Today, the House passed H.R. 1937, the National Strategic and Critical Minerals Production Act of 2015 with bipartisan support by a vote of 254-177. Chairman Rob Bishop (R-UT) released the following statement:

“China is winning and we are losing. Rather than harness our abundant mineral resources for the betterment of our national security, economic stability, and basic necessities, we have a senseless permitting process that promotes mineral dependence.  H.R. 1937 combats the lengthy permitting processes that hold up mining projects on average 7-10 years, exacerbated by the frivolous, unwarranted lawsuits from national special interest groups. The bill ensures a robust domestic mineral economy that is essential to our national security and economic well-being.”

The National Strategic and Critical Minerals Production Act of 2015, introduced by Rep. Mark Amodei (R-NV), sets a coherent national policy to create a domestic supply chain of minerals that are of critical importance to United States economic and national security and manufacturing competitiveness.

“Our nation is rich in strategic and critical minerals. Permitting delays stand in the way of high-paying jobs and revenue for local, often rural, communities,” stated Amodei. “This legislation does nothing to circumvent environmental regulations or public input. It would simply streamline the permitting process to leverage our nation's vast mineral resources, while paying due respect to economic, national security and environmental concerns. This legislation has received bipartisan support in passing the House four times the past three Congresses. I look forward to the Senate joining the fray this Congress and helping the House solve this important issue for the country."

Click here for the one-pager and here for more information on the legislation.