In December, I released a statement applauding the Administration for strengthening our national security by taking Executive Action to reduce our nation’s dependence on foreign sources of critical and strategic minerals. As you may know, minerals and mined materials are the raw ingredients needed in high-tech manufacturing, renewable energy products, and to support American energy infrastructure. Critical and strategic minerals are also fundamental components of technologies and everyday items like: cell phones, computers, solar panels, wind turbines, building materials, motor vehicles, personal hygiene products, and office supplies.
However, a recent study published by the Department of the Interior (DOI) and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) found the U.S. is 100 percent net import reliant on foreign countries, including China, for 21 different critical minerals. Our present reliance on foreign nations for critical minerals – particularly those of questionable stability and demonstrated hostile intentions towards the United States – poses a serious national security risk which increases by orders of magnitude the more import-reliant our country becomes.
For this reason, I joined 29 of my colleagues in the House this week in sending a letter to the Administration applauding its previous action on this issue, but also stressing the importance of requiring an ongoing review of the DOI’s draft list of the 35 mineral commodities deemed critical. Accordingly, we also suggested expanding the draft list to include other materials which are integral in fortifying our nation’s military and domestic infrastructure to ensure our economy and industries are not bound to the decisions and intentions of foreign actors.
Having introduced critical minerals legislation that has passed out of the House the last three Congresses in a row – and watching that bill run straight into Senate-paralysis – I appreciate the fact the Administration has taken the initial lead on this issue and is moving the ball toward the goal line. I look forward to continuing to work with our federal agencies to strengthen our national security by curtailing our nation's reliance on foreign sources of critical minerals.
Washington Wrap-up
Meeting with: Olympic Athletes David Wise and Stacey Cook
This week, I had the opportunity to meet with David Wise, Reno native, freestyle skier, and two-time Olympic gold medalist. He was joined by four-time alpine ski Olympian, Stacey Cook, to discuss issues related to climate change and the work my colleagues and I are doing on the Climate Solutions Caucus. Congratulations to the both of them on their remarkable achievements and thanks for stopping by!
Meeting with: Nevada AARP
I also met with representatives from Nevada AARP to discuss the medical tax deduction and funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Thanks for stopping by to share your concerns. I look forward to continuing to work together on these and other important issues.
Congratulating the Honorable Bob Cashell
This week, I submitted remarks for the Official Record in recognition of Mayor Cashell’s 80th birthday and the work he’s done on behalf of Nevada. Click here or on the video above to watch my full speech.
U.S. Capitol Police Luncheon
I teamed up with Rep. Lou Barletta and Rep. Tom Marino this week to host a lunch for the U.S. Capitol Police. These brave men and women work hard each day to keep Members, staff, and Washington visitors safe and we’re incredibly grateful for their service.
Looking ahead:
April 29th – May 5th is National Small Business Week. You might be interested to know that America's 30 million small businesses not only play a significant role in our national wealth, but in every state and community across our country. Learn more about our nation’s small businesses below. And remember, you can support your community’s small business owners next week by shopping local!
(Courtesy of the House Small Business Committee)
As always, thank you for subscribing to the Amodei Report. I look forward to continuing to keep you up to date on the issues you care about most.
For additional information, please visit my website at amodei.house.gov or call my Washington office: (202) 225-6155, Reno office: (775) 686-5760 or Elko office: (775) 777-7705. To receive updates on what I am doing in Washington and in Nevada’s 2nd District follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Youtube.
