S.789 - Critical Minerals Security Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
The Critical Minerals Security Act of 2025 aims to ensure the United States has secure access to critical minerals and rare earth elements. It mandates reports on global resources, focusing on those controlled by foreign entities of concern versus allies. The Act also directs the development of advanced mining and recycling technologies, promoting collaboration with allied nations.
Expected Effects
This act will likely lead to increased scrutiny of foreign control over critical mineral resources. It will also foster development and sharing of advanced technologies with US allies. Ultimately, the goal is to reduce reliance on potentially adversarial nations for these essential materials.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced national security by reducing dependence on foreign entities of concern for critical minerals.
- Increased transparency regarding the global supply chain of critical minerals and rare earth elements.
- Promotion of technological innovation in mining, refining, separation, processing, and recycling technologies.
- Strengthened collaboration with allied nations in the development and deployment of these technologies.
- Potential for new jobs in the mining, processing, and recycling sectors within the United States and allied countries.
Potential Disadvantages
- The reporting requirements could place a burden on the Department of Interior and other federal agencies.
- The focus on 'foreign entities of concern' could strain diplomatic relations with certain countries.
- The strategy for technology sharing may face intellectual property challenges.
- There is a risk that the development of advanced technologies may have unintended environmental consequences.
- The act does not directly address the environmental and social impacts of mining activities within the United States.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the Constitution's broad goals of providing for the common defense and promoting the general welfare (Preamble). Congress has the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3), which supports the Act's focus on critical mineral supply chains. The Act's reporting requirements and technology development initiatives fall within the scope of Congress's legislative authority.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).