Senators Shaheen, Curtis Introduce bipartisan legislation on critical minerals supply chains

U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and John Curtis (R-UT), member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen America’s national and economic security by bolstering partnerships with allies to secure the global supply of critical minerals. The legislation directs the U.S. government to work with trusted international partners to develop secure, reliable and transparent supply chains for critical minerals by authorizing U.S. participation in the Minerals Security Partnership.

“This summer, China demonstrated the capability and willingness to deprive the world of critical minerals that are critical for our economic prosperity and our military preparedness” said Ranking Member Shaheen. “The United States cannot solve its critical minerals supply chain challenges alone. Rather, we must coordinate closely with our allies and partners, and this bipartisan legislation will support those efforts. This bill, a key recommendation from the Senate Foreign Relation Committee’s recent minority report, The Price of Retreat, directs the Secretary of State to work with U.S. allies and partners to strengthen international supply chains, and ensure that the United States has access to the critical minerals we need to stay competitive and secure.”

“Our energy future must be affordable, reliable, and clean,” said Senator Curtis. “To get there, we must treat critical minerals like the strategic assets they are. That means working with allies who share our values—not relying on adversaries who use resources as leverage.”

Key provisions of the bill:

• Authorizes the President to form an international coalition with U.S.-allied nations to coordinate mining, processing and recycling of critical minerals and develop advanced manufacturing.

• Requires the Department of State to maintain a database of critical mineral projects for the purpose of providing high quality and up-to-date information to the private sector on critical minerals projects.

• Authorizes $50,000,000 in FY26 funds to enhance critical mineral supply chain security.