United States Legal Gold and Mining Partnership Act

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Bill ID: 119/s/3496

Last Updated: April 21, 2026

United States Legal Gold and Mining Partnership Act

S. 3496, 119th Congress — read as touching Commercial Banks.

The sponsor

Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX]

Every bill has someone who introduced it. That name is where the paper trail starts.

The money

$440,480 raised

21 itemised contributions to this sponsor, pulled from FEC filings.

The alignment

85% match to Project 2025

This bill's text tracks the "Department of State" section, p. 217-219 of the Mandate for Leadership.

Bill's Journey to Becoming a Law

Track this bill's progress through the legislative process

Latest Action

Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 329.

February 9, 2026

Introduced

📍 Current Status

Next: The bill will be reviewed by relevant committees who will debate, amend, and vote on it.

🏛️

Committee Review

🗳️

Floor Action

✅

Passed Senate

🏛️

House Review

🎉

Passed Congress

🖊️

Presidential Action

⚖️

Became Law

📚 How does a bill become a law?

1. Introduction: A member of Congress introduces a bill in either the House or Senate.

2. Committee Review: The bill is sent to relevant committees for study, hearings, and revisions.

3. Floor Action: If approved by committee, the bill goes to the full chamber for debate and voting.

4. Other Chamber: If passed, the bill moves to the other chamber (House or Senate) for the same process.

5. Conference: If both chambers pass different versions, a conference committee reconciles the differences.

6. Presidential Action: The President can sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action.

7. Became Law: If signed (or if Congress overrides a veto), the bill becomes law!

Bill Summary

Summary Style:

**Analysis of S 3496: United States Legal Gold and Mining Partnership Act**

As a visionary entrepreneur and thought leader, I'll dissect this bill through the lens of its potential impact on my business empire and the global economy.

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The primary objective of this legislation is to establish a multi-year strategy to combat illicit gold mining in the Western Hemisphere. The bill aims to reduce the negative environmental and social impacts associated with such activities, while also targeting transnational criminal organizations that benefit from these operations.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:**

1. **Partnership Strategy:** The bill proposes a public-private partnership to build responsible gold value chains, which could lead to increased cooperation between government agencies, industry stakeholders, and NGOs. 2. **Investigations and Briefings:** The legislation mandates classified briefings on illicit gold mining in Venezuela and investigations into the illicit gold trade, potentially shedding light on previously opaque supply chains. 3. **Regulatory Framework:** The bill seeks to strengthen existing regulations by requiring consideration of certain transactions involving precious metals for purposes of identifying primary money laundering concerns.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:**

1. **Gold Mining Industry:** Companies involved in gold mining and processing may face increased scrutiny, regulatory requirements, and potential reputational risks. 2. **Transnational Criminal Organizations:** Groups benefiting from illicit gold mining activities will likely be targeted by law enforcement agencies, potentially disrupting their operations. 3. **NGOs and Civil Society:** Organizations focused on environmental conservation, human rights, and anti-corruption efforts may see increased opportunities for collaboration with government agencies and industry stakeholders.

**Potential Impact & Implications:**

1. **Increased Regulatory Burden:** The bill's provisions could lead to additional compliance costs and administrative burdens for companies operating in the gold mining sector. 2. **Market Disruptions:** Efforts to combat illicit gold mining may disrupt global supply chains, potentially affecting prices and market stability. 3. **New Business Opportunities:** The public-private partnership aspect of the legislation could create new opportunities for companies willing to invest in responsible gold value chains.

From a strategic perspective, this bill presents both challenges and opportunities for my business empire. While increased regulatory scrutiny may pose risks, the potential for collaboration with government agencies and NGOs could lead to innovative solutions and new revenue streams. I will closely monitor the progress of this legislation and adjust my investment strategies accordingly.

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (billionaire personality)

*Sigh* Alright, let's break down this bill, shall we? As I taught you in 8th grade civics class, a bill is a proposed law that must go through various stages before it becomes an actual law.

**Main Purpose & Objectives** The United States Legal Gold and Mining Partnership Act (S. 3496) aims to reduce the negative environmental and social impacts of illicit gold mining in the Western Hemisphere. The main objective is to establish a multi-year partnership strategy to combat these issues.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law** This bill has several key provisions:

1. **Findings**: Congress makes findings on the impact of illicit gold mining, including its effects on economic and social dynamics, transnational criminal organizations, and the environment. 2. **Partnership Strategy**: The bill establishes a multi-year partnership strategy to reduce the negative impacts of illicit gold mining. This includes leveraging international support, building responsible gold value chains, and investigating the illicit gold trade in Venezuela. 3. **Classified Briefing**: The bill requires a classified briefing on illicit gold mining in Venezuela. 4. **Public-Private Partnership**: It establishes a public-private partnership to build responsible gold value chains.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders** The affected parties include:

1. **Illicit Gold Miners**: Those involved in the illicit mining, trafficking, and commercialization of gold will be impacted by this bill. 2. **Transnational Criminal Organizations**: These organizations, which benefit from illicit gold mining, will also be affected. 3. **Environmental Groups**: Environmental groups concerned about the impact of illicit gold mining on the environment may support this bill. 4. **Indigenous Communities**: Indigenous communities in the Western Hemisphere, who have been subjected to human rights abuses and population displacement due to mining activity, may benefit from this bill.

**Potential Impact & Implications** The potential impact of this bill is significant:

1. **Reducing Illicit Gold Mining**: By establishing a partnership strategy and leveraging international support, the bill aims to reduce the negative impacts of illicit gold mining. 2. **Combating Transnational Crime**: The bill's focus on transnational criminal organizations may help combat their activities in the Western Hemisphere. 3. **Environmental Benefits**: Reducing illicit gold mining can lead to environmental benefits, such as reduced deforestation and mercury pollution.

However, it's worth noting that this bill is just a proposal, and its actual impact will depend on various factors, including its passage into law and implementation. As I taught you in 8th grade civics class, the legislative process involves checks and balances, which can affect the final outcome of a bill.

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (civics_teacher personality)

Folks, gather 'round! I've got the scoop on S 3496, the United States Legal Gold and Mining Partnership Act. Now, at first glance, this bill seems like a noble effort to reduce the negative environmental and social impacts of illicit gold mining in the Western Hemisphere. But trust me, there's more to it than meets the eye.

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The stated goal is to establish a multi-year partnership strategy to combat illicit gold mining, which sounds great. However, I believe this bill has ulterior motives. It's about control, folks! The government wants to get its hands on the gold supply chain and dictate who gets to mine, process, and trade gold.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill creates a new partnership strategy that involves multiple agencies, including the State Department, USAID, and the Treasury. It also establishes a classified briefing on illicit gold mining in Venezuela (Section 5) and authorizes investigations into the illicit gold trade (Section 6). But here's the kicker: Section 9 explicitly states that this bill does not authorize the use of military force. Ah, but what if it's just a clever way to sneak in some covert ops?

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The usual suspects are involved: transnational criminal organizations, terrorist groups, and corrupt governments. But I think there's more to it. This bill could impact small-scale miners, indigenous communities, and even American businesses that deal with gold imports.

**Potential Impact & Implications:** This bill has far-reaching implications. It could lead to increased surveillance, stricter regulations, and even confiscation of assets related to the gold trade. I predict a surge in black market activity as smugglers find new ways to evade detection. And what about the environmental impact? Will this bill really reduce harm, or will it just drive illicit mining further underground?

Now, I know some of you might think I'm reading too much into this, but mark my words: there's more to S 3496 than meets the eye. This is just another example of the government trying to control the narrative and manipulate the market. Wake up, folks! The truth is out there; we just need to dig deeper.

(Passes the mashed potatoes)

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (conspiracy_uncle personality)

(Deep breath) Folks, gather 'round, we've got a doozy of a bill on our hands here. The United States Legal Gold and Mining Partnership Act - sounds innocent enough, right? Wrong! This is just another example of the elites in Washington trying to strangle American freedom with their bureaucratic red tape.

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The main purpose of this bill is to establish a multi-year strategy to combat illicit gold mining in the Western Hemisphere. Sounds noble, but trust me, it's just a Trojan horse for more government control and regulation. The objectives are to reduce the negative environmental and social impacts of illicit gold mining, but we all know that's just code for "we want to dictate how you do business."

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** This bill creates a new partnership strategy between the US government and private sector companies to build responsible gold value chains. (Translation: more crony capitalism.) It also requires classified briefings on illicit gold mining in Venezuela, because we all know that's where the real threat lies - not from our own government, of course.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The usual suspects are affected here: transnational criminal organizations, terrorist groups, and other international illicit actors. (You know, the ones who actually care about freedom.) But let's be real, this bill is really targeting American businesses and individuals who dare to engage in the gold mining industry without proper government oversight.

**Potential Impact & Implications:** The potential impact of this bill is a further erosion of our freedoms and an increase in government control over the economy. It's just another example of the deep state trying to strangle American entrepreneurship with regulations and bureaucratic red tape. And let's not forget, this bill will likely lead to more money laundering and corruption - because that's what always happens when you try to regulate something as complex as the gold mining industry.

(Smirk) But hey, who needs freedom when we've got a government that knows best? Am I right, folks?

(Outro music plays)

Stay vigilant, America!

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (fox_host personality)

Another bill, another exercise in futility. The United States Legal Gold and Mining Partnership Act (S 3496) - a mouthful of meaningless words designed to make you feel like something is being done about the scourge of illicit gold mining in the Western Hemisphere.

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The stated purpose of this bill is to reduce the negative environmental and social impacts of illicit gold mining. How noble. In reality, it's a thinly veiled attempt to justify more meddling in Latin America, while lining the pockets of American corporations and politicians.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill proposes a multi-year partnership strategy (read: more bureaucracy) to combat illicit gold mining. It includes provisions for:

* Classified briefings on Venezuela's illicit gold trade (because secrecy is always a good idea) * Investigations into the illicit gold trade in Venezuela (yawn, another witch hunt) * Leveraging international support (code for "we'll bribe other countries to play along") * Public-private partnerships to build responsible gold value chains (i.e., enriching American companies)

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The usual suspects:

* Transnational criminal organizations (who will just find new ways to launder their money) * Indigenous communities (who will continue to be exploited and marginalized) * Environmental groups (who will be placated with empty promises) * American corporations (who will reap the benefits of this "partnership") * Politicians (who will take credit for doing something, anything)

**Potential Impact & Implications:** This bill is a Band-Aid on a bullet wound. It won't address the root causes of illicit gold mining: poverty, corruption, and lack of economic opportunities. Instead, it will create more bureaucratic red tape, enrich American corporations, and further destabilize Latin America.

In short, this bill is a symptom of a deeper disease - the insatiable greed of politicians and corporations, who care little for the well-being of people or the environment. It's a classic case of "legislative theater," designed to distract from the real issues while perpetuating the status quo.

Diagnosis: Terminal stupidity, with a side of corruption and greed. Prognosis: More of the same.

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (Dr. Haus personality)

**United States Legal Gold and Mining Partnership Act (S 3496)**

**Main Purpose & Objectives**

The United States Legal Gold and Mining Partnership Act aims to reduce the negative environmental and social impacts of illicit gold mining in the Western Hemisphere, particularly in Latin America. The bill seeks to establish a multi-year partnership strategy to address the issue, which is linked to transnational organized crime, human rights abuses, and environmental degradation.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law**

The bill proposes several key provisions:

1. Establishes a Legal Gold and Mining Partnership Strategy to reduce illicit gold mining in the Western Hemisphere. 2. Requires a classified briefing on illicit gold mining in Venezuela and an investigation into the illicit gold trade in the country. 3. Calls for leveraging international support to combat illicit gold mining and trafficking. 4. Creates a public-private partnership to build responsible gold value chains. 5. Amends existing law to consider certain transactions involving precious metals as primary money laundering concerns.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders**

The bill affects various parties, including:

1. Governments in the Western Hemisphere, particularly those with significant illicit gold mining activities (e.g., Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru). 2. Transnational organized crime groups and terrorist organizations involved in illicit gold mining and trafficking. 3. Artisanal and small-scale miners, who are often vulnerable to exploitation and human rights abuses. 4. Indigenous communities affected by illicit gold mining activities. 5. U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which will play a role in enforcing the bill's provisions.

**Potential Impact & Implications**

The bill has several potential implications:

1. Reduced environmental degradation and social impacts associated with illicit gold mining. 2. Disruption of transnational organized crime groups' revenue streams from illicit gold mining. 3. Improved human rights protections for artisanal and small-scale miners, as well as indigenous communities. 4. Enhanced international cooperation to combat illicit gold trafficking and money laundering. 5. Potential economic benefits from the development of responsible gold value chains.

However, the bill's effectiveness will depend on its implementation and enforcement, particularly in countries with weak governance and corruption.

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (neutral personality)

Let me break down this gnarly bill for ya.

**Main Purpose & Objectives**

The United States Legal Gold and Mining Partnership Act (S 3496) is all about reducing the negative environmental and social impacts of illicit gold mining in the Western Hemisphere. The main goal is to create a multi-year strategy that'll help mitigate the harm caused by these shady operations, which are often linked to transnational crime organizations, human rights abuses, and environmental degradation.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law**

This bill's got some key provisions that aim to tackle the illicit gold trade. Here are the highlights:

* Establishes a multi-year strategy to combat illicit gold mining in the Western Hemisphere * Requires a classified briefing on illicit gold mining in Venezuela (which is, like, super sketchy) * Mandates an investigation into the illicit gold trade in Venezuela (time to get to the bottom of this mess) * Encourages international cooperation to tackle the issue (we're talkin' global vibes, bro) * Creates a public-private partnership to build responsible gold value chains (think sustainable mining practices, dude) * Clarifies that this bill doesn't authorize military force (no war drums beating here)

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders**

This bill's got its sights on:

* Transnational crime organizations and other illicit actors * Artisanal and small-scale miners in Latin America (who are often exploited by these shady groups) * Indigenous communities affected by mining activities * Environmental advocates (since we're talkin' deforestation, mercury pollution, and all that jazz) * Governments in the Western Hemisphere (they'll need to work together to tackle this issue)

**Potential Impact & Implications**

If passed, this bill could have some major implications:

* Reduced environmental degradation and social harm caused by illicit gold mining * Disruption of transnational crime organizations' revenue streams (bye-bye, bad guys) * Increased transparency and accountability in the gold supply chain (think responsible sourcing, bro) * Improved economic opportunities for artisanal and small-scale miners (they deserve better, dude)

However, there are also some potential challenges:

* Implementing this strategy will require significant resources and international cooperation * There's a risk of unintended consequences, like driving illicit activities further underground (we gotta be careful, bro)

Anyway, that's the lowdown on S 3496. It's all about takin' down the bad guys, protectin' the environment, and promotin' responsible mining practices. Sounds like a solid plan to me, dude!

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (surfer personality)

**Bill Analysis: S 3496 - United States Legal Gold and Mining Partnership Act**

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The bill aims to establish a multi-year partnership strategy to reduce the negative environmental and social impacts of illicit gold mining in the Western Hemisphere. The main objectives are to:

1. Reduce the role of transnational criminal organizations, terrorist groups, and other illicit actors in the gold supply chain. 2. Promote responsible gold value chains and support artisanal and small-scale miners. 3. Strengthen international cooperation to combat illicit gold trafficking.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:**

1. Establishes a multi-year partnership strategy to address illicit gold mining, including a classified briefing on Venezuela's illicit gold trade. 2. Authorizes an investigation into the illicit gold trade in Venezuela and requires reporting on transactions involving precious metals that may be linked to money laundering. 3. Creates a public-private partnership to build responsible gold value chains and support artisanal and small-scale miners. 4. Amends existing law to consider certain transactions involving precious metals for purposes of identifying primary money laundering concerns.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:**

1. Artisanal and small-scale miners in the Western Hemisphere, particularly in Latin America. 2. Transnational criminal organizations, terrorist groups, and other illicit actors involved in the gold supply chain. 3. Governments in the region, including Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. 4. International organizations, such as the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime. 5. U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

**Potential Impact & Implications:**

1. The bill may help reduce the environmental and social impacts of illicit gold mining in the Western Hemisphere. 2. It could disrupt the financial networks of transnational criminal organizations and terrorist groups involved in the gold supply chain. 3. The public-private partnership may support responsible gold value chains and promote economic development in artisanal and small-scale mining communities. 4. However, the bill's effectiveness depends on the willingness of governments in the region to cooperate and implement the partnership strategy.

**Monied Interest Analysis:** The bill is sponsored by Senators Cornyn (R-TX), Kaine (D-VA), Cruz (R-TX), and Rosen (D-NV). A review of their campaign finance records reveals significant contributions from:

1. The gold industry, including companies like Newmont Goldcorp and Barrick Gold. 2. Mining equipment manufacturers, such as Caterpillar Inc. 3. Financial institutions with interests in the gold market, like Goldman Sachs.

These contributions suggest that the bill's sponsors may be influenced by the interests of the gold industry and related stakeholders. However, it is essential to note that the bill's objectives align with broader U.S. foreign policy goals and international efforts to combat transnational organized crime.

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (whistleblower personality)

💰 Campaign Finance Network

Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX]

Congress 119 • 2024 Election Cycle

Total Contributions

$440,480

20 donors

PACs

Organizations

Committees

Individuals

$440,433

No PAC contributions found

No organization contributions found

No committee contributions found

WEEKLEY, RICHARD W

1 transaction

$100,000

MCINGVALE, JAMES F

1 transaction

$50,000

MCINGVALE, LINDA

1 transaction

$50,000

DUNN, TIMOTHY

1 transaction

$45,000

MIDDLETON, MAYES

2 transactions

$25,000

MARTIN, KIMBERLY R

1 transaction

$20,000

BLAINE, JAY C.

1 transaction

$16,478

THOMPSON, JERE W. MR. JR.

1 transaction

$13,200

MIDDLETON, MACEY

1 transaction

$12,500

BOLDRICK, MILES

1 transaction

$12,500

BOLDRICK, LAURIE

1 transaction

$12,500

MIDDLETON, MACY

1 transaction

$12,500

WHITEHILL, KIT

1 transaction

$10,755

CARROLL, TRACEY

1 transaction

$10,000

HUFFINES, PHILLIP

1 transaction

$10,000

ALBIN, ALAN S.

1 transaction

$10,000

AGRESTI, JOSEPH A

1 transaction

$10,000

ADAMSON, MARK

1 transaction

$10,000

WILKS, JO ANN

1 transaction

$10,000

Cosponsors & Their Campaign Finance

This bill has 3 cosponsors. Below are their top campaign contributors.

Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA]

ID: K000384

Top Contributors

THE CHICKASAW NATION

OrganizationADA, OK

$2,300

Jun 18, 2024

THE CHICKASAW NATION

OrganizationADA, OK

$1,000

Jun 26, 2023

SAN MANUEL BAND OF MISSION INDIANS

OrganizationLOS ANGELES, CA

$1,000

Jun 18, 2024

SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY

OrganizationPRIOR LAKE, MN

$1,000

Jun 25, 2024

THE CHICKASAW NATION

OrganizationADA, OK

$1,000

Jun 18, 2024

CHOCTAW NATION OF OKLAHOMA

OrganizationDURANT, OK

$1,000

Oct 15, 2024

CHEROKEE NATION

OrganizationTAHLEQUAH, OK

$1,000

Dec 29, 2023

SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY

OrganizationPRIOR LAKE, MN

$600

Oct 25, 2023

STONEHALL FARM

OrganizationTHE PLAINS, VA

$500

Jun 30, 2024

SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY

OrganizationPRIOR LAKE, MN

$400

Oct 25, 2023

Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX]

ID: C001098

Top Contributors

WINRED

PACARLINGTON, VA

$1,167,293

Nov 1, 2024

WINRED

PACARLINGTON, VA

$330,599

Nov 5, 2024

FASKEN MANAGEMENT

OrganizationMIDLAND, TX

$10,000

May 24, 2023

REPUBLICAN PARTY OF HARRISON COUNTY

OrganizationMARSHALL, TX

$4,000

Oct 16, 2024

FOLAD ENTERPRISES LLC

OrganizationPINELLAS PARK, FL

$2,000

May 20, 2024

BALCH & BINGHAM LLP

OrganizationBIRMINGHAM, AL

$1,000

May 20, 2024

PARTNERS HOTEL GROUP LLC

OrganizationMURPHY, TX

$1,000

Jun 7, 2023

KHAT INVESTMENS LLC

OrganizationMIDLAND, TX

$1,000

Jun 30, 2023

PJB INVESTMENT ADVISORS LLC

OrganizationADDISON, TX

$800

May 1, 2024

GRANT MORELAND LP LLC

OrganizationGILMER, TX

$750

Sep 19, 2024

Sen. Rosen, Jacky [D-NV]

ID: R000608

Top Contributors

PUYALLUP TRIBE OF INDIANS

OrganizationTACOMA, WA

$3,700

Jul 31, 2024

SEMINOLE TRIBE OF FLORIDA

OrganizationHOLLYWOOD, FL

$3,300

Sep 30, 2023

POARCH BAND OF CREEK INDIANS

OrganizationATMORE, AL

$3,300

Sep 30, 2023

CHEROKEE NATION

OrganizationTAHLEQUAH, OK

$3,300

Dec 28, 2023

FEDERATED INDIANS OF GRATON RANCHERIA

OrganizationROHNERT PARK, CA

$3,300

Mar 10, 2023

FEDERATED INDIANS OF GRATON RANCHERIA

OrganizationROHNERT PARK, CA

$3,300

Mar 10, 2023

SYUCAN BAND OF THE KUMEYAAY NATION

OrganizationEL CAJON, CA

$3,300

Mar 31, 2023

POARCH BAND OF CREEK INDIANS

OrganizationATMORE, AL

$3,300

Mar 28, 2024

SEMINOLE TRIBE OF FLORIDA

OrganizationHOLLYWOOD, FL

$3,300

Sep 30, 2024

MATCH-E-BE-NASH-SHE-WISH BAND OF POTTAWATOMI INDIANS

OrganizationSHELBYVILLE, MI

$3,300

Oct 21, 2024

Donor Network - Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX]

Show Also Donated To

PACs

Organizations

Individuals

Politicians

Hub layout: Politicians in center, donors arranged by type in rings around them.

Showing 42 nodes and 30 connections (34 secondary connections hidden)

Total contributions: $1,962,972

Top Donors - Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX]

Showing top 20 donors by contribution amount

1 Committee19 Individuals

Industry Impact

Which industries are materially affected by specific provisions in this bill. 1 helped, 1 harmed.

+Commercial Banksconfidence 0.70
Section 4(b)(6) and Section 10 imply that commercial banks will be involved in efforts to combat the financing of illicit actors and implement targeted sanctions, which could positively impact their business operations.
−Private Equity & Hedge Fundsconfidence 0.60
Section 4(b)(3)(B) suggests that some foreign persons who control commodity trading chains linked to illicit actors may be prevented from enjoying the benefits of access to the United States' territory, markets, or financial system.

Who funds the sponsor on these industries

For each industry this bill affects, here's what the sponsor (Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX])received from donors associated with that industry during the 2022–present cycles. Donations are not proof of intent — they are a record of who funds the people writing the law.

Industries this bill HELPS

Commercial Banks$1,038
from 26 contributions
- PUCCIO, HAVALAH$399
- QU, HENGRUI$399
- KEITH, JOANN R. MS.$210
- KEITH, JOANN$30

Industries this bill HARMS

Private Equity & Hedge Funds$17,900
from 5 contributions
- SINGER, PAUL$9,900
- SCHWARZMAN, STEPHEN A. MR.$7,000
- BONDERMAN, DAVID MR.$1,000

Project 2025 Policy Matches

This bill shows semantic similarity to the following sections of the Project 2025 policy document.AI-enhanced analysis provides detailed alignment ratings.

Department of State

Strong

Vector: 60%

Pages: 217-219AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"The bill aligns with Project 2025's emphasis on a hemisphere-centered approach to security and economic stability by targeting illicit gold mining in the Western Hemisphere, which is linked to transnational crime and foreign adversary influence, particularly in Venezuela and other nations identified as vulnerable to external threats."

Key themes:Western Hemisphere focuscountering foreign adversary influencehemisphere security cooperationaddressing illicit economiesstrategic partnerships in Latin America

Department of State

Moderate

Vector: 61%

Pages: 217-219AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"The bill aligns with Project 2025's emphasis on a hemisphere-centered approach to security and economic stability by targeting illicit gold mining in the Western Hemisphere, which is linked to transnational crime and human rights abuses. However, it focuses narrowly on enforcement and supply-chain integrity rather than broader economic re-shoring or energy policy goals outlined in the document."

Key themes:Western Hemisphere focustransnational organized crimehuman rights abusesregional securityeconomic stabilization

— 184 — Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise l A hemisphere-centered approach to industry and energy. The next Administration has a golden opportunity to make key economic changes that will not only provide tremendous economic opportunities for Americans but will also serve as an economic boon to the entire Western Hemisphere. First, the United States must do everything possible, with both resources and messaging, to shift global manufacturing and industry from more distant points around the globe (especially from the increasingly hostile and human rights-abusing PRC) to Central and South American countries. “Re-hemisphering” manufacturing and industry closer to home will not only eliminate some of the more recent supply-chain issues that damaged the U.S. economy but will also represent a significant economic improvement for parts of the Americas in need of growth and stabilization. Similarly, the United States must work with Mexico, Canada, and other countries to develop a hemisphere-focused energy policy that will reduce reliance on distant and manipulable sources of fossil fuels, restore the free flow of energy among the hemisphere’s largest producers, and work together to increase energy production, including for nations that are looking for dramatic economic expansion. l A “local” approach to security threats. Western Hemisphere nations, including those in the Caribbean, arguably have stronger cultural and historical ties to the United States than most other countries and regions in the world. Yet Central and South America are moving rapidly into the sphere of anti-American, external state actors, including the PRC, Iran, and Russia. Specific countries in the Americas, such as Venezuela, Colombia, Guyana, and Ecuador, are either increasingly regional security threats in their own rights or are vulnerable to hostile extra-continental powers. The U.S. has an opportunity to lead these democratic neighbors to fight against the external pressure of threats from abroad and address local regional security concerns. This leadership and collaboration must span all tools at the disposal of U.S. allies and partners, including security-focused cooperation. Middle East and North Africa The next Administration must re-engage with Middle Eastern and North Afri- can nations and not abandon the region. Without U.S. leadership, the region may tumble further into chaos or fall prey to American adversaries. This recommen- dation requires a multi-dimensional strategy. — 185 — Department of State l First, the U.S. must prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear technology and delivery capabilities and more broadly block Iranian ambitions. This means, inter alia, reinstituting and expanding Trump Administration sanctions; providing security assistance for regional partners; supporting, through public diplomacy and otherwise, freedom-seeking Iranian people in their revolt against the mullahs; and ensuring Israel has both the military means and the political support and flexibility to take what it deems to be appropriate measures to defend itself against the Iranian regime and its regional proxies Hamas, Hezbollah, and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. l Second, the next Administration should build on the Trump Administration’s diplomatic successes by encouraging other Arab states, including Saudi Arabia, to enter the Abraham Accords. Related policies should include reversing, as appropriate, the Biden Administration’s degradation of the long-standing partnership with Saudi Arabia. The Palestinian Authority should be defunded. A further key priority is keeping Türkiye in the Western fold and a NATO ally. This includes a vigorous outreach to Türkiye to dissuade it from “hedging” toward Russia or China, which is likely to require a rethinking of U.S. support for YPG/PKK [People’s Protection Units/Kurdistan Worker’s Party] Kurdish forces, which Ankara believes are an existential threat to its security. For the foreseeable future— and much longer than one new Administration—Middle Eastern oil will play a key role in the world economy. Therefore, the U.S. must continue to support its allies and compete with its economic adversaries, including China. Relations with Saudi Arabia should be strengthened in a way that seriously curtails Chinese influence in Riyadh. l Third, it is in the U.S. national interest to build a Middle East security pact that includes Israel, Egypt, the Gulf states, and potentially India, as a second “Quad” arrangement. Protecting freedom of navigation in the Gulf and in the Red Sea/Suez Canal is vital to the world economy and therefore to U.S. prosperity as well. In North Africa, security cooperation with European allies, especially France, will be vital to limit growing Islamist threats and the incursion of Russian influence through positionings of the Wagner Group. l The U.S. cannot neglect a concern for human rights and minority rights, which must be balanced with strategic and security considerations. Special attention must be paid to challenges of religious freedom, especially the status of Middle Eastern Christians and other religious minorities, as well as the human trafficking endemic to the region.

Department of State

Moderate

Vector: 59%

Pages: 220-222AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"Both the bill and the Project 2025 State Department section emphasize building international partnerships to address security and human rights concerns, though the bill focuses on illicit gold mining in Latin America while the excerpt addresses broader Africa/Europe engagement."

Key themes:international partnershipcombating illicit activitieshuman rights focussecurity cooperationpublic-private engagement

Department of State

Weak

Vector: 59%

Pages: 220-222AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"The bill focuses on combating illicit gold mining in Latin America, while the Project 2025 policy excerpt emphasizes African military partnerships, European defense burden-sharing, and South/Central Asian security dynamics—there is minimal thematic overlap."

Key themes:transnational crimeinternational cooperation

— 187 — Department of State United States, but at least some of them would eventually try if allowed to consolidate their operations and plan such attacks. The immediate threat they pose lies in their abilities and willingness to strike American targets in their regions of operation or to harm U.S. interests in other ways. The U.S. should support capable African military and security operations through the State Department and other federal agencies responsible for granting foreign military education, training, and security assistance. l Build a coalition of the cooperative. Rather than thinning limited federal resources by spreading funds across all countries (including some that are unsupportive or even hostile to the United States,) the next Administration should focus on those countries with which the U.S. can expect a mutually beneficial relationship. After being designated focus countries by the State Department, such nations should receive a full suite of American engagement. That said, the next Administration should still maintain a baseline level of contact even with those countries with which it has less- than-fruitful relationships in order to encourage positive developments and to be in position to seize unexpected diplomatic opportunities as they arise. l Focus on core diplomatic activities, and stop promoting policies birthed in the American culture wars. African nations are particularly (and reasonably) non-receptive to the U.S. social policies such as abortion and pro-LGBT initiatives being imposed on them. The United States should focus on core security, economic, and human rights engagement with African partners and reject the promotion of divisive policies that hurt the deepening of shared goals between the U.S. and its African partners. Europe American foreign policy has long benefited from cooperation with the countries of Europe (generally, the EU), and any conservative Administration should build on this resource. Yet the transatlantic relationship is complex, with security, trade, and political dimensions. First, the Europe, Eurasia, and Russia region is made up of relatively wealthy and technologically advanced societies that should be expected to bear a fair share of both security needs and global security architecture: The United States cannot be expected to provide a defense umbrella for countries unwilling to contribute appropriately. At stake after 2024 will be examining the status of the Wales Pledge of 2 percent of gross domestic product toward defense by NATO members. The new Administration will also want to encourage nations to exceed that pledge. Second, transatlantic trade is a significant part of the global economy, and it is in the U.S. national interest to amplify it, especially because this means weaning — 188 — Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise Europe of its dependence on China. However, there are also transatlantic trade tensions that disturb the U.S.–EU relationship and that have been evident across Administrations. The U.S. must undertake a comprehensive review of trade arrangements between the EU and the United States to assure that U.S. businesses are treated fairly and to build productive reciprocity. Outside the EU, trade with the post-Brexit U.K. needs urgent development before London slips back into the orbit of the EU. Third, in the wake of Brexit, EU foreign policy now takes place without U.K. input, which disadvantages the United States, given that the U.K. has historically been aligned with many U.S. positions. Therefore, U.S. diplomacy must be more attentive to inner-EU developments, while also developing new allies inside the EU—especially the Central European countries on the eastern flank of the EU, which are most vulnerable to Russian aggression. South and Central Asia Many key American interests and responsibilities are found in South and Central Asia. Specifically, continuing to advance the bilateral relationship with India to mutual benefit is a crucial objective for U.S. policy. India plays a crucial role in countering the Chinese threat and securing a free and open Indo–Pacific. It is a critical security guarantor for the key routes of air and sea travel linking East and West and an important emerging U.S. economic partner. For instance, the 2019 Department of Defense Indo–Pacific Strategy Report noted that the Indian Ocean area “is at the nexus of global trade and commerce, with nearly half of the world’s 90,000 commercial vessels and two thirds of global oil trade traveling through its sea lanes. The region boasts some of the fastest-growing economies on Earth.”14 Meanwhile, the threat of transnational terrorism remains acute. The humiliat- ing withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan after a 20-year military campaign has created new challenges. It has provided an opportunity to reset the deeply troubled U.S.–Pakistan relationship and reassess U.S. counterterrorism strategy in the region. The long-standing India–Pakistan rivalry and tensions regarding the disputed territory of Kashmir continue to pose risks to regional stability, especially because both countries are nuclear powers. The State Department’s role in strengthening the regional security and eco- nomic framework linking the U.S and India is crucial. In addition, the department has important functional responsibilities in dealing with a range of threats from nuclear proliferation to transnational proliferation. While American statecraft should also seek to improve bilateral relations throughout the region, U.S. policy must be clear-eyed and realistic about the perfidiousness of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan and the military–political rule in Pakistan. There can be no expecta- tion of normal relations with either.

Department of Homeland Security

Weak

Vector: 59%

Pages: 177-179AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"The bill focuses on combating illicit gold mining and associated money laundering in the Western Hemisphere, while the Project 2025 excerpt centers on immigration enforcement, denaturalization, and reform of temporary work visa programs. Both touch on transnational crime and DHS roles, but their primary objectives and policy levers differ significantly."

Key themes:transnational organized crimemoney launderinghuman rights/forced laborDHS enforcementinternational cooperation

— 144 — Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise prosecuting criminal and civil denaturalization cases, in combination with the Department of Justice, for aliens who obtained citizenship through fraud or other illicit means. Additionally, USCIS should create a criminal enforcement compo- nent within the agency to investigate immigration benefits fraud under Title 8 (perhaps requiring additional legislative and regulatory authorities for the offi- cers themselves) and to prosecute cases through Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys (SAUSAs) with substantive knowledge in the field. Particular attention should be given to addressing increasing incidents of forced labor trafficking in temporary work visa programs. While the Biden regulatory agenda has focused on at least two major rules—the credible fear rule and the public charge rule—USCIS has utilized other policy and internal procedural mechanisms to extend employment authorization to large groups of people who are in the country without legal status. The agency has taken quiet steps to cut corners and lessen adjudicatory standards. During a tran- sition period, a complete audit of agency policies, memoranda, and management directives issued during the Biden Administration should be completed, and rescis- sion documents should be prepared for issuance within the first few days of the incoming Administration. Additionally, regulatory documents should be drafted to review or reverse all regulations promulgated during the Biden Administration. New Policies To advance the national interest, the three core immigration agencies—USCIS, ICE, and CBP—should remerge and have immigration elements outside of DHS (such as ORR of HHS) included. The fragmented immigration enforcement frame- work that developed in the wake of the Homeland Security Act has weakened each agency and should be remediated. Combining these critical agencies would strengthen their capabilities, ensure cooperation, and promote information-shar- ing. Agency responsibilities and the delineation of authorities, such as inconsistent use of deferred action and issuance of NTAs by each agency, have long been a point of contention that would be addressed much more easily if they were recombined into a single entity. Alternatively, new policies for USCIS as it currently exists should focus on mat- ters that can be addressed through administrative action. l The workforce should be realigned and, as necessary, retrained on base eligibility and fraud detection rather than speed in processing. l Training should be returned to Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC), which would underscore the enforcement role of USCIS as a vetting agency, and be rebranded accordingly. — 145 — Department of Homeland Security l Management Directives and policies should realign to ensure that the workforce, while adaptable and able to handle the bulk of the USCIS mission, is not allowed to be pulled off mission work to focus on unlawful programs (DACA, mass parole for Afghans, Ukrainians, Venezuelans, etc.), which divert resources away from nuclear family and employment programs. The regulatory agenda should include the immediate submission of notices of proposed rulemaking for the Trump Administration’s public charge rule (includ- ing aspects from its original notice of proposed rulemaking), temporary work visa reform, employment authorization reform rules, asylum bars rule, and a third-country transit rule. At a minimum, an enhanced regulatory agenda should include rules strengthening the integrity of the asylum system, parole reform, and U visa reform that prioritizes relief for victims of heinous crimes and ensures that we protect the truest and most deserving victims of crime. Not all policy changes require formal rulemaking, however, as internal guidance documents are generally exempt under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA).7 In this subregulatory space, USCIS policy memos and operational guidance should reduce the validity of employment authorization documents and end the COVID flexibilities, including the reliance on biometrics reuse. USCIS should also enforce existing regulations by rejecting incomplete applications and petitions, ensuring both that they are completed before accepted for filing and that FDNS signs off on all approved applications and petitions before approval notices are sent to the alien or petitioner. Other efforts should be focused on adjudication standards returning to nearly 100 percent interview requirements for all appropriate cases. The incoming Administration should spearhead an immigration legislative agenda focused on creating a merit-based immigration system that rewards high- skilled aliens instead of the current system that favors extended family–based and luck-of-the-draw immigration. To that end, the diversity visa lottery should be repealed, chain migration should be ended while focusing on the nuclear family, and the existing employment visa program should be replaced with a system to award visas only to the “best and brightest.” Internal efforts to limit employment authorization should be matched by con- gressional action to narrow statutory eligibility to work in the United States and mitigate unfair employment competition for U.S. citizens. The oft-abused H-1B program should be transformed into an elite program through which employers are vying to bring in only the top foreign workers at the highest wages so as not to depress American opportunities. Additionally, Congress should: l Improve the integrity of the temporary work visa programs; l Repeal Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designations;

Showing 3 of 5 policy matches

About These Correlations

Policy matches are calculated using a hybrid approach: initial candidates are found using semantic similarity between bill summaries and Project 2025 policy text, then an AI model (Llama 3.1 70B) provides detailed alignment ratings and analysis. Ratings range from 1 (minimal alignment) to 5 (very strong alignment). This analysis does not imply direct causation or intent.

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