Iowa’s farmers and manufacturers keep America moving — turning raw materials into the food, fuel, and equipment that power our nation. And at the foundation of it all are a handful of critical resources: rare earth minerals.
The problem: China controls over 85% of the world’s rare earth minerals — and they’ve already threatened to cut off U.S. access.
What we’re doing: I’ve worked to add phosphate and potash, key fertilizer inputs, to the U.S. critical mineral list. I also laid out a comprehensive, whole-of-nation approach to protect America from Chinese manipulation while also supporting domestic mineral production at today’s Committee on Strategic Competition with China hearing. ⬇️
We cannot rely on our greatest adversary for critical resources. Our military leadership understands it, our farmers feel it, and I remain committed to fighting to secure these supply chains for the future of our economy.
Bottom Line: Securing American access to critical minerals is vital to protecting Iowa jobs, preventing China from manipulating the market, and defending our national security. We’ve laid the groundwork — and I’ll keep fighting until the job is done.