Henrico Times

Congressman Rob Wittman (R-VA-01) has introduced three legislative proposals aimed at reducing the United States' reliance on China for critical minerals. This move is part of an effort to bolster American industry in collaboration with U.S. allies and partners. Alongside these legislative efforts, Wittman also unveiled a bipartisan policy report that offers strategies to establish resilient supply chains for critical minerals.

Rep. Wittman, who plays a significant role in the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), particularly within its Critical Minerals Policy Working Group, emphasized the economic threat posed by China's dominance in this sector. "The Chinese Communist Party’s dominance of global critical minerals supply chains poses a dire economic threat to U.S. national security," he stated.

One of the proposed bills, the Earth Sciences and Cooperation Enhancement Act of 2024, aims to facilitate international collaboration on earth sciences and mineral supply chains through Memoranda of Understanding with foreign governments. It encourages partnerships between U.S. entities and their foreign counterparts to advance geologic mapping and data analysis while fostering sustainable development.

Another piece of legislation seeks to amend the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 by implementing export controls on materials like black mass and swarf to prevent their exploitation by foreign adversaries such as China. The amendment is designed to strengthen domestic supply chains and counter market manipulation by the People's Republic of China.

The third proposal, known as the Securing Essential and Critical U.S. Resources and Elements (SECURE) Minerals Act of 2024, proposes establishing a Resilient Resource Reserve for critical minerals. This reserve would aim to stabilize prices and ensure adequate supplies for industries vital to national security while maintaining market-oriented practices.

In addition to these legislative initiatives, Rep. Wittman announced a bipartisan report titled “Creating Resilient Critical Mineral Supply Chains.” The report outlines strategies developed by the Critical Minerals Policy Working Group to address vulnerabilities in mineral supply chains.