U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Birmingham) is working with her congressional colleagues to introduce legislation that will seek to counter China’s stranglehold on critical materials and set aside $10 billion to make it happen.
Unveiled Tuesday, the Unearth America’s Future Act was described as a means to lower costs, create jobs and ensure Michigan workers and manufacturers are leading the way in critical mineral production.
At present, the U.S. and many other nations are dependent on China for these materials, including cobalt, lithium and magnesium, which are needed in the manufacture of many high tech electronics.
Stevens’ bill aims to fix that by putting money toward responsible domestic mineral production.
The legislation would also support partnerships between government and private industry, with investments in innovation that would keep jobs in Michigan.
“Donald Trump has pushed an agenda that puts our economy and national security at risk,” Stevens said in a statement.
“They talk tough and make headlines but their policies have only caused prices to rise, weakened our manufacturing industries, and left America more dependent on China.”
“This bill is about real results.”
Stevens’ bill would enact a three-part strategy on critical material production. It would provide direct federal incentives, focus on innovation investment and create fair labor policies around production.
The incentives would aim to boost domestic mineral production, while the investment portion would aim to drive clean and competitive manufacturing.
The act is currently supported by United Steelworkers and was developed with collaboration from other labor, industry, environmental and trade organizations.
Stevens is one of several Democrats seeking the nomination next year to run for the U.S. Senate seat being opened up by the retirement of U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D-Bloomfield Township).
Also in the running are state Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak), former Wayne County Health Director Abdul El-Sayed, and former Michigan House Speaker Joe Tate (D-Detroit).
This post contains content that was first published on Michigan Advance and republished here under a Creative Commons License.
