The U.S. critical minerals list contains 50 minerals – including graphite, nickel, and cobalt – that are essential to our economy, infrastructure, and military capability. Critical minerals are used in smartphones, semiconductors, batteries, advanced defense equipment, and more.

China currently controls 90% of the global processing capacity for rare earth elements and over 80% of the processing for other critical minerals like cobalt, gallium, and graphite. Experts have become increasingly concerned with U.S. dependence on China for critical materials, arguing it poses a significant risk to national security.

In August 2023, China announced export controls on gallium and germanium, critical minerals used in semiconductor manufacturing. In October 2023, China introduced export license requirements for graphite, essential for battery anodes. And in June 2023, a cobalt mine in Idaho was forced to shutter its operations before it opened and lay off hundreds of workers as China flooded the market with cheap cobalt.

Recently, I helped introduced the Critical Materials Future Act to support domestic critical mineral processing projects. Our reliance on global supply chains for critical materials poses a significant national security threat, especially as the Chinese Communist Party continues to manipulate this market. This bill will take innovative steps to identify opportunities for American leadership and investment in critical material projects, strengthening domestic supply chains and boosting our economic and global competitiveness.

Read more about this bill here.

Last week, the Senate passed my legislation to help the two-and-a-half million Americans living with congenital heart disease (CHD). The Congenital Heart Futures Reauthorization Act, which I introduced with Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law. 

This legislation extends funding for public health efforts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to improve childhood survival rates, prevent premature death and disability, and increase quality of life for the two-and-a-half million Americans living with CHD. Gaining a better understanding of congenital heart defects is critical to babies born with CHD and the millions of survivors living with this disease.

I am encouraged by the progress in recent years, particularly for children with heart defects. Our bill will improve research and data collection to better increase the quality of care offered to those born with CHD.

Read more here.

I toured Stark Neurosciences Research Institute in Indianapolis and learned more about the life-changing Alzheimer’s research being conducted and treatments provided by Indiana University School of Medicine and IU Health with support from the Alzheimer's Association's Greater Indiana Chapter.

I recently visited with members of Hoosier Energy to discuss energy reliability and affordability across Indiana. These key issues impact nearly 1.3 million Hoosiers served by Indiana’s electric co-ops across the state.

Years ago, I had the opportunity to be a mentor through a Big Brothers Big Sisters program. The experience helped me understand the incredible impact that connection can have on both the Big Brother and the Little Brother. 

Last week, the United States Senate unanimously passed a resolution I introduced with Senator Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) recognizing the 120th anniversary of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBS), one of the oldest and largest youth mentoring organizations in the United States.

This resolution recognized the important work of BBBS and its life-changing programs. I am grateful for the work of Big Brothers Big Sisters and all of its volunteer mentors.

Read more here. 

Navigating federal agencies can be difficult. My staff and I are here to assist Hoosiers who are having trouble receiving benefits, have questions regarding a program or procedure, or have not heard back from these agencies in a timely manner.

Learn more about how we can help here.

Marshall County Post: Senators Young, Hassan Resolution recognizing 120th Anniversary of Big Brothers Big Sisters passes Senate

Hoosier State Today: Bipartisan chips permitting reform bill passes Congress

Salem Leader: NFIB Recognizes Nine Lawmakers: Guardians Of Small Business

Indy Standard: Congress passes Congenital Heart Futures Reauthorization Act awaiting President's signature

Bio.News: Exclusive: Sen. Todd Young on biosecurity, National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (NSCEB)

Thank you for the continued privilege to serve you in the U.S. Senate. My mission is to fight on behalf of Hoosiers and the interests that are unique to our state. I look forward to working with you, and sharing our progress, in the days ahead. 

In Service,