Securing Essential and Critical U.S. Resources and Elements Minerals Act of 2026; SECURE Minerals Act of 2026
Summary
The SECURE Minerals Act of 2026 aims to establish a Strategic Resilience Reserve to ensure a stable supply of critical minerals and materials for the United States. It addresses concerns about reliance on foreign sources, particularly China, and seeks to bolster domestic production and processing capabilities. The act establishes a board of governors, defines critical minerals, and outlines authorities for the reserve, including financing, acquisition, and sales.
Expected Effects
The act will likely lead to increased domestic production of critical minerals and materials. It will also reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, especially China. A new government corporation will be created to manage the reserve and implement the act's provisions.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced national security by reducing dependence on foreign sources for critical minerals.
- Increased domestic job creation in the mining, processing, and manufacturing sectors.
- Support for innovation and technological advancements in industries reliant on critical minerals.
- Promotion of responsible and sustainable mining practices.
- Improved economic stability through a more secure and resilient supply chain.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased costs to consumers due to prioritizing domestic production over cheaper foreign sources.
- Risk of environmental damage from increased domestic mining activities if not properly regulated.
- Possible conflicts with international trade agreements.
- Bureaucratic inefficiencies associated with establishing and managing a new government corporation.
- Potential for political influence in the selection of critical minerals and allocation of resources.
Constitutional Alignment
The SECURE Minerals Act appears to align with the Constitution's mandate to "provide for the common defence" (Preamble). It also aligns with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8), which grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations and among the several states. The establishment of a government corporation falls within the Necessary and Proper Clause (Article I, Section 8).
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).