Olszewski, Rosen Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Strengthen U.S. Critical Mineral Mining Workforce

(Washington, DC) - Today, Congressman Johnny Olszewski (D-MD) and U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) were joined by U.S. Representatives Bill Huizenga (R-MI), Ami Bera (D-CA), and Young Kim (R-CA), as well as Senators John Curtis (R-UT), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Tim Scott (R-SC) in introducing bipartisan, bicameral legislation to better compete with China's dominance in the critical mineral sector. The "Critical Mineral Mining Education Act of 2026" will strengthen American STEM education and build a workforce pipeline to support our growing domestic critical mineral mining industry.

China has dominated the global critical mineral supply chain for the last three decades, currently controlling 70 percent of the supply of 19 of the 20 most strategic critical minerals. China uses its dominance in mining and processing as coercive leverage in its global relationships.

U.S. efforts to compete with China's dominance in the critical mineral sector have been complicated by a shrinking and aging mining workforce. More than half of mining workers in the U.S. - about 221,000 people - will retire by 2029 without a sufficient talent pool to fill the gaps. In fact, American mining and mineral engineering programs are decreasing-from 25 in 1982 to only 14 today. American programs are graduating only about 300 new mining engineers per year, far below what is needed to fill the workforce gap. China, meanwhile, is home to more than 38 mineral processing schools and upwards of 44 mining engineering programs.

"America's ability to compete with China's dominance in the critical minerals sector starts with investing in our people," said Congressman Johnny Olszewski. "I am proud to lead this bipartisan and bicameral bill that strengthens STEM education and prepares a new generation to enter the critical minerals workforce of the 21st century. By expanding opportunities for students and workers, we can build a more resilient critical minerals supply chain and secure the skills and innovation needed to keep America competitive."

"Nevada is a national leader in mining and critical mineral production, and supporting this industry will help grow Nevada's economy," said Senator Rosen. "We need to ensure we have the workers with the training and experience ready to fill good-paying mining jobs in our state. I'm proud to introduce this bipartisan bill to help build the pipeline that will train our workers, bolster our economic and national security, and level the playing field with China all along the critical mineral supply chain."

"For too long, the Chinese Communist Party has maintained a strategic chokehold on the minerals essential to our national security-controlling 92% of global rare earth processing-while our own mining workforce faces a 50% retirement cliff," said Rep. Bill Huizenga. "I am proud to co-lead the Critical Mineral Mining Educational Act, to transform the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs into a front line for our national security. By leveraging the Fulbright program to invest in American human capital and allied expertise, we will finally break our reliance on China and secure the talent needed for a resilient, 21st-century supply chain."

"The PRC's chokehold on global critical mineral supply chains poses a serious threat to both our national security and economic stability," said Rep. Ami Bera. "As our domestic mining workforce ages, we must act now to train the next generation of engineers and experts in the critical minerals workforce. This bill makes smart, targeted investments to strengthen American mining education in partnership with our allies and build the long-term talent pipeline we need to secure our energy future."

"America's energy security depends as much on talent as it does on resources," said Rep. Young Kim. "A resilient critical minerals supply chain requires the right engineers, scientists, and innovators on the ground - learning, leading, and delivering results for America. I'm proud to work alongside Rep. Olszewski to build a strong mining workforce and keep the United States energy independent."

"China has spent decades building a strategic advantage in critical minerals. If the United States wants to outpace China, we must take the long view, starting with how we educate, train, and empower the next generation," said Senator Curtis. "Utah students are already leading the way, and with this legislation, we're doubling down on mining education that strengthens not just our economic competitiveness, but our national security."

"Access to critical minerals is crucial to our national security, supply chains, and overall economy. We must do more to boost this sector to ensure we can compete with China and other adversaries," said Senator Kaine. "I'm proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan legislation to grow and strengthen our critical minerals workforce."

"By partnering with our allies to develop American talent in critical mining sectors, we are building the workforce needed to secure American access to critical minerals essential to defense, energy, and economic growth," said Senator Scott. "The Critical Mineral Mining Education Act takes a targeted, practical approach to closing workforce gaps by training U.S. students in advanced mining, processing, and refining while bringing global experts into American universities."

Building on the success and legacy of U.S. international exchanges, namely the prestigious Fulbright Program, the "Critical Mineral Mining Education Act of 2026" would help develop the critical minerals workforce of the 21st century. Specifically the bill will:

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