US HB4018

Requires the Secretary of Commerce to expedite within 60 days the review and issuance of exploration licenses and commercial recovery permits under the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act, while the Secretary of Interior must establish an expedited process for Outer Continental Shelf prospecting permits and leases

Directs the Secretary of Interior to develop within 60 days a seabed mapping plan for priority areas of the U.S. outer Continental Shelf, focusing on regions with abundant seabed mineral resources including polymetallic nodules, cobalt-rich crusts, and heavy mineral sands

Mandates identification of critical minerals derivable from seabed resources and determination of which are essential for defense, infrastructure, manufacturing, and energy applications, in coordination with the Secretaries of Defense and Energy

Requires engagement with key partners and allies to offer U.S. support for seabed mineral exploration, extraction, processing, and environmental monitoring within their jurisdictions, including developing a prioritized list of foreign countries for collaboration

Establishes reporting requirements to Congress on private sector opportunities for seabed mining and the feasibility of an international benefit-sharing mechanism for mineral extraction in areas beyond any country's jurisdiction