Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson supported H.R. 1937, the National Strategic and Critical Minerals Production Act when it came before the House of Representatives this week.  The legislation would ensure the availability of domestic minerals and mineral materials that are essential for national security, technological innovation, and economic growth by streamlining the permitting process for mineral exploration and development projects.  Simpson is an original cosponsor of H.R. 1937.

“The United States is increasingly dependent on mineral materials for everything from technology to national security and defense,” said Simpson.  “In spite of this, the permitting process has become more and more difficult to navigate, and today we are almost completely reliant on countries like China for the rare earth minerals we need for energy production, national security, and communication technology.  I don’t like the idea that we are subject to the legal and political whims of other nations for strategic minerals, which is why I cosponsored H.R. 1937 and am pleased that the House has taken it up.” 

H.R. 1937 was passed by the House of Representatives by a vote of 254-177.