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Rep. Bera introduces bipartisan bill on mineral security
The proposed legislation aims to support the development of secure, resilient, and sustainable mineral supply chains.
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Malvika Choudhary - Wed, 16, Jul 2025
- 13:42 EDT
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Ami Bera / File Photo
Indian American Congressman Ami Bera (CA-06) introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at enhancing American leadership in critical mineral supply chains and reducing global dependence on China.
The proposed legislation, titled the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) Authorization Act, seeks to formally authorize the U.S. State Department to coordinate efforts under the Minerals Security Partnership — an international coalition of 14 countries and the European Union — to accelerate responsible investment in key mineral projects worldwide.
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“Minerals like lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements are essential to powering our economy, clean energy future, and national defense,” said Bera, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific. “The People’s Republic of China currently holds a near-monopoly over many of these supply chains and has shown a willingness to weaponize that control. Securing critical minerals is not just an economic issue — it is a national security imperative.”
Through strengthened diplomatic engagement and coordination with U.S. agencies such as the Development Finance Corporation, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency, and the Export-Import Bank, the bill aims to support the development of secure, resilient, and sustainable supply chains.
It also calls for greater collaboration with partner governments and financial institutions to mobilize investment and reduce reliance on authoritarian regimes.
Subcommittee Chairwoman Young Kim (R-CA-40) who co-sponsored the legislation, said, “Xi Jinping should not determine whether the United States can obtain critical minerals we need to power technologies that run our lives, from cell phones to defense systems. The United States must work with our allies to strengthen our critical mineral supply chains and protect our economy and national security from the Chinese Communist Party.”
Representative James Moylan (R-GU) added that the bill would enhance international and domestic efforts to secure mineral supply chains and advanced manufacturing, stating that diversified sourcing strengthens alliances while reducing outsourcing from adversarial states. He also highlighted the bill’s role in establishing a data-driven approach to attract investment aligned with national security and environmental standards.
The bill outlines a U.S. strategy to engage with mineral-producing countries through the MSP Forum to encourage transparent investment practices. It also emphasizes the promotion of environmental safeguards, labor protections, and community benefits alongside economic development goals.
The Minerals Security Partnership, launched in 2022, has emerged as a critical platform for coordinating global investment in essential minerals.
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