WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23) urged U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Secretary Lloyd Austin to take action to enhance domestic capabilities by developing products composed of rare earth elements. In a letter led by Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Congressman David McKinley (WV-01), Congressman Gonzales asked Secretary Austin to establish a domestic rare earth metallurgical co-op to help end our reliance on China for rare earth commodities, which are essential components of defense systems and advanced energy technology. Congressman Gonzales’ district is home to Round Top Mountain, which holds one of the largest deposits of rare earth elements in the U.S. Read the full letter here.
From the letter:
“As you know, China’s monopoly of the rare earth value chain is a significant vulnerability that threatens the ability of the United States, as well as our allies, to readily procure numerous defense systems and innovate in multiple economic sectors, including the development of advanced energy technologies.”
“The United States in no way should be reliant on China or other foreign adversaries for products we can produce domestically,” said Congressman Gonzales. “Specifically, we have capabilities in Texas’s 23rd District to develop rare earth elements and products. Developing this industry further would not only end our reliance on China but would also promote American innovation and manufacturing.”