U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.), a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, joined the “Threat Status” program hosted by the Washington Times to discuss the ongoing U.S.-China competition.
Young discussed how recent Chinese restrictions on rare earth mineral exports could have a detrimental impact on the U.S. defense industry and said Beijing’s dominance over the processing of the materials is emerging as a key aspect of U.S.-China competition.
“This competition is currently shaping our lives in fundamental ways,” said Young. “It is poised to shape our children’s lives in even more fundamental ways, economically, in terms of our national security and every other facet of life.”
Earlier this year, Young laid out the start of an aggressive strategy, including his STRATEGIC Minerals Act, to encourage the Trump Administration to collaborate with other countries and reduce America’s exposure to China.
“They have vast stores of rare earth minerals and other critical minerals that they provide into the American market,” said Young. “These are key inputs as we electrify our economy. And they’re also key inputs to other, important, manufactured goods like defense articles. We literally cannot produce our defense goods without access to rare earth minerals.”
Young also discussed his work as Chairman of the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology. The Commission delivered an action plan earlier this year, with a warning that the U.S.-China competition on biotech will “define the coming century.”
Finally, Young discussed the SHIPS for America Act, legislation he introduced with Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) aimed at revitalizing America’s domestic shipbuilding and commercial maritime industries.
To watch the full “Threat Status” interview with Senator Young, click here.
Gov. Mike Braun orders flags to half-staff for Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
Stay safe; always assume you are on ‘thin ice’
Local fire department gets new equipment
100% of Keystone Cooperative member profits returned to farmer-members
Former area newspaper owners ordered to pay in conspiracy case
County board committee dealing with animal control department issues
Niles Scream Park raises more than $153,300 for local groups
Three arrested by Lawrence County Sheriff's Department
Lawrence County Chamber honors several at annual banquet
Vehicle thefts on the rise across area
USPS asks public to clear snow and ice to help deliveries
Lawrence County arrests
IDNR releases first firearm deer season statistics
New Coach Curt Cignetti Indiana Hoosiers bobblehead unveiled with proceeds going to Riley Children’s Hospital
Tax abatement proposal moving forward
Lawrence County man sentenced on meth charges
Knox Co. agency among Duke Energy grants to support Hoosier veterans and their families
Vincennes recognized during Global Entrepreneurship Week
New CAO at Good Samaritan Hospital
