The bipartisan legislation would create diplomatic training and a new White House advisory post focused on securing critical mineral supply chains away from China.
WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. Tim Scott, R-S.C., and Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., introduced legislation this week aimed at improving how the federal government coordinates access to critical minerals, according to Scott’s office.
The Critical Mineral Executive Coordination Act would create a training program through the Foreign Service Institute to prepare diplomats to address economic and national security issues tied to critical minerals and competition with China, according to the release. The bill would also establish a permanent special advisor to the president for critical minerals and supply chains within the National Security Council.
Sens. Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., Tim Kaine, D-Va., Chris Coons, D-Del., and John Curtis, R-Utah, joined as cosponsors, according to the release.
“Critical minerals are the building blocks for advanced technology. From powering our cellphones to our nation’s most advanced weapons systems, they are essential to America’s national security,” Scott said. “The Critical Mineral Executive Coordination Act supports our efforts to safeguard access to critical minerals, bolstering our national defense, energy security, and economic competitiveness. America’s future should be driven by American strength, and this bill helps make sure the U.S. – not China – leads the way.”
Warnock said the bill responds to vulnerabilities in the supply chain. “Georgia’s transformative contributions to national defense and technological advancement call for streamlined access to global critical mineral markets,” Warnock said. “This bipartisan bill addresses alarming vulnerabilities by educating our federal workers and diplomats on the importance of securing our nation’s critical mineral supply chains and how to better support our domestic industries.”
A companion bill was introduced in the House by Rep. Young Kim, R-Calif., who chairs the House Foreign Affairs East Asia and Pacific Subcommittee, and Rep. Ami Bera, D-Calif., according to the release. Kim said the measure advances provisions from the House-passed DOMINANCE Act and that she looks forward to working with Scott to send the legislation to the president before the end of the year.
According to background information provided by Scott’s office, the Chinese Communist Party controls more than 70% of global rare earth mining and about 90% of refining capacity. Scott’s office noted he previously introduced legislation on workforce development in critical mineral mining and secured provisions in the fiscal year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act related to domestic supply chains.
Based on a release from U.S. Sen. Tim Scott.
Source: U.S. Sen. Tim Scott original release.
