The September 2 House Ways and Means Committee hearing, "Strategic Partnerships to Secure Critical Resources and Supply Chains" focused on partnerships in Central Asia and Africa, how to protect United States industries from critical mineral supply challenges, and the Jackson-Vanik amendment that denies normal trade relations (NTR) status to nonmarket economies. There was also discussion of any even longer-term approach to the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) extended through December 31, 2028, under the continuing resolution (H.R. 6500). The issues held bipartisan interest, but multiple Democrats bemoaned the lack of Committee discussion on Canada tariffs.

In an opening statement, Committee Chairman Jason Smith (R-MO) said critical "minerals are the building blocks of nearly everything that keeps America moving: the alloys in our shipyards and steel plants, the chips in our phones and our fighter jets, the magnets in precision-guided bombs and lifesaving MRI machines, and the fuel in our nuclear reactors and our nuclear arsenal." He said "Africa, as one of the most mineral-rich regions in the world, also holds incredible opportunity for developing resilient supply chains for the minerals we need," and said Congress needs to enact a longer-term AGOA authorization, perhaps a decade long, with appropriate reforms.

Trade Subcommittee Chair Linda Sánchez (D-CA) said, "critical minerals are a timely and important topic" and "Ways and Means Democrats have long supported strengthening U.S. critical minerals supply chains," but that the hearing needs to be put in perspective with a recognition that average Americans are concerned with affordability concerns that are worsened by the trade conflict with Canada.

Testimony is available here.

More information is also available in the attached WCEY Trade Alert.