February 3, 2026
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National Taxpayers Union, the nation’s oldest taxpayer advocacy organization, urges all members to vote “YES” on H.R. 4090, the Critical Mineral Dominance Act, authored by Rep. Pete Stauber (R-MN). By codifying executive orders that directed agencies to expedite permitting and promote domestic mineral mining, this legislation would enhance policy certainty for a strategic industry and reduce the country’s dependence on foreign suppliers.
Like many other sectors of the economy, U.S. mining projects have been mired in regulatory uncertainty and bureaucratic delays for decades. Burdensome permitting requirements have slowed or blocked mining projects entirely, leaving critical minerals below ground. The result is increased reliance on foreign countries for essential industrial inputs like rare earths, creating economic and national security vulnerabilities as well as higher costs for manufacturers and consumers.
H.R. 4090 is an important step forward. This legislation directs the Department of the Interior to prioritize mining projects that are ready to move ahead and to expedite their approval. The bill also tasks the Department with identifying federal lands with significant mineral potential and reviewing regulations that impose undue burdens on domestic mining. In a win for transparency, the Department is also required to issue a report on the costs associated with America’s dependence on imported mineral commodities.
This common sense legislation will bolster domestic supply chains and promote private sector investment, creating jobs, strengthening national security, and ensuring America’s natural resources benefit taxpayers and the economy.
Roll call votes will be included in NTU’s annual Rating of Congress and “YES” votes will be considered the pro-taxpayer position.
If you have any questions, please contact NTU Policy and Government Affairs Manager Alexander Ciccone at aciccone@ntu.org.
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