Coons, Blunt Rochester, McBride, Meyer, Jennings answer questions from constituents at Wilmington town hall

WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Senators Chris Coons and Lisa Blunt Rochester, Congresswoman Sarah McBride, Governor Matt Meyer and Attorney General Kathy Jennings (all D-Del.) took questions from Delawareans today for over an hour at Cab Calloway School for the Performing Arts in Wilmington.

The group spoke on economic issues, the administration’s threats to the judiciary and the rule of law, and what constituents can do to make their voices heard in this current political environment. Each speaker also shared what they’re doing to stand up for Delawareans and deliver results for the First State, whether in Washington, Dover, or the courts.

“Democracy is not a spectator sport, and I want to thank every Delawarean who took time out of their weekend to ask questions about how we can create a safer, freer, and more prosperous nation,” said Senator Coons. “I hear every day from constituents concerned about the reckless and damaging actions of the Trump administration, and having frank face-to-face conversations like this is the best way for me to share how I’m working for them. I look forward to holding more of these town halls in the weeks and months to come.”

“I’m thankful to all the Delawareans who showed up today to ask their questions and make their voices heard,” said Senator Blunt Rochester. “This is an all-hands-on-deck moment, and everyone has a role to play to protect and defend our democracy. I’m thankful to have joined the federal delegation, our Governor, and Attorney General and share how we are working together to hold this administration accountable and fight for Delawareans.”

“Today’s town hall was a reminder that democracy is strongest when we meet face to face – with honesty, hope, and a commitment to a better future,” said Congresswoman McBride. “Delawareans are frustrated by the chaos coming out of the Trump administration, but I’m proud to stand every day alongside my colleagues to defend our state and deliver results. I’m grateful to the hundreds of neighbors who joined us this morning, and I look forward to continuing these conversations across Delaware.”

“Today’s town hall was about what matters most – delivering real results for Delaware families,” said Governor Meyer. “Whether it’s creating good-paying jobs, investing in our schools, expanding access to healthcare, or protecting our rights, we’re focused on making sure every Delawarean has the opportunity to thrive. I’m grateful to stand alongside leaders who are committed to moving our state forward.”

“This is a frightening moment for our country – but we will get through this ordeal together,” said Attorney General Jennings. “This administration is doing its worst, and we’ve been fighting like hell to stop it. We’re not giving up – but to do our part, we need to hear from you. I’m grateful to our congressional delegation for continuing to organize these town halls.”

There was high interest in today’s town hall, with all 900 free tickets being allocated in a matter of days. WDEL’s Chris Carl moderated the event.

A recording of today’s town hall in its entirety can be viewed on Senator Coons’ YouTube page here.

ICYMI: Senator Coons condemns Trump attacks on AmeriCorps in U.S. News op-ed

WILMINGTON, Del. – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) published an op-ed in U.S. News & World Report yesterday decrying President Trump’s and Elon Musk’s devastating attacks on AmeriCorps, a program that has long stood as an example of Americans’ generosity and commitment to serving our communities. Senator Coons is a Co-chair of the National Service Caucus.

Additionally, Senator Coons led a letter to Trump yesterday co-signed by 148 of his colleagues in Congress defending AmeriCorps and NCCC AmeriCorps members. The letter calls on President Trump to reverse cuts made last week by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to the agency that deploys more than 200,000 Americans a year through programs such as AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors that support critical community services at more than 35,000 locations across the country. 

“Helping is an American value that has guided us since our nation’s founding,” Senator Coons wrote. “But our current president and his biggest donor, Elon Musk, whom Trump has put in charge of slashing the federal government, have been systematically firing helpers all across our country…. I believe we are born onto this earth to care for one another, to do justice, to love mercy and to walk humbly. To not just look for the helpers, but to be them.” 

Last week, nearly every AmeriCorps staff member was put on administrative leave, which has been followed by a wave of “Reduction in Force” notices today. This extreme reduction in force will make it impossible for AmeriCorps to continue delivering critical services to Americans, including disaster response, teaching and tutoring, and supporting veterans.

“In the next hurricane, the next earthquake, the next teacher shortage, where will the helpers be?” Senator Coons asked. “Cut by cut, Americans will be looking for helpers who never come.”

Senator Coons also made the point that AmeriCorps isn’t a waste of taxpayer dollars—it’s a sound economic investment. Despite costing only one-fiftieth of 1% of the $6.8 trillion federal budget, AmeriCorps returns $17 in societal benefits for every dollar spent.

You can read the full op-ed here. 

Senator Coons leads bicameral letter in support of AmeriCorps as members and staff are let go in DOGE cuts

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), Co-Chair of the bipartisan National Service Caucus, led 148 of his congressional colleagues in sending a letter to President Donald Trump defending AmeriCorps and NCCC AmeriCorps members and calling on him to reverse cuts to the program made last week by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The letter is co-led by U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Vice Chair of the National Service Caucus. The letter is co-led in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07), Co-Chair of the bipartisan House National Service Caucus, and Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12), Ranking Member of the Education and Workforce Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development.

The Trump Administration placed a majority of AmeriCorps employees on leave last week as part of DOGE’s broader spending cuts. Programs such as AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors deploy more than 200,000 Americans annually to carry out results-driven projects at over 35,000 locations across the country. Working in partnership with thousands of nonprofit, faith-based, and community organizations, these dedicated volunteers and workers help promote employment opportunities, strengthen the workforce, and support those in need. 

“We are deeply concerned these actions will prevent the agency from continuing to deliver critical services, which include supporting veterans, fighting wildfires, tutoring in schools, combatting the fentanyl epidemic, and much more,” the lawmakers wrote. 

The lawmakers highlighted the program’s benefits to society, to AmeriCorps members, and to the federal government—pointing to a non-partisan study showing that there are an estimated $17 in benefits returned for every taxpayer dollar spent. Additionally, the recently passed Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act of 2025 maintains AmeriCorps funding at its fiscal year 2024 level and serves as a continuing resolution to extend federal government funding through the end of fiscal year 2025. The senators emphasized that the administration is expected to implement the law in a manner consistent with the funding levels enacted in fiscal year 2024. Failing to do so would be a violation of the law.

“If not reversed, these recent actions will both stop current programs and prevent timely and efficient execution of the agency’s fiscal year 2025 appropriations, delaying or even halting the recruitment and deployment of new AmeriCorps members around the country,” the lawmakers added.

AmeriCorps programs serve communities nationwide, including in Delaware, where roughly 200 AmeriCorps members and more than 1,000 AmeriCorps Seniors respond to disasters, improve housing, help veterans, and support educational services. If the Trump Administration’s actions aren’t reversed, these critical services could come to a halt.

“We are deeply concerned that this is the goal: to eliminate AmeriCorps, in direct conflict with recently enacted appropriations. However, even delays will disrupt programs Americans rely on for their health, education, and safety. We urge you to reverse these actions and instead work with Congress on bipartisan improvements to AmeriCorps so that more Americans have the opportunity to serve their communities,” the lawmakers concluded. 

In addition to Senators Coons, Schumer, and Heinrich, the letter is signed by U.S. Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Angus King (I-Maine), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), and Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.). In addition to House Representatives Matsui and Adams, 103 other House Representatives signed on.

You can read the full text of the letter here. 

Senator Coons statement on the passing of Pope Francis

WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) issued the following statement on the passing of Pope Francis:

“Pope Francis has been an inspiring faith leader whose transformative papacy has shown the Spirit of Christ through his humility, his open-hearted engagement with the world, his tireless advocacy for peace, and his focus on the poor and the marginalized. I had the blessing of meeting the Holy Father twice, and was inspired by his teachings. I was struck by both his words and his actions when he visited the United States to address Congress in 2015. He called on us to overcome our partisan political differences to work together in service of the poor and the planet, and while in the U.S., he spent time meeting with migrants, the homeless, and the imprisoned to show us how to live out Christ’s teachings. 

“Pope Francis often reminded us that “we are all in the same boat”—that no one can thrive and live well without the support of others. His ministry was infused with mercy, grace, and love, and particularly in times of strife he reminded us that through acts of unrestricted kindness, we can overcome any storm, any moment of challenge, together. 

“The church and the world will miss his welcoming leadership and his engagement on questions of justice, climate change, migration, income inequality, and reconciliation. I join with many around the world in gratitude for his ministry and in praying for his eternal rest.”

Senators Coons, Blunt Rochester seeking applications for U.S. Attorney, U.S. Marshal for the District of Delaware

WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Senators Chris Coons and Lisa Blunt Rochester (both D-Del.) are seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) for consideration for the positions of: (1) U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, and (2) U.S. Marshal for the District of Delaware. The objective of the EOIs is to create a slate of qualified candidates for each position that the senators can recommend to President Trump. The president will then formally nominate an individual for each position, and those nominations will be sent to the Senate for its advice and consent.

The EOI should include: 1) a statement of interest, 2) a detailed curriculum vitae, and 3) the names of three references, two of which must be professional references. Application materials for the U.S. Attorney position can be submitted here. Application materials for the U.S. Marshal position can be submitted here.   

Questions regarding the U.S. Attorney position can be directed to DE_USAO@coons.senate.gov and/orDE_USAO@bluntrochester.senate.gov. Questions regarding the U.S. Marshal position can be directed to DE_USMS@coons.senate.gov and/or DE_USMS@bluntrochester.senate.gov.

All application materials must be received by 11:59 p.m. EST on Friday, May 9, 2025.

Senator Coons statement on Trump’s attack on AmeriCorps

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) issued the following statement in response to reports that President Donald Trump has placed a majority of AmeriCorps agency staff on administrative leave. Trump had already recalled hundreds of AmeriCorps NCCC members trained to respond to emergencies from the field:

“President Trump’s attempted destruction of AmeriCorps is alarming and will damage communities across the nation. For more than 30 years, in more than 50,000 communities, AmeriCorps members and volunteers have made our country stronger, healthier, and more resilient. AmeriCorps members are relief workers on the front lines of natural disasters, teachers improving literacy in schools, and health care workers in underserved communities. There are few better examples of government working strategically and efficiently to improve the lives of those they serve. 

“The men and women who serve AmeriCorps as volunteers, members, and staff deserve our thanks. Instead, Donald Trump and Elon Musk are once again turning their backs on the very people who make our country great. I am working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to press the Trump Administration to reverse these unjustified cuts and restore a valued program.” 

A 2020 non-partisan study found that for every $1 Congress appropriates to AmeriCorps and Senior Corps, the programs return more than $17 to the government and economy.

Senator Coons is co-Chair of the Senate National Service Caucus.

ICYMI: Senator Coons makes Christian case for foreign aid during Holy Week op-ed for the National Catholic Reporter

WASHINGTON – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, published an op-ed in the National Catholic Reporter during Holy Week, discussing how the Trump Administration’s dismantling of U.S. foreign assistance directly contradicts Jesus’ teaching about loving our neighbors.

During Holy Week, Senator Coons is reflecting on the sacrifice of Jesus, and how U.S. foreign policy measures up to His teachings. Key to this reflection is the Trump Administration’s continued effort to dismantle foreign aid programs, which for decades have prevented hunger, sickness, and suffering for millions around the world. He wrote that while Scripture doesn’t align with a political party, messages in both the Old and New Testament are rooted in service to the poor and marginalized.

Since Trump took office, his Administration has canceled billions of dollars to United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the main U.S. humanitarian aid agency. Senator Coons highlighted that faith-based organizations like Catholic Relief Services, Samaritan’s Purse, and World Vision — all known for helping those in need in Jesus’ name — have been forced to lay off workers or shut down programs due to slashed funding, leaving millions without aid. 

Senator Coons said that Easter offers us, and America, a chance for redemption and revival — a chance to urge the Trump Administration to feed the hungry, respond to disasters and help those in need, and to live up to the true meaning of loving our neighbors.

National Catholic Reporter: Trump’s USAID cuts contradict Jesus’ call to love thy neighbor

Jesus taught that the two greatest commandments are to love the Lord your God and to love your neighbor as yourself — and His parables worked to dramatically redefine who is our neighbor. From the good Samaritan to the woman at the well, Christ’s parables over and over push believers to embrace the widest understanding of neighbor, to see all people as God’s children, even those of different nations, races, languages and faiths.

This administration has missed that core message. Nowhere is this more glaring than its destruction of our nation’s global network of partnerships that deliver foreign aid. For just 1% of our total federal spending, we have for years fought disease, fed the hungry and improved the lives of millions around the world.

…

It’s a stark departure from the golden rule of my faith, and nearly every other one: that we should do unto others as we would have them do unto us. Until this year, we sought to demonstrate by our actions that we were capable of kindness. Through that aid, we showed hundreds of millions of people across scores of countries that we are a nation who cared about others. What are we showing them now? How should we expect them to treat us in return? 

We are days from Easter Sunday, and the Resurrection that brings redemption. It is never too late for redemption, whether for ourselves or our country. We can draw on our faith to restore America’s compassion, to call on the Trump administration to use a small fraction of our federal budget to feed the hungry, to care for the widow and the orphan, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. After all, whose golden rule would we rather our nation aspire to?

The full op-ed is available here.

Ranking Member Coons leads Senior Democrats in demanding additional information from White House after Trump disregards mishandling classified information by defense officials

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, led a letter to the White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles asking for additional details regarding their decision to close the case on the disclosure of sensitive information after The Atlantic revealed senior Trump Administration defense officials included a journalist in a Signal group chat about plans for U.S. strikes in Yemen. 

Last month, The Atlantic’s Jeffrey Goldberg published a series of articles detailing his inclusion in a Signal chat with high-ranking Trump administration officials about upcoming military strikes conducted in Yemen. Despite lawmakers on both sides of the aisle calling for investigations into the officials and circumstances around the group chat, the White House said that this “case has been closed.” However, shortly after White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt made those comments, the press reported that National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and his aides used personal Gmail accounts for government business. 

The senators wrote, “It is unclear to us if this White House review included the existence of additional Signal group chats, or their contents, or the use of personal email accounts for government business.”

In their letter, the Senators requested that Wiles answer the following questions:

1. Did the White House review identify other instances in which Signal, or other unapproved personal applications such as Gmail, were used to conduct official business?
2. How many additional Signal group chats were created to conduct official business? What topics were discussed?  Have those chats been archived in compliance with the Presidential Records Act?  Were subsequent classification reviews of the material conducted?
3. What steps have been taken to ensure that the National Security Council’s archives directorate has accessed all communication on Signal, or other unapproved applications, to preserve the content of these deliberations in compliance with the Presidential Records Act?
4. What, if any, disciplinary actions were taken as a result of the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive military information to a journalist?
5. Was a formal classification review conducted of the messages included in the “Houthi PC small group” Signal group chat?  Did the Department of Defense and the United States Central Command concur with the proposed portion-markings contained in any classification review?
6. Did this classification review assess the risk of adversary detection of U.S. aircraft if the adversary were able to obtain the precise take-off location of inbound aircraft?
7. Is Signal an approved messaging application for the transmission of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)?
8. What specific steps have been taken “to ensure that something like that can, obviously, never happen again?

In addition to Senator Coons, the letter is signed by U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Senate Appropriations Committee Vice Chair; Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.); Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee; and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations (SFOPS).

Last month, Senator Coons led his fellow democratic ranking members in sending a letter to the Acting Inspectors General of the Department of Defense, the Intelligence Community, the National Archives and Records Administration, and the Department of State calling for an investigation into the matter. 

You can read the full text of the letter here.

Senator Coons introduces bipartisan bill to ensure Delaware receives more funding for veteran suicide prevention

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) introduced the bipartisan Every State Counts for Veterans Mental Health Act to ensure veterans in every state, including Delaware, can benefit from critical suicide prevention resources.

When Congress passed the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act of 2019, it authorized several new programs designed to improve veterans’ access to mental health care. Among the provisions, the bill established the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program (SSG Fox SPGP) to reduce veteran suicide through a community-based approach.

Although SSG Fox SPGP authorized $174 million to be appropriated for fiscal year 2021 through fiscal year 2025, neither North Dakota nor Delaware, nor entities serving these states, have received any funding.

The Every State Counts for Veterans Mental Health Act would address this by providing priority consideration of SSG Fox SPGP applications to entities in states that have not previously received a grant.

“We have a duty to support those who have volunteered to serve in our armed forces, and no aid is more urgent than helping our veterans at risk of suicide,” said Senator Coons. “Until now, Delaware has missed out on critical funds to address veterans’ mental health and suicide risk despite the amazing organizations in the First State ready to expand their reach. This bill rights that wrong so that more Delaware veterans who have risked their lives to keep us safe will receive the life-saving support they deserve when they come home.”

“Veterans across North Dakota and the nation bravely served our country and have been promised timely access to mental healthcare, no matter where they live,” said Senator Cramer. “Our bipartisan bill provides a practical fix to ensure North Dakota veterans receive suicide prevention support if they need it.”

You can read the full text of the bill here.

Senator Coons, Young, colleagues introduce bipartisan, bicameral bill to strengthen U.S. role in mapping global critical mineral resources

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) introduced The Finding Opportunities for Resource Exploration (Finding ORE) Act to strengthen U.S. mineral security and reduce strategic vulnerabilities. Representatives Rob Wittman (R-Va.) and Kathy Castor (D-Fla.) will introduce a companion bill in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Critical minerals are essential to producing technologies for the defense, semiconductor, automotive, and energy sectors—industries that will determine America’s economic future and global influence. Although we have an abundance of domestic mineral resources, demand already outstrips this supply. We must work with allies and partners to achieve mineral security.  Additionally, the U.S. is heavily dependent on China for production and processing of many key critical minerals. This bill would leverage the strengths of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in geological mapping of critical mineral reserves while giving U.S. firms a leg up in responsibly developing global mineral resources around the world.

“From the technology that powers the cell phones in our pockets to the systems that keep us safe, Americans depend on critical minerals for our economic strength and national security,” said Senator Coons. “The Finding ORE Act makes sure that our nation will have access to the essential materials we need to keep innovating, growing our economy, and deterring our enemies. I’m grateful for the bipartisan and industry support this bill has received and look forward to pushing for its enactment.”

“Many countries are unmapped or reliant on outdated geological surveys. Our bill would create opportunities for collaboration between the United States and these countries to update geological mapping with the goal of locating critical mineral deposits. These partnerships would be mutually beneficial and provide the United States access to more critical minerals, reducing our dependence on China,” said Senator Todd Young.

“We can’t solve climate change or strengthen national security without harnessing the power of critical minerals,” said Senator Hickenlooper. “Better and more accurate maps will help us and our allies safely and ethically explore untapped critical mineral deposits.”

“Access to a reliable supply chain of critical minerals is essential to meet our nation’s defense, manufacturing, and energy needs,” said Senator Cornyn. “By shoring up alliances with trusted allies and promoting geological mapping of critical mineral reserves, this legislation would ensure America has the resources needed to keep up with global demand and bolster both our mineral security and national security in the years ahead.”

“Critical minerals and rare earth elements are the building blocks of our modern economy and our national security,” said Representative Wittman. “This bill ensures that the United States can work hand-in-hand with like-minded nations to identify and responsibly develop these essential resources, while strengthening supply chain resilience and promoting American leadership in mineral exploration. Through this bill, we are reinforcing our alliances, building technical capacity, and supporting global standards in responsible mineral development. I’m proud to introduce the Finding ORE Act as a forward-looking solution to this pressing global challenge.”

“America’s dependence on adversarial nations for critical minerals poses a significant threat to our national security and our clean energy future,” said Representative Castor. “The Finding ORE Act leverages our expertise in geologic mapping to promote the sustainable development of critical mineral supply chains through international partnerships. This legislation will make our nation safer and stronger while supporting our strategic alliances. I’m grateful to my bipartisan colleagues for working together to enhance U.S. leadership in the clean energy transition.”

“The United States has too often watched from the sidelines as our adversaries explored, invested in, and secured the world’s most promising mineral deposits,” said Abigail Hunter, Executive Director of SAFE’s Center for Critical Minerals Strategy. “This bill changes that. It positions the United States—our geological experts and industry—to help identify and potentially develop the next generation of great deposits. It ensures we show up in resource-rich nations, rather than leaving them to deepen their ties with China.”

“The American Critical Minerals Association welcomes the bipartisan, bicameral introduction of the Finding ORE Act by Senators Coons, Young, Hickenlooper, and Cornyn and Representatives Wittman and Castor,” said Sarah Venuto, Executive Director of ACMA. “Expanding our knowledge base of global minerals resources and growing partnerships with our allies will ensure the United States is a leading force in resourcing critical minerals in a responsible way. ACMA looks forward to working with Senator Coons and his colleagues to advance the Finding ORE Act.”

“Colorado School of Mines commends Senators Coons, Young, Hickenlooper, and Cornyn and Reps. Wittman and Castor for their bipartisan efforts to leverage U.S. expertise in mineral mapping to support safe, secure, and responsible mineral supply chains,” said Dr. John Bradford, Vice President for Global Initiatives at Colorado School of Mines. “When called upon to contribute, institutions with strong partnerships with USGS, like Colorado School of Mines, seek to support America’s government and industry partners to advance the technology, knowledge, and workforce required to responsibly identify, assess, and produce mineral resources in the U.S. and around the world.”

“BPC Action applauds the bipartisan introduction of the Finding ORE Act. The bill will strengthen U.S. supply chain security by enhancing coordination with allies on critical mineral development, helping secure new critical minerals sources free from adversary control,” said Michele Stockwell, president of Bipartisan Policy Center Action (BPC Action).

“Terra AI celebrates this forward-thinking, bi-partisan critical minerals exploration legislation introduced by Senators Coons, Young, Hickenlooper, and Cornyn and Reps. Wittman and Castor,” said John Mern, CEO of Terra AI. “The Finding ORE Act would empower America’s agencies and private firms to explore and claim the next major deposits of critical minerals which will supply our industries for decades to come; supporting manufacturing, aerospace, energy, and artificial intelligence. We support this act’s unique approach to winning the critical minerals race by leveraging America and Her Allies’ relative advantages — strong diplomatic relations, world-leading technology, and entrepreneurial spirit. This act is the essential early stage first step to establishing US global mineral dominance and winning this generational opportunity. As a mineral exploration AI company, we see huge value in collaboration between the private sector and our nation’s diplomatic, geologic and financial agencies abroad. It is a winning playbook, and we look forward to seeing more legislation in this area.”

The Finding ORE Act would authorize the Director of USGS to enter into memoranda of understanding (MOU) with foreign partner countries related to mapping of critical minerals. The bill identifies four objectives for these MOU:

• Committing USGS to assist the partner country with a range of critical mineral mapping activities
• Committing the partner country to offer a right of first refusal to private companies based in the United States or an allied country in the further development of mapped critical minerals
• Facilitating investment in the development of critical minerals in the partner country, including by leveraging financing from the U.S. Development Finance Corporation and Export-Import Bank
• Ensuring that mapping data created through partnership with USGS is not disclosed to governmental or private entities in non-allied countries

The bill requires USGS to collaborate with both the State Department and the private sector in identifying which countries to prioritize for negotiation of an MOU and would involve the State Department in the negotiation and implementation process.

A one-pager on the bill is available here.

The full text of the bill is available here.