This bill allows the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to provide support to high-income countries for developing or processing certain critical materials, like aluminum and rare earth elements. This support must further U.S. national security interests. The DFC usually focuses on low- and lower-middle-income countries, but this bill would let them assist wealthier nations as well.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
This bill allows the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to provide support to high-income countries for developing or processing certain critical materials, like aluminum and rare earth elements. This support must further U.S. national security interests. The DFC usually focuses on low- and lower-middle-income countries, but this bill would let them assist wealthier nations as well.
Last updated: 12/29/2025
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><strong>Critical Mineral Access Act</strong></p><p>This bill authorizes the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to provide support to high-income economy countries for developing or processing certain critical materials (such as aluminum, chromium, and rare earth elements). The support must further U.S. national security interests. For the purposes of this support, a <em>high-income economy country</em> is one classified as such by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the International Development Association (two World Bank Group institutions). </p><p>Under current law, the DFC generally prioritizes facilitating private investment in less-developed countries and countries transitioning to market economies to advance U.S. foreign policy interests. </p><p> </p><p> 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Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Authorizes the DFC to support high-income countries for critical materials development and processing
Support must advance U.S. national security interests
DFC typically prioritizes low- and lower-middle-income countries, but this bill allows assistance for wealthier nations
Examples of critical materials include aluminum, chromium, and rare earth elements
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
If enacted, this bill could allow the DFC to provide funding and other assistance to high-income countries like Canada, Japan, and European Union members for critical materials projects. This could strengthen U.S. access to key raw materials important for national defense and technology manufacturing, but may reduce DFC resources available for less developed nations.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
International Affairs
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
4977, 119th Congress (2025). "Connected MOM Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-4977
