Staff Reports
According to David Norquist, the president of the defense industrial association, there is a lack of clarity regarding the nation's strategy and how it is being carried out. He noted that key indicators of readiness are not being followed properly.
Several defense firms have raised concerns with the Pentagon about China's increasing dominance in the natural resources market. However, despite their concerns, the federal government has not taken any immediate action to address the issue.
In response, the House Armed Service Committee agreed to look into the US's supply of antimony. It also requested the Pentagon to provide a five year outlook on the risks associated with other critical minerals.
Mike Rogers, the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, said it is unacceptable that the US is heavily dependent on China for its mineral processing needs.
In response, the Pentagon presented a plan to Congress last year that aimed to make the US military less dependent on China.
Under the proposed legislation, the government would be able to spend more on certain defense projects, such as the development of microelectronics and missiles. It also eliminates caps on the amount of money spent on hypersonic weapons.
One of the bills that was introduced last year would require defense contractors to stop purchasing rare minerals from China.
The preceding article is a summary of an article that originally appeared on Headline USA
