Moolenaar Votes in Support of Building American Critical Minerals Dominance

Today, Chairman John Moolenaar of the Select Committee on China voted for the Critical Minerals Dominance Act, a bill that makes that makes President Donald Trump’s executive orders on mining permanent. The legislation directs the Department of the Interior to address supply chain vulnerabilities, including U.S. reliance on China, by boosting the development of mineral production within the United States. 

"China fired a loaded gun at the world economy last October by putting a chokehold on the supply of critical minerals and threatening supply chains our nation depends on," said Chairman Moolenaar. "This commonsense legislation would help end that threat, create more secure supply chains, and ensure American mineral deposits can be efficiently accessed to end American dependence on China. Mineral security is national security." 

The Critical Minerals Dominance Act will help develop a consistent supply of critical minerals that U.S. manufacturers need to produce automobiles, semiconductors, electronics, and other industrial products. It was originally introduced by Congressman Pete Stauber (R-MN) and passed by a vote of 224-195.

Last fall, the committee released a bipartisan investigation into China’s manipulation of the critical minerals market.

The investigation revealed several key findings, including:

• The People's Republic of China (PRC) government subsidizes its state mining companies with tens of billions of dollars including zero-interest-rate loans to support its global acquisition of mining assets.
• The PRC has established a legal framework governing mineral price reporting, giving Beijing the ability to raise and lower prices to favor its national security interests.
• The PRC pushed down the price of critical minerals, including lithium—an important element used in everyday items.
• When the prices were low, the PRC subsidized its firms to aggressively acquire mining assets and cement its control over the global supply chain.

"From cell phones to fighter jets, every American is dependent on minerals that China manipulates for its own selfish interests," said Moolenaar when the report was released.