Austin News

U.S. Senators have introduced the Critical Minerals Security Act, a legislative effort aimed at securing U.S. access to critical mineral supply chains and countering Chinese dominance in this sector. The bill, presented by Senators John Cornyn, Mark Warner, Todd Young, Angus King, James Lankford, and John Hickenlooper, seeks to direct the Department of the Interior to evaluate global supply and ownership of these minerals.

Senator Cornyn highlighted the importance of understanding how critical minerals are controlled globally: “Despite the important role critical minerals play in everything from consumer electronics to military defense, we need more information to secure a reliable, long-term supply of these minerals.”

Senator Warner emphasized national security concerns: “Our national security depends on our ability to identify secure sources of critical minerals and support domestic industry in mining, refining, and processing these minerals.”

Senator Young pointed out China's aggressive tactics: “The Chinese Communist Party is aggressively attempting to monopolize critical mineral resources.”

Senator King underscored the bipartisan nature of the legislation: “The bipartisan Critical Minerals Security Act would help us better understand and leverage the rare earth minerals supply chain.”

Senator Lankford remarked on dependency issues: “The United States shouldn’t remain dependent on communist China or other adversaries for critical and rare earth minerals used by our defense, health care, aerospace, technology, and energy industries.”

Finally, Senator Hickenlooper spoke about maintaining technological leadership: “The U.S. can’t lead the world in AI, quantum computing, and clean energy with China holding all the cards.”

The act mandates several measures including submitting regular reports on global mineral resources controlled by various entities and developing strategies for international collaboration in mining technologies.