BRIDGE to DRC Act of 2023

The BRIDGE to DRC Act of 2023 requires the U.S. President to develop a national strategy within 120 days to secure critical mineral supply chains, focusing on the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The strategy must analyze China’s near-monopoly over DRC cobalt and copper mining (15 of 19 cobalt mines are PRC-linked), assess past policies like Dodd-Frank Act section 1502, and outline steps to increase U.S. investment in the DRC’s mining sector. It mandates specific assessments of human rights abuses, China’s market control, and opportunities to formalize artisanal mining while supporting DRC elections and ending conflict financing. The bill directly affects U.S. diplomatic, development, and security policies toward the DRC, aiming to reduce reliance on Chinese-controlled supply chains for minerals vital to U.S. energy and military needs.