Bill · S. 3496· Senate(119-S-3496)
United States Legal Gold and Mining Partnership Act
- Introduced
- 12/16/2025
- Last activity
- 2/10/2026 — Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 329.
- Sponsored by
- John Cornyn
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 2
- Introduced
- On Calendar
What this bill would do
This bill establishes a multi-year Legal Gold and Mining Partnership Strategy to combat illicit gold mining in the Western Hemisphere. The Secretary of State is tasked with developing this comprehensive strategy to reduce negative environmental and social impacts. Key goals include interrupting the connections between gold mining and illicit actors, such as criminal organizations and terrorists. The plan aims to protect natural resources and support artisanal and small-scale miners in formalizing their businesses. Additionally, the bill calls for coordinated international efforts to investigate financial crimes and the gold trade in Venezuela and Nicaragua.
Yes· 3 of 15
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+7
The bill aims to deter mining in protected areas to prevent contamination of water, soil, and forests.
Would Native Americans be better off under this?+6
The bill aims to protect indigenous communities from the impacts of illicit mining.
Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this?+5
The bill protects indigenous and vulnerable communities in the Western Hemisphere.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Environmental Protection: The strategy aims to deter mining in protected areas to prevent the contamination of water, soil, forests, and fauna, as well as health issues caused by aerosol contamination. (Section 4(b)(2))
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Support for Small-Scale Miners: The bill includes provisions to aid artisanal and small-scale miners in formalizing their businesses through skills training, technical assistance, and access to financing and credit. (Section 4(b)(11)(A))
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Reduction of Health and Safety Risks: By encouraging mercury-free refining and better standards, the bill seeks to reduce the health impacts of toxic chemicals and the dangers associated with unregulated mining. (Section 4(b)(11)(B))
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Protection of Vulnerable Communities: The strategy aims to address the negative impacts of illicit mining on indigenous peoples and those subjected to human rights abuses, such as trafficking and forced labor. (Section s 2(2); Section 4(b)(4)(B))
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Economic Formalization: The bill promotes creating job growth areas through regulated artisanal mining and providing miners with access to fair market prices for their output. (Section 4(b)(7)(B); Section 4(c)(4)(B))
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No Military Force Authorized: The bill explicitly states that it does not authorize the use of military force or the introduction of United States forces into hostilities. (Section 9)
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Native Americans+6Good For Hispanic Americans+5Good For Low Income Households+4Good For Rural Residents+4Good For Business Owners+3Good For Women+3
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity+5Improves Policing Reform+4Improves Poverty Reduction+4
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support+5Increases Job Creation+4
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+7
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves International Alliances+5
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+4
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+3
- 2/10/2026
- Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Risch with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
- Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 329.
- 1/29/2026
- Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
- 12/16/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Ted CruzRepublican · Texas
Timothy KaineDemocrat · Virginia
Jacky RosenDemocrat · Nevada