U.S. Lawmakers Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Build $2.5 Billion Critical Minerals Stockpile

A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers on Thursday introduced a bill proposing a $2.5 billion Strategic Resilience Reserve to stockpile critical minerals such as lithium, nickel, and rare earth elements, in an effort to stabilize market prices and strengthen domestic supply chains.

The proposed reserve would be overseen by a seven-member board modeled on the Federal Reserve’s governance system. Board members would be appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate, with responsibility for purchasing and safely storing minerals in warehouses across the United States. The bill also allows participation by allied nations contributing at least $100 million, while prioritizing recycled materials though mined minerals would also qualify.

Supporters say the plan is aimed at countering what Washington views as China’s influence over critical mineral prices and supply volumes, which has impacted American companies in recent years. Minerals could later be sold for private industry or defense use, with any profits reinvested to expand the stockpile permanently. The bill must pass both chambers of Congress and be signed by President Donald Trump to become law.

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