africa partnerships in critical minerals development.
A Democratic resolution with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — ASSUMING FIRST SPONSORSHIP - Mr. Jackson (IL) asked unanimous consent that he may hereafter be considered as the first sponsor of H. Res. 179, a resolution originally introduced by Representative Cherfilus-McCormick for the purpose of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII. Agreed to without objection.
Introduced, nothing more yet
Formally proposed, and not yet handed to a committee.
Nearly every bill is sent to a committee within days. Introduction alone is not a sign of support, of momentum, or of any likelihood of passing — any member may introduce any bill.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
A House resolution is the House speaking for itself: stating a position, honouring someone, or setting its own rules. Adopting it is the whole process. Once the House agrees to it, it is officially the House's word; it is not a law, so the Senate and the President have no part in it.
What this bill would do
This resolution expresses support for strengthening partnerships between the United States and Africa in the development of critical minerals. It notes that critical minerals are essential for United States national security, the defense industrial base, and clean energy, while current supply chains rely heavily on foreign entities of concern like China. The text points out that sub-Saharan Africa holds a large portion of the world's proven critical mineral reserves, yet very little of the expected global mining investment is slated for the continent. To address this, the measure states it is the sense of the House of Representatives that United States policy should diversify mineral sources and prevent foreign control over these resources. Finally, it urges the Secretary of State and other federal agencies to develop a 5-year strategy to enhance commercial diplomacy, provide financial incentives, and support private sector investment in African mineral production.
Yes· 3 of 16
- Scored +7
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?
Strengthens strategic partnerships with African nations and the Mineral Security Partnership.
- Scored +6
Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad?
Calls for enhanced commercial diplomacy and coordination with African governments.
- Scored +6
Does this make trade with other countries easier?
Diversifies global supply chains for critical minerals and promotes market-based access.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Diversifying Mineral Supplies: Section (1)(A) states that United States policy should seek to diversify the sources of critical mineral supplies to prevent foreign entities of concern from restricting access or increasing costs. This is positive because it aims to secure materials needed for consumer electronics and defense without relying too heavily on adversarial nations.
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Encouraging Responsible Mining: The preamble notes that responsible mining produces sustainable state revenues, local employment, technological transfer, and community development. This benefits people by promoting environmentally sound and socioeconomically inclusive practices.
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Boosting African Investment and Value-Added Processing: Section (1)(C)(i) and Section (2)(B) support investments in new or expanded critical mineral production and processing projects in African markets to promote value-added processing. This is a positive step to help foster greater national mineral-related earnings and socioeconomic development in partner countries.
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Providing Financial Incentives and Support: Section (1)(C)(ii) and Section (2)(C) suggest providing incentives like financing or technical assistance for United States and African businesses to invest in strategic mineral projects, and using agencies like the Development Finance Corporation to provide capital. This can help mobilize public and private investment to build out necessary infrastructure and supply chains.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Lack of Explicit Negative Provisions: The provided text does not contain explicit sections or provisions outlining negative consequences or burdens for individuals or groups of people in the United States.
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.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this strengthen ties with allied countries? — Strengthens strategic partnerships with African nations and the Mineral Security Partnership. Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad? — Calls for enhanced commercial diplomacy and coordination with African governments. Does this make trade with other countries easier? — Diversifies global supply chains for critical minerals and promotes market-based access. Does this send more money or help to other countries? — Mobilizes financing and technical assistance for African countries.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this put more money into wind, solar and other renewable power? — Supports the supply chain for technologies necessary for renewable energy. Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change? — Secures minerals essential for the clean energy transition and electric vehicle batteries. Does this invest in rural communities? — Investment in mining production and processing can develop rural infrastructure in Africa. Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — Promotes 'responsible mining' which is described as environmentally sound.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to grow the economy? — Strengthens the defense industrial base and supports the clean energy transition. Is this likely to create jobs? — Investment in mining and processing in Africa and the U.S. industrial base supports job growth. Does this make it easier to run a small business? — Provides financing and technical assistance incentives for businesses to invest in critical minerals. Is this likely to slow the rise in prices? — Diversifying supply chains can reduce costs of critical minerals by reducing reliance on single-source foreign entities.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would business owners be better off under this? — Provides financing incentives and technical assistance for businesses investing in critical minerals. Would Black Americans be better off under this? — Promotes strategic partnerships and economic development in Africa.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — Promotes socioeconomic development and employment in African nations through responsible mining.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this give the federal government more power? — Urges increased coordination and strategic planning among Federal agencies.
- 9/2/2026
- ASSUMING FIRST SPONSORSHIP - Mr. Jackson (IL) asked unanimous consent that he may hereafter be considered as the first sponsor of H. Res. 179, a resolution originally introduced by Representative Cherfilus-McCormick for the purpose of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII. Agreed to without objection.
- 3/3/2025
- Submitted in House
- Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
Jonathan JacksonDemocrat · Illinois