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.
2026 Red Hill High School Homecoming schedule released
Farm harvest safety reminders for drivers
Southwestern Indiana fugitive arrested in Illinois after multi-county chase
Governor Braun proclaims Indiana Rail Safety Week September 21-27
City of Lawrenceville to begin hydrant flushing
Rose visits Lawrence County on district-wide listening tour
Lawrence County (ILL.) man charged with child sex crime
LCMH promotes Diesser to Lead Cardiopulmonary Nurse
IECC District #529 passes budget and district plans
Lawrence County Fall Festival entertainment rescheduled
Lawrence County Board approves moratorium on data centers; solar project moving forward
Vincennes Lincoln High School among those to receive banner recognition from Special Olympics North America
New solar project moving forward in Knox County
Lawrence Public Library is solid financial shape for the future
United Way of Knox County Day of Caring Set for September 17–18
Gov. Braun continues to deliver on promise to keep local governments whole during gas tax holiday
Indiana state forests to offer open houses
