Lawmakers from the Critical Minerals Policy Working Group have introduced new bipartisan legislation aimed at reducing the United States' dependence on China for critical minerals. This move comes as part of efforts to bolster American industry and workforce capabilities.
Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI) and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) of the House Select Committee on Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party, along with Rep. Rob Wittman (R-VA) and Rep. Kathy Castor (D-FL), co-chairs of the Critical Mineral Policy Working Group, led this initiative. The group has been working to address reliance on China for critical minerals, which are essential for various industries.
The newly proposed bills include the Earth Sciences and Cooperation Enhancement Act of 2024, an amendment to the Export Reform Act of 2018, and the Critical Minerals Workforce Enhancement Act. These legislative measures aim to secure supply chains and promote domestic production.
"The success of the American industrial economy is dependent on our foremost adversary for essential critical minerals," said Chairman Moolenaar. "This is untenable and dangerous for the American people."
Ranking Member Krishnamoorthi expressed gratitude towards Reps. Castor and Wittman for their leadership in crafting solutions that will help diversify critical mineral supplies.
Rep. Wittman highlighted concerns over China's dominance in global critical mineral supply chains, emphasizing that these bills aim to counteract such influence by removing unnecessary export controls and improving international cooperation in earth sciences.
Rep. Castor pointed out that America's reliance on adversarial nations poses a threat to national security, stressing that this legislative package seeks sustainable development through international partnerships.
Rep. Haley Stevens noted that over half of 41 identified critical minerals come from foreign sources, calling this situation unacceptable while acknowledging progress made by the working group.
Rep. Ritchie Torres emphasized that these initiatives reflect a commitment to national security and economic resilience through enhanced collaboration and workforce development.
The report accompanying these bills outlines recommendations for addressing vulnerabilities in critical mineral supply chains while highlighting bipartisan efforts in both House and Senate aimed at improving resilience.
