Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of my amendment, floor amendment No. 154 of the NDAA. Currently, the United States relies on China for 20 different critical minerals, which includes several rare earth materials defined by the Department of Defense. Rare earth materials are used in numerous modern technologies, including missile guidance, control systems, lasers for enemy mine detection, satellite communications, radar, and sonar on submarines, to name a few. Any interruption of rare earth exports from China would drastically impact defense manufacturing, American economic growth, and overall combat readiness. Madam Speaker, as a producer of nearly 80 percent of the world's rare earth materials, China wields considerable leverage against our country and its allies and did so with Japan earlier. My amendment would direct the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment to issue guidance that ensures the elimination of the United States dependency on rare earth materials from China by fiscal year 2035. This very same amendment was made in order last year and passed by voice; however, it was not included in the final conference report. Madam Speaker, I strongly urge adoption of my amendment. Madam Speaker, I include in the Record an article from Department of Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette.…”