Overview

• Establishes Strategic Resilience Reserve Corporation, a wholly owned government corporation, authorized at $2.5 billion.
• Managed by 7-member Board of Governors appointed by President with Senate confirmation, serving staggered 14-year terms.
• Bill introduced January 15, 2026, currently referred to House committees.

Who does this affect?

• Main groups: U.S. mining companies, tech manufacturers, defense contractors, renewable energy producers, allied countries (NATO, major non-NATO allies).
• Who benefits: Domestic critical mineral producers get financing/purchasing agreements; consumers benefit from supply chain stability long-term.
• Who loses: Companies reliant on cheaper Chinese minerals face higher costs; foreign entities of concern (primarily China) excluded from participation.
• Teen impact score: 5/10 (indirect impact via long-term economic security and technology supply chains)

What This Bill Does

• Authorizes $2.5 billion (available until expended) for Reserve operations, financing, and mineral acquisition.
• Requires production rate of at least 25% from domestic/partner countries; dependence on adversary nations (China, Russia, etc.) must not exceed 75%.
• Board must establish dollar thresholds not exceeding $2.5M above which transactions require Board approval; develops conflict-of-interest policies limiting post-employment compensation from Reserve-funded entities.
• Reserve makes loans to 'authorized intermediaries' (private entities with commodities expertise, no >25% foreign adversary ownership) at preferential rates potentially as low as Federal funds rate for domestic deals.
• If authorized intermediary defaults for 90+ days, Reserve can seize mineral inventories, revoke participation, or appoint itself conservator/receiver with FDIC-like powers.
• Partner countries can contribute minimum $100M (inflation-adjusted) to co-invest; Reserve maintains separate accounts and can return contributions without penalty.
• Prioritizes domestic projects, recycling/reuse operations, and minerals with 100% dependence on adversaries.
• Creates three divisions: Data Collection (market analysis, pricing data), Risk and Vulnerability Evaluation (threat modeling, biennial assessments to Congress/President), Production Standards (evaluates environmental/labor practices globally).
• Board establishes eligible critical minerals list annually, consulting USGS/DOE lists and Defense Logistics Agency designations; must be non-fuel minerals with vulnerable supply chains necessary for defense, energy infrastructure, manufacturing, or economic security.
• Excludes oil, natural gas, coal, uranium, water, ice, snow, and common sand/gravel/stone.
• Can sell minerals from Reserve if supply shortage threatens national/economic security or price stability.
• Annual independent audits required; Comptroller General conducts biennial reviews; Chairperson must testify before Congress within 30 days of annual report.
• Public database of all transactions (user-friendly, detailed); national security-sensitive portions accessible only to Congress, made public after 3 years.

Legislative Status

• Introduced January 15, 2026, by Rep. Wittman and Rep. Moolenaar.
• Referred to House Natural Resources and Foreign Affairs committees for consideration.

In short

• Bill creates government entity to stockpile and finance production of critical minerals (rare earths, lithium, cobalt, etc.) essential for tech, defense, and clean energy.
• Aims to cut U.S. dependence on China from current high levels to maximum 75%, boost domestic/allied production to minimum 25%.
• Uses $2.5B to make loans to approved private intermediaries who buy minerals or finance projects; preferential low-interest rates for U.S. producers.
• Establishes strict conflict-of-interest rules, annual audits, and public transparency with exceptions for national security.
• If passed, would represent major federal intervention in critical minerals markets to counter Chinese dominance.

Why should I care?

Critical minerals power smartphones, laptops, electric vehicles, wind turbines, solar panels, and advanced military systems. China currently controls 60-90% of global processing for many of these materials, giving them leverage to manipulate prices or restrict exports during conflicts. This bill tries to build a U.S.-controlled alternative by financing domestic mines and recycling facilities, and stockpiling reserves for emergencies. If successful, it could stabilize prices for consumer electronics and renewable energy technology over the next decade, and reduce economic vulnerability to foreign pressure. If it fails or China retaliates, Americans could face higher costs or shortages for devices and green technology. The $2.5 billion investment reflects how seriously Congress views the strategic risk of mineral dependence.