U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), who are leading the SECURE Minerals Act, released a joint statement following the Trump Administration’s announcement of a $12 billion stockpile of critical and rare earth minerals.
“We are pleased to see the Administration take steps to stockpile critical minerals for economic purposes. It’s a clear sign that there is bipartisan support for securing a robust domestic supply of critical minerals that both reduces our reliance on China and stabilizes the market.
“Beyond this effort, we should ensure a reliable, long-term supply and provide the durability needed to grow and maintain a domestic critical minerals industry in order to stabilize prices and diversify our most important supply chains away from China. Our bipartisan, bicameral SECURE Minerals Act will give American companies and consumers the certainty we need to fend off supply chain disruptions, volatile prices and economic coercion from our most important economic adversary.
“With this announcement in mind, we look forward to working with our colleagues to earn more support and pass our bill through Congress to advance long-term American leadership to secure the materials and good jobs that strengthen our national security and grow our economy.”
Young and Shaheen have recently introduced legislation aimed at establishing a Strategic Resilience Reserve within an independent government corporation. The goal is to increase U.S. supplies of critical minerals and support related markets.
Senator Young has also outlined additional legislative efforts for Congress focused on securing mineral supply chains, identifying vulnerabilities, and expanding partnerships. This strategy includes measures such as the Finding ORE Act, Critical Minerals Security Act, and STRATEGIC Minerals Act.
According to his official website, Senator Young has prioritized national security issues along with economic growth. He serves Indiana in the Senate on several committees including finance, commerce, science and transportation, small business, entrepreneurship, as well as intelligence panels. His work includes supporting policies that bolster U.S. manufacturing sectors like semiconductors through laws such as the CHIPS and Science Act.
Senator Young’s background also includes service as a U.S. Marine Corps officer after earning degrees from institutions like the U.S. Naval Academy.
