East Michigan News

Lawmakers from the Critical Minerals Policy Working Group have introduced new bipartisan legislation aimed at reducing the United States' reliance on critical minerals from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The announcement was made during the group's final meeting of the 118th Congress in Washington, D.C.

The initiative is led by Rep. Rob Wittman (R-VA) and Rep. Kathy Castor (D-FL), co-chairs of the Committee’s Critical Mineral Policy Working Group. They are joined by 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 CCP.

The group has proposed three new bipartisan bills along with a policy report titled "Creating Resilient Critical Mineral Supply Chains." Members involved include Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO), Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI), Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-FL), Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY), and Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA).

Chairman Moolenaar emphasized that "the success of the American industrial economy is dependent on our foremost adversary for essential critical minerals," describing this situation as "untenable and dangerous."

Ranking Member Krishnamoorthi expressed gratitude for Reps. Castor and Wittman's leadership, stating that these legislative efforts would help diversify America's critical mineral supply.

Rep. Wittman highlighted concerns over China's dominance in global critical mineral supply chains, noting its economic threat to U.S. national security.

Rep. Castor stressed that America's dependence on adversarial nations for critical minerals threatens both national security and clean energy futures.

Rep. Stevens pointed out that "the US is reliant on foreign sources for 50% or more of 41 out of 50 identified critical minerals," which she deemed unacceptable.

Rep. Torres praised the working group's report, noting its importance in addressing supply chain vulnerabilities through international collaboration.

The proposed legislation includes:

1. The Earth Sciences and Cooperation Enhancement Act of 2024: This act authorizes funding for international cooperation on earth sciences related to critical mineral supply chains.

2. An amendment to the Export Reform Control Act of 2018: This amendment seeks to control exports of black mass and swarf to prevent exploitation by foreign adversaries like China.

3. The Critical Minerals Workforce Enhancement Act: This bill aims to strengthen domestic expertise in mining, refining, processing, and recycling critical minerals through education reforms.

These legislative efforts are intended to bolster U.S industries, enhance workforce capabilities, and reduce dependency on foreign adversaries for crucial materials necessary for national security and clean energy technologies.