U.S. Representative Jason Smith Advocates for Reduced Reliance on China for Critical Minerals
U.S. Representative Jason Smith, a Republican from Missouri and Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, is emphasizing the critical need for the United States to reduce its dependence on China for essential minerals. Smith stated that strengthening America's access to critical minerals is vital for both economic stability and national security. He highlighted that China currently controls approximately 90% of the global rare earth processing, a situation he believes the U.S. must rectify. Ahead of a committee hearing focused on critical mineral supply chains, Smith indicated that lawmakers would explore strategies to secure resources used across manufacturing, technology, and defense sectors. He recently traveled to Central Asia, including Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, to discuss opportunities for the U.S. to procure critical minerals from alternative sources, rather than relying on China. Smith also pointed to Missouri's potential to contribute to domestic production, citing significant mineral depos... 
