AI-assisted analysis based on the official CRS summary. Source version: Dec 12, 2025. Analysis updated: Sep 18, 2026.
01 — The Text
What.
- The bill amends the Mineral Leasing Act for Acquired Lands to make hardrock minerals eligible for leasing on all federally acquired lands.
- Hardrock minerals are defined to include deposits in sedimentary or other rocks, base metals, precious metals, industrial minerals, and precious or semi-precious gemstones.
- The definition explicitly excludes coal, oil, oil shale, gas, sodium, potassium, sulfur, and minerals subject to the Materials Act of 1947.
- Currently, hardrock minerals are not listed under the Mineral Leasing Act for Acquired Lands, unlike coal, phosphate, oil, gas, gilsonite, and sulfur.
- Federal lands can presently be leased for hardrock mineral mining only if acquired under statutes specifically authorizing such use, like the Weeks Act.
02 — The Stakes
So what?
- The bill would expand eligibility for hardrock mineral leasing to all federally acquired lands, removing the current restriction to lands acquired under specific authorizing statutes.
- The official summary does not document projected economic effects, job creation, revenue impacts, or environmental consequences.
- The official summary does not identify winners or losers from this change.
03 — The Path
Now what?
- The House passed the bill by voice vote under suspension of the rules on December 15, 2025.
- The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources reported the bill without amendment on September 17, 2026.
- The bill was placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders as Calendar No. 669 on September 17, 2026.
Legislative History
Actions.
- Sep 17, 2026 — Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 669.
- Sep 17, 2026 — Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Lee without amendment. Without written report.
- Jun 10, 2026 — Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
- Feb 12, 2026 — Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. Hearings held.
- Dec 16, 2025 — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- Dec 15, 2025 — Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Dec 15, 2025 — On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5884)
- Dec 15, 2025 — Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5884)