Congressman Tim Moore Introduces Critical Minerals Trade Security Act to Strengthen U.S. Supply Chain Security

WASHINGTON, D.C. -Congressman Tim Moore (NC-14) introduced the Critical Minerals Trade Security Act(H.R. 6659) to create a dedicated Chief Critical Minerals Negotiator within the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to lead America's global critical mineral trade strategy.

"Critical minerals power everything from our military defense systems to our energy grid and the technologies we use every day," said Congressman Moore."But right now, we're far too dependent on adversarial nations to supply them, and that puts our national security and economic future at risk. The Critical Minerals Trade Security Act is a strong America First solution that establishes a top-level negotiator to lead the charge in securing reliable supply chains and pushing back against unfair trade practices. America should never be at the mercy of foreign powers when it comes to the resources that are so essential to our safety and our economy."

Specifically, this legislation establishes a Chief Critical Minerals Negotiator charged with:

• Coordinating a national strategy on critical minerals in consultation with the Secretaries of State, Energy, and the Interior;
• Negotiating and enforcing trade agreements focused on securing stable and fair mineral supply chains;
• Identifying and addressing unfair or coercive trade practices that pose risks to U.S. economic and national security;
• Reporting annually to Congress on global supply chain vulnerabilities and appropriate U.S. responses.

Critical minerals (such as rare earth elements, lithium, and cobalt) are essential to America's manufacturing strength, energy goals, military readiness, and other supply chains. However, the United States remains heavily reliant on foreign sources, including adversarial nations. The bill addresses that vulnerability by creating a new role that mirrors the structure of existing top-level trade negotiator roles within USTR, ensuring America is positioned to lead in securing the critical mineral resources necessary for long-term competitiveness.

Original cosponsors of this legislation include Reps. John McGuire (VA-05), Andy Barr (KY-06), and Mike Lawler (NY-17).

Read the text of the bill HERE.