Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressional Western Caucus Chairman Dan Newhouse (WA-04) and Rep. Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06) released the following statements celebrating the passage of H.R.8446 – the Critical Mineral Consistency Act of 2024. This legislation simplifies and streamlines interagency coordination between the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and the Department of Energy (DOE) in determining which elements and minerals are most necessary for U.S. national, economic, and energy security. The bill passed by a bipartisan vote of 245-155.

“I am proud to support Representative Ciscomani’s ‘Critical Mineral Consistency Act of 2024,’ to help harmonize the federal government’s critical minerals lists,” said Chairman Newhouse. “This important legislation ensures the USGS and DOE remain in sync, giving clarity to industry and improving interagency coordination. We should be relying on the most up-to-date information when determining the elements and minerals for U.S. national and energy security, and this legislation ensures just that.”

"Critical Minerals are essential for our economy, national security, and clean energy technologies,” said Rep. Ciscomani. “As demand for these strategic resources continues to increase, the United States must ensure access to a reliable supply. My legislation, the Critical Mineral Consistency Act will ensure parity between U.S. Geological Survey critical minerals and Department of Energy materials lists to strengthen our domestic supply chain and include copper, electrical steel, silicon, and silicon carbide on the critical minerals list, a long overdue classification. I am proud to see my legislation pass out of the House of Representatives and look forward to its consideration in the Senate."