Rep. Johnson's RARE Act part of Democratic leadership's 'Make it in America' agenda
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Rare Act, a bill introduced by Rep. Johnson (GA-04), is one of 25 bills included in the House Democrats’ “Make It In America” agenda, which was announced this week by House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) and the House Democratic Caucus.
The “Make It In America” agenda supports job creation by encouraging businesses to make products and innovate in the U.S. It encourages strengthening our infrastructure with investments in key areas like education and energy innovation. This effort builds on House Democrats’ actions to create jobs, continue growing the economy and focusing on investments in key national priorities while cutting wasteful spending.
The Resource Assessment of Rare Earths (RARE) Act of 2011, cosponsored by Rep. Edward Markey (MA-07), directs the United States Geological Survey (USGS) to conduct a three-year, comprehensive global mineral assessment of rare earth elements (REEs).
Critical to high-tech clean-energy and defense manufacturing, rare earth elements (REEs) are strategic minerals used in the production of cutting-edge technologies such as wind turbines, advanced batteries, powerful magnets, and military radar systems.
Currently, China accounts for 97% of global rare earth element production and has demonstrated a willingness to restrict REE exports. Their monopoly is a strategic vulnerability for the United States that could undermine national security and competitiveness in the defense and clean-energy sectors.
“I’m proud that my bill is part of the ‘Make It In America’ agenda,” said Rep. Johnson. “Like President Obama, I am committed to a future powered by clean energy. Without secure access to rare earth elements, we will be unable to lead the world in cleantech. The RARE Act will dramatically advance our ability to access rare earth elements worldwide.”
Whip Hoyer, the driving force behind the “Make It In America” agenda, said including the RARE Act simply makes sense.
“By taking more control of the rare earth element supply chain, we not only reduce our dependence on minerals from China, but we help fuel manufacturing industries that create stable, middle class jobs crucial to the innovation that will drive our technological future and help more families Make it in America.”
The USGS, in conjunction with the U.S. Department of the Interior, Department of State, the U.S. Agency for International Development, and the National Science Foundation, will work with more than 40 foreign governments and key international organizations such as the United Nations and the International Standards Organization to assess global supply.
The USGS global assessment, conducted with geological surveys of partner nations around the world, will:
identify and quantify individual rare earth elements in known deposits,
improve understanding of the distribution and formation of rare earth element deposits,
assess likely undiscovered deposits worldwide,
analyze the state of the complete rare earths supply chain from mining to manufacturing, and
recommend further research and steps to improve our understanding and ensure access.
Since launching the “Make It In America” agenda in the previous Congress, President Obama has signed six “Make It In America” bills into law:
U.S. Manufacturing Enhancement Act: Makes it cheaper for American companies to obtain the materials they need to manufacture goods.
Protecting American Patents: Helps unclog the backlog of 1.2 million patent applications so innovative ideas can move to market more quickly.
Preventing Outsourcing: Prevents the outsourcing of U.S. jobs by closing tax loopholes that encourage companies to send U.S. jobs overseas.
Small Business Jobs Act: Expands much needed lending to millions of small businesses and offers tax incentives to help small businesses grow, hire, and fuel our economy, without adding a dime to the deficit.
Energy Jobs and Training for Veterans Act: Provides grants for programs to provide on-the-job training, apprenticeship, real experience, and long-term employment in all energy fields.
COMPETES Act: Establishes innovative technology federal loan guarantees for small- and medium-sized manufacturers and invests in science, technology, engineering, and math education.
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