Eric Swalwell

Swalwell co-chairs the rare earth and critical minerals caucus and argues the US is being beaten by China not only in mining but in processing and magnet making, which he ties to weapons systems and electric vehicles. He wants the US back into domestic mining and processing, and points to Mountain Pass, operated by MP Materials, as proof that it can be done cleanly with almost 100% recycled water and no acid pond problem. He adds that allied countries hold the same resources, so the supply chain can be rebuilt with partners rather than through China. Coming from a Bay Area Democrat, it signals bipartisan policy support for a domestic rare-earth supply chain.