North Indy News

U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.), a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, appeared on the Washington Times' “Threat Status” program to discuss the ongoing competition between the United States and China in areas such as critical minerals, biotechnology, and shipbuilding.

During the interview, Young highlighted the potential risks posed by recent Chinese restrictions on rare earth mineral exports, emphasizing their impact on the U.S. defense industry. He noted that China’s control over processing these materials has become a significant factor in the competition between the two countries.

“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 introduced the STRATEGIC Minerals Act, which aims to encourage collaboration between the Trump Administration and other countries to reduce American dependence on Chinese sources for critical minerals. Young explained, “They have vast stores of rare earth minerals and other critical minerals that they provide into the American market. 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 spoke about his role as Chairman of the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology. The Commission released an action plan earlier this year, warning that competition with China in biotechnology will be a defining issue for the coming century.

Additionally, Young discussed the SHIPS for America Act, a legislative effort he introduced with Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) to strengthen domestic shipbuilding and commercial maritime industries.