Rep. Luttrell states the US "lacks a sufficient domestic production for high purity iron" and "rare earth magnets" needed for "hypersonic systems and other advanced defense applications." The "America First" NDS emphasizes decoupling from Chinese supply chains. To achieve the "national mobilization" Colby speaks of, the DoD must secure domestic sources of critical minerals. MP Materials is the primary US listed play on rare earth independence. LONG. Regulatory tailwinds and defense needs align for domestic miners. China flooding the market to depress prices and bankrupt Western competitors.