Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1501, the Protecting Domestic Mining Act. The United States of America is one of the most richly blessed nations on Earth. We have an abundance of resources and expertise and are good stewards of both. For far too long, we have let nations that despise us control our access to critical minerals that power our economy and our military. Right now, China refines over 90 percent of the world's critical minerals. They graduate 3,000 mining engineers a year, while the United States graduates between 160 and 300. That cannot continue to happen.
2026 MidtermsSolid SeatR+35R shift +5$705K raised
Burgess Owens
Representative · Utah · Republican
Burgess Owens
House Floor
Recent comments in the House
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4795, the Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act. Anti-Semitism on American campuses is not a fringe problem, and it is not slowing down. Across the United States and our institutions of higher learning, we have seen a concerted and coordinated effort to isolate Jewish students and faculty. In fact, as we have heard, the Combat Antisemitism Movement reported 531 incidents in the U.S. on college and university campuses in 2025.
Mr. Speaker, in a speech given by Frederick Douglass in 1894, he said: ``Education . . . [is] the light only by which men can be free. To deny education . . . is one of the greatest crimes against human nature [because] it is to deny them the means of freedom and the rightful pursuit of happiness.'' Mr. Speaker, this is why the issue of fraud in our financial aid system is so pernicious. Taxpayer dollars are finite, and each dollar that is defrauded represents another lost opportunity for the students who need it the most. Ghost student fraud is a growing problem in higher education.
Biography
Burgess Owens, a former NFL safety and business executive, represents Utah’s 4th Congressional District after being elected to the U.S. House in 2020. Owens prioritizes economic opportunity, education reform, and support for veterans in his legislative agenda. He introduced the "Reach Every Mother and Child Act" to address global maternal health and serves on the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. Owens approaches his role with a focus on pragmatic solutions and direct engagement with constituents, aiming to reflect Utah’s values in Congress.
Education
- B.S. in Biology / Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL
Professional History
U.S. Representative
2021–PresentRepresented Utah's 4th congressional district for 3 terms.
Policy Focus
Education39%
Labor and Employment12%
Crime and Law Enforcement8%
Families6%
Notable Legislation
Key legislative actions from Burgess Owens's record in Congress.
Human Trafficking Prevention
Co-sponsored the Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act to strengthen anti-human trafficking efforts.
STEM Education Support
Introduced the BOOST Act to expand access to STEM education and workforce training for underserved communities.
Veterans Affairs Oversight
Served on the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, advocating for improved healthcare and benefits for veterans.
Small Business COVID-19 Relief
Supported legislation providing financial relief to small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Committee Assignments
View details →- House Committee on Education and Workforce
- House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
Rep. Burgess Owens FAQ
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