Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House of Representatives passed Congressman John James’ (MI-10) Securing America’s Critical Minerals Supply Act. The bill is aimed at strengthening U.S. energy supply chains, ensuring Americans have access to reliable and secure energy resources while supporting next-generation technologies and the defense industrial base. It passed the House with bipartisan support.

This is James’ 12^th legislative item to pass the House of Representatives.

The Securing America’s Critical Minerals Supply Act (H.R. 3617) directs the Department of Energy to assess vulnerabilities in critical energy resource supply chains, including critical minerals and rare earth elements, and develop strategies to address disruptions and over-reliance on adversarial nations. 

Currently the U.S. is 100% reliant on imports for 12 critical minerals, and at least 50% reliant on an additional 28. China maintains 60% of the world’s production of rare earth elements and 90% of their global processing capacity. By enhancing coordination and planning within the Department of Energy, the legislation helps reduce reliance on foreign adversaries and protects the industries and technologies essential to our economy and national defense.

“This bill is a bold step toward ensuring the United States leads in energy innovation, security, and independence, and I’m thrilled to see it pass the House,” said Rep. James. "We cannot be the ‘land of the free’ if we choose to rely on critical mineral supply chains that are dependent on child and slave labor. This is about unleashing American energy, powering our factories, fueling innovation, and securing our future. It’s a massive step towards building an energy-independent America and putting an end to over-reliance on adversaries, dictators, and despots around the world.”

"Keeping our nation strong and secure means having access to reliable and affordable energy. Right now, the technologies that power our grid rely on critical minerals produced and controlled by adversarial nations,” said Energy & Commerce Chairman Brett Guthrie (KY-02). “To address this crucial issue, the House passed the Securing America’s Critical Minerals Supply Act, which strengthens the Department of Energy's support for critical energy resource supply chains, which are vital to keeping the lights on for American families and powering U.S. industrial facilities. Thank you to Congressman James for his leadership on this important legislation."

Key provisions of the legislation include:

• Require the Department of Energy to continuously evaluate which minerals and energy resources are essential to U.S. energy and national security and identify vulnerabilities in supply chains, including risks created by reliance on foreign imports and adversarial nations.
• Direct the Department to examine domestic production capacity, regulatory barriers, and supply constraints while assessing how countries like China exploit mineral markets to undermine American investment and manufacturing.
• Mandate the development of strategies to strengthen U.S. supply chains by encouraging domestic production, supporting alternatives and substitutes, and advancing recycling and reuse technologies to reduce dependence on foreign sources.

This legislation complements the Trump administration’s recently announced plan for a $12 billion-dollar critical mineral stockpile to guard against supply disruptions. 

To view Rep. James speaking on the floor in favor of H.R. 3617, click here.

To view the bill text, click here.

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