The Warren Sun

Congressman John James has introduced the Securing America's Critical Minerals Supply Act to the U.S. House of Representatives. The legislation aims to redefine "critical energy resource" and empower the Department of Energy (DOE) with a mandate to secure minerals essential for the energy sector. Co-leading the bill are Rep. Jay Obernolte and Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks.

The demand for critical minerals is increasing in sectors like manufacturing and artificial intelligence. Current policies have left the United States dependent on foreign sources, which poses risks to energy security and economic growth.

Rep. James emphasized, “This bill is a bold step toward ensuring the United States leads in energy innovation, security, and independence. 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." He added that this legislation aims at "unleashing American energy—powering our factories, fueling innovation, and securing our future."

The proposed bill includes amendments to require ongoing assessments by the Secretary of Energy regarding critical energy resources' supply, vulnerabilities in supply chains, and their impact on energy technologies development. It also directs efforts to diversify sourcing and increase domestic production, refining, and processing of these resources.

Additionally, it seeks to redefine "critical energy resource" as any essential resource for U.S. energy systems whose supply chain is vulnerable to disruption.